bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is creative work sustainable? Understanding identity, motivation, and worth
Authors: Reid Anna , Petocz Peter , Bennett Dawn
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this article is to explore the “value” of creative workers’ work from their perspective. The work of this group is often ephemeral and intangible, contributes to the development of society, and is often very poorly remunerated. Qualitative responses from a large survey of creative workers’ work experience and attitudes have provided the material analyzed for this paper. The data were analyzed using a naturalistic coding process leading to the emergence of themes describing the data. Five “elements of worth” emerged which included identity representation, motivation, catalysts of creativity, interactions with society, and recognition. Knowing how creative workers experience these five elements provides educators and local/national policy makers data on which to base their pedagogical and financial judgments. To date, there has been no other study that examines how creative workers perceive the value of their work and how that notion of value is derived from their lived experience.
Integrated design optimization of structure and vibration control with piezoelectric curved shell actuators
Authors: Zhai Jingjuan , Zhao Guozhong , Shang Linyuan
Published: April 2016

The investigation focuses on simultaneously optimizing the locations and thicknesses of piezoelectric curved actuators as well as transient control voltages to achieve the best performance index. A curved shell element is deduced and the nodal displacement constraint equations are used to couple the piezoelectric curved shell element and the base shell element. Then the dynamic finite element equations of the piezoelectric shell structure are formulated. Based on the optimal vibration control theory, an integrated design optimization model is proposed. The linear quadratic performance index is taken as the objective function, and the control voltages as well as the number and volume of the actuators are considered as the constraints. The design variables include not only the locations and control voltages but also the thicknesses of the piezoelectric actuators. A two-layer optimization scheme is proposed to address this optimization problem with discrete and continuous variables coexisting. Because the control voltage is transient and time-varying, the linear quadratic optimal controller is used for the optimal control voltages in the inner layer. A simulated annealing algorithm is employed to optimize the locations and thicknesses of actuators in the outside layer. Numerical examples are implemented to demonstrate the accuracy of the curved shell element, the validity of the theoretical model, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed optimization scheme.
Study of quantification methods in self-healing ceramics, polymers and concrete: A route towards standardization
Authors: Lucas Sandra S , von Tapavicza Max , Schmidt Annette M , Bertling Jürgen , Nellesen Anke
Published: April 2016

During the past decades, research in self-healing materials has focused on the improvement in the mechanical properties, making stronger materials, able to bear increasing solicitations. This strategy proved to be costly and in some cases inefficient, since materials continue to fail, and maintenance costs remained high. Instead of preparing stronger materials, it is more efficient to prepare them to heal themselves, reducing repairing costs and prolonging their lifetime. Several different self-healing strategies, applied to different material classes, have been comprehensively studied. When new materials are subject of research, the attention is directed into the formulations, product processing and scale-up possibilities. Efforts to measure self-healing properties have been conducted considering the specific characteristics of each material class. The development of comprehensive service conditions allowing a unified discussion across different materials classes and the standardization of the underlying quantification methods has not been a priority so far. Until recently, the quantification of self-healing ability or efficiency was focused mostly on the macroscale evaluation, while micro and nanoscale events, responsible for the first stage in material failure, received minor attention. This work reviews the main evaluation methods developed to assess self-healing and intends to establish a route for fundamental understanding of the healing phenomena.
Parametric analysis of fluidic energy harvesters in grid turbulence
Authors: Danesh-Yazdi Amir H , Elvin Niell , Andreopoulos Yiannis
Published: April 2016

Even though it is omnipresent in nature, there has not been much research in the literature involving turbulence as an energy source for piezoelectric fluidic harvesters. In the present work, a grid-generated turbulence forcing function model which we derived previously is employed in the single degree-of-freedom electromechanical equations to find the power output and tip displacement of piezoelectric cantilever beams. Additionally, we utilize simplified, deterministic models of the turbulence forcing function to obtain closed-form expressions for the power output. These theoretical models are studied using experiments that involve separately placing a hot-wire anemometer probe and a short PVDF beam in flows where turbulence is generated by means of passive and semi-passive grids. From a parametric study of the deterministic models, we show that a white noise forcing function best mimics the experimental data. Furthermore, our parametric study of the response spectrum of a generic fluidic harvester in grid-generated turbulent flow shows that optimum power output is attained for beams placed closer to the grid with a low natural frequency and damping ratio and a large electromechanical coupling coefficient.
The Role of Time and Category Relatedness in Electronic Brainstorming
Authors: Baruah Jonali , Paulus Paul B.
Published: April 2016

