bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does supplementation with carnosine improve cardiometabolic health and cognitive function in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes? study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Baye Estifanos , Menon Kirthi , de Courten Maximilian PJ , Earnest Arul , Cameron James , de Courten Barbora
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Carnosine, an over-the-counter food supplement, has a promising potential for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases through its anti-inflammatory, antiglycation, antioxidative and chelating effects. We have previously shown that supplementation with carnosine preserves insulin sensitivity and secretion in non-diabetic overweight and obese individuals. The effect of carnosine on cardiometabolic risk and related cognitive outcomes in patients with pre-diabetes and T2DM has thus far not been studied. We therefore aim to investigate whether supplementation with carnosine improves cardiometabolic health and cognitive function in patients with pre-diabetes and T2DM.

Methods and analysis

We will employ a parallel design randomised controlled trial. Fifty participants with pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance) and T2DM (with HbA1c level < 8%) aged between 18 to 70 years will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. At baseline, participants will undergo a medical review and series of tests including anthropometric measurements (body mass index, a dual X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scan), an oral glucose tolerance test, cardiovascular measurements (central blood pressure, endothelial function and arterial stiffness), cognitive function, physical activity measurement, heart rate variability and liver fibroscan as well as questionnaires to assess dietary habits, sleep quality, depression and quality of life. The intervention group will receive 2 g of carnosine daily in two divided doses while the control group will receive identical placebo capsules for 14 weeks. All baseline measurements will be repeated at the end of the intervention. The change in glycaemic, cardiovascular and cognitive parameters as well as other measures will be compared between the groups.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Monash Health and Monash University, Australia. The findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration

NCT02917928; Pre-results.
Discussion and documentation of future care: a before-and-after study examining the impact of an alternative approach to recording treatment decisions on advance care planning in an acute hospital
Authors: Malyon Alexandra C , Forman Julia R , Fuld Jonathan P , Fritz Zoë
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine whether discussion and documentation of decisions about future care was improved following the introduction of a new approach to recording treatment decisions: the Universal Form of Treatment Options (UFTO).

Methods

Retrospective review of the medical records of patients who died within 90 days of admission to oncology or respiratory medicine wards over two 3-month periods, preimplementation and postimplementation of the UFTO. A sample size of 70 per group was required to provide 80% power to observe a change from 15% to 35% in discussion or documentation of advance care planning (ACP), using a two-sided test at the 5% significance level.

Results

On the oncology ward, introduction of the UFTO was associated with a statistically significant increase in cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions documented for patients (pre-UFTO 52% to post-UFTO 77%, p=0.01) and an increase in discussions regarding ACP (pre-UFTO 27%, post-UFTO 49%, p=0.03). There were no demonstrable changes in practice on the respiratory ward. Only one patient came into hospital with a formal ACP document.

Conclusions

Despite patients’ proximity to the end-of-life, there was limited documentation of ACP and almost no evidence of formalised ACP. The introduction of the UFTO was associated with a change in practice on the oncology ward but this was not observed for respiratory patients. A new approach to recording treatment decisions may contribute to improving discussion and documentation about future care but further work is needed to ensure that all patients’ preferences for treatment and care at the end-of-life are known.
Use of parecoxib by continuous subcutaneous infusion for cancer pain in a hospice population
Authors: Armstrong Peter , Wilkinson Pauline , McCorry Noleen K
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To characterise the use of the parenteral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug parecoxib when given by continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) in a hospice population. Clinical experience suggests parecoxib CSCI may be of benefit in this population, but empirical evidence in relation to its safety and efficacy is lacking.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients with a cancer diagnosis receiving parecoxib CSCI from 2008 to 2013 at the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast. Data were collected on treatment regime, tolerability and, in patients receiving at least 7 days treatment, baseline opioid dose and changes in pain scores or opioid rescue medication requirements.

Results

Parecoxib CSCI was initiated in 80 patients with a mean administration of 17.9 days (median 11, range 1–94). When used for a period of 7 days, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain scores (p=0.002) and in the number of rescue opioid doses required (p=0.001), but no statistically significant opioid-sparing effect (p=0.222). It was generally well tolerated, although gastrointestinal, renal adverse effects and local site irritation were reported.

