bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Limitations at Work Among Employed Breast Cancer Survivors in China
Authors: Zeng Yingchun , Cheng Andy S. K. , Feuerstein Michael
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This study aimed to determine whether levels of distress (anxiety and depression) and cognitive symptoms at work are related to work productivity and quality of life (QOL) in Chinese breast cancer survivors (BCS), compared to a group of Chinese women without cancer but with different musculoskeletal pain related to work.

Design

This study used a cross-sectional study design.

Methods

Working BCS were recruited in a tumor hospital’s outpatient department, and women with no history of cancer (noncancer comparison [NCC] group) were recruited from a rehabilitation center.

Findings

A total of 412 participants were included. Multiple regression analyses indicated that higher anxiety was associated with work limitations (B = .005, p = .014) and QOL (B = 2.417, p = .004) in the BCS group only. Cognitive limitations at work were associated with work limitations (B = .002, p = .001) and QOL (B = 1.022, p = .003) in the BCS group only. Depressive symptoms (B = .028, p = .017) were significantly associated with work limitations in the NCC group.

Conclusions

Breast cancer survivors reported higher levels of cognitive limitations at work and anxiety, lower levels of work productivity, and QOL.

Clinical Relevance

When remaining at work is a viable option for the cancer survivor with cognitive limitations at work, the rehabilitation nurse should consider approaches to best accommodate the specific cognitive limitations and work tasks, as well as help the patient manage associated anxiety when present.
Efficient SO2 Capture through Multiple Chalcogen Bonds, Sulfur‐Centered Hydrogen Bonds and S•••π Interactions: A Computational Study
Authors: Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Mundlapati V. Rao , Gagrai Arun Anand , Biswal Himansu S.
Published: June 2016

The non‐toxic, environment friendly, biodegradable properties and cost effectiveness of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) allow them to be used as green‐solvents for several applications. The presence of multiple binding sites in the APIs has an additional advantage for the flue gas capture. Herein we report a detailed analysis of efficient SO2 capture by the anions associated with APIs through several strong and weak non‐covalent interactions. The DFT studies and Langmuir adsorption model suggest that the APIs based anions are highly efficient alternatives for SO2 capture at low as well as high partial pressures (0.01 – 0.1 MPa) of SO2. The absorption capacity can be achieved as much as 5.8 mol SO2/mol APIs; the best absorption capacity till reported. Our computational results suggest that for the efficient SO2 capture, the enthalpy of absorption (ΔH) should be −65 to −50 kJ.mol−1; below this range absorption capacity reduces drastically. This study also emphasizes the importance of weak interactions (S•••π and C−H•••O and C−H•••S hydrogen bonds) together with the strong chalcogen bonds to be considered in designing new absorbing materials for SO2 capture.
ECLS in Trauma: Practical Application and a Review of Current Status
Authors: Zonies David
Published: June 2016

Extracorporeal life support has evolved considerably over the past two decades. Once considered as salvage or experimental therapy in adults, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is evolving into a mainstream treatment for adult critical care. This is especially true in trauma and high‐risk surgical patients, who have traditionally been excluded from consideration. Several technological advances have made this possible. This includes anticoagulant‐bonded circuits, device miniaturization, servo‐regulated centrifugal systems, and more efficient oxygenators. Adult ECMO may now be rapidly deployed for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cardiogenic shock. Trauma and surgical patients with severe ARDS should be considered for ECMO early in their clinical course to provide optimal lung rest.
International Paediatric Mitochondrial Disease Scale
Authors: Koene Saskia , Hendriks Jan C. M. , Dirks Ilse , de Boer Lonneke , de Vries Maaike C. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Smuts Izelle , Fung Cheuk‐Wing , Wong Virginia C. N. , de Coo I. René F. M. , Vill Katharina , Stendel Claudia , Klopstock Thomas , Falk Marni J. , McCormick Elizabeth M. , McFarland Robert , de Groot Imelda J. M. , Smeitink Jan A. M.
Published: June 2016

Objective

There is an urgent need for reliable and universally applicable outcome measures for children with mitochondrial diseases. In this study, we aimed to adapt the currently available Newcastle Paediatric Mitochondrial Disease Scale (NPMDS) to the International Paediatric Mitochondrial Disease Scale (IPMDS) during a Delphi‐based process with input from international collaborators, patients and caretakers, as well as a pilot reliability study in eight patients. Subsequently, we aimed to test the feasibility, construct validity and reliability of the IPMDS in a multicentre study.

Methods

A clinically, biochemically and genetically heterogeneous group of 17 patients (age 1.6–16 years) from five different expert centres from four different continents were evaluated in this study.

