bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the support experiences and needs of patients who have received bariatric surgery?
Authors: Sharman Melanie , Hensher Martin , Wilkinson Stephen , Williams Danielle , Palmer Andrew , Venn Alison , Ezzy Douglas
Published: November 2015

Objective

To explore the support needs and experiences of patients who had received publicly or privately funded bariatric surgery and the importance of this support in mediating outcomes of surgery.

Methods

Seven semi‐structured focus groups were conducted. A broad interview schedule guided the discussions which were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Twenty‐six women and 15 men with a mean age of 54 years (range 24–72) participated in the study. Participants described support needs from health professionals, significant others (family and friends), peers (bariatric surgery recipients) and the general community. Peer, dietetic and psychological support were identified as important factors influencing the outcomes (e.g. weight reduction or health improvement) or experience of bariatric surgery but were identified as infrequently received or inadequately provided. Psychological support was proposed as one of the most significant but commonly overlooked components of care. Support needs appeared higher in the first year post‐surgery, when subsequent related or unrelated surgeries were required and following significant life change such as worsening health. For some participants, deficits in support appeared to negatively influence the experience or outcomes of surgery.

Conclusion

Providers of bariatric surgery should discuss support needs and accessibility regularly with patients especially in the first year post‐surgery and following significant change in a patient's life (e.g. declined health or childbirth). Nutrition, psychological and peer support (e.g. through support groups) may be especially important for some patients.
cBN–TiC and WC–Co Composites: Optimization of Co‐Extruding Conditions
Authors: Wang Zhe‐Neng , Wang Cui‐Feng , Ou Shih‐Fu , Xu Hui‐Han
Published: November 2015

In this study, double‐layer tubes with inner‐layer cubic boron nitride–titanium carbide (cBN–TiC) and outer‐layer tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) were fabricated by co‐extrusion. The Taguchi method was used to determine the optimal parameters, including extrusion ratio, half‐die angle, extrusion speed, and binder amount. The double‐layer tube made using these optimal parameters had an inner‐layer hardness of 3825 Hv and an outer‐layer hardness of 1849 Hv. The porosity of the double‐layer tube was 10.4%. Furthermore, the crystalline structures obtained from the inner and outer layers were cBN, TiC, TiB2, and BNi and WC and Co2C phases.
The role of autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of autoimmune disorders
Authors: Rebeiro P. , Moore J.
Published: November 2015

Autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used for over 30 years for malignant haematological diseases, such as myeloma and lymphoma, with considerable success. More recently this procedure has been adopted as a form of high dose immunosuppression in selected patients with autoimmune diseases that are resistant to conventional therapies. Animal models have previously outlined the rationale and validity of HSCT in patients with these non‐malignant, but in many cases, life‐threatening conditions. Recent data have that deletion of putative autoreactive immune clones with reconstitution of a thymic driven, tolerant immune system occurs in HSCT for auto‐immune patients. Two randomised control trials have confirmed that HSCT is superior to monthly cyclophosphamide in systemic sclerosis with a highly significant disease free and overall survival benefit demonstrated in the Autologous Stem cell Transplantation International Scleroderma trial. Over 2000 patients worldwide with autoimmune conditions have been treated with HSCT – the commonest indications being multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic sclerosis. Encouraging relapse free survival of 70–80% at 4 years, in heavily pre‐treated MS patients, has been demonstrated in Phase II trials. A Phase III trial in MS patients who have failed interferon is currently accruing patients. Future challenges include improvements in safety of HSCT, particularly in cardiac assessment of systemic sclerosis patients, cost–benefit analyses of HSCT compared to standard therapy and establishment of centres of excellence to continue to enhance the safety and benefit of this exciting new therapy.
Anaemia in elective orthopaedic surgery – Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia
Authors: Kearney B. , To J. , Southam K. , Howie D. , To B.
Published: November 2015

Background

An anaemia clinic was established to improve the preoperative management of elective orthopaedic patients scheduled for arthroplasty. This paper is a report on the first 100 patients assessed.

Aim

To assess the incidence and causes of anaemia in patients on a waiting list for elective arthroplasty in a public hospital and to assess the impact of anaemia detection in this patient population.

Methods

Patients attending an Anaemia Clinic for elective orthopaedic surgical patients, during March 2010 to June 2013 were studied. Outcome measures included change in haemoglobin preoperative results and perioperative transfusion rates by preoperative haemoglobin.

Results

Seventeen per cent of patients scheduled for elective surgery were found to be anaemic. Of the 100 patients who attended, approximately half were found to be iron deficient and the remainder had anaemia of chronic disease. Serum ferritin <30 µg/L alone did not identify iron deficiency in 80% of patients with iron deficiency. Patients with iron deficient anaemia were able to be treated, in all cases, to achieve a significant increase in preoperative haemoglobin. The general unavailability of erythropoietin limited effective intervention for the non‐iron‐deficient anaemic patients. Seven patients had their surgery cancelled because of the screening programme.