Conclusions

Parecoxib may have a valuable place in the management of cancer pain, especially towards the end of life when oral administration is no longer possible and CSCI administration is relied on. Further studies into the efficacy and tolerability of parecoxib CSCI are merited.
New ultrasonographic screening method for oropharyngeal dysphagia: tissue Doppler imaging
Authors: Manabe Noriaki , Haruma Ken , Nakato Rui , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Kamada Tomoari , Hata Jiro
Published: September 2017

Ultrasound tissue Doppler imaging (US-TDI) has been used to diagnose regional wall motion (WM) abnormalities in coronary artery disease but has not been applied to oropharyngeal diseases. This study aimed first to validate an US-TDI method to assess cervical esophageal (CE) WM and secondly to use the method to evaluate CE WM in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). First, we enrolled 22 healthy men (mean age: 59.7 yr) who all underwent both US-TDI and videofluoroscopy (VF) and then esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) in the same week. We evaluated the reproducibility of the US-TDI and the relationship between US-TDI and other modalities (VF and HRM). Second, we enrolled 56 mild OD patients (mean age: 58.0 yr) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Difference in CE WM between these groups was evaluated by US-TDI. All healthy subjects underwent US-TDI, VF, and HRM successfully, with a sufficiently high reproducibility coefficient for this method, and significant correlation between US-TDI and VF/HRM parameters. US-TDI showed mean time to open CE wall and mean velocity of CE wall opening significantly differed between patients and healthy controls ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, we have developed a US-TDI method for easily assessing CE WM in daily practice and also found significant differences in CE WM between mild OD patients and healthy controls.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new ultrasonographic screening method using tissue Doppler imaging for oropharyngeal dysphagia was found to be a reliable, reproducible, and well-tolerated method. There is a significant correlation between this new method and conventional methods. This method revealed that patients having mild symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia had already significantly delayed cervical esophageal wall opening.
Conscious Sedation Versus General Anesthesia for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Hyman Matthew C. , Vemulapalli Sreekanth , Szeto Wilson Y. , Stebbins Amanda , Patel Prakash A. , Matsouaka Roland A. , Herrmann Howard C. , Anwaruddin Saif , Kobayashi Taisei , Desai Nimesh D. , Vallabhajosyula Prashanth , McCarthy Fenton H. , Li Robert , Bavaria Joseph E. , Giri Jay
Published: September 2017

Background:

Conscious sedation is used during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with limited evidence as to the safety and efficacy of this practice.

Methods:

The National Cardiovascular Data Registry Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry was used to characterize the anesthesia choice and clinical outcomes of all US patients undergoing elective percutaneous transfemoral TAVR between April 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Raw and inverse probability of treatment-weighted analyses were performed to compare patients undergoing TAVR with general anesthesia with patients undergoing TAVR with conscious sedation on an intention-to-treat basis for the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes including 30-day mortality, in-hospital and 30-day death/stroke, procedural success, intensive care unit and hospital length-of-stay, and rates of discharge to home. Post hoc falsification end point analyses were performed to evaluate for residual confounding.

Results:

Conscious sedation was used in 1737/10 997 (15.8%) cases with a significant trend of increasing usage over the time period studied (
P
for trend<0.001). In raw analyses, intraprocedural success with conscious sedation and general anesthesia was similar (98.2% versus 98.5%,
P
=0.31). The conscious sedation group was less likely to experience in-hospital (1.6% versus 2.5%,
P
=0.03) and 30-day death (2.9% versus 4.1%,
P
=0.03). Conversion from conscious sedation to general anesthesia was noted in 102 of 1737 (5.9%) of conscious sedation cases. After inverse probability of treatment-weighted adjustment for 51 covariates, conscious sedation was associated with lower procedural success (97.9% versus 98.6%,
P
<0.001) and a reduced rate of mortality at the in-hospital (1.5% versus 2.4%,
P
<0.001) and 30-day (2.3% versus 4.0%,
P
<0.001) time points. Conscious sedation was associated with reductions in procedural inotrope requirement, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay (6.0 versus 6.5 days,
P
<0.001), and combined 30-day death/stroke rates (4.8% versus 6.4%,
P
<0.001). Falsification end point analyses of vascular complications, bleeding, and new pacemaker/defibrillator implantation demonstrated no significant differences between groups after adjustment.

Conclusions:

In US practice, conscious sedation is associated with briefer length of stay and lower in-hospital and 30-day mortality in comparison with TAVR with general anesthesia in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. These results suggest the safety of conscious sedation in this population, although comparative effectiveness analyses using observational data cannot definitively establish the superiority of one technique over another.
Relationship of Preexisting Cardiovascular Comorbidities to Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bisson Arnaud , Clementy Nicolas , Bodin Alexandre , Angoulvant Denis , Babuty Dominique , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Fauchier Laurent
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose—

There remains uncertainty as whether newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) after ischemic stroke reflects underlying heart disease and represents an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, or whether it is triggered by neurogenic mechanisms. We aimed to determine whether cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with new AF after ischemic stroke differ from patients with previous known AF or without AF.

Methods—

This French longitudinal cohort study was based on the database covering hospital care from 2009 to 2012 for the entire population.

