bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective pilot study comparing nasal blood sampling and venipuncture for the assessment of hemoglobin levels and INR
Authors: Stadler Rafael R. , Soyka Michael B.
Published: April 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study is a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of sampling nose blood during an emergency using a commercially available rapid test device. It also compares the accuracy of rapid nasal blood test results to the results of standard laboratory methods using venous blood sampling.

Methods

Nose blood was collected in patients suffering from active epistaxis. In an emergency setting, hemoglobin levels and the international normalized ratio (INR) were assessed using a rapid point‐of‐care test device. These results were compared to standard laboratory analyses from venous blood taken at the same time from the same patient. Twenty patients consented to and participated in these assessments.

Results

Linear regression comparing venous and nasal samples revealed strong correlations between the two methods for both hemoglobin and INR measurement. A Bland‐Altman analysis showed the mean difference to be 2.3 g/L when comparing hemoglobin measurements made using the rapid point‐of‐care device to hemoglobin measurements made using conventional lab assessment. The corresponding mean difference for INR measurements was 0.14.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot study support the use of point‐of‐care test devices using nasal blood sampling and provide preliminary data demonstrating that a rapid testing method can be reliable, practicable, and time‐efficient. In our opinion, rapid hematologic screening for nasal and capillary blood should be available in emergency wards that treat epistaxis.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:577–581, 2017
New Radiopaque Bromine‐Containing Monomers for Dental Restorative Materials
Authors: Tauscher Sven , Catel Yohann , Liska Robert , Moszner Norbert
Published: April 2016

Four bromine‐containing methacrylates 1–4 are synthesized from pentaerythritol tribromide and 2,2,2‐tribromoethanol and are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Their free radical polymerization is performed in dimethylformamide (DMF), using 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) as initiator. The photopolymerization behavior of monomers 1–4 is investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter. Homopolymerizations and copolymerizations with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate are carried out. Both the presence of a carbamate group and of bromine atoms result in an increase of the polymerization rate. Dental resins are prepared by replacing a certain amount of 2‐(4‐cumyl‐phenoxy)ethyl methacrylate by monomers 3 and 4 in a model formulation. The incorporation of these methacrylates leads to a significant increase of the radiopacity. Resins based on mono­mer 4 exhibit improved mechanical properties.

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Dissipative Particle Dynamics Models of Orientation of Weakly‐Interacting Anisometric Silicate Particles in Polymer Melts under Shear Flow: Comparison with the Standard Orientation Models
Authors: Gooneie Ali , Schuschnigg Stephan , Holzer Clemens
Published: April 2016

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) models of orientation of weakly‐interacting silicate particles in a polymer matrix are presented. To examine the DPD models, the evolution of orientation under shear flow is compared with the predictions of the standard orientation models, namely, the Folgar–Tucker (FT) and the strain reduction factor (SRF) models. While the orientation patterns are the same in all models, the slow orientation kinetics observed in previous experiments is only predicted in the DPD and SRF models. Since the coefficients of the SRF model are in good agreement with the experiments, the good tally between the DPD and SRF models supports the capability of DPD to successfully simulate the orientation process. The orientation in a large cell constructed from unit cells with various averaged initial orientation angles is evaluated from evolutions in the unit cells based on the affine deformation assumption. The good agreement between such calculations and SRF model predictions supports that the affine deformation assumption in the large cell is reasonable. It is argued that the nonaffine deformation originated from the particle‐based nature of DPD models at the lower scale could be combined with the affine deformation at the upper scale to yield appropriate estimations of the orientation state.

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Molecular Architecture Manipulation in Free Radical Copolymerization: An Advanced Monte Carlo Approach to Screening Copolymer Chains with Various Comonomer Sequence Arrangements
Authors: Saeb Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Yousef , Pakdel Amir Saeid , Penlidis Alexander
Published: April 2016

A Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation approach has been adopted in this study to capture evolutionary events in the course of free radical copolymerization, through which batch and starved‐feed semibatch processes are compared. The implementation of the KMC code deve­loped in this work: (i) enables satisfactory control of the molecular weight of the copolymer by tracking the profiles of concentrations of macroradicals, monomers, and polymer as well as degree of polymerization, polydispersity, and chain length distribution; (ii) captures the bivariate distribution of chain length and copolymer composition; (iii) comprehensively tracks and analyzes detailed information on the molecular architecture of the growing chains, thus distinguishing between sequence length and polydispersity of chains produced in batch and starved‐feed semibatch operations; (iv) makes possible the screening of products, based on such details as the number and weight fractions of products having different comonomer units located at various positions along the copolymer chains. The aforementioned characteristics are achieved by stochastic calculations through code developed in‐house. This KMC simulator becomes a very useful tool for the development of tailored copolymers through free radical polymerization, with blocks separated with single units of a different type.