Results

The feasibility of the IPMDS was good, as indicated by a low number of missing items (4 %) and the positive evaluation of patients, parents and users. Principal component analysis of our small sample identified three factors, which explained 57.9 % of the variance. Good construct validity was found using hypothesis testing. The overall interrater reliability was good [median intraclass correlation coefficient for agreement between raters (ICCagreement) 0.85; range 0.23–0.99).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we suggest using the IPMDS for assessing natural history in children with mitochondrial diseases. These data should be used to further explore construct validity of the IPMDS and to set age limits. In parallel, responsiveness and the minimal clinically important difference should be studied to facilitate sample size calculations in future clinical trials.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) for Monogenic Disorders: the Value of Concurrent Aneuploidy Screening
Authors: Goldman Kara N. , Nazem Taraneh , Berkeley Alan , Palter Steven , Grifo Jamie A.
Published: June 2016

Pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has changed the landscape of clinical genetics by helping families reduce the transmission of monogenic disorders. However, given the high prevalence of embryonic aneuploidy, particularly in patients of advanced reproductive age, unaffected embryos remain at high risk of implantation failure or pregnancy loss due to aneuploidy. 24‐chromosome aneuploidy screening has become widely utilized in routine in vitro fertilization (IVF) to pre‐select embryos with greater pregnancy potential, but concurrent 24‐chromosome aneuploidy screening has not become standard practice in embryos biopsied for PGD. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PGD with or without 24‐chromosome aneuploidy screening to explore the value of concurrent screening. Among the PGD + aneuploidy‐screened group (n = 355 blastocysts), only 25.6 % of embryos were both Single Gene Disorder (SGD)‐negative (or carriers) and euploid; thus the majority of embryos were ineligible for transfer due to the high prevalence of aneuploidy. Despite a young mean age (32.4 ± 5.9y), 49.9 % of Blastocysts were aneuploid. The majority of patients (53.2 %) had ≥1 blastocyst that was Single Gene Disorder (SGD)‐unaffected but aneuploid; without screening, these unaffected but aneuploid embryos would likely have been transferred resulting in implantation failure, pregnancy loss, or a pregnancy affected by chromosomal aneuploidy. Despite the transfer of nearly half the number of embryos in the aneuploidy‐screened group (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.0001), the implantation rate was higher (75 % vs. 53.3 %) and miscarriage rate lower (20 % vs. 40 %) (although not statistically significant). 24‐chromosome aneuploidy screening when performed concurrently with PGD provides valuable information for embryo selection, and notably improves single embryo transfer rates.
The Clinical Utility of Next Generation Sequencing Results in a Community‐Based Hereditary Cancer Risk Program
Authors: Bunnell A. E. , Garby C. A. , Pearson E. J. , Walker S. A. , Panos L. E. , Blum Joanne L.
Published: June 2016

Since the 2013 Supreme Court ruling on BRCA1/BRCA2 patenting, hereditary cancer gene panels now include BRCA1 and BRCA2, making these panels an option for first‐tier testing. However, questions remain about the clinical utility and implications of these panels for medical management with inclusion of genes of unknown to moderate penetrance. To better understand how use of these panels affected our practice, we reviewed patients who underwent testing in our clinic from July 1, 2013 through May 23, 2014. Indications for testing included personal and/or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. A total of 136 patients underwent panel testing via a single commercial laboratory; 12 (8.8 %) patients were positive for a pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation (four BRCA2 mutations, two TP53 mutations, one CDH1 mutation, two ATM mutations, and one patient each with a CHEK2, NBN, or PALB2 mutation). Of these positive patients, 100 % met the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer genetic testing (2.2014). Mutations in seven of twelve (58 %) patients led to changes in medical management; three of seven (43 %) had a non‐BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Our findings suggest that there is clinical utility of panels that include genes of unknown to moderate penetrance.
Chemical Compositions and Mineral Contents of Some Hull‐Less Pumpkin Seed and Oils
Authors: Seymen Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Türkmen Önder , Al Juhaimi Fahad , Özcan Mehmet Musa
Published: June 2016

The main objective of this study was to determine total oil, total phenol, antioxidant activity and mineral contents of hull‐less pumpkin seeds and also fatty acid composition of seed oils. The results indicated that total oil, total phenol content and antioxidant activity values were found between 33.04 and 46.97 %, 56.94 and 87.15 mg GAE/100 g and 0.19 and 11.75 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids were the most prominent fatty acids in all genotypes. The most abundant mineral in the studied seeds, which belong to different genotypes, was potassium (2704.75–1033.63 ppm) followed by phosphorus (3569.690–9108.835 ppm) and magnesium (1275.15–3938.16 ppm) (p < 0.05). Particularly genotype‐1 was the richest seed in essential fatty acids and minerals.
Does radiofrequency ablation (RFA) epiphysiodesis affect adjacent joint cartilage?
Authors: Shiguetomi-Medina Juan Manuel , Rahbek O. , Abood A. A. H. , Stødkilde-Jørgensen H. , Ramírez Garcia-Luna J. L. , Møller-Madsen B.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that epiphysiodesis made with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe procedure that disrupts the growth plate without damaging the adjacent joint articular cartilage.

