bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muslim Perspectives on the American Healthcare System: The Discursive Framing of “Islamic” Bioethical Discourse
Authors: Padela Aasim I.
Published: December 2015

This paper compares the discursive frames utilised by several national American Muslim organisations to craft an “Islamic” argument for healthcare reform via an expansion of health insurance coverage in the United States with Islamic ethico-legal opinions (fatwas) of U.S.-based jurists regarding the permissibility of purchasing health insurance. I analyse the differing ways in which these producers of “Islamic bioethics” material ground their arguments and draw on vocabulary from other discourses. The paper closes by reflecting upon the socio-political undercurrents that may contribute to the differences and disconnections between the ways in which these bioethics stakeholders produce their outputs and by arguing that further developing the field of Islamic bioethics will require concerted multidisciplinary engagements that clarify the distinctive nature of Islamic norms.
The Ottoman Sultan’s Albums at Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Authors: Kovács Gergő Máté , Rabb Péter , Krähling János
Published: December 2015

In the nineteenth century, the Ottoman empire’s large-scale development was illustrated by the new medium of photography. Different territories of the empire were photographed and Ignác Alpár, a significant architect of Hungarian Historicism, purchased some of these photographs. Alpár’s interest in oriental art derived from the ideology of Turanism believing that a Hungarian national style could be developed with the use of oriental motifs. One of the photographs (‘Tombs of Mamluks, Cairo’) of the collection provides some evidence of this idea. The essay develops the background and evidence for the Hungarian-oriental relationship at the turn of the nineteenth-twentieth century.
Review of The Sultan’s World: The Ottoman Orient in Renaissance Art, an exhibition at Brussels and Kraków
Authors: Kynan-Wilson William
Published: December 2015

This essay reviews a major exhibition held in Brussels and Kraków that explores European-Ottoman cultural exchange in the early modern period. This show is notable for its emphasis on Ottoman exchange with Central and Eastern Europe. By moving beyond Ottoman contact with Venice, this exhibition expands the field of Ottoman-European interaction in new and important ways.
Between Pious Generosity and Faithful Service to the Ottoman State: The Vakıf of Nikolaos Mavrogenis, End of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Laiou Sophia
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to investigate the pious endowment (vakıf) established by Nikolas Mavrogenis, an Ottoman zimmi, who through appropriate patronage networks in Istanbul managed to be appointed dragoman of the Ottoman fleet and, later, voyvoda of Wallachia by the end of the eighteenth century. The paper focuses on the content of the endowment deed, which followed the principles of Islamic law, as well as on the confiscation of the endowed property as a result of the execution of Mavrogenis in 1790.
A short biography of Hubert Ludwig and a note on the publication dates of his monograph Die Seewalzen (1889–1892)
Authors: REICH MIKE
Published: December 2015

The dates of publication of Hubert Ludwig’s (1852–1913) comprehensive monograph Die Seewalzen [= Sea cucumbers] are reviewed. The precise publication dates of his volume, originally published in 16 fascicles and 8 parts/issues, delivered between 1889 and 1892, has been re-examined. Additionally, a short biographical note on Hubert Ludwig's life and a discussion of all new taxa introduced by him in his monograph is given.
Notes on the distribution and ecology of the genus Stenelmis Dufour, 1835 (Coleoptera: Elmidae) in the Caucasus
Authors: SHAPOVALOV MAKSIM I. , PROKIN ALEXANDR A. , PALATOV DMITRY M. , KOVALEV ALEXEY V.
Published: December 2015

The distribution of the genus Stenelmis (Elmidae) of the Caucasus is reviewed based on materials collected by the authors and examined specimens stored in accessible collections. One of the two species present in this region, represented by the subspecies Stenelmis consobrina consobrina Dufour, 1835, is recorded for the first time in Krasnodar Krai and possibly in Armenia; Stenelmis puberula Reitter, 1887 is recorded for the first time in Russia (Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Adygea) and Abkhazia.
Origenes Vindicatus vel Rufinus Redivivus? A Review of Ilaria Ramelli’s The Christian Doctrine of Apokatastasis (2013)
Authors: McClymond Michael
Published: December 2015

Against a backdrop of surging interest in the topic of universal salvation (or universalism, apokatastasis), Ilaria Ramelli’s major tome places Origenian and Origenist universalism at the center of Christian theologizing during the first nine centuries. She claims that Origen was misunderstood rather than rejected, that textual interpolations have distorted the ancient record, and that the young Augustine was a universalist. Historiographic problems abound in this book, which does not clearly distinguish Origen from Gregory of Nyssa and others, nor account for the countervailing views of early nonuniversalists.
A Generation After Genocide: Catholic Reconciliation in Rwanda
Authors: Carney J. J.
Published: December 2015

