bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of thermal effect in zero entrainment velocity contact under low surface velocity
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Wang Jing
Published: March 2016

In the current study, in order to obtain a thick film thickness under zero entrainment velocity at low surface velocity, the effects of ambient viscosity, pressure–viscosity index of the lubricant, and the surface waviness are investigated numerically based on a thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication mathematical model. The increasing ambient viscosity and modest waviness can deepen the dimple by a stronger “temperature-viscosity wedge” effect. With the combined effect of ambient viscosity, pressure–viscosity index, and surface waviness, a small centralized dimple in smooth contact evolves into a big classical one together with the disappearance of the former thin droopy film thickness.
Using online blogs to explore positive outcomes after burn injuries
Authors: Garbett Kirsty , Harcourt Diana , Buchanan Heather
Published: March 2016

This study uses blog analysis, a new and novel technique, to explore the positive outcomes experienced by burn survivors. This study examined 10 burn survivor blogs to offer a unique, longitudinal insight into burn survivor recovery. Using thematic analysis, three themes emerged: shift in self-perception, enhanced relationships and a change in life outlook. Many of these themes contained stories and experiences unique to a traumatic burn injury, suggesting that standardised trauma scales are not effectively measuring the impact of a burn in this population. Reflections on blog analysis are discussed, along with a recommendation that health researchers utilise the vast amount of data available from online blogs.
Negative emotions versus target descriptions: Examining perceptions of racial slurs as expressive and descriptive
Authors: O’Dea Conor J. , Saucier Donald A.
Published: March 2016

There is a debate about whether racial slurs operate primarily as descriptives (of the ethnicity of targets) or expressives (of negative emotions toward targets). In three studies (overall N = 471), we examined whether different racial slurs used in different situations led to slurs being perceived as descriptive versus expressive, and whether this distinction was related to the perceived offensiveness of the slurs. Our results showed the descriptive and expressive natures of racial slurs are directly related to their perceived offensiveness. Specifically, as the perceived offensiveness of slurs increase in intensity, the slurs are perceived as more negatively expressive, more descriptive, less positively expressive, and comparatively less descriptive and more expressive.
Who’s to blame? Causal attributions of the economic crisis and personal control
Authors: Bukowski Marcin , de Lemus Soledad , Rodriguez-Bailón Rosa , Willis Guillermo B.
Published: March 2016

In this research, we examined how people cope with threats to personal control related to the global economic crisis. Three studies (one correlational and two experimental) tested the prediction that blaming social outgroups could serve as a means to restore a threatened sense of personal control. We found that outgroup blaming attributions are related to higher levels of personal control over the effects of the economic crisis (Study 1). Further, blaming outgroups helps to restore a sense of personal control (Study 2) only when blaming attributions are related to specific versus global causes (i.e., outgroups but not the economic system; Studies 2 and 3). We discuss individual and social implications of outgroup blaming as a form of coping with lack of control in the context of economic crises.
Foursquare and identity: Checking-in and presenting the self through location
Authors: Saker Michael
Published: March 2016

Foursquare is a location-based social network (LBSN) that allows people to share their location with friends by ‘checking-in’ at a given place using their smartphone. The application can also access the location-based recommendations left by other users. Drawing on original qualitative research with a range of Foursquare users, the article sets out to examine this LBSN and its impact on identity in three ways. Using Schwartz and Halegoua’s ‘spatial self’ as ‘a theoretical framework encapsulating the process of online self-presentation based on the display of offline physical activities’, the article first examines the extent to which users understand check-ins as mediating identity. Second, the article explores whether the act of using Foursquare beyond the sharing of location can similarly be seen as contributing to identity. Last, the article examines what effect location-based recommendations might be having on how users subsequently experience themselves.
A grounded typology of foreign-born spouses in Japan: The motivations behind migration to Japan
Authors: Morgan Charlie V , Trieu Monica M , Stephens Abigail , Nemoto Reiju
Published: March 2016

Over 3% of all new marriages in Japan are international marriages. Who are these foreign-born spouses? What is the motivation behind their migration to Japan, and what is the role of intermarriage in this move? Drawing from in-depth interviews with 18 foreign-born spouses living in Japan, this preliminary research reveals two dominant motivations behind their migration to Japan: social and economic necessity and social and economic opportunity. We provide a grounded typology for foreign-born spouses by cross-classifying their current social status (based on ethnicity and class) with motivation behind migration ( social and economic necessity and social and economic opportunity). We find that intermarriage serves as either the cause of migration, the cause of remigration, or came about as a consequence of migration. Ultimately, the typology reveals the range in foreign-born spouses' (and international couples') experiences, and complexity that is often missing in the discourse on international marriages in Japan.
Prediction of data visibility in two-dimensional scatterplots
Authors: Urribarri Dana K , Castro Silvia M
Published: March 2016

