bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of pregnancy-related anxiety among women in Tanzania
Authors: Rosario Melanie King , Premji Shahirose Sadrudin , Nyanza Elias Charles , Bouchal Shelley Raffin , Este David
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To explore and understand the experiences and priorities of pregnant women living with fears and worries related to fetal/infant and maternal health, the birthing process and ability to parent the infant (ie, pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA)) in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Design

Descriptive phenomenological approach.

Setting

Two clinics in the Ilemela and Nyamagana districts of Mwanza.

Participants

Pregnant and postpartum women who obtained high scores on a PRA scale during pregnancy in a larger quantitative study were contacted to participate in an interview (10 women, aged 18–34 years; 3 HIV positive).

Measures

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken, with guiding questions related to the women's experience during pregnancy. The Colaizzi method was used with transcripts that had been translated and back translated from Swahili to English and then hand-coded by the interviewer, with independent review by another researcher to verify the analysis.

Results

PRA, as experienced by women in Mwanza, was a state of worry and concern, often causing physical symptoms, and disrupting personal sense of peace. While some themes in the women's experiences reflected the domains examined in the PRA scale used to identify potential participants, others such as lack of knowledge, partner relationship, interactions with the healthcare system, spirituality and fear of HIV/AIDS were otherwise missing. Their prominence in the participants’ stories broadens our understanding of PRA.

Conclusions

The realities and viewpoints of women in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) experiencing PRA are still relatively unknown. The findings from this study provided much-needed insight into the perspectives and priorities of women in Mwanza who have experienced PRA and further support the need to explore this phenomenon in other LMIC. The additional domains identified reinforce the need for a PRA tool that accurately and adequately capture the complexities of PRA for women in this region.
Identifying vulnerable populations to death and injuries from residential fires
Authors: Gilbert Stanley W , Butry David T
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study proposes and evaluates the theory that people who are susceptible to injury in residential fires are not susceptible to death in residential fires and vice versa. It is proposed that the population vulnerable to death in residential fires can be proxied by ‘frailty’, which is measured as age–gender adjusted fatality rates due to natural causes.

Methods

This study uses an ecological approach and controls for exposure to estimate the vulnerability of different population groups to death and injury in residential fires. It allows fatalities and injuries to be estimated by different models.

Results

Frailty explains fire-related death in adults while not explaining injuries, which is consistent with the idea that deaths and injuries affect disjoint populations.

Conclusions

Deaths and injuries in fire are drawn from different populations. People who are susceptible to dying in fires are unlikely to be injured in fires, and the people who are susceptible to injury are unlikely to die in fires.
Dry season survival of juvenile salmonids in an intermittent coastal stream
Authors: Hwan Jason L. , Fernández-Chacón Albert , Buoro Mathieu , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: August 2017

We estimated dry season survival of imperiled salmonids in an intermittent coastal stream in California across 4 years (2009–2012). Our study encompassed two dry and two wet winters, allowing us to explore patterns of survival across and within dry seasons with different antecedent precipitation. Apparent survival of age-0+ steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was higher following wet winters compared with dry winters. Moreover, antecedent precipitation was positively correlated with cumulative survival of age-0+ steelhead. Within years, apparent survival of steelhead varied among weeks with a tendency to decrease in the late summer, indicating that fish exhibited some resistance to seasonal drought. Additionally, we found a slight but significant survival advantage for age-0+ coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) compared with equal-aged steelhead. Our results emphasize the influence of antecedent precipitation in driving the survival of imperiled salmonids and highlight that these fishes are somewhat resistant to seasonal drought, at least to a point.
The LHC upper bounds for pp → diboson, tt̄ cross-section on fermionic dark matter
Authors: Ghorbani Karim , Ghorbani Parsa Hossein
Published: August 2017

The ATLAS report in August 2016 provided an upper limit for the pp[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]diboson and [Formula: see text] cross-sections. We consider a pseudoscalar-mediated fermionic dark matter together with gluon and photon effective operators interacting with the pseudoscalar. Choosing the resonance mass being [Formula: see text], 750 GeV and 2 TeV, beside the relic density and the invisible Higgs decay constraints we constrain more the space of parameters with the diboson and [Formula: see text] cross-section upper bounds. We finally provide some benchmarks consistent with all the constraints. Having exploited a pseudoscalar mediator, the DM-nucleon cross-section is velocity suppressed so that the model evades easily the bounds put by the future direct detection experiments such as XENON1T.
Bäcklund transformation, analytic soliton solutions and numerical simulation for a (2+1)-dimensional complex Ginzburg–Landau equation in a nonlinear fiber
Authors: Yu Ming-Xiao , Tian Bo , Chai Jun , Yin Hui-Min , Du Zhong
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we investigate a nonlinear fiber described by a (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional complex Ginzburg–Landau equation with the chromatic dispersion, optical filtering, nonlinear and linear gain. Bäcklund transformation in the bilinear form is constructed. With the modified bilinear method, analytic soliton solutions are obtained. For the soliton, the amplitude can decrease or increase when the absolute value of the nonlinear or linear gain is enlarged, and the width can be compressed or amplified when the absolute value of the chromatic dispersion or optical filtering is enhanced. We study the stability of the numerical solutions numerically by applying the increasing amplitude, embedding the white noise and adding the Gaussian pulse to the initial values based on the analytic solutions, which shows that the numerical solutions are stable, not influenced by the finite initial perturbations.
Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Associated with Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Feintisch Adam M. , Datiashvili Ramazi
Published: August 2017

