bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
12. Prison et « peines alternatives » : du clivage politique au mirage empirique
Authors: de Larminat Xavier
Published: April 2017

Au cours des dernières décennies, on a assisté à une diversification des sanctions pénales : aux peines d’amende et d’emprisonnement sont venues s’ajouter des possibilités d’aménagement (bracelet électronique, semi-liberté, placement extérieur...) et des mesures en milieu ouvert (sursis avec mise à l’épreuve, travail d’intérêt général, contrainte pénale...). Ce phénomène polarise divers clivages politiques, alors même que ces « peines alternatives » constituent moins une véritable alternative à la prison que son prolongement sous d’autres formes. Il n’existe pas vraiment une différence de nature entre les peines de prison et les peines « hors-les-murs » mais plutôt une différence de degré. De plus, la diversification des sanctions pénales et leur mise à exécution par l’administration pénitentiaire n’est pas sans poser un certain nombre de problèmes pratiques.
Bilateral persistent primitive hypoglossal arteries associated with unilateral symptomatic carotid thromboembolism
Authors: Patira Riddhi , Kyper Christopher , Shah Pallav , Erkmen Kadir
Published: April 2017

We report the fifth case of bilateral persistent primitive hypoglossal arteries in the literature. This is also the first such case to be demonstrated on computerized tomography angiogram (CTA) and the first case to be associated with a symptomatic carotid thrombus. The sub-occlusive thrombus was distal to the take-off of the dominant persistent hypoglossal artery (PHA) from the internal carotid artery, thus sparing involvement of posterior circulation. Timely identification of the internal carotid artery thromboembolism in the setting of a PHA is important to allow for thrombectomy. Any intervention was not done in this case as the patient was out of the window and at an additional risk of inducing intracranial thromboembolism. Symptomatic carotid stenosis at the PHA take-off is typically treated with endovascular angioplasty and stenting due to the typically high level of the bifurcation in the neck.
Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix Presenting as a Palpable Right Thigh Mass
Authors: Handler Marci , Anand Neil , Wei Lawrence , Snieckus Peter
Published: April 2017

Intra-abdominal and intra-pelvic pathologies initially presenting in extra-abdominal/pelvic locations is unusual. This spread predominantly occurs with infectious processes to sites including the buttock, thigh, and calf. The routes of extension into adjacent anatomically weak compartments include the pelvic outlet, greater sciatic foramen, obturator foramen, inguinal or femoral canal, weak bones, or along nerves and blood vessels. Malignant neoplasms of the appendix, while extremely rare and accounting for only 0.4% of all gastrointestinal cancers, is one of the intra-abdominal pathologies that can spread via these routes. Adenocarcinoma of the appendix accounts for 10-20% of primary appendiceal tumors. They usually present as acute appendicitis or as a right lower quadrant abdominal mass when associated with a mucocele. We report the unique case of mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma in a 57-year-old male who initially presented with a right thigh mass secondary to extension of the neoplasm from the right lower quadrant through the femoral canal. A similar presentation of a mucinous appendiceal cystadenoma has been previously reported, however, to our knowledge, this is the first case of a malignant appendiceal tumor extending into the thigh. We review the literature and discuss imaging findings and treatment of this tumor.
Radiologic Findings in Gabapentin-Induced Myositis
Authors: Coupal Tyler Michael , Chang David Ross , Pennycooke Kevin , Ouellette Hugue Alcide , Munk Peter Loren
Published: April 2017

Throughout recent years, Gabapentin has become increasingly used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. We report on a case of a 31 year old female who presented to the emergency department with unilateral leg pain, weakness, and swelling after increasingly titrating her Gabapentin dosage over three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of myositis confined to the left thigh and the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities resolved following Gabapentin cessation. While Gabapentin-induced myositis and rhabdomyolysis is a rare entity, it should be a diagnostic consideration for radiologists, particularly in the absence of infection or trauma.
Oil-Soluble Contrast Medium (OSCM) for Hysterosalpingography Modulates Dendritic Cell and Regulatory T Cell Profiles in the Peritoneal Cavity: A Possible Mechanism by Which OSCM Enhances Fertility
Authors: Izumi Gentaro , Koga Kaori , Takamura Masashi , Bo Wang , Nagai Miwako , Miyashita Mariko , Harada Miyuki , Hirata Tetsuya , Hirota Yasushi , Yoshino Osamu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: April 2017

