bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Discussion of M. Bonazzi, À la recherche des idées
Authors: Petrucci Federico M.
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses Mauro Bonazzi’s excellent book on Middle Platonism, its relationship with Hellenistic philosophy and Plotinus. The overall evaluation is extremely positive: the book detects fundamental aspects of Middle Platonism by focusing on its (often disregarded) epistemology and carefully analysing puzzling—and telling—stages of its philosophical development.
Physical Processes Controlling the Tide in the Tropical Lower Atmosphere Investigated Using a Comprehensive Numerical Model
Authors: Sakazaki T. , Hamilton K.
Published: June 2017

The lower-atmospheric circulation in the tropics is strongly influenced by large-scale daily variations referred to as atmospheric solar tides. Most earlier studies have used simplified linear theory to explain daily variations in the tropics. The present study employs a comprehensive limited-area atmospheric model and revisits some longstanding issues related to atmospheric tidal dynamics. The tides in the tropical lower atmosphere are realistically simulated in the control experiment with a near-global (75°S–75°N) version of the model. Sensitivity experiments with different aspects of the solar heating suppressed showed that the semidiurnal (S2) tide near the surface can be attributed roughly equally to stratospheric and tropospheric direct solar heating and that the diurnal (S1) tide is excited almost entirely by tropospheric direct solar heating as well as solar heating of Earth’s surface. Linear theory with forcing only by direct radiative heating predicts the phase of the S2 barometric oscillation should be ~0910 LT versus the ~0945 LT phase seen in low-latitude observations. The roles of (i) convective and latent heating and (ii) mechanical dissipation, in determining the S2 phase, are assessed in the model. It is found that the former effect delays the phase by ~25 min and the latter by ~5 min; these two effects together explain the observed phase. When the model is run in limited-area domains comparable to those used in typical regional climate studies the S2, but not S1, tide is found to be significantly weaker than observed, even using atmospheric reanalysis data to drive the lateral boundaries.
Contribution of Atlantic and Pacific Multidecadal Variability to Twentieth-Century Temperature Changes
Authors: Stolpe Martin B. , Medhaug Iselin , Knutti Reto
Published: June 2017

Recent studies have suggested that significant parts of the observed warming in the early and the late twentieth century were caused by multidecadal internal variability centered in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Here, a novel approach is used that searches for segments of unforced preindustrial control simulations from global climate models that best match the observed Atlantic and Pacific multidecadal variability (AMV and PMV, respectively). In this way, estimates of the influence of AMV and PMV on global temperature that are consistent both spatially and across variables are made. Combined Atlantic and Pacific internal variability impacts the global surface temperatures by up to 0.15°C from peak-to-peak on multidecadal time scales. Internal variability contributed to the warming between the 1920s and 1940s, the subsequent cooling period, and the warming since then. However, variations in the rate of warming still remain after removing the influence of internal variability associated with AMV and PMV on the global temperatures. During most of the twentieth century, AMV dominates over PMV for the multidecadal internal variability imprint on global and Northern Hemisphere temperatures. Less than 10% of the observed global warming during the second half of the twentieth century is caused by internal variability in these two ocean basins, reinforcing the attribution of most of the observed warming to anthropogenic forcings.
Comparison of Next-Day Probabilistic Severe Weather Forecasts from Coarse- and Fine-Resolution CAMs and a Convection-Allowing Ensemble
Authors: Loken Eric D. , Clark Adam J. , Xue Ming , Kong Fanyou
Published: June 2017

Given increasing computing power, an important question is whether additional computational resources would be better spent reducing the horizontal grid spacing of a convection-allowing model (CAM) or adding members to form CAM ensembles. The present study investigates this question as it applies to CAM-derived next-day probabilistic severe weather forecasts created by using forecast updraft helicity as a severe weather proxy for 63 days of the 2010 and 2011 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiments. Forecasts derived from three sets of Weather Research and Forecasting Model configurations are tested: a 1-km deterministic model, a 4-km deterministic model, and an 11-member, 4-km ensemble. Forecast quality is evaluated using relative operating characteristic (ROC) curves, attributes diagrams, and performance diagrams, and forecasts from five representative cases are analyzed to investigate their relative quality and value in a variety of situations. While no statistically significant differences exist between the 4- and 1-km deterministic forecasts in terms of area under ROC curves, the 4-km ensemble forecasts offer weakly significant improvements over the 4-km deterministic forecasts over the entire 63-day dataset. Further, the 4-km ensemble forecasts generally provide greater forecast quality relative to either of the deterministic forecasts on an individual day. Collectively, these results suggest that, for purposes of improving next-day CAM-derived probabilistic severe weather forecasts, additional computing resources may be better spent on adding members to form CAM ensembles than on reducing the horizontal grid spacing of a deterministic model below 4 km.
Progress and Future Directions of Crime Research in China with Selected Case Studies
Authors: Liu Lin , Li Jessica C. M.
Published: June 2017