This study tested creativity of small electronic brainstorming (EBS) groups as a function of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of assigned sub-topics (categories) of a broader problem over time. A total of 168 participants were exposed to categories of high or low degree of relatedness, and their performance was tracked over time in group and e-nominal paradigm. Findings revealed that the EBS groups became more creative and exhibited slower productivity loss compared with the e-nominal groups over time. The assignment of homogeneous categories enhanced the average originality of ideas, over time especially for the EBS groups. The findings have implications for theoretical as well as practical perspectives for creative processes in small virtual brainstorming groups.
Life prediction method of copper thin film repaired by laser irradiation based on healing variable
Authors: Ren Chong-Gang , Shang De-Guang
Published: April 2016

The cyclic stress–strain constitutive relationships for copper film smooth specimens with different damage degrees before and after laser irradiation treatment were investigated. Compared with the changes of the constitutive relationships under different damage degrees, a healing variable for the repaired copper film by laser irradiation was defined. Based on the analysis of the healing variable, a fatigue life prediction method was proposed. The experimental lives of the damaged notched specimens after laser irradiation treatment were used to verify the proposed life prediction method. The results showed that the predicted lives are in good agreement with the experimental results.
The Effect of Intentional, Preplanned Movement on Novice Conductors’ Gesture
Authors: Bodnar Erin N.
Published: April 2016

Preplanning movement may be one way to broaden novice conductors’ vocabulary of gesture and promote motor awareness. To test the difference between guided score study and guided score study with preplanned, intentional movement on the conducting gestures of novice conductors, undergraduate music education students ( N = 20) were assigned to one of two conditions and then evaluated on their conducting performance. The experimental group received two sessions of guided score study with planning and practicing of gestures, while the control group received two sessions of guided score study only. Participants were video recorded conducting the piece with a university instrumental ensemble and evaluated by four conducting experts on gestures of dynamics, articulation, cues, releases, and phrasing. Analysis of the mean scores for each rating revealed no significant differences between the two conditions. Analysis of postconducting interview transcriptions revealed several factors that may have contributed to the results.
Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix
Authors: Ganesan Raji , Hirschowitz Lynn , Dawson Philip , Askew Sarah , Pearmain Philippa , Jones Peter W. , Singh Kavita , Chan Kiong K , Moss Esther L.
Published: April 2016

Introduction. Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the cervix is associated with a poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment. The correct diagnosis of this tumor type is imperative to provide clinicians and patients with prognostic information and ensure that appropriate treatment is provided. Methods. A clinicopathological study was undertaken on all cervical tumors registered as NEC with the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2009. Of the 45 cases diagnosed during the study period, the tumor samples of 41 cases were traced, anonymized, and then independently reviewed by 2 gynecological pathologists. Results. The review confirmed 31/41 (78%) cases to be NEC, which overall, represented 1.3% of all the cervical cancers registered in the West Midlands over the period of the study. In the correct histological context, synaptophysin was the most sensitive and specific positive immunohistochemical marker of NEC differentiation. The cases that on review were confirmed as NEC had a significantly worse outcome than the non-NEC cases: median survival for NEC cases was 33.3 months versus 315.0 months for the non-NEC cases, P = .013. Conclusions. Histological review of a series of NECs has shown significantly reduced survival in those patients with confirmed NEC in comparison with those patients where a diagnosis of NEC was not confirmed. We propose morphological and immunohistochemical criteria for the diagnosis of cervical NEC; and discourage unqualified use of the term “small cell carcinoma” as this does not accurately convey the diagnosis of SCNEC. We urge pathologists to use the 2014 World Health Organization classification when reporting these tumors.
Pindborg Tumor Presenting as a Nasal Polyp
Authors: Mitra Suvradeep , Kaur Gurwinder , Nada Ritambhra , Mohindra Satyawati
Published: April 2016

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, also known as Pindborg tumor, is a rare benign odontogenic tumor. This tumor predominantly involves the mandible, though the maxilla can also be involved in some cases. The involvement of maxillary sinuses, however, has been previously reported in only 8 case reports English literature. These patients chiefly presented with nasal obstruction along with epistaxis or proptosis in rare cases. However, a primary presentation as nasal polyp is unheard of. We present a rare case of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor presenting as a nasal polyp, posing a diagnostic difficulty.
Gender and Race Representations of Scientists in Highlights for Children
Authors: Previs Kathy K.
Published: April 2016

Girls lose interest in science by age 9, and researchers have attributed this finding to misrepresentations of female scientists in the media. While television, film, the Internet, textbooks, and biographies have been analyzed for such representations, this study examines the extent to which females and minorities are portrayed over time in science sections of a popular children’s magazine, Highlights for Children. Results indicate that, while males and Whites have outnumbered females and minorities in depictions of science, Highlights has consistently exceeded the number of females and minorities actually employed in scientific fields.
Housing Disinvestment and Crime in a Phoenix Suburb: Exploring the Differential Effects of Investors and Owner-Occupants
Authors: Chamberlain Alyssa W. , Wallace Danielle , Pfeiffer Deirdre , Gaub Janne
Published: April 2016