Despite the Catholic Church’s majority status and deep historical influence in Rwanda, Catholic reconciliation work in postgenocide Rwanda has received scant scholarly attention. This article addresses this lacuna through analysis of four separate Rwandan Catholic reconciliation initiatives in prison ministry, parish ministry, justice and peace commissions, and a spiritual retreat center. The author argues that these case studies provide a theological tapestry of reconciliation themes concerning ritual, community, dialogue, forgiveness, and grassroots leadership. Deep ambiguities remain, especially concerning the institutional Church’s need to repent for corporate complicity in the 1994 genocide.
Acoustic Reflex Screening of Conductive Hearing Loss for Third Window Disorders
Authors: Hong Robert S. , Metz Christopher M. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Babu Seilesh C. , Zappia John , Sargent Eric W. , Chan Eleanor Y. , Naumann Ilka C. , LaRouere Michael J.
Published: December 2015

Objective

This study examines the effectiveness of acoustic reflexes in screening for third window disorders (eg, superior semicircular canal dehiscence) prior to middle ear exploration for conductive hearing loss.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Outpatient tertiary otology center.

Subjects and Methods

A review was performed of 212 ears with acoustic reflexes, performed as part of the evaluation of conductive hearing loss in patients without evidence of chronic otitis media. The etiology of hearing loss was determined from intraoperative findings and computed tomography imaging. The relationship between acoustic reflexes and conductive hearing loss etiology was assessed.

Results

Eighty‐eight percent of ears (166 of 189) demonstrating absence of all acoustic reflexes had an ossicular etiology of conductive hearing loss. Fifty‐two percent of ears (12 of 23) with at least 1 detectable acoustic reflex had a nonossicular etiology. The positive and negative predictive values for an ossicular etiology were 89% and 57% when acoustic reflexes were used alone for screening, 89% and 39% when third window symptoms were used alone, and 94% and 71% when reflexes and symptoms were used together, respectively.

Conclusion

Acoustic reflex testing is an effective means of screening for third window disorders in patients with a conductive hearing loss. Questioning for third window symptoms should complement screening. The detection of even 1 acoustic reflex or third window symptom (regardless of reflex status) should prompt further workup prior to middle ear exploration.
Learning and teaching traditional music in Cambodia: Challenges and incentives
Authors: Grant Catherine
Published: December 2015

Substantial efforts have been made since the Khmer Rouge regime to revitalize traditional Cambodian music genres. While they have met with some success, local circumstances still present many difficulties for the transmission of traditional music to the younger generations. This study explores the challenges in learning and teaching traditional Cambodian music, as well as incentives, from the viewpoint of a group of students, teachers, and master-artists involved in the transmission activities of one non-governmental organization (NGO). Better understanding the challenges may help policy-makers, NGOs, and artists themselves to overcome them; better understanding the factors that encourage young people to learn (and older people to teach) may help safeguarding efforts at a critical juncture in the future of these art forms. Based primarily on interview and observational data from fieldwork in 2013 and 2014, the findings of this study underscore three challenges in particular to the transmission of traditional music genres in contemporary Cambodia: musical and technical difficulties, the changing social function of the genres, and economic pressures. In addition to intrinsic motivation, participants identified economic gain as a key incentive for young people to learn these genres. The author makes suggestions for overcoming the challenges and further motivating young people to learn traditional Cambodian music.
Gossiping to the Top
Authors: Wargo Aikins Julie , Collibee Charlene , Cunningham Jessica
Published: December 2015

Despite its omnipresence, quantitative research examining both the nature and the function of adolescent gossip has been limited. The present study aimed to address this limitation in the literature by examining the nature and function of adolescent gossip; in particular, it aimed to explore observed differences between the gossip of those popular and non-popular adolescent dyads. Using both observational lab–based and sociometric school–based methods, the present study assessed the associations between social status and gossip functionality among 130 ninth grade students (92 females). Popular adolescent dyads engaged in more instances of gossip and were more likely to use gossip to foster intimacy, establish norms, and share both information and their opinions. Results also pointed to potential mechanisms by which popular adolescent dyads may gather alliances that support their status within the social hierarchy.
Management of wastes from hospitals: A case study in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Mustafa , Wang Wenping , Chaudhry Nawaz
Published: December 2015

Proper management of hospital waste is a critical concern in many countries of the world. Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world, with one of the highest urbanisation and population growth rates in South Asia. Data and analyses regarding hospital waste management practices in Pakistan are scarce in scientific literature. This study was meant to determine waste management practices at selected hospitals in a major city in Pakistan, Gujranwala. A total of 12 different hospitals were selected for the survey, which involved quantification of waste generation rates and investigation of waste management practices. The results were analysed using linear regression. The weighted average total, general and infectious hospital waste generation rates were found to be 0.667, 0.497 and 0.17 kg bed-day−1, respectively. Of the total, 73.85% consisted of general, 25.8% consisted of hazardous infectious and 0.87% consisted of sharps waste. The general waste consisted of 15.76% paper, 13.41% plastic, 21.77% textiles, 6.47% glass, 1.99% rubber, 0.44% metal and 40.17% others. Linear regression showed that waste generation increased with occupancy and decreased with number of beds. Small, private and specialised hospitals had relatively greater waste generation rates. Poor waste segregation, storage and transportation practices were observed at all surveyed hospitals.
Evaluation of a Portable Armband Device to Assess Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Elbelt Ulf , Haas Verena , Hofmann Tobias , Stengel Andreas , Berger Heike , Jeran Stephanie , Klapp Burghard F.
Published: December 2015