Conclusions

Half of the anaemic patients in a joint replacement screening clinic were iron deficient, and treatment was effective in improving the pre‐operative haemoglobin and reducing perioperative transfusion rates. This screening process should improve patient outcome. Another important finding in this group of patients is that ferritin levels cannot be reliably used as the sole indicator in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia in this group of patients undergoing elective arthroplasty.
Interleukin‐17‐ and interleukin‐22‐secreting myelin‐specific CD4+ T cells resistant to corticoids are related with active brain lesions in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Wing Ana Cristina , Hygino Joana , Ferreira Thais B. , Kasahara Taissa M. , Barros Priscila O. , Sacramento Priscila M. , Andrade Regis M. , Camargo Solange , Rueda Fernanda , Alves‐Leon Soniza V. , Vasconcelos Claudia Cristina , Alvarenga Regina , Bento Cleonice A. M.
Published: November 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It is believed that immunological events in the early stages have great impact on the disease course. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the cytokine profile of myelin basic protein (MBP)‐specific T cells from MS patients in the early phase of the disease and correlate it to clinical parameters, as well as to the effect of in vitro corticoid treatment. Peripheral T cells from MS patients were stimulated with MBP with our without hydrocortisone for 5 days. The cytokines level were determined by ELISA. The number of active brain lesions was determined by MRI scans, and the neurological disabilities were assessed by Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. Our results demonstrated that MS‐derived T cells responded to MBP by producing high levels of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines. Although the production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, IL‐17 and IL‐22 was less sensitive to hydrocortisone inhibition, only IL‐17 and IL‐22 levels correlated with active brain lesions. The ability of hydrocortisone to inhibit IL‐17 and IL‐22 production by MBP‐specific CD4+ T cells was inversely related to the number of active brain lesions. Finally, the production of both cytokines was significantly higher in cell cultures from Afrodescendant patients and it was less sensitive to hydrocortisone inhibition. In summary, our data suggest that IL‐17‐ and IL‐22‐secreting CD4+ T cells resistant to corticoids are associated with radiological activity of the MS in early stages of the disease, mainly among Afrodescendant patients who, normally, have worse prognosis.
Sleep problems and associated comorbidities among adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Esbensen A. J.
Published: November 2015

Background

Sleep problems, including sleep apnoea and behavioural sleep disturbances, are common among adults with Down syndrome (DS). Despite a preliminary understanding of potential medical and behavioural comorbidities of these sleep problems among children with DS, little is known about comorbid conditions associated with these sleep problems among adults with DS. Understanding causes and sequelae of sleep problems in this ageing population is essential to providing quality health screening and treatment. The current study examines the physical health problems, mental health conditions, functional abilities and behavioural problems associated with sleep apnoea and behavioural sleep disturbances among adults with DS.

Method

Family caregivers participated in clinical interviews and completed questionnaires, providing reports regarding 75 adults with DS. Caregivers reported on sleep problems, physical and mental health conditions, daily living skills and behaviours regarding their ageing family member with DS.

Results

Sleep apnoea was associated with more common other respiratory concerns, and more frequent visits to physicians, but not with some expected medical comorbidities (cardiac). Behavioural sleep disturbances (delayed sleep onset, night‐time awakenings and morning awakenings) were associated with poorer health, more frequent overnight hospital and emergency department visits, more common cardiac conditions, less common thyroid condition, more common mental health conditions (anxiety, depression and dementia) and a higher rate of daytime behaviour problems.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that there are differential correlates for the various sleep problems in adults with DS, which warrant attention when screening for medical and mental health comorbidities, assessing behavioural problems and in treatment planning for ageing adults with DS.
In Vitro Comparison of the Bond Strength between Ceramic Repair Systems and Ceramic Materials and Evaluation of the Wettability
Authors: Kocaağaoğlu Hasan , Manav Taha , Albayrak Haydar
Published: November 2015

Purpose

When fracture of an all‐ceramic restoration occurs, it can be necessary to repair without removing the restoration. Although there are many studies about the repair of metal‐ceramic restorations, there are few about all‐ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength between ceramic repair systems and esthetic core materials and to evaluate the wettability of all‐ceramic core materials.

Materials and Methods

Disk‐like specimens (N = 90) made of three dental ceramic infrastructure materials (zirconia ceramic, alumina ceramic, glass ceramic) were polished with silicon carbide paper, prepared for bonding (abrasion with 30 μm diamond rotary cutting instrument). Thirty specimens of each infrastructure were obtained. Each infrastructure group was divided into three subgroups; they were bonded using 3 repair systems: Bisco Intraoral Repair Kit, Cimara & Cimara Zircon Repair System, and Clearfil Repair System. After 1200 thermocycles, shear bond strength was measured in a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. In addition, the contact angle values of the infrastructures after surface treatments were examined for wettability. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

Results

Although there were no significant differences among the repair systems (p > 0.05) in the glass ceramic and zirconia groups, a significant difference was found among the repair systems in alumina infrastructure (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences among the infrastructures (p > 0.05); however, a statistically significant difference was found among the repair systems (p < 0.05). No difference was found among the infrastructures and repair systems in terms of contact angle values.

