bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Putin: The politics of identity and geopolitics in Russian foreign policy discourse
Authors: Roberts Kari
Published: February 2017

Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent deterioration in its relations with the West have led many analysts to adopt a narrow view of Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy motivations, chalking them up to old-school geopolitics. This paper makes the case that the traditional structural explanations for Russian foreign policy that are dominant within the discipline of international relations do not adequately consider the influence of identity in Putin’s emerging foreign policy narrative. Putin’s narrative is shaped by, and shapes, a discourse about cultural and historical ties with Russian borderlands, as well as by the cultural and security vulnerabilities generated by the West’s treatment of Russia, evidenced by the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This discourse has underscored a more militant foreign policy turn under Putin in which he is prepared to protect and defend Russia’s interests at high cost; Russia’s actions in Crimea exemplify this. This connection between identity and foreign policy in Putin’s Russia demands attention if we hope to gain a better grasp of Russian foreign policy under his leadership.
Between patronage and good governance: Organizational arrangements in (local) public appointment processes
Authors: Sancino Alessandro , Sicilia Mariafrancesca , Grossi Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

This article investigates whether certain organizational arrangements in (local) public appointment processes could encourage the use of appointments as a tool of good governance rather than as a tool of patronage. Specifically, we studied the role of six organizational arrangements in 10 case studies of intra- and inter-organizational public appointment processes held in Italian local government. We found that good governance (in terms of perception of overall integrity and fairness) was found in processes of public appointments where there was independent scrutiny, and when the process involved local councillors and/or external stakeholders – that is, actors beyond those with the formal power to appoint. In these cases, making appointments was seen as a tool of good governance rather than of patronage. These organizational arrangements were more relevant than other ones such as the transparency of public advertisements, job descriptions and educational/professional requirements, and media and public awareness. The article describes the relevant literature and the research study, and discusses implications for research, policy and management.

Points for practitioners

In terms of policy implications, the article discusses the importance of ensuring transparency and some form of checks and balances in the power of making public appointments, as well as of promoting more awareness among citizens and society in general of the issue of public appointments. From a managerial point of view, the article suggests that public managers should consider the implications of the different organizational arrangements that can be used in public appointment processes to exploit the good governance potential of public appointments.
Sudden death due to aortic dissection in early pregnancy – a case report
Authors: Shetty Akshith RS , Girish Chandra YP , Praveen S , Gajula Somusekhar
Published: February 2017

Forensic pathologists come across many deaths due to natural causes which are sudden. Sudden natural deaths in females who are pregnant warrant thorough investigation and a medico-legal autopsy to rule out any foul play. Here, we report a case of 21-year-old primigravida in her first trimester who suddenly complained of severe chest pain and was brought dead to the hospital with no history suggestive of prior natural disease. At autopsy, the death was attributed to dissection of ascending aorta.
Understanding Guest Satisfaction with Urban Hotel Location
Authors: Yang Yang , Mao Zhenxing , Tang Jingyin
Published: February 2017

In this article, we unveil determinants of guest satisfaction with urban hotel locations and disclose what types of locations are preferred by guests. Using data from 8,185 online reviews of 220 Los Angeles hotels checked in during a 1-year period, we apply a mixed-effect ordered logit model to investigate factors determining location evaluation scores. We classify all location-related factors into three categories: accessibility to points of interest, transport convenience, and surrounding environment. Our results suggest that a property’s accessibility to attractions, airports, universities and public transportation, as well as green spaces, bodies of water, and local businesses are significant determinants. Free parking and airport shuttle bus service could mitigate disadvantages related to inferior airport accessibility. Moreover, we underscore different hotel location satisfaction effects across travelers’ experiences and types of travel described in the online reviews. Lastly, different types of travelers demonstrate heterogeneous location preferences related to different tourist attractions.
Evaluation of Empowerment in Health Promotion Interventions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lindacher Verena , Curbach Janina , Warrelmann Berit , Brandstetter Susanne , Loss Julika
Published: February 2017

Although empowerment is one of the core principles of the World Health Organization’s approach to health promotion, there are no standards, best practice recommendations, or guidelines for evaluating empowerment within interventions. For the development of effective empowerment promoting interventions, adequate study designs, methods, and indicators for assessing empowerment are essential. In order to better understand which evaluation procedures have been used so far, and which advantages and disadvantages are connected to them, we systematically reviewed empowerment-based health promotion interventions. We included 26 studies, which use a broad variety of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods designs and various data collection methods; qualitative and mixed-methods designs predominated. The quantitative measurement instruments are heterogeneous: Mainly self-designed or modified scales are applied. All studies consider indicators reflecting individual competencies and motivations, whereas indicators capturing the organizational and political components of empowerment are less common. Involving target group members in the development of evaluation procedures and combining different data sources are mentioned as specific steps to improve the quality of data collection. Given the flexible and context-dependent nature of empowerment approaches, the development of a “gold standard” for its evaluation seems unrealistic. However, the analyzed studies can be used to deduce recommendations that may help to conduct high-quality evaluations of empowerment, for example, mixed-methods designs, participation of target groups, and reflective loops within the research team.
‘Distinctiveness’ and the BBC: a new battleground for public service television?
Authors: Goddard Peter
Published: February 2017