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Evaluating cognitive effort in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Turner Travis H. , Renfroe Jenna B. , Morella Kristen , Marriott Bernadette P. ,   The Bravo Working Group
Published: April 2016

Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of neuropsychiatric conditions involve cognitive outcome measures; however, validity of cognitive data relies on adequate effort during testing, and such screening is seldom performed. Given well‐established rates of 10 to 30% poor effort in clinical settings, this is not a trivial concern. This preliminary study evaluated effort during cognitive testing in an RCT of omega‐3 supplementation to reduce suicidality in a high‐risk psychiatric population. An interim analysis of sustained attentions measures from the Connors Performance Test (CPT‐2) at baseline for the first 60 participants was conducted. Previously validated cut points to detect insufficient effort on the CPT‐2 were applied. At baseline, 12% (7) were identified as giving poor effort. Follow‐up analyses indicated less psychiatric distress and suicidality among those who gave poor effort. Results suggest comparable likelihood of a poor effort on cognitive testing in clinical and RCT participation. Reduced psychiatric distress in the poor effort group raises concern regarding interpretation of other measures. The importance of screening cognitive data for effort in RCTs is highlighted. Future studies will examine effort at follow‐up visits, and explore relationships to attrition, adherence, and response to treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of modal derivatives for nonlinear model order reduction
Authors: Weeger Oliver , Wever Utz , Simeon Bernd
Published: April 2016

Modal derivative is an approach to compute a reduced basis for model order reduction of large‐scale nonlinear systems that typically stem from the discretization of partial differential equations. In this way, a complex nonlinear simulation model can be integrated into an optimization problem or the design of a controller, based on the resulting small‐scale state‐space model. We investigate the approximation properties of modal derivatives analytically and thus lay a theoretical foundation of their use in model order reduction, which has been missing so far. Concentrating on the application field of structural mechanics and structural dynamics, we show that the concept of modal derivatives can also be applied as nonlinear extension of the Craig–Bampton family of methods for substructuring. We furthermore generalize the approach from a pure projection scheme to a novel reduced‐order modeling method that replaces all nonlinear terms by quadratic expressions in the reduced state variables. This complexity reduction leads to a frequency‐preserving nonlinear quadratic state‐space model. Numerical examples with carefully chosen nonlinear model problems and three‐dimensional nonlinear elasticity confirm the analytical properties of the modal derivative reduction and show the potential of the proposed novel complexity reduction methods, along with the current limitations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
4‐hydroxythiophenol grafted PS‐b‐PAA block copolymers: Preparation and formation of porous and bowl‐shaped assemblies
Authors: Li Wenting , Li Na , Zhao Jiaxu , Zhang Xiaokai , Li Xue
Published: April 2016

4‐Hydroxythiophenol (HTP) grafted poly(styrene‐b‐acrylic acid) (PS‐b‐PAA) block copolymers (BCPs) (PS‐b‐PAA‐g‐HTP) was synthesized using the esterification reaction between the carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups. Self‐assembly behavior of the graft copolymer in 1,4‐dioxane/water was investigated. Assemblies of different morphologies, porous, and bowl‐shaped structures, could be easily prepared. A possible mechanism for the formation of the porous and bowl‐shaped structures was discussed. The present study showed a facile method for the preparation of functionalized PS‐b‐PAA BCPs, which could easily self‐assembly into novel structures in aqueous solution. These assemblies may be used to generate new functional materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1551–1557
Translational Pharmacokinetic‐Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation: Optimizing 5‐Fluorouracil Dosing in Children With Pediatric Ependymoma
Authors: Daryani VM , Patel YT , Tagen M , Turner DC , Carcaboso AM , Atkinson JM , Gajjar A , Gilbertson RJ , Wright KD , Stewart CF
Published: April 2016

We previously investigated novel therapies for pediatric ependymoma and found 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) i.v. bolus increased survival in a representative mouse model. However, without a quantitative framework to derive clinical dosing recommendations, we devised a translational pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling and simulation approach. Results from our preclinical PK‐PD model suggested tumor concentrations exceeded the 1‐hour target exposure (in vitro IC90), leading to tumor growth delay and increased survival. Using an adult population PK model, we scaled our preclinical PK‐PD model to children. To select a 5‐FU dosage for our clinical trial in children with ependymoma, we simulated various 5‐FU dosages for tumor exposures and tumor growth inhibition, as well as considering tolerability to bolus 5‐FU administration. We developed a pediatric population PK model of bolus 5‐FU and simulated tumor exposures for our patients. Simulations for tumor concentrations indicated that all patients would be above the 1‐hour target exposure for antitumor effect.
Fabrication of GaN quantum dots using Ga droplet epitaxy and thermal annealing by metal organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Qi Zhiqiang , Fang Yanyan , Chen Changqing , Dai Jiangnan
Published: April 2016

Optically active GaN quantum dots are grown by droplet heteroepitaxy and post‐growth annealing. The evolution of morphology and optical properties of thermal annealing GaN QDs have been investigated. The results show that thermal annealing under NH3/N2 ambience is a necessary condition for maintaining the optimal QDs morphology and improving optical properties of GaN QDs. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Admittance of MIS structures based on graded‐gap MBE HgCdTe with Al2O3 insulator
Authors: Voitsekhovskii Alexander V. , Nesmelov Sergey N. , Dzyadukh Stanislav M. , Vasil`ev Vladimir V. , Varavin Vasiliy S. , Dvoretsky Sergey A. , Mikhailov Nikolay N. , Yakushev Maxim V. , Sidorov Georgiy Y.
Published: April 2016

