bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female Sex, Time in Therapeutic Range, and Clinical Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Taking Warfarin
Authors: Senoo Keitaro , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Female patients have higher risk for stroke than male patients in nonanticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients, but limited data are available on sex differences in stroke and bleeding outcomes among patients with anticoagulated atrial fibrillation on warfarin, especially in relation to quality of anticoagulation control, as reflected by the time in therapeutic range (TTR).

Methods—

We investigated adverse outcomes in females (n=791) and males (n=1501) among 2292 patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin arm in the AMADEUS (Evaluating the Use of SR34006 Compared to Warfarin or Acenocoumarol in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) trial.

Results—

The combined end point of cardiovascular death and stroke/systemic embolism (SSE) was similar in females versus males. There was no sex differences in either cardiovascular death or SSE. Compared with males, females had a lower risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.87;
P
=0.02). No differences were seen in mortality and stroke outcomes between females and males either in the prespecified age subgroups or in relation to TTR categories. TTR was negatively correlated with any clinically relevant bleeding in both females (
r
=−0.86;
P
=0.03) and males (
r
=−0.94;
P
=0.005). On Cox regression, TTR (but not female sex) emerged as an independent predictor for combined cardiovascular death/SSE and clinically relevant bleeding events.

Conclusion—

Anticoagulated female patients with atrial fibrillation had a similar rate of cardiovascular death and SSE, but a lower risk of major bleeding, compared with males. TTR (but not female sex) was an independent predictor for combined cardiovascular death and SSE and clinically relevant bleeding events.
The Role of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in Reigniting the Flame of Spirituality in Contemporary Christians
Authors: Alva Reginald
Published: April 2016

Life in the modern world is hectic. Development in technology has diminished the importance of religion in society. Nonetheless, humans are not satisfied with their ultramodern gadgets and are in a continuous pursuit after something more. The advancements in science in the developed nations have not stopped people from the West from being fascinated by eastern spiritualities. Has Christianity, which has traditionally been the religion of the western world, lost its relevance? How can the Catholic Church offer a “lively” spirituality to people who seek meaning in life? The Charismatic Renewal Movement, which began in 1967 in the Catholic Church, has helped millions to rediscover the beauty of Christian faith and has the potential of making Christianity relevant in the modern world. In this article I will examine the role of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in reigniting the flame of spirituality in contemporary Christians. I will base my study on the documents of the Church and the documents of the Charismatic Renewal Movement.
Member State Responsibility for Wrongdoings of International Organizations
Authors: Blokker Niels
Published: April 2016

It is the aim of this contribution to demonstrate why it is necessary that international organizations are themselves responsible for their own wrongful acts and why there is and should be only a secondary, rather limited role for member state responsibility, as reflected in the 2011 ilc Articles on the Responsibility of International Organizations. Two examples from practice are discussed in this context: judgments by Dutch courts relating to the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, and the icao principle of ‘ultimate State responsibility’ in the light of the attribution of powers to Regional Safety Oversight Organizations. In addition, it is argued that it is in the long-term interest of both international organizations and their member States to create and develop appropriate, tailor-made accountability mechanisms where necessary. A proposal is made to use the Permanent Court of Arbitration as a general forum for claims against international organizations.
Evidence of Energy and Momentum Flux from Swell to Wind
Authors: Kahma Kimmo K. , Donelan Mark A. , Drennan William M. , Terray Eugene A.
Published: April 2016

Measurements of pressure near the surface in conditions of wind sea and swell are reported. Swell, or waves that overrun the wind, produces an upward flux of energy and momentum from waves to the wind and corresponding attenuation of the swell waves. The estimates of growth of wind sea are consistent with existing parameterizations. The attenuation of swell in the field is considerably smaller than existing measurements in the laboratory.
Influence of Context on Item Parameters in Forced-Choice Personality Assessments
Authors: Lin Yin , Brown Anna
Published: April 2016

A fundamental assumption in computerized adaptive testing is that item parameters are invariant with respect to context—items surrounding the administered item. This assumption, however, may not hold in forced-choice (FC) assessments, where explicit comparisons are made between items included in the same block. We empirically examined the influence of context on item parameters by comparing parameter estimates from two FC instruments. The first instrument was composed of blocks of three items, whereas in the second, the context was manipulated by adding one item to each block, resulting in blocks of four. The item parameter estimates were highly similar. However, a small number of significant deviations were observed, confirming the importance of context when designing adaptive FC assessments. Two patterns of such deviations were identified, and methods to reduce their occurrences in an FC computerized adaptive testing setting were proposed. It was shown that with a small proportion of violations of the parameter invariance assumption, score estimation remained stable.
Overconfidence in Projecting Uncertain Spatial Trajectories
Authors: Herdener Nathan , Wickens Christopher D. , Clegg Benjamin A. , Smith C. A. P.
Published: April 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand factors that influence the prediction of uncertain spatial trajectories (e.g., the future path of a hurricane or ship) and the role of human overconfidence in such prediction.