External investment in neighborhoods can inhibit crime. However, during the housing crisis, many investors were foreclosed upon, triggering large-scale community disinvestment. Yet the impact of this type of disinvestment on crime is currently unknown. Combining data on crime incidents with foreclosure, home sales, and sociodemographic data, this research assesses whether the foreclosure of properties owned by investors has an effect on crime in neighborhoods in Chandler, Arizona, a suburb in the heavily affected Phoenix region. Neighborhoods with a greater proportion of foreclosures on investors (FOIs) have higher total and property crime rates in the short term. In Hispanic neighborhoods, a greater proportion of FOIs result in lower rates of crime. Results suggest that neighborhood stabilization efforts should consider the role of investors in driving short-term crime rates, and that police and code enforcement strategies might prioritize neighborhoods with a high proportion of investor foreclosures.
Life-threatening perianaesthetic complications in five cats undergoing biliary tract surgery: case series and literature review
Authors: Monticelli Paolo , Stathopoulou Thaleia Rengina , Lee Karla , Adami Chiara
Published: April 2016

Case series summary

The aim of this case series was to describe the intra- and early postanaesthetic complications occurring in five cats undergoing major surgeries involving the gallbladder and the biliary tree. The five cases of this series were admitted to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals between June and December 2015, and were all overseen by the same senior anaesthesist. Pre-existing pancreatitis was a common finding. Observed life-threatening events were persistent, unresponsive hypotension in the absence of major blood loss, which occurred mainly during surgical manipulation of the biliary tract, and postoperative renal failure.

Relevance and novel information

Biliary surgery carries the potential for life-threatening complications in cats. The pathogenesis of such morbidities is likely to be multifactorial. The perianaesthetic use of haemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution may be considered as an alternative treatment option when hypotension is unresponsive to fluids and traditional positive inotropes and vasopressors.
‘It’s just a job’: Understanding emotion work, de-animalization and the compartmentalization of organized animal slaughter
Authors: Hamilton Lindsay , McCabe Darren
Published: April 2016

This article contributes to an understanding of the nexus between humans and animals by drawing on ethnographic research conducted in a British chicken factory and, more particularly, by exploring the emotional subjectivity of Meat Inspectors employed by the Food Standards Agency to oversee quality, hygiene and consumer safety within this plant. We argue that these Inspectors displayed a complex range of often contradictory emotions from the ‘mechanized’ to the ‘humanized’ and link this, in part, to the technocratic organization of factory work that compartmentalizes and sanitizes slaughter. This serves to de-animalize and commodify certain animals, which fosters an emotional detachment from them. In contrast to research which suggests that emotions switch off and on in a dialectic between violence and non-violence, or that we are living in a post-emotional society, we elucidate the co-existence, fluidity and range of emotions that surface and submerge at work. While contributing to the extant literature on ‘emotionologies’, we add new insights by considering how emotions play out in relation to animals.
Is extermination to be the legacy of Mary Gilbert’s cat?
Authors: Hillier Jean , Byrne Jason
Published: April 2016

Once imported to Australia as rodent controllers, cats are now regarded as responsible for a second wave of mammal extinction across the continent. Utilising the Foucauldian concept of biopolitics, we investigate critically the institutional field of cat regulation in Australia, exemplified by the Western Australian Cat Act 2011 and the Federal Environment Minister’s 10-year campaign to eradicate feral cats. Analysis of the biopolitical dispositif of ferality, and its elements of knowledge, subjectivation and objectivation and power processes, illustrates the dispositions through which what might be regarded as felicide has become organisational practice. We propose alternative practices emphasising the productive potentialities of biopolitics.
Routinized killing of animals: Going beyond dirty work and prestige to understand the well-being of slaughterhouse workers
Authors: Baran Benjamin E. , Rogelberg Steven G. , Clausen Thomas
Published: April 2016

