bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The International Rugby Board (IRB) Pitch Side Concussion Assessment trial: a pilot test accuracy study
Authors: Fuller Gordon Ward , Kemp Simon P T , Decq Philippe
Published: July 2014

Background

‘On the field and on the run’ assessments of head impact events in professional rugby have resulted in a high proportion of players subsequently diagnosed with confirmed concussion not leaving the field of play at the time of injury. The International Rugby Board (IRB) consequently developed a process to support team doctors in the recognition and management of players at risk of concussion, including development of a multimodal assessment instrument—the Pitch Side Concussion Assessment (PSCA) tool.

Methods

This was a pilot cohort study designed to determine the feasibility of assessing the accuracy of the IRB PSCA tool in elite male rugby. The study population comprised consecutive players identified with a head impact event with the potential to result in concussion during eight international/national competitions. Players were assessed off field by match-day or team doctors, following a temporary substitution. The accuracy of the PSCA tool was measured against a reference standard of postmatch confirmed concussion, based on clinical judgement aided by an established concussion support instrument.

Results

A total of 165 head injury events with the potential to cause concussion were included in the study. The PSCA tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% CI 73.5% to 92.4%) and a specificity of 74% (95% CI 64.3% to 82.3%) to identify players subsequently diagnosed with confirmed concussion. The negative predictive value was 88.1% (95% CI 79.2% to 94.1%); the positive predictive value was 67.9% (95% CI 56.6% to 77.8%). There were no major barriers identified that would prevent the evaluation of the PSCA process or tool in a future large-scale study.

Conclusions

This pilot study has provided the first preliminary estimates for the performance of the PSCA tool, suggesting a potentially favourable balance between positive and negative predictive values. The study has also offered a strong basis to conduct a further larger trial, providing information for sample size calculations and highlighting areas for methodological development.
A cross-sectional survey investigating the desensitisation of graphic health warning labels and their impact on smokers, non-smokers and patients with COPD in a London cohort
Authors: Ratneswaran Culadeeban , Chisnall Ben , Drakatos Panagis , Sivakumar Sukhanthan , Sivakumar Bairavie , Barrecheguren Miriam , Douiri Abdel , Steier Joerg
Published: July 2014

Objectives

There is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of graphic health warning labels (GHWL) in different individuals, including patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Investigating knowledge and attitudes may allow better implementation of future public health policies. We hypothesised that differences in the impact of GHWL exist between non-smokers, smokers and patients with COPD, with decreased efficacy in those groups who are longer and more frequently exposed to them.

Participants and setting

163 participants (54% male, aged 21–80) including 60 non-smokers, 53 smokers and 50 patients with COPD (Gold stage II–IV), attending London respiratory outpatient clinics, participated in case-controlled surveys (50 items).

Outcome measures

Ten different GHWL were shown and demographics, smoking history, plans to quit, smoking-risk awareness, emotional response, processing and impact of GHWL on behaviour were recorded. Patients were further asked to prioritise the hypothetical treatment or prevention of five specific smoking-related diseases.

Results

Smokers, in particular those with COPD, were less susceptible to GHWL than non-smokers; 53.4% of all participants expressed fear when looking at GHWL, non-smokers (71.9%) more so than smokers (39.8%, p<0.001). COPD participants were less aware of the consequences than non-COPD participants (p<0.001), including an awareness of lung cancer (p=0.001). Lung cancer (95%), oral cancer (90.2%), heart disease (84.7%) and stroke (71.2%) were correctly associated with smoking, whereas blindness was least associated (23.9%). However, blindness was prioritised over oral cancer, stroke and in patients with COPD also over heart disease when participants were asked about hypothetical treatment or prevention.

Conclusions

GHWL are most effective in non-smokers and a desensitisation effect was observed in smokers and patients with COPD. As a consequence, a tailored and concerted public health approach to use such messages is required and ‘blindness’ deserves to be mentioned in this context because of an unexpectedly high-deterring impact.
Clinical questions raised by providers in the care of older adults: a prospective observational study
Authors: Del Fiol Guilherme , Weber Alice I , Brunker Cherie P , Weir Charlene R
Published: July 2014

Objective

To characterise clinical questions raised by providers in the care of complex older adults in order to guide the design of interventions that can help providers answer these questions.

Materials and methods

To elicit clinical questions, we observed and audio recorded outpatient visits at three healthcare organisations. At the end of each appointment, providers were asked to identify clinical questions raised in the visit. Providers rated their questions based on their urgency, importance to the patient's care and difficulty in finding a useful answer to. Transcripts of the audio recordings were analysed to identify ageing-specific factors that may have contributed to the nature of the questions.

Results

We observed 36 patient visits with 10 providers at the three study sites. Providers raised 70 clinical questions (median of 2 clinical questions per patient seen; range 0–12), pursued 50 (71%) and successfully answered 34 (68%) of the questions they pursued. Overall, 36 (51%) of providers’ questions were not answered. Over one-third of the questions were about treatment alternatives and adverse effects. All but two clinical questions were motivated either directly or indirectly by issues related to ageing, such as the normal physiological changes of ageing and diseases with higher prevalence in the elderly.