UK government-led consultations over the renewal of the BBC’s Charter, and the new 2017 Charter itself, have foregrounded the ‘distinctiveness’ of the BBC’s output, especially in popular entertainment television. Focusing on these debates and proposals, this article considers the value of distinctiveness when applied to BBC television, identifying definitions of the term and its history (or lack of it) in previous debates about the British broadcasting system. It discusses the implications of proposed systems for measuring distinctiveness quantitatively. It examines why the publicly funded, not-for-profit model of broadcasting might be expected to yield more distinctive outputs, yet also detects the spectre of concerns about the BBC’s market impact to be present in the background of these debates, in relation both to the production of entertainment content and to its scheduling. The article argues that the domestic and global economic and cultural benefits arising from the BBC’s potential for creating ‘distinctive’ programming should outweigh concerns about market impact. It also concludes that ‘distinctiveness’ adds little to the BBC’s existing service requirements, but risks being used prescriptively and as a weapon with which the BBC’s output can constantly be questioned by its critics.
Informal Training Experiences and Explicit Bias against African Americans among Medical Students
Authors: Burke Sara E. , Dovidio John F. , Perry Sylvia P. , Burgess Diana J. , Hardeman Rachel R. , Phelan Sean M. , Cunningham Brooke A. , Yeazel Mark W. , Przedworski Julia M. , van Ryn Michelle
Published: February 2017

Despite the widespread inclusion of diversity-related curricula in U.S. medical training, racial disparities in the quality of care and physician bias in medical treatment persist. The present study examined the effects of both formal and informal experiences on non-African American medical students’ ( N = 2,922) attitudes toward African Americans in a longitudinal study of 49 randomly selected U.S. medical schools. We assessed the effects of experiences related to medical training, accounting for prior experiences and attitudes. Contact with African Americans predicted positive attitudes toward African Americans relative to white people, even beyond the effects of prior attitudes. Furthermore, students who reported having witnessed instructors make negative racial comments or jokes were significantly more willing to express racial bias themselves, even after accounting for the effects of contact. Examining the effects of informal experiences on racial attitudes may help develop a more effective medical training environment and reduce racial disparities in healthcare.
National and local labour force projections for the UK
Authors: Simpson Ludi
Published: February 2017

Labour force forecasts are required by local planning, legally guided in the UK by regulations on land use. Methods of forecasting the labour force, and data available for UK practice, are reviewed here. A best strategy for sub-national forecasts of the labour supply is found empirically to involve an accurate national forecast with a local starting point. Key trends are the decreasing economic activity of young adults, the increasing activity of older adults and the impact of changing state pension age. However, there exists neither an acceptable national forecast of economic activity nor a standard approach to local forecasts. Software for implementation of sub-national forecasts is described, and six types of scenarios are listed to aid local planning, which reflect uncertainty about current trends and the impact of changes in policy. Research and development of forecasting the national and the local labour force is urgently needed.
Public Attitudes Toward the Police: Findings From a Dual-Frame Telephone Survey
Authors: He Ni (Phil) , Ren Ling , Zhao Jihong (Solomon) , Bills Matthew A.
Published: February 2017

Using telephone survey data collected in Houston, Texas, this study explores the feasibility of a dual-frame (landline and cell-phone-only household samples) design survey in police studies and compares the corresponding characteristics of survey respondents and multiple measures of citizens’ attitudes toward the police. It was found that a cell-phone interview with the same scope and length of a landline interview is indeed operationally feasible, albeit at higher cost and lower response rate. Compared with their landline counterparts, respondents in our cell-phone-only sample are younger, males, members of ethnic minority, renters, mobile, and less educated. No appreciable attitudinal differences among the respondents are observed between the two samples. In addition, substantive outcomes from multivariate regression models do not seem to be impacted by the types of phones used. Implications for future studies are included.
The origins of neoliberalism in late ‘socialist’ Hungary: The case of the Financial Research Institute and ‘Turnabout and Reform’
Authors: Fabry Adam
Published: February 2017