Slaughterhouse workers face the reality of industrialized meat production on a daily basis, experiencing firsthand the routinized killing of animals. This occupation provides a window through which to view one key way in which animals and organizations intersect in modern society. Given its proximity to death and undesirable required tasks, working in a slaughterhouse is classified as ‘dirty work’. Current theorizing, however, does not address how the intentional killing of animals may impact workers beyond its inherent dirtiness and low prestige. In this study, we draw upon and extend dirty work theory to further understand the unique nature of work that involves the intentional killing of animals. Regression analyses of data from 10,605 Danish workers across 44 occupations suggest that slaughterhouse workers consistently experience lower physical and psychological well-being along with increased incidences of negative coping behavior. Our findings hold while statistically controlling for occupational prestige and overall dirtiness. Additionally, we compare the pattern of results with a comparable occupation that does not involve animal killing, suggesting specific outcomes associated with routinized killing of animals. Building upon extant research and considering our findings, we discuss the theoretical implications regarding dirty work and the intentional killing of animals in organizations.
Health workers’ support for hepatitis C treatment uptake among clients with a history of injecting
Authors: Brener Loren , von Hippel Courtney , Wilson Hannah , Hopwood Max
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis C virus is stigmatised because of its association with injecting drug use. Although treatment is available, uptake remains low, especially among people who inject drugs. Ninety health workers completed a survey assessing attitudes towards people who inject drugs and support for treatment for three client scenarios: one who stopped injecting, one on methadone, and one continuing to inject. Support for hepatitis C virus treatment was significantly higher, where the client was not injecting. Participants who showed more negative attitudes towards people who inject drugs were less supportive of clients entering hepatitis C virus treatment, illustrating the influence of health workers’ attitudes in determining treatment options offered to clients.
‘If they have a girlfriend, they have five girlfriends’: Accountability and sexism in volunteer workers’ talk about HIV/AIDS in a South African health setting
Authors: McVittie Chris , McKinlay Andy , Ranjbar Vania
Published: April 2016

Significant challenges remain in tackling the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Effective action requires both appropriate policy at a global level and informed practice on the local level. Here, we report how workers in a project in Johannesburg, South Africa, make sense of HIV transmission. Discourse analysis of data from interviews with 63 participants shows that project workers routinely attribute transmission to men’s sexual relationships with multiple female partners. This explanation is so pervasive that it renders invisible other routes to transmission. Absence of consideration of other routes to infection potentially restricts front-line practice, so hindering local attempts to tackle HIV/AIDS.
Identifying the characteristics of child sexual abuse cases that exit the criminal justice system before the forensic interview
Authors: Christensen Larissa S , Sharman Stefanie J , Powell Martine B
Published: April 2016

Most child sexual abuse cases do not result in conviction; rather, they result in attrition at an earlier point in the system. Although research has looked at case characteristics associated with attrition at later stages of the system (i.e. the laying of charges and prosecution stages), to date, no research has studied the case characteristics associated with attrition as soon as a report has been made to authorities. The aim of this study was to determine the case characteristics (child complainant, suspect and additional case characteristics) associated with attrition when a case first enters the criminal justice system before a forensic interview is conducted. All child sexual abuse incidents reported to police in one jurisdiction of Australia in 2011 were examined. Three case characteristics were found to predict attrition: previous disclosure, abuse frequency and the child complainant’s age. Specifically, cases were more likely to result in attrition when the child had not previously disclosed the abuse to an adult, the abuse was a single incident rather than repeated, and a curvilinear relationship was found for child age. Cases involving children aged 7–12 years were less likely to result in attrition than cases involving younger (0–6 years) and older (13–15 years) children. This information should assist professionals and researchers in developing interventions to reduce the attrition when necessary during this early stage of the criminal justice system.
A specialist’s perspective on the value of generalist practice: A qualitative network analysis
Authors: Raeymaeckers Peter
Published: April 2016

Social work practice is increasingly confronted with the dilemma of specialisation versus generalism. This article embraces the idea of a network that combines the strengths of specialist and generalist service organisations. We focus on the role of generalist service providers in a network of specialist organisations. We conduct 25 interviews with social workers in a network of service organisations in a single district in Antwerp, Belgium. Social workers ( n = 15) from specialist service organisations are interviewed to determine how they perceive collaboration with social workers from generalist service organisations. We also include the perspectives of 10 respondents affiliated with generalist service agencies.

Findings

The results show that generalists facilitate interactions between specialists and their clients. Their holistic perspective on the complex problems of very vulnerable clients allows them to fulfil critical functions such as brokering information and mediating when conflicts arise.

Application

Our analysis provides a better understanding of the role of generalist organisations in a network of specialist service organisations. This article concludes that further research on the importance of collaboration, networks and generalist practice is necessary to further develop a research agenda that focuses on how social work is able to address the complex problems of vulnerable target groups.
Medical social workers’ perceptions of obesity
Authors: Shinan-Altman Shiri
Published: April 2016

Professionals’ perceptions of patients’ health conditions are significant factors which influence the quality of treatment they provide. This study aimed to assess medical social workers’ perceptions of their patients’ obesity (“obesity representations”), as well as the relationship between these representations and knowledge about obesity, attitudes toward obesity, and personal exposure to obesity. A convenience sample of 105 medical social workers completed illness representations (dimensions included cause, timeline, consequences, control, coherence, timeline cycle, emotional representation) questionnaires, as well as attitudes toward obese patients, obesity risk knowledge, personal exposure to obesity, and sociodemographic questionnaires.