Background

Research has indicated that human prediction of uncertain trajectories is difficult and may well be subject to overconfidence in the accuracy of forecasts as is found in event prediction, a finding that indicates that humans insufficiently appreciate the contributions of variance in nature to their predictions.

Method

In two experiments, our paradigm required participants to observe a starting point, a position at time T, and then make a prediction of the location of the trajectory at time NT. They experienced several trajectories from the same underlying model but perturbed by random variance in heading and speed.

Results

In Experiment 1A, people predicted linear paths well and were better in heading predictions than in speed predictions. However, participants greatly underestimated the variance in predicted location, indicating overconfidence. In Experiment 1B, the effect was replicated with frequencies rather than probabilities used in variance estimates. In Experiment 2, people predicted nonlinear trajectories poorly, and overconfidence was again observed. Overconfidence was reduced on the more difficult predictions. In both main experiments, those better at predicting the mean were not better at predicting the variance.

Conclusions

Predicting the level of uncertainty in spatial trajectories is not well done and may involve qualitatively different abilities than prediction of the mean.

Application

Improving real-world performance at prediction demands developing better understanding of variability, not just the average case. Biases in prediction of uncertainty may be addressed through debiasing training and/or visualization tools that could assist in more calibrated action planning.
Choke Valve Technology in Subsea Environments
Authors: Tattersall Simon
Published: April 2016

For as long as oil has been produced, techniques have been developed to control flow, and choke valves are an integral element of this vital requirement. This paper explores the history of the industry’s move from surface to subsea production and the translation of topside choke valve technology to the more challenging, underwater environment. It considers the types of valves available for different operating conditions and the importance of specifying a valve correctly to avoid early deterioration, costly maintenance or production outages. It explores the future challenges that the oil and gas industry faces and the advances in control valve technology that will support the ongoing development of seafloor processing techniques.
Some Thoughts and Practice on Performance Improvement in Distributed Control System Based on Fieldbus and Ethernet
Authors: Liang Geng , Li Wen
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the issue of improving control performance of a network-based control system in a different perspective from control algorithms was fully addressed. Some important performance-affecting elements including design of network architecture, configuration, and delay compensation were investigated and some methods presented. The presented design and implementation of a network-based cascade control system with a real laboratory pilot plant involved adopting two different control approaches based on Foundation Fieldbus and Ethernet, respectively. We presented some practically feasible approaches to improve control performance of the system, including improved function block configuration scheme, synchronization control methodology based on IEC61499, output estimation algorithm based on neural network, and methods for reducing network transmission by improving hardware and network architecture. Control effects under the proposed methodologies were also given. Experimental and on-site practice validated these methodologies.
Thermal conductivity and flammability of multiwall carbon nanotube/polyurethane foam composites
Authors: Espadas-Escalante JJ , Avilés F , Gonzalez-Chi PI , Oliva AI
Published: April 2016

The thermal conductivity and fire response of multiwall carbon nanotube/polyurethane foam composites are investigated for ∼45 kg/m3 foams with multiwall carbon nanotube concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 2 wt.%. The thermal conductivity of such nanocomposites shows a modest increase with increased multiwall carbon nanotube content, which is explained by a high value of interfacial thermal resistance, as predicted by existent thermal models. A strong correlation between multiwall carbon nanotube content, foam’s cellular morphology, and fire behavior was observed. The flame propagation speed increases with the addition of 0.1 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes and then reduces as the multiwall carbon nanotube content increases. The mass lost after flame extinction reduces with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes, suggesting an increased resistance to flame attack due the multiwall carbon nanotube presence.
Lithium-induced neuroprotection in stroke involves increased miR-124 expression, reduced RE1-silencing transcription factor abundance and decreased protein deubiquitination by GSK3β inhibition-independent pathways
Authors: Doeppner Thorsten R , Kaltwasser Britta , Sanchez-Mendoza Eduardo H , Caglayan Ahmet B , Bähr Mathias , Hermann Dirk M
Published: April 2016

