bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontological Trivialism?
Authors: Mousavian Seyed N.
Published: December 2016

How hard is it to answer an ontological question? Ontological trivialism, (ot), inspired by Carnap’s internal-external distinction among “questions of existence”, replies “very easy.” According to (ot), almost every ontologically disputed entity trivially exists. (ot) has been defended by many, including Schiffer (1996; 2003; 2006) and Schaffer (2009). In this paper, I will take issue with (ot). After introducing the view in the context of Carnap-Quine dispute and presenting two arguments for it, I will discuss Hofweber’s (2005a; 2007) argument against (ot) and explain why it fails. Next, I will introduce a modified version of ontological trivialism, i.e. negative ontological trivialism, (not), defended by Hofweber (2005a), according to which some ontologically disputed entities, e.g. properties, (almost) trivially do not exist. I will show that (not) fails too. Then I will outline a Meinongian answer to the original question, namely, ‘How hard is it to answer an ontological question?’ The Carnapian intuition of the triviality of internal questions can be saved by the Meinongian proposal that quantification and reference are not ontologically committing and the Quinean intuition of the legitimacy of interesting ontological questions can be respected by the Meinongian distinction between being and so-being.
Truthfulness and Gricean Cooperation
Authors: Stokke Andreas
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the Gricean view that quality maxims take priority over other conversational maxims. It is shown that Gricean conversational implicatures are routinely inferred from utterances that are recognized to be untruthful. It is argued that this observation falsifies Grice’s original claim that hearers assume that speakers are obeying other maxims only if the speaker is assumed to be obeying quality maxims, and furthermore the related claim that hearers assume that speakers are being cooperative only to the extent that they assume they are being truthful.
Können wir uns entscheiden, etwas zu glauben? – Zur Möglichkeit und Unmöglichkeit eines doxastischen Willens
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian
Published: December 2016

The author argues that believing at will – i.e. believing for practical reasons – is in some sense possible and in some sense impossible. It is impossible insofar as we think of belief formation as a result of our exercise of certain capacities (perception, memory, agency). But insofar as we think of belief formation as an action that might lead to such a result (i.e. a deliberation or an inquiry), believing at will is possible. First the author presents and clarifies the problem and its philosophical relevance (section 1). The author then argues that a belief formation as an immediate reaction to practical reasons is not necessarily equivalent to believing at will, because the causal mechanism that leads to the formation might be deviant (section 2). Finally, the author explains the difference between the two meanings of “belief formation” mentioned above, in order to clarify the possibility and impossibility of believing at will (section 3).
Catalogue of distribution of lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from the Brazilian Amazonia. III. Anguidae, Scincidae, Teiidae
Authors: RIBEIRO-JÚNIOR MARCO A. , AMARAL SILVANA
Published: December 2016

We present distribution data of all Anguidae, Scincidae, and Teiidae lizards known from the Brazilian Amazonia, totaling 29 species-level taxa, belonging to 14 genera. This represents 11 more species-level taxa than previously reported for these families in this area. Data were based on literature and 46,806 specimens deposited in three North American and eight Brazilian museums, including the main collections harboring Amazonian material. Most species (~55%) are endemic to Amazonia. Except for Ameiva ameiva, that is present in several environments and domains, non-endemic species are either associated with open dry (semideciduous) forest or open vegetation (savanna) enclaves in Amazonia, occupying similar environments outside Amazonia, gallery forests within the Cerrado, or present disjunct populations in the Atlantic Forest. As a whole, six taxa are widespread in Amazonia, four are restricted to eastern Amazonia, four to western Amazonia, three to southwestern Amazonia, one to northern Amazonia, and seven to the southern peripheral portion of Amazonia. Besides, two species present apparently more restricted, unique distributions. Only three species have a distribution that is congruent with one of the areas of endemism (AE) recognized for other organisms (birds and primates), of which two occur in AE Guiana and one in AE Inambari.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Pratylenchoides persicus n. sp. (Nematoda: Merliniidae) and additional data on two other species of the genus from Iran
Authors: AZIZI KOUROSH , ESKANDARI ALI , KAREGAR AKBAR , GHADERI REZA , ELSEN SVEN VAN DEN , HOLTERMAN MARTIJN , HELDER JOHANNES
Published: December 2016

