bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wireless image-data transmission from an implanted image sensor through a living mouse brain by intra body communication
Authors: Hayami Hajime , Takehara Hiroaki , Nagata Kengo , Haruta Makito , Noda Toshihiko , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Tokuda Takashi , Ohta Jun
Published: March 2016

Intra body communication technology allows the fabrication of compact implantable biomedical sensors compared with RF wireless technology. In this paper, we report the fabrication of an implantable image sensor of 625 µm width and 830 µm length and the demonstration of wireless image-data transmission through a brain tissue of a living mouse. The sensor was designed to transmit output signals of pixel values by pulse width modulation (PWM). The PWM signals from the sensor transmitted through a brain tissue were detected by a receiver electrode. Wireless data transmission of a two-dimensional image was successfully demonstrated in a living mouse brain. The technique reported here is expected to provide useful methods of data transmission using micro sized implantable biomedical sensors.
Magnetic reconnection in Saturn's magnetotail: A comprehensive magnetic field survey
Authors: Smith A. W. , Jackman C. M. , Thomsen M. F.
Published: March 2016

Reconnection within planetary magnetotails is responsible for locally energizing particles and changing the magnetic topology. Its role in terms of global magnetospheric dynamics can involve changing the mass and flux content of the magnetosphere. We have identified reconnection related events in spacecraft magnetometer data recorded during Cassini's exploration of Saturn's magnetotail. The events are identified from deflections in the north‐south component of the magnetic field, significant above a background level. Data were selected to provide full tail coverage, encompassing the dawn and dusk flanks as well as the deepest midnight orbits. Overall 2094 reconnection related events were identified, with an average rate of 5.0 events per day. The majority of events occur in clusters (within 3 h of other events). We examine changes in this rate in terms of local time and latitude coverage, taking seasonal effects into account. The observed reconnection rate peaks postmidnight with more infrequent but steady loss seen on the dusk flank. We estimate the mass loss from the event catalog and find it to be insufficient to balance the input from the moon Enceladus. Several reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. The reconnection X line location appears to be highly variable, though a statistical separation between events tailward and planetward of the X line is observed at a radial distance of between 20 and 30RS downtail. The small sample size at dawn prevents comprehensive statistical comparison with the dusk flank observations in terms of flux closure.
An adaptive lattice Boltzmann scheme for modeling two‐fluid‐phase flow in porous medium systems
Authors: Dye Amanda L. , McClure James E. , Adalsteinsson David , Miller Cass T.
Published: March 2016

We formulate a multiple‐relaxation‐time (MRT) lattice‐Boltzmann method (LBM) to simulate two‐fluid‐phase flow in porous medium systems. The MRT LBM is applied to simulate the displacement of a wetting fluid by a nonwetting fluid in a system corresponding to a microfluidic cell. Analysis of the simulation shows widely varying time scales for the dynamics of fluid pressures, fluid saturations, and interfacial curvatures that are typical characteristics of such systems. Displacement phenomena include Haines jumps, which are relatively short duration isolated events of rapid fluid displacement driven by capillary instability. An adaptive algorithm is advanced using a level‐set method to locate interfaces and estimate their rate of advancement. Because the displacement dynamics are confined to the interfacial regions for a majority of the relaxation time, the computational effort is focused on these regions. The proposed algorithm is shown to reduce computational effort by an order of magnitude, while yielding essentially identical solutions to a conventional fully coupled approach. The challenges posed by Haines jumps are also resolved by the adaptive algorithm. Possible extensions to the advanced method are discussed.
Strain mode of general flow: Characterization and implications for flow pattern structures
Authors: Nakayama Yasuya , Kajiwara Toshihisa , Masaki Tatsunori
Published: March 2016

Understanding the mixing capability of mixing devices based on their geometric shape is an important issue both for predicting mixing processes and for designing new mixers. The flow patterns in mixers are directly connected with the modes of the local strain rate, which is generally a combination of elongational flow and planar shear flow. We develop a measure to characterize the modes of the strain rate for general flow occurring in mixers. The spatial distribution of the volumetric strain rate (or non‐planar strain rate) in connection with the flow pattern plays an essential role in understanding distributive mixing. With our measure, flows with different types of screw elements in a twin‐screw extruder are numerically analyzed. The difference in flow pattern structure between conveying screws and kneading disks is successfully characterized by the distribution of the volumetric strain rate. The results suggest that the distribution of the strain rate mode offers an essential and convenient way for characterization of the relation between flow pattern structure and the mixer geometry. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2563–2569, 2016
Impacts of introducedRangiferon ecosystem processes of maritime tundra on subarctic islands
Authors: Ricca Mark A. , Miles A. Keith , Van Vuren Dirk H. , Eviner Valerie T.
Published: March 2016

