bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embodied Cognition and Perception: Dewey, Science and Skepticism
Authors: Crippen Matthew
Published: June 2017

This article examines how Modern theories of mind remain even in some materialistic and hence ontologically anti-dualistic views; and shows how Dewey, anticipating Merleau-Ponty and 4E cognitive scientists, repudiates these theories. Throughout I place Dewey’s thought in the context of scientific inquiry, both recent and historical and including the cognitive as well as traditional sciences; and I show how he incorporated sciences of his day into his thought, while also anticipating enactive cognitive science. While emphasizing Dewey’s continued relevance, my main goal is to show how his scientifically informed account of perception and cognition combats skepticism propagated by certain scientific visions, exacerbated by commonplace notions about mind, that jointly suggest that human beings lack genuine access to reality.
Erythrostemon sousanus (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), a new species from the Río Papagayo Basin in Guerrero, México
Authors: CONTRERAS-JIMÉNEZ JOSÉ LUIS , SOTUYO SOLANGE , CALVILLO-CANADELL LAURA , LEWIS GWILYM P.
Published: June 2017

A new legume species, Erythrostemon sousanus, from seasonally dry forest of the Río Papagayo Basin in Guerrero, Mexico is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to E. mexicanus, from which it is distinguished by its glabrous leaves with a greater number of pairs of pinnae (6–11 vs 5–7) and each pinna with more pairs of leaflets (5–7 vs 2–4); by flowers, inflorescences and fruits densely pubescent; and by larger flowers (13–17 vs 12 mm long), fruits (8 × 2 vs 4 × 1.5 cm) and seeds (12 × 9 × 2 vs 9–10 × 7.5 ×1.5 mm).
Revision and phylogeny of Hypotelus Erichson: a Neotropical genus of minute rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Piestinae)
Authors: BORTOLUZZI SIDNEI , CARON EDILSON , RIBEIRO-COSTA CIBELE S.
Published: June 2017

The rove beetle genus Hypotelus Erichson, 1839 is one of seven extant genera of a subfamily with a historically misinterpreted concept, status and phylogenetic position. The genus comprises minute species that have been found under the bark of trees or in leaf litter mainly in Neotropical forests. The major aim of this study was to test the monophyly of this genus based on adult morphology and to review its species. Cladistic analyses were performed and Hypotelus is a monophyletic genus supported by 8 synapomorphies and includes five new species: H. brevitarsus sp. nov., H. castaneus sp. nov., H. corniculatus sp. nov., H. melanodelta sp. nov. and H. scheerpeltzi sp. nov. Additionally, all species are described/redescribed and illustrated, most of them for the first time. An identification key, geographical records and natural history data for each species are also provided.
A new East African genus of spirostreptid millipedes (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae), with notes on their fungal ectoparasite Rickia gigas
Authors: ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: June 2017

The new genus Tropostreptus is erected to accommodate seven species which are all endemic in Tanzania: T. hamatus (Demange, 1977) (type species, = Spirostreptus hamatus Demange, 1977), T. sigmatospinus sp. nov., T. microcephalus sp. nov., T. droides sp. nov., T. kipunji spec. nov., T. austerus (Attems, 1950) (= Epistreptus austerus Attems, 1950) and T. severus sp. nov. All but one (T. sigmatospinus) of the species are restricted to the Eastern Arc Mts. in a wide sense, i.e., including Mt. Rungwe. Notes are included on Rickia gigas Santamaria et al., 2016 (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales), which infects several Tropostreptus species. The typical, long-celled form of R. gigas grows on body parts of both sexes coming into contact during copulation, whereas a short-celled form also ascribed to R. gigas grows on the hind margin of body rings of both sexes. A key to Tropostreptus species is included.
Lampetra soljani, a new brook lamprey from the southern Adriatic Sea basin (Petromyzontiformes: Petromyzontidae)
Authors: TUTMAN PERO , FREYHOF JÖRG , DULČIĆ JAKOV , GLAMUZINA BRANKO , GEIGER MATTHIAS
Published: June 2017

Lampetra soljani, new species, is described from the lower Neretva River in the Adriatic Sea basin. Previously it was identified as L. zanandreai. Based on morphological similarity and mitochondrial genetic data, it is related to L. lanceolata and L. ninae from the Black Sea basin. Lampetra soljani is distinguished from all other species of Lampetra by having a marmorate flank pattern in live, fully grown ammocoetes, and in some adults (vs. plain colour pattern). Lampetra soljani is distinguished from other Lampetra species by having three velar tentacles, 54–57 trunk myomeres between the last branchial opening and the anus, no posterial teeth and a bicuspid middle endolateral tooth. Lampetra soljani is also well distinguished by COI barcode data from its congeners. The new species is widespread in the Neretva River drainage and lampreys from Lake Skadar basin are likely to belong to this species also.
Description of two new Capnia species (Plecoptera: Capniidae) from the Hengduan Mountains of southwestern China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: June 2017

