bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eastern U.S. Verification of Ensemble Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Sharma Sanjib , Siddique Ridwan , Balderas Nicholas , Fuentes Jose D. , Reed Seann , Ahnert Peter , Shedd Robert , Astifan Brian , Cabrera Reggina , Laing Arlene , Klein Mark , Mejia Alfonso
Published: November 2016

The quality of ensemble precipitation forecasts across the eastern United States is investigated, specifically, version 2 of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ensemble Forecast System Reforecast (GEFSRv2) and Short Range Ensemble Forecast (SREF) system, as well as NCEP’s Weather Prediction Center probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecast (WPC-PQPF) guidance. The forecasts are verified using multisensor precipitation estimates and various metrics conditioned upon seasonality, precipitation threshold, lead time, and spatial aggregation scale. The forecasts are verified, over the geographic domain of each of the four eastern River Forecasts Centers (RFCs) in the United States, by considering first 1) the three systems or guidance, using a common period of analysis (2012–13) for lead times from 1 to 3 days, and then 2) GEFSRv2 alone, using a longer period (2004–13) and lead times from 1 to 16 days. The verification results indicate that, across the eastern United States, precipitation forecast bias decreases and the skill and reliability improve as the spatial aggregation scale increases; however, all the forecasts exhibit some underforecasting bias. The skill of the forecasts is appreciably better in the cool season than in the warm one. The WPC-PQPFs tend to be superior, in terms of the correlation coefficient, relative mean error, reliability, and forecast skill scores, than both GEFSRv2 and SREF, but the performance varies with the RFC and lead time. Based on GEFSRv2, medium-range precipitation forecasts tend to have skill up to approximately day 7 relative to sampled climatology.
What Makes a Social Encounter Meaningful: The Impact of Social Encounters of Homeschooled Children on Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Authors: Guterman Oz , Neuman Ari
Published: November 2016

In modern society, a large part of the socialization process occurs in schools. Therefore, one of the most significant questions raised with regard to homeschooling concerns the impact of this type of education on the emotional world of the child. However, there is almost no mention in the research of how the nature of the social activity of homeschooled children affects their emotional world. In the present research, we examined the quantity and character of the social interactions of homeschooled children and their influence on the children’s emotional and behavioral problems. The findings suggested a negative correlation between meetings with other homeschooled children and emotional and behavioral problems, and a similar relationship between the child’s number of siblings and such problems. In comparison, we found a relationship between meetings with school-going children and such problems only in the younger age group, and only with regard to problems of internalization.
Correlation between mechanical scales and analysis scales of topographic signals under milling process of natural fibre composites
Authors: Chegdani Faissal , Mezghani Sabeur , El Mansori Mohamed
Published: November 2016

This article aims to find the relation between the multiscale mechanical structure of natural fibre reinforced plastic composites and the analysis scales in the topographic signals of machined surfaces as induced by profile milling process. Bamboo, sisal and miscanthus fibres reinforced polypropylene composites were considered in this study. The multiscale process signature of natural fibre reinforced plastic machined surfaces based on wavelet decomposition was determined. Then, the impact of wavelet function was inspected by testing different wavelet shapes. Finally, the analysis of variance was carried out to exhibit the contribution rate of fibre stiffness and tool feed on the machined surface roughness at each analysis scale. Results demonstrate that studying the machining of natural fibre reinforced plastic requires the selection of the relevant scales. They show also the insignificance of the wavelet choice. This study proves that the contribution rate of fibre stiffness and tool feed on machined surface roughness is significantly dependent on the analysis scales, which are directly related to the mechanical properties of natural fibres structure inside the composite.
Transformations in LGBT consumer landscapes and leisure spaces in the neoliberal city
Authors: Gorman-Murray Andrew , Nash Catherine
Published: November 2016