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) with oil-soluble contrast medium (OSCM) is known to enhance fertility, although the mechanism is unclear. OSCM remains in the peritoneal cavity for several months after HSG. We hypothesized that OSCM that remains in the peritoneal cavity modulates dendritic cell (DC) and regulatory T cell (Treg) profiles and contributes to enhanced fertility. We characterized the profiles of DCs and Tregs in the peritoneal fluid from women who had undergone HSG. In vitro and in vivo effects of OSCM on monocyte-derived DCs and mouse peritoneal T cells were also evaluated. In comparison with women who have never experienced HSG, samples from women who had undergone HSG contained myeloid DCs with greater complexity and maturation, as well as had a marginally greater proportion of Tregs in their peritoneal fluid. OSCM is incorporated by monocyte-derived DCs, which causes their maturation and contributes to the increase in Treg proportions. Samples from OSCM-injected mice contained greater proportions of Tregs in comparison with controls. These studies demonstrate that OSCM modulates T cell profiles that are compatible with the condition observed in women who have undergone HSG. This study demonstrates that exogenous lipids administered to the peritoneal cavity are incorporated by DCs and that they significantly alter the immune environment in the peritoneal cavity. This immunological impact may contribute to enhanced fertility and the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for managing other pathological conditions associated with immunological abnormalities in the peritoneal cavity.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Quality of Life of Workers in Korea Participating in Leisure Activities Using Quantile Regression
Authors: Kim Suhee , Kim Junghee
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of workers in Korea participating in leisure activities.METHODS: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from June 10 to June 20, 2013, examining QoL, job stress, social support, serious leisure, and health-related characteristics. Data from 101 participants were analyzed using t-tests, Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and quantile regression.RESULTS: The workers’ mean QoL score was 23.10. Significant predictors of mean QoL score were job stress, social support, and serious leisure. Job stress correlated strongly with QoL in workers who were at 10% (QoL=17.00, p=.013) and 25% (QoL=20.00, p=.001) of the QoL distribution. Social support and serious leisure correlated significantly with QoL in workers who were at 50% (QoL=24.00) and 75% (QoL=27.00) of the QoL distribution.CONCLUSION: Quantile regression analysis identified factors affecting QoL in workers. Therefore, intervention strategies for increasing workers’ QoL should be tailored to workers’ QoL level.
Measuring the Quality of the Interim Financial Reports Using the Qualitative Characteristics of the Accounting Information and its Effect on the Investment Decisions According to the “IAS 34”
Authors: AL-Shatnawi Hasan Mahmoud
Published: April 2017

This study aimed at measuring the quality of the interim financial reports using the quality characteristics of the accounting information and its effect on the investment decisions according to IAS 34 from the point of view of a category of the financial information users working in the brokerage companies. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was designed that contains three constructs related to the primary qualitative characteristics, the enhancing qualitative characteristics, and quality of the interim financial reports. The questionnaire was distributed to a sample consisting of 72 individuals. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study sample such as the frequencies, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation. In addition, the one-sample t-test and simple linear regression analysis were employed to test the study hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Of the main results which the study reached to are that (i) there is effect of the qualitative characteristics of both the primary and enhancing aspects on the quality of the interim financial reports, and (ii) there is effect of the interim financial reports on the investment decision taking. The study provided a number of recommendations, most important of which is directing the prepares of the interim financial reports to pay attention to providing the qualitative characteristics for the accounting information in the interim financial reports for their positive effect on the quality of these reports to help the decision takers in predicting the economical events and building the future plans.
De reclassering en de lokale samenwerking
Authors: Krechtig Lous , Wildeboer Mirjam
Published: April 2017

Probation and local cooperation

Recently the Dutch probation is faced with changes in the local situation: new forms of cooperation and networks have emerged, due to the transformation of the social domain. The probation officers participate on different levels in these networks. They can no longer simply deliver their ‘products’, but have to ‘do what is necessary. A lot of decisions have to be made on the operational level.

Examples of the changes are given. Recent research on cooperation in the social domain show that ‘cooperation’ is easier sad then done. These changes ask for a new set of competences.
Reclassering, beeldvorming en identiteit
Authors: van der Laan Peter
Published: April 2017

Probation, image and identity

The probation service gives advice to the court tens of thousands of time each year, coordinates tens of thousands of community service orders, and supervises tens of thousands of offenders. This is done professionally and takes place without much incidents or problems. However, the probation is not very well known to the general public. The identity of probation is also ambiguous and therefore not strong. There is less appreciation for the probation than they deserve. This can be met by making the probation service responsible for the implementation of all community-based sanctions (suspended sentences and other conditional modalities and community service orders), similar to the responsibility of the prison system for custodial sanctions and measures. Secondly, by differentiation in the nature and intensity of activities. Many probation clients do well. They represent only a low risk, and probation involvement may be limited. For other clients, more is needed: more activities, greater intensity and focus on criminogenic needs. It is proposed to distinguish between probation and probation plus. In both, probation supervision and community service are at the center, but the plus version is emphatically more focused on rehabilitation and reintegration, and thus on minimizing recidivism. This requires more efforts by the probation service. It also requires adapting the organization: one probation organization that is accountable and responsible for the implementation of community-based sanctions, but with the possibility to outsource work if special expertise and special activities are required.
Climate and climatic variability of rainfall over eastern Africa
Authors: Nicholson Sharon E.
Published: April 2017