Two new species of the genus Capnia from the Hengduan Mountains of southwestern China, C. oblata sp. nov. and C. xiei sp. nov. are described and illustrated as new members of the C. cordata Kimmins species group. Capnia oblata sp. nov. is characterized by posteromedial process of tergum 9 connecting antecosta with the medial sclerite bar. Capnia xiei sp. nov. is characterized by main epiproct sclerite bifurcate apically and basally with a bilamellar structure. The new species are compared with similar taxa.
Effects of Fluticasone Furoate Nasal Spray on Parameters of Eosinophilic Inflammation in Patients With Nasal Polyposis and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Špadijer Mirković Cveta , Perić Aleksandar , Vukomanović Đurđević Biserka , Vojvodić Danilo
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and eotaxin-2 have been postulated to be responsible for eosinophilia in chronically inflamed nasal mucosa. This study evaluated mucosal production of RANTES and eotaxin-2 in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and nonallergic and allergic form of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) before and after nasal corticosteroid treatment.

Methods:

Twenty patients with PAR, 20 nonallergic and 20 allergic CRSwNP patients, and 20 healthy controls were included. The RANTES and eotaxin-2 levels were measured in nasal secretion samples. The patients with chronic inflammation were treated with fluticasone furoate nasal spray for 2 weeks. Cytological examination and measurement of RANTES and eotaxin-2 in nasal fluid were performed before and after the treatment.

Results:

The levels of RANTES were higher in patients with PAR ( P < .05) and nonallergic ( P < .01) and allergic CRSwNP patients ( P < .001) compared to controls. Eotaxin-2 levels were higher in all 3 inflammation groups compared to healthy subjects ( P < .001). After the treatment, we found a significant decrease of RANTES and eotaxin-2 concentrations ( P < .001) in all 3 groups of patients.

Conclusion:

The levels of RANTES and eotaxin-2 in nasal fluid could be reliable markers for assessing corticosteroid administration outcomes.
Guilty as Charged? Principals’ Perspectives on Disciplinary Practices and the Racial Discipline Gap
Authors: DeMatthews David E. , Carey Roderick L. , Olivarez Arturo , Moussavi Saeedi Kevin
Published: June 2017

Background: For decades, Black students have been more likely to be suspended than their White peers despite any evidence suggesting they are more likely to misbehave. This research builds on critical race theory and social justice leadership to explore and contextualize leadership practice as it relates to the racial discipline gap. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to understand how race and school context contribute to the ways principals enact discipline. Findings: Our study highlights the manner in which principals serve as key disciplinary decision makers, advocates, and intermediaries between districts, teachers, students, and families. Overall, some principals described enacting what could be called harsh punishment in the name of neutrality, consistency, and/or racial bias, while others described resisting institutional racism, challenging the status quo, and engaging in disciplinary approaches that address antecedents to misconduct and teach students about their behavior. Conclusion: These findings suggest that principal preparation programs must support students in identifying and exploring the systematic racism operating broadly in their districts and locally in their schools.
NGO strategy toward the reintegration of child soldiers in Liberia, Africa: An online survey of services, roles, and activities
Authors: Brownell Gracie , Basham Randall
Published: June 2017

This research investigates the roles of international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Liberia 10 years after the 14-year civil war ended in 2003. Soldiers of the war included a large number of child soldiers who are currently combatants at differing levels and phases of reintegration into society. A survey was conducted to generate descriptive empirical information about the roles NGOs play in ex-combatants’ reintegration and the knowledge, skills, and training needed to assist ex-combatants. Communicative and emerging social technologies appear, according to survey results, to also contribute to NGO service delivery.
Higher education in Uganda: Gender, socio-economic status, geographical background and sponsorship in a group of social work students at Makerere University
Authors: Jansson Birgitta , Bukuluki Paul , Hojer Staffan
Published: June 2017

This article investigates a group of 149 students studying social work and social administration at Makerere University, Uganda, and explores differences according to gender, sponsorship, geographical and socio-economic background, and parents’ educational level. Data used derive from a questionnaire collected in spring 2014. Results show that male students have access to public sponsorship to a greater degree than female students, regardless of their background. Female students are more dependent upon private sponsorship and their parents’ educational level for entry to higher education.
Legacies of Violence
Authors: Bara Corinne
Published: June 2017

