bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes in children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Cashen Katherine , Chu Roland L , Klein Justin , Rycus Peter T , Costello John M
Published: September 2016

Introduction:

Pediatric patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) may develop refractory respiratory or cardiac failure that warrants consideration for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. The purposes of this study were to describe the use and outcomes of ECMO in pediatric HLH patients, to identify risk factors for hospital mortality and to compare their ECMO use and outcomes to the ECMO population as a whole.

Methods:

Pediatric patients (⩽ 18 years) with a diagnosis of HLH in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry were included.

Results:

Between 1983 and 2014, data for 30 children with HLH were available in the ELSO registry and all were included in this study. All cases occurred in the last decade. Of the 30 HLH patients, 24 (80%) had a respiratory indication for ECMO and six (20%) had a cardiac indication (of which 4 were E-CPR and 2 cardiac failure). Of the 24 respiratory ECMO patients, 63% were placed on VA ECMO. Compared with all pediatric patients in the ELSO registry during the study period (n=17,007), HLH patients had worse hospital survival (non-HLH 59% vs HLH 30%, p=0.001). In pediatric HLH patients, no pre-ECMO risk factors for mortality were identified. The development of a hemorrhagic complication on ECMO was associated with decreased mortality (p=0.01). Comparing HLH patients with respiratory failure to patients with other immune compromised conditions, the overall survival rate is similar (HLH 38% vs. non-HLH immune compromised 31%, p=0.64).

Conclusions:

HLH is an uncommon indication for ECMO and these patients have increased mortality compared to the overall pediatric ECMO population. These data should be factored into decision-making when considering ECMO for pediatric HLH patients.
Effects of conventional CPB and mini-CPB on neutrophils CD162, CD166 and CD195 expression
Authors: Holmannova Drahomira , Kolackova Martina , Mandak Jiri , Kunes Pavel , Holubcova Zdenka , Holubec Tomas , Krejsek Jan
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Cardiac surgery is known to trigger a systemic inflammatory response. While the use of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in profound inflammation, modified mini-CPB is considered less harmful. We evaluated the impact of cardiac surgery on the expression of CD162, CD166, CD195 molecules and their association with the type of CPB used.

Methods and Results:

Twenty-four patients were enrolled in our study. Twelve of them were operated using conventional CPB while the other twelve patients underwent surgery with mini-CPB. Blood samples were analysed by flow cytometry. We observed a significant increase in median fluorescence intensity of CD162 and CD195 that peaked instantly after surgery and normalized to the baseline value on the 1st day post surgery, whereas CD166 was initially down-regulated and its median fluorescence intensity (MFI) value increased to the baseline in the next few days.

Conclusion:

We observed immediate changes in the expression of CD162, CD166, and CD195 molecules on the neutrophils after surgery in both study groups of patients. The intensity of the observed changes was significantly greater in the group of patients who underwent conventional CPB compared to patients who underwent mini-CPB cardiac surgery.
Parallel role for the dopamine D1 receptor in gambling and amphetamine reinforcement in healthy volunteers
Authors: Zack Martin H , Lobo Daniela S , Biback Candice , Fang Tim , Smart Kelly , Tatone Daniel , Kalia Aditi , Digiacomo Daniel , Kennedy James L
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the role of dopamine, and specifically the D1 receptor (D1R), in the reinforcing effects of a slot-machine game in healthy volunteers ( n=30). To compare gambling and drug effects, subjects received the prototypic psychostimulant drug d-amphetamine (AMPH; 20 mg) in a multi-session, placebo-controlled design. To isolate D1R, half the subjects were pretreated with the preferential D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol (HAL; 3 mg), and the other half with the mixed D1–D2 antagonist fluphenazine (FLU; 3 mg) before the game (Phase I) and AMPH (Phase II). HAL decreased and FLU increased the post-game desire to gamble and post-AMPH desire to take AMPH again, as well as amphetamine scale ratings on the Addiction Research Center Inventory after gambling and AMPH. The effects of the antagonists on desire to gamble and to take AMPH again were significantly intercorrelated. HAL increased and FLU decreased the salience of negative affective words on a rapid reading task after both reinforcers. HAL also decreased the salience of gambling words after AMPH. Both reinforcers increased diastolic blood pressure equally under antagonists and placebo. Results indicate that D1R plays a parallel role in the psychostimulant-like, incentive-motivational, and salience-enhancing effects of gambling and AMPH. Moderate D1R activation appears to optimize these effects in healthy subjects.
Modelling the cognitive and neuropathological features of schizophrenia with phencyclidine
Authors: Reynolds Gavin P , Neill Joanna C
Published: September 2016