Results—

Of 336 291 patients with ischemic stroke, 240 459 (71.5%) had no AF and 95 832 (28.5%) had previously known AF at baseline. Patients without previous AF had a mean CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 4.98±1.63 SD. During a mean follow-up of 7.9±11.5 months, 14 095 (5.9%) of these patients had incident AF, representing an annual incidence of AF after ischemic stroke of 8.9 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval, 8.8–9.0). New AF patients had higher CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score, more likely comorbidities, and more frequent history of previous transient ischemic attack than patients with previous known AF or without AF.

Conclusions—

Preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities underlie AF newly diagnosed after stroke. Consequently, these high-risk patients should be closely monitored for incident AF to facilitate an earlier diagnosis of AF and avoid stroke with appropriate thromboprophylaxis.
Parvovirus B19 Infection in Children With Arterial Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Fullerton Heather J. , Luna Jorge M. , Wintermark Max , Hills Nancy K. , Tokarz Rafal , Li Ying , Glaser Carol , DeVeber Gabrielle A. , Lipkin W. Ian , Elkind Mitchell S.V.
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose—

Case–control studies suggest that acute infection transiently increases the risk of childhood arterial ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that an unbiased pathogen discovery approach utilizing MassTag–polymerase chain reaction would identify pathogens in the blood of childhood arterial ischemic stroke cases.

Methods—

The multicenter international VIPS study (Vascular Effects of Infection in Pediatric Stroke) enrolled arterial ischemic stroke cases, and stroke-free controls, aged 29 days through 18 years. Parental interview included questions on recent infections. In this pilot study, we used MassTag–polymerase chain reaction to test the plasma of the first 161 cases and 34 controls enrolled for a panel of 28 common bacterial and viral pathogens.

Results—

Pathogen DNA was detected in no controls and 14 cases (8.7%): parvovirus B19 (n=10), herpesvirus 6 (n=2), adenovirus (n=1), and rhinovirus 6C (n=1). Parvovirus B19 infection was confirmed by serologies in all 10; infection was subclinical in 8. Four cases with parvovirus B19 had underlying congenital heart disease, whereas another 5 had a distinct arteriopathy involving a long-segment stenosis of the distal internal carotid and proximal middle cerebral arteries.

Conclusions—

Using MassTag–polymerase chain reaction, we detected parvovirus B19—a virus known to infect erythrocytes and endothelial cells—in some cases of childhood arterial ischemic stroke. This approach can generate new, testable hypotheses about childhood stroke pathogenesis.
The effects of Biorock-associated electric fields on the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) and the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Authors: Uchoa Marcella P. , O’Connell Craig P. , Goreau Thomas J.
Published: September 2017

Healthy coral reefs are biologically diverse and provide vital ecosystem services. However, decreasing water quality and global warming are key contributors to coral reef decline, which poses substantial environmental threats. In response to this degradation, an innovative coral reef restoration technology, called Biorock, utilizes weak direct current electric fields to cause limestone deposition on conductive materials, inevitably inducing prolific coral reef growth. Although expediting coral growth, research on how the associated electric fields may impact the behavioural patterns of teleosts and/or organisms (i.e. elasmobranchs) possessing electroreception capabilities is lacking. Therefore, we studied the behavioural responses of two shark species, the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) and the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) and multiple teleost species towards weak direct current electric fields in Bimini, Bahamas. Generalized linear mixed model analyses based on 90 trials illustrate that both the feeding and avoidance behaviors of C. leucas and C. perezi were significantly associated with treatment type, with the weak experimental electrode treatments resulting in the greatest quantity of avoidances and fewest feedings for both species. However, data analyses illustrate that teleost feeding behavior was not observably impacted by experimental treatments. Although the Biorock technology exhibits promise in coral reef restoration, the findings from this study illustrate a need for future large-scale studies assessing shark behavioral patterns around these devices, since the deterrence of apex predators may impact ecosystem balance.
Philip Morris Asia Ltd. v. Australia – Abuse of Rights in Investor-State Arbitration
Authors: Linderfalk Ulf
Published: September 2017

This case-note analyses the international award recently published in the case of Philip Morris Asia Limited v. the Commonwealth of Australia. Engaging particularly with the application of the Arbitration Tribunal of the abuse of rights doctrine, the note addresses, in the light of this award, a series of questions that continue to perplex international investment lawyers. How should the concept of abuse of rights be defined? What is the status of the abuse of rights doctrine in international law? What is the relationship between the abuse of rights doctrine and the foreseeability test? What is the significance of the demonstration of bad faith on the part of an investor for the application of the abuse of rights doctrine?
The Right to Invoke Rights as a Limit to Sovereignty – Security Interests, State of Emergency and Review of un Sanctions by Domestic Courts under the European Convention of Human Rights
Authors: Kadelbach Stefan , Roth-Isigkeit David
Published: September 2017

