bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The formation of conjugated structure and its transformation to pseudo-graphite structure during thermal treatment of polyacrylonitrile
Authors: Lei Shuai , Wu Shuai , Gao Aijun , Cao Weiyu , Li Changqing , Xu Lianghua
Published: October 2016

Three types of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were considered in order to investigate the effect of molecular composition and configuration on the formation of conjugated structures during stabilization and the conversion of that to pseudo-graphite sheets after carbonization. The stabilization process was performed in an inert or oxidative atmosphere with a temperature ramp from 180°Cto 280°C. The thermal behavior was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, and the change of chemical groups and conjugated structures was detected by in situ measurement of infrared (Fourier transform infrared) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, respectively. The carbonization process of the stabilized samples was performed using a thermogravimetric analyzer under nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature range of 150°C–1200°C, and Raman spectra were applied to study the pseudo-graphite sheets of the residuals. It is suggested that the introduction of comonomer or the improvement of the isotactic regularity of the polymer chain are helpful to promote the stabilization reactions and accelerate the formation of conjugated structures rather than the extent of conjugation during stabilization in nitrogen. Moreover, they are also beneficial to obtain higher degree of graphitization and larger size of the pseudo-graphite sheets with less structural defects after carbonization. While stabilization is performed in air, atactic PAN copolymer has the highest extent of stabilization among these three PAN samples, but they are extremely close. PAN samples with comonomer or higher isotacticity still show a little advantage in the formation speed of the conjugated structures. After carbonization, PAN with higher isotacticity has the highest carbon yield and graphitization degree and the largest size of pseudo-graphite sheets with least structural defects. In addition, the presence of oxygen during stabilization is contributory to increase the extent of stabilization and generate some bigger conjugated structures, which leads to obtain higher graphitization degree and larger size of pseudo-graphite sheets, but it also brings more structural defects.
Synthesis and thermal properties of high temperature phthalonitrile resins cured with self-catalytic amino-contanining phthalonitrle compounds
Authors: Chen Xinggang , Liu Jiayu , Xi Zhenjie , Shan Shuyan , Ding Huili , Qu Xiongwei , Zhang Qingxin
Published: October 2016

A series of self-catalytic phthalonitrile compounds with o-, m-, and p- amino groups, namely, 4-(2-aminophenoxy)phthalonitrile (2-NH2-CN), 4-(3-aminophenoxy)phthalonitrile (3-NH2-CN), and 4-(4-aminophenoxy)phthalonitrile (4-NH2-CN), were synthesized via a facile nucleophilic displacement of a nitro-substituent with 4-nitrophthalonitrile. The phthalonitrile resins were prepared by curing 2-NH2-CN, 3-NH2-CN, and 4-NH2-CN with 1,3-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxy) benzene ( m-BDB). The structures of these compounds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Curing behaviors of 2-NH2-CN, 3-NH2-CN, and 4-NH2-CN with m-BDB were recorded by differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the processabilities of m-BDB with 4-NH2-CN are superior to those with 2-NH2-CN and 3-NH2-CN due to higher self-catalytic efficiency and broader processing windows. Thermal stabilities were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, and the polymers with all these self-catalytic compounds exhibit excellent thermal and thermal-oxidative stabilities. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that these polymers have high storage modulus and high glass transition temperatures. The polymers of 4-NH2-CN show more outstanding processability, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties than those of 2-NH2-CN and 3-NH2-CN and can be considered as a good candidate as a self-catalytic curing agent for high-temperature phthalonitrile polymers.
Preparation and characterization of a novel benzoxazines/bismaleimide/2,2′-diallylbisphenol A blend with multiphase structures
Authors: Ning Yong , Yao Zhengjun , Zhou Jintang , Cai Haishuo
Published: October 2016

Novel benzoxazine (BOZ)/bismaleimide (BMI)/2,2′-diallylbisphenol A (BA), with a multiphase structure, was successfully prepared under the catalysis of methyl p-toluenesulfonate (PTSM) through reaction-induced phase separation. The curing reaction of BOZ with BMI and ring-opening polymerization of BOZ under the catalysis of PTSM were studied by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, respectively. Mechanical measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and microanalyses were conducted to assess the toughness and morphology of the composite. The reaction between BOZ and 4,4′-bismaleimidodiphenyl methane (BDM) occurs at a relatively high temperature. The ring-opening reaction of BOZ starts at a low temperature of 100°C because of the catalysis of PTSM. The BOZ/BDM/BA system with an appropriate amount of BOZ significantly improves the impact strength and flexural strength compared with those of the BA/BDM resin. The BOZ/BDM/BA system with PTSM also features high impact strength and flexural strength. Scanning electron microscopy images and energy-dispersive spectroscopy results show that BOZ-rich phase is dispersed in BDM-rich phase in the BOZ/BDM/BA system with PTSM. Thermogravimetric data show that the BOZ/BDM/BA blend with a multiphase structure exhibits superior thermal resistance to those of the BOZ/BDM/BA and BA/BDM resins. The formation mechanism of the ternary system under the catalysis of PTSM is elucidated with Gibbs free energy theory.
‘Heading up a blind alley’? Scottish psychiatric hospitals in the era of deinstitutionalization
Authors: Long Vicky
Published: October 2016