Background: In women with anorexia nervosa (AN), resting energy expenditure (REE) is decreased due to reduced energy intake and severe underweight. The assessment of REE allows estimating individual metabolic downregulation and better understanding body weight regulatory mechanisms in severely underweight patients with AN. However, REE predictive equations are known to have considerable shortcomings in patients with AN. Our aim was to evaluate a portable armband device (SenseWear armband [SWA]; BodyMedia, Inc, Pittsburgh, PA) for the assessment of REE against the measurement with indirect calorimetry (IC) as the reference method. Methods: We assessed REE simultaneously by IC and SWA in 50 women with AN at the start of inpatient therapy and calculated REE using 2 predictive equations. Results: Reliable data for IC measurement were obtained for 34 patients (age: 27.0 ± 8.0 years; body mass index: 14.4 ± 2.0 kg/m²). REE assessed with SWA was overestimated by 23% ± 27% compared with REE measured by IC (1166 ± 174 vs 979 ± 198 kcal/d, P < .001). REE estimation with SWA gave an accurate prediction within 10% deviation of REE measured with IC in 35% of the patients. In contrast, REE calculated with 2 predictive equations underestimated REE measured with IC by −26% ± 17% and −5% ± 20%, respectively. Conclusions: A mean difference of 187 kcal/d between both techniques for the assessment of REE may be of methodological relevance. Therefore, SWA and IC are not interchangeable methods for the assessment of REE in underweight females with AN.
Human behaviour capturing in manual tungsten inert gas welding for intelligent automation
Authors: Manorathna Prasad , Marimuthu Sundar , Justham Laura , Jackson Michael
Published: December 2015

Tungsten inert gas welding is extensively used in aerospace applications due to its unique ability to produce higher quality welds compared to other conventional arc welding processes. However, most tungsten inert gas welding is performed manually, and it has not achieved the required level of automation. This is mostly attributed to the lack of process knowledge and adaptability to complexities, such as mismatches due to part fit-up and thermal deformations associated with the tungsten inert gas welding process. This article presents a novel study on quantifying manual tungsten inert gas welding, which will ultimately help intelligent automation of tungsten inert gas welding. Through tungsten inert gas welding experimentation, the study identifies the key process variables, critical tasks and strategies adapted by manual welders. Controllability of welding process parameters and human actions in challenging welding situations were studied both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results show that welders with better process awareness can successfully adapt to variations in the geometry and the tungsten inert gas welding process variables. Critical decisions taken to achieve such adaptations are mostly based on visual observation of the weld pool. Results also reveal that skilled welders prioritise a small number of process parameters to simplify the dynamic nature of tungsten inert gas welding process so that part variation can be accommodated.
Elberte v. Latvia
Authors: Dove Edward S. , Mitra Agomoni Ganguli , Laurie Graeme T. , McMillan Catriona , Taylor-Alexander Samuel
Published: December 2015

A European Court of Human Rights decision rendered in January 2015 ( Elberte v. Latvia) has raised a curious question regarding the nature and scope of the right for relatives to consent to or to oppose the removal of a deceased person’s tissues. The decision suggests that Council of Europe member states must clearly define the scope of the right for relatives to express their preferences for removal of a deceased’s tissue or organs – provided such a right has been created in law – and member states must define the corresponding obligation or margin of discretion conferred on experts or other authorities to explain these rights to the relatives. Notwithstanding, this article asks whether the decision could open the door to a free-standing right for relatives to oppose removal of their deceased relative’s tissues or organs, regardless of the deceased person’s own wishes, in the name of the relatives’ human ‘right to respect for private life’.
Book Review: Deepak Bhojwani, Latin America, the Caribbean and India: Promise and Challenge
Authors: Duarte Carlos
Published: December 2015

Deepak Bhojwani, Latin America, the Caribbean and India: Promise and Challenge. New Delhi: Pentagon Press, 2012, pp. 212, ₹795.
Book Review: Dietmar Rothermund, Violent Traders: Europeans in Asia in the Age of Mercantilism
Authors: Tewari Saagar
Published: December 2015

Dietmar Rothermund, Violent Traders: Europeans in Asia in the Age of Mercantilism (New Delhi: Manohar, 2014). Pp. 197, Price ₹695.
Field Experiences Using iPads
Authors: Reese Jill A. , Bicheler Rachel , Robinson Callan
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to investigate the lived experiences of preservice music teachers using iPads to engage secondary general music students in creating and performing music during field teaching experiences. Two questions guided this research study: (a) What are these preservice teachers’ perceptions of their experiences using iPads to create music and to teach? (b) How do these experiences influence their perceptions of the technology’s effectiveness as a teaching tool? Data were reflections of nine preservice teachers collected over 5 weeks. The essence of the experience was the preservice teachers’ struggle to resolve tensions that emerged while using technology to create and teach music. Tensions caused some to examine cherished beliefs and practices and influenced their development of TPACK (technological pedagogical and content knowledge). Three themes support the essence: (a) tensions, (b) innovation and adaptation, and (c) influence of experiences on perceptions of technology.
Systematic Review of Ambulatory Transitional Care Management (TCM) Visits on Hospital 30-Day Readmission Rates
Authors: Roper Karen L. , Ballard Jonathan , Rankin Wade , Cardarelli Roberto
Published: December 2015