Recently, human rights law has been restricted increasingly by measures taken in the interest of public security. This raises the question whether there are limits in human rights protection that cannot be touched without questioning the very essence of individual rights protection itself. This article submits that the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in cases dealing with the compatibility of measures taken in the public interest with the echr has defined such limits predominantly in terms of procedure. Accordingly, individuals must not be deprived of the right to independent review in the light of their fundamental rights. Thus, the Court has been developing what may be called a right to invoke rights, a procedural component underlying all guarantees of the Convention. This principle has been established and upheld in three different constellations: general measures for public security, states of emergencies and the implementation of un sanctions regimes.
The Freedom of Religion or Belief in the echr since Kokkinakis. Or “Quoting Kokkinakis”
Authors: Evans Malcolm
Published: September 2017

The Kokkinakis case is probably the most widely cited judgement of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the freedom of religion or belief. Yet the constant repetition of its key passages tends to obscure the very real, and controversial, developments which have taken place in the Court’s jurisprudence. This article outlines this practice and explores its implications. It concludes that “quoting Kokkinakis” runs the risk of have a negative impact upon our understanding of Article 9 of the echr today and its famous ‘mantra’ should be replaced by a more up to date and accurate statement of the conceptual underpinnings of that article.
Venous Complications in One Versus Two Vein Anastomoses in Head and Neck Free Flaps
Authors: Khaja Sobia F. , Rubin Nathan , Bayon Rodrigo
Published: September 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to compare rates of reexploration and flap failure in patients with 1- and 2-vein anastomoses in free flap reconstructions.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 300 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction to head and neck defects from 2010 to 2014.

Results:

One venous anastomosis was performed in 229 patients, and 2 venous anastomoses were performed in 71 patients. The 1-vein group had significantly more reexplorations in the operating room (36/229, 15.7%) compared with the 2-vein group (4/71, 5.6%; P = .028), even when controlling for flap type ( P = .022). This finding remained true among radial forearm flaps (17/81, 21% vs 3/53, 5.7%; P = .024). The number of venous anastomoses was not significantly associated with flap failure, though patients with flap failure did have a significantly greater proportion of venous issues ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Two-vein anastomoses do not appear to reduce rates of flap failure or postoperative venous thrombosis but are associated with a lower number of reexplorations in the operating room even after accounting for differences in flap types and surgeons.
An Examination of Recidivism Among Inmates Released From a Private Reentry Center and Public Institutions in Colorado
Authors: Powers Ráchael A. , Kaukinen Catherine , Jeanis Michelle
Published: September 2017

In this study, we examine comparative rates of recidivism for Colorado inmates released from a private reentry center and public facilities. Using a sample of 6,102 inmates released from 2008 to 2012, we measure overall recidivism and recidivism for a new crime. Applying a quasi-experimental methodology, we find that overall rates of recidivism are comparable. Prior to matching, 46.8% of the treatment and 61.3% of the comparison group recidivated, and the difference is statistically significant. However, after matching on relevant covariates, the difference was reduced to nonsignificance. In contrast, those released from the private facility are more likely to return to prison for a new offense. Approximately 14% of those in the private facility committed a new crime compared with 9% prematching and 8% postmatching. Despite these modest differences in the rate of recidivism, the overall time to return to prison is comparable between the groups.
Changes in the Subjectively Experienced Severity of Detention: Exploring Individual Differences
Authors: Raaijmakers Ellen A. C. , de Keijser Jan W. , Nieuwbeerta Paul , Dirkzwager Anja J. E.
Published: September 2017

A core assumption underlying deterrent sentencing and just deserts theory is that the severity of imprisonment is merely dependent upon its duration. However, empirical research examining how inmates’ subjectively experienced severity of detention (SESD) changes as a function of the length of confinement remains sparse. This study assesses changes in inmates’ SESD over the course of confinement and seeks to explain this process. Multilevel analyses revealed considerable change in the SESD over the course of confinement. Although individual characteristics are related to inmates’ initial SESD, they are not related to their pattern of change in SESD over the course of confinement.
The Effects of Multiple Chronic Conditions on Adult Patient Readmissions and Hospital Finances: A Management Case Study
Authors: Mihailoff Michael , Deb Shreyasi , Lee James A. , Lynn Joanne
Published: September 2017