Methods

RFA epiphysiodesis was done during 8 min in vivo in 40 growing pig tibia physis. In addition, three tibiae were ablated for 16 min and three more for 24 min. As a burned cartilage reference, six tibiae were ablated on the joint articular cartilage for 8 min. After the procedure, the animals were terminated and the tibiae were harvested. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done ex vivo to evaluate the joint articular cartilage in all samples. We used T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and water content sequences under a 1.5 T magnetic field.

Results

On the burned articular cartilage, intensity changes were observed at MRI. We found no evidence of articular cartilage damage on the 40 8-min RFA procedures. The tibiae ablated for 16 min and 24 min showed intact joint cartilage.

Conclusions

Epiphysiodesis using RFA is safe for the adjacent articular cartilage. This study shows that RFA can be done safely in the growing physis of pigs, even with triple duration procedures.
Where Are Children and Young People in Environmental Education Research?
Authors: Cutter-Mackenzie Amy
Published: June 2016

In 1984, theAustralian Journal of Environmental Educationcommenced. At that time I was 6 years old, in my first year of primary school at Tieri State School in Central Western Queensland. I knew nothing of theAustralian Journal of Environmental Education(AJEE), or environmental education for that matter (at least not in a formal sense). In many respects, I was perhaps part of the intended audience (the future generation). As was the case with many children of my generation (Generation X, on the cusp of Generation Y), environmental education at school was largely incidental. Having grown up in a mining town (from 1983 to 1991), environmental conservation was certainly not a welcomed perspective. All the same though, my childhood was free, untamed and unsupervised in the Australian bush. It was thatpastimeorplaytimewhere my environmental consciousness began its emergence.
Aspect ratio effect on elliptical sonic jet mixing
Authors: Chauhan V. , Aravindh Kumar S.M. , Rathakrishnan E.
Published: June 2016

The effects of aspect ratio on elliptical sonic jet decay at different levels of under-expansion has been studied experimentally. Elliptical sonic jets from orifices of same area with aspect ratios (AR) 2, 4 and 6 at nozzle pressure ratios 2 to 5 in steps of 1 have also been studied. A circular jet from an orifice with an area equal to that of elliptical orifice was also studied for comparison. Jet centreline pressure decay, spread and waves present in the jet core were analysed. The results show that the mixing of the elliptical jet is superior to the circular jet, at all the nozzle pressure ratios of the present study. Also, the aspect ratio of the elliptical orifice has a strong influence on the jet mixing. Elliptical jets of aspect ratio 4 and 6 experience a significantly higher mixing than the aspect ratio 2 jet, till the under-expansion level corresponding to Mach disk formation. For higher under-expansion levels, the mixing of AR 4 and 6 jets become inferior to that of the AR 2 jet.
Analysis of UAS-S4 Éhecatl aerodynamic performance improvement using several configurations of a morphing wing technology
Authors: Şugar Gabor O. , Koreanschi A. , Botez R.M.
Published: June 2016

The paper presents the results of the aerodynamic optimisation of an Unmanned Aerial System's wing using a morphing approach. The shape deformation of the wing is achieved by placing actuator lines at several positions along its span. For each flight condition, the optimal displacements are found by using a combination of the new Artificial Bee Colony algorithm and a classical gradient-based search routine. The wing aerodynamic characteristics are calculated with an efficient nonlinear lifting line method coupled with a two-dimensional viscous flow solver. The optimisations are performed at angles of attack below the maximum lift angle, with the aim of improving the Hydra Technologies UAS-S4 wing lift-to-drag ratio. Several configurations of the morphing wing are proposed, each with a different number of actuation lines, and the improvements obtained by these configurations are analysed and compared.
Assessment of Time to Clinical Response in Patients with Sepsis Treated Before and After Implementation of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Blood Culture Identification Algorithm
Authors: Carreno Joseph J. , Lomaestro Ben M. , Jacobs Apryl L. , Meyer Rachel E. , Evans Ann , Montero Clemente I.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate time to clinical response before and after implementation of rapid blood culture identification technologies.

DESIGN

Before-and-after trial.

SETTING

Large, tertiary, urban, academic health-sciences center.

PATIENTS

Patients >18 years old with sepsis and concurrent bacteremia or fungemia were included in the study; patients who were pregnant, had polymicrobial septicemia, or were transferred from an outside hospital were excluded.

INTERVENTION

Prior to the intervention, polymerase chain reaction was used to identify Staphylococcus species from positive blood cultures, and traditional laboratory techniques were used to identify non-staphylococcal species. After the intervention, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) assay and FilmArray were also used to identify additional species. During both periods, the antimicrobial stewardship team provided prospective audit and feedback for all patients on antibiotics.

RESULTS

A total of 219 patients were enrolled in the study: 115 patients prior to the intervention and 104 after the intervention. The median time to clinical response was statistically significantly shorter in the postintervention group than in the preintervention group (2 days vs 4 days, respectively; P=.002). By Cox regression, the implementation of MALDI-TOF and FilmArray was associated with shorter time to clinical response (hazard ratio [HR], 1.360; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.018–1.816). After controlling for potential confounders, the study group was not independently associated with clinical response (adjusted HR, 1.279; 95% CI, 0.955–1.713). Mortality was numerically, but not statistically significantly, lower in the postintervention group than in the preintervention group (7.6% vs 11.4%; P=.342).