This special issue of the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency presents four articles that expand our theoretical and empirical understanding of crime and its prevention in contemporary China. Undertaken mostly by Chinese scholars, these articles are theory-driven inquires that utilize original data to examine critical criminological issues in transitional China. Two of the four papers were initially presented at the 2015 Conference on Crime Geography and Crime Analysis, an annual conference hosted in Guangzhou in early July each year. In addition to introducing these four articles, this paper also provides a summary on progress, challenge, opportunities and future direction of crime research in China.
Genetic thinking and everyday living: On family practices and family imaginaries
Authors: Nordqvist Petra
Published: June 2017

This article is concerned with exploring how ideas about genes and genetic relationships are rendered meaningful in everyday life. David Morgan’s concept family practices has significantly shaped sociological enquiries into family lives in recent decades. It represents an important step away from a sociological focus on family as something you ‘are’ to family as something you ‘do’. With a focus on family as a set of activities, it however functions less well to capture more discursive dimensions of family life. Combining a focus on family as practice with an attention to discourse, the article concentrates specifically on ‘genetic thinking’ – the process through which genetic relationships are rendered meaningful in everyday family living. The study draws on original data from a study about families formed through donor conception, and the impact of such conception on family relationships, to show that genetic thinking is a salient part of contemporary family living. The article explores the everyday, normative assumptions, nuances and understandings about genetic relationships by exploring five dimensions: having a child; everyday family living; family resemblances; traits being ‘passed on’; and family members working out accountability and responsibility within the family. Showing the significance of genetic thinking in family life, the article argues for a more sustained sociological debate about the impact of such thinking within contemporary family life. The article also argues for the need to develop a sociological gaze more sensitive to the relationship between family as a set of activities and the feelings, imaginations, dreams or claims with which they are entwined.
Extending the Promise of the Older Americans Act to Persons Aging With Long-Term Disability
Authors: Putnam Michelle
Published: June 2017

This article discusses the need for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs to evaluate and develop where needed the capacity to serve persons aging with long-term disabilities such as intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and physical disabilities including polio, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. The rationale for this work is the universal access to OAA programs for all adults over 60, regardless of the disability type, age of onset, or severity, acknowledging that other needs-based criteria often need to be met to receive services. Recommendations for increasing OAA and aging network capacity include addressing long-standing divisions between the fields of aging and disability, a comprehensive review of all Administration for Community Living programs and policies, engaging in program adaptation to build capacity, advancing knowledge and skills of the professional workforce, creating new knowledge to support delivery of evidence-based interventions to all older adults including those with lifelong and early and midlife onset of disability.
I can see that you’re happy but you’re not my friend
Authors: Wróbel Monika
Published: June 2017

In the current study, I experimentally examined whether close relationship between a sender displaying affect and a receiver observing it fosters concordant affective reactions to the sender’s emotional displays. I recruited participants as pairs of either friends or strangers. One person served as a sender and the other person served as a receiver. The sender watched a happy or sad videotaped man, whereas the receiver observed him/her on the computer screen in a separate room. The results confirmed that the sender caught happiness displayed by the videotaped man and then passed it along to the receiver but only when the pair consisted of friends. When the pair consisted of strangers, this “second-hand” happiness contagion was blocked. The spread of sadness, however, remained unaffected by relationship closeness. This effect was not driven by the receiver’s ability to correctly decode the sender’s emotional expression.
Insulin differentially affects the distribution kinetics of amyloid beta 40 and 42 in plasma and brain
Authors: Swaminathan Suresh Kumar , Ahlschwede Kristen M , Sarma Vidur , Curran Geoffry L , Omtri Rajesh S , Decklever Teresa , Lowe Val J , Poduslo Joseph F , Kandimalla Karunya K
Published: June 2017