Medicare and other payers have launched initiatives to reduce hospital utilization, especially targeting readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Hospital managers have traditionally contended that hospitals would prosper better by ignoring the penalties for high readmission rates and keeping the beds more full. We aimed to test the financial effects of admissions and readmissions by persons with and without specified chronic conditions in one regional hospital. This is a management case study with a descriptive brief report. This study was conducted at Winchester Memorial Hospital, a general hospital in a largely rural area of Virginia, 2010-2015. The total margin per admission varied by diagnosis, with the average patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, pneumonia, or chronic renal disease having negative margins. The largest per-patient losses were in diagnostic categories coinciding with the highest readmission rates. The margin declined into substantial losses with an increasing number of chronic conditions, which also corresponded with higher readmission rates. Patients with 5 or more clinical conditions had highest risk of readmission within 30 days (24.8%) and had an average total loss of $865 per admission in 2015. The adverse financial effects worsened between 2010 and 2015. This hospital might improve its finances by investing in strategies to reduce chronic illness hospitalizations, especially those with multiple chronic conditions and high risk of readmission. These findings counter the common claim that the hospital would do better to fill beds rather than to work on efficient utilization. Other hospitals could replicate these analyses to understand their situations.
Divergent Preferences for HIV Prevention: A Discrete Choice Experiment for Multipurpose HIV Prevention Products in South Africa
Authors: Quaife Matthew , Eakle Robyn , Cabrera Escobar Maria A. , Vickerman Peter , Kilbourne-Brook Maggie , Mvundura Mercy , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: September 2017

Background. The development of antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention products has the potential to substantially change the HIV prevention landscape; yet, little is known about how appealing these products will be outside of clinical trials, as compared with the existing options. Methods. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to measure preferences for 5 new products among 4 important populations in the HIV response: adult men and women in the general population (aged 18 to 49 y), adolescent girls (aged 16 to 17 y), and self-identifying female sex workers (aged 18 to 49 y). We interviewed 661 self-reported HIV-negative participants in peri-urban South Africa, who were asked to choose between 3 unique, hypothetical products over 10 choice sets. Data were analyzed using multinomial, latent class and mixed multinomial logit models. Results. HIV protection was the most important attribute to respondents; however, results indicate significant demand among all groups for multipurpose prevention products that offer protection from HIV infection, other STIs, and unwanted pregnancy. All groups demonstrated a strong preference for long-lasting injectable products. There was substantial heterogeneity in preferences within and across population groups. Limitations. Hypothetical DCE data may not mirror real-world choices, and products will have more attributes in reality than represented in choice tasks. Background data on participants, including sensitive areas of HIV status and condom use, was self-reported. Conclusions. These results suggest that stimulating demand for new HIV prevention products may require a more a nuanced approach than simply developing highly effective products. No single product is likely to be equally attractive or acceptable across different groups. This study strengthens the call for effective and attractive multipurpose prevention products to be deployed as part of a comprehensive combination prevention strategy.
Comparing Predictive Validity of JSORRAT-II and MEGA♪ With Sexually Abusive Youth in Long-Term Residential Custody
Authors: Rasmussen Lucinda A. Lee
Published: September 2017

This 6-year prospective study is the first to compare two psychometrically sound risk assessment tools for sexually abusive youth: JSORRAT-II and MEGA♪. Cross-validated on representative samples of over 500 youth, these measures have cutoff scores, allowing for a more exact assessment of risk. Study sample consisted of 129 male adjudicated adolescents housed in a secured residential treatment facility for sexually abusive youth. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that MEGA♪ Risk Scale was mildly predictive of sexual recidivism over a 6-year period (mean follow-up = 15.6 months)—area under the curve (AUC) = .67; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.52, 0.82]; p < .015. JSORRAT-II was not predictive (AUC = .57; 95% CI = [0.42, 0.72]; p < .297). The study contributes to scant literature on the most contemporary, statistically robust risk assessment tools for sexually abusive youth.
An Examination of the Importance of Strain in the Cannabis Gateway Effect
Authors: McCutcheon James C. , Watts Stephen J.
Published: September 2017

Gateway theory has been the source of much debate in both the research literature and public policy. Support for gateway sequencing has been mixed, especially in research that has considered the role of criminological variables in the etiology of substance use. For example, limited prior research has observed as important in gateway sequencing the effects of severe stressors. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health are utilized to test gateway theory and examine whether severe stressors affect the relationship between frequency of cannabis use and later use of other illicit drugs (OIDs). Findings suggest that while frequency of cannabis use does increase the likelihood of later use of OIDs, this relationship may be the result of the common cause of experiencing severe stress. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Intimate Partner Violence and Women’s Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies Among Women Seeking Help From the Police
Authors: Mengo Cecilia , Small Eusebius , Black Beverly
Published: September 2017

Many variables explain the link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and its impact on women’s mental health. This proposition is mostly from samples drawn from battered women’s shelters, batterer intervention programs (BIPs), emergency rooms, and medical clinics. We know little about the psychological well-being of women who report abuse to police departments. This study used data from case records of women who experience IPV and sought help from a city police station located in the southwest United States. These case records were examined to identify how sociodemographic characteristics of age, ethnicity, marital status, financial dependence, resources of social support, and coping strategies related with type and number of IPV incidents as well as mental health symptoms. The sample consisted of 154 women, majority of whom experienced physical violence (70.1%), sexual violence (9.1%), emotional violence/stalking (14.9%), and combined, that is, reporting more than one (5.8%). Approximately 67.5% of the women reported some mental health symptoms. Social support and coping strategies significantly distinguished women’s experience of mental health symptoms. Unexpectedly, the current data indicate that women who scored higher in perceived social support significantly reported more mental health symptoms. Coping strategies mediated the relationship between IPV and mental health symptoms. The findings suggest that availability of coping resources may mitigate repeated IPV and modify the impact of mental health. In discussing prevention and intervention efforts with women who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing IPV, practitioners can help women employ empowering coping strategies that are built on their resilience. In addition, mental health professionals working with the police, especially in community policing setting, can achieve promising outcomes for women experiencing violence.
Teacher Attrition in Special Education: Perspectives From the Field
Authors: Hagaman Jessica L. , Casey Kathryn J.
Published: September 2017

