bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous intraosseous venous drainage: Bone perforators?
Authors: Ramelet Albert-Adrien , Crebassa Vincent , D′Alotto Carlos , Buero Guillermo , Gillet Jean-Luc , Grenot-Mercier Anne , Küpfer Stefan , Mendoza Erika , Monsallier Jean-Michel , Obermayer Alfred , Pacheco Kenedy , Pros Nicolas , Rastel Didier , Soulié Dominique
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Anomalous intraosseous venous drainage is a rare and almost unknown entity; only 14 cases have been reported in the literature and 4 mentioned in textbooks. We report the characteristics of 35 further cases observed in 32 patients.

Method

After the presentation of two cases at the congress of the French Society of Phlebology in Paris (2013), 12 colleagues joined to present a large series of so-called bone perforators observed in their practice, all identified with at least a duplex investigation.

Results

Thirty-two patients suffering from varicose veins and/or skin changes (C2−C6) associated with a bone perforator of the tibia (with bilateral anomalies in three) are reported: 19 females and 13 males, average age 56.9. The majority of the affected legs were symptomatic (30/35). Bone perforator was an isolated finding in 27/35 legs. In three cases, the investigations revealed that the venous reflux in the bone originated from an incompetent posterior tibial vein.

Conclusions

We suggest the name of “bone perforators” for an anomalous tibial intraosseous venous drainage, feeding varicose veins, and in more advanced stages lipodermatosclerosis and leg ulcers. Most of them were successfully treated with surgery or sclerotherapy.
Social Informatics in Education
Authors: Borovoi Leah , Vlaev Ivo
Published: April 2016

This article lies at the crossroads of education, technology, and culture, examining the assumption that societal cultures can exert influence on educational technologies. It is informed by a hypothesis that educational technology is not merely a matter of education and technology alone but is also about the societal culture wherein that educational technology is implemented. The study explores those societally and culturally informed factors that promote the rejection of educational technologies. It answers the research question: To what extent do societal cultures challenge educational technologies? This question is addressed by carrying out a quantitative enquiry into Israel and Saudi Arabia. Having analyzed the collected data using an exploratory factor analysis, societally and culturally directed factors were revealed that flew in the face of educational technologies. The theoretical proposition that could be drawn from this is that educational technologies can be rejected not based on educational or technological interests alone but rather based on societally and culturally promoted anxieties. The recommendation for research policy is thus that, when researching an educational technology, there should be constant consideration of how societally and culturally compatible it is with the wider societal culture wherein it will be or already is situated.
Facilitating Public Participation in Local Governments in Hard Times
Authors: Jun Kyu-Nahm , Bryer Thomas
Published: April 2016

In the wake of the economic crisis in 2007, many municipal governments faced a variety of financial challenges. Scholars and practitioners call for citizen participation in various parts of government; however, it is unclear how efforts to engage the public can be sustained when municipalities undergo tough financial times. This research explores the impact of internal and external factors—(a) impact of financial crisis, (b) environmental and organizational complexity, and (c) administrative decentralization—on whether citizens are given the opportunity and resources to be involved in decision-making. Findings suggest that, despite their concerns for the diminishing fiscal capacity, local governments provide supportive institutional arrangements that may encourage public participation. Organizational complexity in local government also has a positive impact on facilitating public involvement and providing resource. Finally, the analyses indicate mixed findings for environmental complexity faced by local jurisdictions.
Comparison of central and local serial CT assessments of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients in a clinical phase IIB study
Authors: Felsch Moritz , Zaim Souhil , Dicken Volker , Lehmacher Walter , Scheuring Urban J
Published: April 2016

Background

Clinical oncological studies attempt to improve precision of data by central radiological assessments. However, it is unclear, to which extent local and central assessments diverge.

Purpose

To quantify inter-reader variability and the deviation of local from central radiological assessments of computed tomography (CT) scans.

Material and Methods

This was a sub-study of a randomized clinical phase IIb trial in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), comparing first-line sorafenib with interferon-alpha-2a (IFN-α-2a). It analyzed agreements of local with central RECIST CT assessments by Cohen’s kappa (κ), symmetry tests, deviations in waterfall plots, Bland–Altman plots, and parametric survival analyses.