Impaired brain clearance of amyloid-beta peptides (Aβ) 40 and 42 across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is believed to be one of the pathways responsible for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Hyperinsulinemia prevalent in type II diabetes was shown to damage cerebral vasculature and increase Aβ accumulation in AD brain. However, there is no clarity on how aberrations in peripheral insulin levels affect Aβ accumulation in the brain. This study describes, for the first time, an intricate relation between plasma insulin and Aβ transport at the BBB. Upon peripheral insulin administration in wild-type mice: the plasma clearance of Aβ40 increased, but Aβ42 clearance reduced; the plasma-to-brain influx of Aβ40 increased, and that of Aβ42 reduced; and the clearance of intracerebrally injected Aβ40 decreased, whereas Aβ42 clearance increased. In hCMEC/D3 monolayers (in vitro BBB model) exposed to insulin, the luminal uptake and luminal-to-abluminal permeability of Aβ40 increased and that of Aβ42 reduced; the abluminal-to-luminal permeability of Aβ40 decreased, whereas Aβ42 permeability increased. Moreover, Aβ cellular trafficking machinery was altered. In summary, Aβ40 and Aβ42 demonstrated distinct distribution kinetics in plasma and brain compartments, and insulin differentially modulated their distribution. Cerebrovascular disease and metabolic disorders may disrupt this intricate homeostasis and aggravate AD pathology.
Sustained (S)-roscovitine delivery promotes neuroprotection associated with functional recovery and decrease in brain edema in a randomized blind focal cerebral ischemia study
Authors: Rousselet Estelle , Létondor Anne , Menn Bénédicte , Courbebaisse Yann , Quillé Marie-Lise , Timsit Serge
Published: June 2017

Stroke is a devastating disorder that significantly contributes to death, disability and healthcare costs. In ischemic stroke, the only current acute therapy is recanalization, but the narrow therapeutic window less than 6 h limits its application. The current challenge is to prevent late cell death, with concomitant therapy targeting the ischemic cascade to widen the therapeutic window. Among potential neuroprotective drugs, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as (S)-roscovitine are of particular relevance. We previously showed that (S)-roscovitine crossed the blood–brain barrier and was neuroprotective in a dose-dependent manner in two models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). According to the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable guidelines, the pharmacokinetics of (S)-roscovitine and the optimal mode of delivery and therapeutic dose in rats were investigated. Combination of intravenous (IV) and continuous sub-cutaneous (SC) infusion led to early and sustained delivery of (S)-roscovitine. Furthermore, in a randomized blind study on a transient MCAo rat model, we showed that this mode of delivery reduced both infarct and edema volume and was beneficial to neurological outcome. Within the framework of preclinical studies for stroke therapy development, we here provide data to improve translation of pre-clinical studies into successful clinical human trials.
Non-penetrating traumatic injuries of the aortic arch
Authors: Schicho Andreas , Lürken Lukas , Meier Ramona , Stroszczynski Christian , Schreyer Andreas , Dendl Lena-Marie , Schleder Stephan
Published: June 2017

Background

In severely injured trauma patients, non-penetrating aortic arch injuries (NAAI) have a remarkable incidence and mortality. Both diagnostics and therapy of NAAI recently underwent significant changes.

Purpose

To assess mortality, morbidity, and the risk factors associated with NAAI in severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score [ISS] ≥16) under the light of recent technical and procedural advances in trauma care.

Material and Methods

A total of 230 consecutive trauma patients with ISS ≥16 admitted to our level-I trauma center during a 24-month period, were prospectively included and underwent standardized whole-body computed tomography (CT) in a 2 × 128-detector-row scanner. Incidence, mortality, patient and trauma characteristics, and concomitant injuries were recorded for patients with NAAI. Localization of NAAI was described referring to Mitchell and Ishimaru; severity was graded according to the proposal of Heneghan et al.

Results

Thirteen of 230 patients had a NAAI, yielding an incidence of 5.6%. Mean age and ISS was not elevated in NAAI (44.4 ± 14.8 years, ISS = 38 ± 12.4). Mortality was 23.1%. One patient had severe neurologic sequelae from a stroke; all surviving patients had to undergo (transient) anticoagulant therapy. Trauma mechanism was of high kinetic energy in all cases. Concomitant injuries were predominantly thoracic (rib fractures = 76.9%, thoracic spine fracture = 38.5%).

Conclusion

Whenever an individual possibly encountered a deceleration–acceleration trauma mechanism, a high level of suspicion for NAAI should be maintained. It remains to be determined whether recent advances in mortality are due to changes in trauma care or due to improved vehicle and road safety.
Synthesis, characterization, and heavy metal adsorption properties of sulfonated aromatic polyamides
Authors: Santiago Arlette A , Ibarra-Palos Alejandro , Cruz-Morales Jorge A , Sierra Juan M , Abatal Mohamed , Alfonso Ismeli , Vargas Joel
Published: June 2017

This work reports on the synthesis of a series of new sulfonated fluorine-containing aromatic polyamides with increasing degree of sulfonation (DS). The chemical structure of the resulting polymers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) which evidenced the presence of amide and sulfonic groups in the proposed concentrations. Afterwards, we carried out a comparative study of heavy metal ion adsorption in membranes based on these aromatic polyamides. The main purpose was to determine the adsorption capacity of the prepared polymer membranes toward Pb2+ and Hg2+ in aqueous media at 30°C and pH neutral. The adsorption kinetics was evaluated with the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The adsorption kinetics in all the polyamide membranes followed the pseudo-second-order rate law for both heavy metal ions. It is observed that the adsorption capacities of all the polyamides toward Pb2+ ions are higher than those of the Hg2+ ions, and these capacities increase as the DS increases. The equilibrium adsorption amounts, qe, were 11.87 mg/g for Pb2+ and 5.17 mg/g for Hg2+ ions for the highest sulfonated polymer.
Dynamics and control of underactuated spacecraft formation reconfiguration in elliptic orbits
Authors: Huang Xu , Yan Ye , Zhou Yang
Published: June 2017