This article contributes to ongoing debates in the transformatology literature, as well as the wider literature on the global neoliberal revolution, on the origins of neoliberalism in Soviet-style economies. Within these debates, the transition to a (free) market economy and liberal democracy in Hungary and elsewhere in the former Soviet bloc has commonly been perceived as an exogenous process, dating to the annus mirabilis of 1989. This article challenges this consensus. Through a case study of the Financial Research Institute ( Pénzügykutatási Intézet), the official research institute of the Ministry of Finance, and a programme of radical economic reform, known as ‘Turnabout and Reform’ ( Fordulat és Reform), published in 1987 by a group of experts at the institute, the article demonstrates that in the case of Hungary, neoliberalism was not simply an ‘imported project’, which arrived ‘from the West’ on the eve of the formal transition in 1989–1990. Rather, it is argued that it emerged organically in Hungarian society in the 1980s, as a response by domestic economic and political elites to the deepening crisis of the Kádár regime. Hence, the essential aim of the ‘neoliberal turn’ was to reconfigure the Hungarian economy in line with the exigencies of the capitalist world economy, while ensuring that the political transition went as smoothly as possible. As such, while obviously a repudiation of past policy, policymakers in Budapest pursued the similar objectives as central planners under ‘actually existing socialism’.
Ideological obstacles to effective climate policy: The greening of markets, technology, and growth
Authors: Gunderson Ryan , Stuart Diana , Petersen Brian
Published: February 2017

In light of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, this project synthesizes and advances critiques of the possibility of a sustainable capitalism by adopting an explicit ‘negative’ theory of ideology, understood as ideas that conceal contradictions through the reification and/or legitimation of the existing social order. Prominent climate change policy frameworks – the ‘greening’ of markets (market-corrective measures), technology (alternative energy, energy efficiency, and geoengineering), and growth (the green growth strategy) – are shown to conceal one or both of the two systemic socio-ecological contradictions inherent in the current social formation: (1) a contradiction between capital’s growth-dependence and the latter’s degrading impact on the climate (the ‘capital-climate contradiction’) and (2) a contradiction between the potential of using technological infrastructure that aids in emissions reductions and the institutionalized social relations that obstruct this technical potential (the ‘technical potential-productive relations contradiction’). Attempts to reform the very techniques and institutions that brought about the climate crisis will remain ineffective and reproduce the social order that results in climate change. After proposing a way in which societies might move out of the ideological trappings of green markets, technology, and growth, two alternatives are proposed: economic degrowth coupled with Marcuse’s conception of a ‘new technology’.
Protein Requirements for Critically Ill Patients With Renal and Liver Failure
Authors: Patel Jayshil J. , McClain Craig J. , Sarav Menaka , Hamilton‐Reeves Jill , Hurt Ryan T.
Published: February 2017

Diseases leading to critical illness induce proteolysis resulting in muscle wasting and negative nitrogen balance. Muscle wasting has been associated with poor intensive care unit (ICU)–related outcomes, including an increased risk for mortality. Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common organ dysfunction associated with ICU‐related disorders, such as sepsis, trauma, and respiratory failure. AKI and renal replacement therapy lead to amino acid loss. Decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) and acute liver failure (ALF) represent more severe forms of liver dysfunction leading to ICU admission. DLC and ALF are associated with proteolysis and amino acid loss. AKI, DLC, and ALF uniquely contribute to negative nitrogen balance. The purpose of this review is to outline proteolysis associated with critical illness; define specific protein abnormalities in AKI, DLC, and ALF; define protein requirements in AKI, DLC, and ALF; and discuss barriers associated with optimal protein supplementation in these disorders.
Damage identification in composite laminates using a hybrid method with wavelet transform and finite element model updating
Authors: Ashory Mohammad-Reza , Ghasemi-Ghalebahman Ahmad , Kokabi Mohammad-Javad
Published: February 2017

Delamination is a common defect in composite plates that may cause significant losses in commercial applications. In this study, a hybrid damage detection method was introduced, which raised both the damage identification sensitivity level and detected quantitative damage parameters. The primary damage location was pinpointed by the wavelet transform, and the damage parameters, including location, depth, and intensity, were then isolated by the model updating process. The wavelet transform was obtained according to the signal’s nature, which leads to improvement in the wavelet transform’s operation. Then, the lifting scheme algorithm process was performed to increase the wavelet efficiency in damage detection. In addition, a proper signal, based on strain energy, was used for damage detection by the wavelet transform. Finally, the genetic algorithm method was employed in the proposed model updating method to identify the damage parameters through employing a novel error function. The selected error function was based on strain energy, having the best operation among previously identified modal criteria. Consequently, the accuracy of identifying the damage parameters was improved upon utilizing the proposed method, particularly in the presence of noise. In addition, the solution performed faster than the previously available updating methods which utilized only the genetic algorithm-based on mode shapes and natural frequencies for detecting the damage.
Localized flooding and autonomous adaptation in peri-urban Bangkok
Authors: Limthongsakul Sani , Nitivattananon Vilas , Arifwidodo Sigit Dwiananto
Published: February 2017