This paper examines recent transformations in consumer landscapes and leisure spaces in inner-city LGBT neighbourhoods in Sydney, Australia and Toronto, Canada. In doing so, we rethink orthodox positions on neoliberalism and homonormativity by considering practices of sociability and commensality. We contend that closer attention to interactions between mainstream and LGBT consumers is key to understanding these urban changes. Mainstream-LGBT interactions encompass both congruent and competing practices, actualised in both physical encounters in consumer landscapes and discursive reputations of those spaces. These relations are increasingly important owing to the progressive integration of LGBT neighbourhoods into urban cultures and economies. Simultaneously, the materialisation of diverse LGBT landscapes in Sydney and Toronto has generated a relational geography of ‘traditional’ gay villages and ‘emergent’ queer-friendly neighbourhoods. We argue that practices and spaces of leisure-based consumption are emerging in different forms across these neighbourhoods and between Sydney and Toronto. To illustrate this, we deploy a discourse analysis of mainstream newspaper articles on LGBT neighbourhoods over 2004–2014, supplemented by relevant LGBT press releases in Toronto, focusing on the use, meaning and social significance of leisure-based consumption sites – clubs, bars, cafés, restaurants. We find the balance of daytime/night-time leisure spaces, which have both social and material affordances, is a key discriminator across the neighbourhoods, both within and between the cities. Daytime consumer landscapes are more often framed as sociable and inclusive within the media, while night-time landscapes are perceived as divisive.
Effectiveness of a Family-based Diabetes Self-management Educational Intervention for Chinese Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Wuhan, China
Authors: Cai Chun , Hu Jie
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a family-based self-management educational intervention on self-management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Wuhan, China.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Chinese patients with T2DM (N = 57) and their family members were assigned to 2 groups. The intervention group (n1 = 29) received a tailored 7-session educational intervention and the control group (n2 = 28) received routine care in the community. Data were collected at pre- and postintervention and at the end of the 3-month follow-up. Descriptive analysis and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.

Results

Participants with T2DM in the intervention group showed significance in greater reductions in A1C, body mass index, and waist circumference and significant improvements in diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-efficacy, self-care activities, and health-related quality of life compared with those in the control group. Family members in the intervention group had significant improvements in diabetes knowledge and health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

Study findings demonstrated that a family-based diabetes self-management intervention incorporating self-efficacy theory may help Chinese adults with T2DM in modifying their lifestyle and performing self-care activities to improve A1C management.
End-of-Life Decision Support in the ICU: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Pignatiello Grant , Hickman Ronald L. , Hetland Breanna
Published: November 2016

Determining effective decision support strategies that enhance quality of end-of-life decision making in the intensive care unit is a research priority. This systematic review identified interventional studies describing the effectiveness of decision support interventions administered to critically ill patients or their surrogate decision makers. We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Our search returned 121 articles, 22 of which met the inclusion criteria. The search generated studies with significant heterogeneity in the types of interventions evaluated and varied patient and surrogate decision-maker outcomes, which limited the comparability of the studies. Few studies demonstrated significant improvements in the primary outcomes. In conclusion, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of end-of-life decision support for critically ill patients and their surrogate decision makers. Additional research is needed to develop and evaluate innovative decision support interventions for end-of-life decision making in the intensive care unit.
A New Theory for Ménière’s Disease: Detached Saccular Otoconia
Authors: Hornibrook Jeremy , Bird Philip
Published: November 2016

Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo attacks, fluctuating and progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness in the affected ear. The pathophysiology of Ménière’s disease remains elusive. Theories so far are anatomical variation in the size or position of the endolymphatic sac and duct, viral inflammation or autoimmune involvement of the sac, or a genetically determined abnormality of endolymph control. Animal studies on blocking the ductus reuniens and endolymphatic duct have produced hydrops in the cochlea, saccule, and utricle. Cone beam computed tomography images show a similar pattern with apparent obstruction of the ductus reuniens, saccular duct, and endolymphatic sinus. New studies documenting the age of onset of Ménière’s disease show a pattern similar to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, raising the possibility that the fundamental cause of Ménière’s disease might be detached saccular otoconia.
The P Value Problem in Otolaryngology: Shifting to Effect Sizes and Confidence Intervals
Authors: Vila Peter M. , Townsend Melanie Elizabeth , Bhatt Neel K. , Kao W. Katherine , Sinha Parul , Neely J. Gail
Published: November 2016

There is a lack of reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals in the current biomedical literature. The objective of this article is to present a discussion of the recent paradigm shift encouraging the use of reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals. Although P values help to inform us about whether an effect exists due to chance, effect sizes inform us about the magnitude of the effect (clinical significance), and confidence intervals inform us about the range of plausible estimates for the general population mean (precision). Reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals is a necessary addition to the biomedical literature, and these concepts are reviewed in this article.
Operative technique and pitfalls in donor heart procurement
Authors: Shudo Yasuhiro , Hiesinger William , Oyer Philip E , Woo Y Joseph
Published: November 2016

We describe a simple and reproducible donor heart procurement technique in sequential steps. A detailed understanding of procurement and organ preservation techniques should be an essential part of a heart transplant training program.
Capturing schizophrenia-like prodromal symptoms in a spinocerebellar ataxia-17 transgenic rat
Authors: Amato Davide , Canneva Fabio , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Bauer Peter , Riess Olaf , von Hörsten Stephan , Müller Christian P
Published: November 2016

Rationale:

The polyglutamine disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to severe neurological symptoms during development. Additionally, patients affected by SCA17 display psychosis earlier than their motor disorders.