The paper presents the results of studies of the admittance of MIS structures based on heteroepitaxial MBE n (p)‐Hg0.78Cd0.22Te with insulator coating SiO2/Si3N4 and Al2O3 in the test signal frequency range 10 kHz‐1 MHz at temperatures ranging from 8 to 220 K. The main parameters of MIS structures with different insulators were determined. MIS structures with Al2O3 have a large enough insulator capacitance (compared to SiO2/Si3N4), a significant modulation capacitance on the CV characteristics, high dielectric strength and low values of the flat‐band voltage. The effective charge density found from the value of the flat‐band voltage and slow interface trap density for structures with Al2O3 comparable with the corresponding densities for structures with SiO2/Si3N4. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication and characterization of two‐dimensional cubic AlN photonic crystal membranes containing zincblende GaN quantum dots
Authors: Blumenthal Sarah , Bürger Matthias , Hildebrandt Andre , Förstner Jens , Weber Nils , Meier Cedrik , Reuter Dirk , As Donat J.
Published: April 2016

We successfully developed a process to fabricate freestanding cubic aluminium nitride (c‐AlN) membranes containing cubic gallium nitride (c‐GaN) quantum dots (QDs). The samples were grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). To realize the photonic crystal (PhC) membrane we have chosen a triangular array of holes. The array was fabricated by electron beam lithography and several steps of reactive ion etching (RIE) with the help of a hard mask and an undercut of the active layer. The r/a‐ ratio of 0.35 was deter‐ mined by numerical simulations to obtain a preferably wide photonic band gap. Micro‐photoluminescence (µ‐PL) measurements of the photonic crystals, in particular of a H1 and a L3 cavity, and the emission of the QD ensemble were performed to characterize the samples. The PhCs show high quality factors of 4400 for the H1 cavity and about 5000/3000 for two different modes of the L3 cavity, respectively. The energy of the fundamental modes is in good agreement to the numerical simulations. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic ordering in Ho‐doped Bi2Te3 topological insulator
Authors: Figueroa A. I. , Harrison S. E. , Collins‐McIntyre L. J. , van der Laan G. , Hesjedal T.
Published: April 2016

We investigate the magnetic properties of Ho‐doped Bi2Te3 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Analysis of the polarized X‐ray absorption spectra at the Ho M5 absorption edge gives an effective 4f magnetic moment which is ∼45% of the Hund's rule ground state value. X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) shows no significant anisotropy, which suggests that the reduced spin moment is not due to the crystal field effects, but rather the presence of non‐magnetic or antiferromagnetic Ho sites. Extrapolating the temperature dependence of the XMCD measured in total electron yield and fluorescence yield mode in a field of 7 T gives a Curie–Weiss temperature of ϑCW ≈ –30 K, which suggests antiferromagnetic ordering, in contrast to the paramagnetic behavior observed with SQUID magnetometry. From the anomaly of the XMCD signal at low temperatures, a Néel temperature TN between 10 K and 25 K is estimated. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Group sequential designs with prospectively planned rules for subpopulation enrichment
Authors: Rosenblum Michael , Luber Brandon , Thompson Richard E. , Hanley Daniel
Published: April 2016

We propose a class of randomized trial designs aimed at gaining the advantages of wider generalizability and faster recruitment while mitigating the risks of including a population for which there is greater a priori uncertainty. We focus on testing null hypotheses for the overall population and a predefined subpopulation. Our designs have preplanned rules for modifying enrollment criteria based on data accrued at interim analyses. For example, enrollment can be restricted if the participants from a predefined subpopulation are not benefiting from the new treatment. Our designs have the following features: the multiple testing procedure fully leverages the correlation among statistics for different populations; the asymptotic familywise Type I error rate is strongly controlled; for outcomes that are binary or normally distributed, the decision rule and multiple testing procedure are functions of the data only through minimal sufficient statistics. Our designs incorporate standard group sequential boundaries for each population of interest; this may be helpful in communicating the designs, because many clinical investigators are familiar with such boundaries, which can be summarized succinctly in a single table or graph. We demonstrate these designs through simulations of a Phase III trial of a new treatment for stroke. User‐friendly, free software implementing these designs is described. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Point pattern analysis on a region of a sphere
Authors: Lawrence Thomas , Baddeley Adrian , Milne Robin K. , Nair Gopalan
Published: April 2016

We develop statistical methods for analysing a pattern of points on a region of the sphere, including intensity modelling and estimation, summary functions such as theKfunction, point process models, and model‐fitting techniques. The methods are demonstrated by analysing a dataset giving the sky positions of galaxies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the Surrogator® system to increase pheasant and quail abundance
Authors: Thacker Eric T. , Hamm Robert L. , Hagen Jacob , Davis Craig A. , Guthery Fred
Published: April 2016