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of an existing antimicrobial stewardship program, implementation of MALDI-TOF and FilmArray was associated with improved time to clinical response. Further research is needed to fully describe the effect of antimicrobial stewardship programs on time to clinical response.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:916–923
Modal energy flow analysis of a highly modulated wake behind a wall-mounted pyramid
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Martinuzzi Robert J. , Noack Bernd R.
Published: June 2016

We experimentally investigate the highly modulated turbulent wake behind a wall-mounted square-base pyramid protruding through the boundary layer. We present the first modal energy flow analysis of a time-resolved three-dimensional velocity field from experimental particle image velocimetry data. The underlying low-order representation is optimized for resolving the base-flow variation as well as the first and second harmonics associated with vortex shedding – generalizing the triple decomposition of Reynolds & Hussain (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 54, 1972, pp. 263–288). This analysis comprises not only a detailed modal balance of turbulent kinetic energy as pioneered by Rempfer & Fasel (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 275, 1994, pp. 257–283) for proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) models, but also the companion energy balance of the mean flow. The experimental results vividly demonstrate how constitutive elements of mean-field theory (Stuart, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 4, 1958, pp. 1–21) near laminar Hopf bifurcations remain strongly pronounced in a turbulent wake characterized by highly modulated, quasi-periodic shedding. The study emphasizes, for instance, the stabilizing role of mean-field manifolds, as explored in the pioneering POD model of Aubry et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 192, 1988, pp. 115–173). The presented low-order representation of the flow and modal energy flow analyses may provide important insights and reference data for computational turbulence modelling, e.g. unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations.
Combined influence of coating permeability and roughness on supersonic boundary layer stability and transition
Authors: Lysenko V. I. , Gaponov S. A. , Smorodsky B. V. , Yermolaev Yu. G. , Kosinov A. D. , Semionov N. V.
Published: June 2016

A joint theoretical and experimental investigation of the influence of the surface permeability and roughness on the stability and laminar–turbulent transition of a supersonic flat-plate boundary layer at a free-stream Mach number of $M_{\infty }=2$ has been performed. Good quantitative agreement of the experimental data obtained with artificially generated disturbances performed on models with various porous inserts and calculations based on linear stability theory has been achieved. An increase of the pore size and porous-coating thickness leads to a boundary layer destabilization that accelerates the laminar–turbulent transition. It is shown that as a certain (critical) roughness value is reached, with an increase in the thickness of the rough and porous coating, the boundary layer stability diminishes and the laminar–turbulent transition is displaced towards the leading edge of the model.
WHO CONTROLS WARRI? HOW ETHNICITY BECAME VOLATILE IN THE WESTERN NIGER DELTA (1928–52)
Authors: OKOH OGHENETOJA
Published: June 2016

The battle over who controls Warri has been underway for several generations. The most violent eruption of this struggle occurred between 1997 and 1999. This article traces the history of this struggle to the colonial period, during a time of administrative restructuring called reorganization, which began in 1928. Contrary to the recent popular and scholarly understanding of the Warri crisis as an outcome of crude oil politics, I argue that British colonial state intervention set in motion a deadly, ethnicized struggle over political and material resources, which has only been exacerbated by the zero-sum politics of the crude oil economy.
CONSTRUCTING HISTORY IN UGANDA
Authors: REID ANDREW
Published: June 2016

This contribution seeks to explore the potential for historical archaeology in Uganda. By reflecting on where the potential strengths of such an approach may lie it is suggested that the most effective contributions will be made where there is a significant breadth and depth of historical sources. However, in Uganda the emphasis has tended to be on archaeological sites with distant or even dubious historical associations. The situation is further complicated by the very active processes of history making that are currently taking place, particularly in association with ‘traditional’ spirit worship. Nevertheless there are a range of themes and contexts which could be explored through historical archaeology and there are also plentiful archaeological resources from the twentieth century. It is concluded that there is great potential for historical archaeology but that there needs to be a readjustment of the contexts and situations that are explored.
Cocaine Flows and the State in Peru's Amazonian Borderlands
Authors: VAN DUN MIRELLA
Published: June 2016

In Peru, eradication campaigns targeting coca crops in the Upper Huallaga have dispersed the country's drug trade over vast parts of the Bajo Amazonas region. In order to understand this dispersal it is necessary to map the relocations of coca cultivations or shifts in smuggling routes, but also to examine the array of micro-practices, relations, groups and networks that generate ‘drug flows’. By following different key actors, this article explores the movements of drug lords, smugglers and producers who intersect frontiers, borders and borderlands. This empirical focus is combined with an analysis of the actors’ social ties to other groups to discover the myriad ways in which illegal/legal forces are part of the power arrangements that form the foundation for Peru's drug flows.
Habitat preference of three-spined stickleback juveniles in experimental conditions and in wild eelgrass
Authors: Rybkina E.V. , Ivanova T.S. , Ivanov M.V. , Kucheryavyy A.V. , Lajus D.L.
Published: June 2016