To reduce readmission rates and prevent adverse outcomes after discharge, hospitals have begun implementing “transitional care” initiatives. This systematic review identifies research on the particular set of services now reimbursable by Medicare (transitional care management [TCM]) and evaluates the studies for program effectiveness. Results of 3 databases were screened for peer-reviewed journal articles published between January 2004 and 2015 that report on readmissions of adults in the US health care system under the Medicare TCM bundle. ClinicalTrials.gov was queried for funded studies. Of 969 identified studies, 77 met inclusion criteria for relevance to transitional care and appropriateness of population and setting. Of these, only 3 articles incorporated all required elements for TCM service. Although 2 were program improvement designs and none were randomized controlled studies, each report reduced readmission rates. Evidence for TCM effectiveness is limited. Additional study of TCM implementation and programmatic support for TCM is warranted.
Giant Centrifugal and Necrotizing Cutaneous Metastases of Melanoma
Authors: di Meo Nicola , Nan Katiuscia , Vichi Silvia , Gatti Alessandro , Trevisan Giusto
Published: December 2015

Background:

Melanoma is a neoplasm derived from melanocytes of the skin and other sites. In the natural history of melanoma, cutaneous metastases occur relatively frequently and can arise in early or late stages of the disease.

Objective and Methods:

Melanoma skin metastases have a variable appearance. Several clinical appearances are described in the literature.

Results and Conclusion:

We describe an unusual clinical pattern of cutaneous melanoma metastasis, defined as giant, centrifugal, and necrotizing, and we provide a brief review of the literature.
Roughness in soft elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts – Attenuation and the complementary wave reassessed
Authors: Hooke CJ
Published: December 2015

Two main effects control the clearances and pressures in rough elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts. The first is the local attenuation produced by any relative sliding of the surfaces, the second is the clearance variation that is generated in the inlet and which moves through the conjunction at the mean surface velocity – the complementary wave. The first component, which is absent in rolling contacts, is relatively easy to estimate. The second is more complex, particularly in soft contacts, where, for sinusoidal waveforms, it may have a wavelength that differs from the original profile. In addition it will generally decay in amplitude during its transit through the conjunction. The paper explores this component and outlines some of the factors that determine its behaviour with both sinusoidal and more general roughness profiles.
A comparative study of the preload effects on the stability performance of noncircular journal bearings using linear and nonlinear dynamic approaches
Authors: Mehrjardi M Zare , Rahmatabadi A D , Rashidi Meybodi R
Published: December 2015

In this work, the effects of preload factor on the stability performance of noncircular two and three lobe journal bearings with incompressible micropolar lubricant are presented based on the linear and nonlinear dynamic models. Assuming that the rotor is rigid, the governing Reynolds equation for the hydrodynamic lubrication of finite length lobed journal bearings has been modified using micropolar theory. Then, the linear and nonlinear dynamic models which include a certain harmonic disturbance and a time dependent trajectory of rotor center are applied to analyze the stability performance of the considered bearings. The generalized differential quadrature method and fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique have been used to solve the governing Reynolds equation and time-dependent dynamic equations of rotor motion, respectively. Finally, the numerical results for the critical mass parameter and the whirl frequency ratio of the rotor as the stability characteristics of the lobed bearings are obtained for different values of preload factor and are compared together. Results show that the dynamic stability of the noncircular bearings is enhanced by decreasing the preload factor i.e. increasing the amount of bearing noncircularity. These enhancements are in terms of increase of the critical mass parameter and decrease for the whirl frequency ratio. Also, by comparing the two dynamic analysis methods, it is seen that the results of linear model are more conservative in different investigated cases. The results of nonlinear analysis reveal that by changing the preload factor the dynamic responses of the lobed bearings appear in different manners. From the responses, it is observed that the type of dynamic trajectory of rotor center varies from stable fixed point to limit cycle periodic motions and also contact between rotor and bearing’s shell.
The effect of the financial crisis on physical health: Perceived impact matters
Authors: Whitehead Brenda R , Bergeman Cindy S
Published: December 2015

The impact of the financial crisis on health was investigated ( N = 312). Intraindividual intercept, slope, and quadratic parameters capturing trends in income, subjective financial situation, and perceived stress across the period predicted physical health, controlling for baseline health. For those experiencing a decline in financial situation, a decrease in financial situation and an increase in perceived stress predicted poorer health; neither financial situation nor perceived stress predicted health in those not experiencing this decline. Although we cannot intervene in contextual factors like the financial crisis, health outcomes may be improved by targeting perceived impact and stress levels in those who feel affected.
Gasoline engine simulations using zero-dimensional spark ignition stochastic reactor model and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics engine model
Authors: Pasternak Michal , Mauss Fabian , Sens Marc , Riess Michael , Benz Andreas , Stapf Karl Georg
Published: December 2015

