bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign States’ Amicus Curiae Participation in U.S. Antitrust Cases
Authors: Martyniszyn Marek
Published: November 2016

Foreign states’ amicus curiae briefs submitted before the U.S. courts are a special type of pleading. This article analyzes such submissions made in U.S. antitrust cases during the period 1978 to 2015, identifying which foreign nations used amicus briefs to present their views and what sort of issues attracted their attention. This piece examines also the issue of deference due to such filings, arguing that while foreign states’ submissions should be treated respectfully, they do not warrant a dispositive effect. Furthermore, this article outlines the practice of filing, explaining the shift from diplomatic correspondence towards amicus curiae submissions and the creation of a niche market of authoring them. It also indicates general trends in relation to stages of filings and the degree of their prevalence. Some broader comments are offered on the functions of foreign nations’ amicus filings and their contribution to the ongoing development of competition law and policy internationally.
Sociological theory and US foreign policy in the 21st century
Authors: Gill Timothy M
Published: November 2016

In recent decades, several sociologists have moved beyond grand theories of international relations, and empirically examined the motivations of US foreign policy leading into the 21st century. This article discusses the work of three political sociologists who have examined US foreign policy from three prominent perspectives: Michael Mann, William Robinson, and Julian Go. Working from a neo-Weberian perspective, Mann highlights the rise of neoconservatism within the US government that has encouraged foreign expansion. From a neo-Marxist perspective, Robinson emphasizes the importance of transnational capitalist class interests, including the promotion of neoliberal policies, on US foreign policy. And working from a world-systems perspective, Go underscores how the US is a hegemon in decline attempting to regain its imperial footing through military aggression. While these researchers cover much ground and raise important questions, their perspectives also contain several blindspots that future work on issues of US foreign policy could address. Most importantly, these three theoretical perspectives have neglected the importance of ideology in making sense of contemporary US foreign policy, and this article argues that future work should more intensively examine how ideology influences foreign policymaking in the US.
Physical activity intervention using Fitbits in an introductory college health course
Authors: Rote Aubrianne E
Published: November 2016

Objective:

This study took the form of an intervention examining change in physical activity and quality of experience among students in an introductory health course who were asked to wear a Fitbit activity monitor throughout the semester.

Method:

College students ( N = 56) took part in this controlled trial. Students enrolled in an introductory health course (Education + Fitbit; n = 24) were asked to purchase a Fitbit and wear it throughout the semester. This activity monitor purchase replaced the textbook requirement to reduce the financial burden for students. Change in objectively measured physical activity within this group was compared to students enrolled in a traditional introductory health course (Education Only; n = 14) and students enrolled in an introductory humanities course (Control; n = 18). To assess objectively measured physical activity, all participants wore a sealed pedometer for one week at the beginning and end of the semester. Students in the Education + Fitbit group also provided written feedback on their experience with the Fitbit.

Results:

A 2 × 3 repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant interaction between time and group, F(2, 53) = 3.957, p = .025. Post hoc analysis of this interaction indicated that students in the Education + Fitbit group significantly increased ( p = .014) objectively measured physical activity by 1,078 steps/day, whereas physical activity in Education Only and Control groups did not significantly change. Qualitative data demonstrated that student experiences with the Fitbit were resoundingly positive.

Conclusion:

Replacing a textbook requirement with requiring a commercially available activity monitor in an introductory health course may be an effective and enjoyable strategy to increase physical activity among US college students.
Assessment of thermal comfort of nanosilver-treated functional sportswear fabrics using a dynamic thermal model with human/clothing/environmental factors
Authors: Li Rui , Yang Jie , Xiang Chunhui , Song Guowen
Published: November 2016

The development of nanotechnology has made it possible to add desirable functions to fabrics. Nanosilver has been used to provide antibacterial and odor control functions for sportswear over decades. However, few studies have explored the thermal comfort and ultraviolet (UV) protection properties of nanosilver-treated sportswear fabrics. In this study, a dynamic thermal model was introduced to predict the thermal comfort of nanosilver-treated fabrics for wearers in different environmental conditions. Nanosilver was applied to cotton and polyester knit fabrics and their antibacterial and UV protection properties were evaluated as well. The results indicated that substantial antibacterial and UV protection properties were achieved from nanosilver-treated fabrics. The dynamic thermal model predicted the thermal comfort of the treated fabrics for various human, clothing, and environmental factors. Although there was between two and four times difference in the thermal and evaporative resistance between the two tested fabrics, the predicted thermal comfort sensations were not significantly different in the same human and environmental conditions. From these results, it can be concluded that nanosilver-treated fabrics may provide desirable functionality, while not detracting from thermal comfort. This is one of the first trials in which a dynamic numerical thermal model was used to predict the thermal comfort of nanosilver-treated fabrics for sportswear, taking human, clothing, and environmental conditions into consideration.
The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia): The Papal Exhortation in Its Context
Authors: O’Collins Gerald
Published: November 2016