This review examines several aspects of the climate of eastern Africa. The climatic commonality throughout the region is the frequent occurrence of drought severe enough to incapacitate the population. Because of recent droughts and evidence of disastrous, long‐term climatic change, the region has become a major focus of meteorological research. This review covers six relevant topics: climatic regionalization, seasonal cycle, intraseasonal variability, interannual variability, recent trends, and seasonal forecasting. What emerges is a markedly different view of the factors modulating rainfall, the dynamics associated with the seasons, and the character of teleconnections within the region and the interrelationships between the various rainy seasons. Some of the most important points are the following. (1) The paradigm of two rainy seasons resulting from the biannual equatorial passage of the Intertropical Convergence Zone is inadequate. (2) The “long rains” should not be treated as a single season, as character, causal factors, and teleconnections are markedly different in each month. (3) The long rains have been declining continuously in recent decades. (4) The Madden‐Julian Oscillation has emerged as a factor in interannual and intraseasonal variability, but the relative strength of Pacific and Indian Ocean anomalies plays a major role in the downward trend. (5) Factors governing the short rains are nonstationary. (6) Droughts have become longer and more intense and tend to continue across rainy seasons, and their causes are not adequately understood. (7) Atmospheric variables provide more reliable seasonal forecasts than the factors traditionally considered in forecast models, such as sea surface temperatures and El Niño–Southern Oscillation.
Successive MJO propagation in MERRA‐2 reanalysis
Authors: Powell Scott W.
Published: April 2017

Composite circumnavigating Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) events in Version 2 of the NASA Modern Era Reanalysis for Research and Applications (MERRA‐2) reanalysis propagate as convectively coupled Kelvin waves over the Western Hemisphere and moisture waves like that described by Adames and Kim (2016) over the warm pool. Estimated zonally variable phase speeds of coupled Kelvin waves in the tropics are calculated by determining the “effective static stability” experienced by the wave. The wave is structured similarly to a classically derived deep tropospheric Kelvin wave, and its phase speed is up to 33 m s−1 or 40 m s−1 over the central/eastern Pacific or Atlantic/equatorial Africa, respectively, during boreal winter. Theoretically, estimated phase speeds of convectively coupled Kelvin waves over the tropical warm pool are greater than 15 m s−1, much faster than the propagation of the reanalyzed MJO. A complete theory for MJO propagation around the globe must allow both coupled Kelvin waves and moisture waves.
Electron diffusion region during magnetopause reconnection with an intermediate guide field: Magnetospheric multiscale observations
Authors: Chen L.‐J. , Hesse M. , Wang S. , Gershman D. , Ergun R. E. , Burch J. , Bessho N. , Torbert R. B. , Giles B. , Webster J. , Pollock C. , Dorelli J. , Moore T. , Paterson W. , Lavraud B. , Strangeway R. , Russell C. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Avanov L.
Published: April 2017

An electron diffusion region (EDR) in magnetic reconnection with a guide magnetic field approximately 0.2 times the reconnecting component is encountered by the four Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft at the Earth's magnetopause. The distinct substructures in the EDR on both sides of the reconnecting current sheet are visualized with electron distribution functions that are 2 orders of magnitude higher cadence than ever achieved to enable the following new findings: (1) Motion of the demagnetized electrons plays an important role to sustain the reconnection current and contributes to the dissipation due to the nonideal electric field, (2) the finite guide field dominates over the Hall magnetic field in an electron‐scale region in the exhaust and modifies the electron flow dynamics in the EDR, (3) the reconnection current is in part carried by inflowing field‐aligned electrons in the magnetosphere part of the EDR, and (4) the reconnection electric field measured by multiple spacecraft is uniform over at least eight electron skin depths and corresponds to a reconnection rate of approximately 0.1. The observations establish the first look at the structure of the EDR under a weak but not negligible guide field.
Using Intrinsic Intracrystalline Tunnels for Near‐Infrared and Visible‐Light Selective Electrochromic Modulation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Qingzhu , Cong Shan , Chen Zhigang , Zhao Jinxiong , Yang Mei , Zheng Zuhui , Zeng Sha , Yang Xuwen , Geng Fengxia , Zhao Zhigang
Published: April 2017

Dual‐band electrochromic composite materials are of utmost importance in advancing the electrochromic field toward achieving the ideal smart window with independent control over visible and near‐infrared (NIR) radiation. However, such composites usually need deliberate architecting of their mesoscale structure (e.g., via block copolymer‐templating method) to make the electrolyte contact with both NIR and visible‐light modulating components. Herein, instead of arduously making exterior pores, the intrinsic structural tunnels are utilized directly in electrochromic materials to facilitate the accommodation and transportation of insertion ions, which permit the infiltration of the electrolyte to be in contact with both visible (Prussian blue) and NIR‐light modulating components (nonstoichiometric tungsten oxide). Such simple‐fabricated composite materials exhibit excellent dual‐band electrochromic performance with an unprecedented dynamic optical range for modulation of visible and NIR light, up to 71.2% at 633 nm and 64.8% at 1600 nm, respectively.
Metal‐Free Difluoromethylthiolation, Trifluoromethylthiolation, and Perfluoroalkylthiolation with Sodium Difluoromethane‐ sulfinate, Sodium Trifluoromethanesulfinate or Sodium Perfluoro‐ alkanesulfinate
Authors: Yan Qiang , Jiang Lvqi , Yi Wenbin , Liu Qiran , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2017

A method for direct difluoromethylthiolation of Ar−H bonds is introduced. The stable and easy‐to‐handle HCF2SO2Na is reduced with (EtO)2P(O)H in the presence of TMSCl to generate HCF2S+ for the regioselective difluoromethylthiolation of aromatic compounds including indoles, pyrroles, and activated benzenes. This method is also applicable for the trifluoromethylthiolation with CF3SO2Na and the perfluoroalkylthiolation with RfSO2Na of arenes and heteroarenes. Reaction mechanisms associated with the metal‐free electrophilic fluoroalkylthiolation reactions are also discussed.