Some nematologists recently placed the genus Pratylenchoides, (“Lesion Nematode-like”) in the family Merliniidae. To investigate Pratylenchoides species diversity and their relationships with other Merliniidae genera, specimens were collected from various habitats in the northern and northwestern provinces of Iran. The morphological and molecular study yielded three species of the genus Pratylenchoides, including P. persicus n. sp. This new species is characterized by having lip region rounded or slightly flattened anteriorly with four or five fine but distinct annuli, pharyngeal glands off-set or slightly overlapping the intestine dorsally, all three gland nuclei located anterior to the pharyngo-intestinal valve and tail cylindrical with truncate to low rounded terminus. Morphologically, P. persicus n. sp. can be distinguished from the most closely related species, P. heathi by having shorter body and stylet length in females and males, as well as a shorter tail with different terminus in females. Pratylenchoides laticauda and P. cf. nevadensis are reported from Iran for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis based on the D2/D3 region of the large subunit of ribosomal DNA revealed Pratylenchoides as a monophyletic genus, and it supports the delineation of the new species, P. persicus n. sp.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission for Science and Society
Authors: Skofronick-Jackson Gail , Petersen Walter A. , Berg Wesley , Kidd Chris , Stocker Erich F. , Kirschbaum Dalia B. , Kakar Ramesh , Braun Scott A. , Huffman George J. , Iguchi Toshio , Kirstetter Pierre E. , Kummerow Christian , Meneghini Robert , Oki Riko , Olson William S. , Takayabu Yukari N. , Furukawa Kinji , Wilheit Thomas
Published: December 2016

Precipitation is a key source of freshwater; therefore, observing global patterns of precipitation and its intensity is important for science, society, and understanding our planet in a changing climate. In 2014, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory (CO) spacecraft. The GPM CO carries the most advanced precipitation sensors currently in space including a dual-frequency precipitation radar provided by JAXA for measuring the three-dimensional structures of precipitation and a well-calibrated, multifrequency passive microwave radiometer that provides wide-swath precipitation data. The GPM CO was designed to measure rain rates from 0.2 to 110.0 mm h−1 and to detect moderate to intense snow events. The GPM CO serves as a reference for unifying the data from a constellation of partner satellites to provide next-generation, merged precipitation estimates globally and with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Through improved measurements of rain and snow, precipitation data from GPM provides new information such as details on precipitation structure and intensity; observations of hurricanes and typhoons as they transition from the tropics to the midlatitudes; data to advance near-real-time hazard assessment for floods, landslides, and droughts; inputs to improve weather and climate models; and insights into agricultural productivity, famine, and public health. Since launch, GPM teams have calibrated satellite instruments, refined precipitation retrieval algorithms, expanded science investigations, and processed and disseminated precipitation data for a range of applications. The current status of GPM, its ongoing science, and its future plans are presented.
Initiation of Deep Convection over an Idealized Mesoscale Convergence Line
Authors: Rousseau-Rizzi Raphaël , Kirshbaum Daniel J. , Yau Man Kong
Published: December 2016

This study performs cloud-resolving simulations of cumulus convection over an idealized surface-based convergence zone to investigate the mechanisms and sensitivities of deep convection initiation forced by mesoscale ascent. The surface convergence forms in response to a localized diurnal heating anomaly over an otherwise homogeneous and unheated surface, producing a strong boundary layer updraft over the center of the heat source. This updraft gives rise to a line of cumuli that gradually deepen and, in some cases, transition into deep convection. To statistically investigate the factors controlling this transition, a new thermal-tracking algorithm is developed to follow incipient cumulus cores as they ascend through the troposphere. This tool is used to isolate the impacts of key environmental parameters (cloud-layer lapse rate, midlevel humidity, etc.) and initial core parameters near cloud base (horizontal area, vertical velocity, etc.) on the ultimate cloud-top height. In general, the initial core size determines which thermals in a given cloud field will undergo the deepest ascent, and the sensitivity of cloud depth to initial core parameters increases in environments that are more hostile to deep convection. Diurnal midlevel moistening from detraining cumuli above the convergence line produces a small but robust enhancement in cloud-top height, particularly for smaller cores.
Saharan Heat Low Biases in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Dixon Ross D. , Daloz Anne Sophie , Vimont Daniel J. , Biasutti Michela
Published: December 2016

Representing the West African monsoon (WAM) is a major challenge in climate modeling because of the complex interaction between local and large-scale mechanisms. This study focuses on the representation of a key aspect of West African climate, namely the Saharan heat low (SHL), in 22 global climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) multimodel dataset. Comparison of the CMIP5 simulations with reanalyses shows large biases in the strength and location of the mean SHL. CMIP5 models tend to develop weaker climatological heat lows than the reanalyses and place them too far southwest. Models that place the climatological heat low farther to the north produce more mean precipitation across the Sahel, while models that place the heat low farther to the east produce stronger African easterly wave (AEW) activity. These mean-state biases are seen in model ensembles with both coupled and fixed sea surface temperatures (SSTs). The importance of SSTs on West African climate variability is well documented, but this research suggests SSTs are secondary to atmospheric biases for understanding the climatological SHL bias. SHL biases are correlated across the models to local radiative terms, large-scale tropical precipitation, and large-scale pressure and wind across the Atlantic, suggesting that local mechanisms that control the SHL may be connected to climate model biases at a much larger scale.
Risk of Extreme Precipitation under Nonstationarity Conditions during the Second Flood Season in the Southeastern Coastal Region of China
Authors: Gao Lu , Huang Jie , Chen Xingwei , Chen Ying , Liu Meibing
Published: December 2016