In the field of special education, attrition plays a major role in a persistent teacher shortage problem. Over the past few decades, researchers in general education and special education have investigated the various reasons why new teachers leave the field and ways in which they can be better supported to stay in their positions. Despite the increased focus on why new special education teachers leave the field, the knowledge related to teacher attrition in special education is still somewhat limited when compared with the field of general education. For example, previous research has heavily relied on survey research to understand teacher attrition, but these methods may limit some of the important information related to the complexity of why a teacher might leave the field or their job within the first few years. In this study, the authors conduct several Nominal Group Technique (NGT) focus groups to learn more about the perceived needs of new special education teachers. Focus groups are held with three specific groups, preservice special education teachers, new special education teachers, and school administrators to further investigate the potential differences in perceptions about the needs and roles of new special education teachers.
Building the Field: The Case for Community Service Learning
Authors: Lawson Janelle E. , Firestone Allison R.
Published: September 2017

In this study, the authors examine the impact of a community service learning course on undergraduate students’ decisions to pursue careers as special education teachers or related service providers. Participants ( N = 134) completed a course involving volunteer service with persons with disabilities in the local community and were surveyed as to whether they were interested in pursuing a career in special education upon graduation. Findings indicated that contact with a person with a disability through community service learning was a factor in influencing participants’ willingness to enter the field of special education.
Cutting forces modeling for micro flat end milling by considering tool run-out and bottom edge cutting effect
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Yu Tianbiao , Wang Wanshan
Published: September 2017

In this article, a cutting forces model for micro flat end milling is developed by regarding tool run-out or eccentric and tilt deviation of tool path as well as the effect of bottom edge cutting. Since the chip thickness is comparable to the edge radius, the size effect, which means the chip is only removed when it is higher than a certain value, is also taken into account. Therefore, cutting forces of the proposed model are calculated by flank shearing, flank ploughing and bottom edge cutting mechanisms in the shearing-domain and ploughing-domain regimes. The coefficients of cutting forces and tool run-out parameters can be calibrated by the experimental cutting forces. The predicted cutting forces with different feed rates and axial depths of cut based on the proposed model have been investigated and compared with experimental results for Al6061. The predicted and measured cutting forces are in good agreement.
Comparison of the chip formations during turning of Ti64 β and Ti64 α+β
Authors: Wagner Vincent , Barelli Floran , Dessein Gilles , Laheurte Raynald , Darnis Philippe , Cahuc Olivier , Mousseigne Michel
Published: September 2017

For a number of years, the rise in the number of titanium alloy grades and therefore of microstructures has hampered the productivity of titanium parts. In order to understand the phenomena involved, this study presents a comparison of the chip formations between two microstructures obtained from the same alloy. The first part presents the two alloys, their microstructures and their methods of production. The chip formation of each material is then presented and shows two completely different processes. The first process is classical, for which shear mechanisms appear to be cyclical. Conversely, the second process depends on the orientation of the microstructure when the shear occurs. For a better understanding of the phenomena, the effect of cutting speed and feed is also discussed. Finally, in the last section, chip formations for the two microstructures are summarized and perspectives are presented.
Clinical Practice Recommendations Based on an Updated Review of Breast Cancer Risk Among Women Treated for Childhood Cancer
Authors: Derman Yael E.
Published: September 2017

Breast cancer is the most common secondary malignancy among women treated for childhood cancer. This review highlights interacting etiologies contributing to development of secondary breast cancer to complement guidelines for surveillance and survivorship care and make recommendations for clinical practice. Treatment exposures determine Children’s Oncology Group breast cancer surveillance guidelines; those treated with cumulative doses ≥20 Gy chest irradiation should undergo annual magnetic resonance imaging and mammography after age 25 years or 8 years after exposure, whichever comes last. Recent investigations suggest that those treated with cumulative doses ≥10 Gy in fields affecting breast tissue, specifically whole lung, should be counseled for similar surveillance. Childhood sarcoma and leukemia survivors treated with anthracyclines and/or alkylating agents without radiation have increased risk for breast cancer and may require enhanced surveillance. Multigene testing and/or genomic evaluation for predisposition among certain childhood cancer subtypes may prove to be beneficial in identifying those at greatest risk. Pediatric oncology nurses who incorporate this information into survivorship care planning discussions/documents and clinical research endeavors may help reduce breast cancer–related morbidity/mortality for this at-risk population.
Cross-Cultural Validity of the Ruminative Responses Scale in Argentina and the United States
Authors: Arana Fernán G. , Rice Kenneth G.
Published: September 2017