Objective:

Here the putative psychotic phenotype and endophenotype of transgenic SCA17 rats was examined.

Methods:

The expression of schizophrenia-like symptoms was evaluated over a longitudinal period before and after the onset of neurological symptoms in SCA17. To this end, transgenic SCA17 rats’ monoamine neurotransmission was investigated along with their locomotion at baseline and in response to amphetamine using in-vivo microdialysis in free moving conditions, their sensorimotor gating using pre-pulse inhibition of startle reaction, and their object memory using the novel object recognition test as an index of cognitive impairments.

Results:

Presymptomatic SCA17 rats displayed dysregulated monoamine levels at baseline and in response to amphetamine compared with control wild-type (wt) rats. At that stage, neither amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion nor sensorimotor gating differed from that in wt rats. Symptomatic SCA17 rats developed sensorimotor gating deficits and also showed an impaired object memory, while their monoaminergic responses remained supersensitive to amphetamine.

Conclusions:

The data of the present study demonstrate a neurochemical endophenotype in SCA17 rats resembling that of prodromal schizophrenia. These findings suggest that a sensitization of the monoamine systems arises early in adulthood in SCA17 rats and may predispose them to express schizophrenia-like symptoms later in life.
Peripheral invariant natural killer T cell deficiency in metabolically unhealthy but normal weight versus metabolically healthy but obese individuals
Authors: Wang Xiao-Li , Chang Xiang-Yun , Tang Xiao-Xiao , Chen Zhi-Gang , Zhou Ting , Sun Kan
Published: November 2016

Objective

To investigate the proportion of circulating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in four body health types.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, participants were classified into four body health types according to the body mass index and metabolic status: metabolically healthy and normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy but normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy but obese (MHO), or metabolically unhealthy and obese (MUO). Demographic and clinical characteristics were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. The proportion of circulating iNKT cells was also evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

The study enrolled 41 MHNW, 37 MUNW, 30 MHO, and 43 MUO participants. Compared with the MHNW group, the MUNW, MHO, and MUO groups had significantly lower iNKT cell proportions. The iNKT cell proportion was significantly higher in the MHO group than the MUNW and MUO groups. The iNKT cell proportion was inversely correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, HOMA-IR, and VAI values.

Conclusion

The proportion of iNKT cells was lower in people (lean or obese) with excessive visceral fat accumulation, suggesting that iNKT cell deficiency may be involved in the pathophysiology of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio index is a good noninvasive biomarker for predicting liver fibrosis in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Wang Rong-Qi , Zhang Qing-Shan , Zhao Su-Xian , Niu Xue-Min , Du Jing-Hua , Du Hui-Juan , Nan Yue-Min
Published: November 2016

Objective

To evaluate whether gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio index (GPRI) can diagnose the extent of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection.

Methods

This prospective observational study used liver biopsy results as the gold standard to evaluate the ability of GPRI to predict hepatic fibrosis compared with two other markers, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). The clinical and demographic factors that affected GPRI, independent of liver fibrosis, were assessed using multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

This study enrolled 312 patients with CHB. GPRI had a significantly positive correlation with liver fibrosis stage and the correlation coefficient was higher than that for APRI and FIB-4. The areas under the receiver operating curves for GPRI for significant fibrosis, bridging fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.728, 0.836, and 0.842, respectively. Of the three indices, GPRI had the highest diagnostic accuracy for bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis. Age, elevated AST and elevated total bilirubin levels were independent determinants of increased GPRI.

Conclusion

GPRI was a more reliable laboratory marker than APRI and FIB-4 for predicting the stage of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with CHB.
Establishment and evaluation of a prognostic model for surgical outcomes of patients with atlanto-axial dislocations
Authors: Guo Shuai , Chen Jie , Yang Baohui , Li Haopeng
Published: November 2016

Objective

Atlanto-axial dislocations (AADs) are potentially fatal disturbances with high spinal cord compression syndrome. As surgeons are still uncertain who is likely to benefit the most from surgery, a prediction tool is needed to provide decision-making support.