Introductions of mammalian herbivores to remote islands without predators provide a natural experiment to ask how temporal and spatial variation in herbivory intensity alter feedbacks between plant and soil processes. We investigated ecosystem effects resulting from introductions ofRangifer tarandus(hereafter “Rangifer”) to native mammalian predator‐ and herbivore‐free islands in the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska. We hypothesized that the maritime tundra of these islands would experience either: (1) accelerated ecosystem processes mediated by positive feedbacks between increased graminoid production and rapid nitrogen cycling; or (2) decelerated processes mediated by herbivory that stimulated shrub domination and lowered soil fertility. We measured summer plant and soil properties across three islands representing a chronosequence of elapsed time post‐Rangiferintroduction (Atka: ~100 yr; Adak: ~50; Kagalaska: ~0), with distinct stages of irruptive population dynamics ofRangifernested within each island (Atka: irruption, K‐overshoot, decline, K‐re‐equilibration; Adak: irruption, K‐overshoot; Kagalaska: initial introduction). We also measuredRangiferspatial use within islands (indexed by pellet group counts) to determine how ecosystem processes responded to spatial variation in herbivory. Vegetation community response to herbivory varied with temporal and spatial scale. When comparing temporal effects using the island chronosequence, increased time since herbivore introduction led to more graminoids and fewer dwarf‐shrubs, lichens, and mosses. Slow‐growingCladonialichens that are highly preferred winter forage were decimated on both long‐termRangifer‐occupied islands. In addition, linear relations between more concentratedRangiferspatial use and reductions in graminoid and forb biomass within islands added spatial heterogeneity to long‐term patterns identified by the chronosequence. These results support, in part, the hypothesis thatRangiferpopulation persistence on islands is facilitated by successful exploitation of graminoid biomass as winter forage after palatable lichens are decimated. However, the shift from shrubs to graminoids was expected to enhance rates of nitrogen cycling, yet rates of net N‐mineralization,pools, and soil δ15N declined markedly along the chronosequence and were weakly associated with spatial use within islands. Overall plant and soil patterns were disrupted but responded differently to intermediate (50 yr) and long‐term (100 yr) herbivory, and were correlated with distinct stages of irruptive population dynamics.
Intraguild predator drives forest edge avoidance of a mesopredator
Authors: Michel Vanja T. , Jiménez‐Franco María Victoria , Naef‐Daenzer Beat , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: March 2016

Interactions between top predators and mesopredators of the same guild often result in habitat segregation restricting interactions to shared habitat edges. Although negative edge effects are recognized as important spatial patterns in the ecology of fragmented landscapes, the underlying mechanisms of predator–prey interactions resulting in negative edge effects remain unknown. To disentangle top‐down effects of intraguild predators and bottom‐up effects of shared resources on mesopredator spatial distribution, we recorded the occurrence of tawny owls Strix aluco in forests and their prey, the little owl Athene noctua in adjacent open areas over 2 yr across 687 km2 in Southern Germany. We developed a new, asymmetrical dynamic two‐species occupancy model investigating spatial interactions while accounting for imperfect detection. Little owl occupancy was strongly reduced within 150 m of forests, but only in the presence of tawny owls. Analysis of over 30 000 telemetry locations of 275 little owls showed that little owls strongly avoided areas closer than 150 m from the forest during range use. These results suggest that the negative edge effect is due to forest edge avoidance rather than direct predation. Potential confounding mechanisms such as food depletion or habitat avoidance at forest edges can be ruled out. Thus, top‐down effects caused by avoidance of intraguild top predators shape the spatial distribution of mesopredators such as the little owl. While habitat complexity mitigates multitrophic interactions within habitats, it is expected to reinforce multitrophic interactions between habitats, potentially leading to the suppression of mesopredators from suitable habitats.
Accounting for residential propagule pressure improves prediction of urban plant invasion
Authors: Davis Amy J. S. , Singh Kunwar K. , Thill Jean‐Claude , Meentemeyer Ross K.
Published: March 2016