Peri-urban areas of mega-cities in lower-middle income countries face many environmental management challenges, including localized flooding caused by inefficient management and inadequate stormwater infrastructure. A case study analysis was conducted in Bangkok’s rapidly developing urban fringe, where residents have been experiencing localized flooding after normal rainfall. This paper explores the drivers of this flooding and its impacts for local communities, and explains how autonomous adaptation affects community stormwater drainage systems. The study found a mismatch between limited authority and transboundary problems of stormwater management, and calls for an integrated urban stormwater management approach. The findings imply the need to address autonomous adaptation as an integral part of adaptation measures at the broader scale of Thailand’s urban climate governance under the current threat of climate change.
Uveitis as an initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Tsen Chui-Lien , Chen Shih-Chou , Chen Yao-Shen , Sheu Shwu-Jiuan
Published: February 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a multisystem disease that can involve the human eyes. Using ophthalmic examination records from January 2006 to November 2015, we retrospectively reviewed all patients who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in our hospital. The study was performed at a tertiary referral center in southern Taiwan. Data included age, gender, ophthalmic examinations, systemic conditions, CD4 cell counts, course, and treatment. Eleven patients were identified as having AIDS with uveitis as their presenting manifestation. All were men, with a mean age of 39.5 ± 11.4 years (range 24–56). The mean CD4+ T-cell counts were 91.7 ± 50.3 cells/μl (range 27–169). Ocular diagnoses included cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in five patients, ocular syphilis in four patients, and ocular toxoplasmosis in two patients. Uveitis resolved in all patients after medical treatment. However, a retinal detachment developed in two eyes in CMV retinitis and one eye in ocular syphilis. Ocular manifestations are among the most common clinical features in patients with HIV/AIDS who have varying clinical presentations that affect almost all ocular structures. This study demonstrated that ocular findings could be an initial manifestation of an underlying disease. Awareness of ocular lesions in HIV/AIDS is important for early recognition and management.
Retrospective review of the management of epididymo-orchitis in a London-based level 3 sexual health clinic: an audit of clinical practice
Authors: Lampejo T , Abdulcadir M , Day S
Published: February 2017

The aetiology of epididymo-orchitis is largely related to a patient’s age with sexually transmitted pathogens being the common aetiological agents in those below 35 years of age. In individuals aged over 35, uropathogens represent the commonest cause. National guidelines exist for the appropriate management of this condition and its varying aetiology. We aimed to assess the management of epididymo-orchitis in our clinic with reference to the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV national guidelines. We describe the demographics, investigations, treatment and outcomes of patients presenting with epididymo-orchitis to the John Hunter Clinic for Sexual Health, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Lichen planus hypertrophicus of the vulva – a rare entity
Authors: Job Anupa Mary , Kaimal Sowmya
Published: February 2017

Vulvovaginal lichen planus is a type of chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the vulva, usually seen as a part of widespread lichen planus. The common clinical types of vulval lichen planus include papulosquamous, erosive and pigmented types. Hypertrophic lichen planus of the vulva is a rare entity. We report a case of hypertrophic lichen planus of the vulva which clinically simulated genital warts.
Shifting Attention Between Visual Dimensions as a Source of Switch Costs
Authors: Elchlepp Heike , Best Maisy , Lavric Aureliu , Monsell Stephen
Published: February 2017

Task-switching experiments have documented a puzzling phenomenon: Advance warning of the switch reduces but does not eliminate the switch cost. Theoretical accounts have posited that the residual switch cost arises when one selects the relevant stimulus–response mapping, leaving earlier perceptual processes unaffected. We put this assumption to the test by seeking electrophysiological markers of encoding a perceptual dimension. Participants categorized a colored letter as a vowel or consonant or its color as “warm” or “cold.” Orthogonally to the color manipulation, some colors were eight times more frequent than others, and the letters were in upper- or lowercase. Color frequency modulated the electroencephalogram amplitude at around 150 ms when participants repeated the color-classification task. When participants switched from the letter task to the color task, this effect was significantly delayed. Thus, even when prepared for, a task switch delays or prolongs encoding of the relevant perceptual dimension.
Food Insecurity and Its Association With School Absenteeism Among Rural School Adolescents in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tamiru Dessalegn , Melaku Yabsira , Belachew Tefera
Published: February 2017