Civil wars have a tendency to spread across borders. In several instances of conflict diffusion, however, conflicts spread well after their cessation at home. Whereas existing diffusion research has not attached much importance to this observation, I argue that these conflicts are instances of a broader pattern of postconflict diffusion. Wars are particularly prone to spread after termination because the end of fighting generates a surplus of weapons, combatants, and rebel leaders whose fortunes are tied to the continuation of violence. Some of these resources circulate throughout the region via the small arms trade and through transnational rebel networks, making this a time at which it should be easier for nonstate groups in the neighborhood to build a capable rebel army. The results from two complementary statistical tests on global conflict data provide strong support for such a postconflict diffusion effect.
Couldn’t Tell You Even If I Wanted To? Anonymity of Journalists’ Sources, Voluntary Disclosure and Abuse of Process
Authors: Freer Elaine
Published: June 2017

In October 2016, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Norman, an appeal against conviction for misconduct in public office on the basis of information sold to a newspaper by a serving prison officer. The particular interest in the appeal, however, comes from its wider engagement of rights afforded by Article 10 ECHR and the interaction of that provision with voluntary disclosure. The decision highlights that where information about a source is provided voluntarily by a newspaper, the source will struggle to argue that Article 10 rights have been infringed. This article explores the existing law on journalistic privilege and highlights the gap in the precedents that means, even post Norman, there is no clear answer to a question likely to be increasingly important in times of closer scrutiny of the media.
Head Injuries and Changes in Delinquency from Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Schwartz Joseph A. , Connolly Eric J. , Brauer Jonathan R.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

The current study examines whether head injuries suffered earlier in the life course are associated with subsequent changes in self-control and delinquency.

Methods:

Latent growth curve models and path analysis are used to analyze the developmental trajectories of self-control and delinquency as well as the potential associations between head injury, self-control, and delinquency among a sample of youth offenders from the pathways to desistance study.

Results:

The results revealed significant associations between head injuries and short-term changes in self-control and subsequent increases in aggressive delinquency. Indirect pathway models revealed that lower levels of self-control significantly mediated the association between head injuries and starting levels in aggressive delinquency. The association between head injuries and changes in aggressive delinquency was also significantly mediated by self-control, but the association was negative, indicating that youth who previously suffered head injuries desisted from aggressive delinquency at a slightly faster rate than their noninjured peers. Additional analyses revealed that, despite accelerated rates of decline, injured youth engaged in significantly higher levels of aggressive delinquency throughout the entire observation period.

Conclusion:

Head injuries represent one environmental factor that may influence delinquent behaviors through their influence on biological and developmental processes.
Research Note: A Career-Stage Analysis of Correctional Staff Outcomes
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Hogan Nancy L. , Griffin Marie L.
Published: June 2017

Correctional research has just begun to explore the effects of variables and their differences over the course of a career within the field. This study examined several correctional staff outcomes and how they varied over three identified career stages (initial, establishment, and maintenance) at a state-government operated prison. Results indicated that job involvement, job satisfaction, affective commitment, moral commitment, and turnover intent were highest during the initial stage of employment, which is contrary to other occupations. Job stress and continuance commitment remained equal across all three career stages. Findings suggest that the effects on career stages are contextual and vary across different types of organizations. Furthermore, the strains and stresses of working in a correctional institution may not be cumulative but remain steady across a career.
Macro-Correlates of Inmate Violence: The Importance of Programming in Prison Order
Authors: Randol Blake M. , Campbell Christopher M.
Published: June 2017

Identifying the facility-level correlates of inmate misconduct is necessary for improving safety for both inmates and staff. Assessing these factors is also critical to ensure the effectiveness of administrative controls and facility programming. Using a repeat measures analysis, this study examines a panel of 487 state correctional facilities to assess the dynamic effects that factors of administrative control and treatment availability have on inmate–inmate and inmate–staff assaults. Findings show that several types of facility programs were negatively associated with inmate–inmate assaults but not inmate–staff assaults. Also, several dimensions of administrative control were associated with inmate–staff assaults. Implications for research and correctional practice are discussed.
Gendered Adherence: Correctional Officers and Therapeutic Reform in a Reentry Facility
Authors: Rudes Danielle S. , Viglione Jill , Taxman Faye S.
Published: June 2017