Here, Reynolds and Neill describe the studies that preceded and followed publication of this paper, which reported a deficit in parvalbumin (PV), a calcium-binding protein found in GABA interneurons known to be reduced in schizophrenia patients, in conjunction with a deficit in reversal learning in an animal model for schizophrenia. This publication resulted from common research interests: Reynolds in the neurotransmitter pathology of schizophrenia, and Neill in developing animal models for schizophrenia symptomatology. The animal model, using a sub-chronic dosing regimen (sc) with the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist PCP (phencyclidine), evolved from previous work in rats (for PCP) and primates (for cognition). The hypothesis of a PV deficit came from emerging evidence for a GABAergic dysfunction in schizophrenia, in particular a deficit in PV-containing GABA interneurons. Since this original publication, a PV deficit has been identified in other animal models for schizophrenia, and the PV field has expanded considerably. This includes mechanistic work attempting to identify the link between oxidative stress and GABAergic dysfunction using this scPCP model, and assessment of the potential of the PV neuron as a target for new antipsychotic drugs. The latter has included development of a molecule targeting KV3.1 channels located on PV-containing GABA interneurons which can restore both PV expression and cognitive deficits in the scPCP model.
Effects of an acute cannabidiol treatment on cocaine self-administration and cue-induced cocaine seeking in male rats
Authors: Mahmud Ashraf , Gallant Stephanie , Sedki Firas , D’Cunha Tracey , Shalev Uri
Published: September 2016

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound that is the second most abundant component of cannabis. It has been shown to have a potential therapeutic value for a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, psychosis, and depression. Recently, it was suggested that cannabidiol might be a potential treatment for heroin craving and relapse. Here we investigated the effects of an acute treatment with cannabidiol on cocaine self-administration and cue-induced cocaine seeking in rats. Rats were trained to press a lever to self-administer cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), first under a fixed interval 20 s (FI-20 s) and then under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. Cocaine self-administration under a PR schedule of reinforcement was not attenuated by cannabidiol injections (5.0 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg; i.p.) when tested 30 min and 24 h after treatment. Cannabidiol treatment (5.0 mg/kg or 10.0 mg/kg) also did not attenuate cue-induced cocaine seeking in rats after a withdrawal period of 14 days. In contrast, treatment with cannabidiol (10.0 mg/kg; i.p.) resulted in a statistically significant anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus-maze. Our findings suggest that, under the conditions described here, an acute cannabidiol treatment has a minimal effect on a rat model of cocaine intake and relapse.
Association of the GRIN2B rs2284411 polymorphism with methylphenidate response in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kim Johanna I , Kim Jae-Won , Park Jong-Eun , Park Subin , Hong Soon-Beom , Han Doug Hyun , Cheong Jae Hoon , Choi Jae-Won , Lee Sumin , Kim Bung-Nyun
Published: September 2016

Objective:

We investigated the possible association between two NMDA subunit gene polymorphisms (GRIN2B rs2284411 and GRIN2A rs2229193) and treatment response to methylphenidate (MPH) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods:

A total of 75 ADHD patients aged 6–17 years underwent 6 months of MPH administration. Treatment response was defined by changes in scores of the ADHD-IV Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), clinician-rated Clinical Global Impression—Improvement (CGI-I), and Continuous Performance Test (CPT). The association of the GRIN2B and GRIN2A polymorphisms with treatment response was analyzed using logistic regression analyses.

Results:

The GRIN2B rs2284411 C/C genotype showed significantly better treatment response as assessed by ADHD-RS inattention ( p=0.009) and CGI-I scores ( p=0.009), and there was a nominally significant association in regard to ADHD-RS hyperactivity-impulsivity ( p=0.028) and total ( p=0.023) scores, after adjusting for age, sex, IQ, baseline Clinical Global Impression—Severity (CGI-S) score, baseline ADHD-RS total score, and final MPH dose. The GRIN2B C/C genotype also showed greater improvement at the CPT response time variability ( p<0.001). The GRIN2A G/G genotype was associated with a greater improvement in commission errors of the CPT compared to the G/A genotype ( p=0.001).

Conclusions:

The results suggest that the GRIN2B rs2284411 genotype may be an important predictor of MPH response in ADHD.
The Semantic Field of ‘Remembering’ in the Psalms
Authors: Daffern Megan I.J.
Published: September 2016

Remembering is both common and indeed central in the Psalms: God remembers his people, and vice versa; the people remember their ancestors, and their ongoing relationship with God, in prayer. Prayer and memory are integral to the identity of God's people, passed down through the generations in worship as exemplified in psalm texts. The language of ‘remembering’, while common in the Old Testament in general, is widely found in the Psalms. This article examines the semantic field of ‘remember’ in the Psalms by applying a method developed out of the work of James Barr and Samuel Balentine, thus continuing to reclaim hermeneutic methods informed by linguistics. This carefully tabulated semantic analysis demonstrates the potential of such methods to contribute to theological understandings of a text, and in particular highlights something of the complex and rich nexus of what it means to ‘remember’ in prayer in the Psalms.
Cultic Prophecy and Levitical Inheritance in the Elijah-Elisha Cycle
Authors: Noble John T.
Published: September 2016