Plant invasions substantially impact the ecosystem services provided by forests in urbanizing regions. Knowing where invasion risk is greatest helps target early detection and eradication efforts, but developing an accurate predictive model of invasive species presence and spread on the basis of habitat suitability remains a challenge due to spatial variation in propagule pressure (the number of individuals released) which is likely conflated with suitability. In addition to neighborhood propagule pressure that originates with propagules dispersing from naturalized populations within invaded habitats, we expect residential propagule pressure arising from the widespread use of exotic plants in the yards of single‐family residences to be an important driver of invasions, and to notably improve the predictive accuracy of species distribution models (SDMs). To this end, we collected presence/absence data for a widespread forest invader, Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet), from 400 stratified random plots located along an urban gradient across the Charlotte, North Carolina metropolitan area. We assessed the relative contribution of residential propagule pressure and neighborhood propagule pressure to improving the predictive performance of a probit SDM for Chinese privet that only contains environmental predictors. Our results indicate that, although the environment‐only model predicted the highest geographic area to be at risk of invasion by privet, it also had the highest rate of failure to accurately predict observed privet occurrences as indicated by the omission (incorrectly predicted absence) and commission (incorrectly predicted presence) error rates. Accounting for residential propagule pressure substantially improved model performance by reducing the omission error by nearly 50%, thereby improving upon the ability of the model to predict privet invasion in suboptimal habitat. Given that this increase in detection was accompanied by a decrease in the geographic area predicted at risk, we conclude that SDMs for invasive exotic shrubs and potentially for other synanthropic generalist plants may be highly inefficient when residential propagule pressure is not accounted for. Accounting for residential propagule pressure in models of invasive plants results in a more focused and accurate prediction of the area at risk, thus enabling decision makers to feasibly prioritize regional scale monitoring and control efforts.
CLASSROOM SENSE OF COMMUNITY SCALE: VALIDATION OF A SELF‐REPORT MEASURE FOR ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Petrillo Giovanna , Capone Vincenza , Donizzetti Anna Rosa
Published: March 2016

We examined the structure, reliability, construct validity, and gender invariance of the Classroom Sense of Community Scale (SoC‐C), a self‐report questionnaire measuring students’ classroom sense of community. The SoC‐C was administered to 390 Italian students (58.6% female) aged 13–20 years. Explorative and confirmatory factor analyses established a 5‐factor solution (sense of belonging and emotional connection with peers, satisfaction of needs and opportunities for involvement, support and emotional connection in the community, support by peers, and opportunities for influence) and a latent factor comprising the 5 dimensions of classroom sense of community. Results revealed a high internal reliability and that the structure of the scale was the same for both males and females. The SoC‐C and its subscales correlated positively with corresponding measures, such as psychosocial well‐being, perceived justice, and collective efficacy, showing convergent validity.
LEADING YOUR TEAM TO PEAK PERFORMANCE: HOW TO NEGOTIATE THE NONNEGOTIABLE
Authors: Shapiro Daniel L.
Published: March 2016

Shapiro refers to what he calls a fundamental dynamic of human relations, confronted by every organization, even at the level of a team or a division. People want both affiliation and autonomy, creating tension and therefore challenges for managers. This can trigger what he calls the “‘Tribes Effect,’ a mind‐set that pits team members against one another: It is me versus you, us versus them.” He discusses and explains “five lures of the tribal mind.” These are vertigo, repetition compulsion, taboos, assault on the sacred, and identity politics. “The key,” Shapiro writes, “is to promote positive relations and counteract the Tribes Effect, turning conflict from an obstacle into an opportunity for organizational success.”
Usefulness of Preoperative Plasma Fibrinogen Versus Other Prognostic Markers for Predicting Gastric Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Yamamoto Masaaki , Kurokawa Yukinori , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Makino Tomoki , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Takiguchi Shuji , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: March 2016

Background

Hypercoagulation is associated with tumor progression and metastasis in various types of malignancy. We compared the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen level with those of other prognostic markers in patients with gastric cancer and assessed whether fibrinogen level was an independent prognostic indicator.

Methods

We collected preoperative data from 609 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9), C‐reactive protein (CRP), platelet count, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and fibrinogen level in predicting recurrence. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the normal and high fibrinogen groups.

Results

In the ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.534 for CEA, 0.552 for CA19‐9, 0.587 for CRP, 0.565 for platelet count, 0.567 for PLR, 0.522 for NLR, and 0.692 for fibrinogen. Plasma fibrinogen level increased with tumor stage. The high fibrinogen (≥350 mg/dl) group had significantly worse RFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001) than the normal fibrinogen (<350 mg/dl) group. Cox multivariate analysis of RFS revealed that fibrinogen level was an independent prognostic factor (p < 0.001) in addition to sex, pT stage, and pN stage.

Conclusions

Preoperative plasma fibrinogen level had the highest predictive value for recurrence among seven known prognostic markers. Since fibrinogen level is an independent factor for RFS, it would be useful for predicting prognosis after gastric cancer surgery.
Uncoupling EPA and DHA in Fish Nutrition: Dietary Demand is Limited in Atlantic Salmon and Effectively Met by DHA Alone
Authors: Emery James A. , Norambuena Fernando , Trushenski Jesse , Turchini Giovanni M.
Published: March 2016