The result of a visualization process depends on the user’s decisions along it. With the intention of accelerating this process and guaranteeing an appropriate visualization of the data, we are looking to semi-automatize the process to help the users with the decision-making along it. To contribute to this semi-automation, it is useful to have metrics that characterize different important aspects of the visualization techniques, such as data representation visibility. Besides, scatterplots are a widely used technique to visualize scalar datasets. In this context, this work presents a metric that evaluates data representation visibility considering glyph visibility in scatterplots. We defined a metric that estimates the proportion of glyphs that will be visible regardless of the drawing order, and it depends on the number of items in the dataset, the size of the window, and the size of the glyphs that will represent the data. To define and approximate the metric, we experimented with several random datasets for which both dimensions followed a normal distribution. This metric constitutes an alternative to characterize scatterplots and collaborates in the semi-automation of the user’s decisions along the visualization process.
Earthly substances and narrative encounters: poetics of making a tourism destination
Authors: Lund Katrín Anna , Jóhannesson Gunnar Thór
Published: March 2016

This article deals with the becoming of place in relation to tourism. The agency of non-human actors, such as earthly substances or matters underlying any given destination, has rarely been addressed empirically. Our argument is based on the view that a place is an entanglement of ever-moving substances. Hence, our objective is to trace how materialities of cultural landscape contribute to the continuous production of places through tourist encounters. By approaching destination development from the angle of relational materialism, the article aims at providing insights into the formation of tourism places, describing it as ‘poetics of making’. The article provides an account of the creation of the Strandir region, a sparsely populated coastal area in the north-west of Iceland, as a tourist destination. We will focus on the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, established in 2000, which has played a central role in framing the area as a tourism destination. The Museum brings together, and re-awakens, the period of witchcraft in the 17th century during which Strandir was one of the most notorious regions in Iceland for witch-hunts and burning. We will illustrate how magic, understood as a blank figure narrating human encounters with earthly substances, affects the ordering of Strandir both as a place and as a tourism destination. The power of the blank figure of magic rests in its ability to overturn stable orders or mobilise new or latent connections. Importantly, it also rests on personal narratives with the support of imagination, emotions and play. The Museum has been instrumental in creating and enhancing the image of the region as a place of magic, emphasising how culture and nature, as conventionally defined, mesh through human and non-human practices in the continuous forming of Strandir.
Beyond and Against White Settler Colonialism in Palestine
Authors: Ritskes Eric
Published: March 2016

This article theorizes the fugitive futurities of decolonization, seeking futures beyond colonial constructions of the possible and the sensible. To do this, I engage with a close reading of Palestinian writer Amir Nizar Zuabi’s short story, “The Underground City of Gaza,” as an example of a fugitive trajectory that refuses inclusion into the colonial state through recognition, instead, re-centering modes of fugitive flight within the land itself—highlighting the necessary interplay between the re-routing and re-rooting of decolonization. In doing so, Zuabi demonstrates how decolonial futures evacuate colonial definitions of humanity, as well as colonial relationships with land and body that are based on property ownership. Working from Indigenous and radical Black theorization of land and fugitivity, my theorizing of fugitive futurity learns from Zuabi’s centering of land in imagining routes of flight, demonstrating how epistemologies of land both challenge colonial relations and also resurge alternative futures; re-rooting decolonial struggle in the land is also an act of re-routing toward decolonial futures.
Minireview: Multiomic candidate biomarkers for clinical manifestations of sickle cell severity: Early steps to precision medicine
Authors: Goodman Steven R , Pace Betty S , Hansen Kirk C , D’alessandro Angelo , Xia Yang , Daescu Ovidiu , Glatt Stephen J
Published: March 2016

In this review, we provide a description of those candidate biomarkers which have been demonstrated by multiple-omics approaches to vary in correlation with specific clinical manifestations of sickle cell severity. We believe that future clinical analyses of severity phenotype will require a multiomic analysis, or an omics stack approach, which includes integrated interactomics. It will also require the analysis of big data sets. These candidate biomarkers, whether they are individual or panels of functionally linked markers, will require future validation in large prospective and retrospective clinical studies. Once validated, the hope is that informative biomarkers will be used for the identification of individuals most likely to experience severe complications, and thereby be applied for the design of patient-specific therapeutic approaches and response to treatment. This would be the beginning of precision medicine for sickle cell disease.
Cytotoxicity of atropine to human corneal endothelial cells by inducing mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Wen Qian , Fan Ting-Jun , Tian Cheng-Lei
Published: March 2016