Aberrant accessory muscles are rare entities in the hand. The extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) muscle is amongst them and may be seen in association with dorsal ganglion cysts. Distinguishing an EDBM muscle is relevant in the diagnostic consideration of a dorsal ganglion in order to facilitate and guide its proper treatment. To date, there have been only few reports of an EDBM in association with a dorsal ganglion cyst. We report our experience with an incidental intraoperative finding of an intramuscular EDBM dorsal ganglion cyst and follow with a literature review and guide to management.
Volar Tenodesis for the Treatment of Swan-neck Deformity; A Systematic Review
Authors: Kiziridis Georgios , Giddins Grey E.B.
Published: August 2017

Background: Swan-neck deformity is a common problem particularly in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Mobile swan-neck deformities (Nalebuff types I,II) can be treated non-operatively and operatively. In this paper we report on a systematic review of the treatment of swan-neck deformities with volar tenodesis.

Methods: We performed a literature search and analysed the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only eight papers were eligible. None was of high quality. The data reporting was very variable. Therefore, no meta-analysis could be performed, but only a descriptive analysis.

Results: The techniques work in preventing proximal inter-phalangeal joint hyperextension between 60 and 100% in these studies. There appears to be some recurrence of hyper-extension with time so that papers with longer follow-up tend to have poorer results.

Conclusions: There is no good evidence that one technique is superior to another. The choice of technique is likely to remain based on surgeon preference for the foreseeable future. Future studies should be at least comparative and preferably part of a trial.
Thumb Function and Electromyography Result after Modified Camitz Tendon Transfer
Authors: Durban Claire Marie , Antolin Bernard , Sau Chung Ying , Li Sheung Wai , Ip Wing Yuk
Published: August 2017

Background: Various techniques of opponensplasty have been developed with the aim of restoring the thumb function. The modified Camitz opponensplasty is a simple technique done together with an open carpal tunnel release. It restores thumb palmar abduction soon after the procedure, during such time that the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) is still recovering. The aim of this study was to assess the recovery and level of activity of the abductor pollicis brevis and palmaris longus (PL) muscles during thumb opposition and abduction after performing the modified Camitz opponensplasty.

Methods: The records of 21 patients who underwent modified Camitz opponensplasty for severe carpal tunnel syndrome were reviewed. Thumb function was evaluated using the Van Wetter Apogee test, Kapandji index, tripod pinch strength, and power grip. Electromyography was utilized to evaluate APB recovery; ultrasonography was employed to evaluate PL activity.

Results: Twenty patients reached 80% of the abduction height of the contralateral hand; the Kapandji index was good in thirteen. Palmaris longus activity was evaluated together with the APB muscle recovery. There was significant improvement in the average grip strength and average tripod pinch strength. However, this did not correlate with the degree of neurologic and muscular recovery of the APB. We surmise that the palmaris longus augmented the abductor pollicis brevis muscle even in those with full muscle recovery.

Conclusions: The modified Camitz opponensplasty is a practical option for patients suffering from severe carpal tunnel syndrome with diminished thumb function.
An Experimental Model on the Biomechanical Behaviour of the Flexor Tendons in New Zealand Rabbits
Authors: Skouteris D. , Magnissalis E. , Papalois A. , Varitimidis S. , Papagelopoulos P. J. , Zoubos A. B.
Published: August 2017

Background: In order to introduce new pharmacological agents with the intent to inhibit the adhesion formation, it is important to test such products on laboratory animals under a protocol that can evaluate the quantitative and qualitative aspects of healing of the tendons. Most experimental models focus on the tensile strength and histological analysis of the tendons, failing to sufficiently quantify the degree of the adhesion formation.

Methods: The experiment included six male New Zealand rabbits that underwent surgery of their right forepaws. The deep flexor tendon of the middle finger was transected and repaired and after six weeks the rabbits were killed. In order to assess the extent of adhesions, the functional stiffness of the tendons and the range of motion of the specimens’ fingers was studied using a tensile testing machine. The setup used allowed the simultaneous recording of the specimens’ motion and the pulling force values.

Results: The mean values of the left and right forepaws were expressed in the same chart showing a clear difference between the operated and non operated forepaws.