This article examines Scottish provision of psychiatric care in the 1960s and 1970s. It demonstrates that institutional services did not rapidly disappear across the UK following the Ministry of Health’s decision to shut down psychiatric hospitals in 1961, and highlights Scotland’s distinctive trajectory. Furthermore, it contends that psychiatric hospitals developed new approaches to assist patients in this era, thereby contributing towards the transformation of post-war psychiatric practice. Connecting a discussion of policy with an analysis of provision, it examines the Department of Health for Scotland’s cautious response to the Ministry’s embrace of deinstitutionalization, before analysing Glasgow’s psychiatric provision in the 1970s. At this point the city boasted virtually no community-based services, and relied heavily on its under-resourced and overburdened hospitals. Closer analysis dispels any impression of stagnation, revealing how ideologies of deinstitutionalization transformed institutional care.
Piaget’s neo-Gödelian turn: Between biology and logic, origins of the New Theory
Authors: Burman Jeremy Trevelyan
Published: October 2016

Jean Piaget’s research program—which involved the study of child development as a central feature (viz. “stages”), but which can be understood more broadly as advancing a constructive theory of knowledge (i.e., “genetic epistemology”)—is thought by many contemporary developmentalists to have been guided by a coherent, complete, and unchanging meta-theoretical framework: “equilibration.” While this is correct philosophically, it is incorrect historically. Briefly put: the formal meaning of equilibration changed over time, and thus so too did the entirety of the theory that relied upon it. To focus in on one specific change of particular importance, this article examines how Piaget appealed to the changing ideas of Kurt Gödel and their interpretations by French-speaking logicians. This historical analysis (a Foucauldian archaeology) thereby excavates a “neo-Gödelian turn” in Piaget’s research program. The resulting framework is then sketched in outline: the updated formal meta-theory that made possible “Piaget’s new theory.”
On the comparison of risk of death according to different stages of breast cancer via the long-term exponentiated Weibull hazard model
Authors: de Souza Hayala Cristina Cavenague , da Silva Castro Perdoná Gleici , Louzada Francisco , Maris Peria Fernanda
Published: October 2016

Long-term survivor models have been extensively used for modelling time-to-event data with a significant proportion of patients who do not experience poor outcome. In this paper, we propose a new long-term survivor hazard model, which accommodates comprehensive families of cure rate models as particular cases, including modified Weibull, exponentiated Weibull, Weibull, exponential and Rayleigh distribution, among others. The maximum likelihood estimation procedure is presented. A simulation study evaluates bias and mean square error of the considered estimation procedure as well as the coverage probabilities of the parameters asymptotic and bootstrap confidence intervals. A real Brazilian dataset on breast cancer illustrates the methodology. From the practical point of view, under our modelling, we provide a parameter that works as a metric to quantify and compare the risk between different stages of the disease. We emphasize that, we developed an online platform for oncologists to calculate the probability of survival of patients diagnosed with breast cancer according to the stage of the disease in real time.
A Bayesian hierarchical model for demand curve analysis
Authors: Ho Yen-Yi , Nhu Vo Tien , Chu Haitao , Luo Xianghua , Le Chap T
Published: October 2016

Drug self-administration experiments are a frequently used approach to assessing the abuse liability and reinforcing property of a compound. It has been used to assess the abuse liabilities of various substances such as psychomotor stimulants and hallucinogens, food, nicotine, and alcohol. The demand curve generated from a self-administration study describes how demand of a drug or non-drug reinforcer varies as a function of price. With the approval of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, demand curve analysis provides crucial evidence to inform the US Food and Drug Administration’s policy on tobacco regulation, because it produces several important quantitative measurements to assess the reinforcing strength of nicotine. The conventional approach popularly used to analyze the demand curve data is individual-specific non-linear least square regression. The non-linear least square approach sets out to minimize the residual sum of squares for each subject in the dataset; however, this one-subject-at-a-time approach does not allow for the estimation of between- and within-subject variability in a unified model framework. In this paper, we review the existing approaches to analyze the demand curve data, non-linear least square regression, and the mixed effects regression and propose a new Bayesian hierarchical model. We conduct simulation analyses to compare the performance of these three approaches and illustrate the proposed approaches in a case study of nicotine self-administration in rats. We present simulation results and discuss the benefits of using the proposed approaches.
The effect of omitting an early population-based vision screen in the Netherlands: A micro-simulation model approach
Authors: Sloot F , Heijnsdijk EAM , Groenewoud JH , Goudsmit F , Steyerberg EW , de Koning HJ , Simonsz HJ
Published: October 2016

Objective

To estimate the effect of omitting an individual screen from a child vision screening programme on the detection of amblyopia in the Netherlands. A previous study (Rotterdam Amblyopia Screening Effectiveness Study) suggested that the three screens carried out between 6 and 24 months contributed little.