A simulation process for spark ignition gasoline engines is proposed. The process is based on a zero-dimensional spark ignition stochastic reactor model and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics of the cold in-cylinder flow. The cold flow simulations are carried out to analyse changes in the turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation. From this analysis, the volume-averaged turbulent mixing time can be estimated that is a main input parameter for the spark ignition stochastic reactor model. The spark ignition stochastic reactor model is used to simulate combustion progress and to analyse auto-ignition tendency in the end-gas zone based on the detailed reaction kinetics. The presented engineering process bridges the gap between three-dimensional and zero-dimensional models and is applicable to various engine concepts, such as, port-injected and direct injection engines, with single and multiple spark plug technology. The modelling enables predicting combustion effects and estimating the risk of knock occurrence at different operating points or new engine concepts for which limited experimental data are available.
Like two peas in a pod? Explaining friendship selection processes related to victimization and offending
Authors: Rokven Josja J. , Tolsma Jochem , Ruiter Stijn , Kraaykamp Gerbert
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we examine the similarity between friends with respect to experiences with crime among a sample of Dutch individuals. We investigate the extent to which offenders, victims and victim-offenders (de)select friends differently and, subsequently, who (de)selects whom and why. We use data from the annual Dutch panel survey CrimeNL, which includes ego-centered network measures at each wave for more than 500 participants, ranging from 16 to 45 years old. Results show that offenders terminate friendships more often than non-offenders, and they have a higher likelihood of selecting new friends, regardless of prior victimization experiences. Furthermore, homophily with respect to crime involvement exists; both offenders and victims are more likely to select new friends who are similarly involved in crime. Risky lifestyles to a large extent explain why people select offenders as friends, whereas third parties (that is, parents and the pre-existing network of individuals) influence people’s decision to engage in friendships with victims of crime. Nevertheless, after taking individual preferences, meeting opportunities and third parties into account, offenders and victims are still more likely to select friends with similar crime experiences.
Is crime displacement inevitable? Lessons from the enforcement of laws against prostitution-related human trafficking in Cyprus
Authors: Constantinou Angelo
Published: December 2015

This article problematizes the common assertion that policies purported to counter prostitution and prostitution-related human trafficking effectively reduce such crime. The paradigm of Cyprus is employed for illustrating that legal action against prostitution (and sex trafficking), intended to reduce the opportunities for purchasing sex on the island, has given rise to the displacement of crime. To affirm this, police intelligence ( n = 1103) gathered over the course of 11 years is analysed. If anything, the findings presented here complement the (small) corpus of quantitative studies that address the effectiveness of anti-trafficking policies.
The Evolution of Research Paradigms in Pastoral/Spiritual Care, Counseling, and Education
Authors: Carr John C
Published: December 2015

This partially autobiographical article is presented as a chapter in the narrative of the evolution of research methodology in the social sciences and the impact that evolution has had on pastoral/spiritual care research as the author has experienced and observed it during the latter part of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st century.
In defense of forensic social science
Authors: Goldberg Amir
Published: December 2015

Like the navigation tools that freed ancient sailors from the need to stay close to the shoreline—eventually affording the discovery of new worlds—Big Data might open us up to new sociological possibilities by freeing us from the shackles of hypothesis testing. But for that to happen we need forensic social science: the careful compilation of evidence from unstructured digital traces as a means to generate new theories.
Adapting computational text analysis to social science (and vice versa)
Authors: DiMaggio Paul
Published: December 2015

Social scientists and computer scientist are divided by small differences in perspective and not by any significant disciplinary divide. In the field of text analysis, several such differences are noted: social scientists often use unsupervised models to explore corpora, whereas many computer scientists employ supervised models to train data; social scientists hold to more conventional causal notions than do most computer scientists, and often favor intense exploitation of existing algorithms, whereas computer scientists focus more on developing new models; and computer scientists tend to trust human judgment more than social scientists do. These differences have implications that potentially can improve the practice of social science.
Lessons from surgery and anaesthesia: evaluation of non-technical skills in interventional radiology
Authors: Pang Chun L , Patel Salil B , Pilkington Nicola
Published: December 2015

In the medical profession, surgery and anaesthesia are leading the way in identifying human errors that negatively affect patient safety. Evidence suggests that the implementation of non-technical skills assessments reduces such errors. Interventional Radiology is a procedural based speciality and therefore may also benefit from formal assessment of non-technical skills. This literature review supports the use of standardised assessment tools used in surgery and anaesthesia. Using the Downing framework of internal validity, the tools demonstrated good internal consistency but a spectrum of inter-rater variability, which can be partially improved with training. At present, a formal Interventional Radiology non-technical skills assessment tool is probably not suitable to be a stand-alone ‘high stakes’ assessment, but may be a useful adjunct to the existing array of workplace-based assessments.
Good Pharma? How Business Communication Research Can Help Bridge the Gap Between Students and Practitioners
Authors: Bruyer Tom , Jacobs Geert , Vandendaele Astrid
Published: December 2015