Findings

Medical social workers perceived obesity as being associated with severe consequences and as being controlled by one’s own behavior and through treatment. The medical social workers also expressed high negative emotional representations and significantly high percentage of them held negative attitudes toward obese patients. Multiple regression analyses revealed that personal exposure to obesity and attitudes toward obese patients emerged as significant predictors of timeline, emotional representations, and treatment control.

Applications

The study findings encourage the development of training and support programs, which will deal with the feelings of fear and anger that may accompany the care of obese patients. In addition, the findings can also aid in assessing and evaluating medical social workers’ obesity representations.
Framing the ‘child at risk’ in social work reports: Truth-telling or storytelling?
Authors: Roets Griet , Roose Rudi , De Wilde Lieselot , Vanobbergen Bruno
Published: April 2016

In the field of child welfare and protection, the notion of the ‘child at risk’ implies a central ground and legitimation for intervention yet is extremely ambiguous, since it can be constructed in radically different ways in practice. This construction process might involve challenges to professional assessment and intervention, since dealing with this complex notion is about more than tools, (risk) management and protocols. We focus on the practice of writing reports as an exemplary practice in which social workers exercise their power while assessing and constructing the child as ‘at risk’. Two approaches of social workers in interpreting the complexity of situations where children are potentially at risk are considered: truth-telling and storytelling. We report on a qualitative study conducted with 152 social work students in which we explore how they construct reports.

Findings

In our analysis, we identify three major issues in the construction of the ‘child at risk’ when social work students approach report writing as an open-ended and reflexive practice of storytelling: recognisability, comprehensibility and stigmatisation.

Applications

The normative judgment processes in social work are complex, determined by the analysis of situations in which the child may potentially be constructed as being at risk. Dealing with this complexity therefore requires reflexivity of social workers regarding their perceptions and interpretations at stake in practice. We argue that normative judgment in risk assessment should be an essential area for exploration in social work education.
Steady performance prediction of a heeled planing boat in calm water using asymmetric 2D+T model
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Tavakoli Sasan , Dashtimanesh Abbas , Zamanian Rahim
Published: April 2016

This article presents a simple mathematical model for predicting the running attitude of warped planing boats fixed in a heel angle and free to trim and sinkage. The proposed model is based on asymmetric 2D+T theory utilizing a pressure equation which is previously introduced in the literature to compute the hydrodynamic force acting on a heeled planing hull. Integration of pressure distribution on the asymmetric wedge sections enables the suggested model to compute trim angle, center of gravity rise, resistance, and heeling moment acting on the heeled planing boat in calm water. The hydrostatic force in addition to two drag forces acting on the pressure area and spray area are also taken into account. Finally, a computational algorithm is introduced to find the running attitude of the heeled planing boats. The validity of the proposed model is examined by comparing the obtained running attitudes for two planing hulls series with zero heel angle and computed lift force and heeling moment of a heeled planing boat against available experimental data. Based on the comparisons, favorable accuracy is observed for both symmetrical and asymmetrical conditions. Moreover, it is shown that existence of a heel angle can lead to a decrease in trim angle and resistance, while it intensifies the center of gravity rise of planing boats. It is also observed that as the beam Froude number increases, the heeling moment of the heeled boat reduces.
Experimental study on axial load transfer behavior of a coiled tubing stuck in a steel catenary riser: At the stage of the coiled tubing un-helical buckled
Authors: Chen Yingchun , Zhang Shimin , Wang Wenming , Xiong Minghao , Zhang Hang
Published: April 2016

Coiled tubing can be used for steel catenary riser pigging operations to remove wax and other debris attached on the interior of steel catenary riser to recover production and ensure safety. Due to its low rigidity, coiled tubing would deform which might finally damage coiled tubing and steel catenary riser. Thus, in order to ensure safety and reliability of the operation, this article proceeded experimental study on the axial load transfer behavior of a coiled tubing stuck in a steel catenary riser when the coiled tubing has not yet helical buckled. According to the experimental results, the inner pipe’s axial force transfer efficiency is always less than 1; the outer pipe of “unfixed steel catenary riser boundary” would elongate forced by the inner pipe within it, which makes the injected displacement of inner pipe within outer pipe of “unfixed steel catenary riser boundary” bigger than the injected displacement of inner pipe within outer pipe of “fixed steel catenary riser boundary” system at the same force-out; before the inner pipe helical buckles, inner pipe’s force transfer efficiency for unfixed and fixed system can be considered as the same. The research done above might provide important theoretical supports for the steel catenary riser pigging operation.
Use of predictive algorithms in-home monitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
Authors: Sanchez-Morillo Daniel , Fernandez-Granero Miguel A , Leon-Jimenez Antonio
Published: April 2016