This article summarizes the teaching on marriage and the family offered by the Second Vatican Council (1962–65) and by the 1981 post-synodal, apostolic exhortation of Pope John Paul II, The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World ( Familiaris Consortio). Against this background, the content and language of The Final Report issued at the end of the second session of the synod on the family (October 4–25) are examined. These considerations lead to an evaluation of the continuity and change in teaching found in Pope Francis’s post-synodal, apostolic exhortation, The Joy of Love ( Amoris Laetitia).
Discipleship in Hindu-Christian Comparative Theology
Authors: Cornille Catherine
Published: November 2016

Comparative theology involves systematic dialogue with another religion aimed at deepening and expanding one’s own tradition. The process of interreligious learning may take various forms which I have identified as: intensification, rediscovery, reinterpretation, appropriation, or reaffirmation. This article explores these types of learning through a focus on the topic of discipleship in Christianity and Hinduism. Though the notion of church may be less central to Hinduism, Christianity has much to gain from a systematic theological engagement with Hindu notions of discipleship and with their anthropological and philosophical underpinnings.
Redressing Science Learning Through Supporting Language: The Biology Credit Recovery Course
Authors: Gomez Kimberley , Gomez Louis M. , Cooper Benjamin , Lozano Maritza , Mancevice Nicole
Published: November 2016

Annually, thousands of U.S. students fail high school introductory biology. The language demands of biology are large, and science teachers are often unprepared to support students’ language needs. Here, we describe a 4-week summer high school introductory biology course executed in a large West Coast city. Our aim was to help 33 students recover their biology credit. A centerpiece of the 4-week course was the embedding of metacognitive language support tools in class lectures and assessments. Of 29 regular attendees, 28 passed with a C or better. Student science learning was reliably associated with use of the language support tools.
A Naturalistic Investigation of Media Multitasking While Studying and the Effects on Exam Performance
Authors: Patterson Michael C.
Published: November 2016

The present study investigated the use of multiple digital media technologies, including social networking platforms, by students while preparing for an examination (media multitasking) and the subsequent effects on exam performance. The level of media multitasking (number of simultaneous media technologies) and duration of study were used as predictors of exam performance in a sample of 441 college students. Analysis of the data indicated that students with low level of media multitasking (0–2 digital technologies) scored significantly better on the exam than students with a high level of media multitasking (7 or more digital technologies). There were no significant difference in the duration of study time between low-level media multitaskers and high-level media multitaskers.
The “Bad Is Black” Effect
Authors: Alter Adam L. , Stern Chadly , Granot Yael , Balcetis Emily
Published: November 2016

Across six studies, people used a “bad is black” heuristic in social judgment and assumed that immoral acts were committed by people with darker skin tones, regardless of the racial background of those immoral actors. In archival studies of news articles written about Black and White celebrities in popular culture magazines (Study 1a) and American politicians (Study 1b), the more critical rather than complimentary the stories, the darker the skin tone of the photographs printed with the article. In the remaining four studies, participants associated immoral acts with darker skinned people when examining surveillance footage (Studies 2 and 4), and when matching headshots to good and bad actions (Studies 3 and 5). We additionally found that both race-based (Studies 2, 3, and 5) and shade-based (Studies 4 and 5) associations between badness and darkness determine whether people demonstrate the “bad is black” effect. We discuss implications for social perception and eyewitness identification.
Community survey on noise impacts induced by 2 MW wind turbines in China
Authors: Song Kai , Di Guoqing , Xu Yaqian , Chen Xingwang
Published: November 2016

In order to investigate the noise impacts of wind turbines with a high single-machine capacity (2 MW) on the residents living around, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted. The moderating factors of noise annoyance, noise exposure–response relationships as well as noise impacts on sleep and self-reported health were investigated. Results showed that noise sensitivity, attitude towards wind turbines’ visual impact on the landscape, general opinion on wind turbines and noise intensity had statistically significant impacts on annoyance due to wind turbine noise. Compared with wind turbines with lower single-machine capacity in relevant studies, those with higher single-machine capacity in this study induced higher annoyance at the same Lden, which was relative to the visibility of wind turbines, background noise levels of wind farm area, etc. Noise sensitivity, noise annoyance and noise intensity, which had no significant correlation with self-reported health effects, were statistically significantly correlated with sleep disturbance on respondents.
Exploring the acceptability of innovative technology: A pilot study using LENA with parents of young deaf children in the UK
Authors: Allen Sarah , Crawford Paul , Mulla Imran
Published: November 2016