Methods

The model was established based on 108 patients with AADs using multiple binary logistic regression analysis and evaluated by calibration plot and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Bootstrapping was used for internal validation.

Results

The prognostic model can be expressed as: logit(P) = −2.2428 + 0.3168SCOPE − 2.0375SIGNAL, in which two covariates were accepted (SCORE represents the preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and SIGNAL represents the intramedullary hyperintense T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) with AUC = 0.8081).

Conclusions

The model was internally valid, and the preoperative mJOA score and hyperintense T2WI were important predictors of outcomes. The threshold was defined as logit(P) = −0.7282 according to the receiver operating curve (ROC).
Diabetes mellitus and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence
Authors: Yao Xi-Yang , Jiang Cai-Qi , Jia Gen-Lai , Chen Gang
Published: November 2016

Objective

This systematic review aimed to define the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

Studies associated with DM and aSAH published until March 2016 were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate the relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Eighteen observational studies were retrieved. The overall RRs for DM and aSAH were RRs = 0.59 (0.44, 0.79), with moderate heterogeneity ( I2 = 55.7%, Pheterogeneity = 0.000). Subgroup analysis by study quality revealed a reduced association between DM and aSAH risk in high quality studies only (RRs = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.56; I2 = 0.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.549), therefore study quality may be a source of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

A potential decreased risk of aSAH in DM patients was found in high quality studies. Further studies are required to confirm this causal relationship and to investigate the biological mechanisms.
Age at menarche and risk of developing migraine or non-migraine headaches by young adulthood: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Maleki Nasim , Kurth Tobias , Field Alison E
Published: November 2016

Importance

Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling primary headache disorder that is two to three times more prevalent in young women. Among females, there is a steep increase in incidence from puberty to young adulthood, but the mechanisms for the increase are unknown.

Objective

To determine if age of menarche is a risk factor for developing migraine headache vs. non-migraine headache by young adulthood.

Design

A prospective cohort study, The Growing Up Today Study (GUTS), of adolescents who have been followed since 1996, when they were nine, to 14 years of age. Headache questions were included on the 2007 and 2010 surveys.

Setting

Youth from across the United States who are offspring of women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II.

Participants

6112 female participants who had provided data on headache symptoms, age at menarche and family history of migraine and were followed through 2007 or 2010 were included in this analysis.

Main outcomes

Migraine or non-migraine headache.

Results

Many females had a history of headaches, with approximately equal numbers reporting symptoms consistent with migraine (29.7%) and non-migraine headaches (25.3%). We found that, independent of age and family history of migraine, each one-year delay in onset of menarche decrease the odds of migraine by 7% (odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.97), but was not related to non-migraine headaches.

Conclusions and relevance

The findings of this study suggest that early puberty increases the risk of developing migraines by young adulthood. As such, the study emphasizes the need for understanding the pathophysiological links between puberty and developmental changes that occur in the brain during that period and the mechanisms of onset of the migraine disease and its trajectory.
Predicting Reintubation After Unplanned Extubations in Children: Art or Science?
Authors: da Silva Paulo Sérgio Lucas , Reis Maria Eunice , Fonseca Thais Suelotto Machado , Fonseca Marcelo Cunio Machado
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

Reintubation following unplanned extubation (UE) is often required and associated with increased morbidity; however, knowledge of risk factors leading to reintubation and subsequent outcomes in children is still lacking. We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes related to reintubation after UEs.

Methods:

All mechanically ventilated children were prospectively tracked for UEs over a 7-year period in a pediatric intensive care unit. For each UE event, data associated with reintubation within 24 hours and outcomes were collected.

Results:

Of 757 intubated patients, 87 UE occurred out of 11 335 intubation days (0.76 UE/100 intubation days), with 57 (65%) requiring reintubation. Most of the UEs that did not require reintubation were already weaning ventilator settings prior to UE (73%). Univariate analysis showed that younger children (<1 year) required reintubation more frequently after an UE. Patients experiencing UE during weaning experienced significantly fewer reintubations, whereas 90% of patients with full mechanical ventilation support required reintubation. Logistic regression revealed that requirement of full ventilator support (odds ratio: 37.5) and a COMFORT score <26 (odds ratio: 5.5) were associated with UE failure. There were no differences between reintubated and nonreintubated patients regarding the length of hospital stay, ventilator-associated pneumonia rate, need for tracheostomy, and mortality. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were seen in 33% of the reintubations.