How do correctional officers (COs) adhere to changing workplace philosophy and practices during interactions with inmates? This study explores COs’ perceptions and interactions during organizational change to examine how different factors (such as gender, position/rank, and reason for interaction) affect implementation. Using observations and interviews with COs, our data suggest gender-based differences in CO adherence when implementing redesigned workplace practices. Gendered adherence to using evidence-based practices within custody environments is potentially impactful on the success of the reform. Future training and skill development should address these gender-based findings to improve adherence to organizational change processes.
Factors Associated With Recommendations for Assistive Technology Devices for Persons With Mobility Limitations Using Workplace Accommodation Services
Authors: Wang I-Ting , Lee Shwn-Jen , Bezyak Jill , Tsai Mei-Wun , Luo Hong-Ji , Wang Jhin-Ren , Chien Ming-Shan
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to identify the interactions between impairment-related and work-related factors associated with recommendations for specific assistive technology devices (ATDs) for persons with mobility limitations who used workplace accommodation (WA) services. A retrospective and secondary data analysis was conducted on 132 WA service users with mobility limitations in Taipei City from 2008 to 2012 using chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID). The CHAID analyses revealed interactions between impairment-related factors (difficulty walking and upper extremity pain) and work-related factors (frequent moving around outdoors), which were significantly associated with the recommendation of powered wheelchairs ( p < .05). Interactions between the impairment-related factor (difficulty walking) and the work-related factor (frequent sitting for long periods of time) were associated with the recommendation of ergonomic chairs ( p < .001) for persons with mobility limitations. By identifying the interactions between impairment-related and work-related factors in recommending workplace ATDs for persons with mobility limitations, this study provides evidence-based ATDs recommendations for persons with mobility limitations.
Imperatives of care and control in the regulation of homelessness in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 1880s to present
Authors: Rusenko Rayna M
Published: June 2017

Recent shifts in Malaysian homelessness policy towards the intensification of criminalising measures and exclusionary rhetoric seem indicative of a ‘punitive turn’, as often theorised for advanced capitalist contexts. I argue that local adoption of globally circulating policy trends cannot be understood apart from linkages to the global history of vagrancy legislation. Drawing from data collected through archival research, I examine how global historical processes have shaped homelessness regulation in Kuala Lumpur, inclusive of neoliberal era developments. I find that, while the overall historical arc of relevant codes and institutions reflects broad trends that suggest conformity to the ‘punitive turn’ model, local contingencies starkly contrast those found in Global North countries. These findings suggest that common rhythms, and divergent materialisations, have persisted in the global and historical constellations of homelessness regulation. Thus, punitive trends presently emerging in part through unique social welfare initiatives in Kuala Lumpur are built from a neoliberal reinforcement of previously established, locally situated logics and institutions of care and control.
Pre-hospital oily chloramphenicol treatment in meningitis outbreaks in low resources environments
Authors: Bregani Enrico Rino , Conti Matilde , Valcarenghi Caterina
Published: June 2017

Bacterial meningitis is an important cause of death and disability in sub-Saharan Africa and, with pre-treatment in peripheral health centres, the poorest populations could avoid early death, especially if they live far from hospital.

During the 2001 meningitis epidemic in south Chad, Moyen Chari sanitary district peripheral health centres were equipped with oily chloramphenicol (CAP) to administer before hospital referral in suspected cases of meningitis. Eighty-six patients treated with CAP in whom the diagnosis was definitively confirmed subsequently in hospital were compared with patients receiving CAP at hospital admission during the same period.

A statistically significant reduction in lethality rate, need of second line treatment or adjunctive antibiotics, and mean hospital stay were confirmed in pre-treated patients.
Sector Switching in Good Times and in Bad: Are Public Sector Employees Less Likely to Change Sectors?
Authors: Piatak Jaclyn S.
Published: June 2017

With the retirement of the baby boomers looming and the growing number of opportunities to serve the public interest in broader ways than working in government, how dedicated are today’s public employees? This study examines the job sector changes of nonprofit and government employees compared with for-profit employees during both stable and unstable economic conditions. Sector switching within the government sector across federal, state, and local government employees is also examined. Findings show no sector differences during stable economic conditions, but illustrate federal government and nonprofit employees are more likely to move into the for-profit sector during times of economic instability. This study highlights the impact of tough labor market conditions on employment decisions. Nonprofits’ reliance on labor donations may no longer be sufficient, and public managers should tailor their recruitment and retention strategies to suit the level of government.
The issue of statutory minimum wages: Views among Nordic trade unions
Authors: Furåker Bengt
Published: June 2017

Nordic trade unions are known to be sceptical of statutory minimum wages. The peak level organizations are generally against legislation, as they believe that their model of bargaining is preferable. In contrast, trade unions in many other parts of Europe find it necessary with statutory minimum wages to protect all workers and not just the unionized. Legislation can also be considered a way of preventing wage dumping and avoiding poverty. This article explores the attitudes among Nordic trade unions below the central/confederate level. The empirical basis is a survey of a large number of organizations in the five countries. The data show a great deal of scepticism towards statutory minimum wages, but some responding organizations recognize certain benefits. It is concluded that Swedish unions are most sceptical of the possible advantages of legislation, whereas in regard to attributed disadvantages Norwegian but also Danish unions are most inclined to agree. Type of industry and size of the organization are other factors with some impact on attitudes towards statutory minimum wages.
Strong states, weak elections? How state capacity in authoritarian regimes conditions the democratizing power of elections
Authors: van Ham Carolien , Seim Brigitte
Published: June 2017