Conclusions

Cimara & Cimara Zircon Repair System had higher bond strength values than the other repair systems. Although no difference was found among the infrastructures and repair systems, contact wettability angle was decreased by surface treatments compared with polished surfaces.
Associations of Truancy, Perceived School Performance, and Mental Health With Alcohol Consumption Among Adolescents
Authors: Holtes Muriel , Bannink Rienke , Joosten ‐ van Zwanenburg Evelien , van As Els , Raat Hein , Broeren Suzanne
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

This study examined associations of truancy, perceived school performance, and mental health with adolescents' week, weekend, and binge drinking.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1167 secondary school students of Dutch ethnicity (mean age, 15.9 years, SD = 0.69). Alcohol consumption, truancy, perceived school performance, and mental health status were assessed with self‐report questionnaires. Ordinal regression analyses were performed to assess the associations.

RESULTS

Truancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70‐3.77) and poorer mental health (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.07) were associated with binge drinking more often. Truancy (OR = 1.89; 95% CI, 1.14‐3.16) and poorer mental health (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.09) were also associated with drinking (more) alcohol on week days. Furthermore, truancy (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.76‐3.83) and having an average (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.77) or less than average (OR = 3.65; 95% CI, 1.93‐6.90) perceived school performance were associated with drinking (more) alcohol on the weekend.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that adolescents who are truant and/or have a poor mental health status are at increased risk of binge and week drinking. Furthermore, adolescents who are truant and/or have an average or less than average perceived school performance are at increased risk of weekend drinking.
Comparing School‐Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programming: Mixed Outcomes in an At‐Risk State
Authors: Oman Roy F. , Merritt Breanca T. , Fluhr Janene , Williams Jean M.
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a national comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention (TPP) intervention to a national abstinence‐only TPP intervention on middle school students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to teen sexual behaviors in a state with high teen birth rates.

METHODS

Pre‐ and post‐intervention data were collected annually (2005‐2010) from seventh‐grade students to evaluate school‐based TPP programs that implemented a comprehensive (N = 3244) or abstinence‐only (N = 3172) intervention. Chi‐square and t tests, logistic regressions, and hierarchical multiple regressions examined relationships between sexuality‐related behavioral intentions, knowledge, and attitudes.

RESULTS

Students in both interventions reported significant (p < .05) improvements post‐intervention. Youth in the comprehensive TPP intervention were more likely (p < .05) to have significantly improved their attitudes (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.35, 1.83, 1.23) and behavior regarding abstinence decisions in the past 3 months (OR = 1.39). The interventions' improvements in attitudes were more explanatory for behavioral intentions for students in the abstinence‐only intervention than for students in the comprehensive TPP intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The mixed results suggest the comprehensive TPP intervention was only slightly more effective than the abstinence intervention, but that changing student attitudes and perceptions may be a key component of more effective TPP interventions.
A Multilevel Study on Ethnic and Socioeconomic School Stratification and Health‐Related Behaviors Among Students in Stockholm
Authors: Olsson Gabriella , Fritzell Johan
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

This study examines the extent to which high alcohol consumption, drug use, and delinquency vary between schools with different socioeconomic characteristics, over and above the pupil's own sociodemographic background.

METHODS

Analyses are based on data on 5484 ninth‐grade students distributed over 93 schools in Stockholm, from the 2010 Stockholm School Survey. School‐level information was retrieved from the Swedish National Agency for Education. School disadvantage was determined by combining information on the level of education among parents and the share of pupils with a nonnative background, 2 aspects that have been shown to be central to school segregation in Sweden.

RESULTS

Results indicate significant school‐to‐school differences in relation to all outcomes. The risk for high alcohol consumption and drug use is greater in more advantaged school settings, adjusting for individual characteristics, whereas the opposite is true in relation to criminal behavior. The school's level of collective efficacy also seems to play an important, albeit not mediating, role.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of an adolescent's own background, the risk of having adverse health behaviors is higher at certain schools compared to others. However, school socioeconomic factors do not influence health behaviors consistently; instead, it seems as if the association varies depending on the behavior under study.
Physical Activity Intensity, Lesson Context, and Teacher Interactions During an Unstructured Afterschool Physical Activity Program
Authors: Behrens Timothy K. , Miller Daniel J. , Schuna John M. , Liebert Mina L.
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Afterschool programs are promising arenas to improve youth physical activity (PA) levels. During the school year for 2012‐2013, 5 elementary schools from a low‐socioeconomic status (SES) school district in southern Colorado participated in evaluation of the afterschool program entitled Keep It Moving! (KIM).