Atropine, a widely used topical anticholinergic drug, might have adverse effects on human corneas in vivo. However, its cytotoxic effect on human corneal endothelium (HCE) and its possible mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated the cytotoxicity of atropine and its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms using an in vitro model of HCE cells and verified the cytotoxicity using cat corneal endothelium (CCE) in vivo. Our results showed that atropine at concentrations above 0.3125 g/L could induce abnormal morphology and viability decline in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. The cytotoxicity of atropine was proven by the induced density decrease and abnormality of morphology and ultrastructure of CCE cells in vivo. Meanwhile, atropine could also induce dose- and time-dependent elevation of plasma membrane permeability, G1 phase arrest, phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic body formation of HCE cells. Moreover, 2.5 g/L atropine could also induce caspase-2/-3/-9 activation, mitochondrial transmembrane potential disruption, downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and Bad, and upregulation of cytoplasmic cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor. In conclusion, atropine above 1/128 of its clinical therapeutic dosage has a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity to HCE cells in vitro which is confirmed by CCE cells in vivo, and its cytotoxicity is achieved by inducing HCE cell apoptosis via a death receptor-mediated mitochondrion-dependent signaling pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing effect of atropine which should be used with great caution in eye clinic.
Immobilized liquid layers: A new approach to anti-adhesion surfaces for medical applications
Authors: Sotiri Irini , Overton Jonathan C , Waterhouse Anna , Howell Caitlin
Published: March 2016

Surface fouling and undesired adhesion are nearly ubiquitous problems in the medical field, complicating everything from surgeries to routine daily care of patients. Recently, the concept of immobilized liquid (IL) interfaces has been gaining attention as a highly versatile new approach to antifouling, with a wide variety of promising applications in medicine. Here, we review the general concepts behind IL layers and discuss the fabrication strategies on medically relevant materials developed so far. We also summarize the most important findings to date on applications of potential interest to the medical community, including the use of these surfaces as anti-thrombogenic and anti-bacterial materials, anti-adhesive textiles, high-performance coatings for optics, and as unique platforms for diagnostics. Although the full potential and pitfalls of IL layers in medicine are just beginning to be explored, we believe that this approach to anti-adhesive surfaces will prove broadly useful for medical applications in the future.
Lipidoid nanoparticle mediated silencing of Mcl-1 induces apoptosis in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Knapp Christopher M , He Jia , Lister John , Whitehead Kathryn A
Published: March 2016

Conventional chemo-immunotherapy fails to cure the majority of mantle cell lymphoma patients and causes substantial toxicity. Resistant mantle cell lymphoma cells commonly overexpress and are dependent on the anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl-1, for survival. In this study, we use potent lipidoid nanoparticles to deliver siRNA to silence Mcl-1 expression. Studies were conducted using two different mantle cell lymphoma cell lines, a normal (JeKo-1) and an aggressive (MAVER-1) line, to assess the ability of lipidoid nanoparticles to be used broadly in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. Mcl-1 mRNA silencing and protein knockdown was observed as early as one day after treatment and the lipidoid nanoparticles achieved sustained silencing of Mcl-1 mRNA for at least four days in both JeKo-1 and MAVER-1 cells. Eighty percent silencing was achieved at three days post-transfection in JeKo-1 cells while 50% silencing was achieved in MAVER-1 cells, which are more resistant to transfection. Interestingly, silencing of Mcl-1 induced apoptosis in nearly 30% of both JeKo-1 and MAVER-1 cells three days post-transfection. Additionally, Mcl-1 silencing and the resultant apoptosis in mantle cell lymphoma cells were dose dependent. These data suggest that lipidoid nanoparticles siRNA therapy targeting Mcl-1 has potential as a new treatment modality for mantle cell lymphoma and many other cancers that overexpress Mcl-1. The combination of anti-Mcl-1 lipidoid nanoparticles with other forms of targeted therapy offers hope for reducing or replacing cytotoxic chemotherapy as standard treatment for mantle cell lymphoma.
Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer progression
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chi , Tseng Ling-Ming , Lee Hsin-Chen
Published: March 2016