Lithium promotes acute poststroke neuronal survival, which includes mechanisms that are not limited to GSK3β inhibition. However, whether lithium induces long-term neuroprotection and enhanced brain remodeling is unclear. Therefore, mice were exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and lithium (1 mg/kg bolus followed by 2 mg/kg/day over up to 7 days) was intraperitoneally administered starting 0–9 h after reperfusion onset. Delivery of lithium no later than 6 h reduced infarct volume on day 2 and decreased brain edema, leukocyte infiltration, and microglial activation, as shown by histochemistry and flow cytometry. Lithium-induced neuroprotection persisted throughout the observation period of 56 days and was associated with enhanced neurological recovery. Poststroke angioneurogenesis and axonal plasticity were also enhanced by lithium. On the molecular level, lithium increased miR-124 expression, reduced RE1-silencing transcription factor abundance, and decreased protein deubiquitination in cultivated cortical neurons exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation and in brains of mice exposed to cerebral ischemia. Notably, this effect was not mimicked by pharmacological GSK3β inhibition. This study for the first time provides efficacy data for lithium in the postacute ischemic phase, reporting a novel mechanism of action, i.e. increased miR-124 expression facilitating REST degradation by which lithium promotes postischemic neuroplasticity and angiogenesis.
Putative role of 5-HT2B receptors in migraine pathophysiology
Authors: Segelcke Daniel , Messlinger Karl
Published: April 2016

Objective

In this review we attempt to characterize the acute and chronic role of 5-HT2B receptors with regard to meningeal nociception in animal experiments and clinical data targeting migraine therapy.

Background

Migraine is a common disabling neurovascular primary headache disease, the pathomechanism of which is still unclear. Serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors might play an important role in some aspects of migraine pathogenesis. The ability of the unselective 5-HT2B receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine to induce migraine attacks in migraine sufferers, the high affinity of prophylactic antimigraine drugs to this receptor and its expression in migraine-relevant structures like the dura mater argue for a role of 5-HT2B receptors in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks.

Methods

For this review, the relevant databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE®, Cochrane Library and EMBASE, respectively, were searched to December 2015 using the keywords “migraine, 5-HT2, trigeminal, neurogenic inflammation, nitric oxide, nitroxyl, vasodilatation, plasma protein extravasation” and combinations thereof.

Conclusion

Our literature review suggests an important role of 5-HT2B receptor activation in meningeal nociception and the generation of migraine pain.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Our Schools: A Review and Research-Informed Guidelines for School Mental Health Professionals
Authors: De Riggi Melissa E. , Moumne Samira , Heath Nancy L. , Lewis Stephen P.
Published: April 2016

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the immediate and deliberate destruction of one’s own body tissue, without suicidal intent, and not for purposes that are socially accepted, is a critical concern for youth in schools. Despite significant scholarly advances and increasing clinical awareness of NSSI, many school mental health professionals (MHPs) continue to report feeling ill equipped to support students who self-injure, and emphasize a need for formal education about NSSI and its management in schools. Thus, the first part of this article summarizes current NSSI research on prevalence, age of onset, gender differences, functions, risk factors, and associations with suicide. Emerging from this review, the second part offers research-informed recommendations for MHPs managing NSSI in schools, including guidelines for (a) identifying students at elevated risk of self-injury, (b) developing a protocol for school personnel’s initial response to student self-injury, (c) first-level assessment of NSSI, and (d) managing critical issues related to NSSI contagion and online activity.
Effect of inorganic pigments on the properties of coextruded polypropylene-based composites
Authors: Butylina Svetlana , Martikka Ossi , Kärki Timo
Published: April 2016

In this article, the effect of the incorporation of three inorganic pigments on the properties of coextruded polypropylene-based composites was studied. Three different pigments were incorporated in the shell layer of the composites: iron oxide, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). The tensile properties and Charpy impact strength of the composites were tested. A water immersion test was conducted. The morphology of the fractured surfaces of composites was characterised by scanning electron microscopy. The durability of the composites was assessed by testing colour characteristics and tensile strength after 500 hours of accelerated weathering. The results revealed that the TiO2-containing composite had the highest tensile modulus and Charpy impact strength, while the ZnO-containing composite had the lowest tensile strength and Charpy impact strength. Iron oxide was found to have no effect on either the physical or mechanical properties of the composite. The porosity of composites influences their water absorption and thickness swelling. The TiO2-containing composite exhibited better colour stability.
A Simple Task Uncovers a Postdictive Illusion of Choice
Authors: Bear Adam , Bloom Paul
Published: April 2016

Do people know when, or whether, they have made a conscious choice? Here, we explore the possibility that choices can seem to occur before they are actually made. In two studies, participants were asked to quickly choose from a set of options before a randomly selected option was made salient. Even when they believed that they had made their decision prior to this event, participants were significantly more likely than chance to report choosing the salient option when this option was made salient soon after the perceived time of choice. Thus, without participants’ awareness, a seemingly later event influenced choices that were experienced as occurring at an earlier time. These findings suggest that, like certain low-level perceptual experiences, the experience of choice is susceptible to “postdictive” influence and that people may systematically overestimate the role that consciousness plays in their chosen behavior.
The illness experience of youth with lupus/mixed connective tissue disease: a mixed methods analysis of patient and parent perspectives
Authors: Knight A , Vickery M , Fiks A G , Barg F K
Published: April 2016

Objective

We aimed to develop a model of the illness experience for youth with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).