Captive‐rearing and release programs have been used to augment populations of ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), and other gamebirds to provide additional hunting opportunities. However, many question the efficacy of the rear‐and‐release technique to increase huntable gamebird populations. The Surrogator® (hereafter, surrogator) is a captive‐rearing system purported to establish huntable gamebird populations within a property. Little research has been conducted to inform land managers and sportsmen and sportswomen about the effectiveness of this system. We evaluated the use of the surrogator for ring‐necked pheasants and northern bobwhites from May to October 2009 and 2010 in Kiowa County, Kansas, USA. The 4‐week in‐surrogator survival rates for pheasant chicks were 85% ± 5% (SE) in 2009 (n = 840) and 79% ± 8% in 2010 (n = 420). The 5‐week in‐surrogator survival of bobwhite chicks was 78% ± 12% (n = 765) in 2009 and 79% ± 3% in 2010 (n = 783). Released pheasant chicks had an overall survival rate of 8% ± 6% (n = 58) over 12 weeks. Eight‐week postrelease survival for bobwhites was 35% ± 5% (n = 59). Postrelease survival of pheasants or bobwhites was not appreciably greater than conventional rear‐and‐release programs, suggesting that population establishment with surrogator birds may be difficult. Although 1,150 pheasants and 1,105 bobwhites were released, only 5.5% and 7.2% of bands were returned from harvested pheasants and bobwhites, respectively. The surrogator may not be effective for establishing or re‐establishing pheasant and bobwhite populations, but it may be an effective tool to supplement existing gamebird populations to enhance hunting opportunities. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
1.0 s Ultrafast MRI in non-sedated infants after reduction with spica casting for developmental dysplasia of the hip: A feasibility study
Authors: Fukuda Atsushi , Fukiage Kenichi , Futami Tohru , Miyati Tosiaki
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to first develop and use 1.0 s ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the location of the femoral head in non-sedated infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) after reduction with spica cast application in clinical settings.

Methods

The ultrafast acquisition was achieved by employing a balanced steady-state free precession sequence and immobilizing the patient with dedicated sandbags. On completion of the ultrafast MRI study, all infants were sedated for conventional MRI scanning. Two orthopaedic surgeons retrospectively evaluated the image quality, result of the reduction and total MRI study time (including patient immobilization, coil setup, and scanning) in 14 DDHs of 13 infants (one with bilateral DDHs).

Results

Both reviewers stated that there were no motion artefacts for non-sedated infants during the ultrafast MRI and that the quality of both the ultrafast and conventional MRI images were acceptable to assess the femoral head location. Assessment of the reduction procedure resulted in two hips being categorized as ‘incomplete reduction’ requiring a re-reduction procedure. The total study time of ultrafast and conventional MRI was 6 ± 1 min and 14 ± 3 min, respectively ( P < 0.001). No complications due to sedation, such as hypoxia, were reported. The average sedation waiting time was 1 h 25 min ± 34 min.

Conclusion

The ultrafast MRI procedure reported here can be readily employed to confirm the location of the femoral head in infants with DDHs, without the use of any sedation.
Family‐based risk factors for non‐suicidal self‐injury: Considering influences of maltreatment, adverse family‐life experiences, and parent–child relational risk
Authors: Martin Jodi , Bureau Jean‐François , Yurkowski Kim , Fournier Tania Renaud , Lafontaine Marie‐France , Cloutier Paula
Published: April 2016

The current investigation addressed the potential for unique influences of perceived childhood maltreatment, adverse family‐life events, and parent‐child relational trauma on the lifetime occurrence and addictive features of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Participants included 957 undergraduate students (747 females; M = 20.14 years, SD = 3.88) who completed online questionnaires regarding the key variables under study. Although self‐injuring youth reported more experiences with each family‐based risk factor, different patterns of association were found when lifetime engagement in NSSI or its addictive features were under study. Perceived parent‐child relational trauma was uniquely linked with NSSI behavior after accounting for perceived childhood maltreatment; adverse family‐life events had an additional unique association. In contrast, perceived paternal maltreatment was uniquely related with NSSI's addictive features. Findings underline the importance of studying inter‐related family‐based risk factors of NSSI simultaneously for a comprehensive understanding of familial correlates of NSSI behavior and its underlying features.
Homeopathic therapy in pediatric atopic diseases: short- and long-term results
Authors: Picchi Marco , Bartoli Paola , Panozzo Marialessandra , Cervino Chiara , Nurra Linda , Rossi Elio
Published: April 2016

Aim: To study the outcomes of atopic diseases in children treated with homeopathy at the Homeopathic Clinic of Lucca (Italy) and related long-term results after approximately an 8-year period.

Materials and methods: Our data derive from an observational longitudinal study carried out on 857 pediatric patients who consecutive visited from 1998 to 2014. Children with atopic diseases were 325 (37.9%), 126 (39%) suffered from atopic dermatitis, 72 (22%) from allergic rhinitis, and 127 (39%) from asthma. Moreover, a long-term study was conducted on a subset of 107/165 patients, consecutively visited from 1998 to 2006, and with ≥5 years follow-up. The study also investigated the evolution of overall symptoms in those patients with a complex atopic symptomatology.

Results: 75.8% of atopic children had moderate or major improvement (67.1% with asthma as the primary disease; 84.2% rhinitis; 84.2% dermatitis). At re-evaluation after 5–10 years, complete remission of atopic symptoms was obtained in 70.1% of the children: 84.2% in dermatitis; 48.1% in allergic rhinitis; 71.4% in asthma. Children with two or three atopic diseases at the first visit were completely cured in 40% of cases.