Due to the scarcity of marine fish oil resources, the aquaculture industry is developing more efficient strategies for the utilization of dietary omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LC‐PUFA). A better understanding of how fish utilize EPA and DHA, typically provided by fish oil, is needed. However, EPA and DHA have different physiological functions, may be metabolized and incorporated into tissues differently, and may vary in terms of their importance in meeting the fatty acid requirements of fish. To address these questions, Atlantic salmon were fed experimental diets containing, as the sole added dietary lipid source, fish oil (positive control), tallow (negative control), or tallow supplemented with EPA, DHA, or both fatty acids to ~50 or 100 % of their respective levels in the positive control diet. Following 14 weeks of feeding, the negative control diet yielded optimum growth performance. Though surprising, these results support the notion that Atlantic salmon requirements for n‐3 LC‐PUFA are quite low. EPA was largely β‐oxidized and inefficiently deposited in tissues, and increasing dietary levels were associated with potential negative effects on growth. Conversely, DHA was completely spared from catabolism and very efficiently deposited into flesh. EPA bioconversion to DHA was largely influenced by substrate availability, with the presence of preformed DHA having little inhibitory effect. These results clearly indicate EPA and DHA are metabolized differently by Atlantic salmon, and suggest that the n‐3 LC‐PUFA dietary requirements of Atlantic salmon may be lower than reported and different, if originating primarily from EPA or DHA.
Molecular Weight Determination of Palm Olein Polyols by Gel Permeation Chromatography Using Polyether Polyols Calibration
Authors: Mohd Noor Mohd Azmil , Sendijarevic Vahid , Hoong Seng Soi , Sendijarevic Ibrahim , Tuan Ismail Tuan Noor Maznee , Hanzah Nurul ‘Ain , Mohd Noor Norhayati , Poo Palam Kosheela Devi , Ghazali Razmah , Abu Hassan Hazimah
Published: March 2016

Natural oil polyols have been intensively developed and successfully used for the production of various polymers, notably polyurethanes. The need to access the average molecular weight (MW) and the MW distribution (MWD) has led to the efforts to have a precise and reliable determination method. A series of commercial polyether polyols, with well‐defined MW, was used as a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) calibration standard to determine the MW of palm olein polyols. This GPC analysis was compared to the one calibrated against the commercially available polystyrene (PS) standards and to the number‐average molecular weight (Mn) obtained via vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) technique. For example, the Mn obtained for palm olein polyol E‐135 calibrated against polyether polyols was 2,537 Da, which was closer to the Mn via VPO (1,618 Da), than the Mn obtained using PS as calibration standards (3,836 Da). Hence, this GPC analysis using polyether polyols as calibration standards can offer reassured determination of MWD of palm olein polyols.
Hydrogenation of Sunflower Oil over M/SiO2 and M/Al2O3 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt, Co, Cu) Catalysts
Authors: Cepeda Emilio A. , Iriarte‐Velasco Unai , Calvo Beatriz , Sierra Irene
Published: March 2016

This work is aimed at evaluating the performance of several catalysts in the partial hydrogenation of sunflower oil. The catalysts are composed of noble (Pd and Pt) and base metals (Ni, Co and Cu), supported on both silica and alumina. The following order can be proposed for the effect of the metal on the hydrogenation activity: Pd > Pt > Ni > Co > Cu. At a target iodine value of 70 (a typical value for oleomargarine), the production of trans isomers is minimum for supported nickel catalysts (25.7–32.4 %, depending on the operating conditions). Regarding the effect of the support, Al2O3 allows for more active catalysts based on noble metals (Pd and Pt) and Co, the effect being much more pronounced for Pt. Binary mixtures of catalysts have been studied, in order to strike a balance between catalyst activity and product distribution. The results evidence that Pd/Al2O3–Co/SiO2 mixture has a good balance between activity and selectivity, and leads to a very low production of trans isomers (11.8 %) and a moderate amount of saturated stearic acid (13.5 %). Consequently, the utilization of cobalt‐based catalysts (or the addition of cobalt to other metallic catalysts) could be considered a promising alternative for the hydrogenation of edible oil.
NGR-tagged nano-gold: A new CD13-selective carrier for cytokine delivery to tumors
Authors: Curnis Flavio , Fiocchi Martina , Sacchi Angelina , Gori Alessandro , Gasparri Anna , Corti Angelo
Published: March 2016

Colloidal gold (Au), a well-tolerated nanomaterial, is currently exploited for several applications in nanomedicine. We show that gold nanoparticles tagged with a novel tumor-homing peptide containing Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR), a ligand of CD13 expressed by the tumor neovasculature, can be exploited as carriers for cytokine delivery to tumors. Biochemical and functional studies showed that the NGR molecular scaffold/linker used for gold functionalization is critical for CD13 recognition. Using fibrosarcoma-bearing mice, NGR-tagged nanodrugs could deliver extremely low, yet pharmacologically active doses of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an anticancer cytokine, to tumors with no evidence of toxicity. Mechanistic studies confirmed that CD13 targeting was a primary mechanism of drug delivery and excluded a major role of integrin targeting consequent to NGR deamidation, a degradation reaction that generates the isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR) integrin ligand. NGR-tagged gold nanoparticles can be used, in principle, as a novel platform for single- or multi-cytokine delivery to tumor endothelial cells for cancer therapy.
Vicarious Innovativeness or Vicarious Learning: The Role of Existing Vicarious Innovativeness in New Product Purchase Intentions
Authors: Chao Chih-Wei , Reid Mike , Hung Yu-Chen
Published: March 2016