Conclusions

The frequency of clinical questions was higher than in previous studies conducted in general primary care patient populations. Clinical questions were predominantly influenced by ageing-related issues. We propose a series of recommendations that may be used to guide the design of solutions to help providers answer their clinical questions in the care of older adults.
Shorter or longer anticoagulation to prevent recurrent venous thromboembolism: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lopes Luciane Cruz , Eikelboom John , Spencer Frederick A , Akl Elie A , Kearon Clive , Neumann Ignacio , Schulman Sam , Bhatnagar Neera , Guyatt Gordon
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major disease associated with short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. Patients with a VTE provoked by surgery or immobilisation are at low risk of recurrence and do not require long-term anticoagulation; those with a VTE and metastatic cancer are at high risk of recurrence and require lifetime thromboprophylaxis. In those at intermediate risk of recurrence, it remains controversial whether prolonging anticoagulation and thus incurring treatment burden and bleeding risk is warranted.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials enrolling patients with VTE at intermediate risk of recurrence and evaluating short-term anticoagulation (12 weeks to 9 months initial therapy) versus longer term anticoagulation (at least 6 months additional anticoagulation beyond the course of treatment in the shorter arm). Anticoagulation could consist of vitamin K antagonists or new oral anticoagulants. Outcomes of interest include recurrent non-fatal thrombosis (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), major non-fatal bleeding and mortality. We will systematically search CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. Teams of two reviewers will, independently and in duplicate, screen titles and abstracts and complete full text reviews to determine eligibility, and subsequently abstract data and assess risk of bias in eligible trials. We will conduct meta-analyses to establish the effect of short-term versus long-term anticoagulation on the outcomes of interest and evaluate confidence in estimates (quality of evidence) using the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Our review will facilitate evidence-based management of patients with unprovoked or recurrent VTE. For purposes of privacy and confidentiality, the systematic review will be limited to studies with deidentified data. The study will be disseminated by peer-review publication and conference presentation.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO (CRD42014007620).
NKX3.1 is expressed in ER-positive and AR-positive primary breast carcinomas
Authors: Asch-Kendrick Rebecca J , Samols Mark A , Lilo Mohammed T , Subhawong Andrea P , Sharma Rajni , Illei Peter B , Argani Pedram , Cimino-Mathews Ashley
Published: July 2014

Aims

NKX3.1is an androgen-regulated tumour suppressor gene that is downregulated in prostate carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for NKX3.1 is primarily specific for prostatic-derived tumours and tissue but is reported in a small number of breast carcinomas. NKX3.1 is also shown to inhibit estrogen receptor (ER) signalling in breast carcinoma models. Here, we investigate labelling of NKX3.1 in invasive ductal (IDC) and lobular (ILC) carcinomas of the breast with full characterisation of ER, progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and Her2 status.

Methods

Tissue microarrays of 86 primary IDC and 37 ILC were labelled for NKX3.1. The IDC consisted of 20 luminal A, 7 luminal B, 14 Her2, and 45 triple negative carcinomas. The ILC consisted of 34 luminal A and 3 luminal B cases. NKX3.1 expression was scored as percentage nuclear labelling and labelling intensity.

Results

Nuclear NKX3.1 labelling was seen in 2 IDC (2%) and 10 ILCs (27%). labelling intensity was weak in all cases (1–100% nuclear positivity). Positive NKX3.1 labelling was significantly associated with ILC (p<0.0001). NKX3.1 labelling was seen only in ER and AR-positive carcinomas, which showed a significant correlation (p=0.0003 and p=0.0079, respectively). Expression was not correlated with tumour stage, size, Her2 expression, presence of lymph node metastases or age.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate NKX3.1 expression in breast carcinomas with known ER, PR, AR and Her2 status. Further studies are needed to evaluate what potential role NKX3.1 plays in ER and AR signalling and hormonal treatment response in breast carcinomas.
Pathological analysis of lymph nodes in anterior prostatic fat excised at robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Aning J J , Thurairaja R , Gillatt D A , Koupparis A J , Rowe E W , Oxley J
Published: July 2014

Aims

To assess the lymph node content of anterior prostatic fat (APF) sent routinely at robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and the incidence of positive nodes in the extended pelvic lymph node dissection.

Methods

Between September 2008 and April 2012, APF excised from 282 patients who underwent RALP was sent for pathological analysis. This tissue was completely embedded and lymph nodes counted.

Results

In total, 49/282 (17%) patients had lymph nodes in the APF, median lymph node yield in this tissue was 1 (range 1–5). In four patients, the lymph nodes contained metastatic deposits. These patients did not have positive nodes elsewhere in the extended lymph node dissection.