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The Need for an Alternative to Radicals as the Cause of Fragmentation of a Thiamin‐Derived Breslow Intermediate
Authors: Bielecki Michael , Kluger Ronald
Published: April 2017

Mandelylthiamin (1) is a conjugate of benzoylformate and thiamin that loses CO2 to form the classic Breslow intermediate (2), whose expected fate is formation of the thiamin conjugate of benzaldehyde (3). Surprisingly, it was observed that 2 decomposes to 4 and 5 and rearranges to 6 in competition with the expected protonation to give 3. Recent reports propose that the alternatives to protonation arise from homolysis followed by radical‐centered processes. It is now found, instead, that the spectroscopic observations cited in support of the proposed radical pathways are likely to be the result of other events. An alternative explanation is that ionization of the enolic hydroxy group of 2 and resultant electronic reorganization leads to C−C bond cleavage and non‐radical intermediates that readily form 4, 5, and 6.
Direct Experimental Evidence for Halogen–Aryl π Interactions in Solution from Molecular Torsion Balances
Authors: Sun Han , Horatscheck André , Martos Vera , Bartetzko Max , Uhrig Ulrike , Lentz Dieter , Schmieder Peter , Nazaré Marc
Published: April 2017

We dissected halogen–aryl π interactions experimentally using a bicyclic N‐arylimide based molecular torsion balances system, which is based on the influence of the non‐bonded interaction on the equilibria between folded and unfolded states. Through comparison of balances modulated by higher halogens with fluorine balances, we determined the magnitude of the halogen–aryl π interactions in our unimolecular systems to be larger than −5.0 kJ mol−1, which is comparable with the magnitude estimated in the biomolecular systems. Our study provides direct experimental evidence of halogen–aryl π interactions in solution, which until now have only been revealed in the solid state and evaluated theoretically by quantum‐mechanical calculations.
EPDM–chlorobutyl rubber blends in γ‐radiation and hydrocarbon environment: Mechanical, transport, and ageing behavior
Authors: Ashok Neelesh , Balachandran Meera , Lawrence Falix , Sebastian Neethu
Published: April 2017

In nuclear applications, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is the material of choice as gaskets and O‐rings due to its radiations resistance. In nuclear fuel reprocessing, in addition to radiation, the elastomeric components have to withstand paraffinic hydrocarbons as well. But, EPDM has poor resistance to hydrocarbons. To enhance the durability of EPDM in such environments, EPDM–chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) blends of varying compositions were developed and characterized for mechanical, thermal, dielectric, and solvent sorption behavior. Spectroscopic and morphological analysis was used to evaluate the compatibility of blends. Due to synergistic effect, the optimal composition of blends with superior mechanical properties and solvent resistance were found to be 60% to 80% EPDM and 20% to 40% CIIR. The optimized blends were irradiated with gamma rays at cumulative doses up to 2 MGy. Based on spectroscopic, morphological, mechanical, thermogravimetric, and sorption properties, blend containing 80% EPDM was found to have superior retention of properties after irradiation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45195.
Food availability as a major driver in the evolution of life‐history strategies of sibling species
Authors: Arlettaz Raphaël , Christe Philippe , Schaub Michael
Published: April 2017

Life‐history theory predicts trade‐offs between reproductive and survival traits such that different strategies or environmental constraints may yield comparable lifetime reproductive success among conspecifics. Food availability is one of the most important environmental factors shaping developmental processes. It notably affects key life‐history components such as reproduction and survival prospect. We investigated whether food resource availability could also operate as an ultimate driver of life‐history strategy variation between species. During 13 years, we marked and recaptured young and adult sibling mouse‐eared bats (Myotis myotisandMyotis blythii) at sympatric colonial sites. We tested whether distinct, species‐specific trophic niches and food availability patterns may drive interspecific differences in key life‐history components such as age at first reproduction and survival. We took advantage of a quasi‐experimental setting in which prey availability for the two species varies between years (pulse vs. nonpulse resource years), modeling mark‐recapture data for demographic comparisons. Prey availability dictated both adult survival and age at first reproduction. The bat species facing a more abundant and predictable food supply early in the season started its reproductive life earlier and showed a lower adult survival probability than the species subjected to more limited and less predictable food supply, while lifetime reproductive success was comparable in both species. The observed life‐history trade‐off indicates that temporal patterns in food availability can drive evolutionary divergence in life‐history strategies among sympatric sibling species.
Dual‐tracer‐based isotope turnover rates in a highly invasive mysid Limnomysis benedeni from Lake Constance
Authors: Yohannes Elizabeth , Rothhaupt Karl‐Otto
Published: April 2017