Conclusion: The results seem to confirm that homeopathic medicine produces positive therapeutic response in atopic children.
Antioxidant effect of mesalazine in the experimental colitis model induced by acetic acid
Authors: Moura Rosa Maria , Hartmann Renata Minuzzo , Licks Francielli , Schemitt Elizângela Gonçalves , Colares Josieli Raskopf , do Couto Soares Mariana , Fillmann Lucio Sarubbi , Fillmann Henrique Sarubbi , Marroni Norma Possa
Published: April 2016

Introduction Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, without specific cause or pathogen.

Objective The effect of mesalazine in a colitis model induced by acetic acid (AA) was evaluated.

Methods We used 40 Wistar rats, ±350 g, divided into 4 groups: control (CO); control + mesalazine (CO + M); colitis (CL) and colitis + M (CL + M) at 24 and 48 h of treatment. The animals received the substances by an intracolonic enema of AA 4% and treatment with mesalazine PO 20 mg/kg after colitis induction.

Results Mesalazine reduced tissue damage in the gut, normalized sphincter anal pressure levels and decreased lipid peroxidation, metabolites of nitric oxide and iNOS and NF-kB expression in the treated groups in both treatment time points (24 and 48 h), as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusion Mesalazine was effective in reducing tissue damage and oxidative and inflammatory damage, restored antioxidant capacity and increased anal sphincter pressure levels, possibly due to its antioxidant effect.
Children and adolescents ostomized in a reference hospital. Epidemiological profile
Authors: dos Santos Orlando José , Sauaia Filho Euler Nicolau , Barros Filho Allan Kardec Duailibe , Desterro Vanessa Sousa , Teixeira Silva Maryjom Venicius , de Paula e Silva Prado Rosa , Santos Sauaia Cleres Helena
Published: April 2016

Objectives To assess the epidemiological profile of children and adolescents with intestinal stoma, assisted at the Presidente Dutra University Hospital (HUPD), São Luís (MA).

Methods Observational, descriptive, retrospective, and individuated study. Data were collected from 110 children and adolescents with elimination intestinal stoma, from January 2006 to February 2013. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, patient origin, and stomata indication, type, and temporal character. After data collection, descriptive analysis was made by Bioestat 5.0 program.

Results Of 110 patients, 78.2% were male and 21.8% female. The average age was 9.4 years old. 55.5% came from the Maranhão state countryside, and 44.5% from the capital, São Luís. Regarding stoma type, colostomies made up 88.2%, and were 11.8% ileostomies, all temporary stoma. The main cause was trauma (42.7%), with firearm abdominal puncture being the most frequent cause (71.5% of the category); followed by congenital anomalies (38.2%), and obstructive (5.4%) and inflammatory (4.5%) causes.

Conclusion Studied children and adolescents were mostly male, from Maranhão state countryside. The main cause was trauma, and colostomy was the most common stoma type.
Use of Miniplates and Local Bone Grafts to Prevent Spring Back in Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Yuk Lee Michelle Syn , Yau Lau Pui , Sze Luk Karen Man , Raymond Wong Nang Man , Wing Lau Sun , Lung Choi Tsz , Hang Ngai Yik
Published: April 2016

Background/Purpose

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy/ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament can be treated by anterior or posterior decompression. For multiple levels, it is common to perform posterior decompression by laminoplasty. Hirabayashi described his open-door expansive laminoplasty in 1977, which soon became popular. Spring back of the lamina has always been a problem. Many methods including suturing to soft tissue, suture anchors, bone grafts, hydroxyapatite blocks, and ceramic spacers were used to prevent this problem, but with considerable failure. Recently, miniplates were used to prevent spring back.

Methods

Twenty-nine consecutive patients who had underwent Hirabayashi open-door expansive laminoplasty in a single centre were recruited in this retrospective study. Miniplates were used to keep the laminae open. In addition, the spinous processes of lower cervical vertebrae were excised and used as local bone grafts to fill the gap between the cut laminae. Computerized tomography scans were performed postoperatively for all patients to assess bone union and spring back.

Results

A total of 126 levels of laminoplasty and 51 local bone grafts were studied. The minimal follow-up period was 12 months. Signs of bone union were demonstrated in 123 hinges (97.6%) and 51 bone grafts (100%). No spring back was detected. The clinical outcome in terms of Hirabayashi recovery rate was 47.2%.

Conclusion

Miniplates and local bone grafts are promising and effective tools for preventing spring back in cervical laminoplasty.
Does Critical Theory Have a Place in Social Studies Research?: A Commentary
Authors: Shear Sarah B.
Published: April 2016

This commentary draws from the author's experiences as an early career scholar trying to navigate the field of social studies research. A number of questions and concerns are posed in seeking dialogue and action toward more emphasis and inclusion of critical theories in social studies.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Among Resident Survivors of the Tsunami That Followed the Great East Japan Earthquake, March 11, 2011
Authors: Matsubara Chieko , Murakami Hitoshi , Imai Koubun , Mizoue Tetsuya , Akashi Hidechika , Miyoshi Chiaki , Nakasa Tamotsu
Published: April 2016

Objective

The Great East Japan Earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that devastated the coasts of northern Japan on March 11, 2011. Despite the large number of “resident survivors,” who have continued to reside on the upper floors of damaged houses, few studies have examined the mental health of these residents. We explored the prevalence and risk factors of post-traumatic stress reaction (PTSR) among resident survivors.