This article seeks to elucidate the nature and significance of the enigmatic mantle transfer rite involving Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kgs 19.19. When Yahweh instructs Elijah to anoint Elisha to be prophet in his place, Yahweh has a type of symbolic adoption in mind to take Elisha as an heir through the rite of mantle transfer. This article argues that Elijah's mantle is a marker of his identity, and that the conferment of his clothing is a means of claiming Elisha, who subsequently takes leave of his natural father (v. 20). Elijah and Elisha function in the northern kingdom as cultic prophets, performing duties typical of both prophet and priest, not unlike Samuel. This double role gives context for an analogy—or possible typology—for Elisha's inheritance with that of the Levitical priest in Deuteronomy.
Biblical Rhetoric as Illustrated by Judah's Speech in Genesis 44.18–34
Authors: Joosten Jan
Published: September 2016

Although persuasive speech takes an important place in the biblical corpus, the method for analyzing persuasive texts remains underdeveloped. What distinguishes this literary genre is the way it acts upon the pragmatic speech situation: while narration transfers the audience to a far-away reality, and poetry creates its own world, rhetoric interacts directly with the situation at hand. Important tools of analysis are provided by ancient Greco-Roman theories of rhetoric in which this distinctive characteristic is central. Yet biblical rhetoric is rather different from its classical counterpart. In this article Judah's speech in Gen. 44.18–34 is first analysed according to the rules of classical rhetoric. The approach throws light on the inner working of the text, but at the same time it indicates a few features for which the classical theory is unable to account. The most important of these are explored and compared to similar features in other persuasive texts in the Bible.
What Was Job's Malady?
Authors: Dell Katharine J.
Published: September 2016

This article explores the nature of Job's malady on various levels, using insights from disability studies as they have been applied to other parts of the Hebrew Bible, but rarely Job. What was the nature of Job's skin disease? Beyond that, how should we assess Job's mental torment accompanying his physical illness, as part of a broader intertextual resonance of lament as known from certain Psalms? It is argued that it is Job's feelings of social exclusion that are a major aspect of his malady, a factor well attested in disability studies but often left out of account in traditional biblical studies evaluations, which tend to focus on moral issues. The relevance of the moral judgment of the friends who regard Job's disease as a punishment for sin is assessed. A fresh interpretation is offered of the strange omission of Job's restoration from illness from the Epilogue.
‘You Were the (Divine) Cherub’: A Potential Challenge to Yhwh's Sole Divinity in Ezekiel 28.14
Authors: Lee Lydia
Published: September 2016

According to the Masoretic vocalizations, Ezek. 28.14 directly identifies the king of Tyre as ‘the anointed covering cherub’. Hector Patmore has recently suggested that the Masoretic vocalizations and accentuation produce an awkward reading of the verse, and that the Hebrew consonantal text does not perceive the Tyrian king as a cherub but a god. This article undertakes a two-fold examination of this controversial verse. First, it contends on syntactical grounds that the Masoretic identification of the Tyrian king with the cherub renders an intelligible reading of the consonantal text. Second, it suggests that the Masoretic presentation of the Tyrian king as a cherub is conceptually compatible with Patmore's argument for the divinity of the Tyrian king in Ezek. 28.14. By comparing the Tyrian king to a cherub, the verse extols the Tyrian king to a nearly, if not fully, divine status, which potentially challenges the sole divinity of Yhwh.
Anterolateral Ligament of the Fetal Knee: An Anatomic and Histological Study
Authors: Helito Camilo Partezani , do Prado Torres Julio Augusto , Bonadio Marcelo Batista , Aragão José Aderval , de Oliveira Lucas Nogueira , Natalino Renato José Mendonça , Pécora José Ricardo , Camanho Gilberto Luis , Demange Marco Kawamura
Published: September 2016

Background:

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee has recently been described in detail. Most studies of the ALL have been conducted in adults; therefore, little is known about the anatomy and histology of the ALL in younger patients, and nothing is known about the fetal presence of the ALL.

Purpose:

To evaluate the ALL in human fetuses to determine its presence or absence and to describe its microscopic anatomy and histological features compared with the findings of studies conducted in adults.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty human fetal cadaveric specimens were used. The mean age of the fetuses was 28.64 ± 3.20 weeks. The ALL was dissected in the anterolateral region of the knee, and its anatomic parameters, including its origin, insertion, and path in relation to known adjacent anatomic landmarks, in addition to its length, width, and thickness over the path toward the tibia, were measured. After dissection, the ALL was removed en bloc with a portion of the lateral meniscus for histological analysis of 4-μm sections, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical staining for type I collagen.