This paper draws on the consumer innovativeness literature to examine the relationship between existing vicarious innovativeness scale and other forms of consumer innovativeness scales and its role on predicting new product purchase intentions in Australia and China. This study found that existing vicarious innovativeness scale is negatively associated with other forms of consumer innovativeness. Contrary to a significant body of academic research, this study demonstrates the ability of the existing vicarious innovativeness scale in predicting new product purchase intentions rather than new product adoption behaviour. The results have important implications by validating the existing vicarious innovativeness scale in a cross-cultural context. The results of this study question the existing vicarious innovativeness scale that it should only be considered as a measurement for vicarious learning. Instead, further research should seek additional sources of both innovators’ and imitators’ new product information acquisition in order to develop a proper scale to better measure vicarious innovativeness.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and selected birth outcomes
Authors: Hill Amber , Pallitto Christina , McCleary‐Sills Jennifer , Garcia‐Moreno Claudia
Published: March 2016

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has a detrimental impact on the lives of women worldwide. Several studies have examined the effect IPV has on adverse birth outcomes when it occurs during pregnancy.

Objectives

To explore the association between IPV and selected adverse birth outcomes.

Search strategy

Multiple databases were searched to identify studies investigating the association between IPV and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and/or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Selection criteria

Included studies defined the perpetrator of violence as an intimate partner, the type of violence as physical and/or sexual, and the study outcomes as LBW, preterm birth, or IUGR, with violence preceding delivery.

Data collection and analysis

Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate adjusted/unadjusted odds ratios (ORs). Subanalyses explored the effect of emotional/psychological violence on birth outcomes.

Main results

Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria (15 LBW, 12 preterm birth, 4 IUGR). IPV was associated with LBW (OR 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.31; I2 = 0.70, P < 0.001) and preterm birth (OR 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.21–1.63; I2 = 0.20, P < 0.001). No statistically significant association was found for IUGR.

Conclusions

There are associations between IPV and LBW and preterm birth that could be causal.
When are natural and urban environments restorative? The impact of environmental compatibility on self‐control restoration
Authors: Newman Kevin P. , Brucks Merrie
Published: March 2016

This research investigates the role of environmental cues found in consumer contexts on the restoration of self‐control resources. In doing so, we challenge the often‐repeated claim that natural environments benefit consumer well‐being more than urban environments by focusing on environmental compatibility: the match between environmental characteristics and an individuals' motivational orientation. Across three studies, we find that individuals high in neuroticism experience greater self‐control restoration when exposed to environmental cues associated with more anxiety while the reverse is true for individual who are low in neuroticism. Importantly, these results occur regardless of whether the environmental cues are inherent in urban consumer contexts, like a bookstore, or natural consumer contexts, like a safari vacation experience. We find preliminary process evidence that consumers low in neuroticism require fewer attentional resources when processing environmentally compatible cues, leading to self‐control restoration.
Impact of remaining kidney volume to body weight ratio on renal function in living kidney donors
Authors: Song Turun , Rao Zhengsheng , Qiu Yang , Liu Jinpeng , Huang Zhongli , Wang Xianding , Lin Tao
Published: March 2016

To investigate whether the ratio of remnant kidney volume to body weight (V/W ratio) can impact renal function in donors, 45 living kidney donors were enrolled. Kidney volume was analyzed by magnetic resonance imaging. Renal function was compared between donors with a V/W ratio of < 2.0 mL/kg (n = 23) or ≥ 2.0 mL/kg (n = 22). Donors in both V/W groups showed similar serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) at 7 days and 1 year, whereas donors with a V/W ratio of < 2.0 mL/kg had significantly higher 24‐hour urine protein levels at 1 year (0.54 ± 0.23 g/d vs. 0.33 ± 0.19 g/d, p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis revealed no correlation between the V/W ratio and eGFR at 7 days or 1 year, and a V/W ratio of < 2 mL/kg was not associated with an increased incidence of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year (risk ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 0.10–29.47). The V/W ratio correlated inversely with 24‐hour urine protein (r = −0.377, p = 0.021) at 1 year, and donors with a V/W ratio of < 2.0 mL/kg were more likely to show 24‐hour urine protein >300 mg (risk ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.08–2.67) at 1 year. Donors with lower V/W ratios have higher 24‐hour urinary protein levels at 1 year after transplantation. These findings suggest that the V/W ratio may be useful for kidney selection.
The Anti‐Doping Movement
Authors: Willick Stuart E. , Miller Geoffrey D. , Eichner Daniel
Published: March 2016