Methods

We developed a micro-simulation model that approximated the birth-cohort data from the previous study, in which 2964 children had completed follow-up at age 7, and 100 amblyopia cases were detected. Detailed data on screens, referrals, and orthoptic follow-up, including the cause of amblyopia, were available. The model predicted the number of amblyopia cases detected for each screen and for the entire screening programme, and the effect of omitting screens. Incidence curves for all types of amblyopia caused by strabismus, refractive anomalies or by both were estimated by approximation of the observational data, in conjunction with experts’ estimations and the literature.

Results

We calculated mean actual sensitivity per screen per type of amblyopia, and the effect per screen. Screening at 24 months was found to be least effective. The impact on the screening programme, estimated by summing the effectiveness per screen, omitting the 24-month screen, was a reduction of 3.4% (57 vs. 59 cases) in the number of detected cases of amblyopia at age 5.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the Dutch vision screening programme would hardly be affected by omission of the 24-month screening examination. A disinvestment study is warranted.
Integration of Basic Controversies in Cross-cultural Psychology
Authors: Poortinga Ype H.
Published: October 2016

This article discusses controversies in the field of cross-cultural psychology, including cultural psychology, with a view to possible integration.1 It briefly describes the indigenisation movement as a reaction against Western scientific ethnocentrism and mentions two methodological topics, that is, lack of equivalence of cross-cultural data and issues with culture-comparative studies designed as experiments. Later in the article, major conceptual contrast in cross-cultural psychology such as the dichotomy of universalism and cultural relativism are addressed. The article also addresses the major empirical dichotomy of individualism and collectivism and its extension in cultural neuroscience research. Some examples of applied cross-cultural psychology are given that show how interventions can be adapted for other societies as where they were developed even when dichotomies prevalent in academic research have not been resolved.
Perceived Parental Behaviour of Juvenile Delinquent Boys in Prison
Authors: Wubishet Hailu Legesse , van Leuween Karla
Published: October 2016

In order to investigate associations between parenting and delinquent behaviour in an Ethiopian context, we studied both a target group of adolescent boys (aged 13–19 years) in prison (n = 86) and a control group (n = 93). The boys completed questionnaires on perceived parenting practices and their own prosocial and problem behaviours. The results showed that boys in the prison group reported significantly less positive parenting, monitoring, rules, material rewarding and autonomy than the boys in the control group, but more harsh punishment, ignoring of unwanted behaviour and psychological control. Boys in prison also reported significantly more emotional and conduct problems. Further, results indicated that parenting dimensions (less support and more negative control) increased the odds of being in prison above family characteristics (lower educational status of the adolescent and mother, living in a family with divorced parents or in a single parent family).
Open Innovation Effort, Entrepreneurship Orientation and their Synergies onto Innovation Performance in SMEs of Korea
Authors: Yun Jinhyo Joseph , Park Kyungbae , Kim Janghyun , Yang Jeongho
Published: October 2016

While open innovation has become a popular strategy to enhance innovation in firms, open innovation in the context of entrepreneurship is not yet well understood. Particularly in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the necessity of understanding the role of entrepreneurship combined with open innovation is much greater. This research focuses on the role of entrepreneurship in the open innovation process and its impact on innovation performance. Our primary research question is: What are the impacts of open innovation, entrepreneurship and their synergy effects onto innovation performance, especially onto Korean Information Technology (IT) SMEs? To answer this question, a survey was conducted about open innovation, entrepreneurship orientation, business models and sales, and innovation performance for approximately 400 Korean SMEs in the IT sector. The regression results and findings from the analysis are presented and discussed.
How User Entrepreneurs Succeed: The Role of Entrepreneur’s Caliber and Networking Ability in Korean User Entrepreneurship
Authors: Yun Jinhyo Joseph , Park Kyungbae
Published: October 2016

User innovation is a new economic paradigm that has the ability to create a new engine for social and economic development. Furthermore, many users are not limited to their role as a user but evolve into business starters, thus becoming user entrepreneurs. This study aimed to reveal the important factors of successful user entrepreneurship by closely investigating two successful Korean user entrepreneurship cases. Based on this study’s findings, the importance of an entrepreneur’s caliber and networking ability was found. An entrepreneur’s innovation ability from expert knowledge and great familiarity and experience with the business as a user coupled with a strong will to entrepreneurship was the most important success factor at the early stage. In further developing user innovation technologically and commercially, the most important factor was an entrepreneur’s networking ability that can give access to complementary assets for successful development and commercialisation. With this, the innovation community—composed of related users and producers—has played a crucial role in the successful entrepreneurial process.
Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh Policy and India–Bangladesh Relations: Challenges and Possible Policy Responses
Authors: Kashem Md. Abul , Islam Md. Shariful
Published: October 2016