This study analyzes the variation and risk changes of extreme precipitation under nonstationarity conditions using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) and the Mann–Kendall (MK) test. The extreme precipitation series is extracted from the observations during the second flood season (July–September) from 1960 to 2012 derived from 86 meteorological stations in the southeastern coastal region of China. The trend of mean (Mn) and variance (Var) of extreme precipitation is detected by MK. Ten large-scale circulation variables and four greenhouse gases are selected to construct a climate change index and a human activity index, which are based on principal component analysis. The recurrence risk of extreme precipitation is calculated by GAMLSS while considering climate changes and human activities. The results demonstrate that the nonstationarity characteristic of extreme precipitation is widespread in this region. A significant increasing trend of Mn is found in Shanghai, eastern Zhejiang, and northern and southern Fujian. An enhanced Var is found in eastern Guangdong. A significant positive correlation exists between climate changes/human activities and Mn/Var, especially in Zhejiang and Fujian. Generally, the contribution of climate changes and human activities to Mn is greater than it is to Var. In this region, the precipitation amount of high-frequency (2-yr return period) and low-frequency (100-yr return period) events increases from inland to coastal and from north to south. The government should pay careful attention to these trends because the intensity of extreme precipitation events and their secondary disasters could result in serious losses.
A Scheme for Rain Gauge Network Design Based on Remotely Sensed Rainfall Measurements
Authors: Dai Qiang , Bray Michaela , Zhuo Lu , Islam Tanvir , Han Dawei
Published: December 2016

A remarkable decline in the number of rain gauges is being faced in many areas of the world, as a compromise to the expensive cost of operating and maintaining rain gauges. The question of how to effectively deploy new or remove current rain gauges in order to create optimal rainfall information is becoming more and more important. On the other hand, larger-scaled, remotely sensed rainfall measurements, although poorer quality compared with traditional rain gauge rainfall measurements, provide an insight into the local storm characteristics, which are sought by traditional methods for designing a rain gauge network. Based on these facts, this study proposes a new methodology for rain gauge network design using remotely sensed rainfall datasets that aims to explore how many gauges are essential and where they should be placed. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to analyze the redundancy of the radar grid network and to determine the number of rain gauges while the potential locations are determined by cluster analysis (CA) selection. The proposed methodology has been performed on 373 different storm events measured by a weather radar grid network and compared against an existing dense rain gauge network in southwestern England. Because of the simple structure, the proposed scheme could be easily implemented in other study areas. This study provides a new insight into rain gauge network design that is also a preliminary attempt to use remotely sensed data to solve the traditional rain gauge problems.
A 10-Year Comparison of Water Levels Measured with a Geodetic GPS Receiver versus a Conventional Tide Gauge
Authors: Larson Kristine M. , Ray Richard D. , Williams Simon D. P.
Published: December 2016

A standard geodetic GPS receiver and a conventional Aquatrak tide gauge, collocated at Friday Harbor, Washington, are used to assess the quality of 10 years of water levels estimated from GPS sea surface reflections. The GPS results are improved by accounting for (tidal) motion of the reflecting sea surface and for signal propagation delay by the troposphere. The RMS error of individual GPS water level estimates is about 12 cm. Lower water levels are measured slightly more accurately than higher water levels. Forming daily mean sea levels reduces the RMS difference with the tide gauge data to approximately 2 cm. For monthly means, the RMS difference is 1.3 cm. The GPS elevations, of course, can be automatically placed into a well-defined terrestrial reference frame. Ocean tide coefficients, determined from both the GPS and tide gauge data, are in good agreement, with absolute differences below 1 cm for all constituents save K1 and S1. The latter constituent is especially anomalous, probably owing to daily temperature-induced errors in the Aquatrak tide gauge.
Investigation of the Matrix Effect on the Accuracy of Quantitative Analysis of Trace Metals in Liquids Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with Solid Substrates
Authors: Xiu Junshan , Dong Lili , Qin Hua , Liu Yunyan , Yu Jin
Published: December 2016