Methods

We conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with 16 outpatient youth with SLE/MCTD, age 11 to 22 years, and their parents. We qualitatively defined key features of illness for families and distinguished profiles of youth adapting well vs poorly to SLE/MCTD. We then related these profiles to features of illness, patient-level attributes and outcomes.

Results

Experiences with SLE/MCTD grouped into five themes: managing disease, limitations, stigma, illness uncertainty and psychological coping. Youth adapting well experienced minimal challenges in these areas. Youth adapting poorly (4/16) experienced significant challenges in >1 thematic area, and were older with lower socioeconomic status, quality of life and psychosocial functioning, and increased disease-related morbidity. They also described suboptimal treatment adherence, healthcare utilization and transition to adult care. These findings support a dynamic model in which illness adaptation and outcomes are shaped by patient characteristics and five central illness-related challenges.

Conclusion

Further testing of our model of illness experience may help guide comprehensive and personalized care of youth with SLE/MCTD, with targeted supports for youth at risk for negative adaptation to illness and poor outcomes.
Elevated plasma interleukin-37 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Wu G-C , Li H-M , Wang J-B , Leng R-X , Wang D-G , Ye D-Q
Published: April 2016

This study aims to evaluate the plasma interleukin (IL)-37 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, as well as its association with major clinical and laboratory features. Ninety consecutively selected SLE patients and 78 community-based healthy controls were recruited. Plasma IL-37 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The major clinical and laboratory data of SLE patients were also recorded. The results showed that IL-37 level was significantly higher in the plasma of patients with SLE compared with controls ( p = 0.028). The correlation of plasma IL-37 levels with major clinical and laboratory data of SLE patients was also analyzed, and the results showed that anti-Sm and anti-RNP were negatively associated with plasma IL-37 levels of SLE patients, while C3 was positively associated with plasma IL-37 levels of SLE patients. No significant associations of IL-37 with other clinical and laboratory parameters were observed (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, elevated plasma IL-37 level and its associations with anti-Sm, anti-RNP and C3 in SLE patients suggest that IL-37 may be implicated in this disease.
Electromechanical impedance–based damage characterization using spectral element method
Authors: Albakri Mohammad I. , Tarazaga Pablo A.
Published: April 2016

The high-frequency nature of impedance-based structural health monitoring makes the utilization of impedance signature for model-based damage characterization a challenging problem. In this study, a novel damage characterization approach that utilizes impedance signature measured with a single piezoelectric wafer is developed. Length-varying spectral elements are introduced to minimize the total number of elements required to describe the system, along with the number of damage characterization parameters. Several objective function definitions are studied and their behaviour with respect to each damage parameter is investigated. It has been found that an objective function definition based on the frequency shift in impedance peaks is the most effective definition compared to root mean square deviation and correlation-based objective functions. A novel damage localization method, referred to as sine-fit localization method, is developed based on the underlying periodic behaviour of impedance peak shifts as a function of damage location. The sine-fit localization method is integrated with gradient descend method in a two-stage optimization algorithm for damage characterization. The developed algorithm is capable of solving the ill-posed problem of damage characterization with few iterations and small number of objective function evaluations, which makes it computationally very efficient.
Overcoming Common Misunderstandings About Students With Disabilities Who Are English Language Learners
Authors: Cheatham Gregory A. , Hart Barnett Juliet E.
Published: April 2016

Special education programs are increasingly serving students with disabilities who are English language learners and their families. Facilitating bilingualism is an effective practice and aligns with culturally responsive special education service provision. It is critical for special educators and service providers to learn about bilingualism, second language learning, and students with disabilities to responsibly participate in individualized education program team decision making. This column presents five misunderstandings about students who are English language learners with disabilities. Based on the research literature, responses to each misunderstanding are presented and include implications and recommendations for special educators.
Educating Learners With Disabilities in Palestine
Authors: Nasir-Tucktuck Mona , Baker Joshua N. , Love Matthew L.
Published: April 2016