Results

The concordance between local and central radiologic review was quantified by κ = 0.53. While local assessment yielded progressive disease (PD) in 18.6%, central assessment classified 22.5% of patient time points as PD exhibiting only a partial overlap with the 18.6% The tumor shrinkage rates in waterfall plots were 68.1% in local and 55.8% in central review (57.8% and 59% by Reader 1 and Reader 2). Bland–Altman plots identified a systematic shift of tumor change rates by −7.5% in local compared to central assessments, that may reflect a systematic tendency of more favorable results in local assessments. The discordance between local and central review was reflected by a time to progression (TTP) hazard ratio (HR) of 1.73 ( P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

These data suggest that central radiologic review may reduce technical measurement variability in clinical trials, which should be scrutinized in future studies compared to a volumetric reference.
To Reinstate or to Not Reinstate? An Exploratory Study of Student Perspectives on the Death Penalty in Michigan
Authors: Adinkrah Mensah , Clemens William M.
Published: April 2016

The U.S. state of Michigan abolished the death penalty in 1846. Since then, several abortive efforts have been made by state legislators to re-establish the death sentence to deal with convicted murderers. Concurrently, some support exists among Michigan residents for the restoration of capital punishment in the state. This article presents the results of the analysis of an attitudinal survey of 116 college students enrolled in three criminal justice courses in a Michigan public university concerning the reinstatement of the death sentence in the state. The data from this exploratory study show that a slight majority (52.6%) of respondents favored reinstatement whereas 45.7% opposed restoration. Advocates and opponents of re-establishment of the death penalty in Michigan provided similar religious, moral and economic arguments proffered by others in previous surveys on capital punishment available in the death penalty literature. The current study makes a contribution to the scant extant literature on attitudes toward the death penalty in abolitionist jurisdictions. As this body of literature grows, it can provide baseline data or information with which to compare attitudes in retentionist states.
Simulating Intrusion Into Personal Space Among Violent Offenders: The Role of Disgust
Authors: Leutgeb Verena , Leitner Mario , Klug Doris , Schienle Anne
Published: April 2016

Intrusion into one’s own personal space (PS) elicits discomfort. This is especially true when the intruder’s facial mimicry expresses disgust or anger. Although it is known that the affective context influences PS processing, this has not been investigated in violent offenders. We presented images of affective facial expressions (i.e., anger, disgust, neutral) of men and women to violent offenders and nonoffenders. All images were shown twice—once as nonanimated photos and a second time as expanding (i.e., appearing to approach the participant). The participants rated their experienced arousal and valence for each image and completed personality questionnaires for the assessment of disgust proneness (tendency to experience disgust), disgust sensitivity (tendency to perceive one’s own disgust feelings as aversive and uncontrollable), self-disgust (tendency to find oneself repulsive), and trait anger (tendency to experience anger). Offenders reported significantly elevated disgust proneness, self-disgust, and negative affect to male facial expressions of disgust. The negative affect experienced by offenders in the approaching disgust condition correlated with their self-disgust. Future studies should specifically investigate the association between sensitivity to disgust cues reflecting social rejection, self-disgust, and violent behavior.
Governmental assemblages of internationalising universities: Mediating circulation and containment in East Asia
Authors: Sidhu Ravinder , Collins Francis , Lewis Nicolas , Yeoh Brenda
Published: April 2016

This paper critically appraises the internationalization practices currently embraced by some of East Asia’s leading universities. We examine the ‘governmental assemblage’ that constitutes the ‘international university’ with a particular focus on the ways in which this transformation has involved an increased circulation of international students. Mobile students are caught up in the desires of universities and national governments to craft ‘world-class universities’, cosmopolitanise campus spaces, achieve demographic renewal and harness the human capital of international graduates by implementing policies of internationalisation. Analyses of practices on-the-ground reveal that formulations to capture the potentialities from circulating international students rarely achieving the global teaching and learning experiences they aspire to. Instead, fragmented encounters with domestic students, ethno-cultural essentialisms and renewed tensions around the politics of language and learning, create the possibilities for container models of international education. At the same time, practices of self-government by international students can succeed in (re)working such containment logics by refusing to be seen simply as units of human capital. Our argument points to the importance of a more critical and engaged approach to internationalization in universities by policymakers and institutional leaders.
PACAP38 dose-response pilot study in migraine patients
Authors: Vollesen Anne Luise Haulund , Guo Song , Ashina Messoud
Published: April 2016

Background

Intravenous infusion of 10 pmol/kg/min pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) induces migraine-like attacks in migraine patients without aura (MO). Here, we conducted a pilot study and investigated if lower doses of PACAP38 exert similar migraine-inducing abilities.

Methods

We randomly allocated six MO patients to receive intravenous infusion of 4, 6, and 8 pmol/kg/min of PACAP38 over 20 minutes in a double-blind, three-way cross-over study. Headache and migraine characteristics were recorded during hospital (0–2 hours) and post-hospital (2–13 hours) phases.