Conclusions

APF contains lymph nodes in 1 in 6 patients and infrequently these may be malignant. APF should always be removed at radical prostatectomy. APF should be routinely sent for pathological analysis.
RAS testing of colorectal carcinoma—a guidance document from the Association of Clinical Pathologists Molecular Pathology and Diagnostics Group
Authors: Wong Newton ACS , Gonzalez David , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Butler Rachel , Diaz-Cano Salvador J , Ilyas Mohammad , Newman William , Shaw Emily , Taniere Philippe , Walsh Shaun V
Published: July 2014

Analysis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) tissue forKRAScodon 12 or 13 mutations to guide use of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy is now considered mandatory in the UK. The scope of this practice has been recently extended because of data indicating thatNRASmutations and additionalKRASmutations also predict for poor response to anti-EGFR therapy. The following document provides guidance on RAS (i.e.,KRASandNRAS) testing of CRC tissue in the setting of personalised medicine within the UK and particularly within the NHS. This guidance covers issues related to case selection, preanalytical aspects, analysis and interpretation of such RAS testing.
Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling using desmopressin or corticotropic-releasing hormone: a single-center experience
Authors: Deipolyi Amy R , Alexander Bailin , Rho Jun , Hirsch Joshua A , Oklu Rahmi
Published: July 2014

Background

Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) following corticotropic-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation is the current gold standard technique in the diagnosis of Cushing disease. However, as a result of CRH shortage, desmopressin (DDAVP) has been used instead for BIPSS. We present the experience of a single tertiary care center using the modified BIPSS protocol and compare the results obtained with DDAVP with those obtained with CRH.

Methods

Using the radiology department's electronic database, BIPSS procedures performed at our institution using DDAVP and CRH were identified. Electronic medical records and imaging studies were reviewed and the clinical history, demographic data, endocrine test results, complications of BIPSS, and patient outcomes were recorded. BIPSS data were analyzed for centralization and lateralization of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) source. We identified 20 BIPSS cases (16 women, mean age 38 years) performed using DDAVP between 2012 and 2013.

Results

The 20 cases demonstrated conventional inferior petrosal sinus anatomy and were successfully cannulated bilaterally. Of these, 18 met the criteria for both centralization and lateralization. A total of 18 patients underwent trans-sphenoidal tumor resection; one patient was lost to follow-up and one is still being followed. There were no complications resulting from the use of DDAVP, specifically no thromboembolic events. Calculated sensitivity for BIPSS with DDAVP was 94.5%. There was also no significant difference in the biochemical results produced by BIPSS using either DDAVP or CRH. All 18 patients demonstrated an ACTH-secreting adenoma on pathology review.

Conclusions

DDAVP is a safe alternative to CRH, producing comparable diagnostic results.
Cervical–petrous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm presenting with otorrhagia treated with endovascular techniques
Authors: Mascitelli Justin R , De Leacy Reade A , Oermann Eric K , Skovrlj Branko , Smouha Eric E , Ellozy Sharif H , Patel Aman B
Published: July 2014

Cervical–petrous internal carotid artery (CP-ICA) pseudoaneurysms are rare and have different etiologies, presentations, and treatment options. A middle-aged patient with a history of chronic otitis media presented with acute otorrhagia and was found to have a left-sided CP-ICA pseudoaneurysm. The patient was a poor surgical candidate with difficult arterial access. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with stand-alone coiling via a left brachial approach with persistent contrast filling seen only in the aneurysm neck at the end of the procedure. The patient re-presented 12 days later with repeat hemorrhage and rapid enlargement of the neck remnant, and was treated with a covered stent via a transcervical common carotid artery cut-down. A covered stent may provide a more definitive treatment for CP-ICA pseudoaneurysms compared with standalone coiling.
Classification of cavernous internal carotid artery tortuosity: a predictor of procedural complexity in Pipeline embolization
Authors: Lin Li-Mei , Colby Geoffrey P , Jiang Bowen , Uwandu Chiedozie , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J , Coon Alexander L
Published: July 2014

Background

Flow diverters are increasingly used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Understanding cavernous internal carotid artery (cICA) tortuosity may help to predict procedural complexities of deploying flow diverters.

Methods

Pipeline embolization device (PED) neurointerventions for ICA aneurysms proximal to the ICA termination were reviewed. Cavernous ICA tortuosity was measured as a ratio D/AP, where D=height difference of the anterior and posterior genus, AP=sum of the angles of the anterior (A) and posterior (P) genus. Four types of cICA tortuosity were proposed. An analysis of variance regression and Fisher's exact test were performed to analyze differences among the types.