Early intervention is widely recommended for children at risk of difficulties with speech, language and communication. Evidence for effective practice remains limited due in part to inherent difficulties in defining complex interventions and measuring change. The innovative Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system has exciting potential for early intervention and for evaluating outcomes. LENA is used widely in the USA; however, there is little to guide the introduction of this new technology in the UK. Successful implementation of new technology is predicted by its perceived acceptability and usefulness. This qualitative pilot study aimed to explore the acceptability of LENA for UK families with a young deaf child. Four families used LENA to record for one day. They received and discussed LENA feedback reports with a specialist speech and language therapist. Using qualitative methodology with a pragmatic epistemology, semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data explored using thematic analysis. Three families were positive about using LENA; they identified benefits of the feedback, suggested important factors for future use and would recommend it to other families. One family chose not to complete the recording. Key to acceptability is parental understanding of LENA’s purpose and the need for a trusted professional to facilitate interpretation and change. LENA is acceptable for some UK families with a young deaf child suggesting there is potential for successful implementation. Further study to explore LENA’s usefulness is recommended.
Co-working: Parents’ conception of roles in supporting their children’s speech and language development
Authors: Davies Karen E , Marshall Julie , Brown Laura JE , Goldbart Juliet
Published: November 2016

Speech and language therapists’ (SLTs) roles include enabling parents to provide intervention. We know little about how parents understand their role during speech and language intervention or whether these change during involvement with SLTs. The theory of conceptual change, applied to parents as adult learners, is used as a framework for understanding changes in parents’ conception of roles during intervention. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate parents’ conception of their own and SLT roles during speech and language therapy intervention and (2) to explore changes in parents’ conception of their role as they work with SLTs. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of pre-school children with speech and language needs referred to speech and language therapy in the UK. A subset of 8 parents participated in a longitudinal study over nine months to track any changes in conception of roles during intervention. Interviews were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis to identify basic, organizing and global themes. Framework Analysis was used to compare participants over time and identify any changes reported by parents. Parents had a firm conception of their role as advocates but did not express a clear notion of their role as intervener before involvement with the SLT. During intervention, some described changing their conception of role including adopting roles as ‘implementer’ and ‘adaptor’ of intervention. In some cases, parents described changes in their approach to parenting which they associated with adopting more active roles as interveners. Policy statements about parental choice and co-working typically present parents’ conception of roles as fixed. This research shows that parents may change their conception of role as they work with SLTs and become increasingly involved as interveners. Implications for practice include negotiating roles in the partnership before intervention begins and enabling parents to adopt an intervener role.
The crisis of public sector trade unionism: Evidence from the Mid Staffordshire hospital crisis
Authors: Carter Bob , Kline Roger
Published: November 2016

This article contends that there is a growing, if uneven, crisis in public sector trade unionism masked by relatively high membership figures that obscure a weakening of trade unions in the workplace, leaving hollowed out organisation vulnerable to further legislative and employer-led onslaughts. The weakening is not inevitable but to overcome it requires a refocusing of organising efforts on the everyday concerns of members such as understaffing and the provision of better public services. Only with an engaged membership will national issues and wider campaigns have material force. Having outlined a general argument, the article takes as illustrative the nature and performance of trade unions, and particularly UNISON, during the Mid Staffordshire hospital crisis.
Managerial incentives for risk-taking and internal capital allocation
Authors: Casavecchia Lorenzo , Suh Ja Young
Published: November 2016

In this study, we show that the option-like structure of equity-based compensation encourages managerial risk-taking and provide new evidence on the way in which CEO’s risk-taking could manifest itself in a multi-segment firm. Our results show that a greater sensitivity of managerial compensation to shareholder wealth—as proxied by CEO’s portfolio vega—leads to greater risk-taking through active capital allocation. We then analyze the impact of risk-taking on shareholder wealth and demonstrate that risk-taking is positively associated with future stock returns. Overall, this article contributes to the literature by providing evidence that equity-based compensation does actually promote the alignment of interests between shareholders and managers.
Lesion Size Is a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes After Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramponi Laura , Yasui Youichi , Murawski Christopher D. , Ferkel Richard D. , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Calder James D.F. , Takao Masato , Vannini Francesca , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Jin Woo , Stone James , Kennedy John G.
Published: November 2016

Background:

The critical lesion size treated with bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) has been 150 mm2in area or 15 mm in diameter. However, recent investigations have failed to detect a significant correlation between the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs.