State capacity may be a crucial factor conditioning the democratizing power of elections in authoritarian regimes. This paper develops a two-phase theory considers the different effects of state capacity on turnover in elections and democratic change after elections. In regimes with limited state capacity, manipulating elections and repressing opposition is more difficult than in regimes with extensive state capacity, rendering turnover in elections more likely in weak states. However, if the new incumbent has limited capacity to deliver public services and make policy changes after coming to power, sustainable democratic change is unlikely. Hence, state capacity is hypothesized to have a negative effect on turnover, but a positive effect on democratic change. These hypotheses are confirmed in a sample of 460 elections in 110 authoritarian regimes taking place in the period 1974 to 2012 using the Varieties of Democracy dataset. The findings suggest a need to revisit strong-state-first theories of democratization.
Pilot randomised controlled trial of focused narrative intervention for moderate to severe depression in palliative care patients: DISCERN trial
Authors: Lloyd-Williams Mari , Shiels Christopher , Ellis Jacqueline , Abba Katharine , Gaynor Edward , Wilson Kenneth , Dowrick Christopher
Published: June 2017

Background:

Depression is poorly detected and sub-optimally managed in palliative care patients, and few trials of psychosocial interventions have been carried out in this group of patients.

Aims:

A pilot trial to determine the effect of a focused narrative intervention on depression in palliative care patients when used in addition to usual care.

Design:

Patients scoring 10 or higher on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 randomised to focused narrative intervention in addition to usual care or usual care only and followed up at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. A reduction of five points on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was regarded as clinically significant response to treatment.

Setting/participants:

Palliative care patients aged over 18 recruited from hospice day care services – exclusion criteria included an estimated prognosis of 6 weeks or less, cognitive impairment and unable to understand written or spoken English.

Results:

Out of 57 participating patients (71% female), with mean age 65.1 years (range 36–88 years), 33 patients were randomised to the intervention and 24 to usual care only. Mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score at baseline was 16.4. Patients receiving intervention had greater reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score at 6-week follow-up ( p = 0.04). Median survival was 157 days for intervention and 102 days for control group patients ( p = 0.07).

Conclusion:

This pilot trial suggests a focused narrative intervention in palliative care patients with moderate to severe depression can reduce depression scores more than usual care alone. Patients receiving intervention appeared to have longer survival. These results support the need for a fully powered trial.
Evaluating the gray and white matter energy budgets of human brain function
Authors: Yu Yuguo , Herman Peter , Rothman Douglas L , Agarwal Divyansh , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: June 2017

The insatiable appetite for energy to support human brain function is mainly supplied by glucose oxidation (CMRglc(ox)). But how much energy is consumed for signaling and nonsignaling processes in gray/white matter is highly debated. We examined this issue by combining metabolic measurements of gray/white matter and a theoretical calculation of bottom-up energy budget using biophysical properties of neuronal/glial cells in conjunction with species-exclusive electrophysiological and morphological data. We calculated a CMRglc(ox)-derived budget and confirmed it with experimental results measured by PET, autoradiography, 13C-MRS, and electrophysiology. Several conserved principles were observed regarding the energy costs for brain’s signaling and nonsignaling components in both human and rat. The awake resting cortical signaling processes and mass-dependent nonsignaling processes, respectively, demand ∼70% and ∼30% of CMRglc(ox). Inhibitory neurons and glia need 15–20% of CMRglc(ox), with the rest demanded by excitatory neurons. Nonsignaling demands dominate in white matter, in near opposite contrast to gray matter demands. Comparison between 13C-MRS data and calculations suggests ∼1.2 Hz glutamatergic signaling rate in the awake human cortex, which is ∼4 times lower than signaling in the rat cortex. Top-down validated bottom-up budgets could allow computation of anatomy-based CMRglc(ox) maps and accurate cellular level interpretation of brain metabolic imaging.
Can Macromarketing Learn from 40,000 Years of History?
Authors: Layton Roger
Published: June 2017

This brief paper argues that Professor Robert Lusch’s choice of 40,000 years as a macromarketing time frame is entirely appropriate. It allows macromarketing scholars to explore the natural experiments of history that have accompanied the evolution of market based value exchange networks, and to consider the underlying causal dynamics. In a world of dramatic economic, technological, and political change, the resulting understandings may be essential to effective, system-wide management.
Plasma microRNA-9 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Yuantao , Xue Yuan , Dong Shangwen , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Emerging evidence indicates that circulating microRNAs (miRs) might act as noninvasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We examined the expression pattern and clinical significance of plasma miR-9 in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

Venous blood samples (6 mL) were collected from 131 patients with ESCC and 131 healthy controls, and the plasma miR-9 concentration was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The association of plasma miR-9 expression with clinicopathologic factors and survival of patients with ESCC was evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the clinical value of plasma miR-9 for ESCC diagnosis.