Conclusions: Using a relatively simple set up in the laboratory we had the chance to focus on a more elaborate analysis of the data with the help of low cost and accessible software.
Iatrogenic Injuries of the Palmar Branch of the Median Nerve Following Volar Plate Fixation of the Distal Radius
Authors: Samson Deepak , Power Dominic M.
Published: August 2017

Background: Our aims were to identify iatrogenous injuries to the palmar branch of the median nerve sustained during volar plate fixation of the distal radius, make the clinician aware of this relatively uncommon complication of distal radius fixation, to emphasise common threads in symptomatology and to propose an algorithm for evaluation and management.

Methods: Retrospectively interrogating our database over a 5 year period, the case records, neurophysiology records, operative records, therapy records were reviewed. The data was analysed with regard to the grade of surgeon performing the procedure, the site of injury, complexity of the fracture, delay to surgery, implant choice and outcome of the treatment. Variations in nerve anatomy were documented during revision surgery and common themes in symptomatology and clinical presentation were identified.

Results: Seven patients with an iatrogenic injury involving the palmar branch of the median nerve associated with volar plate fixation of the distal radius were assessed. The male: female ratio was 1:6 and the mean age of patients was 47.8 years (33-74 years). The initial operative fixation was undertaken by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at a mean of 7.8 (1-17) days from injury. The mean time from fracture fixation surgery to referral to the peripheral nerve injury service was 8.9 (2-36) months. Six patients presented with pain on attempted wrist extension. Five patients had parasthesia, hyperaesthesia or dysaesthesia in the distribution of the PCBMN. Anaesthesia or hypoaesthesia was present in three patients. Two patients presented with symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type 2.

Conclusions: Revising relevant anatomy and possible variations as well as careful placements of retractors in the region of the median nerve could bring down these injuries. We propose an algorithm for their management.
Multiple Carpometacarpal Dislocations of the Hand – An Uncommon Variant: A Rare Case
Authors: Deshpande Milind , Doomra Tanvir , Nadkarni Sambaprassad
Published: August 2017

Carpometacarpal fracture dislocations of the hand are a relatively uncommon injury. The injury is difficult to diagnose because of the gross swelling of the hand. The diagnosis of this unusual form of injury requires a high index of suspicion, vigilant examination and high-quality radiography. This article reports a case of young male grieved with dislocation of all carpometacarpal (CMC) joints due to motor vehicle collision. Standard radiographs and CT scan revealed dorsal dislocations of second to fourth CMC joints, volar fracture dislocation of fifth carpometacarpal joint, fracture dislocation of CMC joint of thumb and dorsal dislocation of the trapezoid. Patient was treated with closed manipulation and percutaneous pinning with multiple K - wires. Follow up radiographs showed adequate reduction and fracture union. Intensive postoperative physiotherapy is vital for achieving a good outcome.
The Logical View on Continuous Petri Nets
Authors: Blondin Michael , Finkel Alain , Haase Christoph , Haddad Serge
Published: August 2017

Continuous Petri nets are a relaxation of classical discrete Petri nets in which transitions can be fired a fractional number of times, and consequently places may contain a fractional number of tokens. Such continuous Petri nets are an appealing object to study, since they over-approximate the set of reachable configurations of their discrete counterparts, and their reachability problem is known to be decidable in polynomial time. The starting point of this article is to show that the reachability relation for continuous Petri nets is definable by a sentence of linear size in the existential theory of the rationals with addition and order. Using this characterization, we obtain decidability and complexity results for a number of classical decision problems for continuous Petri nets. In particular, we settle the open problem about the precise complexity of reachability set inclusion. Finally, we show how continuous Petri nets can be incorporated inside the classical backward coverability algorithm for discrete Petri nets as a pruning heuristic to tackle the symbolic state explosion problem. The cornerstone of the approach we present is that our logical characterization enables us to leverage the power of modern SMT-solvers to yield a highly performant and robust decision procedure for coverability in Petri nets. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach on a set of standard benchmarks from the literature.
Understanding software process improvement in global software development
Authors: Khan Arif Ali , Keung Jacky , Hussain Shahid , Niazi Mahmood , Tamimy Muhammad Manzoor Ilahi
Published: August 2017

Presently, most of the software development organizations are adopting the phenomena of Global Software Development (GSD), mainly because of the significant return on investment it produces. However, GSD is a complex phenomenon and there are many challenges associated with it, especially that related to Software Process Improvement (SPI). The aim of this work is to identify humans' related success factors and barriers that could impact the SPI process in GSD organizations and proposed a theoretical framework of the factors in relation to SPI implementation. We have adopted the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method in order to investigate the success factors and barriers. Using the SLR approach, total ten success factors and eight barriers were identified. The paper also reported the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and Critical Barriers (CBs) for SPI implementation following the criteria of the factors having a frequency ≥ 50% as critical. Our results reveal that five out of ten factors are critical for SPI program. Moreover, total three barriers were ranked as the most critical barriers. Based on the analysis of the identified factors, we have presented a theoretical framework that has highlighted an association between the identified factors and the implementation of the SPI program in GSD environment.
Fatty Acid– and Lipid-Mediated Signaling in Plant Defense
Authors: Lim Gah-Hyun , Singhal Richa , Kachroo Aardra , Kachroo Pradeep
Published: August 2017