Historical reports of doping in sports date as far back as the ancient Greek Olympic Games. The anti‐doping community considers doping in sports to be cheating and a violation of the spirit of sport. During the past century, there has been an increasing awareness of the extent of doping in sports and the health risks of doping. In response, the anti‐doping movement has endeavored to educate athletes and others about the health risks of doping and promote a level playing field. Doping control is now undertaken in most countries around the world and at most elite sports competitions. As athletes have found new ways to dope, however, the anti‐doping community has endeavored to strengthen its educational and deterrence efforts. It is incumbent upon sports medicine professionals to understand the health risks of doping and all doping control processes.
Rehabilitation of the Overhead Throwing Athlete: There Is More to It Than Just External Rotation/Internal Rotation Strengthening
Authors: Wilk Kevin E. , Arrigo Christopher A. , Hooks Todd R. , Andrews James R.
Published: March 2016

The repetitive nature of throwing manifests characteristic adaptive changes to the shoulder, scapulothoracic, and hip/pelvis complexes that result in a set of unique physical traits in the overhead throwing athlete. An effective rehabilitation program is dependent upon an accurate evaluation and differential diagnosis to determine the causative factors for the athlete's pathologic features. The treatment program should be individualized with specific strengthening and flexibility exercises to achieve the dynamic stability that is required for overhead function. In this article we describe the characteristics of the throwing shoulder, along with a multiphased rehabilitation program that allows for the restoration of strength, mobility, endurance, and power and is aimed toward a return to unrestricted sporting activity. We also describe exercises that link the upper and lower extremities because of the importance of core control and leg strength in the development of power during the act of throwing. Additionally, proper throwing mechanics, utilization of pitch counts, appropriate rest, and proper off‐season conditioning will help decrease overall injury risk in the overhead throwing athlete.
Is There a Role for Limited Echocardiography During the Preparticipation Physical Examination?
Authors: Kerkhof Deanna L. , Gleason Courtney N. , Basilico Frederick C. , Corrado Gianmichel D.
Published: March 2016

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death during exercise for athletes younger than 35 years. Structural cardiac abnormalities are responsible for the majority of SCDs among competitive athletes. The screening protocol that is best for detecting athletes at risk for SCD has been the subject of considerable and long‐standing debate. The American Heart Association recommends the use of a 14‐element history and physical examination (H&P), whereas European standards call for a focused H&P and 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The use of ECG screening has been repeatedly rejected in the United States because of the high rate of false‐positive results and an abundance of evidence suggesting that it is a cost‐ineffective tool for screening. Attempts have also been made to prescreen athletes for cardiac disease with echocardiography (ECHO) performed by a cardiologist; however, this technique also proved to be cost‐ineffective. The use of ECHO performed by a frontline physician reflects recent advancements in ultrasound technology utilization, including the advent of portable ultrasound, and introduces a new, promising screening method to the debate. Portable ECHO by a frontline physician (PEFP) has the ability to directly visualize structural components of the heart that are part of the gold standard ECHO evaluation performed by a cardiologist. The Early Screening for Cardiac Abnormalities with Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol developed at Northeastern University is the first attempt to implement the PEFP. Initial inquiries into the reliability and feasibility of the PEFP are promising. Measurements obtained by frontline physicians were not statistically different from those obtained by a cardiologist, focused ECHO was found to reduce the referral rate to cardiology by 33%, and PEFP was completed significantly faster than H&P and an ECG. Early results are encouraging, but continued research to support the widespread use of PEFP for preparticipation examination in all competitive athletes is needed prior to recommending implementation.
Electromyographic Activity of Shoulder Girdle Muscles in Patients With Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Spall Peter , Ribeiro Daniel Cury , Sole Gisela
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To compare electromyographic activity in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears with healthy controls or to those with asymptomatic cuff tears.

Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 1, 2014, and a search update was performed on June 8, 2015.

Methodology

Case‐control studies or intervention studies that had baseline comparisons for symptomatic versus healthy shoulders or those with asymptomatic rotator cuff tear were searched. Methodological quality was assessed with a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme score and meta‐analyses were performed when 2 or more studies explored the same outcome measures.

Synthesis

Nine studies were included, with the quality ranging from 1 to 3 (maximum 6). Electromyographic outcomes included amplitudes and ratios thereof, activity duration, and median frequency of shoulder girdle muscles during isometric contractions (4 studies) and functional tasks (5 studies). Longer activity duration was found for upper trapezius during glenohumeral movements, and greater fatigability of anterior and middle deltoids during isometric hand gripping for patients with rotator cuff tears compared to controls. The meta‐analysis (3 studies) showed that patients with rotator cuff tears had lower activation ratios for latissimus dorsi during isometric abduction contraction compared to controls (P < .001), indicating greater co‐contraction of adductors for the injured shoulders.