With the adoption of the Right of Education for All (1994), the Palestinian Ministry of Education has indicated the necessity to address the needs of students with disabilities. Although the growth of services has increased to meet the needs of this population, there are still concerns with providing best instructional practices to these students in this novel educational system. This column presents a brief historical background on services provided to students with disabilities, as well as discussing current identification, diagnostic, and placement practices in the Palestinian territories. Future directions are suggested and discussed in regard to the use and availability of evidence-based practices.
Can Prior Experience Influence Seating Comfort Ratings?
Authors: van Veen Sigrid , Vink Peter
Published: April 2016

Most research on product comfort focuses exclusively on the use of the evaluated product (e.g., Kyung, Nussbaum, & Babski-Reeves, 2008; Harih & Dolšak (2013). We sought to investigate the influence of a sitting precondition on ratings for first impression of comfort, short-term comfort, and discomfort of a product. The aim was to assess if and how sensations experienced prior to product use affected product evaluation. Therefore, a vehicle seat was evaluated with two preconditions in a within-subjects design. The comfort model of Vink and Hallbeck was extended according to the findings of this study.
The Relationship Between Parental Affective Temperament Traits and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Symptoms in Children With ADHD
Authors: Bilgiç Ayhan , Yılmaz Savaş , Özcan Özlem , Tufan Ali Evren , Özmen Sevgi , Öztop Didem , Akça Ömer Faruk , Türkoğlu Serhat , Yar Ahmet
Published: April 2016

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between parental affective temperaments and the oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms of children with ADHD. Method: The sample consisted of 542 treatment-naive children with ADHD and their biological parents. Children were assessed via both parent- and teacher-rated behavioral disorder scales. Parental affective temperament and ADHD symptoms were measured by self-report inventories. The relationships between psychiatric variables were evaluated using structural equation modeling. Results: According to parent-rated behavioral disorder scales, paternal cyclothymic and maternal irritable temperaments were associated with ODD scores, and maternal depressive temperament was associated with CD scores. In terms of teacher-rated behavioral disorder scales, maternal anxious temperament was associated with ODD scores, and paternal cyclothymic and maternal depressive temperaments were associated with CD scores. Conclusion: These results suggest that certain parental affective temperaments are related to an increase in symptoms of disruptive behavioral disorders in children with ADHD.
Evaluating Bang for the Buck
Authors: Namey Emily , Guest Greg , McKenna Kevin , Chen Mario
Published: April 2016

Evaluators often use qualitative research methods, yet there is little evidence on the comparative cost-effectiveness of the two most commonly employed qualitative methods—in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus groups (FGs). We performed an inductive thematic analysis of data from 40 IDIs and 40 FGs on the health-seeking behaviors of African American men ( N = 350) in Durham, North Carolina. We used a bootstrap simulation to generate 10,000 random samples from each data set and calculated the number of data collection events necessary to reach different levels of thematic saturation. The median number of data collection events required to reach 80% and 90% saturation was 8 and 16, respectively, for IDIs and 3 and 5 for FGs. Interviews took longer but were more cost-effective at both levels. At the median, IDIs cost 20–36% less to reach thematic saturation. Evaluators can consider these empirically based cost-effectiveness data when selecting a qualitative data collection method.
Just a Girl
Authors: Rashid Naaz
Published: April 2016

This article is based on empirical work which examined the inclusion of women and girls in the UK’s Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) agenda. It focuses specifically on a road show designed to raise the academic aspirations of Muslim girls in order to improve Muslim women’s performance in the labour market. It begins by illustrating how global development discourses of girls’ empowerment (the ‘Girl Effect’) permeate the rationale for the road shows. The article interrogates these overarching narratives through analysis of interview material and participant observation. First, it highlights the diversity amongst Muslim girls in terms of region, social class and ethnicity. Second, it interrogates the rationale for the project, addressing other factors such as discrimination which also affect Muslim women’s position in the labour market. It concludes by stressing the importance of ‘writing against culture’ and thinking intersectionality about ‘Muslim girls’, not only as Muslims but as ‘girls who are Muslim’.
Diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
Authors: Cooper Michol , Hicks Caitlin , Ratchford Elizabeth V , Salameh Maya J , Malas Mahmoud
Published: April 2016

A type B dissection involves the aorta distal to the subclavian artery, and accounts for 25–40% of aortic dissections. Approximately 75% of these are uncomplicated with no malperfusion or ischemia. Multiple consensus statements recommend thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as the treatment of choice for acute complicated type B aortic dissections, while uncomplicated type B dissections are traditionally treated with medical management alone, including strict blood pressure control, as open repairs have a prohibitively high morbidity of up to 31%. However, with medical treatment alone, the morbidity, including aneurysm degeneration of the affected segment, is 30%, and mortality is 10% over 5 years. For both chronic and acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissections, emerging evidence supports the use of both best medical therapy and TEVAR. This paper reviews the current diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated type B aortic dissections.
Anniversary article Interactional feedback in second language teaching and learning: A synthesis and analysis of current research
Authors: Nassaji Hossein
Published: April 2016