Long-term population dynamics of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in the White Sea during the 20th century has patterns similar to that of eelgrass Zostera marina. In this study we address possible mechanisms of such association through analysis of spatial distribution of juvenile stickleback in the wild and their substrate preferences in experimental conditions. Samples from different habitats (Z. marina, Fucus spp.) in 13 localities of Kandalaksha Bay have shown that the juvenile sticklebacks occurred mainly in the eelgrass beds. Their density was significantly lower in fucoids. In the experiments, carried out in August 2008–2009, the juveniles were offered the following types of substrates: brown macroalgae (dense and scarce), eelgrass and control (no substrate). In the experiments sticklebacks also showed a tendency to prefer eelgrass to fucoids, even if the density of the latter was higher. This may explain their higher densities associated with eelgrass in the wild.
Temporal and spatial variability of the potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in a eutrophic estuary (Sea of Marmara)
Authors: Tas Seyfettin , Lundholm Nina
Published: June 2016

Spatial and temporal variability and bloom formation of the potentially toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was investigated weekly to monthly from October 2009 to October 2010 in a eutrophic estuary, the Golden Horn. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were detected in 195 of 512 samples (38%) collected throughout the year. Two species, P. calliantha and P. pungens, were identified based on the SEM examination. Blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia occurred in the lower and middle estuary in January and May. The bloom in January mainly comprised P. calliantha. In the bloom in early May, P. calliantha made up 72% of the Pseudo-nitzschia cells and P. pungens 28%. However, the contribution of P. pungens increased to 83% in late May. The Pseudo-nitzschia blooms occurred at low temperature (9–15°C) and moderate salinity (17–18), and for P. calliantha a significant negative correlation was found with temperature and a significant positive correlation with salinity. The percentage of Pseudo-nitzschia cells decreased gradually from lower to upper estuary (59–14%), correlating with a decrease in Secchi depth (5.5–0.5 m). Principal components analyses (PCA) were used to explore the spatial and temporal variability of environmental factors in relation to Pseudo-nitzschia abundances, and showed that NH4, pH, Secchi depth and DO values were the most important factors reflecting spatial differences, while temperature, salinity, Chl-a and Si:N were more important factors showing temporal differences. High abundances of P. pungens correlated mainly with pH, Secchi depth and DO values, whereas P. calliantha also correlated with NO3 + NO2. Low light availability due to high concentrations of suspended material and very variable environmental conditions (e.g. pH, DO and NH4) may have limited growth of Pseudo-nitzschia in the upper estuary. Regular monitoring of Pseudo-nitzschia is important for improving the understanding of the influence of environmental parameters on bloom dynamics in the study area.
Sex and site-specific trends in veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) tributyltin bioaccumulation: considerations for biomonitoring
Authors: Harding Juliana M. , Unger Michael A. , Jestel E. Alex , Mann Roger
Published: June 2016

The imposition of male sexual characteristics onto the female (imposex) is present in wild populations of the non-native veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) in Chesapeake Bay, USA but does not appear to compromise reproductive function. Cultured whelks were used to test two hypotheses: (1) Observed imposex metrics will be similar to tributyltin (TBT) water concentrations at each of three sites; (2) Male and imposex/female whelks from the same site will have similar TBT body burdens. Cultured 2-year-old whelks were transplanted to three field sites in the York River, USA at the onset of their second reproductive season. Transplant site mean TBT water concentrations ranged from 1.4 ± 0.77 to 64.2 ± 57.8 ng l−1. Imposex incidence was 100% after 28 weeks with an observed M:F:IF ratio of 81:0:92 across all sites. Imposex stages (median vas deferens scale index = 4) and reproductive output were similar across sites. The imposex severity (IS = penis length/shell length) increased with increasing TBT concentrations. The relative penis length (RPLI) and relative penis size (RPSI) indices were positively related to site-specific TBT levels. Male whelks accumulated significantly higher TBT concentrations than female whelks at the site with the highest TBT concentration. Mean TBT concentrations in whelk egg capsules were significantly higher than concentrations in male or female whelk tissue. Egg capsule deposition provides a depuration mechanism for female whelks to reduce body burden of lipophilic TBT. Sex, season and reproductive status should be considered when using gastropod bioaccumulation to monitor TBT effects.
Mechanisms for interaction: Syntax as procedures for online interactive meaning building
Authors: Kempson Ruth , Chatzikyriakidis Stergios , Cann Ronnie
Published: June 2016