METHODS

In this cross‐sectional analysis we sought to evaluate the relationships among participant PA, teacher interaction, and lesson context during an unstructured afterschool PA program. Participants were third‐fifth grade students enrolled in the KIM program at the 5 participating elementary schools and were assessed utilizing accelerometers and direct observation with the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT).

RESULTS

Program participants wore the accelerometer 37.1 ± 5.4 min session−1. Approximately half of the time was spent in light PA (LPA) and 15.7 ± 5.3 min session−1 in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Game play was positively associated with LPA and negatively associated with MVPA. When teachers did not promote PA with students there was a positive association with sedentary activity (SA) and a negative association with MVPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Lesson context and teacher interactions may be important factors associated with PA intensity of afterschool PA programming. Future research should address whether structured PA curricula may improve quality of afterschool PA programming.
Erectile Dysfunction, Boredom, and Hypersexuality among Coupled Men from Two European Countries
Authors: Klein Verena , Jurin Tanja , Briken Peer , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Much of the research on the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and possible clinical relevant hypersexuality up to now has been only descriptive in nature.

Aim

The present study aimed to explore the relationships among hypersexuality, ED, and sexual boredom in a sample of coupled community men.

Methods

An Internet-based survey was conducted in two European countries. The sample included 911 Croatian and 210 German coupled men. The survey comprised the Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory, the International Index of Erectile Function and the Sexual Boredom Scale. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine how ED, solitary sexual activities and sexual boredom were associated with hypersexuality.

Results

Among Croatian and German men, hypersexuality was significantly correlated with proneness to sexual boredom and more problems with erectile function.

Conclusions

In some men, hypersexual behavior may serve as a coping mechanism for sexual fantasy poverty-associated boredom. In addition, ED within an intimate relationship can accompany this simultaneously.
Molecular operational taxonomic units as approximations of species in the light of evolutionary models and empirical data from Fungi
Authors: Ryberg Martin
Published: November 2015

During the last couple of decades, an increasing number of studies use sequence clusters as units for taxonomic diversity. It is well known that such molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) do not necessarily correspond to species, but they are treated as such when measuring diversity and testing theories. Here, I show that data from studies of molecular evolution and species diversification of fungi indicate that commonly used cut‐offs are likely to lump species in many cases. At the same time, empirical studies show that the mean within‐species variation is close to these cut‐offs. That the within‐species variation estimates are plausible is supported by coalescence modelling under a range of parameter settings. In addition, studies using crossing tests to delimit species show that there often is an overlap in within‐ and between‐species distances. The available data therefore indicate that sequence clusters are likely to misrepresent species. However, to keep a biological relevance, MOTUs should be kept in close agreement with species. Studies using them should therefore asses how sensitive the results are to differences between MOTUs and species – something that is rarely done. An even better solution is to directly include the uncertainty in species delimitation in the analyses, but in many cases, we need to increase our knowledge of taxonomy and evolution to do this accurately. Even if the empirical data referred to here pertain to the “barcoding” region of rDNA in fungi, there is nothing indicating that the situation is substantially better for other taxa or genes.
Why Desire Reasoning is Developmentally Prior to Belief Reasoning
Authors: Steglich‐Petersen Asbjørn , Michael John
Published: November 2015

The predominant view in developmental psychology is that young children are able to reason with the concept of desire prior to being able to reason with the concept of belief. We propose an explanation of this phenomenon that focuses on the cognitive tasks that competence with the belief and desire concepts enable young children to perform. We show that cognitive tasks that are typically considered fundamental to our competence with the belief and desire concepts can be performed with the concept of desire in the absence of competence with the concept of belief, whereas the reverse is considerably less feasible.
The Omissions Account of the Knobe Effect and the Asymmetry Challenge
Authors: Paprzycka Katarzyna
Published: November 2015

The characteristic asymmetry in intentionality attributions that is known as the Knobe effect can be explained by conjoining an orthodox theory of intentional action with a normative account of intentional omission. On the latter view: (a) omissions presuppose some normative context; (b) there are good reasons why the intentionality of omissions requires agents' knowledge rather than intention. The asymmetry in intentionality attributions in Knobe's cases can be seen to be derivative from an asymmetry in intentional omissions. The omissions account further explains the Butler problem and some related puzzles. It also safeguards the simple view of intentional action from the asymmetry challenge.
Is Free Will Necessary for Moral Responsibility?: A Case for Rethinking Their Relationship and the Design of Experimental Studies in Moral Psychology
Authors: Figdor Carrie , Phelan Mark
Published: November 2015