Purpose:

To systematically review clinical studies reporting both the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed in March 2015 based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included studies were evaluated with regard to the level of evidence (LOE), quality of evidence (QOE), lesion size, and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-five studies with 1868 ankles were included; 88% were either LOE 3 or 4, and 96% did not have good QOE. The mean area was 103.8 ± 10.2 mm2in 20 studies, and the mean diameter was 10.0 ± 3.2 mm in 5 studies. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 62.4 ± 7.9 preoperatively to 83.9 ± 9.2 at a mean 54.1-month follow-up in 14 studies reporting both preoperative and postoperative scores with a mean follow-up of more than 2 years. A significant correlation was found in 3 studies, with a mean lesion area of 107.4 ± 10.4 mm2, while none was reported in 8 studies, with a mean lesion area of 85.3 ± 9.2 mm2. The lesion diameter significantly correlated with clinical outcomes in 2 studies (mean diameter, 10.2 ± 3.2 mm), whereas none was found in 2 studies (mean diameter, 8.8 ± 0.0 mm). However, the reported lesion size measurement method and evaluation method of clinical outcomes widely varied among the studies.

Conclusion:

An assessment of the currently available data does suggest that BMS may best be reserved for OLT sizes less than 107.4 mm2in area and/or 10.2 mm in diameter. Future development in legitimate prognostic size guidelines based on high-quality evidence that correlate with outcomes will surely provide patients with the best potential for successful long-term outcomes.
Robust gain scheduled longitudinal autopilot design for rockets during the sustaining phase
Authors: Guo Zhiyuan , Yao Xiaoxian , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2016

This paper explores the design of a pitch axis load factor autopilot for a class of rockets during the sustaining phase. The existence of the thrust enhances the time-variant characteristic of the rockets mathematical model which contributes to the difficulty of the autopilot design. According to the longitudinal dynamic model of the 122 mm rocket and the design goal of cruising at a constant height, a global autopilot is designed via robust gain scheduling technology regarding time as the scheduling parameter. In contrast to the full-order and the reduced-order mixed sensitivity [Formula: see text] linear compensators, it is a fixed-structure controller consisting of one proportional-integral, two proportional controllers and one first-order filter. With respect to the flight condition uncertainty throughout the sustaining phase, the robust stability is analyzed based on the structured singular value. Simulation results show that the autopilot is insensitive to measurement noises and that the flight path of the rocket can be held at a constant height in different launching angles with an additional simple height controller.
A switching-type controller for wire rope tension coordination of electro-hydraulic-controlled double-rope winding hoisting systems
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhu Zhen-Cai , Shen Gang
Published: November 2016

An adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller combining a sliding mode controller and an adaptive fuzzy controller is proposed to control the wire rope tension of a double-rope winding hoisting system in the presence of external disturbances and parameter uncertainties. The sliding mode controller is designed to yield a desired output signal for tension coordination control, and the adaptive fuzzy controller is employed to serialize the switching-type controller of the chattering because external disturbances are overwhelming. Stability of the overall closed-loop system under the adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is proved by Lyapunov theory. A three-variable feedback controller is employed to improve position tracking accuracy of hydraulic cylinders to ensure the tension coordination control performance. A double-rope winding hoisting simulation experimental system with xPC rapid prototyping technology is carried out to verify feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controller yields a satisfactory wire rope tension coordination control performance on the double-rope winding hoisting experimental system compared to a traditional proportional–integral controller and the sliding mode controller.
Nonlinear trajectory transcriptions for aircraft loss of control recovery
Authors: Ashokkumar Chimpalthradi R , York George WP , Gruber Scott F
Published: November 2016

Aircraft loss of control may occur when the interpolated gain set is such that it destabilizes the linear aircraft. That is, when linear aircraft is not asymptotically stable, the nonlinear aircraft loss of control occurs. Even in cases where interpolation stabilizes the linear aircraft, loss of control may also occur when the gains are not reconfigured within the stability region associated with the controller. Hence, understanding nonlinear aircraft navigation and control algorithms using such controllers that originate from various linear design methods becomes a challenging problem. It prompts to simulate the nonlinear aircraft trajectories within the distorted stability regions of the linear controllers interpolated when each one of them is designed to regulate an equilibrium (or trim) point. In this article, the gain interpolation parameter that would lead to loss of control is presented. Then, techniques to avert the loss of control using nonlinear trajectory transcriptions are presented. A 3-degree-of-freedom aircraft model of Langelaan is considered for illustrations.
Prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution among women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Elera-Fitzcarrald C , Ugarte-Gil M F , Gamboa-Cárdenas R V , Zevallos F , Medina M , Cucho-Venegas J M , Perich-Campos R A , Alfaro-Lozano J L , Rodriguez-Bellido Z , Alarcón G S , Pastor-Asurza C A
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine whether prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in consecutive female SLE patients seen in our rheumatology department from January 2012 to July 2015. Prolactin was measured in ng/ml. Body mass distribution was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and it was divided into subtotal (whole body excluding the head), subtotal bone mineral content, lean mass index (appendicular lean mass/height2), subtotal trunk and leg fat percentages and trunk-to-leg fat ratio. The association between prolactin levels and body mass distribution components was evaluated by univariable and multivariable linear regression models adjusting for possible confounders.