We argue that to reflect participant interactivity in conversational dialogue, the Christiansen & Chater (C&C) perspective needs a formal grammar framework capturing word-by-word incrementality, as in Dynamic Syntax, in which syntax is the incremental building of semantic representations reflecting real-time parsing dynamics. We demonstrate that, with such formulation, syntactic, semantic, and morpho-syntactic dependencies are all analysable as grounded in their potential for interaction.
“Process and perish” or multiple buffers with push-down stacks?
Authors: Levinson Stephen C.
Published: June 2016

This commentary raises two issues: (1) Language processing is hastened not only by internal pressures but also externally by turn-taking in language use; (2) the theory requires nested levels of processing, but linguistic levels do not fully nest; further, it would seem to require multiple memory buffers, otherwise there's no obvious treatment for discontinuous structures, or for verbatim recall.
Squeezing through the Now-or-Never bottleneck: Reconnecting language processing, acquisition, change, and structure
Authors: Chater Nick , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: June 2016

If human language must be squeezed through a narrow cognitive bottleneck, what are the implications for language processing, acquisition, change, and structure? In our target article, we suggested that the implications are far-reaching and form the basis of an integrated account of many apparently unconnected aspects of language and language processing, as well as suggesting revision of many existing theoretical accounts. With some exceptions, commentators were generally supportive both of the existence of the bottleneck and its potential implications. Many commentators suggested additional theoretical and linguistic nuances and extensions, links with prior work, and relevant computational and neuroscientific considerations; some argued for related but distinct viewpoints; a few, though, felt traditional perspectives were being abandoned too readily. Our response attempts to build on the many suggestions raised by the commentators and to engage constructively with challenges to our approach.
How Much Political Power do Economic Forces Have? Conflicts Over Social Insurance Reform in Brazil
Authors: Weyland Kurt
Published: June 2016

The failure of attempts at neoliberal social security reform in Brazil since 1990 demonstrates the limited political influence of seemingly powerful economic forces, especially private business and international financial institutions. Besides power-dispersing constitutional structures, the fragmentation of social forces, the weakness of political parties, and the internal segmentation of the state apparatus have hindered the efforts of Brazilian governments to gain the political support necessary to cut entitlements and thus stem the rapid rise in pension spending.
STATES OF NATURE AND THE NATURE OF STATES
Authors: Karni Edi
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses the definition of the state space and corresponding choice sets that figure in the theory of decision making under uncertainty. It elucidates an approach that overcomes some conceptual difficulties with the standard models and accommodates a procedure for expanding the state space in the wake of growing awareness.
From Exegesis to Hermeneutics: The Problem of the Contemporary Meaning of Scripture
Authors: Schneiders Sandra M.
Published: June 2016

Part I discusses the recent history of Roman Catholic biblical scholarship which has led to the emergence of the problem of how the results of scientific biblical research can and should be integrated into the pastoral project of the Church. It suggests that the original division of labor among biblical scholars, theologians, and pastors is no longer visible (if, indeed, it ever was).

Part II describes three models of biblical research in terms of the conception of Scripture and the theory of interpretation operative in each. The three models are not proposed as equally adequate. Proof-texting, the model which was paradigmatic prior to Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943), is presented as seriously defective. Historical critical exegesis, the model which has been, and to a large extent remains, paradigmatic is shown to be considerably more adequate. However, a variety of forces is placing pressure on this model, revealing its inadequacies when it terminates in historical reconstruction. The third model, the hermeneutical, seems capable of integrating exegesis into a process of interpretation which will prove more adequate to the task of revealing both what the text meant in its own time and culture and what the text means today.

Part III draws out the implications of each of the three models for the relationship between biblical research and pastoral practice.
Certification of standard reference material 1878b respirable α-quartz
Authors: Black David R. , Mendenhall Marcus H. , Whitfield Pamela S. , Windover Donald , Henins Albert , Filliben James , Cline James P.
Published: June 2016

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certifies a suite of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) to address specific aspects of the performance of X-ray powder diffraction instruments. This report describes SRM 1878b, the third generation of this powder diffraction SRM. SRM 1878b is intended for use in the preparation of calibration standards for the quantitative analyses of α-quartz by X-ray powder diffraction in accordance to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Analytical Method 7500, or equivalent. A unit of SRM 1878b consists of approximately 5 g of α-quartz powder bottled in an argon atmosphere. It is certified with respect to crystalline phase purity, or amorphous phase content, and lattice parameter. Neutron powder diffraction, both time of flight and constant wavelength, was used to certify the phase purity using SRM 676a as an internal standard. A NIST-built diffractometer, incorporating many advanced design features was used for certification measurements for lattice parameters.
Lost in Transformation? The Politics of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Langford Malcolm
Published: June 2016

On September 25, 2015, the world's leaders adopted a new suite of development goals—the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—that are to guide policymakers for the next decade and a half. On first inspection, the declaration is breathtaking in its scope and ambition. Constituted by a list of 17 goals and 169 targets, it is arguably the most comprehensive global agenda adopted since the UN Charter in 1945. Its thematic repertoire ranges from poverty, health, education, and inequality, to energy, infrastructure, climate change, marine resources, peace, security, and good governance. The UN Secretary-General welcomed the SDGs by praising their “universal, transformative, and integrated agenda” that heralded a “historic turning point for our world.”
Equality as a Global Goal
Authors: Anderson Edward
Published: June 2016