Philosophical tradition has long held that free will is necessary for moral responsibility. We report experimental results that show that the folk do not think free will is necessary for moral responsibility. Our results also suggest that experimental investigation of the relationship is ill served by a focus on incompatibilism versus compatibilism. We propose an alternative framework for empirical moral psychology in which judgments of free will and moral responsibility can vary independently in response to many factors (including beliefs about determinism). We also suggest that, in response to some factors, the necessity relation may run from responsibility to free will.
Disseminated fusariosis by Fusarium proliferatum in a patient with aplastic anaemia receiving primary posaconazole prophylaxis – case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ricna Dita , Lengerova Martina , Palackova Martina , Hadrabova Marketa , Kocmanova Iva , Weinbergerova Barbora , Pavlovsky Zdenek , Volfova Pavlina , Bouchnerova Jana , Mayer Jiri , Racil Zdenek
Published: November 2015

Disseminated fusariosis is a life‐threatening, invasive, opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, especially those with haematological malignancies. The prognosis is poor because these fungi are resistant to many of the available antifungal agents. We present a case of disseminated fusariosis caused by Fusarium proliferatum in a patient with severe aplastic anaemia complicated by a secondary infection of Aspergillus flavus, with a fatal outcome. We also review the documented Fusarium infections in immunocompromised hosts.
Three‐dimensional regional displacement after surgical–orthodontic correction of Class III malocclusion
Authors: Koerich L. , Ruellas A. C. O. , Paniagua B. , Styner M. , Turvey T. , Cevidanes L. H. S.
Published: November 2015

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To investigate how displacements of maxillo‐mandibular structures are associated with each other at splint removal and 1 year post‐surgery following 1‐jaw and 2‐jaw surgeries for correction of Class III malocclusion.

Setting and Sample Population

Fifty patients who underwent surgical correction with maxillary advancement only (n = 25) or combined with mandibular setback (n = 25) were prospectively enrolled in this study.

Methods

Cone‐beam computed tomographies were taken pre‐surgery, at splint removal and at 1 year post‐surgery. Three‐dimensional cranial base superimpositions and shape correspondence were used to measure the outcomes from pre‐surgery to splint removal (surgical changes) and splint removal to 1 year post‐surgery (post‐surgical adaptations). Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the association between the regional displacements.

Results

Both surgery groups presented mandibular clockwise rotation with surgery and post‐surgical adaptive counterclockwise rotation. In patients treated with maxillary advancement only, the surgical changes of the maxilla were significantly correlated with chin changes. The amount and direction of chin autorotation were significantly correlated with right and left ramus autorotation. Right and left condylar displacements were significantly correlated. One year post‐surgery, adaptive displacements and bone remodeling of both rami were correlated with the chin and condylar changes. For the 2‐jaw group, the few correlations between the positional and remodeling changes in the anatomic regions of interest observed due to the surgery were different than those observed after post‐surgical adaptations, suggesting that these changes occurred independently.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that surgical displacements and post‐surgical adaptations are often correlated in one‐jaw surgery and are, in general, independent in two‐jaw surgery.
Reading simple and complex facial expressions in patients with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders
Authors: Yoon Sunkyung , Kim Hyang Sook , Kim Jeong‐In , Lee Seunga , Lee Seung‐Hwan
Published: November 2015

Aim

Decoding facial expression is important for psychological well‐being. This study examined facial emotion recognition of simple/complex and pleasant/unpleasant emotions in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders (AnD).

Methods

Patients with MDD (n = 37), AnD (n = 36) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 40) participated in this study. The recognition accuracy of emotional faces was calculated.

Results

Patients with MDD had significantly lower recognition accuracy compared to HC. Patients with MDD exhibited lower recognition accuracy for simple emotions compared to patients with AnD and HC, and lower accuracy for complex emotions compared only to HC. Patients with AnD and HC showed comparable recognition accuracy for simple emotions, which were lower than that of patients with MDD. However, in recognition accuracy of complex emotions, AnD was not significantly different from either MDD or HC.

Conclusions

Patients with MDD and AnD have a distinctive difficulty with the recognition of facial expressions. The recognition of complex emotions in patients with MDD and AnD should be studied further.
Different Effects of Tacrolimus on Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells in the Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Shao K. , Lu Y. , Wang J. , Chen X. , Zhang Z. , Wang X. , Wang X. , Yang H. , Liu G.
Published: November 2015

While tacrolimus (FK506) is currently used as immunosuppression therapy in transplant recipient, the immunological mechanism remains unknown. Herein, the immunoregulatory effects of FK506 were investigated in the physiological status and allogeneic skin transplantation. FK506 cannot significantly alter the functions of innate immune cells (macrophages and neutrophils) and adaptive immune cells (T cells) in the physiological status. However, it can effectively delay allogeneic skin‐graft rejection through ameliorating the T cell responses, but not myeloid‐derived innate immune cell responses. Importantly, it did not affect the allograft recipient macrophage innate immune defence capacity to bacteria. In clinics, FK506 treatment can significantly control the cytokine production in T cells, but not non‐T cells. This study shows targeting calcineurin signalling, FK506, to be essential in inducing allograft tolerance, but not to damage the innate defence capacity, validating the immune cell phenotypes as a potential marker in transplantation following FK506 treatment.
The influence of different shavers on the skin quantified by non‐invasive reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Rodijk F. M. W. , Zanelli G. , Geerligs M. , van Erp P. E. J. , Peppelman M.
Published: November 2015

Background

The impact of personal care devices on skin is mainly assessed using subjective tools. However, new objective, accurate non‐invasive in vivo imaging techniques have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in quantifying morphological impact of shavers on skin. Furthermore, tape stripping (TS) as method to study morphological impact of shavers was evaluated.