Conclusions

Although various electromyographic domains were explored, these were generally limited to one publication or research group. Current evidence for muscle activity differences between the rotator cuff tear group and controls is thus limited.
La formación de médicos y especialistas: ¿Ya no los hacen como antes?
Authors: Sánchez-Mendiola Melchor
Published: March 2016

La responsabilidad de un profesional de la salud ante los pacientes es de gran magnitud, y a que si se toman decisiones diagnósticas y terapéuticas inapropiadas las consecuencias pueden ser catastróficas.  Durante nuestro entrenamiento se nos dice continuamente que «tenemos la vida de los pacientes  en nuestras manos», y con frecuencia inusitada recibimos vehementes reprimendas por cualquier error real o  percibido, que generan una actitud de ansiedad y temor.
Air temperature distribution and energy-balance modelling of a debris-covered glacier
Authors: SHAW THOMAS E. , BROCK BEN W. , FYFFE CATRIONA L. , PELLICCIOTTI FRANCESCA , RUTTER NICK , DIOTRI FABRIZIO
Published: March 2016

Near-surface air temperature is an important determinant of the surface energy balance of glaciers and is often represented by a constant linear temperature gradients (TGs) in models. Spatio-temporal variability in 2 m air temperature was measured across the debris-covered Miage Glacier, Italy, over an 89 d period during the 2014 ablation season using a network of 19 stations. Air temperature was found to be strongly dependent upon elevation for most stations, even under varying meteorological conditions and at different times of day, and its spatial variability was well explained by a locally derived mean linear TG (MG–TG) of −0.0088°C m−1. However, local temperature depressions occurred over areas of very thin or patchy debris cover. The MG–TG, together with other air TGs, extrapolated from both on- and off-glacier sites, were applied in a distributed energy-balance model. Compared with piecewise air temperature extrapolation from all on-glacier stations, modelled ablation, using the MG–TG, increased by <1%, increasing to >4% using the environmental ‘lapse rate’. Ice melt under thick debris was relatively insensitive to air temperature, while the effects of different temperature extrapolation methods were strongest at high elevation sites of thin and patchy debris cover.
‘I Think the Carer-Partner Dichotomy is Always Interesting’: Tensions in Health Professionals’ Engagement with Spousal Care givers of People with Parkinson's
Authors: Bolland Meredith , Guilfoyle Andrew , Bucks Romola S.
Published: March 2016

Background:The spousal care givers of people with Parkinson's (PwP) have unique, first-hand information that is invaluable in the effective management of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is a dearth of research that specifically focuses on health professionals’ experiences of engagement with the spousal care givers of PwP.

Methods:Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to describe and identify the meaning that health professionals working with PD (HPPs) gave to their engagement experiences with spousal care givers of PwP. Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 12 HPPs were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for emerging themes.

Results:Two major themes emerged from the interviews with HPPs: (i) the Philosophy of Care (PoC) is an Intrinsic Element in the Engagement Experience; and (ii) HPPs Expressed a Deep Appreciation of Partners’ Support of the PwP. HPPs experienced significant tensions and challenges in their engagements with the partners of PwP, as a result of the interaction between their lived reality and their PoC. They also appreciated greatly the caregiving provided by the partners. The insights gained have the potential to ease or resolve problematic tensions within the engagement process.
Smuggling Silks into Eighteenth-Century Britain: Geography, Perpetrators, and Consumers
Authors: Farrell William
Published: March 2016

As part of protectionist policy in eighteenth-century Britain, imported silks were banned from being sold. Although it is known that bans on imported textiles were widely broken, there have been few systematic studies of the contraband trade in silks. Using customs' records, this article shows how smuggling supplied the demand for imported consumer goods. The illegal trade in silk was diverse, bringing in a variety of products from Asia and Europe. The evidence supports a market segmentation analysis of the different products and their consumers. The trade with Asia supplied “populuxe goods” in the form of handkerchiefs that appealed to a broad, middling customer base. These were brought into the country by the East India Company's trading network. By contrast, continental Europe provided contraband for the high-fashion market. These silks were distributed in more informal and personal ways—travelers and diplomats being the main offenders. The official response to these black markets differed, with silks from Europe posing particular problems for enforcement. Finally, this article provides a reassessment of the transnational influences—specifically the relative importance of Asia and Europe—on production and consumption of consumer goods in Britain.
Deciding to Defer: The Importance of Fairness in Resolving Transnational Jurisdictional Conflicts
Authors: Efrat Asif , Newman Abraham L.
Published: March 2016

The cross-border movement of people, goods, and information frequently results in legal disputes that come under the jurisdiction of multiple states. The principle of deference—acceptance of another state's exercise of legal authority—is one mechanism to manage such jurisdictional conflicts. Despite the importance of deference in international law and cooperation, little is known about the causes of variation in its use. In this article, we develop a theory of deference that focuses on the role that domestic institutions and norms play in ensuring procedural and substantive fairness. We test this theory in an original data set concerning accession practices in the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. Our findings offer considerable support for the idea that states evaluate partners on the likelihood that they can offer a fair legal process. Exploring empirically the efforts against parental child abduction, we offer a nuanced account of the link between domestic institutions and norms and international cooperation. This account suggests that greater attention should be paid to the use of deference as a mechanism to manage the conflicts posed by globalization.
Transtympanic balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube: systematic review
Authors: Jufas N , Patel N
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To investigate the evidence for balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube using a transtympanic approach.