The role of interactional feedback has long been of interest to both second language acquisition researchers and teachers and has continued to be the object of intensive empirical and theoretical inquiry. In this article, I provide a synthesis and analysis of recent research and developments in this area and their contributions to second language acquisition (SLA). I begin by discussing the theoretical underpinnings of interactional feedback and then review studies that have investigated the provision and effectiveness of feedback for language learning in various settings. I also examine research in a number of other key areas that have been the focus of current research including feedback timing, feedback training, learner–learner interaction, and computer-assisted feedback. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the issues examined with regard to classroom instruction.
Suppression, denial, sublimation: Defending against the initial pains of very long life sentences
Authors: Wright Serena , Crewe Ben , Hulley Susie
Published: April 2016

The central purpose of the article is to explore the psychic components of the early pains of imprisonment described by male and female prisoners serving very long mandatory life sentences for murder. While there is a strong tradition of documenting prisoners’ adaptations to ‘life inside’, little work in prisons sociology explores how life-sentenced prisoners, specifically those convicted of murder, reactively respond and adjust to the early years of these sentences. Having outlined prisoners’ descriptions of entry shock, temporal vertigo and intrusive recollections, we draw upon a Freudian terminology of ‘defence mechanisms of the ego’ to argue that suppression, denial and sublimation represent key ways of ‘defending against’ (rather than ‘adapting to’) these experiences. We suggest that the particular offence–time nexus of our sample—the specific offence of murder combined with a very long sentence—helps to explain these defensive patterns.
What does the Web remember of its deleted past? An archival reconstruction of the former Yugoslav top-level domain
Authors: Ben-David Anat
Published: April 2016

This article argues that the use of the Web as a primary source for studying the history of nations is conditioned by the structural ties between sovereignty and the Internet protocol, and by a temporal proximity between live and archived websites. The argument is illustrated by an empirical reconstruction of the history of the top-level domain of Yugoslavia (.yu), which was deleted from the Internet in 2010. The archival discovery method used four lists of historical .yu Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) that were captured from the live Web before the domain was deleted, and an automated hyperlink discovery script that retrieved their snapshots from the Internet Archive and reconstructed their immediate hyperlinked environment in a network. Although a considerable portion of the historical .yu domain was found on the Internet Archive, the reconstructed space was predominantly Serbian.
Employing Transformative Learning Theory in the Design and Implementation of a Curriculum for Court-Ordered Participants in a Parent Education Class
Authors: Taylor Mariann B. , Hill Lilian H.
Published: April 2016

This study sought to analyze the experiences of participants in court-ordered parent education with the ultimate goal to identify a framework, which promotes learning that is transformative. Participants included 11 parents court ordered to attend parent education classes through the Department of Human Services. A basic qualitative design, which was comprised of a before-training interview, training, after-training interview, and follow-up interview, was used. Analysis of data, which included transcribed interviews, field notes, journal postings, and observations of parent–child interactions, revealed that most of the participants experienced a transformation of parenting style. Transformation was fostered through self-reflection and rational discourse in the form of journal writings, guided class discussions, and critical questioning. Findings suggest that transformative learning can occur in a mandated setting providing that the incentive is powerful enough and that transformative learning can be lasting in non-life-threatening situations, such as the potential loss of custody of one’s children.
Doing research in immigration removal centres: Ethics, emotions and impact
Authors: Bosworth Mary , Kellezi Blerina
Published: April 2016

Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) are deeply contested institutions that rarely open their doors to independent research. In this article we discuss some of the complications we faced in conducting the first national British study of everyday life in them. As we will set out, research relationships were difficult to forge due to low levels of trust and unfamiliarity with academic research. At the same time, many participants had unrealistic expectations about our capacity to assist while most exhibited high levels of distress. We were not immune from the emotional burden of the field sites. Such matters were compounded by the limited amount of published information about life in IRCs and a lack of ethical guidelines addressing such places. Drawing on related literature from prison sociology, we use our experiences in IRCs to set out a methodological account of understanding, ethics, and impact within these complex sites.
Emergency management for congenital tracheal stenosis with endoluminal stenting in pediatric intensive care units
Authors: Xu Xuan , Ding Hui , Liu Xicheng , Zhu Bin , Feng Zhichun
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to share our experience in the management of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) using self-expanding intraluminal stents in infants.