Methods

In 12 healthy male subjects, for two consecutive days, a split‐face test was performed in the neck; on one side a shaver was applied, while the other side was exposed to TS. The stratum corneum (SC) thickness was quantified using RCM and sensory observations were evaluated using questionnaires.

Results

Shavers with a different impact on skin, can be discriminated by RCM; shaver B removed more SC after application than the skin friendlier shaver A. Furthermore, the changes in SC thickness induced by TS corresponded well to that of the shavers.

Conclusion

RCM is able to quantify the impact of different shavers on skin. Besides, TS appeared to be a suitable model mimicking the mechanical impact of shavers on skin. RCM in combination with the TS model appeared to be a suitable minimally invasive model to obtain morphological and cell biological data on skin‐material interactions caused by different personal care devices.
Assessing Resistance to Volunteered Geographic Information Reporting within Local Government
Authors: Brandeis Muning W. , Nyerges Timothy
Published: November 2015

Using volunteered geographic information (VGI) as a cost‐saving environmental monitoring and public participation mechanism has been thought to be a proof of concept to assist environmental decision‐making with insufficient managerial resources. However, research literature also often found institutional resistance when implementing VGI as part of the decision‐making process. This research develops a conceptual framework as the foundation to conduct a cross‐case comparison for four empirical cases in recreation and invasive species monitoring, but general enough for other such case comparisons. The VGI Reporting Assessment Framework (VGI‐RAF) adopted aspects of the Decision Situation Assessment (DSA) framework as the foundation to address institutional flexibility, stakeholder dynamics, and technical considerations. Using a cross‐case comparison can accumulate deep observations from cases and increase validity of insights through comparing processes. Results show that eight aspects of the VGI‐RAF reveal the suitability of embedding voluntary information within existing institutional decision‐making processes. VGI‐RAF depicts considerations for: (1) existing participation arrangements, (2) institutional arrangements, (3) managers’ needs and stakeholder expectation, and (4) interaction mechanism and technical needs. The cross‐comparison results indicate that a public participation mechanism should be accompanied by VGI development to increase effectiveness. Institutional arrangements should match local government's information needs with participants’ expectations. Knowledge gaps between institutional information needs and volunteer knowledge should be filled through technology enhancements. For ease of implementation and to promote long‐term success, we recommend that volunteered information be connected with existing communication channels to minimize changes to existing information systems.
Retrospective evaluation of recurrent secondary septic peritonitis in dogs (2000–2011): 41 cases
Authors: Barfield Dominic M. , Tivers Michael S. , Holahan Matthew , Welch Kristin , House Arthur , Adamantos Sophie E.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics of recurrent septic peritonitis in dogs.

Design

Multicenter retrospective observational study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with recurrent septic peritonitis.

Setting

Three university emergency and referral hospitals.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records from 3 veterinary university teaching hospitals were reviewed and data were collected using a standardized data collection sheet for all cases of septic peritonitis during the study period (2000–2011). Forty one dogs met the inclusion criteria for recurrent peritonitis. All dogs underwent relaparotomy. The original cause of septic peritonitis in these cases included previous surgery for gastrointestinal foreign body removal (n = 26), gastrointestinal neoplasia (n = 3), gastric or duodenal ulceration (n = 3), bilary tract leakage (n = 2), and single instance for each of the following: penetrating foreign body, hernia strangulation, intussusception, mesenteric volvulus, infection of the laparotomy incision, prostatic abscess, and trauma. Eighteen animals survived to discharge. There was no difference detected between survivors and nonsurvivors with recurrent peritonitis in terms of inciting cause, serum albumin concentration, surgical management, or provision of appropriate initial antimicrobials. The survival rate for dogs having recurrent peritonitis was 43.9% (18/41 dogs).