Results

Cavernous ICA tortuosity was categorized into minimal (type I, n=28), moderate (type II–III, n=29), and severe (type IV, n=26). The groups were comparable for patient age (mean ± SEM years, type I: 55.6±10.4, II–III: 56.4±14.4, IV: 55±12.8) and aneurysm size (mean±SEM mm, type I: 6.25±3.5, II–III: 7.6±4.9, IV: 9.11±4.9). Analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences in procedural fluoroscopy time (mean ± SEM min, type I: 29.8±8.4, II–III: 44.9±34.1, IV: 52.6±17.2, p<0.005) and mean ± SEM D/AP (type I: 0.008±0.0008, II–III: 0.141±0.07, IV: 0.482±0.365, p<0.0001). Procedural complexity was also statistically significant (p<0.005) with 4%, 28%, and 35% of cases in types I, II–III, and IV, respectively, requiring intraprocedural PED removal or balloon post-processing of the implanted PED.

Conclusions

We propose a classification system for cICA tortuosity based on measurements of the anterior and posterior genu geometry. This classification correlates strongly with markers of PED procedural complexity and may be helpful in pre-procedure prognostication.
Prevalence, risk factors and vaccination efficacy of contagious ovine ecthyma (orf) in England
Authors: Onyango J. , Mata F. , McCormick W. , Chapman S.
Published: July 2014

Orf is a viral disease found in English sheep flocks which can cause economic losses. It is a zoonosis with little epidemiological research available in the UK. In 2012, 3000 questionnaires were sent to English sheep farms in order to investigate the prevalence of orf, determine vaccination efficacy and to identify some of the potential risk factors. The usable response rate was 25.4 per cent. The usable farms (N=762 in the years 2011 and 2012) were used to model the percentage of animals affected on the farm, and the probability of a farm being found with the disease. The disease prevalence (DP) was standardised for the year and calculated as 1.88 per cent for ewes and 19.53 per cent for lambs. The disease risk ratio (RR) for the use of the vaccine was calculated as 2.04 for ewes and 0.75 for lambs, and therefore, the study found that lamb vaccination was beneficial (RR <1). Weed infestation and an increased number of orphan lambs were associated with increased cases of orf. We conclude that the DP in ewes and lambs affect each other, though the impact is higher for lambs in the presence of increasing prevalence in ewes. A short lambing season lowers the probability of a farm experiencing cases of orf. Vaccination was effective in lambs but not in ewes, though lambs benefitted when ewes were vaccinated (reduced orf prevalence in lambs born from vaccinated ewes), probably because any unvaccinated ewes may have been carriers that could spread the virus to the new‐born lambs.
ASE level enhancement of multiwavelength fiber laser at L-band assisted by un-pumped EDF
Authors: Aziz Siti Narimah , Arsad Norhana
Published: July 2014

A multiwavelength Erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) based on four-wave-mixing (FWM) effect has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The laser produced comb multiwavelengths, with spacing channel for each wavelength is about 0.91 nm at room temperature. The fiber ring cavity laser consists of EDFA, optical attenuator, optical coupler, and an optical circulator is used in this experiment.
Algorithm 946
Authors: D'amore Luisa , Campagna Rosanna , Mele Valeria , Murli Almerico
Published: July 2014

Algorithm 662 of the ACM TOMS library is a software package, based on the Weeks method, which is used for calculating function values of the inverse Laplace transform. The software requires transform values at arbitrary points in the complex plane. We developed a software package, called ReLIADiff, which is a modification of Algorithm 662 using transform values at arbitrary points on real axis. ReLIADiff, implemented in C++, relies on TADIFF software package designed for Algorithmic Differentiation. In this article, we present ReLIADiff focusing on its design principles, performance, and use.
Conceptual Development of Custom, Domain-Specific Mashup Platforms
Authors: Soi Stefano , Daniel Florian , Casati Fabio
Published: July 2014

Despite the common claim by
mashup platforms
that they enable end-users to develop their own software, in practice end-users still don't develop their own mashups, as the highly technical or inexistent user bases of today's mashup platforms testify. The key shortcoming of current platforms is their
general-purpose
nature, that privileges expressive power over intuitiveness. In our prior work, we have demonstrated that a
domain-specific
mashup approach, which privileges intuitiveness over expressive power, has much more potential to enable
end-user development
(EUD). The problem is that developing mashup platforms—domain-specific or not—is
complex
and
time consuming
. In addition, domain-specific mashup platforms by their very nature target only a small user basis, that is, the experts of the target domain, which makes their development not sustainable if it is not adequately supported and automated.

With this article, we aim to make the development of
custom, domain-specific mashup platforms
cost-effective. We describe a
mashup tool development kit
(MDK) that is able to
automatically generate
a mashup platform (comprising custom mashup and component description languages and design-time and runtime environments) from a conceptual design and to provision it
as a service
. We equip the kit with a dedicated
development methodology
and demonstrate the applicability and viability of the approach with the help of two case studies.
ACM and the Professional Programmer
Authors: Cerf Vinton G.
Published: July 2014