Results

PACAP38 induced migraine-like attacks in one out of six patients with 4 pmol, two out of six patients with 6 pmol and three out of six patients with 8 pmol ( p = 0.368). All patients reported head pain after 8 pmol/kg/min, whereas five of six participants reported head pain after both 4 and 6 pmol/kg/min. We found no difference between the three doses in the AUC for headache intensity over the 12-hour observation period ( p = 0.142). An exploratory analysis showed a significant difference between 4 pmol and 8 pmol ( p = 0.031).

Conclusion

A trend of a dose-response relationship between dose of PACAP38 and incidence of migraine was observed. We suggest that 10 pmol/kg/min PACAP38 is the most optimal dose to induce migraine-like attacks.
A Population-Based Study of Postpartum Mental Health Service Use by Immigrant Women in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vigod Simone , Sultana Anjum , Fung Kinwah , Hussain-Shamsy Neesha , Dennis Cindy-Lee
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Postpartum mental disorders are twice as common among immigrant women compared to nonimmigrant women in developed countries. Immigrant women may experience barriers to access and use of postpartum mental health services, but little is known about their service use on a population level. We described postpartum mental health service use of immigrant mothers living in Ontario, Canada, comparing to a referent group of mothers who were either born in Canada or had lived in Ontario or another Canadian province since 1985.

Method:

Among all women in Ontario, Canada, delivering a live infant from 2008 to 2012 ( n = 450,622), we described mental health service use within 1 year postpartum, including mental health physician visits, psychiatric emergency department visits, and psychiatric hospitalization. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing immigrant women to the referent group were adjusted for maternal age, parity, income, rurality, mental health services in prior 2 years, and maternal and newborn health.

Results:

Immigrant women ( n = 123,231; 27%) were less likely to use mental health services than women in the referent group (14.1% vs. 21.4%; aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.61), including for physician-based (13.9% vs. 21.1%; aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.61) and emergency department (0.6% vs. 1.3%; aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.68) services. Hospitalization risk was lower among immigrants (0.20% vs. 0.33%) but became similar after covariate adjustment (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.06).

Conclusions:

Underuse of postpartum mental health services may be contributing to the high burden of postpartum mental disorders among immigrant women.
Damage analysis for carbon fiber/epoxy composite exposed to simulated lightning current
Authors: Shulin Li , Junjie Yin , Xueling Yao , Fei Chang , Xiaopeng Shi
Published: April 2016

A simulation model of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) exposed to simulated lightning current was constructed based on the pyrolysis behavior of resin, in which temperature dependent material properties due to resin pyrolysis were took into account, such as thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, specific heat, and density. The damage behavior of CFRP caused by lightning strike has been modeled and validated by experiments. Based on the model, CFRP damage propagation behavior during lightning strike and influence of lightning current parameters to damage behavior of CFRP were investigated. Results indicated that, during lightning strike, damage depth and damage area of CFRP propagate rapidly at the initial stage of lightning strike, and then become slowly, damage of each layer formed under the act of resistive heating generated by electricity conduction in-plane of the layer and heat transmit between connected layers, and then propagate directionally; with the increase of peak current and waveform parameters, damage of the CFRP will be increased.
Self-Placement in the Social Structure of Sweden: The Relationship between Class Identification and Subjective Social Placement
Authors: Karlsson Lena
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the two assessments of subjective placement in the social structure – class identification and subjective social placement – in a top-to-bottom social hierarchy. In this article, the focus is on the association between working-class identity and subjective social placement. The source material is derived from the International Social Survey Programme from 2009 and 2012. The analysis reveals that women who identified with the working class to a higher extent located themselves towards the lower strata compared to their male counterparts, a result indicating that the female class structure may be more polarized than that of males. The results imply a need for more research concerning how women and men relate their objective class position to social status, as well as the relationship to different outcomes, such as subjective well-being and social justice.
Robust optimal design of a neutral valve for hydrostatic transmissions using Grey relational analysis
Authors: Kim Suchul , Kim Jaeseung , Lee Jinwoong , Shim Sungbo , Kim Kyeonguk
Published: April 2016