Understanding the ecological patterns of invasive species and their habitats require an understanding of the species’ foraging ecology. Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values provide useful information into the study of animal ecology and evolution, since the isotope ratios of consumers reflect consumer's dietary patterns. Nevertheless, the lack of species‐ and element‐specific laboratory‐derived turnover rates could limit their application. Using a laboratory‐based dual stable isotope tracer approach (Na15NO3 and NaH13CO3), we evaluated the δ15N and δ13C isotope turnover rates in full‐grown adult invasive Limnomysis benedeni from Lake Constance. We provide δ15N and δ13C turnover rates based on nonlinear least‐squares regression and posterior linear regression models. Model precisions and fit were evaluated using Akaike's information criterion. Within a couple of days, the δ15N and δ13C of mysids began to change. Nevertheless, after about 14 days, L. benedeni did not reach equilibrium with their new isotope values. Since the experiment was conducted on adult subjects, it is evident that turnover was mainly influenced by metabolism (in contrast to growth). Unlike traditional dietary shifts, our laboratory‐based dual stable isotope tracer approach does not shift the experimental organisms into a new diet and avoids dietary effects on isotope values. Results confirm the application of isotopic tracers to label mysid subpopulations and could be used to reflect assimilation and turnover from the labeled dietary sources. Field‐based stable isotope studies often use isotopic mixing models commonly assuming diet‐tissue steady state. Unfortunately, in cases where the isotopic composition of the animal is not in equilibrium with its diet, this can lead to highly misleading conclusions. Thus, our laboratory‐based isotopic incorporation rates assist interpretation of the isotopic values from the field and provide a foundation for future research into using isotopic tracers to investigate invasion ecology.
Neuregulin‐1 positively modulates glial response and improves neurological recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Alizadeh Arsalan , Dyck Scott M. , Kataria Hardeep , Shahriary Ghazaleh M. , Nguyen Dung H. , Santhosh Kallivalappil T. , Karimi‐Abdolrezaee Soheila
Published: April 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in glial activation and neuroinflammation, which play pivotal roles in the secondary injury mechanisms with both pro‐ and antiregeneration effects. Presently, little is known about the endogenous molecular mechanisms that regulate glial functions in the injured spinal cord. We previously reported that the expression of neuregulin‐1 (Nrg‐1) is acutely and chronically declined following traumatic SCI. Here, we investigated the potential ramifications of Nrg‐1 dysregulation on glial and immune cell reactivity following SCI. Using complementary in vitro approaches and a clinically‐relevant model of severe compressive SCI in rats, we demonstrate that immediate delivery of Nrg‐1 (500 ng/day) after injury enhances a neuroprotective phenotype in inflammatory cells associated with increased interleukin‐10 and arginase‐1 expression. We also found a decrease in proinflammatory factors including IL‐1β, TNF‐α, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and 9) and nitric oxide after injury. In addition, Nrg‐1 modulates astrogliosis and scar formation by reducing inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans after SCI. Mechanistically, Nrg‐1 effects on activated glia are mediated through ErbB2 tyrosine phosphorylation in an ErbB2/3 heterodimer complex. Furthermore, Nrg‐1 exerts its effects through downregulation of MyD88, a downstream adaptor of Toll‐like receptors, and increased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and STAT3. Nrg‐1 treatment with the therapeutic dosage of 1.5 μg/day significantly improves tissue preservation and functional recovery following SCI. Our findings for the first time provide novel insights into the role and mechanisms of Nrg‐1 in acute SCI and suggest a positive immunomodulatory role for Nrg‐1 that can harness the beneficial properties of activated glia and inflammatory cells in recovery following SCI.
Access to safe abortion in Uganda: Leveraging opportunities through the harm reduction model
Authors: Mulumba Moses , Kiggundu Charles , Nassimbwa Jacqueline , Nakibuuka Noor Musisi
Published: April 2017

Access to safe and legal abortion services is a far reach for women and girls in Uganda. Although unsafe abortion rates have fallen from 54 to 39 per 1000 women aged 15–45 years over a decade, absolute figures show a rise from 294 000 in 2003 to 314 000 women having unsafe abortions in 2013. Unfortunately, only 50% of the women who develop abortion complications are able to reach facilities for postabortion care. Despite the clinical evidence and the stories from undocumented cases, debate on access to safer and legal abortion is constricted, moralized, and stigmatized. The harm reduction model has shown evidence of benefit in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity due to unsafe abortion while addressing related stigma and discrimination and advancing women's reproductive health rights. This article presents a case for promoting the model in Uganda.
Control of weft yarn or density improves biocompatibility of PET small diameter artificial blood vessels
Authors: Hu Xingyou , Hu Tao , Guan Guoping , Yu Shaoting , Wu Yufen , Wang Lu
Published: April 2017

Polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET) fabrics with woven structures have proved to be quite effective for use on large diameter artificial blood vessels. However, their use within small‐diameter artificial blood vessels has been associated with poor long‐term patency, a problem resulting from slow endothelialization on PET and an over hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells. Previous research from our laboratory has revealed that ICAM‐1 can be used as a marker to investigate cell adhesion, an effect which was closely associated with cell behavior on the surface of polycaprolactone (PCL) films. Moreover, we found that the coarseness or pore size of the surface exerts considerable influence on cell adhesion and proliferation on PCL films. In this study, we successfully fabricated six types of PET woven fabrics with varying gradients of tightness and porosities. Levels of ICAM‐1 expression (membrane ICAM‐1 & soluble ICAM‐1) were then determined in these woven fabrics. Our results show that increased levels of mICAM‐1 and decreased levels of sICAM‐1 expression were obtained in HUVECs seeded on these six samples. These findings indicate that cell adhesion and proliferation on fabric surfaces were strongly influenced by their structural parameters, in particular the initial adhesion between the cell and fabric surface. In addition, we also found that extracellular matrix adhesion tends to prefer flat and tight surfaces, which promotes cell‐cell and cell‐matrix interactions, as well as the endothelialization on the surface of PET fabrics. These findings provide some novel insights with regard to the design and application of small‐diameter artificial blood vessels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 954–964, 2018.
Effects of heavy metal pollution on pigmented macrophages in kidney of Vardar chub (Squalius vardarensisKaraman)
Authors: Jordanova Maja , Rebok Katerina , Dragun Zrinka , Ramani Sheriban , Ivanova Lozenka , Kostov Vasil , Valić Damir , Krasnići Nesrete , Marijić Vlatka Filipović , Kapetanović Damir
Published: April 2017

Pollution with heavy metals may influence the immune system of fish, leading to impairment of their health or even increase their mortality. The fish kidney is one of the first fish organs to be affected by water contamination. Amounts of kidney macrophages (MACs), which are involved in fish immune response, as well as the qualitative and quantitative changes in the pigmented MACs in fish kidney, are used as biomarkers of pollution. Therefore, in this study, we have evaluated relative and total volumes of trunk kidney pigmented MACs, and analyzed the pigments accumulated within them. Fish were sampled from two mining impacted rivers, Kriva and Zletovska, highly contaminated with heavy metals, and from one reference river, Bregalnica, in spring and autumn of 2012. We have observed that main pigments found in kidney MACs of Vardar chub were melanin and lipofuscin/ceroid, as well as that relative volumes of MACs ranged from 0.56 to 1.68%. Moreover, the results showed that relative volumes of pigmented MACs were higher in metal contaminated rivers, especially in autumn season in the Zletovska River, concurrently with extremely high metal exposure. In addition, condition factors and kidney somatic indices were found significantly lower in the Zletovska River in both seasons, autumn and spring, possibly also as a consequence of high water pollution. Our data confirm that increase in relative volumes of pigmented MACs may serve as warning sign of potential heavy metal pollution in aquatic environment.
Valve interstitial cell culture: Production of mature type I collagen and precise detection
Authors: Liskova Jana , Hadraba Daniel , Filova Elena , Konarik Miroslav , Pirk Jan , Jelen Karel , Bacakova Lucie
Published: April 2017

Collagen often acts as an extracellular and intracellular marker for in vitro experiments, and its quality defines tissue constructs. To validate collagen detection techniques, cardiac valve interstitial cells were isolated from pigs and cultured under two different conditions; with and without ascorbic acid. The culture with ascorbic acid reached higher cell growth and collagen deposition, although the expression levels of collagen gene stayed similar to the culture without ascorbic acid. The fluorescent microscopy was positive for collagen fibers in both the cultures. Visualization of only extracellular collagen returned a higher correlation coefficient when comparing the immunolabeling and second harmonic generation microscopy images in the culture with ascorbic acid. Lastly, it was proved that the hydroxyproline strongly contributes to the second‐order susceptibility tensor of collagen molecules, and therefore the second harmonic generation signal is impaired in the culture without ascorbic acid.
Generalising the fan theorem
Authors: Valentini Silvio
Published: April 2017

We characterise the collections of infinite binary sequences that, when barred by a set of finite binary sequences, are also barred by a finite subset of such a set.
Homogenization‐based topology optimization for high‐resolution manufacturable microstructures
Authors: Groen Jeroen P. , Sigmund Ole
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a projection method to obtain high‐resolution, manufacturable structures from efficient and coarse‐scale homogenization‐based topology optimization results. The presented approach bridges coarse and fine scale, such that the complex periodic microstructures can be represented by a smooth and continuous lattice on the fine mesh. A heuristic methodology allows control of the projected topology, such that a minimum length scale on both solid and void features is ensured in the final result. Numerical examples show excellent behavior of the method, where performances of the projected designs are almost equal to the homogenization‐based solutions. A significant reduction in computational cost is observed compared to conventional topology optimization approaches.
The Effect of Terrain on Entheseal Changes in the Lower Limbs
Authors: Acosta M. A. , Henderson C. Y. , Cunha E.
Published: April 2017

One of the main factors involved in entheseal changes (EC) aetiology may be related to the physiological limits of biomechanical loading fixed during bone development, such that higher load during childhood and the adolescent growth spurt leads to a lower frequency of EC during adulthood. In this sense, it is possible that ECs may be related to overloading beyond an individual's normal physiological limits as established during childhood and adolescence.