The detection limit of trace metals in liquids has been improved greatly by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) using solid substrate. A paper substrate and a metallic substrate were used as a solid substrate for the detection of trace metals in aqueous solutions and viscous liquids (lubricating oils) respectively. The matrix effect on quantitative analysis of trace metals in two types of liquids was investigated. For trace metals in aqueous solutions using paper substrate, the calibration curves established for pure solutions and mixed solutions samples presented large variation on both the slope and the intercept for the Cu, Cd, and Cr. The matrix effects among the different elements in mixed solutions were observed. However, good agreement was obtained between the measured and known values in real wastewater. For trace metals in lubricating oils, the matrix effect between the different oils is relatively small and reasonably negligible under the conditions of our experiment. A universal calibration curve can be established for trace metals in different types of oils. The two approaches are verified that it is possible to develop a feasible and sensitive method with accuracy results for rapid detection of trace metals in industrial wastewater and viscous liquids by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
Utilizing Alternate Models for Analyzing Count Outcomes
Authors: Rydberg Jason , Carkin Danielle Marie
Published: December 2016

Although ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was once a common tool for modeling discrete count outcomes in criminology and criminal justice, the past several decades have seen an increasing reliance on regression techniques specifically designed for such purposes. Utilizing a practical example from the 1958 Philadelphia Birth Cohort, this article describes and compares various estimation strategies for modeling such outcome variables, including a discussion of the inappropriateness of OLS for such purposes and specific features of discrete count distributions that complicate statistical inference—overdispersion, non-independence, and excess zeros. Practical advice for selecting an appropriate modeling strategy is offered.
Survival of bacteria of laboratory animal origin on cage bedding and inactivation by hydrogen peroxide vapour
Authors: Benga Laurentiu , Benten W Peter M. , Engelhardt Eva , Gougoula Christina , Schulze-Röbbecke Roland , Sager Martin
Published: December 2016

This study aims to determine the ability of laboratory animal bacteria to resist desiccation and inactivation by hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) on paper bedding pieces. Bedding pieces were saturated with bacterial suspensions in water or 2% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA) in water, and held in a mouse facility. Viable counts showed variable survival rates over time for the bacterial species used ([ Pasteurella] pneumotropica, Muribacter muris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter redioresistens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Bordetella hinzii, Enterococcus faecalis, β-haemolytic Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus xylosus). Overall, BSA increased bacterial survival in the bedding pieces. The survival rates of Bacillus safensis were not influenced by BSA but depended on sporulation. When bedding pieces and Petri dishes inoculated with E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were subjected to HPV disinfection, all bacterial species on the bedding pieces inoculated with bacterial suspensions in water were readily inactivated. By contrast, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, but not E. coli cells survived HPV treatment in high numbers when inoculated on bedding pieces as a BSA suspension. Notably, all three bacterial species were readily inactivated by HPV even in the presence of BSA when smeared on smooth surfaces. In conclusion, the suspension medium and the carrier can influence the environmental survival and susceptibility of bacterial species to HPV. Our results may help to develop standard protocols that can be used to ensure the microbiological quality of experimental rodent housing.
Computed tomography-based survey of the vascular anatomy of the juvenile Göttingen minipig
Authors: Siefert J , Hillebrandt K H , Kluge M , Geisel D , Podrabsky P , Denecke T , Nösser M , Gassner J , Reutzel-Selke A , Strücker B , Morgul M H , Guel-Klein S , Unger J K , Reske A , Pratschke J , Sauer I M , Raschzok N
Published: December 2016

Over the past 50 years, image-guided procedures have been established for a wide range of applications. The development and clinical translation of new treatment regimens necessitate the availability of suitable animal models. The juvenile Göttingen minipig presents a favourable profile as a model for human infants. However, no information can be found regarding the vascular system of juvenile minipigs in the literature. Such information is imperative for planning the accessibility of target structures by catheterization. We present here a complete mapping of the arterial system of the juvenile minipig based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Four female animals weighing 6.13 ± 0.72 kg were used for the analyses. Imaging was performed under anaesthesia, and the measurement of the vascular structures was performed independently by four investigators. Our dataset forms a basis for future interventional studies in juvenile minipigs, and enables planning and refinement of future experiments according to the 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement) principles of animal research.
Influence of multiaxial loading on the failure of Kevlar KM2 single fiber
Authors: Sockalingam Subramani , Gillespie John W , Keefe Michael
Published: December 2016

The role of multiaxial loading on the failure of Kevlar® KM2 ballistic fibers during transverse loading is not well understood. Quasi-static experiments reported by Hudspeth M, Li D, Spatola J, et al. (2015) on single KM2 fiber subjected to transverse loading by three indenter geometries over a wide range of loading angles exhibit significant reductions in the average axial tensile failure strain. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to predict the degree of multiaxial loading present at the location of fiber failure in these experiments. The model predicts an axial tensile strain concentration within the indenter–fiber contact zone. The fiber is also subjected to multiaxial stress/strain states within the contact zone consisting of axial tension, axial compression, transverse compression and interlaminar shear that can degrade axial tensile failure strain. For a round indenter with a radius much higher than the fiber diameter, the axial tensile strain concentration and multiaxial strain in the fiber are negligible. In the case of a fragment-simulating projectile and a razor indenter, significant axial tensile strain concentrations (2.2–5.9) are predicted and the localized transverse loading results in extensive inelastic deformation within the fiber cross-section. Based on the results, a maximum axial tensile strain failure criterion incorporating the multiaxial loading degradation effects is developed. The failure criterion correlates well with the experimental measurements reported by Hudspeth et al. for all three indenters. Modeling the experiments provides new insights into the tensile failure strain of high-performance ballistic fibers at extremely small gage lengths subject to transverse impact loading.
Synthesis and characterization of extruded cellulosic fibrils for enhanced reinforced/filamentary textiles
Authors: Ufodike Chukwuzubelu , Jackson Sean , Bolden Nydeia , Dickens Tarik
Published: December 2016

