bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Progress and Behavior Following 2 Years of Inpatient Sex Offender Treatment
Authors: Stinson Jill D. , Becker Judith V. , McVay Lee Ann
Published: February 2015

Emerging research highlights the role of self-regulation in the treatment of sexual offenders. Safe Offender Strategies (SOS) is a manualized sex offender treatment program that emphasizes the role of self-regulation and self-regulatory skills development in sex offender treatment, particularly for offenders with serious mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The current study involves 156 adult male sexual offenders in an inpatient psychiatric setting who received SOS treatment for a period ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Participants’ baseline and treatment data were obtained from archival medical records describing 1 year pre-treatment and up to 2 years of treatment participation. Dependent variables included monthly count rates of verbal and physical aggression and contact and noncontact sexual offending, as well as sexual deviancy attitudes, self-regulatory ability, and cooperation with treatment and supervision, as measured by the Sex Offender Treatment Intervention and Progress Scale (SOTIPS). Data were examined via paired-samples t tests, regression, and multilevel modeling, examining the impact of overall percentage of SOS groups attended over time, comparing participants’ baseline measures to data from 2 years of treatment. The impact of predicted risk was also evaluated. Significant treatment dose effects were identified for improvements in aggression, sexual offending, and indicators of treatment compliance and change. These findings suggest that the skills-based, self-regulation approach utilized in SOS may be effective in improving clients’ aggressive and sexual behaviors, attitudes toward their offenses and treatment, and self-regulatory ability over time. Implications for further research and treatment generalizability are discussed.
Cognitional Impairment
Authors: Azizian Allen , Hutton Shane , Hughes Doriann , Sreenivasan Shoba
Published: February 2015

Sexually Violent Predator statutes allow the involuntary treatment of individuals who are found to pose a threat to public safety. Most sex offender treatment programs rely on cognitive interventions to reduce the risk of recidivism. The purpose of this study was to examine (a) whether individuals with paraphilia diagnoses have cognitive deficits compared with the general population; (b) whether individuals diagnosed with pedophilia differed on cognitive performance when compared with individuals diagnosed with paraphilia not otherwise specified (NOS), nonconsent; and (c) whether individuals with paraphilia plus antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) differed in cognitive performance when compared with individuals with a paraphilia diagnosis only. The sample consisted of 170 males ( M age = 50.21; SD = 10.22) diagnosed with pedophilia or paraphilia NOS, nonconsent, who were detained or civilly committed to a forensic psychiatric hospital. Assessments included Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), and Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT4). Individuals diagnosed with pedophilia and paraphilia NOS, nonconsent, obtained lower scores than matched controls based on the RBANS Immediate Memory, Visuospatial/Constructional, Delayed Memory indices and Total Score. In comparison with individuals with paraphilia NOS, nonconsent, those with pedophilia diagnosis had lower scores on the RBANS Delayed Memory. Individuals diagnosed with a paraphilia disorder combined with ASPD demonstrated trends toward lower IQ scores than those with a paraphilia diagnosis only. Treatment programs can improve their chance of success by assessment of cognitive processes, and offer therapy in a style that is consistent with the cognitive abilities of their clients.
Light at Night and Measures of Alertness and Performance
Authors: Figueiro Mariana G. , Sahin Levent , Wood Brittany , Plitnick Barbara
Published: February 2015