Deregulated cellular energetics was one of the cancer hallmarks. Several underlying mechanisms of deregulated cellular energetics are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations, mitochondrial enzyme defects, or altered oncogenes/tumor suppressors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer progression. Point mutations and copy number changes are the two most common mitochondrial DNA alterations in cancers, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by chemical depletion of mitochondrial DNA or impairment of mitochondrial respiratory chain in cancer cells promotes cancer progression to a chemoresistance or invasive phenotype. Moreover, defects in mitochondrial enzymes, such as succinate dehydrogenase, fumarate hydratase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase, are associated with both familial and sporadic forms of cancer. Deregulated mitochondrial deacetylase sirtuin 3 might modulate cancer progression by regulating cellular metabolism and oxidative stress. These mitochondrial defects during oncogenesis and tumor progression activate cytosolic signaling pathways that ultimately alter nuclear gene expression, a process called retrograde signaling. Changes in the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species, Ca2+, or oncometabolites are important in the mitochondrial retrograde signaling for neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. In addition, altered oncogenes/tumor suppressors including hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and tumor suppressor p53 regulate mitochondrial respiration and cellular metabolism by modulating the expression of their target genes. We thus suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in cancer progression and that targeting mitochondrial alterations and mitochondrial retrograde signaling might be a promising strategy for the development of selective anticancer therapy.
The Utility of EEG in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Replication Study
Authors: Swatzyna Ronald J. , Tarnow Jay D. , Roark Alexandra , Mardick Jacob
Published: March 2016

The routine use of stimulants in pediatrics has increased dramatically over the past 3 decades and the long-term consequences have yet to be fully studied. Since 1978 there have been 7 articles identifying electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, particularly epileptiform discharges in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many have studied the prevalence of these discharges in this population with varying results. An article published in 2011 suggests that EEG technology should be considered prior to prescribing stimulants to children diagnosed with ADHD due to a high prevalence of epileptiform discharges. The 2011 study found a higher prevalence (26%) of epileptiform discharges when using 23-hour and sleep-deprived EEGs in comparison with other methods of activation (hyperventilation or photostimulation) and conventional EEG. We sought to replicate the 2011 results using conventional EEG with the added qEEG technologies of automatic spike detection and low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis (LORETA) brain mapping. Our results showed 32% prevalence of epileptiform discharges, which suggests that an EEG should be considered prior to prescribing stimulant medications.
Investigation on spatial breakup characteristics of low-pressure jets with particle image velocimetry experiment and volume of fluid–level set simulation
Authors: Jiang Yue , Li Hong , Xiang Qingjiang , Chen Chao
Published: March 2016

In order to study the spatial breakup characteristics of the initial section of low-pressure jets, an experiment was performed to investigate the flow fields and concentration fields of jet flows with different nozzle geometric parameters and also the different working pressures using a particle image velocimetry system. The flow field of different axial planes, axial time-average velocity, and the length of the initial sections of jet flows were also analyzed. A numerical simulation was carried out using finite volume method and volume of fluid–level set method to describe the breaking process of the initial section, capturing unstable development of gas–fluid interface, measuring the length of the initial sections of jet flows. Both experiment and simulation results show that the broken degree of jet is more intense for nozzles with smaller aspect ratio; the outlet velocity of jet increases with the working pressure; and the value of [Formula: see text] decreases with the increase in pressures in the same cross section of jet flow. The experimental values are slightly higher than the simulation values with an error of <8% for the cross-sectional velocity distribution. The initial length of jet increases with pressures, where the experimental values are lower than the simulation values with an error of <5%. The experimental data from particle image velocimetry agreed well with the simulation results. Therefore, the accuracy and reliability of the particle image velocimetry experiment and the computational fluid dynamics result simulation were both validated.
Near-optimal supervisory control of flexible manufacturing systems using divide-and-conquer iterative method
Authors: Zhao Mi , Uzam Murat , Hou YiFan
Published: March 2016

This article proposes an iterative deadlock resolution method for flexible manufacturing systems modeled with G-systems. To design a non-blocking controlled system with maximally permissive behavior in a G-system ( GS), a reachability graph-based analysis technology is utilized. Since the reachability graph of a large-scale GS easily becomes unmanageable, an optimal non-blocking supervisor becomes a challenging problem in a GS. To facilitate this problem, the Divide-and-Conquer approach is a good choice for complex G-systems. First, an uncontrolled GS resolves into a number of associated subnets. Then, every subnet suffering from deadlocks is utilized to design the liveness-enforcing supervisor for the original GS. Thus, additional monitors can be obtained if the liveness of all subnets is achieved. Subsequently, a partially controlled GS is derived by including all monitors within the GS, and its liveness can be ensured by designing a new set of monitors. Consequently, a non-blocking GS is derived. The major advantage of the proposed method is that a non-blocking supervisor with near-optimal behavioral permissiveness can be obtained in general. Finally, a typical GS example popularly studied in the literature is applied to demonstrate the validity and the availability of the method in this article.
Influences on Technology Use and Efficacy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Franklin Victoria
Published: March 2016