Results

One hundred and eighty-five patients were evaluated; their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 34.8 (13.8) years; nearly all patients were Mestizo. Patients included in this study were comparable to the rest of the cohort in terms of age, disease duration, SLEDAI, SDI and body mass index. Disease duration was 7.3 (6.6) years. The SLEDAI was 5.2 (4.3) and the SDI 0.9 (1.3). Prolactin levels were 18.9 (16.7) ng/ml. In univariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral density, bone mineral content, leg fat percentage and lean mass index, and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. In the multivariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral content and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio.

Conclusions

Higher prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in SLE patients.
“I Wanted to Raise My Hand and Say I’m Not a Feminist”: College Men’s Use of Hybrid Masculinities to Negotiate Attachments to Feminism and Gender Studies
Authors: Schmitz Rachel M. , Haltom Trenton M.
Published: November 2016

Using a hybrid masculinities framework, we qualitatively analyzed 15 college men’s experiences with feminism and gender scholarship in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) courses. Men described adopting particular strategies of discourse in their social interactions to manage varied reactions to feminism and gender studies. As a way of justifying their choice of academic study, these men also learned to navigate social relationships by highlighting or downplaying their own masculinity (i.e., creating or deconstructing a hybrid masculinity). Finally, men reconciled the multiple meanings of feminism and WGS studies by drawing from dominant cultural norms and expectations in attempts to make sense of the incongruence of men studying feminism. Implications for future research and college campuses and educators are considered.
Income Tax Avoidance and Evasion
Authors: degl’Innocenti Duccio Gamannossi , Rablen Matthew D.
Published: November 2016

We characterize optimal individual tax evasion and avoidance when taxpayers “narrow bracket” the joint avoidance/evasion decision by exhausting all gainful methods for legal avoidance before choosing whether or not also to evade illegally. We find that (1) evasion is an increasing function of the audit probability when the latter is low enough, yet tax avoidance is always decreasing in the probability of audit; (2) an analogous finding to the so-called Yitzhaki puzzle for evasion also holds for tax avoidance—an increase in the tax rate decreases the level of avoided income and the level of avoided tax; and (3) that, holding constant the expected return to evasion, it is not always the case that the combined loss of reported income due to avoidance and evasion can be stemmed by increasing the fine rate and decreasing the audit probability.
Matching and accepting assistive technology in multiple sclerosis: A focus group study with people with multiple sclerosis, carers and occupational therapists
Authors: Squires Luke A , Williams Nefyn , Morrison Val L
Published: November 2016

To explore experiences and perceptions of assistive technology, 14 people with multiple sclerosis, 5 carers and 4 occupational therapists participated in focus groups. Transcripts were analysed thematically drawing from illness self-regulation theory. Identified themes are as follows: critical multiple sclerosis events (developing symptoms/disability, delayed diagnosis and coping, public reaction and multiple sclerosis progression to assistive technology), matching assistive technology for continued use (acceptance of multiple sclerosis and assistive technology, realistic expectations, occupational therapist responsiveness, timing is crucial and carers and others) and impact of assistive technology (promoting or losing independence, stigma and embarrassment and redefining the carer). Acceptance and communication among those involved ensures assistive technology matches needs and maximises health and psychosocial outcomes.
Damage identification in concrete structures with uncertain but bounded measurements
Authors: Biswal Suryakanta , Ramaswamy Ananth
Published: November 2016

The major sources of error in the measurements of concrete structures are the gauge sensitivities, calibration accuracies, amplitude linearities, and temperature corrections to the gauge sensitivities, which are given in terms of plus–minus ranges, and the round off errors in the measured responses, which are better represented by interval bounds. An algorithm is proposed adapting the existing modified Metropolis Hastings algorithm for estimating the posterior probability of the damage indices as well as the posterior probability of the bounds of the interval parameters, when the measurements are given in terms of interval bounds. A damage index is defined for each element of the finite element model considering the parameters of each element are intervals. Methods are developed for evaluating response bounds in the finite element software ABAQUS, when the parameters of the finite element model are intervals. The proposed method is validated against reinforced concrete beams with three damage scenarios mainly (1) loss of stiffness, (2) loss of mass, and (3) loss of bond between concrete and reinforcement steel, which have been tested in our laboratory. Comparison of the prediction from the proposed method with those obtained from Bayesian analysis and interval optimization technique show improved accuracy and computational efficiency in addition to better representation of measurement uncertainties through interval bounds.
Endovascular Treatment of Complex Carotid–Jugular Fistula
Authors: Alonso-Argüeso Gonzalo , Rodriguez-Morata Alejandro , Vera-Arroyo Blanca , Lara-Villoslada Maria Jesus , Gomez-Medialdea Rafael
Published: November 2016