Conclusion:

The rate of reintubation is high in children experiencing UE. Requirement of full ventilator support and a COMFORT score <26 are associated with reintubation. Prospective research is required to better understand the reintubation decisions and needs.
Intracranial Pressure Soon After Hemicraniectomy in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Jeon Sang-Beom , Park Jung Cheol , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Yeon-Jung , Lee Seungjoo , Kang Dong-Wha , Kim Jong S.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Decompressive hemicraniectomy reduces secondary brain injury related to brain edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI). However, a substantial proportion of patients still die despite hemicraniectomy due to refractory brain swelling.

Objective:

We aim to investigate whether ICP measured immediately after hemicraniectomy may indicate decompression effects and predict survival in patients with MMI.

Methods:

We included 25 patients with MMI who underwent ICP monitoring and brain computed tomography within the first hour of hemicraniectomy. Midline shifts were measured as radiological surrogates of decompression. The Glasgow Coma Scale and pupillary enlargements during the first day after hemicraniectomy were assessed as clinical surrogates of decompression. Long-term survival status at 6 months was used as the final outcome. We analyzed the relationships between early ICP and findings of midline shift, Glasgow Coma Scale, pupillary enlargement, and survival.

Results:

Initial ICP was correlated with mean ICP ( P < .001) and maximal ICP ( P < .001) during the first postoperative day. Intracranial pressure was associated with midline shifts ( P = .009), lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores ( P = .025), and the pupillary enlargement ( P = .015). Sixteen (64.0%) patients survived at 6 months. In a Cox proportional hazard model, elevated ICP was associated with mortality at 6 months (hazard ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.24; P = .008).

Conclusion:

Increase in ICP soon after hemicraniectomy was associated with midline shift, poor neurological status, and mortality in patients with MMI. Measurements of ICP soon after hemicraniectomy may permit earlier interventions as well as more refined clinical assessments.
Methylnaltrexone Versus Naloxone for Opioid-Induced Constipation in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Merchan Cristian , Altshuler Diana , Papadopoulos John
Published: November 2016

Background: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is common in critically ill patients; it leads to complications that can increase hospital stay and, rarely, bowel perforation. Opioid antagonists are considered a logical approach to treat OIC; however, the agent of choice has yet to be determined. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of enteral naloxone (NTX) versus subcutaneous methylnaltrexone (MNTX) for the treatment of OIC in the medical intensive care unit. Methods: This retrospective review evaluated patients who received fentanyl continuous infusions for at least 72 hours and were initiated on NTX or MNTX. Active colitis, mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction, and inability to receive NTX orally were exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was time to first bowel movement (BM). Secondary outcomes included total number of BMs within 48 hours, opioid requirements after NTX or MNTX, and change in any of the following after the opioid antagonist: heart rates, mean arterial pressures, and level of sedation. A post hoc subgroup analysis of patients on vasopressors was conducted. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between patients receiving NTX (n = 52) and MNTX (n = 48), except the MNTX group required a higher median norepinephrine dose (0.22 vs 0.1 µg/kg/min, P = 0.001). The median times to first BM for NTX and MNTX were 30 and 24 hours ( P = 0.165). There was no difference in the primary outcomes for patients on vasopressors. Both groups did not require additional fentanyl equivalents, as evidenced by stable vitals and opioid requirements during treatment. Conclusions: Both agents appear to be effective and safe for the treatment of OIC; however, future controlled prospective trials are warranted.
Promoting post-traumatic growth in cancer patients: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of guided written disclosure
Authors: Cafaro Valentina , Iani Luca , Costantini Massimo , Di Leo Silvia
Published: November 2016

This multicenter study investigates the efficacy of the guided disclosure protocol in promoting post-traumatic growth, through meaning reconstruction, in cancer patients after adjuvant chemotherapy. Participants will be randomized to guided disclosure protocol or to an active control condition. Both conditions consist of three 20-minute writing sessions. Experimental participants verbalize emotions, describe events, and reflect on trauma effects. Control participants write about their past week’s daily routine. Patients, blinded to treatment assignment, will complete questionnaires at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. This study will improve knowledge concerning the effects of writing interventions on psychological health and well-being in cancer patients.
Multi-ethnic democracy as an autoimmune practice: The case of international missions in Kosovo
Authors: Musliu Vjosa
Published: November 2016