Polystyrene matrixes containing cellulose nanofibril (CNF) with fiber content of 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 wt% were successfully hydrophobized by silylation and extruded into single filaments using both single and dual heat extrusion processing. The fiber–matrix bonding was examined using a scanning electron microscope. With further characterization, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed a formation of Si-O-C bonds, indicating better fiber–matrix adhesion. Raman spectroscopy showed disruption of hydrogen bonding, which indicates interference of parallel nanocellulose fiber adhesion to neighboring fibrils. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that the thermal stability of the functionalized CNF is higher than that of the corresponding neat sample, which is resultant of stable Si bond formation. Results from dynamic mechanical analysis showed an increasing ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus, with peak values attributed to the dual heat processing with up 112 MPa and 10.8 GPa for the UTS and modulus, respectively. The increase is assumed to be as a result of the linear arrangement of the CNF in the Polystyrene (PS) matrix during the extrusion process. Micromechanics modeling calculations suggest the increase is moving towards the fiber properties. The results revealed the strong reinforcing ability of CNFs and their compatibility with the thermoplastic matrix if functionalized.
Predictors of Enteral Tube Feeding in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Crenitte Milton Roberto Furst , Avelino‐Silva Thiago Junqueira , Apolinario Daniel , Curiati Jose Antonio Esper , Campora Flavia , Jacob‐Filho Wilson
Published: December 2016

Background: Despite general recognition that enteral tube feeding (ETF) is frequently employed in long‐term care facilities and patients with dementia, remarkably little research has determined which factors are associated with its use in acutely ill older adults. In this study, we aimed to investigate determinants of ETF introduction in hospitalized older adults. Methods: We examined a retrospective cohort of acutely ill patients, aged 60 years and older, admitted to a university hospital's geriatric ward from 2014–2015, in São Paulo, Brazil. The main outcome was the introduction of ETF during hospitalization. Predictors of interest included age, sex, referring unit, comorbidity burden, functional status, malnutrition, depression, dementia severity, and delirium. Multivariate analysis was performed using backward stepwise logistic regression. Results: A total of 214 cases were included. Mean age was 81 years, and 63% were women. Malnutrition was detected in 47% of the cases, dementia in 46%, and delirium in 36%. ETF was initiated in 44 (21%) admissions. Independent predictors of ETF were delirium (odds ratio [OR], 4.83; 95% CI, 2.12–11.01; P < .001) and total functional dependency (OR, 8.95; 95% CI, 2.87–27.88; P < .001). Malnutrition was not independently associated with ETF. Conclusion: One in five acutely ill older adults used ETF while hospitalized. Delirium and functional dependency were independent predictors of its introduction. Risks and benefits of enteral nutrition in this particular context need to be further explored.
Advantages and disadvantages of graduated and inverse graduated compression hosiery in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and healthy volunteers: A prospective, mono-centric, blinded, open randomised, controlled and cross-over trial
Authors: Riebe Helene , Konschake Wolfgang , Haase Hermann , Jünger Michael
Published: December 2016

Background

The therapeutic effectiveness of compression therapy depends on the selection of compression hosiery.

Objectives

To assess efficacy and tolerability of graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) and inverse graduated elastic compression stockings (PECS).

Methods

Thirty-two healthy volunteers and thirty-two patients with chronic venous insufficiency were analysed; wear period: one week for each stocking type (randomised, blinded). Primary outcome: volume reduction of ‘Lower leg’ (Image3D®) and ‘Distal leg and foot’ (water plethysmography). Secondary outcomes: clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency assessed by the Venous Clinical Severity Score, side effects and wear comfort in both groups.