Fatty acids and lipids, which are major and essential constituents of all plant cells, not only provide structural integrity and energy for various metabolic processes but can also function as signal transduction mediators. Lipids and fatty acids can act as both intracellular and extracellular signals. In addition, cyclic and acyclic products generated during fatty acid metabolism can also function as important chemical signals. This review summarizes the biosynthesis of fatty acids and lipids and their involvement in pathogen defense.
The Tumor-Suppressor Protein OPCML Potentiates Anti–EGFR- and Anti–HER2-Targeted Therapy in HER2-Positive Ovarian and Breast Cancer
Authors: Zanini Elisa , Louis Louay S. , Antony Jane , Karali Evdoxia , Okon Imoh S. , McKie Arthur B. , Vaughan Sebastian , El-Bahrawy Mona , Stebbing Justin , Recchi Chiara , Gabra Hani
Published: August 2017

Opioid-binding protein/cell adhesion molecule-like (OPCML) is a tumor-suppressor gene that is frequently inactivated in ovarian cancer and many other cancers by somatic methylation. We have previously shown that OPCML exerts its suppressor function by negatively regulating a spectrum of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), such as ErbB2/HER2, FGFR1, and EphA2, thus attenuating their related downstream signaling. The physical interaction of OPCML with this defined group of RTKs is a prerequisite for their downregulation. Overexpression/gene amplification of EGFR and HER2 is a frequent event in multiple cancers, including ovarian and breast cancers. Molecular therapeutics against EGFR/HER2 or EGFR only, such as lapatinib and erlotinib, respectively, were developed to target these receptors, but resistance often occurs in relapsing cancers. Here we show that, though OPCML interacts only with HER2 and not with EGFR, the interaction of OPCML with HER2 disrupts the formation of the HER2-EGFR heterodimer, and this translates into a better response to both lapatinib and erlotinib in HER2-expressing ovarian and breast cancer cell lines. Also, we show that high OPCML expression is associated with better response to lapatinib therapy in breast cancer patients and better survival in HER2-overexpressing ovarian cancer patients, suggesting that OPCML co-therapy could be a valuable sensitizing approach to RTK inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(10); 2246–56. ©2017 AACR.
Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Olfactory Neuroblastoma Identifies Potentially Targetable FGFR3 Amplifications
Authors: Lazo de la Vega Lorena , McHugh Jonathan B. , Cani Andi K. , Kunder Komal , Walocko Frances M. , Liu Chia-Jen , Hovelson Daniel H. , Robinson Dan , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Tomlins Scott A. , Harms Paul W.
Published: August 2017

Olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs), also known as esthesioneuroblastomas, are malignant round-cell tumors that represent up to 5% of sinonasal malignancies. Despite their aggressive course, molecular studies of ONBs have been limited, and targeted therapies are lacking. To identify potential oncogenic drivers and targetable pathways in ONBs, we characterized 20 ONBs, including archived ONBs profiled by targeted, multiplexed PCR (mxPCR)–based DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the coding sequence of over 400 cancer-relevant genes (n = 16), mxPCR-based RNA NGS of 108 target genes (n = 15), and 2 ONBs profiled by comprehensive hybrid-capture–based clinical grade NGS of >1,500 genes. Somatic mutations were infrequent in our cohort, with 7 prioritized nonsynonymous mutations in 5 of 18 (28%) ONBs, and no genes were recurrently mutated. We detected arm/chromosome-level copy-number alterations in all tumors, most frequently gains involving all or part of chromosome 20, chromosome 5, and chromosome 11. Recurrent focal amplifications, often but not exclusively in the context of arm-level gains, included CCND1 [n = 4/18 (22%) tumors] and the targetable receptor tyrosine kinase FGFR3 [n = 5/18 (28%) tumors]. Targeted RNA NGS confirmed high expression of FGFR3 in ONB (at levels equivalent to bladder cancer), with the highest expression observed in FGFR3-amplified ONB cases. Importantly, our findings suggest that FGFR3 may be a therapeutic target in a subset of these aggressive tumors.