This article explains how the international project for building multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo undermines itself by effectively opposing the very concept of democracy. Derrida explained this with ‘autoimmunity’, a term which describes the failed attempt of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, leading to an immune response against its own cells and tissues. Unlike Derrida, I provide that the promotion or the building of multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo commits suicide in its insemination because it is intrinsically undemocratic and because it defines the constituting elements of democracy on basis of ethnic lines while discriminating other identity forms such as gender, social, or economic class. First, the article contributes to the critique of ‘liberal interventionism’ and the logic of transposing ‘models of governing’ in third countries; second, it redefines Derrida’s concept of autoimmunity with regard to international projects for democracy building.
How much do social protections matter to poverty and inequality? An insight from Asian experiences
Authors: Wagle Udaya R
Published: November 2016

This article examines Asia’s experiences with social protection policies and their efficacy in addressing poverty and inequality. While the relatively high efficacy of the comprehensive welfare states of high-income countries has been widely documented, the experience of low- and middle-income countries may vary given the limited redistributive capacity of their social transfer. Data on 33 Asian countries covering 1990–2012 suggest that the limited and evolving composition and coverage of social protection policies vary significantly across countries and regions. Various panel data regressions estimated here yield significant roles of social protection policies in reducing inequality and especially poverty and extreme poverty even after controlling for the roles of gross domestic product (GDP) and other political economy, regional, and population characteristics. This analysis finds that the efficacy of evolving social protection policies from Asian countries does not vary significantly from those of more established welfare states. Whereas the aggregate level data on public social transfer expenditures are far from perfect and do not detail the qualitative variations in policy design and implementation, findings from this analysis help fill the void in literature to understand the degree to which low- and middle-income countries may count on social protection policies to address persistent poverty and growing inequalities.
A Mixed Methods Genre Analysis of the Discussion Section of MMR Articles in Applied Linguistics
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad R. , Gohari Moghaddam Iman
Published: November 2016

The research article, among other academic genres, has attracted researchers’ attention over the past decades. Although sections such as introduction, method, and results and discussion have been addressed in such studies, the mixed methods research (MMR) discussion genre remains underexplored. Thus, the present study aimed at exploring the generic organizational patterns in applied linguistics MMR articles. A qualitatively driven mixed methods approach was utilized to explore 38 MMR discussions. As a result, there emerged a five-move model for genre macro-organization and rhetorical move structure of the MMR discussions. The study concludes by presenting implications for writing effective MMR discussions.
Current Concepts
Authors: Kirsch Jacob M. , Thomas Jared , Bedi Asheesh , Lawton Jeffrey N.
Published: November 2016

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a painful condition, which often affects young throwing athletes. Our current understanding regarding the etiology, risks factors, diagnosis, and efficacy of the available treatment options has expanded over recent years, however remains suboptimal. Recent data on patient-reported outcomes following osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for the treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the capitellum have been promising but limited. This review seeks to critically analyze and summarize the available literature on the etiology, diagnosis, and reported outcomes associated with OCD of the capitellum and the use of OAT for its treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Unique and customized search strategies were formulated in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Combinations of keywords and controlled vocabulary terms were utilized in order to cast a broad net. Relevant clinical, biomechanical, anatomic and imaging studies were reviewed along with recent review articles, and case series. Results: Forty-three articles from our initial literature search were found to be relevant for this review. The majority of these articles were either review articles, clinical studies, anatomic or imaging studies or biomechanical studies. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that OAT may lead to better and more consistent outcomes than previously described methods for treating large OCD lesions of the capitellum.
Oscillation design of sampling proportional–derivative sliding-mode systems for linear plants with hysteresis
Authors: Shen Yu , Su Shun
Published: November 2016

This article deals with the self-sustained oscillation appearing in the sliding-mode system. The oscillation provides considerable robust performance and, meanwhile, leads to detrimental effects such as the reduced control precision, mechanical wear, and resonance. A graphical method is introduced to design the sliding-mode controller with proportional–derivative terms. The method indicates how to determine the proportional–derivative coefficients and the desired oscillation frequency and amplitude for the stability of systems. The analysis shows that the zero-order holder plays an important role in the robustness of systems which can be improved by shorter sampling periods. The influences of the hysteresis on the oscillations are also discussed, and a method of tuning the coefficients of proportional–derivative terms is used to compensate the hysteresis. The first simulation shows the design processes of the graphical method in a specific system, and the second simulation confirms the validity of the method of hysteresis compensation. The design process is also demonstrated via the experiment on an inverted pendulum.
Molecular dynamics studies on the overall compressive modulus of nylon 6/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Xu Wen , Wu Xiaolei , Sun Weifu
Published: November 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations together with micromechanics method have been proven an effective approach to assess the elastic moduli of either partially or fully exfoliated (i.e. single-layer) effective clay (montmorillonite) cluster. In this work, similar approach was adopted to estimate the overall compressive modulus of nylon 6/montmorillonite nanocomposites. In detail, the compressive modulus of single-layer effective clay cluster along either lateral or longitudinal directions was first determined by performing molecular dynamics simulations, and then, the compressive modulus of partially exfoliated two-layer or three-layer effective clay clusters along the longitudinal direction was measured in a similar way. Finally, the overall compressive moduli of clay-incorporated polymer nanocomposites with either randomly dispersed or well-aligned effective clay clusters at different volume fractions of clay were evaluated according to the individual compressive modulus using the well-established rule of mixture.
Clinical impact of exercise in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Novakovic Marko , Jug Borut , Lenasi Helena
Published: November 2016