Problems of pressure impact and improper neutral angle of a neutral valve for hydrostatic transmissions were solved using Taguchi method for robust optimal design with aids of Grey relational analysis and computer simulation. An ITI-Simulation X-based model of a hydrostatic transmission with the neutral valve was developed and used to simulate the pressure impact and extended neutral angle during the pressure modulation when the swash plate angled from neutral to forth or back. The simulation results were converted to the Grey relational coefficients for 108 combinations of 27 design and four operational conditions. The Grey relational grades were also calculated for seven design parameters and each of the design conditions as the performance index. Through three times repeated robust optimal design process, the design parameters reached to the optimal which satisfied the performance goals of the neutral valve set to smaller the better for the pressure impact and nominal the best for the extended neutral valve.
A new measurement method for operation mode dependent dynamic behavior of magnetorheological fluid
Authors: Kaluvan S , Park JH , Lee YS , Han MS , Choi SB
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a new measurement method to investigate the operational mode dependent dynamic behavior of magnetorheological fluid. The proposed measurement system is designed using an electromagnetically actuating cylindrical rod coupled with the magnetorheological fluid squeezing setup. The cylindrical rod is clamped to base at one end and the other end is free to move in the z- and y-axis. A disc-type permanent magnet is attached to the free end of the cantilever rod and an electromagnetic actuator is placed nearer to the permanent magnet. The magnetorheological fluid squeezing setup is mounted nearer to the fixed end. The magnetorheological squeezing setup is designed using two electromagnetic coils placed face to face in z-axis with the gap of “ d”. The magnetorheological fluid is placed between the gap “ d” to form the squeezing effect. The direction of vibration of the cantilever rod to bottom surface is determined by the angular position of electromagnetic actuator. The actuator position is fixed to the desired angle with the help of stepper motor setup. The horizontal direction of vibration of cantilever rod produces the shear mode operation of the magnetorheological fluid in the magnetorheological fluid squeezing setup. Similarly, the vertical and intermediate direction of vibration of rod produces the squeeze and coupled mode operation of the magnetorheological fluid, respectively. The analytical and experiment analyses to determine the dynamic damping behavior of the magnetorheological particles for various directions of actuation angle is undertaken using the proposed measurement system. The analytical model of the proposed measurement system is firstly derived and the experimental setup is then developed in real-time laboratory environment. The analytical and experimental results show that the dynamic damping behavior of squeeze mode operation of the magnetorheological fluid is superior to the shear and coupled mode operation of the magnetorheological fluid. The effectiveness and novelty of the proposed measurement system is demonstrated by presenting dynamic force variation and vibration amplitude reduction at different modes like squeeze, shear, and intermediate mode operation of the magnetorheological fluid.
Control design, simulation and validation of a turbo-machinery auxiliary plant
Authors: Conti Roberto , D’Adamio Pierluca , Galardi Emanuele , Meli Enrico , Nocciolini Daniele , Pugi Luca , Rindi Andrea , Lo Presti Giulio , Rossin Stefano
Published: April 2016

In the oil and gas industry, the testing of auxiliary lubrication plants represents an important preliminary activity before the whole turbo machinery train (including the auxiliary lubrication plant) can be put in operation. Therefore, the employment of both efficient and accurate plant models becomes mandatory to synthesize satisfactory control strategies both for testing and normal operation purposes. For this reason, this paper focuses on the development of innovative real-time models and control architectures to describe and regulate auxiliary lubrication plants. In particular, according to the Bond-Graph modelling strategy, a novel lumped parameter model of the lube oil unit has been developed to properly optimize the behaviour of this unit if it is controlled. The code has been compiled and uploaded on a commercial real-time platform, employed to control the pressure control valve of the physical plant, for which a new controller has been developed.

The comparison between the data obtained from the simulated system and acquired from the physical plant shows good agreement and the good performance and reliability of the proposed model and control strategy. The modelling approach and the control strategy have been developed in collaboration with GE Nuovo Pignone S.p.a. while the experimental data were acquired in a plant located in Ptuj (Slovenia).
Capturing the Interpersonal Implications of Evolved Preferences? Frequency of Sex Shapes Automatic, but Not Explicit, Partner Evaluations
Authors: Hicks Lindsey L. , McNulty James K. , Meltzer Andrea L. , Olson Michael A.
Published: April 2016

A strong predisposition to engage in sexual intercourse likely evolved in humans because sex is crucial to reproduction. Given that meeting interpersonal preferences tends to promote positive relationship evaluations, sex within a relationship should be positively associated with relationship satisfaction. Nevertheless, prior research has been inconclusive in demonstrating such a link, with longitudinal and experimental studies showing no association between sexual frequency and relationship satisfaction. Crucially, though, all prior research has utilized explicit reports of satisfaction, which reflect deliberative processes that may override the more automatic implications of phylogenetically older evolved preferences. Accordingly, capturing the implications of sexual frequency for relationship evaluations may require implicit measurements that bypass deliberative reasoning. Consistent with this idea, one cross-sectional and one 3-year study of newlywed couples revealed a positive association between sexual frequency and automatic partner evaluations but not explicit satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of automatic measurements to understanding interpersonal relationships.
Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults
Authors: Barenholtz Levy Hedva , Marcus Esther-Lee
Published: April 2016

The 2 most widely used explicit criteria regarding inappropriate medication use in older adults are the American Geriatrics Society’s Beers Criteria and the Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (STOPP/START). Both documents were updated recently. They are important educational tools that highlight medications for which risks of use may often exceed benefits in older adults and situations in which potentially appropriate medications should be considered for use. The application of these tools has the potential to significantly affect patient care. Thus, it is important for clinicians to be familiar with both documents.
Immunotherapy
Authors: Afifi Salma , Michael Angela , Lesokhin Alexander
Published: April 2016