Feasibility of underactuated formation reconfiguration in elliptic orbits without radial or in-track thrust is investigated in this paper. For either underactuated case, by using a linear time-varying dynamical model of spacecraft formation, controllability and feasibility analyses are conducted, based on which the preconditions on reconfigurable formations are then derived. With the inherent coupling of system dynamics, the reduced-order sliding mode control technique is employed to design a closed-loop underactuated controller for either case. To ensure the stability of the closed-loop system, the conditions imposed on the controller parameters are derived, and the parameter adaptation laws are then solved analytically. Meanwhile, the explicit relationships between the steady accuracies of system states and the controller parameters are obtained via a Lyapunov-based approach. Numerical examples are simulated in a J2-perturbed environment to validate the theoretical analyses. The results indicate that by using the proposed control schemes, underactuated reconfiguration in elliptic orbits is still feasible even in the absence of radial or in-track thrust and in the presence of unmatched disturbances.
Dynamics of global instabilities in the vaneless diffuser: A numerical approach and its applications
Authors: Hu Chenxing , Liu Hao , Zhu Xiaocheng , Chen Hua , Du Zhaohui
Published: June 2017

The effect of inviscid main flow and backflow boundary layer at diffuser walls both contribute to the instability of vaneless diffuser. This study is carried out to investigate the instability induced by the inviscid main flow. The biglobal instability analysis adopted here is focused on the large time scale growth of perturbations imposed on a base flow. The diffuser considered has two parallel walls, and the undisturbed flow is assumed to be circumferentially uniform, isentropic, and to have no axial velocity. In order to access the given state is stable or not, a linearized Euler’s equations for compressible base flow is used with a small-amplitude perturbation assumption. The eigenvalue problem is established through the spectral collocation discretization. Compared with experimental data, the stability model proposed in this paper is verified. Based on this numerical approach, the influence of inflow condition and geometric parameters, especially the compressibility effect on the stability of diffuser are investigated. And based on the results from some experiment measurement, the reliability of the stability analysis is verified through comparison. It is showed that diffuser instability increases rapidly and the stall rotation speed decreases quickly with the increase of diffuser radius ratio. The largest critical inflow angle can be obtained when the wave number m is around 3–5 for the radius ratio between 1.5 and 2.2. The present biglobal stability method has the capability to predict the onset of rotating stall, especially for wide diffusers.
Monodora myristica (African nutmeg) modulates redox homeostasis and alters functional chemistry in sickled erythrocytes
Authors: Erukainure OL , Ajiboye JA , Abbah UA , Asieba GO , Mamuru S , Zaruwa MZ , Manhas N , Singh P , Islam MS
Published: June 2017

The antioxidative effect of Monodora myristica seed acetone extract and its effect on chemical functional groups were investigated in sickled erythrocytes as well as molecular modeling of the antisickling potentials of its secondary metabolites. The extract was subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify the compounds present, which were then docked into the allosteric-binding site of deoxy-hemoglobin. The extract was incubated with sickled erythrocytes at 37°C for 6, 12, and 24 h and were subjected to antioxidative analysis for reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Chemical functional group of the treated cells was analyzed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The predominant compounds identified were 17-octadecynoic acid; oleic acid, androstan-3-one, 17-hydroxy-2-methyl- (2.beta.,5.beta.,17.beta.)-; estran-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-2-methyl-, (2.alpha., 5.alpha., 17.beta.), and (+)-3-carene, 10-(acetylmethyl)-. They all fitted well within the active site of Hb with good binding affinity, as evidenced by the negative CDocker interaction energies of their complexes ranging between −54.4 and −26.7 kcal/mol. Treatment with the extract exacerbated SOD and catalase activities as well as GSH level, while LPO was suppressed. This antioxidative activity was time and/or dose dependent, with 6 and 12 h incubation showing the optimum activity. FTIR analysis of the treated cells showed the presence of hydrophobic functional groups. The synergetic molecular interaction of the major compounds of the extract with the α-dimer of Hb depicts an antisickling effect of M. myristica acetone extract. This is accompanied by exacerbation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes activity and modification of the functional chemistry of the cells.
Narratives of peripheralisation: Place, agency and generational cohorts in post-industrial Estonia
Authors: Pfoser Alena
Published: June 2017