Although frequently used in the United States, the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) has not been extensively studied in cross-cultural samples. The present study evaluated the factor structure of Treynor et al.’s 10-item version of the RRS in samples from Argentina ( N = 308) and the United States ( N = 371). In addition to testing measurement invariance between the countries, we evaluated whether the maladaptive implications of rumination were weaker for the Argentinians than for the U.S. group. Self-critical perfectionism was the criterion in those tests. Partial scalar invariance supported an 8-item version of the RRS. There were no differences in factor means or factor correlations in RRS dimensions between countries. Brooding and Reflection were positively correlated with self-critical perfectionism in both countries, with no significant differences in the sizes of these relations between the two samples. Results are discussed in terms of psychometric and cross-cultural implications for rumination.
Harmonic Brain Modes: A Unifying Framework for Linking Space and Time in Brain Dynamics
Authors: Atasoy Selen , Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten L. , Pearson Joel
Published: September 2017

A fundamental characteristic of spontaneous brain activity is coherent oscillations covering a wide range of frequencies. Interestingly, these temporal oscillations are highly correlated among spatially distributed cortical areas forming structured correlation patterns known as the resting state networks, although the brain is never truly at “rest.” Here, we introduce the concept of harmonic brain modes—fundamental building blocks of complex spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity. We define these elementary harmonic brain modes as harmonic modes of structural connectivity; that is, connectome harmonics, yielding fully synchronous neural activity patterns with different frequency oscillations emerging on and constrained by the particular structure of the brain. Hence, this particular definition implicitly links the hitherto poorly understood dimensions of space and time in brain dynamics and its underlying anatomy. Further we show how harmonic brain modes can explain the relationship between neurophysiological, temporal, and network-level changes in the brain across different mental states ( wakefulness, sleep, anesthesia, psychedelic). Notably, when decoded as activation of connectome harmonics, spatial and temporal characteristics of neural activity naturally emerge from the interplay between excitation and inhibition and this critical relation fits the spatial, temporal, and neurophysiological changes associated with different mental states. Thus, the introduced framework of harmonic brain modes not only establishes a relation between the spatial structure of correlation patterns and temporal oscillations (linking space and time in brain dynamics), but also enables a new dimension of tools for understanding fundamental principles underlying brain dynamics in different states of consciousness.
An Euler–Bernoulli beam formulation in an ordinary state-based peridynamic framework
Authors: Diyaroglu Cagan , Oterkus Erkan , Oterkus Selda
Published: September 2017

Every object in the world has a three-dimensional geometrical shape and it is usually possible to model structures in a three-dimensional fashion, although this approach can be computationally expensive. In order to reduce computational time, the three-dimensional geometry can be simplified as a beam, plate or shell type of structure depending on the geometry and loading. This simplification should also be accurately reflected in the formulation that is used for the analysis. In this study, such an approach is presented by developing an Euler–Bernoulli beam formulation within ordinary state-based peridynamic framework. The equation of motion is obtained by utilizing Euler–Lagrange equations. The accuracy of the formulation is validated by considering various benchmark problems subjected to different loading and displacement/rotation boundary conditions.
An Examination of State-Level Public–Private Partnership Adoption: Analyzing Economic, Political, and Demand-Related Determinants of PPPs
Authors: Boyer Eric J. , Scheller Daniel S.
Published: September 2017

This study examines the influence of economic, political, and demand factors on the adoption of public–private partnerships (PPPs) from 2000 to 2016. State debt, urban travel demand, and state laws allowing unsolicited PPP proposals have a significant effect on PPP adoption. Counter to previous studies that suggest conservative state governments adopt PPPs at a greater rate than liberal governments, we find that the influence of political ideology on PPP adoption is contingent upon state legislative professionalism. For states with high legislative professionalism, a change in state government ideology in the liberal direction decreases the likelihood of PPP adoption. For states with low legislative professionalism, a change in state government ideology in the liberal direction increases the likelihood of PPP adoption. The results inform the study of politics of privatization by demonstrating how ideological preferences can be shaped by the legislative capacities of state governments.
Porter’s Five Forces and the Coffee Industry
Authors: Duke Duncan
Published: September 2017