Objective: To review the clinical pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of daratumumab and elotuzumab for the treatment of relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, the US National Institutes of Health Clinicaltrials.gov, the Food and Drug administration, and relevant meeting abstracts was conducted using the terms daratumumab, elotuzumab, multiple myeloma, anti-CD38, HuMax-CD38, HuLuc63, SLAMF7, and anti-CS1. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Human and animal studies describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of daratumumab and elotuzumab for MM were identified. Data Synthesis: Daratumumab (anti-CD38) and elotuzumab (anti-CS1) have been recently FDA approved for the treatment of RRMM after showing efficacy in clinical trials. Elotuzumab approval was based on phase III data, and daratumumab gained accelerated approval based on phase I/II trials. Daratumumab has demonstrated significant single-agent activity, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 36% in patients with a median of 4 prior lines of therapy. Elotuzumab has not been shown to have single-agent activity. But the efficacy of both these antibodies in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in RRMM showed an ORR exceeding 80%. Tolerability of elotuzumab and daratumumab seems to be acceptable, with the most common adverse event being infusion reactions. Conclusion: Daratumumab and elotuzumab have shown encouraging results in RRMM that led to their FDA approval. Both are well tolerated with minimal toxicities. Phase III clinical trials will define optimal combination and place in therapy of daratumumab and elotuzumab.
Implementing a Policy and Protocol on Managing Patients With Hypertensive Urgencies
Authors: Chim Christine , Dimitropoulos Erica , Ginzburg Regina
Published: April 2016

Background: The use of short-acting agents, such as clonidine, for hypertensive urgency has been shown to worsen outcomes and, therefore, should be avoided in the office. Objectives: The primary objective was to achieve decreased rates of clonidine orders for immediate treatment of asymptomatic hypertension in the office. The secondary objective was to determine if reduced use leads to a decline in poor outcomes. Methods: This was an observational cohort study evaluating a protocol and algorithm developed by clinical pharmacists on the appropriate management of hypertensive urgencies. The protocol included the provision of avoiding short-acting antihypertensives (ie, clonidine). Preintervention and postintervention reports were generated to determine the number of times clonidine was ordered in the office. Electronic health charts were also reviewed for documentation of poor outcomes related to clonidine administration within 1 week of the hypertensive urgency visit date. Results: In the preintervention cohort, 106 (17.4%) orders of clonidine were captured compared with 73 (10.6%) in the postintervention group ( P = 0.001). Of the patients who were administered clonidine, 7 patients in the preintervention group were advised to go to the emergency department (ED) for additional hypertensive management, 2 of whom were subsequently hospitalized; 9 patients were advised to go to the ED in the postintervention group, and no patient was subsequently hospitalized. No adverse effects were documented from in-office clonidine administration in either cohort of patients. Conclusion: The hypertensive urgency protocol and education reduced the number of clonidine orders and hospital admissions. The increase in ED referrals needs further assessment.
Is Access to and Use of Patient Perceived Patient-Centered Medical Homes Associated With Reduced Nonurgent Emergency Department Use?
Authors: Xin Haichang , Kilgore Meredith L. , Sen Bisakha
Published: April 2016

This study examined whether access to and use of patient-centered medical home (PCMH) practices is associated with reduced nonurgent emergency department (ED) use, especially among the uninsured population. This retrospective study used 2010-2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Difference-in-difference methods, multivariate logit model, marginal effect, and survey procedures were employed. A total of 1287 adults had any ED visit in 2011, which represented weighted 29 463 684 people in the population. Reductions in odds of nonurgent ED use between the full PCMH group and the “no regular provider” group was significantly larger for the uninsured group than publicly and privately insured groups (β = −1.70, P = .009, and β = −1.04, P = .040, respectively). Similar results were found between the partial PCMH group and the “no regular provider” group for the uninsured group compared to the public group (β = −1.67, P = .019). PCMH models demonstrate higher odds of reduced nonurgent ED use among uninsured individuals compared to public and private enrollees nationwide.
Motion at the Tibial and Polyethylene Component Interface in a Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Lundeen Gregory A. , Clanton Thomas O. , Dunaway Linda J. , Lu Minggen
Published: April 2016

Background:

Normal biomechanics of the ankle joint includes sagittal as well as axial rotation. Current understanding of mobile-bearing motion at the tibial-polyethylene interface in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is limited to anterior-posterior (AP) motion of the polyethylene component. The purpose of our study was to define the motion of the polyethylene component in relation to the tibial component in a mobile-bearing TAA in both the sagittal and axial planes in postoperative patients.