In the very early days of computing, professional programming was nearly synonymous with academic research because computers tended to be devices that existed only or largely in academic settings. As computers became commercially available, they began to be found in private-sector, business environments. The 1950s and 1960s brought computing in the form of automation and data processing to the private sector and, along with this came a growing community of professionals whose focus on computing was pragmatic and production oriented. Computing was (and still is) evolving, and the academic community continued to explore new software and hardware concepts and constructs. New languages were invented (and are still being invented) to try new ideas in the formulation of programs. The introduction of time sharing created new territory to explore. In today’s world cloud computing is the new time sharing, more or less.
Report on the sixth workshop on exploiting semantic annotations in information retrieval (ESAIR'13)
Authors: Bennett Paul N. , Gabrilovich Evgeniy , Kamps Jaap , Karlgren Jussi
Published: July 2014

There is an increasing amount of structure on the web as a result of modern web languages, user tagging and annotation, emerging robust NLP tools, and an ever growing volume of linked data. These meaningful, semantic, annotations hold the promise to significantly enhance information access, by enhancing the depth of analysis of today's systems. Currently, we have only started exploring the possibilities and only begin to understand how these valuable semantic cues can be put to fruitful use.

ESAIR'13 focuses on two of the most challenging aspects to address in the coming years. First, there is a need to include the currently emerging knowledge resources (such as DBpedia, Freebase) as underlying semantic model giving access to an unprecedented scope and detail of factual information. Second, there is a need to include annotations beyond the topical dimension (think of sentiment, reading level, prerequisite level, etc) that contain vital cues for matching the specific needs and profile of the searcher at hand.

There was a strong feeling that we made substantial progress. Specifically, the discussion contributed to our understanding of the way forward. First, emerging large scale knowledge bases form a crucial component for semantic search, providing a unified framework with zillions of entities and relations. Second, in addition to low level factual annotation, non-topical annotation of larger chunks of text can provide powerful cues on the expertise of the search and (un)suitability of information. Third, novel user interfaces are key to unleash powerful structured querying enabled by semantic annotation|the potential of rich document annotations can only be realized if matched by more articulate queries exploiting these powerful retrieval cues|and a more dynamic approach is emerging by exploiting new forms of query autosuggest.
Acarbose Treatment and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Nationwide Seven-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Chen Jui-Ming , Chang Cheng-Wei , Lin Ying-Chieh , Horng Jorng-Tzong , Sheu Wayne H.-H.
Published: July 2014

Objective. To investigate the potential benefits of acarbose treatment on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes by using nationwide insurance claim dataset.Research Design and Methods. Among 644,792 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients without preexisting CVD in a nationwide cohort study, 109,139 (16.9%) who had received acarbose treatment were analyzed for CVD risk. Those with CVD followed by acarbose therapy were also subjected to analysis.Result. During 7 years of follow-up, 5,081 patients (4.7%) developed CVD. The crude hazard ratio (HR) and adjusted HR were 0.66 and 0.99, respectively. The adjusted HR of CVD was 1.19, 0.70, and 0.38 when the duration of acarbose use was <12 months, 12–24 months, and >24 months, respectively. Adjusted HR was 1.14, 0.64, and 0.41 with acarbose cumulative doses <54,750 mg, 54,751 to 109,500 mg, and >109,500 mg, respectively.Conclusion. In patients with type 2 diabetes without preexisting CVD, treatment with acarbose showed a transient increase in incidence of CVD in the initial 12 months followed by significant reductions of CVD in prolonged acarbose users. After the first CVD events, continuous use of acarbose revealed neutral effect within the first 12 months. The underlying mechanisms require further investigations.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Resection of Jejunojejunal Intussusception Caused by a Juvenile Polyp in an Adult
Authors: Kang Sung Il , Kang Jeonghyun , Kim Min Ju , Kim Im-kyung , Lee Jungseob , Lee Kang Young , Sohn Seung-Kook
Published: July 2014

Most bowel intussusceptions in adults have a leading point. However, there have been few reports of jejunojejunal intussusception secondary to a solitary juvenile polyp in adult. We report herein the case of a 19-year-old female with a solitary juvenile polyp in the jejunum causing intussusception. Laparoscopic-assisted reduction and segmental resection of the jejunum were successfully done for the patient.
Lillian F. Schwartz Redux: In Movement, Color and 3D Chromostereoscopy
Authors: Nappi Maureen
Published: July 2014

This article examines three computer animations created by the pioneering filmmaker Lillian F. Schwartz circa 1970 that are currently viewable in 3D chromostereoscopy, specifically with ChromaDepth® 3D glasses. Reimaging these works 40 years after their creation permits a renewed formalist experience and a thematic analysis that reveals the primacy of Schwartz’s concern with depth and visual perception as part of her poetic sensibility. Excerpted interviews between the author and Lillian Schwartz are provided as an online appendix to this paper.
‘Genitalia of the Sea’: Seafood and Sexuality in Greek Comedy
Authors: Shaw Carl A.
Published: July 2014