Methods:

From January 2010 to August 2012, 31 infants with CTS treated using stents by bronchoscope in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) were recruited for this study.

Results:

Among the 31 patients, 17 were male and 14 were female with their ages ranging from 55 days to 22 months. CTS was associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) in 22 patients. There were no immediate stent-related airway complications. A significant and immediate improvement of respiratory obstruction following stent placement in all 31 patients led to successful weaning from the breathing machine and extubation. Granulation tissue formation as a complication was observed in three (9.7%) patients, but all were successfully managed using cryotherapy. During follow up (up to 24 months), stents in 29 infants remained functional. In seven cases, stents were retrieved under bronchoscope (the same day to 10 months), and three cases required stent replacement (each of the three cases had the stent replaced three times). Nine infants died after stenting due to other causes and two infants abandoned treatment.

Conclusion:

Airway stenting may provide an important therapeutic option in infants with CTS.
Selfie Indulgence
Authors: Re Daniel E. , Wang Sylvia A. , He Joyce C. , Rule Nicholas O.
Published: April 2016

People often perceive themselves as more attractive and likable than others do. Here, we examined how these self-favoring biases manifest in a highly popular novel context that is particularly self-focused—selfies. Specifically, we analyzed selfie-takers’ and non-selfie-takers’ perceptions of their selfies versus photos taken by others and compared these to the judgments of external perceivers. Although selfie-takers and non-selfie-takers reported equal levels of narcissism, we found that the selfie-takers perceived themselves as more attractive and likable in their selfies than in others’ photos, but that non-selfie-takers viewed both photos similarly. Furthermore, external judges rated the targets as less attractive, less likable, and more narcissistic in their selfies than in the photos taken by others. Thus, self-enhancing misperceptions may support selfie-takers’ positive evaluations of their selfies, revealing notable biases in self-perception.
Ragona-Scinà’s (1847) Method for, and Observations of, Simultaneous Color Contrast
Authors: O’Shea Robert P. , Brini Stefano , Wade Nicholas J.
Published: April 2016

In 1847, Domenico Ragona-Scinà (1820–1892) published a method of optically superimposing images using an angled piece of colored glass. He showed that if one looks at a black, filled circle through the colored glass and superimposes on it the reflection from the glass of something white, the filled circle looks tinted with the complementary color of the background: simultaneous color contrast or contrast color. Although Ragona-Scinà’s method and his observation have been cited into the 21st century, the former for its simplicity and the latter for its challenges to early theories of color vision, some errors have crept in and the phenomenon still lacks an agreed-on explanation. We provide some biographical information about Ragona-Scinà, set the method and the observation into their historical and theoretical contexts, and give a translation into English of Ragona-Scinà’s Italian-language paper.
Semantic networks of interests in online non-suicidal self-injury communities
Authors: Zinoviev D , Stefanescu D , Fireman G , Swenson L
Published: April 2016

People who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) often conceal their practices, which limits examination and understanding of their engagement. The goal of this research is to utilize data from public online social networks (namely, LiveJournal, a major blogging social networking site) to observe the NSSI population in a naturally occurring setting. Specifically, the focus of this paper is the interests publicly declared by LiveJournal users. In the course of study, we collected the self-declared interests of 25,000 users who are members of or participate in 139 NSSI-related communities. We constructed a family of semantic networks of interests based on their similarity. The semantic networks are structured and contain several dense clusters—semantic domains—that include NSSI-specific interests (such as self-injury and razor), references to music performers (such as evanescence), and general daily life and creativity related interests (such as poetry and friendship). Assuming users are genuine in their declarations, the clusters reveal distinct patterns of interest and may signal keys to NSSI.
The Umeå ageing and health research programme (U-Age): Exploring person-centred care and health-promoting living conditions for an ageing population
Authors: Edvardsson David , Backman Annica , Bergland Ådel , Björk Sabine , Bölenius Karin , Kirkevold Marit , Lindkvist Marie , Lood Qarin , Lämås Kristina , Lövheim Hugo , Sandman Per-Olof , Sjögren Karin , Sköldunger Anders , Wimo Anders , Winblad Bengt
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to describe the Umeå ageing and health research programme that explores person-centred care and health-promoting living conditions for an ageing population in Sweden, and to place this research programme in a national and international context of available research evidence and trends in aged care policy and practice. Contemporary trends in aged care policy includes facilitating ageing in place and providing person-centred care across home and aged care settings, despite limited evidence on how person-centred care can be operationalised in home care services and sheltered housing accommodation for older people. The Umeå ageing and health research programme consists of four research projects employing controlled, cross-sectional and longitudinal designs across ageing in place, sheltered housing, and nursing homes. The research programme is expected to provide translational knowledge on the structure, content and outcomes of person-centred care and health-promoting living conditions in home care, sheltered housing models, and nursing homes for older people and people with dementia.
Shear elastic modulus is a reproducible index reflecting the passive mechanical properties of medial gastrocnemius muscle belly
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Ikezoe Tome , Umegaki Hiroki , Kobayashi Takuya , Nishisita Satoru , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: April 2016