This meta‐analysis tested this aetiological possibility by studying the influence of terrain on the entheses of the lower extremities. The hypothesis is that individuals who inhabited rugged terrain have lower EC than those living in flat terrain. This is because biomechanical loads associated with rugged terrain will lead to a higher normal capacity (defined during skeletal development) mitigating the probability of overloading compared to those living in flat terrain who will therefore have a higher frequency of ECs. To test this, papers reporting EC frequencies in the lower limbs were analysed alongside the local terrain. Terrain was defined into two categories: flat or rugged based on altimetry profile, i.e. the average elevation gains and losses along four specific paths (North‐South, East‐West, Northwest‐Southeast, Southwest‐Northeast). Odds ratios were calculated to compare rugged and flat terrain.

The overall results are consistent with the hypothesis that overloading is a factor in EC aetiology. However, when the analysis is conducted by sex and side, this general trend does not always occur. Limitations such as the lack of standardized age ranges could be affecting the outcome, i.e. older individuals have a higher frequency of ECs. The findings of this analysis suggest that the theoretical assumptions associated with the cause of ECs require further testing and evaluation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guideline for the prevention of acute chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients: A focused update
Authors: Patel Priya , Robinson Paula D. , Thackray Jennifer , Flank Jacqueline , Holdsworth Mark T. , Gibson Paul , Orsey Andrea , Portwine Carol , Freedman Jason , Madden Jennifer R. , Phillips Robert , Sung Lillian , Dupuis L. Lee
Published: April 2017

This update of the 2013 clinical practice guideline provides clinicians with guidance regarding the use of aprepitant and palonosetron for the prevention of acute chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in children. The recommendations were based on three systematic reviews. Substantive changes were made to the guideline recommendations including the inclusion of palonosetron to the 5‐HT3 antagonists recommended for children receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) and the recommendation of aprepitant for children 6 months of age or older receiving HEC. To optimize CINV control in children, future work must focus on closing critical research gaps.
Generation and optimization of the self‐administered pediatric bleeding questionnaire and its validation as a screening tool for von Willebrand disease
Authors: Casey Lara J. , Tuttle Angie , Grabell Julie , Hopman Wilma , Moorehead Paul C. , Blanchette Victor S. , Wu John K. , Steele MacGregor , Klaassen Robert J. , Silva Mariana , Rand Margaret L. , James Paula D.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Our objective was to generate, optimize, and validate a self‐administered pediatric bleeding questionnaire (Self‐PBQ) as a screening tool for von Willebrand disease (VWD) in children referred to the hematology clinic for the first time.

Study Design

The Self‐PBQ was generated by combining the validated expert‐administered PBQ and the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) bleeding assessment tool (BAT). Medical terminology was translated into lay language requiring a grade 4 reading level. In Phase 1, the Self‐PBQ was optimized and the level of agreement between the Self‐PBQ and the expert‐administered PBQ was determined. Phase 2 established the normal range of bleeding scores (BSs) of the Self‐PBQ. Phase 3 examined the Self‐PBQ as a screening tool for first‐time referrals to the hematology clinic.

Results

The Self‐PBQ is a reliable surrogate for the expert‐administered PBQ with an excellent intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.917. The Self‐PBQ was scored with the PBQ and the ISTH‐BAT scoring systems, for which its normal BS ranges are –1 to 2 or 0 to 2, respectively. A positive Self‐PBQ BS (≥3) had a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 37%, a positive predictive value of 0.18, and a negative predictive value of 0.91 for identifying VWD in children being investigated by a hematologist for a bleeding disorder.

Conclusion

The Self‐PBQ generates comparable BSs to the expert‐administered PBQ and is a reliable, reasonably sensitive screening tool to incorporate into the assessment of children presenting to a hematologist for the investigation of an inherited bleeding disorder.
Cardiotoxicity and cardiomyopathy in children and young adult survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Rotz Seth J. , Ryan Thomas D. , Hlavaty Joel , George Stephen A. , El‐Bietar Javier , Dandoy Christopher E.
Published: April 2017

Cardiomyopathy is common in long‐term survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Events occurring before and after HSCT when combined with specific insults during HSCT likely contribute to long‐term risk. Strategies for detecting subclinical cardiomyopathy prior to patients developing overt heart failure are under investigation. Changes in HSCT preparative regimens and cardioprotective medications administered during chemotherapy may alter the risk for cardiomyopathy. Interventions in long‐term survivors such as lifestyle modification and cardioactive medications are of increasing importance. Herein we review the causes of cardiac injury, discuss strategies for detection of cardiomyopathy, and evaluate therapeutic options for long‐term HSCT survivors.
A reappraisal of the mechanisms underlying the cardiac complications of sickle cell anemia
Authors: Rai Parul , Niss Omar , Malik Punam
Published: April 2017