The majority of people with type 1 diabetes have suboptimal glycemic control, increasing their complication risk. Technology to support diabetes self-care has advanced significantly and includes self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), insulin pump therapy (IPT), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT), which are stepping stones toward the “artificial pancreas” using closed-loop technology. Use of these technologies improves clinical outcomes for patients with the appropriate skills and motivation. This review addresses the psychosocial factors that influence both technology provision and clinical outcome and also how technology impacts on psychological outcomes. Optimal use of the various diabetes self-management technologies is influenced by previous self-care behaviors, demographic and psychological factors. Provision of IPT is also influenced by the same factors. Despite technology increasing the complexity of treatment, the lack of evidence for adverse psychological outcomes is reassuring. Treatment satisfaction is high, and discontinuation rates are low. However, technology will widen the health inequality gap if its use is limited to motivated patients who demonstrate good self-care behaviors. Pivotal to the success of the various technologies is provision of appropriate education at initiation of the technology, regular ongoing contact for treatment adjustments and trouble-shooting device issues plus access to psychological support when required. Additional support strategies may be required to help patients struggling with their diabetes to benefit from the available technology, recognizing that they may have most to gain.
The Impact of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients 65 Years and Older
Authors: Polonsky William H. , Peters Anne L. , Hessler Danielle
Published: March 2016

Background:

Older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or insulin-using type 2 diabetes (iT2D) are at high risk for severe hypoglycemic episodes. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) in this population may reduce this risk, but when patients switch to Medicare at age 65, RT-CGM is no longer a covered benefit. We developed a survey to examine health and quality of life (QOL) benefits of RT-CGM in seniors (age ≥ 65).

Methods:

Two groups of seniors with T1D or iT2D—current RT-CGM users (n = 210) and RT-CGM “hopefuls” (patients who wanted but could not obtain RT-CGM due to lack of insurance coverage; n = 75)—completed an online survey. The survey examined history of hypoglycemic experiences as well as current quality of life (QOL), including generic and diabetes-specific measures.

Results:

Current users reported fewer moderate ( P < .01) and fewer severe hypoglycemic episodes ( P < .01) over the past 6 months than “hopefuls” and greater reductions over time in hypoglycemic events requiring the assistance of another, ER visits, and paramedic visits to the home (in all cases, P < .01). Regarding QOL, current users reported significantly better well-being ( P < .001), less hypoglycemic fear ( P < .05), and less diabetes distress ( P < .05) than “hopefuls.”

Conclusions:

These data suggest that RT-CGM use in seniors is associated with reductions in episodes of severe hypoglycemia and improved QOL, suggesting that restrictive access to RT-CGM in the Medicare age population may have deleterious health, economic, and QOL consequences.
A Practical Concussion Physical Examination Toolbox
Authors: Matuszak Jason M. , McVige Jennifer , McPherson Jacob , Willer Barry , Leddy John
Published: March 2016

Context:

With heightened awareness of concussion, there is a need to assess and manage the concussed patient in a consistent manner. Unfortunately, concussion physical examination has not been standardized or supported by evidence. Important questions remain about the physical examination.

Evidence Acquisition:

Review of ClinicalKey, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and PubMed prior to July 2015 was performed using search terms, including concussion, mTBI, physical examination, mental status, cranial nerves, reflexes, cervical, vestibular, and oculomotor. The references of the pertinent articles were reviewed for other relevant sources.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Results:

The pertinent physical examination elements for concussion include evaluation of cranial nerves, manual muscle testing, and deep tendon reflexes; inspecting the head and neck for trauma or tenderness and cervical range of motion; Spurling maneuver; a static or dynamic balance assessment; screening ocular examination; and a mental status examination that includes orientation, immediate and delayed recall, concentration, mood, affect, insight, and judgment. Other examination elements to consider, based on signs, symptoms, or clinical suspicion, include testing of upper motor neurons, cervical strength and proprioception, coordination, pupillary reactivity, and visual acuity; examination of the jaw, temporomandibular joint, and thoracic spine; fundoscopic evaluation; orthostatic vital signs; assessment of dynamic visual acuity; and screening for depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and preinjury psychiatric difficulties.

Conclusion:

Various elements of the physical examination, such as screening ocular examination, cervical musculoskeletal examination, static and/or dynamic balance assessment, and mental status examination, appear to have utility for evaluating concussion; however, data on validity are lacking.
Derivatives of usnic acid inhibit broad range of influenza viruses and protect mice from lethal influenza infection
Authors: Shtro AA , Zarubaev VV , Luzina OA , Sokolov DN , Salakhutdinov NF
Published: March 2016

Background

Influenza is a disease of significant morbidity and mortality, the number of anti-influenza drugs is small; many of them stimulate the appearance of resistant strains. In this work, we demonstrate activity of some usnic acid (UA) derivatives against influenza virus in vitro and in vivo .

Methods

Organic synthesis was used to prepare compounds. Antiviral activity of the compounds in vitro was evaluated by their ability to decrease the virus titer on Madin–Darby Canine Kidney cells. In vivo activity was evaluated by decrease of mortality and index of protection.