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were established following the UN Millennium Declaration, which was approved by the UN General Assembly in September 2000. Described by some as the “world's biggest promise,” they set out a series of time-bound targets to be achieved by the international community by 2015, including a halving of extreme poverty, a two-third reduction in child mortality, a three-quarter reduction in maternal mortality, and universal primary education. The MDGs were, however, often criticized for having a “blind spot” with regard to inequality and social injustice. Worse, they may even have contributed to entrenched inequalities through perverse incentives. As some have argued, in order to achieve progress toward the MDG targets at the national level, governments focused their attention on the “easy to reach” populations and ignored more marginalized, vulnerable groups. The aim of this essay is to examine the extent to which this widespread criticism has been successfully addressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved by the UN General Assembly in September 2015.
Rethinking Central Bank Accountability in Uncertain Times
Authors: Best Jacqueline
Published: June 2016

There has been little discussion of central bank accountability in recent decades because monetary policy has been seen as an essentially technical problem. Yet, during the 2008 financial crisis and the economic dislocations that ensued, central banks gained considerably in authority—bailing out failing institutions, using unorthodox monetary tools, and wading into sovereign debt crises. At the same time, the financial crisis and the slow recovery that has followed have revealed just how uncertain and volatile the global economy can be—a situation that poses new dilemmas for monetary policy. This article looks at the existing model of central bank accountability and finds it wanting in this new, more uncertain environment. Because the principle of central bank independence involves a very narrow set of objectives—generally focused on an inflation target—and very few opportunities for sanction, the main mechanism for accountability is that provided by the publication of information about the bank's deliberations and activities. In an era of increased economic uncertainty, when central bankers themselves admit that simple rules and models are no longer adequate, a narrow, transparency-based form of accountability is not sufficient. I suggest that we need a thicker, more robust form of accountability that fosters more deliberation and debate, ensures that central banks are answerable to their publics, and broadens the standards by which they are judged.
The Democratic Roots of Expatriations
Authors: Herzog Ben
Published: June 2016

Patti Tamara Lenard assesses the justifications given for the right to revoke citizenship in democratic states and concludes that this practice is inconsistent with a commitment to democratic equality. She provides three normative reasons for the mismatch between democratic principles and revocation laws: that the practice of revocation discriminates between different citizens within each state; that it provides differential penalties for the same crime; and that it does not provide transparent justification or due process for this harsh punishment. Although I too am repulsed by this practice, I do not think it is necessarily undemocratic. Moreover, such analysis overlooks one legitimate motivation behind expatriation: the aim to regulate national allegiance. The new revocation initiatives act as a powerful symbolic tool in reinforcing a world order based on sovereign nation-states.
Job Stressors and Job Satisfaction in a Major Metropolitan Public EMS Service
Authors: Bowron J. Shelby , Todd Knox H.
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Behavioral and social science research suggests that job satisfaction and job performance are positively correlated. It is important that Emergency Medical Services managers identify predictors of job satisfaction in order to maximize job performance among prehospital personnel.

Purpose:

Identify job stressors that predict the level of job satisfaction among prehospital personnel.

Methods:

The study was conducted with in a large, urban Emergency Medical Services (Emergency Medical Services) service performing approximately 60,000 Advanced Life Support (Advanced Life Support) responses annually. Using focus groups and informal interviews, potential predictors of global job satisfaction were identified. These factors included: interactions with hospital nurses and physicians; on-line communications; dispatching; training provided by the ambulance service; relationship with supervisors and; standing orders as presently employed by the ambulance service. These factors were incorporated into a 21 item questionnaire including one item measuring global job satisfaction, 14 items measuring potential predictors of satisfaction, and seven questions exploring demographic information such as age, gender, race, years of experience, and years with the company. The survey was administered to all paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (Emergency Medical Technicians s) Results of the survey were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques to identify predictors of global job satisfaction.

Results:

Ninety paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians participated in the study, a response rate of 57.3%. Job satisfaction was cited as extremely satisfying by 11%, very satisfying by 29%, satisfying by 45%, and not satisfying by 15% of respondents. On univariate analysis, only the quality of training, quality of physician interaction, and career choice were associated with global job satisfaction. On multivariate analysis, only career choice (p = 0.005) and quality of physician interaction (p = 0.05) were predictive of global job satisfaction

Conclusion:

Quality of career choice and interactions with physicians are predictive of global job satisfaction within this urban emergency medical service (Emergency Medical Technicians). Future studies should examine specific characteristics of the physician-paramedic interface that influence job satisfaction and attempt to generalize these results to other settings.
Major Depressive Disorder: Epidemiology, Course of Illness, and Treatment
Authors: Nierenberg Andrew A.
Published: June 2016