Rotating-shift workers, particularly those working at night, are likely to experience sleepiness, decreased productivity, and impaired safety while on the job. Light at night has been shown to have acute alerting effects, reduce sleepiness, and improve performance. However, light at night can also suppress melatonin and induce circadian disruption, both of which have been linked to increased health risks. Previous studies have shown that long-wavelength (red) light exposure increases objective and subjective measures of alertness at night, without suppressing nocturnal melatonin. This study investigated whether exposure to red light at night would not only increase measures of alertness but also improve performance. It was hypothesized that exposure to both red (630 nm) and white (2,568 K) lights would improve performance but that only white light would significantly affect melatonin levels. Seventeen individuals participated in a 3-week, within-subjects, nighttime laboratory study. Compared to remaining in dim light, participants had significantly faster reaction times in the GO/NOGO test after exposure to both red light and white light. Compared to dim light exposure, power in the alpha and alpha-theta regions was significantly decreased after exposure to red light. Melatonin levels were significantly suppressed by white light only. Results show that not only can red light improve measures of alertness, but it can also improve certain types of performance at night without affecting melatonin levels. These findings could have significant practical applications for nurses; red light could help nurses working rotating shifts maintain nighttime alertness, without suppressing melatonin or changing their circadian phase.
Transient effects in lubricated textured bearings
Authors: Medina Simon , Fowell Mark T , Vladescu Sorin-Cristian , Reddyhoff Tom , Pegg Ian , Olver Andrew V , Dini Daniele
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is to study the transient phenomena in hydrodynamic textured bearings. Both convergent and convergent–divergent reciprocating textured bearings are considered. A mass-conserving formulation of the Reynolds equation recently proposed by some of the authors and used to capture cavitation in steady-state lubricated contacts has been implemented to study transient effects in lubricated textured bearings. It is shown that the proposed solver is capable of capturing the frictional response of bearings characterised by various geometries and loading conditions in both steady-state and transient configurations. Depending on the boundary conditions governing the problems under investigation, changes in load support or film thickness variations are correctly predicted, demonstrating that the methodology developed in this paper is suitable to provide an efficient tool for the design and optimisation of textured bearings. A qualitative comparison with preliminary experimental data obtained using an apparatus developed to study reciprocating textured surfaces is performed, showing that the characteristic transient behaviour of such surfaces in different loading regimes can be correctly captured using the proposed numerical implementation.
Effect of short message service as a reminder on breast self-examination in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chung Il Yong , Kang Eunyoung , Yom Cha Kyong , Kim Dongwon , Sun Young , Hwang Yoonsun , Jang Jin Youn , Kim Sung-Won
Published: February 2015

Summary

This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of SMS as a reminder for breast self-examination (BSE). Participants who underwent surgery for breast cancer were recruited and randomized to the intervention group or the control group. Subjects in the intervention group received one text message on the first day of every month that reminded them to complete monthly BSE and the other text message on the fifteenth day of every month that contained information about breast cancer. Primary and secondary outcomes were self-reported BSE adherence and the frequency of BSE over 6 months. Between August 2010 and December 2011, 216 patients were randomly assigned to the SMS group (n = 110) or the control group (n = 106). A total of 202 patients were included in the final analysis. Self-reported BSE adherence and the frequency of BSE over the past six months were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that the SMS was the only significant factor for BSE adherence (p < 0.001). The short-term results of our study suggest that SMS is an effective and low-cost method to enhance adherence to BSE with existing information technology infrastructure.
User preferences for text message-delivered skin cancer prevention and early detection
Authors: Finch Linda , Youl Philippa , Marshall Alison L , Soyer H Peter , Baade Peter , Janda Monika
Published: February 2015

Evidence is needed for the acceptability and user preferences of receiving skin cancer-related text messages. We prepared 27 questions to evaluate attitudes, satisfaction with program characteristics such as timing and spacing, and overall satisfaction with the Healthy Text program in young adults. Within this randomised controlled trial (age 18–42 years), 546 participants were assigned to one of three Healthy Text message groups; sun protection, skin self-examination, or attention-control. Over a 12-month period, 21 behaviour-specific text messages were sent to each group. Participants’ preferences were compared between the two interventions and control group at the 12-month follow-up telephone interview. In all three groups, participants reported the messages were easy to understand (98%), provided good suggestions or ideas (88%), and were encouraging (86%) and informative (85%) with little difference between the groups. The timing of the texts was received positively (92%); however, some suggestions for frequency or time of day the messages were received from 8% of participants. Participants in the two intervention groups found their messages more informative, and triggering behaviour change compared to control. Text messages about skin cancer prevention and early detection are novel and acceptable to induce behaviour change in young adults.
Invited Review: A review of deterministic effects in cyclic variability of internal combustion engines
Authors: Finney Charles EA , Kaul Brian C , Daw C Stuart , Wagner Robert M , Edwards K Dean , Green Johney B
Published: February 2015