Major reported factors associated with the limited effectiveness of home telemonitoring interventions in chronic respiratory conditions include the lack of useful early predictors, poor patient compliance and the poor performance of conventional algorithms for detecting deteriorations. This article provides a systematic review of existing algorithms and the factors associated with their performance in detecting exacerbations and supporting clinical decisions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. An electronic literature search in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane library was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2005 and July 2015. A total of 20 studies (16 COPD, 4 asthma) that included research about the use of algorithms in telemonitoring interventions in asthma and COPD were selected. Differences on the applied definition of exacerbation, telemonitoring duration, acquired physiological signals and symptoms, type of technology deployed and algorithms used were found. Predictive models with good clinically reliability have yet to be defined, and are an important goal for the future development of telehealth in chronic respiratory conditions. New predictive models incorporating both symptoms and physiological signals are being tested in telemonitoring interventions with positive outcomes. However, the underpinning algorithms behind these models need be validated in larger samples of patients, for longer periods of time and with well-established protocols. In addition, further research is needed to identify novel predictors that enable the early detection of deteriorations, especially in COPD. Only then will telemonitoring achieve the aim of preventing hospital admissions, contributing to the reduction of health resource utilization and improving the quality of life of patients.
Covered vs Uncovered Stents for Aortoiliac and Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Hajibandeh Shahin , Antoniou Stavros A. , Torella Francesco , Antoniou George A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To evaluate outcomes of covered vs bare metal stents for the treatment of lower limb peripheral artery disease. Methods: A search of electronic databases was performed to identify all studies comparing outcomes of covered vs bare metal stents for treatment of aortoiliac and femoropopliteal arterial disease. The Cochrane tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, respectively. Fixed or random effects models were applied to analyze pooled outcome data. The results for dichotomous outcome variables are presented as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI); intergroup comparisons of continuous clinical variables are reported as the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI. Results: Two RCTs and 4 retrospective cohort studies, enrolling 744 patients (mean age 67 years; 477 men) and 918 diseased arteries, were identified. For aortoiliac disease, treatment with a covered stent showed no significant improvement in primary patency (OR 2.10, 95% CI 0.48 to 9.11, p=0.32), but it was associated with higher ankle-brachial index (ABI) (MD 0.08, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.09, p<0.001) and a lower reintervention rate (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.42, p<0.001). For femoropopliteal disease, use of covered stents was associated with increased primary patency (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.06, p=0.02), higher ABI (MD 0.08, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.16, p=0.04), and a lower reintervention rate (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.87, p=0.01). No significant differences in technical success, complications, limb salvage, or survival were identified between the groups in either segment. Conclusion: Theoretically, the use of covered stents may increase the patency rate due to decreased restenosis after stent placement. This analysis found that the primary patency was improved with the use of a covered stent in femoropopliteal lesions but not in aortoiliac disease. Improved outcomes were seen with covered stents compared with bare metal stents as indicated by a lower need for reintervention and an improved ABI. It remains to be investigated whether such beneficial effects can be translated into improved clinical outcomes, such as limb salvage and amputation-free survival. Long-term results of the comparative efficacy of covered stents over bare metal stents are not currently available.
Noninvasive Estimation of Aneurysm Sac Pressurization Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Using M-Mode Ultrasonography to Evaluate Significance of Endoleaks
Authors: Ioannou Christos V. , Kontopodis Nikolaos , Peteinarakis Ioannis , Tsetis Dimitrios
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To establish the feasibility of indirectly estimating aneurysm sac pressurization from recordings of aortic pulsatile wall motion (PWM) using M-mode ultrasonography before and after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (mean age 72 years; 19 men) scheduled for EVAR in a single institution underwent M-mode ultrasonography 1 day before EVAR to record PWM of the abdominal aortic aneurysm wall during the cardiac cycle, along with simultaneous blood pressure measurements. The recording was repeated the first postoperative day. Pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep) was calculated from the preoperative displacement and pressure data. This value and the postoperative PWM were used to inverse estimate pulse pressure in the abdominal aortic aneurysm sac post EVAR. Immediate pressure reduction post EVAR was compared between groups of endoleak vs no endoleak and expansion vs no expansion during 6-month follow-up. Results: Intraobserver variability of the method presented a mean value of 0.04 mm with a 1.2-mm coefficient of variation (95% limits of agreement −1.16 to 1.24 mm). PWM was significantly reduced postoperatively (1.2 vs 0.3 mm, p<0.001) as was pulse pressure exerted on the aneurysm sac (67 vs 16 mm Hg, p<0.001). The pressure reduction was similar between the endoleak vs no endoleak groups (79% vs 75%, p=0.65), but it was significantly greater in the no expansion group (79.5%) vs the group with aneurysm expansion (50%, p=0.008). Conclusion: M-mode ultrasonography may provide a useful adjunct during EVAR surveillance to noninvasively estimate sac pressurization and identify aneurysms at risk of enlargement.
Late Retrograde Migration of a Left Subclavian Artery Chimney Stent-Graft Into the Innominate Artery
Authors: Leopardi Marco , Tshomba Yamume , Castiglioni Alessandro , Baccellieri Domenico , Kahlberg Andrea , Negri Giampiero , Melissano Germano , Chiesa Roberto
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To report an uncommon case of chimney stent-graft migration in the aortic arch. Case Report: A 29-year-old man presented with chronic left arm hyposthenia after late displacement and thrombosis of a left subclavian artery (LSA) chimney graft that migrated retrogradely into the innominate artery 2 years after deployment. The self-expanding LSA chimney was placed during a redo procedure to repair a pseudoaneurysm and type I endoleak after an index emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair for traumatic aortic rupture 1 year earlier. The patient was successfully treated in an elective procedure via a median sternotomy, with arch aortotomy under circulatory arrest to remove the proximal end of the thrombosed chimney graft from the ostium of the innominate trunk. Three months later, a left carotid-to-subclavian bypass was performed to restore flow to the left arm. Conclusion: Migration of the proximal end of an overly long chimney graft that moved freely in the aortic arch exposed the patient to a high risk of stroke and death. Because of the high-risk situation, open repair under circulatory arrest was elected to remove the proximal end of the chimney graft, with no major complications.
Gene–gene interaction of erythropoietin gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese Han
Authors: Fan YanFei , Fu Yin-Yu , Chen Zhi , Hu Yuan-Yuan , Shen Jie
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the erythropoietin gene polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy and additional role of gene–gene interaction on diabetic retinopathy risk. A total of 1193 patients (579 men, 614 women) with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected, including 397 diabetic retinopathy patients and 796 controls (type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without diabetic retinopathy); the mean age of all participants was 56.7 ± 13.9 years. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected: rs507392, rs1617640, and rs551238. The t-test was used for comparison of erythropoietin protein level erythropoietin levels in patients having different erythropoietin genotypes. Logistic regression model was used to examine the association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confident interval (95% CI) were calculated. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction was employed to analyze the impact of interaction among three single nucleotide polymorphisms on CVD risk. After covariates adjustment, the carriers of homozygous mutant of three single nucleotide polymorphisms have higher diabetic retinopathy risk than those with wild-type homozygotes, OR (95% CI) were 2.04 (1.12–2.35), 1.87 (1.10–2.41) and 1.15 (1.06–1.76), respectively. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction model indicated a significant three-locus model ( p = 0.0010) involving rs507392, rs1617640, and rs551238. Overall, the three-locus models had a cross-validation consistency of 10 of 10, and had the testing accuracy of 60.72%. Subjects with TC or CC-TG or GG-AC or CC genotype have the highest diabetic retinopathy risk. In conclusion, our results support an important association of rs507392, rs1617640 and rs551238 minor allele of erythropoietin with increased diabetic retinopathy risk, and additional interaction among three single nucleotide polymorphisms.
The Disappearing Sperms: Analysis of Reports Published Between 1980 and 2015
Authors: Sengupta Pallav , Dutta Sulagna , Krajewska-Kulak Elzbieta
Published: April 2016