Increasing prevalence, high morbidity and mortality, and decreased health-related quality of life are hallmarks of peripheral arterial disease. About one-third of peripheral arterial disease patients have intermittent claudication with deleterious effects on everyday activities, such as walking. Exercise training improves peripheral arterial disease symptoms and is recommended as first line therapy for peripheral arterial disease. This review examines the effects of exercise training beyond improvements in walking distance, namely on vascular function, parameters of inflammation, activated hemostasis and oxidative stress, and quality of life. Exercise training not only increases walking distance and physiologic parameters in patients with peripheral arterial disease, but also improves the cardiovascular risk profile by helping patients achieve better control of hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity and dyslipidemia, thus further reducing cardiovascular risk and the prevalence of coexistent atherosclerotic diseases. American guidelines suggest supervised exercise training, performed for a minimum of 30–45 min, at least three times per week, for at least 12 weeks. Walking is the most studied exercise modality and its efficacy in improving cardiovascular parameters in patients with peripheral arterial disease has been extensively proven. As studies have shown that supervised exercise training improves walking performance, cardiovascular parameters and quality of life in patients with peripheral arterial disease, it should be encouraged and more often prescribed.
Protection against allegations of sexual assault when undertaking ultrasound examinations
Authors: Thomson Nigel , Moloney Paul
Published: November 2016

The Medical Defence Union has reported an increase in the numbers of sexual assault allegations against doctors, although these are still thankfully rare. This short article discusses the experience of the Society of Radiographers in advising members who have been accused of sexual assault and identifies ways in which ultrasound practitioners can reduce the risk of having such an accusation made against them.
Self-knowledge and character formation: Teaching to students’ weaknesses
Authors: Griffis Rachel B
Published: November 2016

This article considers David Brooks’ recent New York Times bestseller, The Road to Character, in light of Christian thinkers on the connection between virtue and suffering, specifically Dante and St John of the Cross. By putting Brooks in conversation with the Christian tradition, I show how his ideas, specifically his assertion that the mark of character is the willingness to encounter one’s weaknesses, can be used by teachers concerned with cultivating virtue and character in their students. I argue that teaching to students’ weaknesses, not only their strengths, is a significant way educators can cultivate virtue by helping students to understand their limitations. Students’ growth in knowing their limitations and weaknesses is a kind of self-knowledge that points them inward ultimately to help them look beyond themselves and toward lives of service.
The Revolution Might Not Be Televised (But It Will Be Lived Streamed)
Authors: Hockin Sara M. , Brunson Rod K.
Published: November 2016

Fiery nationwide protests in response to a recent string of dubious police killings of unarmed Black men have sparked a renewed social movement, drawing increased attention to fragile police–minority relations and allegations of racial bias in the criminal justice system. A wealth of research exists concerning African American youths’ accounts of poor treatment at the hands of police. To a lesser extent, prior scholarship reveals the importance of looking beyond citizens’ direct police experiences to family, peer, and mainstream media accounts of negative police encounters. Scholarly examinations of social media regarding how individuals make sense of their own and others’ experiences with, and attitudes toward police are limited, however. This is surprising given that social media has become especially important for youths and represents a new mechanism for the American public to learn about unsettling police behaviors. Moreover, social media represents a largely untapped, but potentially rich data source for researchers and policy makers. Special consideration is given to the role that the Black Lives Matter movement plays for obtaining improved understandings of police–minority relations and informing criminal justice.
Cancer and Cancer-Related Fatigue and the Interrelationships With Depression, Stress, and Inflammation
Authors: Weber Daniel , O’Brien Kylie
Published: November 2016