The article investigates Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh policy and India–Bangladesh relations under his regime. It challenges the conventional wisdom that when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Awami League (AL) regime are in power, India and Bangladesh do not enjoy warm relations and argues the opposite. It contends that water issue and dynamics of domestic politics work as major challenges in forging India–Bangladesh relations. On the contrary, it also identifies opportunities to further strengthen the bilateral relations. It finds that there are a number of untapped potentials that need to be explored and be exploited. It is of greater interest for both India and Bangladesh to foster the bilateral relations based on mutual understanding, respect and reciprocity.
Space Exploration by India and Socio-economic Cooperation with SAARC Countries
Authors: Gupta Biswanath , Raju KD
Published: October 2016

For the last 50 years, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has seen a tremendous development in the field of space science and technology. Outer space exploration in social programme (education, telemedicine, communication and information) and economic activities (agricultural forecasting, meteorological data, telecommunication and broadcasting) helped India grow faster. Over the past few years, India is also engaging with other countries, offering them the space science and technology for their overall development.

Very recently, Prime Minister of India offered the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations SAARC satellite for the socio-economic development of the region. Engaging with the SAARC countries will not only help India economically, but also geopolitically, and this is very important for India’s future security reasons.

This article examines the tremendous success of India’s space programme in the socio-economic field and finds out the scope of extending India’s support to the SAARC nations for outer space development in the region. South Asia is considered as one of the most under-developed regions in the world, and this article tries to find out possible cooperation between India and SAARC nations in utilising the space science for socio-economic development of the inhabitants of the region.
Recordings as learning and practising resources for performance: Exploring attitudes and behaviours of music students and professionals
Authors: Volioti Georgia , Williamon Aaron
Published: October 2016

This article examines how musicians use recordings as learning resources in preparing for performance. While previous research has partially acknowledged the contribution of external factors to self-regulated learning, the specific impact of recordings on performers’ approaches to practising remains largely uncharted. A survey was designed to assess the use and importance of recordings on musicians’ listening and practising behaviours, their preferences when choosing recordings, and the type of influence exerted by recordings over self-regulatory processes. Respondents ( N = 204) completed an online survey, and the data were analysed according to level of expertise: advanced music students ( n = 147) and professional musicians ( n = 57). The results show clear differences between students and professionals in the frequency of use and level of reliance on recordings, with students consistently exhibiting a greater preference for these resources. Students were more likely to listen to recordings and, consequently, change aspects of their interpretations in the early stages of practising. Additionally, students were influenced by other people’s recommendations, especially their teachers’, and by other performers’ reputations when choosing recordings. The need to develop a distinct style had a positive influence on students’ practising and performing habits. The study shows that listening to recordings forms an integral part of self-regulated learning activities and contributes to musicians’ development by increasing musical knowledge and stylistic awareness.
The Federal Role in the Innocence Movement in America
Authors: Findley Keith A.
Published: October 2016

Despite its small contribution to the ranks of the exonerated, and more broadly its relatively small share of all criminal cases, the federal government has played a distinct and important role in fostering and shaping the innocence movement. This article recounts the various ways in which the federal government has done so: through high-profile measures to recognize the reality of wrongful convictions, direct funding of innocence work, use of federal purse strings to shape criminal justice policy, setting an example through legislation on matters as diverse as access to postconviction DNA testing and compensating the wrongly convicted, and leadership on issues such as the problems with the forensic sciences. The article concludes that, moving forward, the committed involvement of the federal government will remain important, especially in tackling such challenging problems as flawed forensic sciences and ensuring financial resources for innocence advocates.
The Criminology of Wrongful Conviction
Authors: Leo Richard A.
Published: October 2016

This article reflects on the author’s 2005 article, “Rethinking the Study of Miscarriages of Justice,” which sought to describe what scholars empirically knew at that time about the phenomenon, causes, and consequences of wrongful convictions in America. The 2005 article argued that the study of wrongful convictions constituted a coherent academic field of study and set forth a vision for a more sophisticated, insightful, and generalizable criminology of wrongful conviction. In this current article, the author revisits the ideas first developed in “Rethinking the Study of Miscarriages of Justice” to evaluate what scholars have learned about wrongful convictions in the last decade, and what challenges lie ahead for developing a more robust criminology of wrongful conviction. The article concludes that there have been significant theoretical, methodological, and substantive advances in the last decade, but that a root cause analysis of wrongful convictions has yet to come to fruition and urges empirical scholars to begin to study other sources of error and inaccuracy in the criminal justice system. Scholars should develop a criminology of erroneous outcomes, not just of erroneous conviction. By studying both sets of outcomes, scholars can improve accuracy and reduce errors across the board.
Gait Analysis of Foot Compensation After Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Stevens Jasper , Meijer Kenneth , Bijnens Wouter , Fuchs Mathijs C.H.W. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Hermus Joris P.S. , van Hoeve Sander , Poeze Martijn , Witlox Adhiambo M.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint is an intervention often used in patients with severe MTP1 joint osteoarthritis and relieves pain in approximately 80% of these patients. The kinematic effects and compensatory mechanism of the foot for restoring a more normal gait pattern after this intervention are unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify this compensatory mechanism, in which it was hypothesized that the hindfoot and forefoot would be responsible for compensation after an arthrodesis of the MTP1 joint.