We review developments in the understanding of cycle–to–cycle variability in internal combustion engines, with a focus on spark-ignited and premixed combustion conditions. Much of the research on cyclic variability has focused on stochastic aspects, that is, features that can be modeled as inherently random with no short–term predictability. In some cases, models of this type appear to work very well at describing experimental observations, but the lack of predictability limits control options. Also, even when the statistical properties of the stochastic variations are known, it can be very difficult to discern their underlying physical causes and thus mitigate them. Some recent studies have demonstrated that under some conditions, cyclic combustion variations can have a relatively high degree of low–dimensional deterministic structure, which implies some degree of predictability and potential for real–time control. These deterministic effects are typically more pronounced near critical stability limits (e.g. near tipping points associated with ignition or flame propagation) such during highly dilute fueling or near the onset of homogeneous charge compression ignition. We review recent progress in experimental and analytical characterization of cyclic variability where low–dimensional, deterministic effects have been observed. We describe some theories about the sources of these dynamical features and discuss prospects for interactive control and improved engine designs. Taken as a whole, the research summarized here implies that the deterministic component of cyclic variability will become a pivotal issue (and potential opportunity) as engine manufacturers strive to meet aggressive emissions and fuel economy regulations in the coming decades.
Making sense of dementia: Exploring the use of the Markers of Assimilation of Problematic Experiences in Dementia scale to understand how couples process a diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Snow Katie , Cheston Richard , Smart Cordet
Published: February 2015

This qualitative study aimed to see whether the Markers of Assimilation of Problematic Experiences in Dementia (MAPED) scale could be applied to couples. It aimed to explore the interactions between couples and how this affected the levels of assimilation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four heterosexual couples. The results suggested that MAPED can be usefully applied to couples. It highlighted the oscillating process which couples undergo as they process a dementia diagnosis. This supports the notion that making sense of a dementia diagnosis is not static, but a fluctuating and ever changing process. The strategies couples employed either facilitated or prevented the expression and integration of the Problematic Voice. The study highlights the importance of supporting couples together during a dementia diagnosis.
Denying reciprocity
Authors: Jenkins David
Published: February 2015

When individuals receive benefits as a result of the burdens assumed by other people, they are expected to make a return in similar form. To do otherwise is considered as a failure to treat those other people with appropriate respect. It is this which justifies the expectation that individuals share in the labour that is necessary to preserve just institutions and productive practices that characterise complex schemes of social cooperation. In this paper, I argue that where benefits do not meet thresholds specifying the expected function and efficacy of those benefits, this does not simply issue in a ‘downward adjustment’ in the work expectations and reciprocal demands that are made of people. Rather, it legitimates refusal to engage in productive labour even where limited benefits are still being received. Other costs and obligations emerge that contribute to the creation of disruptive political, economic and social associations. These not only replace the demands of reciprocity but actively target and disrupt the practices and exchanges that give form to reciprocity.
Average daylight factor for the ISO/CIE Standard General Sky
Authors: Alshaibani K
Published: February 2015

The average daylight factor is one of the most widely used methods for predicting the internal illuminance due to daylight. It is a simple tool that can be used in the early stages of design and can give information about the luminous environment inside a room. This method is supposed to be used under overcast sky conditions. Expanding the use of the average daylight factor to other sky conditions will encourage the use of daylight in buildings. Several methods have been proposed for the prediction of daylight based on the CIE Standard General Sky. However, most of these methods aimed for a detailed estimation of the internal illuminance pattern. This paper aims to investigate the potential for using the average daylight factor method under the ISO/CIE Standard General Sky.
The electromagnetic interference shielding performance of continuous carbon fiber composites with different arrangements
Authors: Zhao Xiaoman , Fu Jiajia , Wang Hongbo
Published: February 2015