Studies showed that poor health and nutrition among school adolescents are major barriers to educational access and achievements in low-income countries. This school-based study was aimed to assess the association of school absenteeism and food insecurity among rural school adolescents from grades 5 to 8 in Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Regression analyses were used to see the strength of association between dependent and independent variables using odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictor of school absenteeism. Validated tools are used to collect household food insecurity data. Results showed that school absenteeism is significantly high among adolescents from food insecure households when compared to adolescents from food secure households ( P <.001). School absenteeism was negatively associated with male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = −0.91, 95% CI −1.85 to −0.03), household food security (adjusted odds ratio = −1.85, 95% CI −3.11 to −0.59), being an elder sibling (AOR = −0.37, 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.12), and mother involvement in decision making (AOR = −0.68, 95% CI, −1.33 to −0.03) while male-headed household was positively associated (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI, 1.37 to 4.56). Generally, this study showed that household food insecurity has significant contribution to school absenteeism among rural adolescents. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve household income earning capacity to reduce the prevalence of school absenteeism among rural school adolescents.
Age trends in musical preferences in adulthood: 1. Conceptualization and empirical investigation
Authors: Bonneville-Roussy Arielle , Stillwell David , Kosinski Michal , Rust John
Published: February 2017

This article aims to fill some gaps in theory and research on age trends in musical preferences in adulthood by presenting a conceptual model that describes three classes of determinants that can affect those trends. The Music Preferences in Adulthood Model (MPAM) posits that some psychological determinants that are extrinsic to the music (individual differences and social influences), and some that are intrinsic to the music (the perceived inner properties of the music), affect age differences in musical preferences in adulthood. We first present the MPAM, which aims to explain age trends in musical preferences in adulthood, and to identify which variables may be the most important determinants of those trends. We then validate a new test of musical preferences that assesses musical genres and clips in parallel. Finally, with a sample of 4,002 adults, we examine age trends in musical preferences for genres and clips, using our newly developed test. Our results confirm the presence of robust age trends in musical preferences, and provide a basis for the investigation of the extrinsic and intrinsic psychological determinants of musical preferences, in line with the MPAM framework.
Histologic Findings and Cytological Alterations in Thyroid Nodules After Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Graves’ Disease: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: El Hussein Siba , Omarzai Yumna
Published: February 2017

Unlike the well-documented relation between radiation to the neck and development of papillary thyroid carcinoma, a causal association between radioactive iodine treatment for Graves’ disease and development of thyroid malignancy is less defined. However, patients with a background of thyroid dysfunction presenting with clinically palpable thyroid nodules are followed more closely than the average population, and fine needle aspiration is recommended in such circumstances. Cytological examination of aspirates, and histologic examination of tissue provided from patients with a known history of Graves’ disease, managed by radioactive iodine therapy can create a diagnostic dilemma, as the distinction between radiation effect and a malignant primary thyroid neoplasm can be very challenging. Thus, pathologists should be aware of the existence of these changes in the setting of radiation therapy for Graves’ disease. Providing pathologists with appropriate clinical history of Graves’ disease treated with radioactive iodine is of paramount importance in order to prevent an overdiagnosis of malignancy.
Safety of oral and intravenous mycophenolate mofetil in healthy cats
Authors: Slovak Jennifer E , Villarino Nicolas F
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of intravenous (IV) and oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in healthy cats.

Methods

A total of 24 healthy adult cats weighing >3.5 kg were either given IV MMF (over a 2 h infusion) or oral MMF. The dosages used were as follows: 5 mg/kg IV once (n = 2), 10 mg/kg q12h IV for 1 day (n = 1), 20 mg/kg q12h IV for 1 day (n = 6) and 10 mg/kg q12h IV for 3 days (n = 5). Blood was collected from each cat at intervals of up to 12 h from the last dose for analysis purposes. Oral MMF was given at 10 mg/kg q12h for 7 days (n = 3), 15 mg/kg q12h for 7 days (n = 3) and 15 mg/kg q8h for 7 days (n = 4).

Results

Side effects to MMF were minimal. There was no anorexia or vomiting noted in any of the cats during or after IV medication administration. Only 4/14 cats had diarrhea from 12–48 h after IV administration. There was hyporexia in 1/10 cats given oral MMF and no vomiting noted. In 5/10 cats given oral MMF, there was diarrhea between days 2 and 7 of the study.

Conclusions and relevance

Cats tolerate MMF at an IV dose of 10 mg/kg q12h for 3 days and an oral dose ⩽15 mg/kg q12h for up to 7 days. There seems to be a dose-dependent incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. MMF may be a useful alternative immunosuppressant to be considered for use in some cats.
Variations in COMT and NTRK2 Influence Symptom Burden in Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Young Erin E. , Kelly Debra Lynch , Shim Insop , Baumbauer Kyle M. , Starkweather Angela , Lyon Debra E.
Published: February 2017