Results:

The ALL was located in all dissected knees. Its origin was located at a mean distance of 1.87 mm from the origin of the lateral collateral ligament, with variations from the center of the lateral epicondyle to posterior and proximal to it, and it exhibited an anterior-inferior path toward the tibia, an insertion in the lateral meniscus approximately 2.08 mm anterior to the popliteal tendon, and another insertion in the tibia between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head at 2.46 mm below the articular cartilage. The histological sections of the ALL showed well-organized, dense collagenous tissue fibers with elongated fibroblasts (mean, 1631 fibroblasts/mm2) and a predominance of type I collagen.

Conclusion:

The ALL is present during fetal development, with anatomic and histological features similar to those of the adult ALL.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings of this study help to better understand the ALL’s anatomy and histology from the fetal period to adulthood. The study presents the existence of the ALL since fetal development, emphasizes the characterization of the ALL, and brings important information to future pediatric ALL lesion studies.
How could the fire fatalities have been prevented? An analysis of 144 cases during 2011–2014 in Sweden: An analysis
Authors: Runefors Marcus , Johansson Nils , van Hees Patrick
Published: September 2016

Approximately 80%–90% of all fire-related fatalities take place in residential occupancies. The risk groups are well known, but the effectiveness of different measures has been less investigated. In this article, fire investigations from 144 unintentional fatal residential fires have been systematically analyzed and technical measures that would have been effective in preventing each fatality have been identified. The result shows that, generally, a thermally activated suppression system (e.g. sprinkler) has the highest potential effectiveness (68%) followed by a detector-activated system in bedroom and living room (59%) or smoke alarm (37%). For smokers with home care, however, the potential effectiveness of a thermally activated suppression system and home smoke alarm was significantly lower (31% and 14%, respectively). This indicates that different measures are effective for different groups. In one-fifth of the cases, the victim could have evacuated but chose not to do so, primarily to attempt to extinguish the fire.
Latino Youth and the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Authors: Seroczynski Alesha D. , Jobst Amy D.
Published: September 2016

Latinos are one of the fastest growing sectors in the American population, and Latinos figure prominently in many political, economic, and educational social systems. Unfortunately, the juvenile justice system is no exception. At least 18,000 Latino youth are incarcerated annually, and they are 2 to 3 times more likely to be incarcerated than White youth. This article discusses three broad topics that relate specifically to Latino youth and their families who are served by juvenile justice facilities: language development and communication between Latino families and professionals in the educational and justice systems, sociocultural variables specific to Latino families, and ethical considerations for professionals who interact with Latino youth. Specific strategies for both the educational and juvenile justice systems are suggested that might enable these groups to better serve Latino youth and their families. Both research and case studies of Latino youth served in the court diversion program, Reading for Life, are considered.
Bullying and Harassment of Students With Disabilities in Schools
Authors: Yell Mitchell L. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Rose Chad A. , Houchins David E.
Published: September 2016

Bullying is a common occurrence in U.S.’s schools and is currently at the forefront of national attention. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are frequently the targets of peer-on-peer bullying. The purpose of this article is to examine the legal ramifications when students with disabilities are bullied in school settings. We address court cases, state educational agency decisions, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) guidance, and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) rulings that have held that bullying may violate Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. School personnel must address the bullying of students with disabilities in a quick and efficient manner. In fact, these decisions show that when bullying is not stopped, school district officials and personnel may be subjecting their school districts to legal risks. We end by proposing how school district officials can develop legally sound policies for identifying, investigating, and responding to incidences of bullying of students with disabilities.
Barriers to Seizure Management in Schools
Authors: Terry Debbie , Patel Anup D. , Cohen Daniel M. , Scherzer Daniel , Kline Jennifer
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess school nurses’ perceptions of barriers to optimal management of seizures in schools. Eighty-three school nurses completed an electronic survey. Most agreed they felt confident they could identify a seizure (97.6%), give rectal diazepam (83.8%), and handle cluster seizures (67.1%), but fewer were confident they could give intranasal midazolam (63.3%), had specific information about a student’s seizures (56.6%), or could swipe a vagus nerve stimulator magnet (47.4%). Nurses were more likely to be available at the time of a seizure in rural (17/20) (85%) versus suburban (21/34) (62%) or urban (8/25) (32%) schools ( P = .001). School nurses are comfortable managing seizures in the school setting. However, a specific seizure plan for each child and education on intranasal midazolam and vagus nerve stimulator magnet use are needed. A barrier in urban schools is decreased availability of a nurse to identify seizures and administer treatment.
Repeat Concussion and Recovery Time in a Primary Care Pediatric Office
Authors: Taubman Bruce , McHugh Jennifer , Rosen Florence , Elci Okan U.
Published: September 2016