Methods:

Patients who were a minimum of 12 months postoperative from a third-generation mobile-bearing TAA were identified. AP images were saved at maximum internal and external rotation, and the lateral images were saved in maximum plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Sagittal range of motion and AP translation of the polyethylene component were measured from the lateral images. Axial rotation was determined by measuring the relative position of the 2 wires within the polyethylene component on AP internal and external rotation imaging. This relationship was compared to a table developed from fluoroscopic images taken at standardized degrees of axial rotation of a nonimplanted polyethylene with the associated length relationship of the 2 imbedded wires. Sixteen patients were included in this investigation, 9 (56%) were male and average age was 68 (range, 49-80) years. Time from surgery averaged 25 (range, 12-38) months.

Results:

Total sagittal range of motion averaged 23±9 (range, 9-33) degrees. Axial motion for total internal and external rotation of the polyethylene component on the tibial component averaged 6±5 (range, 0-18) degrees. AP translation of the polyethylene component relative to the tibial component averaged 1±1 (range, 0-3) mm. There was no relationship between axial rotation or AP translation of the polyethylene component and ankle joint range of motion ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first investigation to measure axial and sagittal motion of the polyethylene component at the tibial implant interface in patients following a mobile-bearing TAA. Based on outcome scores and range-of-motion measurements, we believe the patients in this study are a representative cross section of subjects compared to other TAA research results. The results from this investigation indicate the potential for a mobile-bearing TAA to fall within the parameters of normal polyaxial ankle motion. The multiplanar articulation in a mobile-bearing TAA may reduce excessively high peak pressures during the complex dynamic tibial and talar motion, which may have a positive influence on gait pattern, polyethylene wear, and implant longevity.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Reliability and Validity of Ambulatory Cognitive Assessments
Authors: Sliwinski Martin J. , Mogle Jacqueline A. , Hyun Jinshil , Munoz Elizabeth , Smyth Joshua M. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: April 2016

Mobile technologies are increasingly used to measure cognitive function outside of traditional clinic and laboratory settings. Although ambulatory assessments of cognitive function conducted in people’s natural environments offer potential advantages over traditional assessment approaches, the psychometrics of cognitive assessment procedures have been understudied. We evaluated the reliability and construct validity of ambulatory assessments of working memory and perceptual speed administered via smartphones as part of an ecological momentary assessment protocol in a diverse adult sample ( N = 219). Results indicated excellent between-person reliability (≥0.97) for average scores, and evidence of reliable within-person variability across measurement occasions (0.41-0.53). The ambulatory tasks also exhibited construct validity, as evidence by their loadings on working memory and perceptual speed factors defined by the in-lab assessments. Our findings demonstrate that averaging across brief cognitive assessments made in uncontrolled naturalistic settings provide measurements that are comparable in reliability to assessments made in controlled laboratory environments.
Toxicity and response in cats with neoplasia treated with toceranib phosphate
Authors: Harper Aaron , Blackwood Laura
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Toceranib phosphate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor licensed for the treatment of non-resectable Patnaik grade II/III recurrent cutaneous mast cell tumours in dogs. There is no information in cats regarding the tolerated dose, toxicity or tumour response of this drug. The aim of this study was to analyse retrospectively a cohort of cats with advanced neoplasia treated with toceranib to identify toxicity and response.

Methods

The medical records of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Cats were included if they had received toceranib for at least 2 weeks for the treatment of histologically or cytologically confirmed neoplastic disease, and had at least one set of monitoring blood tests (haematology, biochemistry) performed after baseline tests. Toxicity was graded according to the Veterinary Comparative Oncology Group – common terminology criteria for adverse events(VCOG-CTCAE) and response was measured according to Response Evaluation In Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria.

Results

Fourteen cats met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which (13/14) had received previous therapy (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy). The most common tumour types were mast cell tumours or malignant epithelial tumours. Toxicity occurred in 10/14 cats – 10 cats had mild myelosuppression or gastrointestinal effects. Two cats developed severe hepatoxicity. One cat died from congestive heart failure, although whether this was related to toceranib therapy is unknown. Regarding response, one cat achieved complete response; two cats achieved partial response and five cats achieved stable disease: overall biological response rate was 57.1%. All of the cats that achieved either partial or complete response were treated for mast cell disease. Overall median duration of response was 90 days (range 14–570 days). None of the cats with squamous cell carcinoma achieved a response.