Methods:

Gait properties were evaluated in 10 feet of 8 patients with MTP1 arthrodesis and were compared with 21 feet of 12 healthy subjects. Plantar pressures and intersegmental range of motion were measured during gait by using the multisegment Oxford Foot Model. Pre- and postoperative X-rays of the foot and ankle were also evaluated.

Results:

The MTP1 arthrodesis caused decreased eversion of the hindfoot during midstance, followed by an increased internal rotation of the hindfoot during terminal stance, and ultimately more supination and less adduction of the forefoot during preswing. In addition, MTP1 arthrodesis resulted in a lower pressure time integral beneath the hallux and higher peak pressures beneath the lesser metatarsals. A mean dorsiflexion fusion angle of 30 ± 5.4 degrees was observed in postoperative radiographs.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the hindfoot and forefoot compensated for the loss of motion of the MTP1 joint after arthrodesis in order to restore a more normal gait pattern. This resulted in a gait in which the rigid hallux was less loaded while the lesser metatarsals endured higher peak pressures. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this observed transfer of load or a preexistent decreased compensatory mechanism of the foot can possibly explain the disappointing results in the minority of the patients who experience persistent complaints after a MTP1 arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Characterizing the Severe Reactions of Parenteral Vitamin K1
Authors: Britt Rachel B. , Brown Jamie N.
Published: October 2016

Parenteral vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is used for anticoagulant reversal, and a boxed warning exists with intravenous and intramuscular administration due to the possibility of severe reactions, including fatalities. These reactions resemble hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, including anaphylactoid reaction, and have led to shock and cardiac and/or respiratory arrest. The objective of this review is to summarize the available literature detailing the anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions with parenteral vitamin K1 in order to better characterize the reaction and provide a more in-depth understanding of its importance. A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE (1946 to June 2016) and EMBASE (1947 to June 2016) was conducted using the terms vitamin K1, phytonadione, phytomenadione, vitamin K group, anaphylaxis, polyoxyethylated castor oil, and cremophor. A total of 2 retrospective surveillance studies, 2 retrospective cohort studies, and 17 case reports were identified for inclusion and assessment. Based on a review of the literature, use of parenteral vitamin K1 may result in severe hypotension, bradycardia or tachycardia, dyspnea, bronchospasm, cardiac arrest, and death. These reactions are most consistent with a nonimmune-mediated anaphylactoid mechanism. It appears that intravenous administration is more frequently associated with these reactions and occurs at an incidence of 3 per 10 000 doses of intravenous vitamin K1. The solubilizer may also increase the risk of adverse reactions, which occurred in patients with and without previous exposure to vitamin K1. Although there are known factors that increase the risk of an adverse drug event occurring, reactions have been reported despite all precautions being properly followed.
Event-based slip–slide control system for railway vehicles
Authors: Ararat Öncü , Söylemez Mehmet T
Published: October 2016

In railway transport, braking and traction forces mainly depend on the normal force and the adhesion coefficient between the wheel and the rail. Considering the restrictions on controlling the normal force, maximization of adhesion coefficient seems to be the only way of increasing braking and tractive efforts. Moreover, efficient utilization of adhesion can also reduce operating costs by avoiding early wheel and rail damages and minimizing trip time. However, the adhesion between the rail and the wheel is a highly dynamic function of many parameters, such as environmental conditions, speed, and slip ratio. Unfortunately, there is not yet any sufficiently accurate and reliable way of obtaining these parameters. In this paper, an event-based control scheme is presented to maximize adhesion utilization without necessitating any of the aforementioned parameters. The results obtained with the proposed method are compared with some of the experimentally proven and industrially applied successful methods for different driving scenarios and wheel–rail conditions.
Implementation of Care Management: An Analysis of Recent AHRQ Research
Authors: Tomoaia-Cotisel Andrada , Farrell Timothy W. , Solberg Leif I. , Berry Carolyn A. , Calman Neil S. , Cronholm Peter F. , Donahue Katrina E. , Driscoll David L. , Hauser Diane , McAllister Jeanne W. , Mehta Sanjeev N. , Reid Robert J. , Tai-Seale Ming , Wise Christopher G. , Fetters Michael D. , Holtrop Jodi Summers , Rodriguez Hector P. , Brunker Cherie P. , McGinley Erin L. , Day Rachel L. , Scammon Debra L. , Harrison Michael I. , Genevro Janice L. , Gabbay Robert A. , Magill Michael K.
Published: October 2016