Implications: ONBs harbor recurrent chromosomal copy-number changes, including FGFR3 amplification associated with overexpression. Hence, FGFR3 may represent a novel therapeutic target in these tumors. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1551–7. ©2017 AACR.
Polymorphism rs16147 of the Neuropeptide Y Gene Modifies the Response of Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers and Adipokines to Two Hypocaloric Diets
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Izaola Olatz , Primo David , Aller Rocio
Published: August 2017

Aims: Our aim was to evaluate the relationship of weight loss and changes in adipokine levels after two hypocaloric diets in obese subjects with polymorphism rs16147 of the neuropeptide Y gene. Subjects and Methods: A population of 283 obese patients was analyzed. At the basal visit, patients were randomly allocated to one of two diets for a period of 3 months (diet I, low in carbohydrates; diet II, low in fat). Results: With diet I and in both genotype groups (major versus minor allele), body mass index (BMI), weight, fat mass, waist circumference, and leptin decreased. With diet II and in all genotypes, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, and leptin decreased. With both diets and in subjects with the minor allele, insulin levels (diet I: major allele -1.7 ± 7.8 IU/L versus minor allele -4.2 ± 6.1 IU/L, p = 0.01; diet II: major allele -2.3 ± 6.1 IU/L versus minor allele -4.0 ± 5.2 IU/L, p = 0.02) and insulin resistance (diet I: major allele -0.2 ± 3.1 units versus minor allele -1.7 ± 3.0 units, p = 0.03; diet II: major allele -0.9 ± 2.0 units versus minor allele -1.7 ± 1.3 units, p = 0.01) decreased. Conclusion: The rs16147 genotype affected the reduction in insulin resistance and insulin levels in response to two different hypocaloric diets in obese subjects, with a lack of response in subjects with the major allele.
Current State and Future Trends to Optimize the Care of African Americans with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Harding Kimberly , Mersha Tesfaye B. , Webb Fern J. , Vassalotti Joseph A. , Nicholas Susanne B.
Published: August 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease, which terminates in end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) that requires either dialysis or kidney transplantation for the patient to survive. There is an alarming trend in the disparities of ESRD in African Americans (AAs). Currently, AAs represent more than 30% of incident ESRD cases, yet they constitute 15% of the overall US population. Despite the reductions in mortality, increases in access to patient-centered home dialysis and preemptive kidney transplantation for the overall US ESRD population over the last decade, disparities in the care of AAs with ESRD remain largely unaffected. Summary: This review discusses patient-, community-, and practitioner-related factors that contribute to disparities in ESRD care for AAs. In particular, the review addresses issues related to end-of-life support, the importance of Apolipoprotein-1 gene variants, and the advent of pharmacogenomics toward achieving precision care. The need for accessible clinical intelligence for the ESRD population is discussed. Several interventions and a call to action to address the disparities are presented. Key Messages: Significant disparities in ESRD care exist for AAs. Strategies to enhance patient engagement, education, accountable partnerships, and clinical intelligence may reduce these disparities.
What You See Is What You Remember: Visual Chunking by Temporal Integration Enhances Working Memory
Authors: Akyürek Elkan G. , Kappelmann Nils , Volkert Marc , van Rijn Hedderik
Published: August 2017

Human memory benefits from information clustering, which can be accomplished by chunking. Chunking typically relies on expertise and strategy, and it is unknown whether perceptual clustering over time, through temporal integration, can also enhance working memory. The current study examined the attentional and working memory costs of temporal integration of successive target stimulus pairs embedded in rapid serial visual presentation. ERPs were measured as a function of behavioral reports: One target, two separate targets, or two targets reported as a single integrated target. N2pc amplitude, reflecting attentional processing, depended on the actual number of successive targets. The memory-related CDA and P3 components instead depended on the perceived number of targets irrespective of their actual succession. The report of two separate targets was associated with elevated amplitude, whereas integrated as well as actual single targets exhibited lower amplitude. Temporal integration thus provided an efficient means of processing sensory input, offloading working memory so that the features of two targets were consolidated and maintained at a cost similar to that of a single target.
A new species of Trichoglossum (Geoglossales, Ascomycota) from Thailand
Authors: EKANAYAKA ANUSHA H. , HYDE KEVIN D. , JONES E.B. GARETH , ZHAO QI , ELGORBAN ABDALLAH M. , BAHKALI ALI H.
Published: August 2017

The genus Trichoglossum (Geoglossaceae) is characterized by black, clavate, stipitate apothecia with hymenial setae. We collected T. cf. octopartitum from China and a new species of Trichoglossum from Thailand, the latter named as T. septatum. According to morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analyses of ITS sequence data, T. septatum diverges from other Trichoglossum species. Full descriptions, colour figures, and a phylogenetic tree to show the positions of T. cf. octopartitum and T. septatum are provided, and the two species are compared with allied taxa. The important morphological characteristics of Trichoglossum species are also summarized.
Review of the genus Agonochaetia Povolný (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), and description of a new genus and species from the Canary Islands
Authors: LANDRY JEAN-FRANÇOIS , NAZARI VAZRICK , BIDZILYA OLEKSIY , HUEMER PETER , KARSHOLT OLE
Published: August 2017