The authors enrolled 95 patients in a primary care office who presented with a concussion. Of these patients, 63% were sport concussions. The authors matched 90 of these patients to children in the authors’ practice presenting for sports physicals or regular check-ups in the following demographics: age, participating in a particular sport, having attention-deficit disorder/attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, gender, and grade. The authors found the odds of recurrent concussions, in a primary care pediatric office, to be a ratio of 2.909 (95% confidence interval 1.228-7.287). Recovery time for repeat concussion versus an initial concussion was analyzed. Patients with a recurrent concussion after a year recovered an average of 12.0 days after injury versus 13.4 days for those with no previous concussion (NS). Patients with a recurrent concussion within a year recovered a mean of 6.27 (SD 1.29) days sooner than patients with no previous concussion ( P < .0001). This unexpected finding is preliminary, and the authors encourage further research.
Exploring the Role of Demographics and Psychological Variables in Internet Addiction
Authors: Ainin Sulaiman , Jaafar Noor Ismawati , Ashraf Muhammad , Parveen Farzana
Published: September 2016

Background and Aim:

In today’s fast changing world, the Internet plays a major role in people’s lives. Apart from its benefits, the Internet also has serious negative consequences which include the issue of Internet addiction. This study explores the role of demographics (e.g., age, gender, and occupational position) in relation to Internet addiction. In addition, the influence of individual psychological variables (loneliness, shyness, and proactive personality) on Internet addiction was also examined.

Methods:

A structured questionnaire consisting of items representing loneliness, shyness, proactiveness, Internet addiction, and demographics was used to collect the data from 1,000 working adults in selected organizations. Chi-square tests were used to investigate the effect of gender, age, and occupational positions on Internet addiction. The influence of variables such as loneliness, shyness, and proactiveness on Internet addiction was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Results:

The results demonstrated no significant differences in terms of Internet addiction between the genders. However, significant differences were found in Internet addiction depending on age and occupational positions. The study also found positive relationship between loneliness, shyness, proactiveness, and Internet addiction.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study add empirical evidence to the existing literature in respect of the correlation between age, gender, occupational position, psychological characteristics (loneliness, shyness, and proactiveness), and Internet addiction.
Tracking control for nonminimum phase MIMO micro aerial vehicle – a dynamic sliding manifold approach
Authors: Ramamurthi Guruganesh , Bandyopadhyay Bijnan , Arya Hemendra , Singh G K
Published: September 2016

Nonminimum phase output tracking has been addressed for a fixed-wing micro aerial vehicle. Nonminimum phase characteristics in an aircraft result from the fact that the process of generating upward vertical motion produces an initial downward force, causing the aircraft to lose altitude momentarily, and vice versa. This phenomenon leads to unstable internal dynamics in the plant model. A dynamic sliding-surface-based sliding mode control is chosen to stabilize the internal dynamics and to provide asymptotic output tracking error convergence to zero with desired eigenvalue placement. The control is designed in such a way that the output of the plant model should track a nonlinear time-varying reference trajectory generated at every time instant with a finite number of nonzero time derivatives. Design of second-order sliding-mode-based super twisting controller which ensures finite-time stability of the internal dynamics is proposed in this work. The proposed control methodology is applied in the design of an autolanding controller for a micro aerial vehicle with nonminimum phase behavior. MATLAB-based simulation results and discussions are presented to evaluate the performance of the controller and robustness of the sliding mode with respect to matched and unmatched disturbances. The proposed control algorithm has been successfully implemented in hardware-in-the-loop simulation and results are given.
Active disturbance rejection controller for variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve
Authors: Yao Jing , Zhang Yang , Yu Bin , Cao Xiaoming , Zhao Jinsong
Published: September 2016

The proportional throttle cartridge valve has been widely used in heavy machine due to its fast response and huge flow rate. However, large flow impact could occur at the instant of proportional throttle cartridge valve opening, which is harmful to system stability and service life of machines. A variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve was proposed in this study to reduce the vibration of hydraulic drive system caused by the flow impact. Nevertheless, the variable flow gain introduced a strong nonlinearity, as well as a big flow force disturbance, a friction force disturbance, a flow–pressure nonlinear relationship, and a variable load stiffness which are challenges for high accurate control of spool position. Therefore, a third-order active disturbance rejection controller was developed to enhance the antidisturbance ability and improve the control precision of the variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve as well. First, the mathematical model of the variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve was established by identification of system parameters. Second, the active disturbance rejection controller was designed, and its parameters were tuned in simulation environment. And third, relevant experiments on a DN80 variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve test system were conducted to validate the proposed control strategy. The experimental results approved that compared with the well-tuned proportional–integral–derivative controller, the response time and the overshoot were almost cut to half, and the hysteresis error decreased by 75% using active disturbance rejection controller. The experiment results also indicated that variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve with active disturbance rejection controller increased the robustness of the variable flow gain–proportional throttle cartridge valve in the presence of nonlinear and uncertain disturbance and improved the control precision and dynamic response greatly.
Long-term fatigue behavior of a cantilever piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Avvari Panduranga Vittal , Yang Yaowen , Soh Chee Kiong
Published: September 2016