Results

Compounds were tested against a broad spectrum of influenza virus strains and showed activity against all used strains. One compound, [5] (valine enamine of UA), also significantly reduced lethality of infected animals and does not give rise to the appearance of resistant strains. Additional studies showed that hepatotoxicity of compound [5] is reduced comparatively to UA.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that valine enamine of UA could be a potential candidate for the development of a new anti-influenza therapy.
Reachability Does Not Explain the Middle Preference: A Comment on Bar-Hillel (2015)
Authors: Rodway Paul , Schepman Astrid , Thoma Volker
Published: March 2016

Choosing an object from an array of similar objects is a task that people complete frequently throughout their lives (e.g., choosing a can of soup from many cans of soup). Research has also demonstrated that items in the middle of an array or scene are looked at more often and are more likely to be chosen. This middle preference is surprisingly robust and widespread, having been found in a wide range of perceptual-motor tasks. In a recent review of the literature, Bar-Hillel (2015) proposes, among other things, that the middle preference is largely explained by the middle item being easier to reach, either physically or mentally. We specifically evaluate Bar-Hillel’s reachability explanation for choice in non-interactive situations in light of evidence showing an effect of item valence on such choices. This leads us to conclude that the center-stage heuristic account is a more plausible explanation of the middle preference.
Watch and learn: Spillover effects of peace accord implementation on non-signatory armed groups
Authors: Joshi Madhav , Quinn Jason Michael
Published: March 2016

Theories of observational learning and the effects of reputation formation on future conflict interactions have been applied much more steadily to interstate conflict than to civil conflict. Yet, many nations have multiple civil wars with multiple warring dyads, offering groups ample opportunities to watch and learn from prior interactions between other rebel groups and the government. When a government keeps the promises it made to the signatories in a previous negotiated agreement, we argue that the risk of subsequent challenges from other non-signatory groups declines as these groups update their beliefs about that government and the efficacy of violent versus non-violent mobilization. In our analysis of the implementation of comprehensive peace accords since 1989, we found that governments that kept their implementation commitments to the signatory group(s) in a negotiated settlement experienced fewer armed challenges from other armed groups in the future.
A reason to eat healthy: The role of meaning in life in maintaining homeostasis in modern society
Authors: Piko Bettina F , Brassai Laszlo
Published: March 2016

Health is a state of homeostasis of four principle kinds, namely, biochemical, physiological, psychological, and social. In this article, we complete this theory with a fifth element, namely, spiritual balance. Existential attitudes have been found to be closely related to identity formation, moral development, value-related attitudes, personal goals, and lifestyle choices. Meaning in life and searching for meaning serve better health since they may encourage people to engage in health-promoting behaviors and avoid health-risking behaviors, such as obesity and eating disorders. The meaning-making model proposes that people’s perceptions may contribute to content/discontent with life, body, and the world.
What persons with physical disabilities can teach us about obesity
Authors: Roosen Kaley M , Mills Jennifer S
Published: March 2016

In response to Dr Marks’ paper titled ‘Homeostatic theory of obesity’, we discuss how research on persons with physical disabilities, who exist on the margins of traditional notions of beauty and health, can inform theories of obesity. The impact of sociocultural messages related to undesirability and abnormality is explored, and parallels are discussed between obese and disabled bodies. We argue that to reduce rates of obesity, there is a need not only to reduce thin valorization but also to promote social acceptance of diverse bodies, including bodies that are traditionally understood as unattractive, unhealthy and unproductive (i.e. disabled and/or obese). There is further need to reevaluate definitions of health and wellness in order to be inclusive of diverse bodies as well as encourage equitable access to health-promoting practices and social programming.
Understanding the complexity of biopsychosocial factors in the public health epidemic of overweight and obesity
Authors: Rosenbaum Diane L , White Kamila S
Published: March 2016

Obesity is a complex and multifaceted public health problem. This commentary reflects on a new theoretical model of obesity (i.e. Homeostatic Theory of Obesity proposed by Marks), and calls for additional research to examine biopsychosocial factors that may be of importance in developing interventions that promote long-term maintenance of weight loss and in developing obesity prevention programs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of socioeconomic factors in obesity and call for interdisciplinary efforts to address obesity risk factors in the interest of public health.
Homeostasis and change: A commentary on Homeostatic Theory of Obesity by David Marks
Authors: DiClemente Carlo C , Delahanty Janine
Published: March 2016