Research on spatial polarisation in Central and Eastern Europe has tended to focus on macro-economic processes that create certain places and people as peripheral and has highlighted the socioeconomic impact of peripheralisation, while paying only limited attention to local experiences and responses. Drawing on a multiscalar conception of peripheralisation processes, the article examines the making of socio-spatial inequalities from the perspective of the periphery and foregrounds the narrative practices through which actors negotiate peripheralisation processes, focusing on the case of Narva, a former industrial city in Estonia’s Northeastern region. In the face of negative structural dynamics, actors rework their peripheral status by articulating a positive sense of belonging, claiming recognition based on their work and trying to exert control over their futures. The paper particularly highlights generational differences within these narrative responses to spatial inequalities. While older working-class populations’ narratives are shaped by collective and place-based resilience, the post-socialist generation employs more individualised strategies in the face of peripheralisation and exercises agency by detaching themselves from place. Analysing these responses, the article draws attention to constrained agency as well as cultural differentiation within peripheral communities.
Business and human rights: The challenge of putting principles into practice and regulating global supply chains
Authors: Nolan Justine
Published: June 2017

This article examines a company’s responsibility to respect human rights, focusing in particular on corporate global supply chains. While global supply chains have long been associated with a range of human rights violations, a number of recent legislative initiatives both in Australia and elsewhere are applying traditional corporate concepts – such as due diligence and reporting – in a human rights framework, to ensure companies respect human rights wherever they operate.
The judicial evolution (or counter-revolution) of fundamental rights protection in Australia
Authors: Meagher Dan
Published: June 2017

This article suggests that the decision of the framers of the Australian Constitution to consciously reject American notions of formal rights guarantees has not, ultimately, proven decisive. In the absence of a constitutional (or statutory) bill of rights, the High Court has filled the lacuna in formal rights protection in Australia. The emergence of new species of (constitutionally valid) legislation, openly hostile to fundamental rights, has sparked this judicial evolution (or counter-revolution). The Court has used the method of clear statement required by the principle of legality to construct a common law bill of rights that is now, arguably, quasi-constitutional in strength.
Osimertinib: A third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor for treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer with the acquired Thr790Met mutation
Authors: Bollinger Meredith K , Agnew Amanda S , Mascara Gerard P
Published: June 2017

Osimertinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients failing previous TKI therapy. The T790M mutation is an acquired resistance mechanism found in over half of patients with NSCLC progressing on first-generation TKIs. First- and second-generation TKIs do not inhibit the T790M mutation at clinically relevant concentrations. Osimertinib is selective for mutated forms of EGFR, including the TKI-sensitizing mutations L858R and exon 19 deletions, as well as the acquired T790M resistance mutation. In a trial comparing osimertinib to platinum doublet therapy among patients with the T790M mutation progressing on first-line TKI therapy, median progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients receiving osimertinib. Osimertinib has a favorable safety profile compared to platinum-doublet chemotherapy. Common adverse events include diarrhea, skin rash, dry skin, and paronychia; however, because it spares wild-type EGFR, these toxicities appear to occur with less frequency and severity compared to other TKIs. Serious, but rare, adverse events include pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease-like events, QT interval prolongation, and reduced ejection fraction. Osimertinib has the unique ability to distribute readily into brain tissue compared with other TKIs, giving it a potential role in the treatment and/or prevention of CNS metastases; future studies are warranted in this area. An ongoing study evaluating osimertinib versus first-generation TKIs as first-line treatment for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC may help to define the role of osimertinib as front-line therapy.
Military Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Awareness Training for Health Care Providers Within the Military Health System
Authors: Shrader Angela , Casero Kellie , Casper Bethany , Kelley Mary , Lewis Laura , Calohan Jess
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals serving within the U.S. military and their beneficiaries have unique health care requirements. Department of Defense Directive 1304.26 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” created a barrier for service members to speak candidly with their health care providers, which left specific health care needs unaddressed. There are no standardized cultural education programs to assist Military Health System (MHS) health care providers in delivering care to LGBT patients and their beneficiaries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of an LGBT educational program for health care providers within the MHS to increase cultural awareness in caring for this special population. METHOD: This multisite educational program was conducted at Travis Air Force Base and Joint Base Lewis-McChord from November 15, 2014, to January 30, 2015. A 15-question multiple-choice questionnaire was developed based on the education program and was administered before and after the education program. A total of 51 individuals completed the program. RESULTS: Overall posttest scores improved compared to pretest scores. CONCLUSION: This program was designed to begin the process of educating health care providers about the unique health care issues of military LGBT Service Members and their beneficiaries. This program was the first to address the disparities in LGBT health care needs within the Department of Defense. It also provided a platform for facilitating open communication among providers regarding LGBT population health needs in the military.
Probabilistic characterisation for dynamics and stability of laminated soft core sandwich plates
Authors: Dey S , Mukhopadhyay T , Naskar S , Dey TK , Chalak HD , Adhikari S
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a generic multivariate adaptive regression splines-based approach for dynamics and stability analysis of sandwich plates with random system parameters. The propagation of uncertainty in such structures has significant computational challenges due to inherent structural complexity and high dimensional space of input parameters. The theoretical formulation is developed based on a refined C0 stochastic finite element model and higher-order zigzag theory in conjunction with multivariate adaptive regression splines. A cubical function is considered for the in-plane parameters as a combination of a linear zigzag function with different slopes at each layer over the entire thickness while a quadratic function is assumed for the out-of-plane parameters of the core and constant in the face sheets. Both individual and combined stochastic effect of skew angle, layer-wise thickness, and material properties (both core and laminate) of sandwich plates are considered in this study. The present approach introduces the multivariate adaptive regression splines-based surrogates for sandwich plates to achieve computational efficiency compared to direct Monte Carlo simulation. Statistical analyses are carried out to illustrate the results of the first three stochastic natural frequencies and buckling load.
Age and Anatomical Location–Related Dermoscopic Patterns of 210 Acral Melanocytic Nevi in a Turkish Population
Authors: Emiroglu Nazan , Cengiz Fatma Pelin , Onsun Nahide
Published: June 2017