Inadvertent complications of jugular vein catheterization are not uncommon, however, a persistent symptomatic carotid–jugular fistula has been rarely reported. A 72-year-old male with infected surgical wound after coxofemoral disarticulation for sarcoma presented with symptoms of acute right heart failure. A fistula between the right common carotid artery (CCA) and the internal jugular vein was demonstrated on Doppler ultrasound and confirmed on computed tomography angiogram. Catheterization of the right CCA seemed not possible using a conventional femoral approach due to the tortuosity and elongation of the brachiocephalic artery. A small incision in the right temporal area was used to access the superficial temporal artery and a wire was advanced retrograde into the aorta where it was snared from below, allowing for successful treatment of the fistula with a covered stent. This alternative technique may facilitate safe and stable carotid artery stenting even in patients with a severely tortuous access route due to atherosclerotic disease.
Treatment of Angio-Seal-Related Femoral Artery Occlusion Using Directional Atherectomy—Primary Results and Midterm Follow-Up
Authors: Babaev Anvar , Gokhale Rohit , Zavlunova Susanna , Attubato Michael
Published: November 2016

Objective:

We describe a novel approach for the endovascular treatment of femoral artery occlusion as a result of Angio-Seal closure device deployment.

Background:

Angio-Seal is the most commonly used vascular closure device following percutaneous coronary and peripheral catheterizations worldwide. A rare complication of Angio-Seal deployment is an occlusion of the femoral artery leading to limb ischemia requiring revascularization. Given its unique ability to cut both atherosclerotic plaque and the Angio-Seal anchor with a collagen plug at operator-directed planes, TurboHawk/HawkOne atherectomy device can be a fast and effective approach to treat Angio-Seal-associated femoral artery occlusions.

Methods:

We studied 13 consecutive patients who developed Angio-Seal-associated femoral artery occlusions that occurred from 3 hours to several weeks after catheterization. These patients were successfully treated with TurboHawk/HawkOne directional atherectomy followed by balloon angioplasty with no complications. During a mean follow-up period of 20.4 ± 17.3 months, 12 patients remained claudication free with no evidence of obstructive arterial disease of the treated segment on imaging studies. One patient developed restenosis that was treated with repeat atherectomy and balloon angioplasty following which he was asymptomatic at follow-up.

Conclusion:

The use of directional atherectomy followed by balloon angioplasty is a quick, safe, and effective endovascular approach to treating Angio-Seal-associated femoral artery occlusions. It is associated with an excellent success rate, no complications, and good midterm outcomes.
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors Among Mexican American Adolescent Females
Authors: Recto Pamela , Champion Jane Dimmitt
Published: November 2016

Introduction:

Mental health literacy is a critical component of adolescent health enabling recognition, management, and prevention of psychological distress. Adolescents engaging in risk behaviors and experiencing interpersonal violence, substance use, and pregnancy are at high risk for psychological distress.

Method:

Secondary analysis of data collected via a control randomized trial among Mexican American females (aged 14-18 years; N = 461) experiencing high-risk sexual behavior, interpersonal violence, and sexually transmitted infection was conducted with comparisons of psychological distress by pregnancy status.

Results:

At study entry, 46.4% ( n = 214) self-reported ever experiencing pregnancy (ever-pregnant) while 53.6% ( n = 246) self-reported never experiencing pregnancy (never-pregnant). Adolescents reporting ever-pregnancy status were older and school dropouts. However, adolescents reporting never-pregnancy experienced higher sexual risk behaviors, substance use, interpersonal violence, and psychological distress than those reporting ever-pregnancy. A higher proportion of ever- versus never-pregnant adolescents were born in Mexico and preferred Spanish language indicating less acculturation.