Care management (CM) is a promising team-based, patient-centered approach “designed to assist patients and their support systems in managing medical conditions more effectively.” As little is known about its implementation, this article describes CM implementation and associated lessons from 12 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality–sponsored projects. Two rounds of data collection resulted in project-specific narratives that were analyzed using an iterative approach analogous to framework analysis. Informants also participated as coauthors. Variation emerged across practices and over time regarding CM services provided, personnel delivering these services, target populations, and setting(s). Successful implementation was characterized by resource availability (both monetary and nonmonetary), identifying as well as training employees with the right technical expertise and interpersonal skills, and embedding CM within practices. Our findings facilitate future context-specific implementation of CM within medical homes. They also inform the development of medical home recognition programs that anticipate and allow for contextual variation.
Real-World Experience With Apremilast in Treating Psoriasis
Authors: Mayba Julia N. , Gooderham Melinda J.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Clinical trial data have shown apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of psoriasis. However, little real-world experience using apremilast in the community setting has been documented.

Objectives:

Many patients with psoriasis are often unresponsive to various treatment modalities, including topical, systemic, and biologic medications. The aim of this chart review was to assess the overall patient experience while using apremilast to treat psoriasis.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records was conducted of all patients prescribed apremilast in a community dermatology practice.

Results:

Of 99 patients who were prescribed apremilast, 81 patients took at least 1 dose. In 63 patients, apremilast improved clinical disease severity, with 37% of patients achieving a body surface area <1%. As a treatment, it was generally well tolerated and caused no serious adverse events. The most commonly reported side effect resulting in discontinuation of treatment of apremilast was nausea and vomiting.

Conclusions:

Overall, apremilast was a safe and well-tolerated treatment with significant clinical improvement in our patient population.
Service system and cognitive outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorders in a rural area of Taiwan
Authors: Chu Ching-Lin , Chiang Chung-Hsin , Wu Chin-Chin , Hou Yuh-Ming , Liu Jiun-Horng
Published: October 2016

Chiayi is a rural county located in southwestern Taiwan, and the effectiveness of its early intervention service system for autism spectrum disorders was studied in detail. A total of 71 children with autism spectrum disorders ( n = 35) and developmental delay ( n = 36) aged 2.5 years were referred from the only Early Intervention Reporting and Referral Center in Chiayi and followed up at 4 years. Results showed relatively low and varied services of early intervention for both groups during two time-point periods and a relative lack of specific early intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. It was found, however, that cognitive abilities were increased for autism spectrum disorders and developmental delay groups. Additionally, the Early Learning Score at the initial evaluation could contribute to the high learner autism spectrum disorders subgroup. Parental socio-economic level was also determined to benefit the high learner developmental delay subgroup.
Services for children with autism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alnemary Fahad M , Aldhalaan Hesham M , Simon-Cereijido Gabriela , Alnemary Faisal M
Published: October 2016

Little information is available about autism spectrum disorder services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 205 parents completed an online survey about the use of autism spectrum disorder services for their children. The results revealed that on average, children began services by 3.3 years. Most parents reported utilizing non-medical treatments followed by biomedical treatments and cultural and religious treatment. The age at the initiation of services and the type of treatments used differed by parent’s income, educational attainment, the extent of knowledge about autism spectrum disorders, and geographic location. Some child characteristics also influenced the use of services. The disparities in service utilization in Saudi Arabia point to the need to develop policy and interventions that can mitigate the paucity of services for children with autism spectrum disorders. More research is needed to better understand service use and the decision-making processes that underlie treatment selection by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The threat of increasing diversity: Why many White Americans support Trump in the 2016 presidential election
Authors: Major Brenda , Blodorn Alison , Major Blascovich Gregory
Published: October 2016

What accounts for the widespread support for Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential race? This experiment demonstrates that the changing racial demographics of America contribute to Trump’s success as a presidential candidate among White Americans whose race/ethnicity is central to their identity. Reminding White Americans high in ethnic identification that non-White racial groups will outnumber Whites in the United States by 2042 caused them to become more concerned about the declining status and influence of White Americans as a group (i.e., experience group status threat), and caused them to report increased support for Trump and anti-immigrant policies, as well as greater opposition to political correctness. Increased group status threat mediated the effects of the racial shift condition on candidate support, anti-immigrant policy support, and opposition to political correctness. Among Whites low in ethnic identification, in contrast, the racial shift condition had no effect on group status threat or support for anti-immigrant policies, but did cause decreased positivity toward Trump and decreased opposition to political correctness. Group status threat did not mediate these effects. Reminders of the changing racial demographics had comparable effects for Democrats and Republicans. Results illustrate the importance of changing racial demographics and White ethnic identification in voter preferences and how social psychological theory can illuminate voter preferences.
An element incorporating cracking for reinforced concrete skeletal structures at service load
Authors: Patel KA , Chaudhary Sandeep , Nagpal AK
Published: October 2016