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom experienced in cancer patients. Depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with cancer. Depression and anxiety are also associated with CRF. At the cellular level, much is known about the impact of stress on the body generally, and its potential role in cancer. Stress, anxiety, and depression have been found to depress the immune system. Depression and stress have also been found to create inflammatory changes in the body and there is emerging evidence that inflammation is involved in cancer pathogenesis and in CRF. This article examines the relationships between stress, anxiety, depression, and cancer; relationships between anxiety and depression and CRF; and what happens at the cellular level, including impact on the immune system and emerging evidence of the role of inflammation in CRF. It also reports on research in relation to some Chinese herbal medicines that may be used to treat CRF.
Coverage of Sanitation Issues in India
Authors: Showkat Nayeem
Published: November 2016

Print media plays a crucial role in information distribution and thus enjoys the mileage of being one of the strongest medium of public information. Media plays an important role in our society as its purpose is not only to inform the public about current and past events, but it also determines what we think and worry about. With more in-depth coverage and investigation, this written form of communication creates a longer influence on the minds of the reader. Theory predicts that information provided by print media reflects the media’s incentives to provide news to different types of groups in society, and affects these groups’ influence in policy making. The article analyses the role played by the print media in creating awareness among the Indian public regarding the paramount sanitation issues. The study will use data produced by the different newspapers pertaining to such issues. It is a well established fact that a good percentage of people in India still have no adequate means of disposing their waste. Poorly controlled waste also means daily exposure to an unpleasant environment. Despite the presence of grand public sanitation schemes, waste management remains to be one of the major problems faced by the people. Content analysis is proved to be instrumental in analyzing the content of the major Indian English dailies. This study used content analysis to unveil how much importance newspapers have been giving to sanitation problems and hygiene-related issues. The findings reveal that newspapers have given an utmost importance to the sanitation policies in India.
Asymmetric Effect of Expression Intensity on Evaluations of Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Ueda Ryuhei , Kuraguchi Kana , Ashida Hiroshi
Published: November 2016

Many studies have shown that facial expression influences evaluations of attractiveness, but the effect of expression intensity remains unclear. In the present study, participants rated the expression intensity and attractiveness of faces with happy, neutral, or sad expressions. Sad faces, as anticipated, were judged as less attractive than neutral and happy faces. Among happy expressions, faces with more intense expressions were considered more attractive; for sad expressions, there was no significant relationship between rating and intensity. Multiple regression analyses further demonstrated that the attractiveness of a face with a sad expression could be predicted only by its baseline attractiveness (i.e., ratings of neutral expressions). We conclude that the intensity of positive and negative expressions asymmetrically influences evaluations of the attractiveness of a face. We discuss the results in terms of emotional contagion or sympathy.
Health Movement and Civil Society Activism: An Interface of Overlap and Exclusion
Authors: Sahu Skylab
Published: November 2016

Of late, the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become a cause of concern for both the state and the non-state actors. The activism led by civil society on HIV/AIDS and health movements espouses the health needs and rights of HIV positive people. While playing politically active role, at times civil society organizations (CSOs) support health movements, and their activities overlap. Although these groups are different in nature, structure and strategies, there are some commonalities among them. This article discusses the opportunities for coalition between CSOs and health movement, and also analyzes problems that lead to exclusion.

The joint efforts of movements and CSOs have influenced the policy formulation and implementation towards ensuring rights of HIV positive people. There are several conducive factors towards building a strong network between CSOs and health movement. However, due to limitations associated with their activities, a strong coalition has not been possible resulting in a lack of a strong social movement.
When Two Heads Aren’t Better Than One
Authors: Fender C. Melissa , Stickney Lisa T.
Published: November 2016

Group and team class decision-making activities often focus on demonstrating that “two heads are better than one.” Typically, students solve a problem or complete an assessment individually, then in a group. Generally, the group does better and that is what the students learn. However, if that is all such an activity conveys, then a significant teachable moment has been missed. It is often the case that a group member has one or more correct answers that the group did not use, or perhaps even outscores the group. The simple activity described here provides an opportunity to discuss a number of reasons that can cause such conformity to happen, integrating several areas of human psychology and behavior, and then segue into techniques to prevent it.
Ndrg1b and fam49ab modulate the PTEN pathway to control T-cell lymphopoiesis in the zebrafish
Authors: Li Roman A. , Traver David , Matthes Thomas , Bertrand Julien Y.
Published: November 2016

Key Points

fam49a is a negative regulator of PTEN. fam49a controls T cell differentiation.