Results

Volume of ‘Lower leg’: significant reduction in healthy volunteers (mean GECS: −37.5 mL, mean PECS: −37.2 mL) and in patients (mean GECS: −55.6 mL, mean PECS: −41.6 mL). Volume of ‘Distal lower leg and foot’: significant reduction in healthy volunteers (mean GECS: −27 mL, mean PECS: −16.7 mL), significant reduction in patients by GECS (mean: −43.4 mL), but non-significant reduction by PECS (mean: −22.6 mL). Clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency were improved significantly better with GECS than with PECS, p < 0.001. GECS led to more painful constrictions, p = 0.047, PECS slipped down more often, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

GECS and PECS reduce volume of the segment ‘Lower leg’ in patients and healthy volunteers. Patients’ volume of the ‘Distal lower leg and foot’, however, were diminished significantly only by GECS ( p = 0.0001). Patients’ complaints were improved by both GECS and PECS, and GECS were superior to PECS.
Dying in the hospital setting: A meta-synthesis identifying the elements of end-of-life care that patients and their families describe as being important
Authors: Virdun Claudia , Luckett Tim , Lorenz Karl , Davidson Patricia M , Phillips Jane
Published: December 2016

Background:

Despite most expected deaths occurring in hospital, optimal end-of-life care is not available for all in this setting.

Aim:

To gain a richer and deeper understanding of elements of end-of-life care that consumers consider most important within the hospital setting.

Design:

A meta-synthesis.

Data sources:

A systematic search of Academic Search Complete, AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google, Google Scholar and CareSearch for qualitative studies published between 1990 and April 2015 reporting statements by consumers regarding important elements of end-of-life hospital care. Study quality was appraised by two independent researchers using an established checklist. A three-stage synthesis approach focusing on consumer quotes, rather than primary author themes, was adopted for this review.

Results:

Of 1922 articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria providing patient and family data for analysis. Synthesis yielded 7 patient and 10 family themes including 6 common themes: (1) expert care, (2) effective communication and shared decision-making, (3) respectful and compassionate care, (4) adequate environment for care, (5) family involvement and (6) financial affairs. Maintenance of sense of self was the additional patient theme, while the four additional family themes were as follows: (1) maintenance of patient safety, (2) preparation for death, (3) care extending to the family after patient death and (4) enabling patient choice at the end of life.

Conclusion:

Consumer narratives help to provide a clearer direction as to what is important for hospital end-of-life care. Systems are needed to enable optimal end-of-life care, in accordance with consumer priorities, and embedded into routine hospital care.
Hospital doctors’ understanding of use and withdrawal of the Liverpool Care Pathway: A qualitative study of practice-based experiences during times of change
Authors: Twigger Sharon , Yardley Sarah J
Published: December 2016

Background:

The Liverpool Care Pathway was used in UK hospitals (late 1990s to July 2014) in an attempt to generate hospice-style high-quality end-of-life care in acute settings. Despite being widely established, there was limited research or contextual evidence regarding this approach or its impact. Growing criticism from the public, media, politicians and healthcare professionals culminated with a critical independent review (July 2013) and subsequent withdrawal of the Liverpool Care Pathway.

Aim:

This research explores experiences of doctors using the Liverpool Care Pathway, prior to and during its withdrawal, to better understand shortfallings and inform future initiatives in hospital end-of-life care.

Design:

Individual semi-structured audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and concurrently analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

Following ethical approval, volunteer participants from an acute UK hospital were sought ( n = 73). A total of 18 specialist doctors were purposively selected.

Results:

Seven themes shaped doctors’ experiences of using the Liverpool Care Pathway: (1) changing perceptions according to length of clinical practice, (2) individual interpretation and application of the Liverpool Care Pathway, (3) limitations arising from setting, speciality and basic end-of-life care competence, (4) understanding and acceptance of medical uncertainty at the end-of-life, (5) centrality of communication and fear of discussing dying, (6) external challenges, including a culture to cure, role modelling and the media and (7) desire for reassurance in end-of-life care decisions.

Conclusion:

Future initiatives in hospital end-of-life care must address doctors’ fears, (in)abilty to tolerate medical uncertainty, communication skills and understanding of the dying phase, in order to provide optimum care in the last days of life.
Healthism and Weight-Based Discrimination
Authors: Powroznik Karen M.
Published: December 2016

Health promotion programs have become increasingly common in U.S. workplaces, yet little research has examined the unintended and potentially negative consequences of these initiatives. Overweight and obese employees face widespread prejudice and pervasive discrimination in employment settings, and this study investigates whether workplace health promotion may lead to more negative outcomes for these workers. Using an experimental design, the author finds that overweight and obese employees are rated more negatively and receive lower hiring recommendations when evaluated for companies with health promotion programs. These findings suggest that health promotion increases the salience and perceived legitimacy of negative fat stereotypes that facilitate weight-based discrimination.
Incorporation of cerium oxide into hydroxyapatite coating regulates osteogenic activity of mesenchymal stem cell and macrophage polarization
Authors: Li Kai , Shen Qingyi , Xie Youtao , You Mingyu , Huang Liping , Zheng Xuebin
Published: December 2016