Piezoelectric energy harvesting has attracted extensive research in the advancement of new designs and techniques over the last decade. The cantilever shaped piezoelectric energy harvesting beam is one of the most employed designs, due to its simplicity and flexibility for further performance enhancement. The strain distribution along the cantilever piezoelectric energy harvesting beam is nonuniform, which would induce fatigue damage at the root of the cantilever on the long run. This particular issue has seldom been addressed in the literature. This article presents an experimental investigation on the fatigue behavior of a cantilever piezoelectric energy harvesting beam at different base excitation levels. The experimental study is augmented with analytical formulation to examine the strain levels and with finite element analysis formulation to model the piezoelectric energy harvesting beam with a macro fiber composite piezoelectric transducer. A two-dimensional model is developed based on the three-dimensional model to investigate crack propagation in the piezoelectric energy harvesting beam. Furthermore, the electromechanical impedance technique is employed to monitor the progression of damage in the experimental specimens. The root mean square deviation and relative root mean square deviation of the impedance values and voltage obtained from the macro fiber composite transducer provide a profound introspection into the damage propagation in the piezoelectric energy harvesting beam. This study provides an insight into the behavior of the piezoelectric energy harvesting beam undergoing fatigue loading due to a uniform sinusoidal base excitation by analyzing the output voltage, resonant frequency, tip displacement, tip velocity, and impedance variations. It will pave the way for future studies on the fatigue-based design guides for piezoelectric energy harvesting beams.
Safe Use of Subcutaneous Diphenhydramine in the Inpatient Hospice Unit
Authors: Chen Aileen , Loquias Erwin J. , Roshan Ramesh , Levene Richard , Zelhof Raymond , Hickey Terry , Cooney Gail Austin , Gonzalez Faustino
Published: September 2016

Background:

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is most commonly used via oral, topical, intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) routes for the palliation of pruritus, treatment of extrapyramidal symptoms, management of parkinsonism and for allergic reactions. However, many hospice patients are unable to take oral medications and/or do not have IV access. Moreover, topical administration has a relatively slow rate of absorption. For this reason, in the hospice setting it is not uncommon for diphenhydramine to be administered via the subcutaneous (SC) route secondary to its ease of access, low infection rates and its low levels of discomfort. In contrast, outside the hospice setting, subcutaneous DPH has not been widely used, primarily because of a handful of case reports published in the 1990’s that report skin necrosis following subcutaneous administration of DPH for local anesthesia. Since these early case reports, however, there has been very little in the way of research to examine this further. The aim of this study is to provide objective data concerning the safe use of subcutaneous diphenhydramine, as part of our efforts to improve upon safe practices in our organization.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of records from 6 of our inpatient hospice units obtained from our pharmacy database for patients who received at least one subcutaneous injection of diphenhydramine between 2012-2015. Selected patients were then subsequently screened for post-administration skin necrosis, as recorded in our quality assurance database during the same time period.

Results:

A total of 648 diphenhydramine subcutaneous injections were administered in109 individual patients. None of the patients were reported to have an adverse cutaneous reaction.

Conclusions:

This retrospective review demonstrates that subcutaneous diphenhydramine injection is a safe alternative to oral and other parenteral routes, and may be particularly valuable in terminally ill patients, who are often unable to swallow and are without IV access.
The Knowing–Doing Gap in Advance Directives in Asian Americans: The Role of Education and Acculturation
Authors: Jang Yuri , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David A. , Radhakrishnan Kavita , Kim Miyong T.
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

The purposes of the present study were (1) to explore the completion rate of advance directives (ADs) in a sample of Asian Americans and (2) to examine the direct and moderating effects of knowledge of AD, education, and acculturation in predicting AD completion. Education and acculturation were conceptualized as moderators in the link between knowledge and completion of ADs.

Methods:

Using data from 2609 participants in the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life survey (aged 18-98), logistic regression analyses on AD completion were conducted, testing both direct and moderating effects.

Results:

The overall AD completion rate in sample was about 12%. The AD knowledge and acculturation independently predicted AD completion. No direct effect of education was found; however, it interacted with AD knowledge. The AD knowledge was more likely to be translated into completion in the group with higher education.

Conclusions:

The AD completion rate observed in the present sample of Asian Americans was much lower than that of the US general population (26%-36%). The interactive role of education helps to explain the gap between AD knowledge and completion and suggests intervention strategies.
Association of Discrimination and Stress With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Ethnic Minority Women
Authors: Shin Cha-Nam , Soltero Erica , Mama Scherezade K. , Sunseri Christopher , Lee Rebecca E.
Published: September 2016