Results

The plasma miR-9 expression levels in patients with ESCC were significantly upregulated compared with normal controls. High plasma miR-9 concentrations were significantly correlated with poor tumor differentiation, large tumor size, deep local invasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and poor survival. ROC curve analysis showed that the plasma miR-9 concentration could efficiently distinguish patients with ESCC from healthy controls. Multivariate survival analysis confirmed plasma miR-9 as an independent prognostic factor for ESCC.

Conclusions

Plasma miR-9 expression was upregulated in ESCC and might act as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
Postoperative recurrence of adult renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Ning , Gan Weidong , Li Xiaogong , Zhang Gutian , Li Dongmei , Guo Hongqian
Published: June 2017

Objective

To analyze the postoperative recurrence of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion (Xp11.2 tRCC).

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board and performed in accordance with the ethical standards established by the institution. Demographic, clinical, pathological, and follow-up data were compiled for the study cohort.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 41.3 months (range, 3–104 months), 8 of 34 patients with Xp11.2 tRCC were confirmed to have recurrence. Three of these patients died with poor outcomes due to a vena cava tumor embolus, and one died of distant metastasis 48 months after the initial nephrectomy during which lymph node metastasis was found. Three patients survived after cytoreduction surgery. One patient was diagnosed with lung metastasis 11 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The TNM classification provides significant prognostic information for Xp11.2 tRCC. A relatively active surveillance algorithm is recommended, and cytoreduction surgery is an effective approach for recurrent Xp11.2 tRCC. Larger studies are required to more extensively investigate the recurrence of these potentially aggressive tumors.
A Matlab program for the determination of thermodynamic properties of steam
Authors: Gourde Riley M , Akih-Kumgeh Ben
Published: June 2017

An introductory course in thermodynamics seeks to acquaint students with the laws of thermodynamics and to enable them to analyze energy transformations in various engineering systems. The latter requires knowledge of temperature and possibly pressure-dependent thermodynamic properties of the materials involved. These are often made available to students in tabular or graphical form. This work presents a computer program that allows for a more convenient determination of thermodynamic properties of steam at a given state. The MATLAB graphical user interface is based on correlations of the properties from a published source. The development process presents a learning opportunity for the student involved and the various equations and program structure are documented in a user manual that allows the user to gain further insight into the computer-generated thermodynamic data. The program is evaluated by comparing predicted values of thermodynamic properties with the corresponding values from thermodynamic tables and it is found that the quantities are generally well predicted to within an average difference of less than a percent. It is further demonstrated how the program can be used to solve a textbook problem on the Rankine cycle. This program has the potential to enrich the learning experience in thermodynamic classes for chemical and mechanical engineering students.
Adverse Childhood Experiences of Violent Female Offenders: A Comparison of Homicide and Sexual Perpetrators
Authors: Pflugradt Dawn M. , Allen Bradley P. , Zintsmaster Amanda J.
Published: June 2017

Adverse childhood experiences are associated with a multitude of health and social problems. In addition to an increased risk of poor health, mental disorders, and substance abuse, childhood maltreatment is also significantly related to adult violent offending. Although gender-specific analyses suggest that early childhood maltreatment precedes later violence for males across offense categories, it is unknown whether this association also applies to different types of female offenders. This study explores the types and quantity of adverse childhood experiences for two groups of violent female offenders: perpetrators of intentional homicide ( N = 28) and perpetrators of sexual offenses ( N = 47). A nonparametric analysis using odds ratios (OR) indicated that female homicide perpetrators experienced significantly more adverse childhood experiences (as measured by the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire) than female sex offenders. Implications for future research are discussed.
The Effect of Music on the Spirituality of Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alvarenga Willyane de Andrade , Leite Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi , Oliveira Marina Sanches , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , Silva-Rodrigues Fernanda Machado , Nunes Michelle Darezzo Rodrigues , Carvalho Emilia Campos de
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Although some studies have suggested that music can positively affect physical and psychological variables, few have evaluated its effects on spirituality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of musical interventions on the spirituality of patients, regardless of diagnoses. Method: This was a systematic literature review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations conducted through a relevant search of terms in six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and LILACS) without temporal delimitation. Experimental or quasi-experimental studies were included, involving participants regardless of diagnoses, to assess the effect of music on spirituality, either through musical intervention as music medicine or through music therapy. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results: A total of 147 studies were identified; 7 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were randomized controlled trials involving six music therapists leading the musical intervention with the active participation of patients. The interventions used were heterogeneous. Three studies were associated with improved spirituality after the intervention. Four studies used measurements to evaluate spiritual well-being. Conclusion: This review did not allow ascertaining the positive impact of music intervention on spirituality in patients, which motivates further research.
Soluble copoly(pyridine ether imide)s derived from 6FDA, 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluromethylphenoxy)benzene, and 4-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)pyridine
Authors: Duan Hai-Tao , Tang Chuan-Chao , Liu Xiao-Ling , Huang Zhen-Zhong , Sheng Shou-Ri
Published: June 2017