Biomedical coatings for orthopedic implants should facilitate osseointegration and mitigate implant-induced inflammatory reactions. Cerium oxide (CeO2) ceramics possess anti-oxidative properties and can be used to decrease mediators of inflammation, which makes them attractive for biomedical applications. In our work, two kinds of CeO2 incorporated hydroxyapatite coatings (HA-10Ce and HA-30Ce) were prepared via plasma spraying technique and the effects of CeO2 addition on the responses of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and RAW264.7 macrophages were investigated. An increase in CeO2 content in the HA coatings resulted in better osteogenic behaviors of BMSCs in terms of cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation. RT-PCR and western blot analysis suggested that the incorporation of CeO2 may promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the Smad-dependent BMP signaling pathway, which activated Runx2 expression and subsequently enhanced the expression of ALP and OCN. The expression profiles of macrophages cultured on the CeO2 modified coating revealed a tendency toward a M2 phenotype, because of an upregulation of M2 surface markers (CD163 and CD206), anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and osteoblastogenesis-related genes (BMP2 and TGF-β1) as well as a downregulation of M1 surface markers (CCR7 and CD11c), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1ra) and reactive oxygen species production. The results suggested the regulation of BMSCs behaviors and macrophage-mediated responses at the coating’s surface were associated with CeO2 incorporation. The incorporation of CeO2 in HA coatings can be a valuable strategy to promote osteogenic responses and reduce inflammatory reactions.
Lyapunov-based missile terminal guidance with short time convergence considering seeker’s first-order lag
Authors: Zheng Duo , Lin Defu , Xu Xinghua , Cheng Zhenxuan
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a novel guidance law considering the seeker dynamics for manoeuvring targets to achieve short homing time guidance using the Lyapunov method. Based on linear and nonlinear kinematics, a Lyapunov-based guidance law is synthesised to compensate for the seeker’s first-order lag. The closed-form solution of the proposed guidance system is also derived analytically. To implement the proposed guidance law, a Kalman filter algorithm is presented to extract the line-of-sight rate and its higher order derivative. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law under various conditions. Monte Carlo simulations are also performed to test the robustness against measurement noise.
Narrative discourse in the construction of Mapuche ethnic identity in context of displacement
Authors: Merino María-Eugenia , Becerra Sandra , De Fina Anna
Published: December 2016

This article examines the ways in which narrative discourse contributes to the construction of Mapuche ethnic identities within a context of displacement and investigates how such identities are negotiated in interactional contexts of communication. The larger study comprised 12 focus groups and 36 in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of Mapuche families living in four comunas (neighborhoods) of Santiago, Chile. For this article, the analysis is based on 12 interviews and six focus groups directed by a native speaker Mapuche woman interviewer and complemented by participant observations of everyday life and ceremonial events in the comunas. From a social constructivist framework, we focus on narrative genres and topics based on their emergence in interaction. Our method is through De Fina and Georgakopoulou’s ‘Social Interactional’ approach, which recognizes the discursive sedimented processes that produce, for example, recognizable genres and themes typical of a group or community. We demonstrate that storytelling has a crucial role in the connections of Mapuche to their southern roots through narrative references to family centered on traditional practices recreated in an urban context.
Employee collective voice and short-term sickness absence in Europe
Authors: Sjöberg Ola
Published: December 2016

This article analyses the relationship between employee collective voice, measured by union density and institutionalized forms of employee representation at enterprise level, and short-term sickness absence rates in 24 European countries over the period 1996–2010. It relies on individual-level data on sickness absence from the European Labour Force Survey combined with country-level data on employee collective voice. There is a small but significant and non-trivial, negative relationship between employee collective voice and short-term sickness absence. Regression analysis suggests that if union density had remained at the 1996 level, short-term sickness absence would have been, on average, 2.5 hours lower per year than in 2010.
Assessment of concomitant versus sequential trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity
Authors: Yavas G , Gultekin M , Yildiz O , Seyrek M , Demirkol S , Toy H , Sargon MF , Ozkayar O , Uner A , Yildiz F , Akyol F
Published: December 2016

There are limited data regarding effect of trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity when used sequentially or concomitantly. This experimental study aims to investigate effect of trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity with respect to the treatment sequence. One hundred and eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (G): G1 was control, G2 was trastuzumab, and G3 was radiotherapy (RT); G4 and G6 were sequential RT and trastuzumab; and G5 was concomitant RT and trastuzumab groups, respectively. Rats were killed at 6th h, 21st and 70th days after RT; thoracic aorta and heart samples were obtained. Transthoracic echocardiography and functional studies evaluating relaxation of thoracic aorta were performed. Subendothelial edema scores of thoracic aorta samples at 21st and 70th days were higher in RT groups (G3, G4, G5, and G6) ( p < 0.001). There was a deterioration of relaxation responses of thoracic aorta samples in RT groups ( p < 0.001). Cardiac fibrosis (CF) scores revealed detrimental effect of RT beginning from 6th h and trastuzumab from 21st day. RT groups showed further deterioration of CF at 70th day. Ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, and fractional shortening were significantly decreased in G4, G5, and G6. Trastuzumab may increase pathological damage in cardiovascular structures when used with RT regardless of timing.
Investigation of solid particles in the mainstream aerosol of the Tobacco Heating System THS2.2 and mainstream smoke of a 3R4F reference cigarette
Authors: Pratte P , Cosandey S , Goujon Ginglinger C
Published: December 2016