Fish play a sizable role in the remains of ancient Greek comedy. Although scholars have proposed various cultural, economic, and generic explanations for comedy’s interest in sea creatures, they have not adequately considered the importance of seafood’s relationship to obscenity and sexuality. Greek comic poets correlate a range of sea creatures with sex and sexuality in imaginative and humorous ways, making obscene jokes about courtesans and aphrodisiacs, as well as creating double entendres for male and female genitalia. This study provides a lexical resource for Greek comedy’s numerous seafood fragments, uncovering many neglected ancient sexual jokes and offering fresh insight on comedy’s interest in sea creatures.
Vergil and the Batavians (Aeneid 8.727)
Authors: Weeda Leendert , van der Poel Marc
Published: July 2014

It is very likely that Vergil in Aeneid 8.727 refers to the Batavians, either on their own or as the leading tribe in the region. This conclusion may be drawn from the poet’s use of the word bicornis in line 727 and the manner in which he places the words Rhenus bicornis within the context of lines 722-728.
Ps.Plutarch/Aëtius Plac. 4.11Some Comments on Sensation and Concept Formation in Stoic Thought
Authors: Mansfeld Jaap
Published: July 2014

Ps.Plutarch Plac. ch. 4.11 is an abridged Aëtian chapter. Material that has been cut can be identified. In its original shape the chapter not only provided information on the perception of external objects but also, presumably, on inner perception, i.e. self-awareness. The mind of the newborn infant is not a mere tabula rasa, but a tabula capable of constructing faithful and lasting images of what is perceived. The two final lemmata of the chapter show how Placita literature could be updated, and so date the account.
The icty’s Conditionality Dilemma
Authors: Brodersen Kei Hannah
Published: July 2014

The European Union has made cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia a crucial condition to furthering relations with Serbia. This approach, known as “icty conditionality”, stems from the conviction that the Tribunal is a key factor in rebuilding the rule of law in the Western Balkans. In contrast to the existing literature on eu conditionality in general or on icty conditionality in specific, this article emphasizes the relevance of all involved actors: it examines the interaction of icty conditionality, domestic factors and the icty’s judicial performance influencing the development of the rule of law in Serbia. The article concludes that the goal of using the icty as a tool to establish the rule of law in Serbia has failed due to a lack of norm diffusion, although all icty conditionality requirements have eventually formally been fulfilled. This was not only due to inconsistent application of icty conditionality on the eu’s side, but also on account of deficiencies in the legal operation of the Tribunal. Lastly, neither the eu’s demands nor the icty’s work fell on fruitful domestic grounds.
Bridging the Gap between Criminological Theory and Penal Theory within the International Criminal Justice System
Authors: Chouliaras Athanasios
Published: July 2014

The main objective of this article is to put forward a critical analysis of the emergent international criminal justice system, epitomized by the creation of the permanent International Criminal Court (icc). Such an endeavour is warranted on the assertion that international criminal justice scholarship has entered into a ‘reflective’ phase, the hallmark of which lies in the re-evaluation of the institutions of international criminal law in the light of the distinctive traits of international criminality derived from the combination of the criminological theory of state crime and the rising theory of international crime in the domain of international criminal law. In this context, the article summarizes the basic points and the epistemological premises of the criminological theory of state crime, while seeks to delimit the subject matter by alluding to the concept of core international crimes arising from the normative system of the icc. The core aim of such a combined approach is not to downplay the existing differences between the criminological concept of state crime and the penal concept of core international crimes, but to highlight common points in order to draw tentative conclusions and make some preliminary suggestions from a criminal policy perspective.
Psychometric Properties of Measures of Team Diversity With Likert Data
Authors: Deng Lifang , Marcoulides George A. , Yuan Ke-Hai
Published: July 2014

Certain diversity among team members is beneficial to the growth of an organization. Multiple measures have been proposed to quantify diversity, although little is known about their psychometric properties. This article proposes several methods to evaluate the unidimensionality and reliability of three measures of diversity. To approximate the interval scale required by the measures of diversity, a transformation on the Likert-item scores is proposed. Ridge maximum likelihood is used to deal with the issue of small sample size, and methods for evaluating the significance of the difference of two reliability estimates with correlated samples are also developed. Results with a real data set on entrepreneurial teams indicate that different measures of diversity may correspond to significantly different estimates of reliability. Results also indicate that diversity measures obtained with the transformed data tend to be more unidimensional than their counterparts obtained from Likert data. However, diversity measures obtained from Likert data tend to yield greater reliability estimates. Among the three examined measures of diversity, the standard deviation is found to yield greater and more efficient reliability estimates than the others and is thus recommended.
A qualitative investigation of adults’ perceived benefits, barriers and strategies for consuming milk and milk products
Authors: Jung Mary E , Mistry Chetan , Bourne Jessica E , Perrier Marie-Josee , Martin Ginis Kathleen A , Latimer-Cheung Amy E
Published: July 2014

Objective:

Milk and milk products provide important nutrients and have been associated with numerous health benefits in addition to bone health, including a healthy weight and a reduction of risk for certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. Nonetheless, consumption of milk and milk products has declined over the past two decades. A qualitative investigation of men’s and women’s outcome expectancies for, and facilitators and barriers to, consuming milk and milk products is an essential first step for the creation of theory-based messages for the consumption of milk and milk products.