The Holarctic genus Agonochaetia is reviewed and a new species, Agonochaetia shawinigan Landry, sp. nov. is described from Québec, Canada. In addition, a new glandiductor-bearing genus and species, Canarischema fuerteventura Karsholt, gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from the Canary Islands. Comparative diagnoses, a key to species, illustrations of external aspect, male and female genitalia are provided for all species. Most species of Agonochaetia are rarely collected and known only from their types or from very few specimens. DNA barcodes are provided for four of the species from which DNA was recovered. Analysis of DNA barcodes suggests that Agonochaetia may be paraphyletic. Phylogenetic relationships to other Gnorimoschemini genera bearing a pair of glandiductors above the phallus are discussed.
Impact of Large-Scale Dynamic versus Thermodynamic Climate Conditions on Contrasting Tropical Cyclone Genesis Frequency
Authors: Sharmila S. , Walsh K. J. E.
Published: August 2017

Significant advances have been made in understanding the key climate factors responsible for tropical cyclone (TC) activity, yet any theory that estimates likelihood of observed TC formation rates from mean climate states remains elusive. The present study investigates how the extremes of observed TC genesis (TCG) frequency during peak TC seasons are interrelated with distinct changes in the large-scale climate conditions over different ocean basins using the global International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) dataset and ERA-Interim for the period 1979–2014. Peak TC seasons with significantly high and low TCG frequency are identified for five major ocean basins, and their substantial spatial changes in TCG are noted with regionally distinct differences. To explore the possible climate link behind such changes, a suite of potentially relevant dynamic and thermodynamic climate conditions is analyzed. Results indicate that the observed changes in extreme TCG frequency are closely linked with distinct dominance of specific dynamic and thermodynamic climate conditions over different regions. While the combined influences of dynamic and thermodynamic climate conditions are found to be necessary for modulating TC formation rate over the North Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and southern Indian Oceans, significant changes in large-scale dynamic conditions appear to solely control the TCG frequency over the western Pacific and South Pacific basins. Estimation of the fractional changes in genesis-weighted climate conditions also indicates the coherent but distinct competing effects of different climate conditions on TCG frequency. The present study further points out the need for revising the existing genesis indices for estimating TCG frequency over individual basins.
Quantitative Analysis of Polyacrylamide Grafted on Polylactide Film Surfaces Employing Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Rahman Mijanur , Opaprakasit Pakorn
Published: August 2017

Standard techniques for quantitative measurement of polyacrylamide (PAm) contents grafted on polylactide (PLA) film substrates, P(LA- g-Am- co-MBAm), which are commonly used as cell culture substrates or scaffolds, and pH-sensitive absorbents have been developed with X-ray photoelectron (XPS), proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The techniques are then applied to examine P(LA- g-Am- co-MBAm) samples prepared from two separate photo-initiator/co-initiator systems. Efficiency and accuracy of the techniques are compared. The results from all techniques are in good agreement, indicating high analysis precisions, although FT-IR technique provides additional advantages, in terms of short analysis time, ease of sample preparation, and accessibility of a machine. The results indicate that the riboflavin (RF) initiator system has higher grafting efficiency than its camphorquinone (CQ) counterpart. These standard techniques can be applied in the analysis of these materials and further modified for quantitative analysis of other grafting systems.
Procrastination as a Self-Regulation Failure: The Role of Impulsivity and Intrusive Thoughts
Authors: Rebetez Marie My Lien , Rochat Lucien , Barsics Catherine , Van der Linden Martial
Published: August 2017

Procrastination has been described as the quintessence of self-regulatory failure. This study examines the relationships between this self-regulatory failure and other manifestations of self-regulation problems, namely impulsivity and intrusive thoughts. One hundred and forty-one participants completed questionnaires assessing procrastination, impulsivity (in particular, the urgency and lack of perseverance dimensions), and intrusive thoughts (i.e., rumination and daydreaming). Main results show that urgency mediated the association between rumination and procrastination, whereas rumination did not mediate the relation between urgency and procrastination. Lack of perseverance mediated the association between daydreaming and procrastination, and daydreaming mediated the relation between lack of perseverance and procrastination. This study highlights the role of impulsivity and intrusive thoughts in procrastination, specifies the links between these self-regulation problems, and provides insights into their (potential) underlying mechanisms. It also opens interesting prospects for management strategies for implementing targeted psychological interventions to reduce impulsive manifestations and/or thought control difficulties accompanying procrastination.
University Student Use of Twitter and Facebook: A Study of Posting in Three Countries
Authors: Melton James , Miller Robert , Salmona Michelle
Published: August 2017

Technical and professional communication instruction is well suited to helping students develop digital literacy but must be informed by research regarding how students are using specific social media platforms, particularly the propensity to post content that could damage their career capital. This study examined this question for students in Austria, Australia, and the United States. In Austria and Australia, this behavior was found to be no greater for Twitter than it was for Facebook. Conversely, for the United States, the behavior was found to be more pronounced. These and additional results regarding attitudes toward information privacy are reported.
Reading Romans with Dio Chrysostom and Aelius Aristides: Preliminary Remarks on the Epistle’s Rhetorical Genus
Authors: Kim Seon Yong
Published: August 2017