Conclusions and relevance

Toceranib phosphate is generally well tolerated in cats, with toxicity limited to mild gastrointestinal or myelosuppressive effects in the majority of cases (10/14) in this study; however, hepatotoxicity is a concern. Response to treatment in this small cohort was similar to that reported in dogs.
Sensitivity of fecal occult blood testing in the cat
Authors: Rudinsky Adam J , Guillaumin Julien , Gilor Chen
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The impact of dietary factors on fecal occult blood (FOB) testing has been previously evaluated in cats, but the analytical sensitivity of this point-of-care test remains unexamined. The primary goal of this study was to assess the analytical sensitivity of the FOB test in cats.

Methods

Five cats were used in a repeated measures study. Following oral administration of blood, feces were collected and tested every 12 h for FOB and melena. All cats were fed an animal protein-free diet starting the week before entry into the study. Blood was administered on a milligram of hemoglobin per kilogram of body weight basis, and dosed at 1.5, 3, 15, 30 and 45 mg/kg hemoglobin in series with a wash-out period between each trial.

Results

FOB was detected in one cat at 1.5 mg/kg hemoglobin, three cats at 3 mg/kg hemoglobin and in all five cats at 15, 30 and 45 mg/kg hemoglobin. Melena was noted in one cat at 30 mg/kg and four cats at 45 mg/kg, but not at lower doses.

Conclusions and relevance

Administration of 15 mg/kg hemoglobin (equivalent to about 1.5 ml blood) was sufficient for positive results in all cats. However, detection occurred with as little as 1.5 mg/kg hemoglobin. Thus, FOB has good analytical sensitivity in cats under appropriate clinical situations.
Emphasizing the child in child health literacy research
Authors: Velardo Stefania , Drummond Murray
Published: April 2016

Child health literacy is a ‘hot topic’ of late, as researchers and practitioners work to attain an equitable and healthy future. Health literacy emphasizes the wide range of skills that people need to access, understand, evaluate and use health information to promote good health. In light of the recognition that health literacy is an important determinant of health for adults, addressing child health literacy early on is essential to maximize future health outcomes. Meeting children’s specific needs arguably includes the delivery of information that can be easily accessed and understood by younger age groups. While much academic discourse pertains to the importance of building parental health literacy, there is less literature that explicitly focuses on child-centred health literacy. On the premise that health literacy is an asset, this paper provides an argument for investing in children’s health literacy by working with children to encourage meaningful contributions in research and practice.
Talking with one voice? Conversation networks and political polarisation
Authors: Pattie Charles , Johnston Ron
Published: April 2016

Analyses the effects of political homogeneity and heterogeneity in citizens’ conversation networks on ideological position Other things being equal, membership of more politically homogenous conversation networks leads individuals into more extreme political evaluations Network homogeneity drives polarisation of political attitudes and creates larger perceived gulfs between individuals’ own views and the views they ascribe to parties opposed by their conversation partners.

Persuasion is a well-known consequence of political discussion between citizens: people bring their partisan and ideological views into line with those of their discussion partners. Less often considered is another aspect of this process: does persuasion in conversation networks increase the gap individuals perceive between their own views and those of groups or parties opposed by their discussion partners? Building on work which suggests that ideological homogeneity within networks leads to increased polarisation and drives individuals to relative political extremes, the article examines British voters’ perceptions of parties whose views they do not share. The more internally homogeneous the partisan message coming from their main discussion partners, the more extreme individuals become in their views, and the greater the gulf they perceive between themselves and parties not supported by their networks. But the effect is evident only on issues which are politically salient, suggesting this is a real conversation effect.
Constructing a “new type of great power relations”: the state of debate in China (1998-2014)
Authors: Zeng Jinghan
Published: April 2016

Provide the first comprehensive study of Chinese discourse of new type of great power relations Contribute to a broader understanding of how new political concepts and ideas are gradually established in China Use content analysis to study 141 Chinese academic articles with title ‘new type of great power relations’ in the title’

China’s re-emergence as a global power has intensified its conflicts with the United States. Power transition theory suggests that the rising power and the exiting hegemony are unlikely to settle with peace. In order to manage the confrontation with the United States, China has called for establishing a ‘new type of great power relations’. This article explores how this Chinese-coined concept is introduced by Chinese leaders, and subsequently filled with real meaning, in an incremental manner. It provides the first comprehensive study of the Chinese discourse of new type of great power relations using content analysis to study 141 articles written by Chinese scholars. It finds that the academic debate of this concept can be traced back to the late 1990s when China still considered itself as a normal power. China’s international identity has shifted with China’s rise and thus changed the contemporary debate on new type of great power relations. This article argues that there are neither predetermined strategic intentions nor real substance contained by this concept at this stage. Indeed, China itself is concerned that it may be constrained by its own concept.
Numerical analysis of recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube stub columns
Authors: Xiang Xingyun , Cai CS , Zhao Renda , Peng Hui
Published: April 2016