Design:

Qualitative group interview study.

Setting:

Research was conducted at community centres in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

Method:

We undertook eight in-depth qualitative group interviews. Separate groups were conducted for men ( n = 20, Mage = 42 ± 6) and women ( n = 20, Mage = 38 ± 7) and adequate (≥2 servings/day) and under-consumers (<2 servings/day). The interview schedule, grounded in social cognitive theory, included questions probing participant’s perceptions of milk and milk products and strategies for meeting dietary recommendations for milk product consumption. Data were analysed using hierarchical content analysis.

Results:

Perception of contamination of milk and milk products was one of the most common barriers. Consuming milk and milk products as part of a routine and making plans to consume milk and combining milk and milk products with other foods emerged as common strategies from ensuring adequate consumption. Within these themes, gender differences were apparent.

Conclusion:

Messages promoting milk and milk product consumption should target consumers’ beliefs about the benefits of milk products and provide strategies for increasing their consumption.
Effects of voids on quasi-static and tension fatigue behaviour of carbon-fibre composite laminates
Authors: Sisodia Sanjay , Gamstedt E Kristofer , Edgren Fredrik , Varna Janis
Published: July 2014

The effect of voids on quasi-isotropic carbon-fibre reinforced plastic laminates under quasi-static loading is compared with that under cyclic tension loading. Emphasis is placed on following damage development at the non-crimp fabric ply-level by investigating the influence of voids on damage accumulation, most notably transverse cracking and delamination. Details from experiments include micrographs of voids taken in both scanning-electron and light microscopy, measurements of void content and crack density using light microscopy, and stiffness plots from both quasi-static and cyclic tests. The stiffness results are compared with theoretical predictions accounting for transverse cracks. Voids have a significantly more detrimental effect on the mechanical properties in cyclic loading compared with quasi-static loading. Specifically, the stiffness reduction development, the underlying transverse cracking in layers and the number of cycles to failure are affected. Quality control by only quasi-static testing for void-containing composite materials to be used in components subjected to fatigue cannot therefore be recommended.
Compaction influence on spring-in of thin composite parts: Experimental and numerical results
Authors: Sorrentino L , Bellini C
Published: July 2014

Geometric unconformities may arise due to residual stresses during the manufacturing process of polymer matrix composite materials. Compaction of the laminate, due to resin squeeze, is another phenomenon that occurs and it influences the mechanical behaviour of the laminate itself. In the past, models for spring-in or for compaction were developed separately, whereas in the present work a new kind of analysis is developed to take into account both residual stresses and compaction that take place during cure simultaneously. This analysis is composed by two different steps: in the former the compaction is predicted, in the latter the cure state and the residual stress condition are determined. Finally, the relationship between different degrees of compaction and the corresponding values of spring-in is studied, and it was found that a higher value of thickness reduction produces the smallest residual stresses for the composite structures with angled cross sections.
Tensile performance of polyvinyl alcohol–steel hybrid fiber reinforced cementitious composite with impact of water to binder ratio
Authors: Zhenbo Wang , Jun Zhang , Jiahe Wang , Zhengjie Shi
Published: July 2014

The tensile performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–steel hybrid fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composite special focus on impacts of steel fiber content and matrix strength has been investigated and reported in this paper. Four matrix types with water to binder ratio of 0.25, 0.35 0.45 and 0.55 and three additional steel fiber contents in the composite with PVA fiber content of 1.7% in volume were used in the test program. The experimental results show that cracking and tensile strength of the composites is increased with the addition of steel fiber. This enhancement becomes more and more pronounced with decreasing of water to binder ratio of the composites. The additional steel fiber can also increase the tensile strain capacity of the composites, especially for high strength composite that normally has relatively lower tensile strain capacity than that of low strength composite. However, moderate amount of steel fibers is needed in order to obtain a positive response on the ultimate tensile strain of the composites. The optimal steel fiber content existed for this kind of composite with consideration both of strength and strain improvement. The highest to lowest tensile strength and strain in each matrix group at 28 days are 4.58–3.88 MPa (0.68–1.84%), 4.02–3.70 MPa (0.82–2.39%), 3.50–3.32 MPa (1.14–2.58%), and 2.76–2.25 MPa (1.63–3.31%).
Pragmatic and Promiscuous
Authors: Raleigh Clionadh
Published: July 2014

Across African states, militias have become one of the main agents of political violence, accounting for a third of all recent conflict. Militia violence is attributed to cultural reactions to disorder, failing and predatory states, and local cleavages which emerge during civil wars. However, activity largely occurs in democratizing states without civil wars. This article presents a typology of militias based on their local roles and actions and an explanation for the prevalence of “competition militias.” Changes in macro politics ushered in a new era of conflict and fragmentation among political elites; militias operate as private armies for these elites. The goal of this violence is to alter the political landscape, increase power for patrons, protect supportive communities, and hinder opponents. Incentives within African democratic institutions reward the use of force by elites. As a result, African democracies, and states transitioning into democracy, are not likely to be internally peaceful. Futhermore, the dominant type of conflict across African states shifts to accommodate the goals of violent agents within modern political contexts.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: 23 years’ paediatric experience highlights severe long-term sequelae
Authors: Martin Allison , Macmillan Susan , Murphy Dermot , Carachi Robert
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To review the presentation and outcome of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis attending The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow over a 23-year period.