This commentary on David Marks’ article on the Homeostatic Theory of Obesity and his Circle of Discontent mechanism for maintaining problematic eating behavior and obesity offers a perspective on the promise and potential of this theory. At the same time, we challenge the author to incorporate more of a process perspective into the theory. This would include greater exploration of how individuals enter and exit this hypothesized Circle of Discontent, how these mechanisms lead to obesity rather than other internalizing or externalizing disorders, and how the interactions among key variables differ for males and females and developmental stages.
Pitfalls of Predatory Journals
Authors: Simón Armando
Published: March 2016

An unexpected, relatively unknown, pitfall of electronic journals is the proliferation of “fake journals,” fake in so far as there are no editorial boards nor peer reviews of submitted manuscripts. The author’s investigation and personal experience with one such journal is described. Although most of the submissions to that journal have been from Third World scholars taking advantage of the low fees, it is only a matter of time before unsuspecting scholars from Europe and North America become entangled in such journals.
Nursing Education in Rural Environments
Authors: Wines Maria
Published: March 2016

Nursing education in rural areas brings about both challenges and rewards. Immense distances between students, clinical sites, and resources often require faculty to teach over videoconference and internet mediums. Additionally, clinical site assignments extend beyond the traditional hospital units. Rural teaching in distance programs takes motivated faculty who are willing to approach challenges using innovative techniques and exceptional communication skills. Approaches to bridge the education gaps while teaching over videoconference are possible; however, they do require abstract thinking, preparation, learning, and motivation to adapt from the traditional synchronous classroom structure. Similarly, faculty must look beyond the common hospital placements for clinical sites when in the rural environment. Patients can be found in their natural and sometimes unconventional settings. Baccalaureate nursing students can receive an exceptional learning experience in a rural environment; however, this does require significant skills and innovation for instructors who wish to take on the challenge.
Predictability of Psychopedagogical Variables Related to User Satisfaction Level When Including Students With Asperger Syndrome at University
Authors: Rúa Manuel Ojea , García Nuria Diéguez
Published: March 2016

In this study, we present research intended to establish the predictive variables related to satisfaction among different members of the educational community when including students with Asperger syndrome (AS) in the university system. This international study takes into account the opinions of students with AS who are at university as well as their families and the teaching staff directly involved in their learning process ( N = 83). The results obtained through an ad hoc questionnaire indicate that both curricular and organizational pedagogical factors were predictive of the satisfaction of the students with AS in higher education.
Nerve Wrapping of the Sciatic Nerve With Acellular Dermal Matrix in Chronic Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures and Ischial Apophyseal Avulsion Fractures
Authors: Haus Brian M. , Arora Danny , Upton Joseph , Micheli Lyle J.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Patients with chronic injuries of the proximal hamstring can develop significant impairment because of weakness of the hamstring muscles, sciatic nerve compression from scar formation, or myositis ossificans.

Purpose:

To describe the surgical outcomes of patients with chronic injury of the proximal hamstrings who were treated with hamstring repair and sciatic neurolysis supplemented with nerve wrapping with acellular dermal matrix.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Fifteen consecutive patients with a diagnosis of chronic complete proximal hamstring rupture or chronic ischial tuberosity apophyseal avulsion fracture (mean age, 39.67 years; range, 14-69 years) were treated with proximal hamstring repair and sciatic neurolysis supplemented with nerve wrapping with acellular dermal matrix. Nine patients had preoperative sciatica, and 6 did not. Retrospective chart review recorded clinical outcomes measured by the degree of pain relief, the rate of return to activities, and associated postoperative complications.

Results:

All 15 patients were followed in the postoperative period for an average of 16.6 months. Postoperatively, there were 4 cases of transient sciatic nerve neurapraxia. Four patients (26%) required postoperative betamethasone sodium phosphate (Celestone Soluspan) injectable suspension USP 6 mg/mL. Among the 9 patients with preoperative sciatica, 6 (66%) had a good or excellent outcome and were able to return to their respective activities/sports; 3 (33%) had persistent chronic pain. One of these had persistent sciatic neuropathy that required 2 surgical reexplorations and scar excision after development of recurrent extraneural scar formation. Among the 6 without preoperative sciatica, 100% had a good or excellent outcomes and 83% returned to their respective activities/sports. Better outcomes were observed in younger patients, as the 3 cases of persistent chronic sciatic pain were in patients older than 45 years.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that when used as an adjunct to sciatic neurolysis, nerve wrapping with acellular dermal matrix can be a safe and effective method of treating younger patients with and preventing the development of sciatic neuropathic pain after chronic injury of the proximal hamstrings.
Iranian Nuclear Agreement: Understanding the Nonproliferation Paradigm
Authors: Vishwanathan Arun
Published: March 2016