Conclusions:

Findings support the need for mental health literacy concerning psychological distress with consideration of implications of acculturation among adolescents experiencing high-risk sexual behavior, interpersonal violence, and substance use. More never- than ever-pregnant adolescents were attending school, presenting opportunities for implementation of health promotion strategies within community health settings for mental health literacy.
Dynamic reliability prediction of bridge member based on Bayesian dynamic nonlinear model and monitored data
Authors: Fan Xueping , Liu Yuefei
Published: November 2016

Bridge monitoring systems provide a huge number of stress data used for reliability prediction. In this article, the dynamic measure of structural stress over time is considered as a time series, and considering the limitation of the existing Bayesian dynamic linear models only applied for short-term performance prediction, Bayesian dynamic nonlinear models are introduced. With the monitored stress data, the quadratic function is used to build the Bayesian dynamic nonlinear model. And two methods are proposed to handle with the built Bayesian dynamic nonlinear model and the corresponding probability recursion processes. One method is to transform the built Bayesian dynamic nonlinear model into Bayesian dynamic linear model with Taylor series expansion technique; then the corresponding probability recursion processes are completed based on the transformed Bayesian dynamic linear model. The other one is to directly handle with the built Bayesian dynamic nonlinear model and the corresponding probability recursion processes with Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation method. Based on the predicted stress information (means and variances) of the above two methods, first-order second moment method is adopted to predict the structural reliability indices. Finally, an actual engineering is provided to illustrate the application and feasibility of the above two methods.
Arts on prescription in Scandinavia: a review of current practice and future possibilities
Authors: Jensen Anita , Stickley Theodore , Torrissen Wenche , Stigmar Kjerstin
Published: November 2016

Aims:

This article reviews current practice relating to arts and culture on prescription in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and in the United Kingdom. It considers future possibilities and also each of the Scandinavian countries from a culture and health policy and research perspective. The United Kingdom perhaps leads the field of Arts on Prescription practice, and subsequent research is described in order to help identify what the Scandinavian countries might learn from the UK research.

Method:

The method adopted for the literature search was a rapid review which included peer-reviewed and grey literature in English and the respective languages of Scandinavia.

Results:

The discussion considers the evidence to support social prescription and the potential obstacles of the implementation of Arts on Prescription in Scandinavian countries.

Conclusion:

The article concludes that of the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is ahead in terms of Arts on Prescription and has embraced the use of culture for health benefits on a different scale compared to Norway and Denmark. Denmark, in particular, is behind in recognising ways in which art and culture can benefit patients and for wider public health promotion. All three countries may benefit from the evidence provided by UK researchers.
Clinical presentations and outcomes of Takotsubo syndrome in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elgendy Akram Y , Elgendy Islam Y , Mansoor Hend , Mahmoud Ahmed N
Published: November 2016

Background:

Evidence remains inconsistent regarding the incidence and prognosis of Takotsubo syndrome in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and in-hospital mortality of these patients.

Methods:

A systematic review of the electronic databases was conducted for studies involving patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and concomitant findings of classical Takotsubo syndrome on transthoracic echocardiogram. A meta-analysis was conducted for the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality using the Mantel–Haenszel method for fixed effects and the DerSimonian and Laird method for random effects, with 95% confidence interval and a p-value <0.05 for statistical significance.

Results:

Ten studies were retrieved with a total of 157 patients presenting with classical Takotsubo syndrome, representing 4.4% of the subarachnoid hemorrhage total population. The overall incidence of in-hospital mortality was 30% in the patients who developed Takotsubo syndrome. Meta-analysis illustrated a significant increase in the odds of in-hospital mortality for the Takotsubo syndrome patients by fixed effects model (odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.16–5.85, p=0.02, I2=39%), with a trend towards increased risk of in-hospital mortality by random effects model (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 0.90–9.77, p = 0.07).

Conclusions:

The incidence of Takotsubo syndrome in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage seems to be high with a trend towards higher risk of in-hospital mortality in those patients. Thus, patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage might benefit from a comprehensive cardiac evaluation upon presentation for early detection and proper triage of this high-risk population.
Time trend occurrence of duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytosis and celiac disease in an open access endoscopic population
Authors: Galli Gloria , Purchiaroni Flaminia , Lahner Edith , Sacchi Maria Carlotta , Pilozzi Emanuela , Corleto Vito Domenico , Di Giulio Emilio , Annibale Bruno
Published: November 2016

Background

Duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytosis (DIL) is a histological finding characterized by the increase of intraepithelial CD3T‐lymphocytes over the normal value without villous atrophy, mostly associated to coeliac disease (CD), Helicobacter pylori (Hp) gastritis and autoimmune diseases.

Objective

To assess the occurrence of DIL, CD and Hp gastritis in an endoscopic population over a 13 year period.

Methods

From 2003 to 2015 we included adult patients who consecutively underwent oesophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy (OGD) with duodenal biopsies assessing the overall and annual occurrence of DIL and CD and the prevalence of Hp gastritis.