Methods

A cross-sectional household screening for health support needs was conducted among resident survivors in Higashi-Matsushima city, Miyagi, 2 to 4 months after the tsunami. Questions assessing PTSR were included in the screening interviews.

Results

Of 5103 resident survivors, 5.7% experienced PTSR. PTSR risk factors, identified via regression analysis, differed according to the height of house flooding. When house flooding remained below the ground floor, PTSR was significantly associated with being female and regular psychotropic medication intake. These 2 factors in addition to being middle-aged or elderly and living alone were also risk factors when flood levels were above the ground floor.

Conclusions

Following the tsunami, PTSR was found in a considerable number of resident survivors. Attention and support for people who use psychiatric medication, their families, and people living alone are suggested as possible directions for public health strategies. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 8)
J.G. Crowther's War: Institutional strife at the BBC and British Council
Authors: JONES ALLAN
Published: April 2016

Science writer, historian and administrator J.G. Crowther (1899–1983) had an uneasy relationship with the BBC during the 1920s and 1930s, and was regarded with suspicion by the British security services because of his left politics. Nevertheless the Second World War saw him working for ‘establishment’ institutions. He was closely associated with the BBC's Overseas Service and employed by the British Council's Science Committee. Both organizations found Crowther useful because of his wide, international knowledge of science and scientists. Crowther's political views, and his international aspirations for the British Council's Science Committee, increasingly embroiled him in an institutional conflict with the Royal Society and with its president, Sir Henry Dale, who was also chairman of the British Council's Science Committee. The conflict centred on the management of international scientific relations, a matter close Crowther's heart, and to Dale's. Dale considered that the formal conduct of international scientific relations was the Royal Society's business rather than the British Council's. Crowther disagreed, and eventually resigned from the British Council Science Committee in 1946. The article expands knowledge of Crowther by drawing on archival documents to elucidate a side of his career that is only lightly touched on in his memoirs. It shows that ‘Crowther's war’ was also an institutional war between the Science Committee of the British Council and the Royal Society. Crowther's unhappy experience of interference by the Royal Society plausibly accounts for a retreat from his pre-war view that institutional science should plan and manage BBC science broadcasts.
Understanding the Funny Military Music Video
Authors: DINNEN ZARA
Published: April 2016

Funny military music videos are popular videos featuring soldiers dancing to chart hits, usually parodying other Internet music video memes. This article is interested in the conditions of seeing these videos, of their being seen, in specific relation to their military-ness and their American-ness – US soldiers, on a US military base in occupied territory, dancing to US pop music, circulating on US social media sites, watched by a US public. This article claims that as insistent expressions of a popular, militarized, everyday culture, funny military music videos are exemplary assemblages of the visual conditions of the American military imaginary.
Effects of short-term continuous and intermittent feeding regimes on food consumption, growth, gonad production and quality of sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius fed a formulated feed
Authors: Wei Jing , Zhao Chong , Zhang Lisheng , Yang Limeng , Zuo Rantao , Hou Shouquan , Chang Yaqing
Published: April 2016

Feeding regime is an important concern for sea urchin aquaculture. However, optimal feed regimes have not been established for land-based sea urchin ventures using a formulated feed. In this study, we investigated the effects of short-term continuous and intermittent feeding regimes on food consumption, growth, gonad production and quality of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius (54.90 ± 2.28 mm of test diameter) fed a formulated feed. The results showed that (1) compared with initial conditions, all involved traits except a* (test diameter, test height, body weight, gonad weight, gonad index, gonad moisture, L* and b*) showed significant increase at the end of the experiments; (2) only the longest term feed regime tested in this trial (S2) significantly negatively affected growth and gonad production of S. intermedius fed a formulated feed; (3) there was a trend but this was not significant for inhibiting gonad development of S. intermedius in intermittent feeding regimes and there was no change in the gonad colour and sweetness; (4) S0.5 (fasting half day and then feeding half day) is the optimal intermittent feeding regime for S. intermedius fed a formulated feed. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of finding an effective intermittent feeding regime for land-based cultured sea urchins of relatively large size, and thus has direct application potential in the field of aquaculture.
Iron-modulated pseudocyst formation inTritrichomonas foetus
Authors: CASTRO CÁSSIA , MENNA-BARRETO RUBEM FIGUEIREDO SADOK , FERNANDES NILMA DE SOUZA , SABOIA-VAHIA LEONARDO , DIAS-LOPES GEOVANE , BRITTO CONSTANÇA , CUERVO PATRICIA , DE JESUS JOSÉ BATISTA
Published: April 2016