Conclusions

This retrospective study did not identify any significant prognostic indicators for dogs with recurrent peritonitis and that the mortality rate for dogs having more than one surgery for septic peritonitis is similar to that reported for a single surgery for septic peritonitis.
A Gain-Scheduling Control Approach for Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Systems Based on Linear Parameter-Varying Control Theory
Authors: Liu Yang , Ban Xiaojun , Wu Fen , Lam H. K.
Published: November 2015

Due to the universal approximation capability of Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy models for nonlinear dynamics, many control issues have been investigated based on fuzzy control theory. In this paper, a transformation procedure is proposed to convert fuzzy models into linear fractional transformation (LFT) models. Then, T–S fuzzy systems can be regarded as a special case of linear parameter-varying (LPV) systems which proved useful for nonlinear control problems. The newly established connection between T–S fuzzy models and LPV models provides a new perspective of the control problems for T–S fuzzy systems and facilitates the fuzzy control designs. Specifically, an output feedback gain-scheduling control design approach for T–S fuzzy systems is presented to ensure globally asymptotical stability and optimize H∞ performance of the closed-loop systems. The control synthesis problem is cast as a convex optimization problem in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Two examples have been used to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Investigations on the Condensation Heat Transfer Performance of Stainless Steel Edge-Shaped Finned Tubes
Authors: Wan Zhen-ping , Wang Xiao-wu , Zhang Xiao-xia , Tang Yong
Published: November 2015

The third-generation enhanced heat transfer technologies, such as three-dimensional fin and dimple, are still important means of improving energy efficiency. This paper analyzes the condensation heat transfer performances of three edge-shaped finned tubes that were fabricated using the plowing–extruding process. Experimental results show that the shell-side heat transfer coefficient decreases with increases of heat flux and temperature difference between wall and vapor. The edge-shaped finned tubes exhibit better heat transfer performance than smooth tubes. At the identical temperature difference between the wall and the vapor, the shell-side heat transfer coefficient of the edge-shaped finned tubes is approximately 1.7–2.6 times larger than that of the smooth tubes. At the identical temperature difference between the wall and the vapor, the shell-side heat transfer coefficient of edge-shaped finned tubes is also higher than the reported value in the literature. The excellent performance of the edge-shaped finned tubes comes from the coordination of enhancement from the three-dimensional fins, dimples, and grooves. Finned tubes with grooves fabricated along the left direction have higher and thinner fins and therefore show better heat transfer performance. The shell-side heat transfer coefficients of edge-shaped finned tubes increase with plowing–extruding depth and feed increasing.
Optimum Operating Conditions for Subcritical/Supercritical Fluid-Based Natural Circulation Loops
Authors: Kumar Yadav Ajay , Bhattacharyya Souvik , Ram Gopal M.
Published: November 2015

Natural circulation loop (NCL) is simple and reliable due to the absence of moving components and is preferred in applications where safety is of foremost concern, such as nuclear power plants and high-pressure thermal power plants. In the present study, optimum operating conditions based on the maximum heat transfer rate in NCLs have been obtained for subcritical as well as supercritical fluids. In recent years, there is a growing interest in the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as loop fluid in NCLs for a variety of heat transfer applications due to its excellent thermophysical environmentally benign properties. In the present study, three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a CO2-based NCL with isothermal source and sink has been carried out. Results show that the heat transfer rate is much higher in the case of supercritical phase (if operated near pseudocritical region) than the subcritical phase. In the subcritical option, higher heat transfer rate is obtained in the case of liquid operated near saturation condition. Correlations for optimum operating condition are obtained for a supercritical CO2-based NCL in terms of reduced temperature and reduced pressure so that they can be employed for a wide variety of fluids operating in supercritical region. Correlations are also validated with different loop fluids. These results are expected to help design superior optimal NCLs for critical applications.
Ice Slurry Generation for Direct Contact Cooling
Authors: Fumoto Koji , Sato Toshiki , Kawanami Tsuyoshi , Inamura Takao
Published: November 2015

Ice slurry has attracted a great deal of attention as a coolant for direct contact cooling. In this study, we generated ice slurry by the method of pressure shift freezing (PSF), which is based on the freezing-point depression of an aqueous solution at high-pressure conditions. As a result, the basic characteristics of the ice slurry generation are clarified. Moreover, the physical properties of the ice slurry indicate that the shape of an ice particle in the ice slurry is strongly affected by both the supercooling degree and the aqueous solution concentration.
Numerical Simulations of an Oscillating Flow Past an Elliptic Cylinder
Authors: Daoud Sid'Ahmed , Nehari Driss , Aichouni Mohamed , Nehari Taieb
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a numerical investigation of a two-dimensional (2D) oscillatory flow around a cylinder of different elliptic ratios, in order to study the effect of the elliptic form of the cylinder on the vorticity field and the hydrodynamic forces that act on it. The elliptic ratio ε was varied from 1 to 0.1, where the small axis is parallel to the flow direction, simulating cases ranging from a circular cylinder to the case of a cylinder with a profiled elliptic section. The investigations presented here are for Reynolds number Re = 100 and Keulegan number KC = 5. The numerical visualization of the flow for different elliptic ratios shows five different modes of vortex shedding (symmetric and asymmetric pairing of attached vortices, single-pair, double-pair, and chaotic), which depend on the range of the elliptic ratio. The results show that the longitudinal force increases with the reduction of the elliptic ratio. The transverse force appears from the elliptic ratio ε=0.75 and increases with the reduction of this ratio in the range of 0.75≥ε≥0.4, then decreases for ε<0.4. On the other hand, concerning the Morison coefficients the results show that the drag coefficient is sensitive to the swirling layout while the coefficient of inertia does not seem to be much affected by the geometry of the cylinder.
A Modified Matlock–Duffing Model for Two-Dimensional Ice-Induced Vibrations of Offshore Structures With Geometric Nonlinearities
Authors: McQueen Hugh , Srinil Narakorn
Published: November 2015