Background:

Dermoscopy is a useful tool for earlier diagnosis and differentiating benign lesions from melanoma.

Objectives:

We aim to investigate dermoscopic features of acral nevi, age, and localisation-related findings of these lesions.

Methods:

This was an observational, descriptive study. Patients were retrospectively collected from the Department of Dermatology. The patients with acral nevi were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were Turkish nationality and the presence of at least 1 acral nevus diagnosed both clinically and dermoscopically. Lesions in dorsal and subungual areas were excluded. All nevi were examined by the same dermatologist.

Results:

The most common dermoscopic patterns were as follows: parallel furrow (87 patients; 41.4%), globular (24 patients; 11.4%), fibrillar (22 patients; 10.5%), combination patterns (19 patients; 9.1%), globulostreak-like (16 patients; 7.6%), lattice-like (15 patients; 7.1%), homogeneous (12 patients; 5.7%), nontypical (8 patients; 3.8%), parallel ridge (4 patients; 1.9%), reticular (2 patients; 1.0%), and crista dotted pattern (1 patient; 0.5%). The parallel furrow pattern was the most common pattern in all localisations. The number of parallel furrow patterns (5 lesions) was equal to the globulostreak-like pattern (5 lesions) on the thenar area. The number of parallel furrow patterns (4 lesions) was equal to the fibrillar pattern (4 lesions) on the heel. Parallel furrow (dotted variants) (11 lesions) and globulostreak-like patterns (5 lesions) were the most common patterns in the pediatric population (0-15 years old). The fibrillar pattern showed a tendency for soles (12 lesions), while a lattice-like pattern was seen more often in the plantar arch (3 lesions).

Conclusions:

Description of the dermoscopic features of acral nevi is important to improve management and reduce the number of unnecessary excisions. The most common patterns were parallel furrow, globular, and fibrillar in our study. Parallel furrow (dotted variants) and globulostreak-like patterns were the most common patterns in the pediatric population. The fibrillar pattern showed a tendency for soles, while a lattice-like pattern was seen more often on the plantar arch. Therefore, there may be a relation between anatomic localisation, age, and dermoscopic pattern.
Book review: Bangura, Yusuf, editor. 2015: The Developmental Pathways to Poverty Reduction
Authors: Ferris Denise
Published: June 2017

Bangura, Yusuf, editor. 2015: The Developmental Pathways to Poverty Reduction. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 338 pp. £75. ISBN: 9781137482532 (hardback). £71.25. ISBN: 9781137482549 (e-book).
Patient and health care professional perspectives on using telehealth to deliver pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Inskip J. A. , Lauscher H. Novak , Li L. C. , Dumont G. A. , Garde A. , Ho K. , Hoens A. M. , Road J. D. , Ryerson C. J. , Camp P. G.
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to identify the necessary features of pulmonary telerehabilitation (P-TR) from the perspectives of individuals living with chronic lung disease and health care professionals (HCPs) who deliver pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Focus groups were carried out with patients ( n = 26) and HCPs ( n = 26) to elicit and explore their opinions about the critical elements of in-person PR and ideas for how these elements could be supported using technology. A questionnaire was used to assess technology use, PR experience, and general health status. Four key elements of PR were identified as critical to P-TR: the social aspect of PR; communicating with HCPs for education and support; using biosensors for monitoring and promoting self-knowledge; and the evolution of support with progress over time. A range of technology-enabled devices and programs were suggested as means to recreate aspects of these integral elements. Consultations with patients and HCPs suggest that users are interested in technology and want to ensure it recreates the important aspects of PR. Patients and HCPs identified similar key elements for P-TR. The opinions and suggestions of patients and HCPs should be the driving force of innovation if P-TR is to succeed in improving health outcomes.
The effect of endograft device on patient outcomes in endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Kansal Vinay , Nagpal Sudhir , Jetty Prasad
Published: June 2017

Objective

Endovascular aneurysm repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is being increasingly applied as the intervention of choice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether survival and reintervention rates after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm vary between endograft devices.