Composites with different arrangements of continuous carbon fibers, with the poly(ethylene terephthalate)-spunbond nonwoven fabrics as substrates, were fabricated for optimization of electromagnetic interference shielding performance. Effects of these structural parameters, including array spacing, the number of layers, and overlap angle, were investigated within the frequency band of 30 MHz–1.5 GHz, which includes the major electromagnetic wave frequency from daily electronic device or apparatus. Within 30 MHz–750 MHz, shielding effectiveness was fortified with the decrease of array spacing and the increase of the number of layers owning to the increase of the continuous carbon fiber content. Whereas, within the frequency band of 750 MHz–1.5 GHz, the number of layers presented little effect on the shielding performance reasoning that the impact of continuous carbon fiber orientation was more significant than that of continuous carbon fiber content. While the array spacing was 8 mm and the maximum value of shielding effectiveness for the two-layer composites was 46.8 decibel at frequency of 1000 MHz. For multilayer composites, shielding performance was improved by synergistic effects of overlap angle and array spacing. Hence, composite with three layers, array spacing of 12 mm and overlap angle of 0°–0°–45° achieved the highest electromagnetic interference shielding properties of 60.49 decibel, corresponding frequency of 1.0 GHz. The results of this work demonstrated a potentially efficient and economical way to fabricate the electromagnetic interference shielding composites with less content of continuous carbon fiber and to simultaneously achieve superb shielding performance. This work will be significant for further study in the electromagnetic interference shielding composite industry in the near future.
Development and characterisation of antibacterial suture functionalised with N-halamines
Authors: Umair Malik Muhammad , Jiang Zhiming , Ullah Naseeb , Safdar Waseem , Xie Zhiwei , Ren Xuehong
Published: February 2015

Braided and biodegradable polyglycolide suture was antibacterially functionalised with N-halamines via layer-by-layer assembly technique. Multilayers of chitosan (polycation) and poly-sodium-p-styrenesulfonate (polyanion) were successfully coated via electrostatic assembly, followed by top layer of chitosan on polyglycolide suture. Upon chlorination of coated suture with dilute sodium hypochlorite solution, the amino groups of chitosan were transformed into N-halamine structures. The transformation was assessed by iodometric/thiosulfate titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter analysis. The surface morphology of coated suture was observed by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Chlorine loading, antibacterial efficacy and tensile strength of chlorinated sutures treated with two different molecular weights of chitosan were compared and evaluated. A general trend of linear increase in chlorine loadings of sutures with the increase in number of layers and solution concentration was found. The chlorinated suture with high molecular weight chitosan coating completely inactivated both Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria within 15 min of contact time. The 3T3 mouse fibroblasts in vitro cell cytocompatibility studies demonstrated that antibacterial sutures have fairly good biocompatibility.
Looped suture properties: implications for multistranded flexor tendon repair
Authors: Haddad R. , Peltz T. , Bertollo N. , Walsh W. R. , Nicklin S.
Published: February 2015

Multiple-strand repair techniques are commonly used to repair cut flexor tendons to achieve initial biomechanical strength. Looped sutures achieve multiple strands with fewer passes and less technical complexity. Their biomechanical performance in comparison with an equivalent repair using a single-stranded suture is uncertain. This study examined the mechanical properties of double-stranded loops of 3-0 and 4-0 braided polyester (Ticron) and polypropylene monofilament (Prolene). Double loops were generally less than twice the strength of a single loop. Ticron and Prolene had the same strengths, but Ticron was stiffer. The 4-0 double loops had significantly higher stiffness than 3-0 single loops. Increasing the size of sutures had a larger relative effect on strength than using a double-stranded suture. However, a double-strand loop had a larger effect on increasing stiffness than using a single suture of a larger equivalent size. Looped suture repairs should be compared with standard techniques using a thicker single suture.
Subcutaneous Injection Depth Does Not Affect the Pharmacokinetics or Glucodynamics of Insulin Lispro in Normal Weight or Healthy Obese Subjects
Authors: de la Peña Amparo , Yeo Kwee P. , Linnebjerg Helle , Catton Edward , Reddy Shobha , Brown-Augsburger Patricia , Morrow Linda , Ignaut Debra A.
Published: February 2015

Background:

An 8-mm needle length is commonly used for insulin injections; however, recent recommendations suggest shorter needles may help patients avoid intramuscular injections and reduce pain, while maintaining adequate glucose control. The goal of these analyses was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) and glucodynamics (GD) of insulin lispro after a 5-mm or an 8-mm injection depth administration in 2 populations: normal weight (study 1) or obese (study 2).

Methods:

In both open-label, randomized, 2-period crossover euglycemic clamp studies, subjects received single 0.25 U/kg insulin lispro doses on 2 occasions (at 5-mm and 8-mm injection depths); samples for PK and GD analyses were collected up to 6 hours postdose. Noncompartmental PK parameters AUC0-tlast, AUC0-∞, Cmax and GD parameters Gtot, Rmax, tRmax were log-transformed prior to analysis using a mixed effects model.