This article presents a case-based exploration of the complex interactions between learning, research, and practice in the field of business and professional communication. It focuses on a student research project in the area of corporate social responsibility in the biopharmaceutical industry. Adopting an autoethnographic approach, we aim to document the students’ development from researchers to insiders or even consultants. The findings reveal that while the students feel confident in their roles as researchers, they fail to live up to some of the commissioning practitioners’ expectations. The study concludes by providing guidelines to strengthen interaction between students and practitioners.
A first-in-human phase 1 study of ACE910, a novel factor VIII–mimetic bispecific antibody, in healthy subjects
Authors: Uchida Naoki , Sambe Takehiko , Yoneyama Koichiro , Fukazawa Naoki , Kawanishi Takehiko , Kobayashi Shinichi , Shima Midori
Published: December 2015

Key Points

Single subcutaneous dosing of ACE910 has a linear PK profile, a half-life of 4 to 5 weeks, and FVIII-mimetic procoagulant activity in humans. ACE910 at doses up to 1 mg/kg is well tolerated and has no notable adverse hypercoagulable effect in healthy Japanese and white adults.
Transfusion of fresher vs older red blood cells in hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexander Paul E. , Barty Rebecca , Fei Yutong , Vandvik Per Olav , Pai Menaka , Siemieniuk Reed A. C. , Heddle Nancy M. , Blumberg Neil , McLeod Shelley L. , Liu Jianping , Eikelboom John W. , Guyatt Gordon H.
Published: December 2015

The impact of transfusing fresher vs older red blood cells (RBCs) on patient-important outcomes remains controversial. Two recently published large trials have provided new evidence. We summarized results of randomized trials evaluating the impact of the age of transfused RBCs. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials enrolling patients who were transfused fresher vs older RBCs and reported outcomes of death, adverse events, and infection. Independently and in duplicate, reviewers determined eligibility, risk of bias, and abstracted data. We conducted random effects meta-analyses and rated certainty (quality or confidence) of evidence using the GRADE approach. Of 12 trials that enrolled 5229 participants, 6 compared fresher RBCs with older RBCs and 6 compared fresher RBCs with current standard practice. There was little or no impact of fresher vs older RBCs on mortality (relative risk [RR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.14; P = .45; I2 = 0%, moderate certainty evidence) or on adverse events (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.14; P = .74; I2 = 0%, low certainty evidence). Fresher RBCs appeared to increase the risk of nosocomial infection (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00-1.18; P = .04; I2 = 0%, risk difference 4.3%, low certainty evidence). Current evidence provides moderate certainty that use of fresher RBCs does not influence mortality, and low certainty that it does not influence adverse events but could possibly increase infection rates. The existing evidence provides no support for changing practices toward fresher RBC transfusion.
Timing of tracheotomy in ICU patients: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hosokawa Koji , Nishimura Masaji , Egi Moritoki , Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The optimal timing of tracheotomy in critically ill patients remains a topic of debate. We performed a systematic review to clarify the potential benefits of early versus late tracheotomy.

Methods

We searched PubMed and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials that compared outcomes in patients managed with early and late tracheotomy. A random-effects meta-analysis, combining data from three a priori-defined categories of timing of tracheotomy (within 4 versus after 10 days, within 4 versus after 5 days, within 10 versus after 10 days), was performed to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio (OR).

Results

Of the 142 studies identified in the search, 12, including a total of 2,689 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The tracheotomy rate was significantly higher with early than with late tracheotomy (87 % versus 53 %, OR 16.1 (5.7-45.7); p <0.01). Early tracheotomy was associated with more ventilator-free days (WMD 2.12 (0.94, 3.30), p <0.01), a shorter ICU stay (WMD -5.14 (-9.99, -0.28), p = 0.04), a shorter duration of sedation (WMD -5.07 (-10.03, -0.10), p <0.05) and reduced long-term mortality (OR 0.83 (0.69-0.99), p = 0.04) than late tracheotomy.

Conclusions

This updated meta-analysis reveals that early tracheotomy is associated with higher tracheotomy rates and better outcomes, including more ventilator-free days, shorter ICU stays, less sedation, and reduced long-term mortality, compared to late tracheotomy.
Citrate anticoagulation for CRRT: don’t always trust the postfilter iCa results!
Authors: Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M. , Ostermann Marlies
Published: December 2015