Oil and gas exploration and production have been expanding in Arctic waters. However, numerical models for predicting the ice-induced vibrations (IIV) of offshore structures are still lacking in the literature. This study aims to develop a mathematical reduced-order model for predicting the two-dimensional IIV of offshore structures with geometric coupling and nonlinearities. A cylindrical structure subject to a moving uniform ice sheet is analyzed using the well-known Matlock model, which, in the present study, is extended and modified to account for a new empirical nonlinear stress–strain rate relationship determining the maximum compressive stress (MCS) of the ice. The model is further developed through the incorporation of ice temperature, brine content, air volume, grain size, ice thickness, and ice wedge angle effects on the ice compressive strength. These allow the effect of multiple ice properties on the ice–structure interaction to be investigated. A further advancement is the inclusion of an equation allowing the length of failed ice at a point of failure to vary with time. A mixture of existing equations and newly proposed empirical relationships is used. Structural geometric nonlinearities are incorporated into the numerical model through the use of Duffing oscillators, a technique previously proposed in vortex-induced vibration studies. The model is validated against results from the literature and provides new insights into IIV responses including the quasi-static, randomlike chaotic, and locked-in motions, depending on the ice velocity and system nonlinearities. This numerical Matlock–Duffing model shows a potential to be used in future IIV analysis of Arctic cylindrical structures, particularly fixed offshore structures, such as lighthouses, gravity bases, and wind turbine monopiles.
Examination of the Consistency in Affective Response to Acute Exercise in Overweight and Obese Women
Authors: Unick Jessica L. , Strohacker Kelley , Papandonatos George D. , Williams David , O’Leary Kevin C. , Dorfman Leah , Becofsky Katie , Wing Rena R.
Published: November 2015

This study examined whether inactive, overweight/obese women experience consistent affective responses to moderate-intensity exercise. Twenty-eight women participated in 3 identical (same treadmill grade and speed within a subject) 30-min exercise sessions. The Feeling Scale (FS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Subjective Exercise Experience Scale were administered pre- and postexercise and FS was also administered every 5 min during exercise. All measures exhibited less than optimal agreement in pre-to-postexercise change within an individual across the 3 sessions (ICCs = 0.02–0.60), even after controlling for within-subject variations in heart rate. Only FS exhibited “good” consistency when controlling for preexercise values (ICC = 0.72). However, the mean FS score during exercise was highly consistent within an individual (ICC = 0.83). Thus, an individual’s affective response to an exercise session does not provide reliable information about how they will respond to subsequent exercise sessions. Taking the average of FS measurements during exercise may yield more consistent findings.
Modeling knot geometry from branch angles in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Authors: Osborne Nathaniel L. , Maguire Douglas A.
Published: November 2015

Lumber and veneer recovery from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees depend on the size and distribution of knots. Two approaches have been used to simulate the effect of knots on recovery of these products: (i) prediction of recovery based on mill studies and (ii) simulated milling of virtual trees. A benefit of the latter approach is that different milling configurations may be tested. Knots in virtual logs are usually based on data from X-ray scanning. A novel approach was used in this study to model knot geometry by inferring the development of a branch knot over time from a chronosequence of branch angle and diameter measurements. Branch angle was modeled from a database of 17 953 branch measurements on 412 trees sampled in 16 Douglas-fir plantations. Branch angles from tree tip to crown base were assumed to represent a chronosequence describing the change in branch angle. Knot pith curvature was then derived from this chronosequence of branch angles and modeled as a first-degree inverse polynomial, conditioned on tree size and position within the tree bole. Knot pith curvature was predicted to follow a linear path near the tree tip and became more curved with increasing age and depth into the crown.
Deformation of the Dirac equation
Authors: Faizal Mir , Kruglov Sergey I.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we will first clarify the physical meaning of having a minimum measurable time. Then we will combine the deformation of the Dirac equation due to the existence of minimum measurable length and time scales with its deformation due to the doubly special relativity. We will also analyze this deformed Dirac equation in curved spacetime, and observe that this deformation of the Dirac equation also leads to a nontrivial modification of general relativity. Finally, we will analyze the stochastic quantization of this deformed Dirac equation on curved spacetime.