An element has been proposed to take into account cracking in the reinforced concrete skeletal structures subjected to a service load. A typical skeletal member is modeled as a single element and is visualized to consist of at most five zones (cracked or uncracked). Closed-form expressions for the flexibility and stiffness coefficients and end displacements have been obtained. Furthermore, for use in everyday design, a hybrid analytical–numerical procedure has been developed using the proposed element. The procedure is analytical at the element level and numerical at the structural level. To keep the procedure analytical at the element level, the average tension stiffening characteristics are arrived at for the cracked zones. The developed procedure has been validated in limiting cases by comparison with the experimental results reported elsewhere and by comparison with the finite element method results. The proposed element would lead to a drastic reduction in computational time for large reinforced concrete structures, for example, tall reinforced concrete building frames.
Ubiquitous and ambient-assisted living eHealth platforms for Down’s syndrome and palliative care in the Republic of Panama: A systematic review
Authors: Saldaña Barrios Juan Jose , Mendoza Luis , Pitti Edgardo , Vargas Miguel
Published: October 2016

In this work, the authors present two eHealth platforms that are examples of how health systems are migrating from client-server architecture to the web-based and ubiquitous paradigm. These two platforms were modeled, designed, developed and implemented with positive results. First, using ambient-assisted living and ubiquitous computing, the authors enhance how palliative care is being provided to the elderly patients and patients with terminal illness, making the work of doctors, nurses and other health actors easier. Second, applying machine learning methods and a data-centered, ubiquitous, patient’s results’ repository, the authors intent to improve the Down’s syndrome risk estimation process with more accurate predictions based on local woman patients’ parameters. These two eHealth platforms can improve the quality of life, not only physically but also psychologically, of the patients and their families in the country of Panama.
Effects of Child Sexual Abuse on the Parenting of Male Survivors
Authors: Wark Joe , Vis Jo-Ann
Published: October 2016

Research shows that child sexual abuse (CSA) can have detrimental effects on adult functioning. While much research regarding the effects of CSA on parenting of mothers is available, there is a dearth of information on how CSA impacts fatherhood. This literature review finds that the parenting experiences of male survivors are characterized by self-perceptions as adequate parents, deficient parenting as measured by standardized instruments, conceptualization of parenting as an intergenerational legacy and potential healing experience, fear of becoming an abuser, and physical and emotional distance from their children. These themes are strongly related to social discourses on intergenerational cycle of violence theories. Fatherhood is not exclusively problematic for male survivors and can be a healing experience and a source of strength for some survivors. Based on literature concerning male survivors who are parents, narrative therapy is recommended as a therapeutic model to explore how fathers who are survivors challenge dominant discourses around legacies of family violence, intergenerational parenting deficiencies, and victimization. Restorying fatherhood as a healing opportunity is essential when working with fathers who are male survivors and their families.
Girls’ Aesthetics of Existence in/With Hayao Miyazaki’s Films
Authors: Trafí-Prats Laura
Published: October 2016

In this article, I analyze the processual aesthetic production of girl subjectivity in/with Hayao Miyazaki’s films through a feminist materialist perspective informed by the writings of Karen Barad, Rosi Braidotti, Donna Haraway, Elizabeth Grosz, and Affrica Taylor. I elaborate on feminist materialist concepts such as those of relational ontology, aesthetics of existence, worldmaking, mythopoesis, queer kin, and gender/sexual difference. With these concepts, I philosophically and ethnographically inquire in/with girl spectators who are interested in the experimentation with new modalities of existence that do not limit to those of success and alienation, but allow for creative possibilities of rupture, recomposition, and transversalization of girl subjectivities.
Activation of CXCL12/CXCR4 renders colorectal cancer cells less sensitive to radiotherapy via up-regulating the expression of survivin
Authors: Wang Dawei , Jiao Chengbin , Zhu Yanli , Liang Deshen , Zao Ming , Meng Xiangyu , Gao Jianwei , He Yunlong , Liu Weixin , Hou Jie , Zhong Zhaohua , Cheng Zhuoxin
Published: October 2016

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy is the main treatment course for colorectal cancer; nevertheless, radio-resistance is commonly encountered during the treatment course and seriously influences the therapeutic efficacy. We tested the hypothesis that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is closely related to radiotherapy sensitivity in colorectal cancer cells. Here, we found that the decrease in cell viability and the increase in cell death induced by radiotherapy were attenuated by CXCL12 treatment, and the inhibition of CXCR4 promoted colorectal cancer cells to be more sensitive to radiotherapy. We also examined the critical roles of CXCL12/CXCR4 in cell survival and found that radiotherapy induced Bax expression and facilitated the activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, which were reversed by CXCL12 treatment. Cell apoptosis was enhanced by the inhibition of CXCR4 under radiotherapy conditions. Furthermore, treatment with CXCL12 resulted in an increased expression of survivin, and the inhibitory roles of CXCL12 in radiotherapy-induced apoptosis were mitigated by survivin knockdown. These results indicate that CXCL12/CXCR4 protects colorectal cancer cells against radiotherapy via survivin, implying an important underlying mechanism of resistance to radiotherapy during colorectal cancer therapy.
Lower Extremity Revascularization in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Jones Douglas W. , Dansey Kirsten , Hamdan Allen D.
Published: October 2016