Results

160 (2.3%) patients with DIL and 275 (3.9%) with CD were detected among 7001 patients. CD occurrence was higher from 2003 to 2011, while since 2012 DIL occurrence gradually increased significantly compared to CD (p  = 0.03). DIL patients were more frequently female (p  = 0.0006) and underwent OGD more frequently for dyspepsia (p  = 0.002) and for indications not related to gastrointestinal symptoms than CD patients (p  = 0.0003). Hp gastritis occurred similarly in CD and DIL patients but the latter had higher frequency of atrophic body gastritis (p  = 0.005).

Conclusions

DIL is a condition increasing in the general endoscopic population mainly diagnosed by chance. Concomitant gastric histological evaluation is able in one third of DIL patients to identify associated possible causes of DIL, such as Hp and atrophic gastritis.
Meaner on Mobile: Incivility and Impoliteness in Communicating Contentious Politics on Sociotechnical Networks
Authors: Groshek Jacob , Cutino Chelsea
Published: November 2016

This study explores the nature of how mobile social media may potentially be sharpening the tenor of communicating online. Specifically, randomized representative Twitter data were collected for several controversial issues, and then examined to determine the extent to which mobile or web-based content tends more toward greater incivility and impoliteness. Additional analyses further model how certain dialogic features, such as explicitly mentioning other users and retweeting others’ posts, positively relate to hostility in the discourse. Building on the basis of technological affordances and user negotiation in digitally mediated environments, this study contributes to a better understanding of how individuals express themselves on mobile devices as these are rapidly becoming normalized modes for communicating with one another online.
On the transactional ecosystems of digital media
Authors: Manzerolle Vincent , Wiseman Allison
Published: November 2016

This article contributes a framework for understanding the convergence of two ‘transactional ecosystems’ or, put differently, the convergence of two types of currency: money and attention. The former is represented in the push to make commercial transactions ubiquitous and seamless (e.g. as in mobile payment systems), while the latter is represented by theories of the ‘attention economy’ and subsumed in the ‘attention and engagement’ metrics that currently shape the production and distribution of content on digital and mobile platforms. The means of communication and commerce, of payment and attention, are increasingly wedded together in the same device or platform implying that how we pay for things is bound up with ‘the things to which we attend’. Drawing on literature on the political economy of media, this article provides historical and theoretical contexts for this convergence, offers some paradigmatic examples alongside industry analysis and concludes by raising potential concerns emerging from its current trajectory.
Retention in Continuous Care and Sustained Viral Suppression
Authors: Crawford Timothy N. , Thornton Alice
Published: November 2016

Objectives:

To examine the relationship between retention in continuous care and sustained viral suppression.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively followed 653 persons who were virally suppressed and seeking care at an infectious disease clinic in Kentucky for an average of 6 years to determine the rates of retention in medical care (≥2 visits separated by ≥3 months within a 12-month period) and sustained viral suppression (<400 copies/mL). A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine an association between retention and suppression over time.

Results:

Approximately 61% of the study population were retained in continuous care and 75% had sustained viral suppression for all patient-years. Persons retained in care were 3 times the odds of sustaining viral suppression over time ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Retention is essential to achieving and maintaining viral suppression. Strategies should be set in place that emphasize increasing the rates of retention, which in turn may increase the rates of suppression.
Androgen responses to reproductive competition of males pursuing either fixed or plastic alternative reproductive tactics
Authors: von Kuerthy Corinna , Ros Albert F. H. , Taborsky Michael
Published: November 2016

Alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs), which can be plastic or fixed for life, may be characterized by distinct hormonal profiles. The relative plasticity hypothesis predicts flexible androgen regulation for adult males pursuing plastic tactics, but a less flexible regulation for males using a fixed tactic throughout life. Furthermore, androgen profiles may respond to changes in the social environment, as predicted by the social reciprocity models of hormone/behaviour interactions. The cichlid fish Lamprologus callipterus provides a rare opportunity to study the roles of androgens for male ARTs within a single species, because fixed and plastic ARTs coexist. We experimentally exposed males to competitors pursuing either the same or different tactics to test predictions of the relative plasticity and the social reciprocity models. Androgen profiles of different male types partly comply with predictions derived from the relative plasticity hypothesis: males of the plastic bourgeois/sneaker male trajectory showed different 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels when pursuing either bourgeois or parasitic sneaker male behaviours. Surprisingly, males pursuing the fixed dwarf male tactic showed the highest free and conjugated 11-KT and testosterone (T) levels. Our experimental social challenges significantly affected the free 11-KT levels of bourgeois males, but the androgen responses did not differ between challenges involving different types of competitors. Furthermore, the free T-responses of the bourgeois males correlated with their aggressive behaviour exhibited against competitors. Our results provide new insights into the endocrine responsiveness of fixed and plastic ARTs, confirming and refuting some predictions of both the relative plasticity and the social reciprocity models.