Psychological stressors can contribute to adverse health outcomes and lead to health disparities. To examine associations among psychological stressors, coping, blood pressure, body mass index, and body fat in ethnic minority women, we conducted a secondary analysis using data from 178 African American and Hispanic/Latina women who completed measures of perceived racial discrimination and stress, coping, blood pressure, and body composition. The mean age of participants was 45.3 (±9.3 years), and most were obese (74.2%) and had prehypertensive systolic blood pressure (125.7 ± 14.6 mmHg). Hierarchical multiple regression models indicated a significant negative relationship between racial discrimination and percent body fat, and positive associations between stress and blood pressure. Coping did not moderate the association between racial discrimination and blood pressure or body composition. Health care providers should consider psychological stressors as underlying causes for hypertension and address tailored stress-reduction coping strategies when treating African American and Hispanic/Latina women with hypertension.
How Wnt Signaling Builds the Brain: Bridging Development and Disease
Authors: Noelanders Rivka , Vleminckx Kris
Published: September 2016

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role throughout all stages of brain development and remains important in the adult brain. Accordingly, many neurological disorders have been linked to Wnt signaling. Defects in Wnt signaling during neural development can give rise to birth defects or lead to neurological dysfunction later in life. Developmental signaling events can also be hijacked in the adult and result in disease. Moreover, knowledge about the physiological role of Wnt signaling in the brain might lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases. Especially, the important role for Wnt signaling in neural differentiation of pluripotent stem cells has received much attention as this might provide a cure for neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the versatile role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during neural development and discuss some recent studies linking Wnt signaling to neurological disorders.
Safety of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Clinical Practice: Focus on Rivaroxaban in Stroke Prevention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sanmartín-Fernández Marcelo , Marzal-Martín Domingo
Published: September 2016

Despite direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have overcome the most relevant limitations of vitamin K antagonists, many patients with atrial fibrillation are not receiving the appropriate anticoagulant therapy. In addition, when patients are anticoagulated with DOACs, some of them are not taking the dose recommended in the summary of product characteristics. This may be related, at least in part, to the concern about the applicability of findings from randomized clinical trials to real-life patients. In this context, performing studies in daily clinical practice to assess the efficacy and safety of DOACs in real-world setting is mandatory. The aim of this review is to update the current evidence regarding safety of rivaroxaban in clinical practice. The Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET-AF) showed that rivaroxaban was at least as effective as warfarin for preventing stroke or systemic embolism, with similar rates of major bleeding but with lesser risk of intracranial and fatal bleedings. Data from noninterventional studies and registries have confirmed the good results of ROCKET-AF. Even more, rates of bleeding may be inferior in real-life patients, since they have a lower risk profile than those included in ROCKET-AF.
A Nationwide Assessment of the Association of Smoking Bans and Cigarette Taxes With Hospitalizations for Acute Myocardial Infarction, Heart Failure, and Pneumonia
Authors: Ho Vivian , Ross Joseph S. , Steiner Claudia A. , Mandawat Aditya , Short Marah , Ku-Goto Meei-Hsiang , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: September 2016

Multiple studies claim that public place smoking bans are associated with reductions in smoking-related hospitalization rates. No national study using complete hospitalization counts by area that accounts for contemporaneous controls including state cigarette taxes has been conducted. We examine the association between county-level smoking-related hospitalization rates and comprehensive smoking bans in 28 states from 2001 to 2008. Differences-in-differences analysis measures changes in hospitalization rates before versus after introducing bans in bars, restaurants, and workplaces, controlling for cigarette taxes, adjusting for local health and provider characteristics. Smoking bans were not associated with acute myocardial infarction or heart failure hospitalizations, but lowered pneumonia hospitalization rates for persons ages 60 to 74 years. Higher cigarette taxes were associated with lower heart failure hospitalizations for all ages and fewer pneumonia hospitalizations for adults aged 60 to 74. Previous studies may have overestimated the relation between smoking bans and hospitalizations and underestimated the effects of cigarette taxes.
Maternal Social Information Processing and the Frequency and Severity of Mother-Perpetrated Physical Abuse
Authors: Azar Sandra T. , Miller Elizabeth A. , McGuier Devin J. , Stevenson Michael T. , O’Donnell Ellen , Olsen Nina , Spence Noel
Published: September 2016

The frequency and severity of physical abuse influences children’s outcomes, yet little theory-based research has explored what predicts its course. This study examined the potential role of social information processing (SIP) factors in the course of abuse. Mothers with histories of perpetrating physical abuse ( N = 62) completed measures of SIP, and the frequency and severity of mother-perpetrated physical abuse were collected from Child Protection Services records. Poorer problem-solving capacities were significantly related to greater frequency of physical abuse. Hostile attributions toward children were positively associated with abuse severity. Controlling for demographics and co-occurrence of neglect, SIP factors together accounted for a significant proportion of variance in the frequency of physical abuse, but not severity. With the exception of unrealistic expectations, preliminary evidence supported a link between maternal SIP and the course of abuse perpetration. Future research directions and implications for intervention are discussed.
Social Determinants of Depression Among Hispanic Women
Authors: De Oliveira Giovanna , Cianelli Rosina , Gattamorta Karina , Kowalski Norma , Peragallo Nilda
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND: Depression is the number one cause of disability in the world. Hispanic women are at a higher risk for depression than Caucasian and African American women. This is in part due to multiple social determinants of health that affect the individual, family, aggregates, and community. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the social determinants of depression among Hispanic women in South Florida. DESIGN: This is a secondary cross-sectional data analysis. A total of 280 Hispanic women from South Florida between 18 and 50 years of age were analyzed. RESULTS: Depression is prevalent among Hispanic women in South Florida (37.5%). Education, health status, and living with partner were significant predictors of depression in the sample. CONCLUSION: Development of a culturally tailored risk assessment tool that highlights the social determinants of depression in Hispanic women is essential, as it could be used as a standard practice in primary care and other appropriate settings.
Electromagnetic field-current coupling in rigid polarized conductors
Authors: Romeo Maurizio
Published: September 2016