Iron is an essential element for the survival of trichomonads during host–parasite interaction. The availability of this metal modulates several metabolic pathways of the parasites and regulates the expression of virulence factors such as adhesins and proteolytic enzymes. In this study, we investigated the effect of iron depletion on the morphology and life cycle ofTritrichomonas foetus. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that depletion of iron from the culture medium (named TYM-DIP inducer medium) induces morphological transformation of typical pear-shaped trophozoites into spherical and non-motile pseudocysts. Remarkably, inoculation of pseudocysts into an iron-rich medium (standard TYM medium), or addition of FeSO4to a TYM-DIP inducer medium reverted the morphological transformation process and typical trophozoites were recovered. These results show that pseudocysts are viable forms of the parasite and highlight the role of iron as a modulator of the parasite phenotype. Although iron is required for the survival ofT. foetus, iron depletion does not cause a cellular collapse of pseudocysts, but instead induces phenotypic alterations, probably in order to allow the parasite to survive conditions of nutritional stress. Together, these findings support previous studies that suggest pseudocysts are a resistance form in the life cycle ofT. foetusand enable new approaches to understanding the multifactorial role of iron in the cell biology of this protozoan parasite.
Nietzsche's Political Engagements: On the Relationship between Philosophy and Politics in The Wanderer and His Shadow
Authors: Fortier Jeremy
Published: April 2016

In Nietzsche's early and late writings, he appears as an antimodern, antiliberal political revolutionary, championing the world-transformative characters of (first) Richard Wagner and (later) Zarathustra. By contrast, in the writings of his “middle period,” Nietzsche struck up a rapprochement with the modern world, and developed the ideal of a “free spirit.” Among those writings, The Wanderer and His Shadow sheds the most revealing light on the free spirit ideal. It shows that, even as Nietzsche sought to avoid some of the hazards associated with his more revolutionary writings, he continued to advocate a sharply critical engagement with political and cultural life. And it reveals what Nietzsche understood to be most challenging or problematic about the free spirit ideal—and, thereby, what later moved him away from it.
Cross-Cultural Intelligibility and the Use of History: From Democracy and Liberalism to Indian Rajanical Thought
Authors: Gray Stuart
Published: April 2016

While numerous methodological and interpretive challenges confront the study of cross-cultural political theory, this essay examines a particular premodern Indian tradition as an example of such difficulties and one way in which they can be overcome. Exploring the problematic ways in which people have interpreted and made use of India's ancient past, it critically examines arguments for the existence of secularism, free elections, and democratic assemblies in the Vedas. Defending what I call a “critical revivalist” position, it is argued that predominant approaches to premodern traditions in contemporary Indian political theory place significant constraints on cross-cultural intelligibility and theory building within the Indian context. To elaborate this point, I shift from a “political” to rājan-oriented categorical register in an effort to reposition current understandings of self-rule (swaraj) in India within a broader rajanical tradition. Finally, this essay explains how contemporary Indian political theory can draw insights from this native tradition without necessarily reverting to familiar Western idioms.
Between the Vita Activa and the Vita Contemplativa: Beiner's Arendt
Authors: Bradshaw Leah
Published: April 2016

In the introductory pages of Political Philosophy, Beiner lays out his template for political philosophy. Political philosophers participate in an ongoing dialogue about “rival conceptions of the good” (xvi). “If we do not at least aspire to a theory that presents itself as more rationally compelling than all alternative views, it is hard to see how we can do theory at all” (xxvii). Because Beiner holds this view that a political philosopher aims for a comprehensive picture, he spends a lot of time in these first pages explaining why Isaiah Berlin cannot count as a political philosopher (because Berlin refuses to judge among competing conceptions of the good). A second prologue Beiner devotes to considerations on Freud and Weber. He calls them “epic” theorists (xxix), but they are more than epic: they are tragic. It is in these pages—of prologue no. 2—that we get the keenest insight into what Beiner really thinks political philosophy is. Freud is an Enlightenment rationalist but at the same time a “deep and uncompromising pessimist.” Weber appeals to Beiner because he held that one needs as a scholar “the courage to make up [one's] mind about [one's] ultimate standpoint” (xlix), even while acknowledging that we live in a “brutally disenchanted world” (l). Resolution in the face of tragedy is the core of political philosophy for Beiner.
Waning population immunity prior to a large Q fever epidemic in the south of The Netherlands
Authors: BRANDWAGT D. A. H. , HERREMANS T. , SCHNEEBERGER P. M. , HACKERT V. H. , HOEBE C. J. P. A. , PAGET J. , VAN DER HOEK W.
Published: April 2016

Historical survey data suggest that the seroprevalence of antibodies againstCoxiella burnetiiin the general population of The Netherlands decreased from more than 40% in 1983 to 2·4% in 2007, just before the start of the large 2007–2010 Q fever epidemic. To assess whether the sharp decline in seroprevalence was real, we performed a cross-sectional study using historical samples. We tested samples using a contemporary commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay. In plasma samples from the south of The Netherlands from 1987, we found an age- and sex-standardized seroprevalence of 14·4% (95% confidence interval 11·2–18·3). This was significantly lower than a 1983 estimate from the same area (62·5%), but significantly higher than 2008 (1·0%) and 2010 (2·3%) estimates from the same area. The study suggests that there was a steady and sharp decline in Q fever seroprevalence in the south of The Netherlands from 1987 to 2008. We assume that seroprevalence has decreased in other parts of The Netherlands as well and seroprevalence surveys in other European countries have shown a similar declining trend. Waning population immunity in The Netherlands may have contributed to the scale of the 2007–2010 Q fever epidemic. For a better understanding of the infection dynamics of Q fever, we advocate an international comparative study of the seroprevalence ofC. burnetii.
Governance of Migrant Worker Recruitment: A Rights-Based Framework for Countries of Origin
Authors: FARBENBLUM Bassina
Published: April 2016