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who present with critical limb ischemia (CLI) have become an increasingly common and complex treatment problem for vascular surgeons. Dialysis patients have high short-term mortality rates regardless of whether revascularization is pursued. ESRD patients with CLI can be managed with: local wound care, endovascular or surgical revascularization, or amputation. Some patients may heal small foot wounds with local wound care alone, even if distal perfusion is marginal, as long as any infectious process has been controlled. Surgical revascularization has a mortality rate of 5-10% but has a high chance of limb salvage. However, overall 5-year survival may be as low as 28%. Endovascular therapy also carries a high perioperative mortality risk in this population with similar limb salvage rates. Amputation is indicated in patients with advanced stage CLI, as described by the Society for Vascular Surgery’s Wound, Ischemia and foot Infection (WIfI) system. Statistical models predict that endovascular or surgical revascularization strategies are less costly and more functionally beneficial to patients than primary amputation alone. Decisions on how to manage ESRD patients with CLI are complex but revascularization can often result in limb salvage, despite limited overall survival. Dialysis patients with good life expectancy and good quality conduit may benefit most from surgical bypass.
The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on the Spirometric Data of Healthy Adult Males
Authors: Latiri Imed , Sandid Siwar , Fennani Mohamed Amine , Hadrich Mohamed , Masmoudi Tasnim , Maatoug Chiraz , Zammit-Chatti Makrem , Chamari Karim , Ben Saad Helmi
Published: October 2016

The few studies carried out on the effects of Ramadan fasting (RF) on spirometric values present contradictory conclusions. This study aimed at assessing whether RF affects healthy adults’ spirometric values. Twenty-nine nonsmoking healthy males ( M ± standard error of mean [ SEM] of age: 27 ± 1 years) who fasted during Ramadan (June 29-July 28, 2014) volunteered to the study. Three periods (before-Ramadan [June 23-25], mid-Ramadan [July 14-16] and after-Ramadan [August 11-14]) were selected for spirometry measurements that were consistently performed 5.5 to 3.5 hours (between 15:00 and 17:00 hours) before fasting break. Assessment sessions comprised following: weight (kg), forced vital capacity (FVC), first second expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal mid expiratory flow (MMEF), and forced expiratory flow rate at the x% of FVC to be exhaled (FEF x%). Spirometric data were expressed in percentages of reference values. Results were analyzed by applying repeated measures analysis of variance. The M ± SEM of weight (before-R: 81.6 ± 2.8 kg, mid-R: 80.8 ± 2.9 kg, after-R: 81.2 ± 2.9 kg), FEV1 (before-R: 99 ± 2%, mid-R: 98 ± 2%, after-R: 98 ± 2%), FVC (before-R: 103 ± 2%, mid-R: 101 ± 2%, after-R: 101 ± 2%), PEF (before-R: 112 ± 3%, mid-R: 113 ± 2%, after-R: 114 ± 3%), MMEF (before-R: 83 ± 3%, mid-R: 83 ± 3%, after-R: 82 ± 3%), FEF25% (before-R: 90 ± 5%, mid-R: 89 ± 6%, after-R: 87 ± 6%), FEF50% (before-R: 94 ± 4%, mid-R: 91 ± 4%, after-R: 93 ± 3%), and FEF75% (before-R: 108 ± 3%, mid-R: 111 ± 2%, after-R:111 ± 3%) were not significantly influenced by RF. To conclude, RF did not bring about any significant changes in the spirometric values of nonsmoking healthy adult males.
Acute Calcific Tendinitis of the Index Finger in a Child
Authors: Walocko Frances M. , Sando Ian C. , Haase Steven C. , Kozlow Jeffrey H.
Published: October 2016

Background: Calcific tendinitis is characterized by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition within tendons and is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain in adults. Its clinical manifestations may be acute, chronic, or asymptomatic. Acute calcific tendinitis is self-resolving condition that is rarely reported in the pediatric population and may be overlooked for more common processes, leading to unnecessary treatment. Methods: A chart reivew was performed of a single case of acute calcific tendonitis of the index finger in a child. Results: We describe a case of calcific tendinitis of the index finger in a 9-year-old boy who was referred to us for a second opinion after surgical exploration of an acutely inflamed digit was recommended based on his initial presentation. The calcifications and symptoms resolved over time without operative management. Conclusions: Although rare in children, acute calcific tendinitis can present similar to an infection. However, appropriate managment is non-operative as the symptoms and radiographic findings resolve over time.