Understanding the epidemiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and the neurobiologic theories behind depression and antidepressant treatment is vital for physicians who must identify and treat patients with this disorder. The epidemiology of MDD reveals that this disorder is widespread: the lifetime prevalence of MDD is estimated to be ∼17% and the 12-month prevalence is ≥7%, according to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Epidemiologic studies suggest that in any 30-day period, 2% to 5% of the United States population meet criteria for MDD. In addition, nearly twice as many women as men (21% versus 13%, respectively) are affected by a depressive disorder during their lifetimes. These numbers reveal a vast population of people affected by MDD, making depression a tremendous social and medical concern.
Comparison of planned menus and centre characteristics with foods and beverages served in New York City child-care centres
Authors: Breck Andrew , Dixon L Beth , Kettel Khan Laura
Published: June 2016

Objective

The present study evaluated the extent to which child-care centre menus prepared in advance correspond with food and beverage items served to children. The authors identified centre and staff characteristics that were associated with matches between menus and what was served.

Design

Menus were collected from ninety-five centres in New York City (NYC). Direct observation of foods and beverages served to children were conducted during 524 meal and snack times at these centres between April and June 2010, as part of a larger study designed to determine compliance of child-care centres with city health department regulations for nutrition.

Setting

Child-care centres were located in low-income neighbourhoods in NYC.

Results

Overall, 87 % of the foods and beverages listed on the menus or allowed as substitutions were served. Menu items matched with foods and beverages served for all major food groups by >60 %. Sweets and water had lower match percentages (40 and 32 %, respectively), but water was served 68 % of the time when it was not listed on the menu. The staff person making the food and purchasing decisions predicted the match between the planned or substituted items on the menus and the foods and beverages served.

Conclusions

In the present study, child-care centre menus included most foods and beverages served to children. Menus planned in advance have potential to be used to inform parents about which child-care centre to send their child or what foods and beverages their enrolled children will be offered throughout the day.
Comparison of children’s food and beverage intakes with national recommendations in New York City child-care centres
Authors: Dixon L Beth , Breck Andrew , Kettel Khan Laura
Published: June 2016

Objective

The present study compared foods and beverages provided to and consumed by children at child-care centres in New York City (NYC) with national nutrition recommendations.

Design

The study used survey, observational and centre record data collected from child-care centres. Food and beverage intakes from two days of observation and amounts of energy and nutrients were estimated using the US National Cancer Institute’s Automated Self-Administered 24 h Recall system.

Setting

Meal and snack time at 108 child-care centres in low-income communities in NYC.

Subjects

Children aged 3–4 years old in classrooms selected by the directors of the participating child-care centres.

Results

Foods and beverages provided to and consumed by children (n 630) met >50 % of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for most nutrients. Intakes of fibre and vitamins D and E were <30 % of the DRI. Foods and beverages provided >50 % of the recommended average daily intake amounts for total grains, fruits and fruit juices, and dairy, but <50 % of the recommended amounts for whole grains, protein foods and vegetables. Intake of oils was below the allowance for energy levels, but foods and beverages with solid fats and added sugars exceeded the limits by 68 %.

Conclusions

Providing more whole grains, vegetables and low-fat dairy and fewer foods with solid fats and added sugars may improve children’s diet quality when at child-care centres. Centre staff may need training, resources and strategies in order to meet the nutrition recommendations.
Food variety consumption and household food insecurity coping strategies after the 2010 landslide disaster – the case of Uganda
Authors: Rukundo Peter M , Oshaug Arne , Andreassen Bård A , Kikafunda Joyce , Rukooko Byaruhanga , Iversen Per O
Published: June 2016

Objective

To evaluate the nutritional situation of the victims of the 2010 landslide disaster in Uganda, food varieties consumed and coping strategies were assessed.

Design

Cross-sectional. Food variety scores (FVS) were obtained as the total of food items eaten over the last week while an index was based on severity weighting of household food insecurity coping strategies. We included 545 affected and 533 control households.

Setting

Victims in the affected Bududa district in Eastern Uganda and those victims resettled in the Kiryandongo district, Western Uganda.

Results

Adjusted for covariates, in Bududa significantly higher mean FVS were observed among: affected than controls; farmers than others; and relief food recipients. Control households scored higher means (se) on severity of coping: 28·6 (1·3) v. 19·2 (1·2; P<0·01). In Kiryandongo, significantly higher FVS were observed among: control households; household heads educated above primary school; those with assets that complement food source; and recipients of relief food. Severity of coping was significantly higher among affected households and non-recipients of relief food. Affected households had a higher likelihood to skip a day without eating a household meal in Bududa (OR=2·31; 95 % CI 1·62, 3·29; P<0·01) and Kiryandongo (OR=1·77; 95 % CI 1·23, 2·57; P<0·01).

Conclusions

Whereas FVS and severity of coping showed opposite trends in the two districts, resettlement into Kiryandongo led to severe coping experiences. Administrative measures that provide a combination of relief food, social protection and resettlement integration may offset undesirable coping strategies affecting diet.