Results:

There were no apparent differences between PK profiles at the 5-mm or 8-mm injection depth in either study, demonstrated by the ratios of geometric means of AUC0-tlast, AUC0-∞, and Cmax being close to 1, with 90% confidence intervals (CI) within (0.80, 1.25). There were no apparent differences between GD profiles at either injection depth with the ratios of Gtot and Rmax near unity and 90% CIs that included 1. In both studies, the tRmax values were similar between injection depths, with a small median of pairwise differences and a 90% CI that included zero.

Conclusions:

Injection depths in the 5-8 mm range did not affect the PK or GD of insulin lispro in normal weight or obese subjects.
Escaping the Hemoglobin A1c-Centric World in Evaluating Diabetes Mellitus Interventions
Authors: Vigersky Robert A.
Published: February 2015

Any intervention in patients with diabetes must consider its effect on both the incidence of hypoglycemia and hemoglobin A1c. Yet, there is no single metric that expresses these key factors simultaneously. Such a composite metric would permit clinicians, regulators, manufacturers, payers, and researchers to more easily evaluate the merits of an intervention as well as enable the comparison of qualitatively different interventions. This article proposes a composite metric, the hypoglycemia-A1c score (HAS), as the basis for a more comprehensive approach for the stakeholders in diabetes treatment to better understand how an intervention affects diabetes management. The article also demonstrates how additional parameters such as effects on weight, quality of life, and costs could be included in such a scoring system.
Serious games: video games for good?
Authors: Sanford Kathy , Starr Lisa J , Merkel Liz , Bonsor Kurki Sarah
Published: February 2015

As video games become a ubiquitous part of today's culture internationally, as educators and parents we need to turn our attention to how video games are being understood and used in informal and formal settings. Serious games have developed as a genre of video games marketed for educating youth about a range of world issues. At face value this seems a worthwhile enterprise; however, how is this genre viewed by youth who are immersed in video game culture? This paper explores what can be learned by inviting a group of youth to play and analyze current “serious” games. Key findings include adolescents’ comments on how serious games compare to mainstream entertainment-based games and how world issues are represented in games. Implications from this research suggest that serious game designers need to pay attention to the perceptions and experiences of gamers if video games are going to be developed as instructional tools for youth and children.
Prognostic stromal gene signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Winslow Sofia , Leandersson Karin , Edsjö Anders , Larsson Christer
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Global gene expression analysis of tumor samples has been a valuable tool to subgroup tumors and has the potential to be of prognostic and predictive value. However, tumors are heterogeneous, and homogenates will consist of several different cell types. This study was designed to obtain more refined expression data representing different compartments of the tumor.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded stroma-rich triple-negative breast cancer tumors were laser-microdissected, and RNA was extracted and processed to enable microarray hybridization. Genes enriched in stroma were identified and used to generate signatures by identifying correlating genes in publicly available data sets. The prognostic implications of the signature were analyzed.

Results

Comparison of the expression pattern from stromal and cancer cell compartments from three tumors revealed a number of genes that were essentially specifically expressed in the respective compartments. The stroma-specific genes indicated contribution from fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune/inflammatory cells. The gene set was expanded by identifying correlating mRNAs using breast cancer mRNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. By iterative analyses, 16 gene signatures of highly correlating genes were characterized. Based on the gene composition, they seem to represent different cell types. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, two immune/inflammatory signatures had opposing hazard ratios for breast cancer recurrence also after adjusting for clinicopathological variables and molecular subgroup. The signature associated with poor prognosis consisted mainly of C1Q genes and the one associated with good prognosis contained HLA genes. This association with prognosis was seen for other cancers as well as in other breast cancer data sets.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the molecular composition of the immune response in a tumor may be a powerful predictor of cancer prognosis.
The relationship of weight change trajectory with medial temporal lobe atrophy in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease: results from a cohort study
Authors: Droogsma Erika , van Asselt Dieneke , Bieze Hanneli , Veeger Nic , De Deyn Peter Paul
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Weight loss has been described in 20% to 45% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and has been associated with adverse outcomes. Various mechanisms for weight loss in AD patients have been proposed, though none has been proven. This study aimed to elucidate a mechanism of weight loss in AD patients by examining the hypothesis that weight loss is associated with medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA).