Methods

This cohort study identified all ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms performed at The Ottawa Hospital from January 1999 to May 2015. Data collected included patient demographics, stability index at presentation, adherence to device instructions for use, endoleaks, reinterventions, and mortality. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare outcomes between groups. Mortality outcomes were assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and multivariate Cox regression modeling.

Results

One thousand sixty endovascular aneurysm repairs were performed using nine unique devices. Ninety-six ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms were performed using three devices: Cook Zenith ( n = 46), Medtronic Endurant ( n = 33), and Medtronic Talent ( n = 17). The percent of patients presented in unstable or extremis condition was 30.2, which did not differ between devices. Overall 30-day mortality was 18.8%, and was not statistically different between devices ( p = 0.16), although Medtronic Talent had markedly higher mortality (35.3%) than Cook Zenith (15.2%) and Medtronic Endurant (15.2%). AUI configuration was associated with increased 30-day mortality (33.3% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.02). Long-term mortality and graft-related reintervention rates at 30 days and 5 years were similar between devices. Instructions for use adherence was similar across devices, but differed between the ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and elective endovascular aneurysm repair cohorts (47.7% vs. 79.0%, p < 0.01). Notably, two patients who received Medtronic Talent grafts underwent open conversion >30 days post-endovascular aneurysm repair ( p = 0.01). Type 1 endoleak rates differed significantly across devices (Cook Zenith 0.0%, Medtronic Endurant 18.2%, Medtronic Talent 17.6%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Although we identified device-related differences in endoleak rates, there were no significant differences in reintervention rates or mortality outcomes. Favorable outcomes of Cook Zenith and Medtronic Endurant over Medtronic Talent reflect advances in endograft technology and improvements in operator experience over time. Results support selection of endograft by operator preference for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Optimal thickness of various insulation materials for different temperature conditions and heat sources in terms of economic aspect
Authors: Orzechowski Tadeusz , Orzechowski Mateusz
Published: June 2017

The article presents the methodology for calculating the optimal insulation thickness that is related to the quality of energy supply and fuel prices. Assuming that the total cost following renovation is the sum of the costs of heating and thermal upgrading, it was shown that when calculating the optimal insulation thickness, the thermal resistance of the outer walls should be taken into account. Such calculations, in addition to the characteristics of the heat source, should be carried out taking into account local weather conditions. The study presents the results of such calculations for the building heated with gas and the air-source heat pump. The results of the investigations are referred to the mean climatic conditions recorded in the last 10 years. It was found that for thermal upgrading with the use of foamed polystyrene having the optimum thickness, total investment costs are almost the same, regardless of polystyrene thermal properties. The same also refers to energy costs. The article also provides sample calculations for plaster, the main ingredient of which is perlite. In the case of internal thermal upgrading of the historic buildings, such isolation is recommended in order to prevent moisture problems inside the envelope.
Tom Chapman and the Glasgow Punch
Authors: Goddard Jonathan Charles
Published: June 2017

Thomas Lightbody Chapman (1903 – 1966) founded the urological department at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow. After travelling to the Mayo Clinic in America to learn the new technique of punch prostatectomy he brought that procedure back to Glasgow.

The prostatic punch required skill to master but could be successful in the right hands. Chapman was a great teacher who used innovative techniques to educate his students in the skills of punch prostatectomy. These included a training model where the trainee surgeon could be observed punching out a phantom prostate and a cine-film using both live action and animation to demonstrate the technique. Keen to share his enthusiasm for the punch prostatectomy he organized a meeting of like-minded urologists, a group which became the Punch Club, a travelling urology club still active today.

Tom Chapman was a colourful and dynamic individual, devoted to his work and his patients. His name will be remembered as being almost synonymous with the punch prostatectomy in Great Britain.
Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens core but not shell reduces motivational components of heroin taking and seeking in rats
Authors: Schippers Maria C. , Gaastra Mathijs , Mesman Tanja , Schetters Dustin , van Mourik Yvar , Denys Damiaan , Pattij Tommy , De Vries Taco J.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Deep brain stimulation is explored as a new intervention for treatment-resistant substance use dependence. A candidate brain region is the nucleus accumbens, due to its involvement in reward and motivation. This study aimed to explore effects of NAcore and NAshell deep brain stimulation on aspects of heroin taking and seeking in a self-administration model for rats.