The present study argues that the main content of Paul’s letter to the Romans is a deliberative argument based on appeals to honor, which aimed at promoting mutual tolerance among Roman believers. Providing both a corroboration of, and a minor corrective to, Robert Jewett’s monumental reading of Romans, this article reads Romans against the background of symbouleutic rhetoric, as attested in the orations of Dio Chrysostom and Aelius Aristides, and it seeks to shed light on the argumentative functions and nuances of each ‘theological’ unit for the overall ﬂow of the argumentation in Romans. Paul elaborates upon the particular ramiﬁcations of his gospel most pertinent for addressing communal problems in the Roman congregations, namely, the transformative potential of the gospel to create a newly enabled moral agency through the indwelling spirit. Paul tries to cultivate an ‘analytical stance’ among the Roman believers so that they could deliberate about the best course of action with regard to the Jewish law concerning food and Sabbath.
Local Government
Authors: Gooden Susan T. , Rissler Grant E.
Published: August 2017

Public administrators at all levels are discussing implications of President Trump’s proposed budget. While eventual outcomes remain uncertain, a recent interview of a panel of local government practitioners highlighted that when such reductions occur, local governments often operate as “first responders” in serving the most vulnerable residents within their respective communities. They run toward the potential equity crisis rather than away, in part because they see those affected as neighbors. In essence, their focus on social equity includes an emphasis on direct services as well as trust building. The panel also highlighted the importance of trust building and leadership for sustainability of social equity work and noted assessment and performance improvement as a key opportunity for academic/practitioner collaboration.
New Democratic Sciences, Ethics, and Proper Publics
Authors: Giordano Sara
Published: August 2017

In this article, I examine the rhetoric of democratic science within the field of synthetic biology. The still emerging field of synthetic biology claims to be a new kind of science based on the promises of affordable medicines, environmental bioremediation, and democratic, do-it-yourself (DIY) science practices. I argue that the formation of a more democratic, DIY portion of this field represents an intervention into ethics debates by becoming “the proper informed public.” Through an analysis of twelve DIY and community-based synthetic biology organizations’ websites, I found that democratic science was presented as a novel, progressive approach to science that addresses ethical concerns and at the same time produces better scientific results. In part, these claims were made possible through a reconfiguring of the boundaries between Science and the Public where scientists lay claim to solidarity with the public at large in opposition to traditional biosciences and Big Bio. My research suggests that the superficial use of the language of rights and democracy relegitimizes the primacy of scientific discovery to solve societal problems. I further suggest that by becoming the proper informed public, ethical challenges from publics critical of genetic sciences may become delegitimized.
Moving Institutional Logics Forward: Emotion and Meaningful Material Practice
Authors: Friedland Roger
Published: August 2017

Institutional theory, and the institutional logics approach in particular, lacks the feelings that produce, sustain and disrupt institutional practice. This is due in part to rational, instrumental understandings of the individual in practice, and in part to the cognitive and linguistic understanding of that practice, sustained by classification, qualification and belief. Emotion, a joining of language and bodily affect, is ready at hand for institutional theory. There is increasing recognition that emotion is a powerful device for institutionalization and de-institutionalization. In this essay, I consider emotion’s position in institutional theory and how we might position it in an institutional logics approach. I will argue that emotion not only mediates institutions, but can itself be institutional.
Psychiatric assessments in patients operated on due to lung cancer
Authors: Erol Yeliz , Çakan Alpaslan , Ergönül Ayşe Gül , Sertöz Özen , Özdil Ali , Turhan Kutsal , Çağirici Ufuk
Published: August 2017

Background

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between preoperative and postoperative psychiatric status and postoperative complications in patients operated on due to lung cancer.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 25 patients undergoing surgery with a diagnosis of lung cancer. There were 17 (68%) males, 8 (32%) females, and the mean age was 61 ± 8.9 years (range 38–81 years). Their psychiatric status was assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale II, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire C30, Perceived Family Support Scale, the combined Stress Thermometer and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, in the preoperative period, and the Perceived Family Support, Stress Thermometer, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire C30 at 1 month postoperatively.

Results

We found that 44% of patients had depression and 28% had anxiety. There was no difference between sexes in terms of anxiety ( p = 0.088), but more women had depression ( p = 0.03). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 of 18 patients with negligible anxiety scores (27.8%) and 3 (42.9%) of 7 patients with high scores, as well as 3 (21.4%) patients with negligible depression scores and 5 (45.5%) of 11 patients with high scores.

Conclusions

Patients selected for lung cancer surgery should be assessed preoperatively using the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale and Stress Thermometer. Psychosocial support is recommended to improve their quality of life and reduce postoperative complications.
Functional activities and social participation after stroke in rural China: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Yan Tiebin , You Liming , Gao Yan , Li Kun , Zhang Chunbo
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To explore the perspectives of stroke survivors in China’s rural areas, particularly with respect to environmental barriers and facilitators related to their functional activity and social participation.

Design:

Qualitative content analysis. A cross-sectional study.