Methods

Patients from the Frisian Alzheimer’s disease cohort study (a retrospective, longitudinal study of 576 community-dwelling AD patients) were included when a brain MRI was performed on which MTA could be assessed. To investigate the hypothesis that weight loss is associated with MTA, we investigated whether the trajectory of body weight change depends on the severity of MTA at the time of diagnosis (that is baseline). We hypothesized that patients with more severe MTA at baseline would have a lower body weight at baseline and a faster decrease in body weight during the course of the disease. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to determine the relationship of weight change trajectory with MTA severity.

Results

In total, 214 patients (median age 79 years, median MMSE 23, mean weight 73.9 kg) were included. Patients with moderate, severe or very severe MTA at baseline weighed 3.2 to 6.8 kg more than patients with no or mild MTA. During the 3.5 years, patients gained on average 1.7 kg in body weight, irrespective of the severity of their MTA at baseline.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that MTA is associated with weight loss in AD patients. Moreover, contrary to what was expected, AD patients did not lose but gained weight during follow-up.
An adaptive transmission protocol for exploiting diversity and multiplexing gains in wireless relaying networks
Authors: O El Astal Mohammed Taha , Abu-Hudrouss Ammar M , Salmon Brian P , Olivier Jan Corné
Published: February 2015

Wireless relaying networks with distributed space-time block codes have been shown to provide high link reliability. This is because of the space diversity gain from multiple transmitting relays, which improves by adding more relays. The drawback of this approach is the overall reduction in throughput of the network. In this paper, we propose a method to construct a distributed space-time block code that is combined with spatial modulation to find a flexible trade-off between reliability and throughput. This proposed method is not restricted to a specific number of relays and can be constructed as necessary. The constructed code also uses a novel adaptive transmission protocol to achieve higher space diversity, even with relays equipped with a single antenna. This protocol assumes use of coherent detection, meaning that a perfect channel estimation is available at the destination. Lastly, a new decoder is proposed that offers significant reduction in complexity to maintain high data throughput. All claims in this work are supported with theoretical analysis and backed up with empirical results.
Do climate variations explain bilateral migration? A gravity model analysis
Authors: Backhaus Andreas , Martinez-Zarzoso Inmaculada , Muris Chris
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates to what extent international migration can be explained by climatic variations. A gravity model of migration augmented with average temperature and precipitation in the country of origin is estimated using a panel data set of 142 sending countries for the period 1995 to 2006. We find two primary results. First, temperature is positively correlated with migration. Second, stronger changes in precipitation are also associated with aligned, but small changes in migration. Both effects are robust to various model modifications. Furthermore, we present initial explorations into the channels relating climate changes with migration via agriculture and internal conflict.

JEL Codes

F22, Q54
Risk of stroke among patients with post-traumatic stress
disorder: nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Mu-Hong , Pan Tai-Long , Li Cheng-Ta , Lin Wei-Chen , Chen Ying-Sheue , Lee Ying-Chiao , Tsai Shih-Jen , Hsu Ju-Wei , Huang Kai-Lin , Tsai Chia-Fen , Chang Wen-Han , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Su Tung-Ping , Bai Ya-Mei
Published: February 2015

Background

Previous evidence has shown positive associations between post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes
mellitus, which are all risk factors for stroke, but the role of PTSD in
the subsequent development of stroke is still unknown.

Aims

To investigate the temporal association between PTSD and the development
of stroke.

Method

Identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database,
5217 individuals aged 18 years, with PTSD but with no history of stroke,
and 20 868 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled between 2002
and 2009, and followed up until the end of 2011 to identify the
development of stroke.

Results

Individuals with PTSD had an increased risk of developing any stroke
(hazard ratio (HR) 3.37, 95% CI 2.44–4.67) and ischaemic stroke (HR =
3.47, 95% CI 2.23–5.39) after adjusting for demographic data and medical
comorbidities. Sensitivity tests showed consistent findings (any stroke
HR = 3.02, 95% CI 2.13–4.28; ischaemic stroke HR = 2.89, 95% CI
1.79–4.66) after excluding the first year of observation.