Women with breast cancer frequently report distressing symptoms during and after treatment that can significantly erode quality of life (QOL). Symptom burden among women with breast cancer is of complex etiology and is likely influenced by disease, treatment, and environmental factors as well as individual genetic differences. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between genetic polymorphisms within Neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1), Neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (NTRK2), and catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT) and patient symptom burden of QOL, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance before, during, and after treatment for breast cancer in a subset of participants ( N = 51) in a randomized clinical trial of a novel symptom-management modality for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients were recruited at the time of initial breast cancer diagnosis and completed all survey measures at the time of recruitment, after the initiation of treatment (surgery and/or chemotherapy), and then following treatment conclusion. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between NTRK2 and COMT single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype and symptom burden. Two COMT variants were associated with the specific symptoms of anxiety and QOL measures prior to the initiation of chemotherapy as well as pain interference and severity during and after treatment. Genotype at the NTRK2 SNP rs1212171 was associated with both sleep disturbance and fatigue. These findings, while exploratory, indicate that the genotypes of NTRK2 and COMT may contribute to relative risk for symptom burden during and shortly after the period of chemotherapy in women with early stage breast cancer.
Photoprotection Knowledge and Behaviours Among Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Walker Kirsten , Gardner Kerry , Law Angela , Hawkins Nicole , Hull Peter
Published: February 2017

Background:

Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are at an increased risk of developing a de novo malignant neoplasm compared to the general population. The primary contributor to skin cancer in all patients is sun exposure.

Objective:

In this study, we aim to ascertain both OTR skin cancer awareness and photoprotection practices.

Methods:

A questionnaire-based study of Saskatchewan transplant recipients.

Results:

Nearly all respondents were aware that sun exposure is the best-known cause of skin cancer and that as an OTR, they are at increased risk of skin cancer (99.3% and 90.5%, respectively). Approximately half of respondents reported wearing a hat regularly, sun avoidance between 10 am and 3 pm, or wearing sunscreen regularly (53.7%, 33.1%, and 47.9%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Many OTRs are not engaging in photoprotection. Further intervention, which may include access to a dermatologist, is necessary to ensure ORTs do not experience undue morbidity and mortality secondary to skin cancer.
The social construction of the competent, self-governed child in documentation: Panels in the Swedish preschool
Authors: Liljestrand Johan , Hammarberg Annie
Published: February 2017

Documentation has become an important issue for policy, practice and accountability in many national contexts. The documentation of children’s activities is a requirement in the national syllabus for the Swedish preschool. However, the documentation of children is always a social construction that focuses on certain things and excludes (possible) others. Such constructions can be linked to broader discourses of the competent and self-governed child, and the tendency to label the child as autonomous and competent in policy documents. The purpose of this article is to explore how constructions of the competent and self-governed child are performed in documentation panels in Swedish preschools. The theoretical framework is taken from visual methodology combined with an analysis of intertextuality. Three images (pictures and written text) of the preschool are discerned: the child as a good pal; the child as an autonomous investigator; and the child as a public speaker. In all three images, the children are depicted as competent in different respects. The result is discussed by relating the findings to broader discourses emphasising the competent and self-governed child.
Negotiating identity and heritage through authorised vernacular history, Limpopo National Park
Authors: Ekblom Anneli , Notelid Michel , Witter Rebecca
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we assess vernacular history, traditional authority and the use of heritage places as mediums for negotiating ancestry, identity, territory and belonging based on conversations, interviews and visitations to heritage places together with residents in Limpopo National Park. We explore how particular vernacular histories become dominant village history through the authorisation of traditional leaders and their lineage histories and how traditional leaders use heritage places to mediate narratives. Authorised vernacular histories are narratives about mobility and identity, but they are also localised narratives about ‘home’ in terms of access to resources and heritage places. We discuss how lineage histories and traditional authority are mobilised or questioned in the context of the ongoing displacement of local residents through resettlement programmes and make comparisons with the historical experiences of evictions in the neighbouring Kruger and Gonarezhou National Parks. We emphasise the need for residents to remain connected to and in control of heritage places; otherwise, the linkages between these places, ancestral authority, and present-day authority risk being severed.
Graft Complexity–Related Outcomes of Fenestrated Endografting for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Oikonomou Kyriakos , Kasprzak Piotr , Schierling Wilma , Kopp Reinhard , Pfister Karin
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To report the outcomes of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and compare early and midterm results in relation to stent-graft complexity. Methods: Between August 2006 and December 2014, 141 consecutive patients (mean age 72±7.6 years, range 50–89; 120 men) were treated electively with FEVAR for short-neck, juxtarenal, or suprarenal aortic aneurysms. Forty-five patients treated with stent-grafts featuring renal-only fenestrations were assigned to group A, while 96 patients receiving additional fenestrations for the superior mesenteric and/or celiac arteries were assigned to group B. Technical success, operative mortality and morbidity, target vessel patency, endoleak, reintervention, and survival were compared between the groups. Survival, target vessel stent patency, and reintervention during follow-up were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis; the estimates are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Technical success was achieved in 135 (95.7%) patients. Overall 30-day operative mortality was 3.5% (5/141). Perioperative complications occurred in 16 (12.1%) patients. Mean follow-up was 33±23 months. Overall estimated survival was 85.1% (95% CI 79.1% to 91.1%) at 1 year and 75.8% (95% CI 68.2% to 83.5%) at 3 years. Freedom from reintervention was 90.6% (95% CI 85.6% to 95.6%) at 1 year and 79.2% (95% CI 71% to 87.5%) at 3 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of perioperative mortality or morbidity, endoleak, survival, target vessel patency, or reintervention. Conclusion: The use of FEVAR for juxta- and suprarenal aneurysms is associated with low 30-day mortality/morbidity and high midterm efficacy. So far, perioperative and midterm results are not affected by the use of more complex fenestrated designs.
Chilean Men Exposed to the Major Earthquake in 2010
Authors: Labra Oscar , Maltais Danielle , Tremblay Gilles
Published: February 2017