Background

Passive mechanical properties are important in muscle function because they are related to the muscle extensibility. Recently, the assessment of muscle shear elastic modulus using shear-wave elastographic (SWE) imaging was developed. However, reliability and validity of shear elastic modulus measurements during passive stretching remain undefined.

Purpose

To investigate the reproducibility and validity of the shear elastic modulus measured by SWE imaging during passive stretching.

Material and Methods

Ten healthy men volunteered for this study. The shear elastic modulus of medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle belly was measured using ultrasonic SWE imaging during passive dorsiflexion. To assess the intra-session and inter-day reliabilities, the protocol was performed twice by the same investigator with a 5-min rest period between measurement sessions and twice on two different days by the same investigator with a 1–2-week interval between the two sessions. To assess the inter-investigator reliability, the protocol was performed on the same day by two investigators with a 5-min rest between measurement sessions. In addition, B-mode ultrasonography was used to determine the displacement of myotendinous junction (MTJ) of MG during passive ankle dorsiflexion.

Results

The intra-session, inter-day, and inter-investigator reliabilities of the method was confirmed on the basis of acceptably low coefficient of variations and substantially high intraclass correlation coefficients. In addition, a significant correlation was found between MTJ displacement and shear elastic modulus.

Conclusion

These results suggested that shear elastic modulus measured using SWE imaging is a reproducible index reflecting the passive mechanical properties.
AOSSM Early Sport Specialization Consensus Statement
Authors: LaPrade Robert F. , Agel Julie , Baker Joseph , Brenner Joel S. , Cordasco Frank A. , Côté Jean , Engebretsen Lars , Feeley Brian T. , Gould Daniel , Hainline Brian , Hewett Timothy E. , Jayanthi Neeru , Kocher Mininder S. , Myer Gregory D. , Nissen Carl W. , Philippon Marc J. , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Early sport specialization is not a requirement for success at the highest levels of competition and is believed to be unhealthy physically and mentally for young athletes. It also discourages unstructured free play, which has many benefits.

Purpose:

To review the available evidence on early sports specialization and identify areas where scientific data are lacking.

Study Design:

Think tank, roundtable discussion.

Results:

The primary outcome of this think tank was that there is no evidence that young children will benefit from early sport specialization in the majority of sports. They are subject to overuse injury and burnout from concentrated activity. Early multisport participation will not deter young athletes from long-term competitive athletic success.

Conclusion:

Youth advocates, parents, clinicians, and coaches need to work together with the sport governing bodies to ensure healthy environments for play and competition that do not create long-term health issues yet support athletic competition at the highest level desired.
Mineralogical characterization of calcification in cardiovascular aortic atherosclerotic plaque: A case study
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Xin , Zhu Meiqian , Yang Chong-Qing , Lu Anhuai , Li Kang , Meng Fanlu , Wang Changqiu
Published: April 2016

Calcification in cardiovascular aortic atherosclerotic plaque contains Ca-phosphate minerals. However, most research on cardiovascular calcification has focused on its physiological properties rather than its mineralogical features. In this present study, cardiovascular calcification was characterized by collecting samples from patients’ tissues and applying mineralogical techniques. Synchrotron radiation-based micro-X-ray diffraction showed the calcification had a similar structure to hydroxylapatite (HAp). Transmission electron microscopy showed some structurally HAp-like spherical particles with a diameter of ∼200 nm and acicular crystals ∼100 nm × ∼20 nm in size. Selected-area electron diffraction indicated that these mineral particles belonged to the hexagonal crystal system. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed three typical peaks at 1469 cm−1, 1455 cm−1and 1413 cm−1, indicating that the carbonate group in the calcification plaque substituted for a hydroxyl group to form B-type CHAp (Ca10(PO4,CO3)x(OH)y). The FTIR mapping results illustrated the intergrowth of calcification and organic tissues and the inhomogeneous substitution of phosphate by carbonate in the calcification area. X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis affirmed that the chemical environments of Ca in the calcification were close to those in HAp. Based on these mineralogical characteristics, the calcification in plaque is identified as a mixture phase of HAp and B-type carbonate HAp, which is similar to the composition of bones.