This article presents a numerical analysis on the behavior of square recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube stub columns with the cold-formed hollow structural steel tube being used. A nonlinear finite element model for the square recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube stub column under axial compression has been developed using the general-purpose finite element program. An equivalent stress-strain model is proposed to simulate the behavior of the recycled aggregate concrete confined by a steel tube. The results obtained from the finite element model are compared with the experimental data. The comparison indicates that the finite element model is capable of predicting the mechanical behavior of the square recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube stub columns. After the validation of the numerical model, the effects of the recycled aggregate replacement ratio on the behavior of the square recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube stub columns are investigated. Furthermore, the applicability of the current design specifications and the proposed empirical formulas by various researchers to predict the ultimate compressive strengths of the recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tube stub columns are examined. The comparative study shows that the specification Eurocode 4 gives closer prediction of the ultimate compressive strength than the other methods.
The role of ethnic divisions in people’s attitudes toward the death penalty: The case of the Albanians
Authors: Peshkopia Ridvan , Stephen Voss D
Published: April 2016

Are there specific ethnocultural features that make people support the death penalty, or does support of capital punishment simply reflect people’s position vis-à-vis power? Much of the existing research on this topic has been developed in the absence of an appropriate control group. However, this question can be answered only if ethnonational culture remains constant across different political and socioeconomic settings. In order to achieve such a goal, we focus our research on the Balkans where several social settings fit such a research design; we chose ethnic Albanians as our ethnonational culture of focus. We built a research design that would allow our key independent variable, people’s position in country’s power structure, to vary across three countries: Albania, Macedonia, and Montenegro. In each of these three countries, ethnic Albanians are situated in different positions of the sociopolitical power structure, from the absolutely dominant ethnic group in Albania proper; to an embattled ethnic minority in Macedonia; to a tiny, compact, but peaceful ethnic minority in Montenegro. By analyzing data collected via public opinion surveys, we conclude that, indeed, whether respondents belong to a dominant ethnic group or an ethnic minority affects their attitudes toward the death penalty.
The Framing of Frequent Sexual Behavior and/or Pornography Viewing as Addiction: Some Concerns for Social Work
Authors: Williams D J
Published: April 2016

The application of an addiction framework to frequent sexual behavior and/or pornography viewing has increased significantly in recent years, particularly across North America. Herein, I refer to a multidisciplinary literature to explore critically whether or not application of an addiction framework is warranted.

Findings

The sex/pornography addiction model can be criticized based on the lack of quality scientific evidence to support it, sociocultural biases in interpreting sexual behavior, and assumptions involving diagnostic criteria.

Applications

While social workers should strive to help clients who desire to resolve various personal issues involving sexuality, workers should keep in mind that human sexuality is diverse and avoid using the addiction label.
RemoDem: Delivering support for people with dementia in remote areas
Authors: Bowes Alison , Dawson Alison , McCabe Louise
Published: April 2016

RemoDem aimed to develop, test and evaluate services for people with dementia in remote areas of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Sweden and Scotland. Formative and summative evaluation used a flexible research design including collection of baseline data, interviews and focus groups with key informants and data relating to service users, i.e. people with dementia and their carers. Challenges for service providers included organisational difficulties, lack of clear information about their populations with dementia and lack of knowledge in local communities. Test sites which developed services building on their particular local starting points adopted both specialist and ‘off the shelf’ technologies and found that these were generally helpful for people with significant support needs. The flexible research design was found to be essential in the real world conditions of the service development and evaluation. Services were more successful where more mature and less experimental technologies were used. The new services promised to address effectively challenges of remoteness including distance, communication and workforce deployment issues.
Conceptions and expectations of research collaboration in the European social sciences: Research policies, institutional contexts and the autonomy of the scientific field
Authors: Lebeau Yann , Papatsiba Vassiliki
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the interactions between policy drivers and academic practice in international research collaboration. It draws on the case of the Open Research Area (ORA), a funding scheme in the social sciences across four national research agencies, seeking to boost collaboration by supporting “integrated” projects. The paper discusses the scheme’s governance and its place within the European policy space before turning to awarded researchers’ perceptions of its originality and impact on their project’s emergence and development. Drawing on Bourdieu’s field theory, we analyse the scheme’s capacity to challenge researchers’ habitual collaborative practice as well as the hierarchical foundations of the social science field. We relate the discourses of researchers, located in France, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, to such structural dimensions of the academic profession as, disciplinary cultures, institutional environments and national performance management of research careers. The paper argues that the ORA introduced novel mechanisms of power sharing and answerability in social sciences research capable of unsettling the autonomy of the scientific field. This analysis offers a new perspective on the often unquestioned superiority of the model of international collaboration induced by schemes such as the ORA.