A series of new fluorinated copoly(pyridine ether imide)s were prepared by thermal imidization of polyamide acid derived from 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)benzene (BATB), 4-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)pyridine (TFMPBPP), and 2,2′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) with various mole ratios of BATB and TFMPBPP ranged from 80/20 to 20/80. All copolyimides were amorphous and had excellent solubility in organic solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature and displayed good thermal properties with glass transition temperature ( Tg) of 272°C–338°C, 5% weight loss temperature of 520°C–540°C, and the residue of 44–56% at 750°C in nitrogen. Meanwhile, the Tg of the copolymers increased with an increase in the TFMPBPP component. Tough and flexible copolyimide films also exhibited outstanding mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 107.2–153.2 MPa, tensile moduli of 1.4–1.8 GPa, and elongations at break of 13.2–19.6%, low dielectric constants of 2.76–2.92 (1 MHz), and water uptake 0.32–0.62% as well as high optical transparency with the UV cutoff wavelength in the 371–386 nm range and the wavelength of 80% transparency in the range 459–498 nm.
Pulsation suppression in a reciprocating compressor piping system using a two-tank element
Authors: Ma Quyang , Wu Zhenhuan , Yang Guoan , Ming Yue , Xu Zheng
Published: June 2017

Gas pulsations excited by reciprocating compressors could introduce severe vibrations and noise in piping systems. When pulsating gas flows through the reducers, the changes in flow characteristics, such as velocity and damping coefficient, will affect the pressure pulsations. To circumvent these constraints, a two-tank element is introduced to control the gas pulsation that is still strong in the piping system with a surge tank. Installing another surge tank to form a two-tank element is more flexible and costs lower than replacing the original surge tank with a larger one. In this work, a theoretical model based on the wave theory was proposed to study the transferring mechanism of gas pulsations in the pipeline with the two-tank element. By considering the damping coefficient and the Mach number, the distributions of the pressure pulsations were predicted by the theoretical model and agreed with the three-dimensional fluid dynamics transient analysis. Three experiments were conducted to prove that the suppression capability of the two-tank element is as good as that of a single-tank element (surge tank) with the same surge volume. The volume optimization of the two-tank element is implemented by selecting the best allocations of the two tanks’ volumes to achieve larger reductions of pressure pulsations. Assuming that the total surge volume is constant, we found that the smaller the volume of the front tank (near the cylinder) is, the lower the pulsation levels are. The optimized result proves that in some conditions the two-tank element could control pulsations better than the single-tank element with the same surge volume.
Worth the Wait? Leisure Can Be Just as Enjoyable With Work Left Undone
Authors: O’Brien Ed , Roney Ellen
Published: June 2017

Four studies reveal that (a) people hold a robust intuition about the order of work and leisure and that (b) this intuition is sometimes mistaken. People prefer saving leisure for last, believing they would otherwise be distracted by looming work (Study 1). In controlled experiments, however, although subjects thought their enjoyment would be spoiled when they played a game before rather than after a laborious problem-solving task, got a massage before rather than after midterms, and consumed snacks and watched videos before rather than after a stressful performance, in reality these experiences were similarly enjoyable regardless of order (Studies 2 through 4). This misprediction was indeed mediated by anticipated distraction and was therefore attenuated after people were reminded of the absorbing nature of enjoyable activities (Studies 3 and 4). These studies highlight the power of hedonic experience within the moment of consumption, which has implications for managing (or mismanaging) everyday work and leisure. People might postpone leisure and overwork for future rewards that could be just as pleasurable in the present.
Sense of responsibility in ICU end-of-life decision-making: Relatives’ experiences
Authors: Lind Ranveig
Published: June 2017

Background:

Relatives of intensive care unit patients who lack or have reduced capacity to consent are entitled to information and participation in decision-making together with the patient. Practice varies with legislation in different countries. In Norway, crucial decisions such as withdrawing treatment are made by clinicians, usually morally justified to relatives with reference to the principle of non-maleficence. The relatives should, however, be consulted about whether they know what the patient would have wished in the situation.