A vast private recruitment industry has emerged across South and Southeast Asia, driven by exponential increases in migrant workers seeking temporary low-wage jobs abroad. Many workers encounter mistreatment which is traceable to systemic recruiter misconduct. Could origin countries better protect their citizens and render recruiters more accountable? This paper presents a novel, rights-based recruitment governance framework to tackle this challenge, based on empirical studies conducted across Asia. Section I examines recent regulatory efforts and illustrates their limited effectiveness absent such a guiding framework. Section II elucidates and applies the key elements of the framework, including: incorporation of human rights standards; enforceable legal rights and obligations; effective implementing institutions and processes; and empowered participation of migrant workers in key labour migration processes and decisions. Section III identifies structural and practical obstacles to regulatory enforcement that the framework addresses, creating necessary conditions for transnational market-based reforms and responsible recruitment within origin countries. Section IV concludes that the framework provides countries of origin with a feasible path to better protecting migrant workers within a sustainable development strategy.
Entzündungszellen in der Atherosklerose – gut oder schlecht?
Authors: Klingenberg Roland , M. Matter Christian , F. Lüscher Thomas
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Entzündungsvorgänge sind ein zentraler Bestandteil der Atherosklerose. Experimentelle Forschungsergebnisse zeigen eine wichtige Bedeutung sowohl der angeborenen als auch der erworbenen Immunität während des Beginns und des Fortschreitens der Atherosklerose. Neue Erkenntnisse dokumentieren, wie die erworbene Immunität aktiviert und die Atherosklerose-Entwicklung dadurch beeinflusst wird. Hierbei ist das fein abgestimmte Zusammenspiel unterschiedlicher Subtypen von Lymphozyten und deren Mediatoren ein zentrales Merkmal der vaskulären Inflammation. Erkenntnisse über das Vorliegen einer inhärenten antiinflammatorischen Komponente der erworbenen Immunität, die durch regulatorische T-Zellen vermittelt wird, skizzieren ein neues therapeutisches Konzept: die Expansion von regulatorischen T-Zellen zur Reduktion der Atherosklerose. Aufbauend auf einer Vielzahl von Untersuchungsergebnissen stellt dieses Konzept eine neue therapeutische Option bei Patienten mit Atherosklerose dar.
Das Meningeom: Management des häufigsten hirneigenen Tumors
Authors: Hundsberger Thomas , Surbeck Werner , Hader Claudia , Putora Paul Martin , Conen Katrin , Roelcke Ulrich
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Meningeome sind die häufigsten hirneigenen Tumoren und haben eine medizinische Relevanz in der Hausarztmedizin. Diese Tumoren sind überwiegend gutartig (WHO-Grad I) und können entweder beobachtet oder operiert werden. Bei einer kompletten Tumorentfernung ist das Rückfallrisiko gering. Höher-gradige Meningeome (WHO-Grad II/III) bedürfen meist einer multimodalen Therapie mit Operation und Strahlentherapie, auch wenn hierzu keine kontrollierten Studien vorliegen. Das Rezidivrisiko dieser Meningeome ist wesentlich höher, sodass engmaschiger mittels kranialer Magnetresonanztomografie nachuntersucht werden muss, um Rezidive früh zu entdecken. Neue Systemtherapien mit gezieltem Wirkmechanismus («targeted drugs») erweitern das therapeutische Spektrum und kommen zum Einsatz, wenn die lokalen Therapieverfahren versagen (z.B. Bevacizumab, Sunitinib). Bei Meningeomen aller WHO-Grade empfiehlt sich die Festlegung einer therapeutischen Strategie im Rahmen eines interdisziplinären Tumorboards.
Interesse von Kleinkindern an unterschiedlichen Sprachlernmedien
Authors: Walter-Laager Catherine , Brandenberg Kathrin , Tinguely Luzia , Moschner Barbara , Schwarz Jürg , Pfiffner Manfred R.
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird, basierend auf der theoretischen Rahmenkonzeption zu Interesse von Schiefele, Prenzel, Krapp, Heiland und Kasten (1983) , der Fokus auf das (situative) Interesse von zweijährigen Kindern an der Verwendung von unterschiedlichen Sprachlernmedien gelenkt. In einer quasi-experimentellen Versuchsanordnung wurde überprüft, inwiefern die Auseinandersetzung mit einer Wortlern-App gegenüber traditionellen Sprachfördersettings Vor- beziehungsweise Nachteile bezüglich des Interesses bringt und welche Bedeutung dabei die Begleitung durch eine Bezugsperson hat. Es zeigte sich, dass die Kinder bei der Verwendung einer Wortlern-App ein deutlich höheres situatives Interesse als bei der Betrachtung von entsprechenden Bildkarten aufweisen, dies sowohl mit als auch ohne Begleitung durch eine Bezugsperson.