Anemia, hemolysis‐driven vasculopathy, and intrinsic myocardial injury have been proposed as predisposing factors to cardiac disease in sickle cell anemia (SCA). The individual impact of these mechanisms on the cardiac features of SCA and the way they influence complications such as sudden death and dysrhythmias have been unclear. Recent findings of an acquired restrictive SCA‐related cardiomyopathy, driven by myocardial fibrosis, may explain some of these cardiac features. Given the complexity of cardiac pathology in SCA, using additional parameters to tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (left atrial volume, diastolic parameters, NT‐proBNP) may improve the accuracy of noninvasive screening for cardiopulmonary complications in SCA.
A Free‐standing electrochromic material of poly(5,7‐bis(2‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxy)thienyl)‐indole) and its application in electrochromic device
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Liu Changlong , Guo Jiabao , Wang Ling , Nie Guangming
Published: April 2017

Free‐standing poly(5,7‐bis(2‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxy)thienyl)‐indole) (PETI) was electrochemically obtained from 5,7‐bis(2‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxy)thienyl)‐indole (ETI) prepared by Stille coupling reaction of 5,7‐dibromoindole and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene. For comparison, poly(5,7‐bis(2‐thiophene)‐indole) was also electrosynthesized from 5,7‐bis(2‐thiophene)‐indole (BTI) which was prepared from the 5,7‐dibromoindole and thiophene. Characterizations of ETI and BTI were performed by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Spectroelectrochemical studies showed PETI had better electrochromic properties and showed two different colors (brown and blue‐violet) under various potentials with better maximum contrast (ΔT%) and coloration efficiency (CE). An electrochromic device (ECD) based on PETI and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was also constructed and characterized. This ECD had fast response time, high CE, better optical memory, and long‐term stability. These results indicated that PETI had potential applications for ECD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2356–2364
Multiband model for the electronic structure of Sr2TiO4
Authors: RoŚciszewski Krzysztof , Piekarz Przemysław , OleŚ Andrzej M.
Published: April 2017

We introduce and investigate the multiband d–p model for a TiO layer, such as realized in SrTiO, with all and orbitals (at titanium ions) and orbitals (at oxygen ions). Complementary density functional theory ab initio computations are employed to determine the actual electron number per TiO unit and one finds perfect Sr ionization with Sr ions and charged (TiO) layer. This system is predicted to be a robust nonmagnetic insulator, in agreement with experiment. The above charge distribution is crucial and when we deviate from it, even by a small amount, the system becomes conducting or very close to conducting and various magnetic structures compete with one another. This finding is generic, that is, it holds in a broad range of d–p Hamiltonian parameters. As expected, d–p hybridization strongly redistributes electrons and leads to titanium ions between and ionic configurations. Surprisingly, SrTiO is not a simpleminded system but instead electron densities are finite and roughly the same in all different orbitals (of and symmetry) and the electron densities within O() orbitals are within the range 5.4–5.9. By selecting the charge‐transfer energy, , we reproduce the experimental band gap of 3.8 eV. We emphasize that a realistic treatment of electronic distribution requires local Coulomb interactions at oxygen orbitals and we show that the Coulomb interactions at titanium ions are strongly renormalized when the Coulomb interactions at oxygen ions are neglected.
Optimization of electrospray ionization conditions to enhance formation of doubly protonated peptide ions with and without addition of chromium(III)
Authors: Commodore Juliette J. , Jing Xinyao , Cassady Carolyn J.
Published: April 2017

Rationale

Production of multiply protonated ions by electrospray ionization (ESI) is important to the analysis of peptides by mass spectrometry. For small neutral and acidic peptides, addition of chromium(III) greatly increases the intensity of doubly protonated ions. The current study examines instrumental and solution parameters that maximize peptide ion charge by ESI.

Methods

The neutral and basic heptapeptides AAAAAAA (A7) and AAAKAAA (A3KA3) were used as test compounds and electrosprayed from a solution containing chromium(III) nitrate at a peptide to metal molar ratio of 1:10. Positive ion mode experiments were performed on a Bruker HCTultra PTM Discovery System quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Source voltages and drying/nebulizer gases were systematically altered. The effects of rinsing, brand, and color of plastic microcentrifuge tubes (vials) employed were also investigated.

Results

Nebulizer gas pressure and drying gas flow rate are crucial parameters for production of [M + 2H]2+, while drying gas temperature alone has minimal effect. Optimization of the capillary exit and skimmer voltages are important both to maximize [M + 2H]2+ and reduce unwanted ion dissociation. Protonation is enhanced and fewer impurity peaks are observed when solutions are prepared in colorless plastic vials that have been rinsed briefly with propan‐2‐ol (isopropanol).

Conclusions

Optimization of instrument and sample preparation factors for enhanced protonation with and without Cr(III) is necessary to allow maximum formation of [M + 2H]2+. Proteomics researchers should find these procedures to be of use for increasing multiply protonated signal intensity even in the absence of Cr(III). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.