Research objectives:

To examine and describe relatives’ experiences of responsibility in the intensive care unit decision-making process.

Research design:

A secondary analysis of interviews with bereaved relatives of intensive care unit patients was performed, using a narrative analytical approach.

Participants and research context:

In all, 27 relatives of 21 deceased intensive care unit patients were interviewed about their experiences from the end-of-life decision-making process. Most interviews took place in the participants’ homes, 3–12 months after the patient’s death.

Ethical considerations:

Based on informed consent, the study was approved by the Data Protection Official of the Norwegian Social Science Data Services and by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics.

Findings:

The results show that intensive care unit relatives experienced a sense of responsibility in the decision-making process, independently of clinicians’ intention of sparing them. Some found this troublesome. Three different variants of participation were revealed, ranging from paternalism to a more active role for relatives.

Discussion:

For the study participants, the sense of responsibility reflects the fact that ethics and responsibility are grounded in the individual’s relationship to other people. Relatives need to be included in a continuous dialogue over time to understand decisions and responsibility.

Conclusion:

Nurses and physicians should acknowledge and address relatives’ sense of responsibility, include them in regular dialogue and help them separate their responsibility from that of the clinicians.
Investigation of direct current power delivery from nonlinear vibration energy harvesters under combined harmonic and stochastic excitations
Authors: Dai Quanqi , Harne Ryan L
Published: June 2017

Leveraging smooth nonlinearities in vibration energy harvesters has been shown to improve the potential for kinetic energy capture from the environment as a transduced, alternating flow of electrical current. While researchers have closely examined the direct current power delivery performance of linear energy harvesters, there is a clear need to quantify the direct current power provided by nonlinear harvester platforms, in particular those platforms having bistable nonlinearities that are shown to have advantages over other smooth nonlinearities. In addition, because real world excitations are neither purely harmonic nor purely stochastic, the influences of an arbitrary combination of such excitation mechanisms on power delivery must be uncovered. To bring needed light to these roles and opportunities for nonlinear energy harvesters to provide direct current electrical power for numerous applications, this research formulates a new analytical approach to characterize simultaneous harmonic and stochastic mechanical and electrical responses of nonlinear harvester platforms subjected to realistic base excitation. Based on the outcomes of analytical, numerical, and experimental studies, it is found that additive stochastic excitation may result in direct current power enhancement via perturbation from a low amplitude state particularly at low frequencies or reduce the direct current power by preventing persistent snap-through response often at higher frequencies. When the noise standard deviation is greater than the harmonic amplitude by approximately two times, the advantages to direct current power generation are more often realized.
Crude Exploration
Authors: Dixon Shane , Gawley Tim
Published: June 2017

The 2016 film Deepwater Horizon offers a rare portrayal of industrial disaster. It is novel as there are few film-based treatments of this issue. The film enables the public to learn about the disaster, the lives lost, and the stories of survival, but it also provides the opportunity to examine how industrial disaster and, by extension, occupational health and safety may be publicly framed and understood. This article presents an analysis of Deepwater Horizon. Four primary industrial disaster frames are identified in the film: profit maximization, technology and technology failure, managerial conflict, and worker portrayals. Each frame offers advantages and limitations for enhancing public understandings of industrial disaster. Missing from the film is the regulatory environment of the oil drilling industry, whose omission serves to potentially reproduce messages that privilege individualistic, isolated, views of industrial disasters and prioritize immediate over distal causes.
A Longitudinal Perspective on Sustainability and Innovation Governmentality: The Case of the Olympic Games as a Mega-Event
Authors: Kromidha Endrit , Spence Laura J. , Anastasiadis Stephanos , Dore Darla
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this research is to analyze how governance is related to sustainability and innovation in mega-events over time by looking at the Olympic Games as a case study. Three main contributions are made to management research and practice. First, Foucauldian governmentality is built upon and enriched with a longitudinal perspective by following the evolution of Visibility, Techne, Episteme, and Identity analytics of governmentality. Second, an innovative methodology based on interviews, a systematic documentary review, and software-assisted thematic auto-coding for a theory-led structured analysis is applied. Third, the theoretical and empirical contribution of this study on the longitudinal aspects of governmentality over different parties and outlets of information could be used to guide practical and strategic decisions for managers and policy makers. In addition to its scholarly importance, this work is needed because mega-events can have a sustainable long-term impact, balancing legacy and innovative change.