Methods:

A systematic search of several databases was conducted (using the search terms ‘dilation’ or ‘dilatation’, and ‘balloon’ and ‘eustachian tube’). Only studies that used a transtympanic approach for the procedure were included. These studies were then assessed for risk of bias.

Results:

Three studies were included. Each of these studies was a limited case series, with two performed on human subjects and one on human cadavers. Results of safety and efficacy are conflicting. There is a high risk of bias overall.

Conclusion:

At present, there is a very narrow evidence base for transtympanic balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of the technique. Previously identified and theoretical safety concerns will need to be addressed thoroughly in future studies prior to wider clinical use.
Does father–child conflict mediate the association between fathers’ postnatal depressive symptoms and children's adjustment problems at 7 years old?
Authors: Nath S. , Russell G. , Kuyken W. , Psychogiou L. , Ford T.
Published: March 2016

Background

Paternal depressive symptoms are associated with children's emotional and behavioural problems, which may be mediated by negative parenting. But there is no research on the influence of paternal depressive symptoms on children's emotion regulation and limited literature investigating fathers’ parenting as a mediator in the pathway between paternal depressive symptoms and children's externalizing and internalizing problems. We aimed to investigate the mediating role of father–child conflict (at 3 years) in the association between postnatal paternal depressive symptoms (at 9 months) and children's emotional and behavioural problems (at 7 years) (aim 1). We also examined whether mediation pathways were more pronounced for boys or for girls (aim 2).

Method

Secondary data analysis was conducted on the Millennium Cohort Study, when children were 9 months, 3 years and 7 years old (n= 3520). Main study variables were measured by self-report questionnaires. Fathers completed the Rutter Scale (depressive symptoms) and the Parent–Child Relationship Questionnaire (father–child conflict), while mothers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Social Behaviour Questionnaire (child emotional and behavioural problems, emotion regulation). We used structural equation modelling to estimate direct, indirect and total effects of paternal depressive symptoms on child outcomes, mediated by father–child conflict whilst adjusting for relevant covariates (maternal depressive symptoms, child temperament, marital conflict, and socio-economic factors such as poverty indicator and fathers’ education level). Multi-group and interaction analysis was then conducted to determine the differential effect by gender of the association between paternal depressive symptoms on child outcomes via father–child conflict.

Results

Father–child conflict mediated the association between paternal depressive symptoms and emotion regulation problems [standardized indirect effect (SIE) 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.03 to −0.01,p< 0.001; standardized total effect (STE) 95% CI −0.05 to −0.01,p< 0.05] (aim 1). Father–child conflict mediated a larger proportion of the effect in boys (SIE 95% CI −0.03 to −0.01,p< 0.001; STE 95% CI −0.05 to 0.00,p= 0.063) than it did in girls (SIE 95% CI −0.02 to −0.01,p< 0.001; STE 95% CI −0.04 to 0.01,p= 0.216) (aim 2).

Conclusions

Father–child conflict may mediate the association between postnatal paternal depressive symptoms and children's emotion regulation problems. Paternal depressive symptoms and father–child conflict resolution may be potential targets in preventative interventions.
How older adults would like falls prevention information delivered: fresh insights from a World Café forum
Authors: KHONG LINDA , BULSARA CAROLINE , HILL KEITH D. , HILL ANNE-MARIE
Published: March 2016

Translation of falls prevention evidence into practice is problematic. Understanding older adults’ views about falls prevention information could enhance delivery of falls prevention, resulting in better engagement and uptake of recommended activities. The aim of this study was to examine the views and preferences of community-dwelling older adults about seeking and receiving falls prevention information. A community forum using a modified World Café approach was conducted. Participants discussed five topic areas in small groups, under the guidance of table facilitators. Perspectives were captured on paper. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors that influence participants’ engagement and uptake of information. Seventy-three older adults participated in the forum covering wide-ranging preferences around falls prevention information. Personal experience was considered the key influence on an older adult's decision to initiate seeking information. While health professionals were often approached, alternative sources such as public libraries, peer educators and seniors’ organisations were also favoured as credible sources of information. Older adults proposed falls prevention information should be delivered with a positive tone, coupled with highly valued qualities of respect, empathy and time to listen to foster motivation to engage in recommended activities. Consumer-focused practical strategies were proposed to potentially improve future design, communication and dissemination of falls prevention information. This improvement could enhance engagement of messages and subsequent uptake of falls prevention recommended strategies.