A continuum model, based on a theory of electromagnetic media with microstructure, is exploited to deal with rigid conductors endowed with polarization and magnetization. Charge carriers are considered as a continuum superimposed to the microstructured conductor where the density of bound charges depends on the internal degrees of freedom of the continuum particle. The non-linear dynamical model is formulated, deriving the mechanical balance laws that are coupled with the electromagnetic field equations. A reduction to the micropolar linear case is performed in order to analyze admissible solutions in the form of one-dimensional plane waves. Dispersion equations are derived for modes pertaining to longitudinal and transverse fields and the effects of conductivity and polarization are evidentiated. Polariton modes, arising from the dynamics of microdeformation, are also discussed.
“I Walked into the Industry for Survival and Came Out of a Closet”
Authors: Matthen Premala , Lyons Tara , Taylor Matthew , Jennex James , Anderson Solanna , Jollimore Jody , Shannon Kate
Published: September 2016

Background/Objectives:

This article seeks to examine how gender and sexual identities shape sex work experiences among men, two spirit, and/or trans people in Vancouver.

Methods:

In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with men and trans people in Metro Vancouver from Community Health Assessment of Men Who Purchase and Sell Sex. An intersectional critical feminist perspective guided the thematic analysis of interview transcripts, and ATLAS.ti 7 was used to manage data analysis.

Results:

Three themes emerged from the data: (1) the diversity of sexual and gender identities among sex workers and clients, (2) the expression and exploration of sexual and gender identities through sex work, and (3) the migration of sexual and gender minorities to urban centers to escape discrimination in their places of origin.

Discussion:

These findings complicate existing narratives of sex work, demonstrating the need for policies and services that reflect the diversity of sex work experiences.
Prospective Case Series of Cutaneous Adverse Effects Associated With Dabrafenib and Trametinib
Authors: Lacroix Jean-Philip , Wang Beatrice
Published: September 2016

Background:

Dabrafenib, a novel selective small-molecule inhibitor of BRAF, has been shown to increase overall survival in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. The development of resistance has led to combination therapy with selective MEK inhibitor trametinib. Compared with vemurafenib, dabrafenib is a more recent BRAF inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2013 for metastatic melanoma; fewer data are available in the current literature regarding cutaneous toxicity.

Objectives:

We sought to present additional cutaneous side effects of dabrafenib and trametinib and follow their evolution and management.

Methods:

We carried out a prospective study of 14 patients treated with dabrafenib alone or with trametinib. Patients were followed every 4 weeks, and we collected detailed cutaneous symptoms, photos, and biopsy specimens.

Results:

All patients presented with at least 1 adverse skin reaction. The mean duration of treatment was 24 weeks. The most common adverse effect was papillomas (7/14), followed by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis (5/14), alopecia (5/14), and seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption (2/14). Three patients who received trametinib developed an acneiform eruption (3/5). One patient developed a keratoacanthoma-like squamous cell carcinoma. Side effects presented as early as 2 weeks after starting therapy, with a mean time of onset of 9 weeks.

Conclusion:

Selective BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib are associated with multiple skin adverse effects. Given their recent approval and the potential for malignant lesions to develop on treatment, awareness of potential adverse effects and their management is necessary.
Gendered labour and media: histories and continuities
Authors: Baker Jeannine , Lloyd Justine
Published: September 2016

On the evening of 5 September 1975, 150 women occupied the offices of the Canberra Times, protesting about an editorial hostile to participants in a national conference on ‘Women and Politics’. This action, at the production site of the Australian capital’s only broadsheet newspaper, provides a context for this themed issue’s focus on gendered labour and media. We review recent perspectives on contemporary labour, and note that a persistent theme of this research is that recent changes in the media industries have seen the devaluation of professional work cultures as work in such industries has become more precarious. These changes are set against legacies of the devaluation of women’s work within the media, and negotiations of spaces for women to carve out media careers, which are explored by contributors to this issue. The article concludes by drawing out the need for a historically informed position on the gendering of media labour.