Methods:

NAcore and NAshell deep brain stimulation was applied during 25 or 100 µg/kg/infusion heroin self-administration on an FR4 schedule of reinforcement and during cue- and heroin-induced reinstatement. In a separate group, effects of NAcore deep brain stimulation on heroin self-administration on a progressive ratio schedule and the first extinction session were examined.

Results:

NAcore and NAshell deep brain stimulation did not alter heroin self-administration on an FR4 schedule. NAcore deep brain stimulation decreased cue – but not drug-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking, whereas NAshell deep brain stimulation did not affect reinstatement responding. In the second experiment, NAcore deep brain stimulation reduced responding during a progressive ratio schedule of heroin reinforcement. Finally, deep brain stimulation facilitated extinction from day 1 throughout the course of extinction learning.

Conclusion:

Taken together, the differential effects of NAcore and NAshell deep brain stimulation on heroin taking and seeking are in line with the distinct functional roles of these sub-regions therein. Conditioned cues have been shown to be very powerful stimuli for the persistence of addiction and relapse to drug use. Therefore, the present findings that NAcore deep brain stimulation decreases motivation for heroin taking and cue-conditioned behaviour and facilitates extinction learning are very promising, supporting the positive findings from clinical case studies.
Civil and forensic patients in secure psychiatric settings: A comparison
Authors: Galappathie Nuwan , Khan Sobia Tamim , Hussain Amina
Published: June 2017

Aims and method

To evaluate differences between male patients in secure psychiatric settings in the UK based on whether they are detained under civil or forensic sections of the Mental Health Act 1983. A cohort of patients discharged from a secure psychiatric hospital were evaluated for length of stay and frequency of risk-related incidents.

Results

Overall, 84 patients were included in the study: 52 in the forensic group and 32 in the civil group. Civil patients had more frequent incidents of aggression, sex offending, fire-setting and vulnerability, whereas forensic patients had more frequent episodes of self-harm.

Clinical implications

Secure hospitals should ensure treatment programmes are tailored to each patient's needs. Civil patients require greater emphasis on treatment of their mental illness, whereas forensic patients have additional offence-related treatment needs. Regular liaison between forensic and general adult services is essential to help ensure patients can return to appropriate settings at the earliest opportunity in their recovery.
Are men under-treated and women over-treated with antidepressants? Findings from a cross-sectional survey in Sweden
Authors: Sundbom Lena Thunander , Bingefors Kerstin , Hedborg Kerstin , Isacson Dag
Published: June 2017

Aims and method

To examine gender differences in self-reported depression and prescribed antidepressants (ADs). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess depression, and information on prescribed ADs was obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.

Results

Depression was reported by 11.7% of the participants (12.3% men and 11.2% women). ADs were prescribed for 7.6% of the participants (5.3% men, 9.8% women). Among men, 1.8% reported depression and used ADs, 10.5% reported depression but did not use ADs, and 3.6% used ADs but did not report depression. The corresponding figures for women were 2.6%, 8.6% and 7.2%.

Clinical implications

Men report depression to a greater extent than women but are prescribed ADs to a lesser extent, possibly a sign of under-treatment. Women are prescribed ADs without reporting depression more often than men, possibly a sign of over-treatment. Although the causes remain unclear, diagnostic and treatment guidelines should benefit from considering gender differences in these respects.
Adherence to NICE guidance on lifestyle advice for people with schizophrenia: A survey
Authors: Swaby Lizzie , Hind Daniel , Gossage-Worrall Rebecca , Shiers David , Mitchell Jonathan , Holt Richard I. G.
Published: June 2017

Aims and method

The STEPWISE trial (STructured lifestyle Education for People WIth SchizophrEnia, schizoaffective disorder and first episode psychosis) is currently evaluating a lifestyle education programme in addition to usual care. However, it is difficult to define what constitutes ‘usual care’. We aimed to define ‘usual care’ for lifestyle management in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and first-episode psychosis in STEPWISE study sites. Ten National Health Service (NHS) mental health trusts participated in a bespoke survey based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

Results

Eight trusts reported offering lifestyle education programmes and nine offered smoking cessation support. Reported recording of biomedical measures varied.

Clinical implications

Although recommended by NICE, lifestyle education programmes are not consistently offered across UK NHS mental health trusts. This highlights missed opportunities to improve the physical health of people with psychotic illness. Our survey benchmarks ‘usual care’ for the STEPWISE study, against which changes can be measured. Furthermore, future studies will be able to identify whether any progress in clinical practice has been made towards achieving the NICE recommendations.