Reports regarding the changes in sperm concentration in different counties of the world are inconsistent. Furthermore, the reports that sprung up from specific epidemiological and experimental examinations did not include data of prior studies or geographical variations. The current study, following a previous report of massive fall in semen volume over the past 33 years, attempts to delineate the trend of altering sperm concentrations and factors responsible for this by reviewing article published from 1980 to July 2015 with geographic differences. The current study identified an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration over the past 35 years ( r = −.313, p = .0002), which, when analyzed for each geographical region, identified a significant decline in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An increasing trend of sperm concentration was identified only in Australia. The association of male age with such a trend ( R2 = .979) is reported. The authors also correlated male fertility with sperm concentration. Thus, this comprehensive, evidence-based literature review aims to concisely and systematically present the available data on sperm concentration from 1980 to 2015, as well as to statistically analyze the same and correlate male health with the declining pattern of sperm count in a single scientific review to serve the scientific research zone related to reproductive health. It points to the threat of male infertility in times ahead.
Men on the Move–Nashville: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Technology-Enhanced Physical Activity Pilot Intervention for Overweight and Obese Middle and Older Age African American Men
Authors: Dean Donnatesa A. L. , Griffith Derek M. , McKissic Sydika A. , Cornish Emily K. , Johnson-Lawrence Vicki
Published: April 2016