Combustion of biomass produces solid carbon particles, whereas their generation is highly unlikely when a biomass is heated instead of being burnt. For instance, in the Tobacco Heating System (THS2.2), the tobacco is heated below 350°C and no combustion takes place. Consequently, at this relatively low temperature, released compounds should form an aerosol consisting of suspended liquid droplets via a homogeneous nucleation process. To verify this assumption, mainstream aerosol generated by the heat-not-burn product, THS2.2, was assessed in comparison with mainstream smoke produced from the 3R4F reference cigarette for which solid particles are likely present. For this purpose, a methodology was developed based on the use of a commercial Dekati thermodenuder operating at 300°C coupled with a two-stage impactor to trap solid particles. If any particles were collected, they were subsequently analyzed by a scanning electron microscope and an electron dispersive X-ray. The setup was first assessed using glycerine-based aerosol as a model system. The removal efficiency of glycerin was determined to be 86 ± 2% using a Trust Science Innovation (TSI) scanning mobility particle sizer, meaning that quantification of solid particles can be achieved as long as their fraction is larger than 14% in number. From experiments conducted using the 3R4F reference cigarette, the methodology showed that approximately 80% in number of the total particulate matter was neither evaporated nor removed by the thermodenuder. This 80% in number was attributed to the presence of solid particles and/or low volatile liquid droplets. The particles collected on the impactor were mainly carbon based. Oxygen, potassium, and chloride traces were also noted. In comparison, solid particles were not detected in the aerosol of THS2.2 after passing through the thermodenuder operated at 300°C. This result is consistent with the fact that no combustion process takes place in THS2.2 and no formation and subsequent transfer of solid carbon particles is expected to occur in the mainstream aerosol.
Statistical analysis of a low cost method for multiple disease prediction
Authors: Bayati Mohsen , Bhaskar Sonia , Montanari Andrea
Published: December 2016

Early identification of individuals at risk for chronic diseases is of significant clinical value. Early detection provides the opportunity to slow the pace of a condition, and thus help individuals to improve or maintain their quality of life. Additionally, it can lessen the financial burden on health insurers and self-insured employers. As a solution to mitigate the rise in chronic conditions and related costs, an increasing number of employers have recently begun using wellness programs, which typically involve an annual health risk assessment. Unfortunately, these risk assessments have low detection capability, as they should be low-cost and hence rely on collecting relatively few basic biomarkers. Thus one may ask, how can we select a low-cost set of biomarkers that would be the most predictive of multiple chronic diseases? In this paper, we propose a statistical data-driven method to address this challenge by minimizing the number of biomarkers in the screening procedure while maximizing the predictive power over a broad spectrum of diseases. Our solution uses multi-task learning and group dimensionality reduction from machine learning and statistics. We provide empirical validation of the proposed solution using data from two different electronic medical records systems, with comparisons over a statistical benchmark.
Interval estimation for a proportion using a double-sampling scheme with two fallible classifiers
Authors: Qiu Shi-Fang , Lian Heng , Zou GY , Zeng Xiao-Song
Published: December 2016

Double-sampling schemes using one classifier assessing the whole sample and another classifier assessing a subset of the sample have been introduced for reducing classification errors when an infallible or gold standard classifier is unavailable or impractical. Inference procedures have previously been proposed for situations where an infallible classifier is available for validating a subset of the sample that has already been classified by a fallible classifier. Here, we consider the case where both classifiers are fallible, proposing and evaluating several confidence interval procedures for a proportion under two models, distinguished by the assumption regarding ascertainment of two classifiers. Simulation results suggest that the modified Wald-based confidence interval, Score-based confidence interval, two Bayesian credible intervals, and the percentile Bootstrap confidence interval performed reasonably well even for small binomial proportions and small validated sample under the model with the conditional independent assumption, and the confidence interval derived from the Wald test with nuisance parameters appropriately evaluated, likelihood ratio-based confidence interval, Score-based confidence interval, and the percentile Bootstrap confidence interval performed satisfactory in terms of coverage under the model without the conditional independent assumption. Moreover, confidence intervals based on log- and logit-transformations also performed well when the binomial proportion and the ratio of the validated sample are not very small under two models. Two examples were used to illustrate the procedures.