This multiphase classroom exercise is designed for undergraduate students in capstone strategic management courses to become comfortable and adept at using Porter’s Five Forces framework for industry analysis. Assuming students have a base level of familiarity with the framework, this exercise enables them to apply it to an industry and a company they feel familiar with, Starbucks. Through the exercise, they discover that they can gain a much deeper understanding of the firm and generate new insights by taking a wider look at the industry and rigorously applying an analytical framework. The exercise has five distinct in-class steps that include collaborative case analysis and discussion, work in teams to research a firm and devise a strategy, and group presentations. It also includes a preclass assignment that ensures sufficient student preparation.
Myeloid leukemia factor 1 stabilizes tumor suppressor C/EBPα to prevent Trib1-driven acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Nakamae Ikuko , Kato Jun-ya , Yokoyama Takashi , Ito Hidenori , Yoneda-Kato Noriko
Published: September 2017

C/EBPα is a key transcription factor regulating myeloid differentiation and leukemogenesis. The Trib1-COP1 complex is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets C/EBPα for degradation, and its overexpression specifically induces acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we show that myeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) stabilizes C/EBPα protein levels by inhibiting the ligase activity of the Trib1-COP1 complex. MLF1 directly interacts with COP1 in the nucleus and interferes with the formation of the Trib1-COP1 complex, thereby blocking its ability to polyubiquitinate C/EBPα for degradation. MLF1 overexpression suppressed the Trib1-induced growth advantage in a murine bone marrow (BM) culture and Trib1-induced AML development in BM-transplanted mouse models. MLF1 was expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid progenitors (common myeloid progenitors and granulocyte-macrophage progenitors) in normal hematopoiesis, which is consistent with the distribution of C/EBPα. An MLF1 deficiency conferred a more immature phenotype on Trib1-induced AML development. A higher expression ratio of Trib1 to MLF1 was a key determinant for AML development in mouse models, which was also confirmed in human patient samples with acute leukemia. These results indicate that MLF1 is a positive regulator that is critical for C/EBPα stability in the early phases of hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
Genome sequence of the sulfur-oxidizing Bathymodiolus thermophilus gill endosymbiont
Authors: Ponnudurai Ruby , Sayavedra Lizbeth , Kleiner Manuel , Heiden Stefan E. , Thürmer Andrea , Felbeck Horst , Schlüter Rabea , Sievert Stefan M. , Daniel Rolf , Schweder Thomas , Markert Stephanie
Published: September 2017

Bathymodiolus thermophilus, a mytilid mussel inhabiting the deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the East Pacific Rise, lives in symbiosis with chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria within its gills. The intracellular symbiont population synthesizes nutrients for the bivalve host using the reduced sulfur compounds emanating from the vents as energy source. As the symbiont is uncultured, comprehensive and detailed insights into its metabolism and its interactions with the host can only be obtained from culture-independent approaches such as genomics and proteomics. In this study, we report the first draft genome sequence of the sulfur-oxidizing symbiont of B. thermophilus, here tentatively named Candidatus Thioglobus thermophilus. The draft genome (3.1 Mb) harbors 3045 protein-coding genes. It revealed pathways for the use of sulfide and thiosulfate as energy sources and encodes the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle for CO2 fixation. Enzymes required for the synthesis of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates oxaloacetate and succinate were absent, suggesting that these intermediates may be substituted by metabolites from external sources. We also detected a repertoire of genes associated with cell surface adhesion, bacteriotoxicity and phage immunity, which may perform symbiosis-specific roles in the B. thermophilus symbiosis.
Vinexin family (SORBS) proteins play different roles in stiffness-sensing and contractile force generation
Authors: Ichikawa Takafumi , Kita Masahiro , Matsui Tsubasa S. , Nagasato Ayaka Ichikawa , Araki Tomohiko , Chiang Shian-Huey , Sezaki Takuhito , Kimura Yasuhisa , Ueda Kazumitsu , Deguchi Shinji , Saltiel Alan R. , Kioka Noriyuki
Published: September 2017

Vinexin, c-Cbl associated protein (CAP) and Arg-binding protein 2 (ArgBP2) constitute an adaptor protein family called the vinexin (SORBS) family that is targeted to focal adhesions (FAs). Although numerous studies have focused on each of the SORBS proteins and partially elucidated their involvement in mechanotransduction, a comparative analysis of their function has not been well addressed. Here, we established mouse embryonic fibroblasts that individually expressed SORBS proteins and analysed their functions in an identical cell context. Both vinexin-α and CAP co-localized with vinculin at FAs and promoted the appearance of vinculin-rich FAs, whereas ArgBP2 co-localized with α-actinin at the proximal end of FAs and punctate structures on actin stress fibers (SFs), and induced paxillin-rich FAs. Furthermore, both vinexin-α and CAP contributed to extracellular matrix stiffness-dependent vinculin behaviors, while ArgBP2 stabilized α-actinin on SFs and enhanced intracellular contractile forces. These results demonstrate the differential roles of SORBS proteins in mechanotransduction.