Setting:

In-depth interviewing in the participants’ homes.

Subjects:

In total, 18 community-dwelling stroke survivors in the rural areas of China.

Results:

The sub-themes to functional activity and social participation were restricted life-space mobility, reduced daily activities, and shrunken social networks. The main environmental facilitator was family support, which positively affected all facets of the participants’ lives, including assistance in daily living, assistance in gaining access to healthcare, and performing environmental modifications. The main barriers involved were physical barriers (toilet barriers, lack of assistive devices, barriers to getting out) and vague and complex regulations.

Conclusion:

Stroke survivors in rural China experienced environmental barriers mainly including physical barriers and complex regulations. The nuclear family’s support is an important environmental facilitator.
End forming behaviour of friction stir processed Al 6063-T6 tubes at different tool rotational speeds
Authors: Agrawal Arvind K , Narayanan R Ganesh , Kailas Satish V
Published: August 2017

The main aim of this work is to study the end forming behaviour of friction stir processed Al 6063-T6 tubes fabricated at different tool rotational speeds. Tube expansion, tube reduction and tube beading are performed on the friction stir processed and parent tubes. The load, thinning and hardness evolution during the end forming operations are evaluated. A rotational speed yielding moderate combination of initial hardness and hardening index of the friction stir processed zone governs the maximum load required during end forming. Tube reduction and tube beading need larger load because of tube thickening, as compared to tube expansion, in which tube thinning is witnessed. The friction stir processed zone of the processed tube undergoes larger thinning and thickening as compared to base material in tube expansion and reduction, respectively, while base material thickens more in tube beading. The hardness and strain hardening exponent difference govern such thickness evolution. Mechanical instabilities like failure of friction stir processed zone, wrinkling and overlapping of friction stir processed zone, and fine cracks development are seen during the end forming operations. The effect of rotational speed on the hardness and grain size distribution of friction stir processed zone is negligible. The hardness of processed zone is found to increase after end forming operations.
An Anatomic and Biomechanical Comparison of Bankart Repair Configurations
Authors: Judson Christopher H. , Voss Andreas , Obopilwe Elifho , Dyrna Felix , Arciero Robert A. , Shea Kevin P.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Suture anchor repair for anterior shoulder instability can be performed using a number of different repair techniques, but none has been proven superior in terms of anatomic and biomechanical properties.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to compare the anatomic footprint coverage and biomechanical characteristics of 4 different Bankart repair techniques: (1) single row with simple sutures, (2) single row with horizontal mattress sutures, (3) double row with sutures, and (4) double row with labral tape. The hypotheses were as follows: (1) double-row techniques would improve the footprint coverage and biomechanical properties compared with single-row techniques, (2) horizontal mattress sutures would increase the footprint coverage compared with simple sutures, and (3) repair techniques with labral tape and sutures would not show different biomechanical properties.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected. The native labrum was removed and the footprint marked and measured. Repair for each of the 4 groups was performed, and the uncovered footprint was measured using a 3-dimensional digitizer. The strength of the repair sites was assessed using a servohydraulic testing machine and a digital video system to record load to failure, cyclic displacement, and stiffness.

Results:

The double-row repair techniques with sutures and labral tape covered 73.4% and 77.0% of the footprint, respectively. These percentages were significantly higher than the footprint coverage achieved by single-row repair techniques using simple sutures (38.1%) and horizontal mattress sutures (32.8%) ( P < .001). The footprint coverage of the simple suture and horizontal mattress suture groups was not significantly different ( P = .44). There were no significant differences in load to failure, cyclic displacement, or stiffness between the single-row and double-row groups or between the simple suture and horizontal mattress suture techniques. Likewise, there was no difference in the biomechanical properties of the double-row repair techniques with sutures versus labral tape.

Conclusion:

Double-row repair techniques provided better coverage of the native footprint of the labrum but did not provide superior biomechanical properties compared with single-row repair techniques. There was no difference in footprint coverage or biomechanical strength between the simple suture and horizontal mattress suture repair techniques.

Clinical Relevance:

Although the double-row repair techniques had no difference in initial strength, they may improve healing in high-risk patients by improving the footprint coverage.
Colorblind Racism: Identities, Ideologies, and Shifting Subjectivities
Authors: Burke Meghan A.
Published: August 2017

Sociologists have recently begun to recognize the need to more deeply examine the mechanisms of contemporary colorblind racism, to move beyond frame identification and glean new insights. This is important because as racial dynamics evolve, so will the ideologies and discourses that surround them. This article considers how we might be able to untangle ideology, racism, discourse, and the material realities of our wider social systems. It also introduces the themes in this Special Issue that parse ideals from ideologies, that consider individual subjectivities as they emerge in different social contexts, and that examine strategies for grappling with the realities of racism. This allows us to trace the connections between colorblind ideology and racism more broadly, giving us traction to potentially use this knowledge to sharpen our resistance to racism.