Men on the Move–Nashville was a quasi-experimental, 10-week pilot physical activity intervention. A total of 40 overweight or obese African American men ages 30 to 70 (mean age = 47) enrolled in the intervention. Participants attended 8 weekly, 90-minute small group sessions with a certified personal trainer. Each session consisted of discussions aimed to educate and motivate men to be more physically active, and an exercise component aimed to increase endurance, strength, and flexibility. Throughout each week, men used wearable activity trackers to promote self-monitoring and received informational and motivational SMS text messages. Of the 40 enrolled men, 85% completed the intervention, and 80% attended four or more small group sessions. Additionally, 70% of participants successfully used the activity tracker, but only 30% of men utilized their gym memberships. Participants benefited from both the small group discussions and activities through increasing social connection and guidance from their trainer and group members. These African American men reported being motivated to engage in physical activity through each of these technologies. Men reported that the activity trackers provided an important extension to their social network of physically active people. The intervention resulted in significant increases in men’s self-reported levels of light, moderate, vigorous, and sports-related physical activities, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and significant decreases in weight and body fat percentage with small, moderate and large effects shown. Including technology and didactic components in small group-based interventions holds promise in motivating African American men to increase their physical activity.
Adapting Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Service Use to Examine Risk Factors for Hypertension Among U.S. MSM
Authors: Hirshfield Sabina , Downing Martin J. , Horvath Keith J. , Swartz James A. , Chiasson Mary Ann
Published: April 2016

Hypertension affects nearly a third of U.S. adult males and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but there is a paucity of hypertension research among men who have sex with men (MSM). Andersen’s model of health service use was adapted to examine factors associated with hypertension among MSM. In 2008, 7,454 U.S. MSM completed an online survey. Overall, 16.5% of the sample reported a lifetime diagnosis of hypertension. In hierarchical logistic regression, Black MSM had increased odds of reporting hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.24, 2.60]) compared with White MSM, as did men aged 30 years and older (age 30-39: AOR = 2.46, 95% CI [1.84, 3.29]; age 40-49: AOR = 3.76, 95% CI [2.85, 4.97]; age 50+: AOR = 6.40, 95% CI [4.78, 8.58]; Reference: 18-29 years). Health conditions associated with hypertension included diabetes (AOR = 3.62, 95% CI [2.81, 4.68]), heart disease (AOR = 5.19, 95% CI [3.99, 6.75]), depression (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.17, 1.63]), anxiety (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.09, 1.57]), and being overweight (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI [1.91, 2.59]). Having a primary care provider (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.64, 2.93]) and residing in South Atlantic (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI [1.12, 1.74]) or South Central (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.27, 2.00]) regions was also associated with reporting hypertension. Study findings are consistent with those in the literature for the general population. To address health care inequities, the Internet could serve as a potential access point for health screening and referral for care.
You and me: The structural basis for the interaction of people with severe and profound intellectual disability and others
Authors: Griffiths Colin , Smith Martine
Published: April 2016

Interaction between two people may be construed as a continuous process of perception and action within the dyad. A theoretical framework is proposed in this article that explains the concepts and processes which comprise the interaction process. The article explores the transactional nature of interaction, through analysis of narrative data from two dyads, each comprising a person with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disability and a service worker. The novel application of grounded theory to analyse video data of non-verbal communication data in order to develop the theoretical framework is reviewed. Previously, attuning has been identified as the key process that drives interaction. This article explores the other concepts of the theory proposed, namely, setting, being, stimulus, action, attention and engagement. The article concludes by contrasting this theory of the interaction process with other related concepts and suggests how application of the proposed framework may enhance practice.
The cost optimal control system based on the Kermack–Mckendrick worm propagation model
Authors: Tong Xiao-Jun , Zhang Miao , Wang Zhu
Published: April 2016

Although the network worm propagation models are able to predict trends in the spread of the worm, these papers did not consider the economic losses caused by the worm propagation. This paper uses the Hamiltonian approach of the optimal control theory and proposes the cost optical control system based on the Kermack–Mckendrick worm propagation model. In the cost optical control system, we control and process the infectious hosts. In this paper, we present an optimization model that takes into account infection cost and treatment cost. The simulation on the cost optical control system is carried out, and then the results of the analysis are given. In conclusion, the cost optical control system of the Kermack–Mckendrick model can provide the optical control of the worm propagating and effectively reduce the worm propagation with minimum cost.