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was successfully negotiated between Iran and the P5+1 comprising United States, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom, and Germany on July 14, 2015. The result of multilateral diplomacy spanning over a decade, the agreement resolved international concerns about the military nature of the Iranian nuclear program. The agreement expands the scope and nature of international safeguards and verification of the Iranian nuclear program. It physically blocks both the plutonium and the uranium route that Iran can pursue to build nuclear weapons. These measures increase the lead time available to the international community in case Iran decides to build nuclear weapons any time in the future. In sum, the agreement successfully alleviates global concerns about Iran building a nuclear weapon, builds trust between Iran and the West, and opens up the possibility of collaboration to tackle the challenges faced by the region as a whole.
Acupuncture As an Integrative Approach for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (AcCliMaT)
Authors: Lesi Grazia , Razzini Giorgia , Musti Muriel Assunta , Stivanello Elisa , Petrucci Chiara , Benedetti Benedetta , Rondini Ermanno , Ligabue Maria Bernadette , Scaltriti Laura , Botti Alberto , Artioli Fabrizio , Mancuso Pamela , Cardini Francesco , Pandolfi Paolo
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for the management of hot flashes in women with breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture plus enhanced self-care versus enhanced self-care alone. A total of 190 women with breast cancer were randomly assigned. Random assignment was performed with stratification for hormonal therapy; the allocation ratio was 1:1. Both groups received a booklet with information about climacteric syndrome and its management to be followed for at least 12 weeks. In addition, the acupuncture group received 10 traditional acupuncture treatment sessions involving needling of predefined acupoints. The primary outcome was hot flash score at the end of treatment (week 12), calculated as the frequency multiplied by the average severity of hot flashes. The secondary outcomes were climacteric symptoms and quality of life, measured by the Greene Climacteric and Menopause Quality of Life scales. Health outcomes were measured for up to 6 months after treatment. Expectation and satisfaction of treatment effect and safety were also evaluated. We used intention-to-treat analyses.

Results

Of the participants, 105 were randomly assigned to enhanced self-care and 85 to acupuncture plus enhanced self-care. Acupuncture plus enhanced self-care was associated with a significantly lower hot flash score than enhanced self-care at the end of treatment (P < .001) and at 3- and 6-month post-treatment follow-up visits (P = .0028 and .001, respectively). Acupuncture was also associated with fewer climacteric symptoms and higher quality of life in the vasomotor, physical, and psychosocial dimensions (P < .05).

Conclusion

Acupuncture in association with enhanced self-care is an effective integrative intervention for managing hot flashes and improving quality of life in women with breast cancer.
Intracranial Efficacy of Crizotinib Versus Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced ALK-Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results From PROFILE 1014
Authors: Solomon Benjamin J. , Cappuzzo Federico , Felip Enriqueta , Blackhall Fiona H. , Costa Daniel B. , Kim Dong-Wan , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Wu Yi-Long , Mekhail Tarek , Paolini Jolanda , Tursi Jennifer , Usari Tiziana , Wilner Keith D. , Selaru Paulina , Mok Tony S.K.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Intracranial efficacy of first-line crizotinib versus chemotherapy was compared prospectively in the phase III PROFILE 1014 study in ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive crizotinib (250 mg twice daily; n = 172) or chemotherapy (pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin at area under the curve 5 to 6, every 3 weeks for ≤ six cycles; n = 171). Patients with stable treated brain metastases (tBM) were eligible. Intracranial efficacy was assessed at baseline and every 6 or 12 weeks in patients with or without known brain metastases (BM), respectively; intracranial time to tumor progression (IC-TTP; per protocol) and intracranial disease control rate (IC-DCR; post hoc) were measured. The intent-to-treat population was also assessed.

Results

Of 343 patients in the intent-to-treat population, 23% had tBM at baseline. A nonsignificant IC-TTP improvement was observed with crizotinib in the intent-to-treat population (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; P = .069), patients with tBM (HR, 0.45; P = .063), and patients without BM (HR, 0.69; P = .323). Among patients with tBM, IC-DCR was significantly higher with crizotinib versus chemotherapy at 12 weeks (85% v 45%, respectively; P < .001) and 24 weeks (56% v 25%, respectively; P = .006). Progression-free survival was significantly longer with crizotinib versus chemotherapy in both subgroups (tBM present: HR, 0.40; P < .001; median, 9.0 v 4.0 months, respectively; BM absent: HR, 0.51; P < .001; median, 11.1 v 7.2 months, respectively) and in the intent-to-treat population (HR, 0.45; P < .001; median, 10.9 v 7.0 months, respectively).

Conclusion

Compared with chemotherapy, crizotinib demonstrated a significantly higher IC-DCR in patients with tBM. Improvements in IC-TTP were not statistically significant in patients with or without tBM, although sensitivity to detect treatment differences in or between the two subgroups was low.