Citrate has been recommended as the first-line anticoagulant for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in critically ill patients. Compared with heparin, citrate anticoagulation is safer and more efficacious. Citrate inhibits the coagulation cascade by lowering the ionized calcium (iCa) concentration in the filter. Monitoring of systemic iCa concentrations is inherent to the protocol, and monitoring of postfilter iCa is recommended to adjust citrate flow and optimize anticoagulation. While systemic iCa targets are in the physiological range, postfilter iCa concentrations are targeted between 0.20 and 0.35 mmol/l. In a previous issue of Critical Care, Schwarzer et al. compared systemic and postfilter iCa measurements of patients receiving citrate-based CRRT between six devices. They highlight the unreliability of iCa concentrations in the postfilter range, because the instruments cannot be validated in the low iCa range. The maximum mean difference between two instruments was as high as 0.33 mmol/l (range 0.21–0.50 mmol/l). The authors call for dialysis companies to revise their protocols. However, the first implication of their study is that the accuracy of blood gas analyzers to measure iCa in the low range needs to improve; and, secondly, clinicians using citrate anticoagulation need to be aware that the postfilter iCa result may be falsely high or low. This is particularly relevant when frequent premature filter clotting is observed despite postfilter iCa results in the seemingly target range. In these situations, citrate flow can be safely increased up to 4 mmol/l blood flow under monitoring of signs of citrate accumulation.
Incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma by socioeconomic status in Canada: 1992–2006
Authors: Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie E. , Labajian Varant , Corsten Martin J. , McDonald James T.
Published: December 2015

Background

There are no nationwide studies documenting changes in cutaneous malignant melanoma incidence or association of incidence with socioeconomic status (SES) in Canada. We sought to determine whether melanoma incidence increased from 1992 to 2006 and if there was an association between SES and melanoma incidence. Additionally, we studied whether there was a correlation between province of residence and melanoma incidence.

Methods

Cases from the Canadian Cancer Registry were reviewed. Demographic and socioeconomic information were extracted from the Canadian Census of Population data. Cases were linked to income quintiles by postal code. A negative binomial regression was performed to identify relationships among these variables.

Results

Overall incidence of melanoma in Canada increased by 67 % from 1992 to 2006 ( p < 0.0001). The increase in incidence was greater for melanoma in situ compared with invasive melanoma (136 % versus 52 % [ p < 0.0001]). Incidence was positively correlated with higher income quintiles; the incidence rates among patients in the lowest income quintiles were 67 % of that for the highest income quintiles ( p < 0.0001).

Discussion

A wide variety of explanations have been postulated for an increased incidence in melanoma among persons of higher SES, including access to and awareness of screening, more access to vacations in sunny climates, and increased leisure time. Variations in incidence of melanoma by urban vs. rural location and province may indicate differences in access to dermatologists across Canada.

Conclusions

Melanoma incidence is increasing in Canada and is higher among people in high SES groups. This rise is likely due to a combination of factors including a true rise in incidence due to increases in sun exposure, and also an increased detection rate, particularly in those who are more aware of the disease and have access to resources for detection.
Lapatinib in Combination With Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Advanced or Metastatic Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: TRIO-013/LOGiC—A Randomized Phase III Trial
Authors: Hecht J. Randolph , Bang Yung-Jue , Qin Shukui K. , Chung Hyun C. , Xu Jianming M. , Park Joon O. , Jeziorski Krzysztof , Shparyk Yaroslav , Hoff Paulo M. , Sobrero Alberto , Salman Pamela , Li Jin , Protsenko Svetlana A. , Wainberg Zev A. , Buyse Marc , Afenjar Karen , Houé Vincent , Garcia Agathe , Kaneko Tomomi , Huang Yingjie , Khan-Wasti Saba , Santillana Sergio , Press Michael F. , Slamon Dennis
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of adding lapatinib to capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOx) in patients with previously untreated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –amplified advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients with HER2-positive advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned at a one-to-one ratio to CapeOx plus lapatinib 1,250 mg or placebo daily. Primary end point was overall survival (OS) in patients with centrally confirmed HER2 amplification in the primary efficacy population.

Results

A total of 545 patients were randomly assigned, and 487 patients comprised the primary efficacy population. Median OS in the lapatinib and placebo arms was 12.2 (95% CI, 10.6 to 14.2) and 10.5 months (95% CI, 9.0 to 11.3), respectively, which was not significantly different (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.12). Median progression-free survival in the lapatinib and placebo arms was 6.0 (95% CI, 5.6 to 7.0) and 5.4 months (95% CI, 4.4 to 5.7), respectively (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.00; P = .0381). Response rate was significantly higher in the lapatinib arm: 53% (95% CI, 46.4 to 58.8) compared with 39% (95% CI, 32.9 to 45.3) in the placebo arm (P = .0031). Preplanned exploratory subgroup analyses showed OS in the lapatinib arm was prolonged in Asian and younger patients. No correlation was observed between HER2 immunohistochemistry status and survival. There were increased toxicities in the lapatinib arm, particularly diarrhea.