Method

Thirty-one children were diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis between January 1990 and December 2012. Retrospective information from medical records was gathered on age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, classification of disease, treatment and long-term outcome.

Results

There were 17 boys and 14 girls; median age at diagnosis 2 years 9 months (interquartile range: 1 year 6 months to 4 years 4 months). Eleven were below 2 years and two were below 6 months of age at diagnosis. Eighteen (58%) children had single system disease of which four were multifocal; 13 (42%) had multisystem disease. Seventeen children improved with conservative treatment. Fourteen required steroids and dual agent chemotherapy; three required further chemotherapy. One child died. Two children had successfully treated relapses. Ten developed diabetes insipidus, seven were growth hormone deficient, two suffered from hypothyroidism and one panhypopituitarism. Median follow-up of the cohort was 8 years 10 months (interquartile range: 5 years 5 months to 12 years 7 months).

Conclusion

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease in infants and young children, with a variable course ranging from self-limiting to life threatening. In very young children (under 2 years of age), multisystem disease is more common, requiring intensive chemotherapy and lifelong follow-up. Lasting sequelae were identified in over a third of patients, including endocrine dysfunction, hearing difficulties, neurological and psychological problems.
Liver abscess in the tropics: an experience from Jammu
Authors: Naveed Shah , Gupta VB , Kapoor Maria , Quari Hasina , Altaf Asma , Para Maha
Published: July 2014

Objective

To study the various types of liver abscesses. This prospective study was conducted over a period of one year, from November 2011 to October 2012, at the Department of General Surgery in Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Sidhra, Jammu.

Materials and methods

The patients in this study were admitted from the emergency wing, and from indoor and outdoor departments of surgery and medicine over a period of one year (November 2011 to October 2012) to the Department of General Surgery in Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Sidhra, Jammu. Patients of all age groups and both genders who presented with clinical suspicion of liver abscess, or had already been diagnosed, were included in the study. A definitive diagnosis of liver abscess was made based on compatible clinical features, ultrasonography and aspiration or drainage of pus. Diagnostic criteria for the various types of abscesses were as follows: Amoebic abscess: demonstration of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in aspirated pus. Pyogenic abscess: positive cultures of blood or aspirated pus. If both of the above sets of criteria were satisfied, the abscess was considered to be of mixed aetiology. Tuberculous abscess was diagnosed by identifying acid-fast bacilli in aspirated material and polymerase chain reaction. The abscess was classified as indeterminate if none of the above criteria were satisfied.

Results

The majority of patients in our study had amoebic liver abscesses (73.33%). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were the most common organisms cultured from the pyogenic abscesses. The majority of patients with amoebic liver abscesses were treated with drug therapy alone, whereas all pyogenic liver abscesses required some form of drainage.
Fatigue behaviors of four-step three-dimensional braided composite material: a meso-scale approach computation
Authors: Wu Liwei , Gu Bohong
Published: July 2014

This paper reports the computational results of the bending fatigue behaviors of four-step three-dimensional rectangular braided composite materials from a meso-scale approach. A full-size meso-scale model of a four-step three-dimensional braided composite was established to numerically analyze the deformation and damage under cyclic bending loading. The stress distribution, energy absorption, hysteresis loop features and damage morphologies were obtained to explain the structural effects on the deformation and damage of the three-dimensional braided composite material subjected to three-point bending cyclic loading. The influences of the microstructure on the fatigue behaviors have been discussed for designing the three-dimensional braided composite material with high fatigue damage tolerance.
Longer Exposure to Obesity, Slimmer Chance of College? Body Weight Trajectories, Non-Cognitive Skills, and College Completion
Authors: Cheng Yen-hsin Alice
Published: July 2014

The NLSY97 data were used to explore the patterns of developmental trajectories of body weight in adolescence and how they affected the likelihood of college completion in young adulthood among 2,275 youths aged 13 and 14 in Wave 1. A strong weight trajectory gradient was found for rates of college completion. The study further explored the role of non-cognitive traits in the association between weight trajectories and college attainment. Non-cognitive traits were found to partially mediate the impact of certain weight trajectories on the likelihood of college completion. Some moderating effects of conscientiousness were also found. The findings from the gender and weight trajectory interaction terms showed that a stronger negative impact of weight trajectory on college completion is only observed for women in the late-teen-onset overweight group. This study highlights the importance of using a longitudinal weight measure and the role of non-cognitive traits in adolescent obesity research.