The article presents the results of a study involving 18 men, 4 years after one of South America’s most powerful natural disasters: An earthquake occurring off the coast of Chile in February 2010. Participants reported having developed new psychological health problems in the months following the catastrophe. The manifestations most frequently reported by participants were the presence of depressive and stress symptoms, as well as sleep disorders. The majority of participants registered scores of 33 and above on the Impact of Event Scale–Revised, indicating that they were suffering from posttraumatic stress. Furthermore, although the majority of interviewed men reported having suffered psychological or physical health problems following the disaster, only a small minority had sought help from professional health services. The article develops insights into the men’s social interactions and underlines the importance of supporting further research on red health topics, in particular the help-seeking behavior of men following exposure to natural disasters.
A topological navigation system for indoor environments based on perception events
Authors: Gomez Clara , Hernandez Alejandra Carolina , Crespo Jonathan , Barber Ramon
Published: February 2017

The aim of the work presented in this article is to develop a navigation system that allows a mobile robot to move autonomously in an indoor environment using perceptions of multiple events. A topological navigation system based on events that imitates human navigation using sensorimotor abilities and sensorial events is presented. The increasing interest in building autonomous mobile systems makes the detection and recognition of perceptions a crucial task. The system proposed can be considered a perceptive navigation system as the navigation process is based on perception and recognition of natural and artificial landmarks, among others. The innovation of this work resides in the use of an integration interface to handle multiple events concurrently, leading to a more complete and advanced navigation system. The developed architecture enhances the integration of new elements due to its modularity and the decoupling between modules. Finally, experiments have been carried out in several mobile robots, and their results show the feasibility of the navigation system proposed and the effectiveness of the sensorial data integration managed as events.
An Ecological Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Part 2
Authors: McGrath Timothy M. , Waddington Gordon , Scarvell Jennie M. , Ball Nick , Creer Rob , Woods Kevin , Smith Damian , Adams Roger
Published: February 2017

Background:

Additional high-quality prospective studies are needed to better define the objective criteria used in relation to return-to-sport decisions after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in active populations.

Purpose:

To investigate prospectively the relationship between functional performance test results at 24 weeks postoperative and return-to-sport activity (Tegner activity score) at 12 and 24 months, respectively, after synthetic (ligament advanced reinforcement system [LARS]) and autograft (doubled semitendinosus/gracilis [2ST/2GR]) ACL reconstructions.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 64 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (32 LARS, 32 2ST/2GR autograft; mean age, 27.9 years; body mass index [BMI], 24.9 kg/m2) were assessed preoperatively and at staged intervals postoperatively up to 24 weeks for isokinetic testing of quadriceps and hamstring average power per repetition at 60 deg/s and 180 deg/s, a battery of hop tests, peak vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF), and time to peak vGRF (in seconds) during a step- and jump-down task onto a force platform and peak speed (m/s) using a global positioning system (GPS unit) during a running task. A cohort of 32 healthy matched participants (mean age, 26.31 years; BMI, 25.7 kg/m2) were also tested to act as reference. Pearson correlation was calculated to assess correlation of each performance measure at 24 weeks postoperative with activity outcomes (Tegner score) at 12 and 24 months.

Results:

The strongest correlation between physical performance tests and return-to-sport outcomes was observed with peak speed during running. Large correlations were also observed for hamstring isokinetic power and hop test for distance. Moderate correlations were observed for timed hop, peak vGRF during a jump-down task, and quadriceps isokinetic power. No statistical correlations were observed for time to peak vGRF during a step-down and jump-down task as well as peak vGRF during a step-down task. When the performance tests were pooled together, mean postoperative improvements of 24% were observed from preoperative to 24 weeks within the surgical cohort. For each performance test, preoperative level of function strongly correlated with performance levels on the same test at 24 weeks.