Conclusion

Addition of lapatinib to CapeOx did not increase OS in patients with HER2-amplified gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. There were clear differences in the effect of lapatinib depending on region and age. Future studies could examine this correlation.
Complete Surgical Excision Is Essential for the Management of Patients With Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Clemens Mark W. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Butler Charles E. , Hunt Kelly K. , Fanale Michelle A. , Horwitz Steven , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Liu Jun , Morgan Elizabeth A. , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Parkash Vinita , Ning Jing , Sohani Aliyah R. , Ferry Judith A. , Mehta-Shah Neha , Dogan Ahmed , Liu Hui , Thormann Nora , Di Napoli Arianna , Lade Stephen , Piccolini Jorge , Reyes Ruben , Williams Travis , McCarthy Colleen M. , Hanson Summer E. , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Gaur Rakesh , Oki Yasuhiro , Young Ken H. , Miranda Roberto N.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma that arises around breast implants. The optimal management of this disease has not been established. The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of different therapies used in patients with BI-ALCL to determine an optimal treatment approach.

Patients and Methods

In this study, we applied strict criteria to pathologic findings, assessed therapies used, and conducted a clinical follow-up of 87 patients with BI-ALCL, including 50 previously reported in the literature and 37 unreported. A Prentice, Williams, and Peterson model was used to assess the rate of events for each therapeutic intervention.

Results

The median and mean follow-up times were 45 and 30 months, respectively (range, 3 to 217 months). The median overall survival (OS) time after diagnosis of BI-ALCL was 13 years, and the OS rate was 93% and 89% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Patients with lymphoma confined by the fibrous capsule surrounding the implant had better event-free survival (EFS) and OS than did patients with lymphoma that had spread beyond the capsule (P = .03). Patients who underwent a complete surgical excision that consisted of total capsulectomy with breast implant removal had better OS (P = .022) and EFS (P = .014) than did patients who received partial capsulectomy, systemic chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Surgical management with complete surgical excision is essential to achieve optimal EFS in patients with BI-ALCL.
Black Politics and the Neoliberal Racial Order
Authors: Dawson Michael C. , Francis Megan Ming
Published: December 2015

This article examines how the racial order in the United States has evolved since the Jim Crow era. Two leading characterizations of the current situation are that we live in a postracial society and that we live in an era best described as the New Jim Crow. We probe the key differences between the Jim Crow racial order and the racial terrain of the current period and come to the conclusion that both claims are inadequate because they are tied to a sanitized and restricted understanding of Jim Crow as a set of legal and state institutions and policies. As such, both frames neglect the economic sphere. This article addresses this silence in the context of black politics. Specifically, we argue that a neoliberal racial order has emerged and that analyses of black politics must attend to the way racial divisions have become magnified in economic policies and civil society. A key claim is that a critical difference between this era and the Jim Crow era is the adoption of neoliberal ideology and support for neoliberal policies by a wide and diverse segment of black elites.
José Emilio Burucúa
Authors: Benzecry Claudio E.
Published: December 2015

Claudio E. Benzecry talks with José Emilio Burucúa about how perspective in South American art differed from European models; the role of images in historiographical analysis; how the myth of Ulysses has been represented throughout history; and how European modernity can be studied from Buenos Aires.
Mon1-Ccz1 activates Rab7 only on late endosome and dissociates from lysosome in mammalian cells
Authors: Yasuda Sayaka , Morishita So , Fujita Akane , Nanao Tomohisa , Wada Naoyuki , Waguri Satoshi , Schiavo Giampietro , Fukuda Mitsunori , Nakamura Takeshi
Published: December 2015

Rab GTPases act as molecular switches regulating various aspects of membrane trafficking. Among them, Rab5 and Rab7 play central roles in the endolysosomal network. Although many effectors downstream of Rab7 have been elucidated, our present understanding of the mechanism regulating Rab7 activity is extremely limited. It has only recently been accepted that Mon1-Ccz1 is a Rab7 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, but the question where Mon1-Ccz1 works with Rab7 is hardly answered. To address what kind of change/switch exists in the regulatory mechanism upstream of Rab7 during the transition from late endosome to lysosome, we examined Rab7 activity in steady-state cells and EGF-induced macropinocytosis using a newly developed FRET sensor. A combination of a Rab7 sensor and confocal FRET imaging techniques revealed that the activation of Rab7 on late endosomes depends on Mon1-Ccz1 and is implicated in late endosome-lysosome fusion. In contrast, Rab7 activity on lysosomes was independent of Mon1-Ccz1 and active Rab7 played a role in perinuclear clustering of lysosomes.
SCHOOL OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: COMPARATIVE LAW ASPECT
Authors: Ноздрачев Александр , Nozdrachyev Alyeksandr , Лукьянова Влада , Lukyanova Vlada
Published: December 2015

Scientific life at the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2015, is developing in various ways. Special place is occupied by scientific schools — sustainable community of scientists, developing concepts’ principles and systems, legal regulation mechanisms that ensure consistency and continuity of scientific research results. This article examines the impact of scientific analysis of foreign law and acts of international law on the development of the administrative law science at different development stages of one of the Institute’s oldest scientific schools — the School of Administrative Law. The article demonstrates the possibility of perception of positive scientific results, ideas, views and positions of leading scientists of the School through theory and practice of modern public administration in the process of finding legal solutions for regulation of new phenomena that require streamlining.