Discussion:

The results of this study indicate that clinicians might seek to prioritize these tests and the rehabilitation themes they imply when seeking to maximize postoperative ACL activity outcomes. The observed strength between pre- and postoperative performance tests and return-to-sport outcomes within this study highlights the potential value of preoperative conditioning before undergoing ACL reconstruction. Future research should examine absolute predictive criterion thresholds for functional performance-based tests and reinjury risk reduction after ACL reconstruction.
Argentobaumhauerite: name, chemistry, crystal structure, comparison with baumhauerite, and position in the Lengenbach mineralization sequence
Authors: Topa Dan , Makovicky Emil
Published: February 2017

The crystal structure of argentobaumhauerite is reported for the first time from a sulfosalt aggregate from Lengenbach deposit, Binntal, Switzerland. The chemical formula of argentobaumhauerite, calculated in agreement with the results of structure determination is Cu0.06Ag1.20Tl0.18Pb21.46Sb0.56As32.28S72.26. The difference from the idealized baumahuerite formula, Pb12As16S36, and from the formula of Ag – , Tl- and Sb-free baumhauerite from Moosegg, Austria, Pb11.80As16.28S35.92, expresses the Ag + As and Tl + As substitution for 2Pb. Argentobaumhauerite is triclinic,a= 7.9053(10),b= 8.4680(10),c= 44.4102(53) Å, α = 84.614(2), β = 86.469(2), γ = 89.810(2)°.V(cell) = 2954.16 Å3, space group P1. Baumhauerite Pb11.80As16.28S35.92from Moosegg is triclinic,a= 7.884(4),b= 8.345(4),c= 22.811(11) Å, α = 90.069(8), β = 97.255(8), γ = 90.082(8)°,V(cell) = 1488.8(13) Å3, space group P1. Both minerals represent theN1,2= 3;4 = 3.5 member of the sartorite homologous series, with As-rich slabs separated by zigzag layers of trigonal coordination prisms of lead. In argentobaumhauerite the sequence of alternatingN= 3 andN= 4 slabs of baumhauerite is further modified by alternation of two distinct types ofN= 4 slabs, those with Pb present in the slab interior and those with the interior Pb substituted by Ag + As. The length and arrangement of crankshaft chains of short As–S bonds differs between different slabs, and especially between theN= 4 slabs of baumhauerite and argentobaumhauerite. The name 'argentobaumhauerite' replaces the preliminary name 'baumhauerite-2a' (IMA-CNMNC; accepted proposal 15-F).
Long-term outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for IL2RG/JAK3 SCID: a cohort report
Authors: Abd Hamid Intan Juliana , Slatter Mary A. , McKendrick Fiona , Pearce Mark S. , Gennery Andrew R.
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Conditioning is associated with better thymopoiesis, donor B-lymphocyte chimerism, cessation of immunoglobulin therapy, and normal QoL.
T regulatory cells and dendritic cells protect against transfusion-related acute lung injury via IL-10
Authors: Kapur Rick , Kim Michael , Aslam Rukhsana , McVey Mark J. , Tabuchi Arata , Luo Alice , Liu Jonathan , Li Yuan , Shanmugabhavananthan Shanjeevan , Speck Edwin R. , Zufferey Anne , Yousef George , Zhang Haibo , Rondina Matthew T. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Porcelijn Leendert , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Slutsky Arthur S. , Semple John W.
Published: February 2017

Key Points

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells protect against antibody-mediated murine TRALI. Murine TRALI is associated with reduced IL-10 levels, and IL-10 administration prevents and rescues TRALI development.
Risk of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis in patients with asthma: a nationwide case−control study from Sweden
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Pirouzifard Mirnabi , Memon Ashfaque A. , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: February 2017

Asthma is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) but little is known about whether asthma is associated with an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The aim in this study was to determine the risk of the first event of PE, DVT or a combination of PE and DVT in patients with asthma.

We conducted this nationwide case–control study using data from Swedish nationwide registries. We included 114 366 Swedish-born patients with a first hospital diagnosis of PE, 76 494 patients with DVT and 6854 patients with both PE and DVT in Sweden between 1981 and 2010. We also included five age-, sex- and education-matched population controls. All previous hospital diagnoses of asthma were identified. Conditional logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios with adjustment for potential confounders.

Asthma was associated with an adjusted odds ratio for PE of 1.43 (95% CI 1.37–1.50), for DVT of 1.56 (95% CI 1.47–1.65) and for combined PE and DVT of 1.60 (95% CI 1.32–1.93). Asthma was associated with an increased risk of PE, DVT and combined PE and DVT.

Thus, the inflammation conferred by asthma seems to have systemic (and not just local) prothrombotic effects with increased risk of both DVT and PE.