Conclusions

Individuals with PTSD have an increased risk of developing any stroke and
ischaemic stroke. Further studies are required to investigate the
underlying mechanisms.
Elevated Serum Advanced Glycation Endproducts in Obese Indicate Risk for the Metabolic Syndrome: A Link Between Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity?
Authors: Uribarri Jaime , Cai Weijing , Woodward Mark , Tripp Elizabeth , Goldberg Laurie , Pyzik Renata , Yee Kalle , Tansman Laurie , Chen Xue , Mani Venkatesh , Fayad Zahi A. , Vlassara Helen
Published: February 2015

Context:

Although obesity can predispose to the metabolic syndrome (MS), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, not all obese subjects develop MS, hence the need for new indicators of risk for this syndrome. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) correlate with factors involved in the MS, including inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). Because AGEs can be derived from food and are modifiable, it is important to determine whether they are a risk factor for MS.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the association of endogenous and exogenous AGEs with MS criteria.

Design:

The following data were collected in a cross-sectional study of subjects with and without the MS: serum AGEs (sAGEs) and mononuclear cell AGEs, metabolites, pro- and antiinflammatory markers, body fat mass measures, including abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, and caloric and dietary AGE (dAGE) consumption.

Setting:

The study was conducted in the general community.

Participants:

Participants included 130 MS and 139 non-MS subjects of both sexes, older than 50 years.

Results:

sAGEs (ϵN-carboxymethyllysine, methylglyoxal) were markedly elevated in obese persons with more than one other MS criteria but not in obese without MS criteria. sAGEs directly correlated with markers of IR (HOMA) and inflammation (leptin, TNFα, RAGE) and inversely with innate defenses (SIRT1, AGE receptor 1 [AGER1], glyoxalase-I, adiponectin). sAGEs correlated with dAGEs but not with calories, nutrient consumption, or fat mass measures. Consumption of dAGE, but not of calories, was markedly higher in MS than in non-MS.

Conclusion:

High sAGEs, a modifiable risk factor for IR, may indicate risk for the MS, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. High dietary AGE consumption and serum AGE levels may link healthy obesity to at-risk obesity.
Activation of Melatonin Signaling Promotes β-Cell Survival and Function
Authors: Costes Safia , Boss Marti , Thomas Anthony P. , Matveyenko Aleksey V.
Published: February 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by pancreatic islet failure due to loss of β-cell secretory function and mass. Studies have identified a link between a variance in the gene encoding melatonin (MT) receptor 2, T2DM, and impaired insulin secretion. This genetic linkage raises the question whether MT signaling plays a role in regulation of β-cell function and survival in T2DM. To address this postulate, we used INS 832/13 cells to test whether activation of MT signaling attenuates proteotoxicity-induced β-cell apoptosis and through which molecular mechanism. We also used nondiabetic and T2DM human islets to test the potential of MT signaling to attenuate deleterious effects of glucotoxicity and T2DM on β-cell function. MT signaling in β-cells (with duration designed to mimic typical nightly exposure) significantly enhanced activation of the cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathway and attenuated proteotoxicity-induced β-cell apoptosis evidenced by reduced caspase-3 cleavage (∼40%), decreased activation of stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-amino-terminal kinase (∼50%) and diminished oxidative stress response. Activation of MT signaling in human islets was shown to restore glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in islets exposed to chronic hyperglycemia as well as in T2DM islets. Our data suggest that β-cell MT signaling is important for the regulation of β-cell survival and function and implies a preventative and therapeutic potential for preservation of β-cell mass and function in T2DM.
Non-contact radiofrequency-induced reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat correlates with initial cardiovascular autonomic balance and fat tissue hormones: safety analysis
Authors: Pumprla Jiri , Howorka Kinga , Kolackova Zuzana , Sovova Eliska
Published: February 2015

Background and objective: The non-invasive reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat became popular in the last decade. Radiofrequency (RF), non-contact, selective-field device Vanquish® has been developed to selectively induce deep fat tissue heating to reduce waist circumference. Our analysis evaluates immediate and sustained effects of this treatment on cardiovascular autonomic function and on selected metabolic parameters.

Study design/patients and methods: A retrospective proof-of-concept analysis of RF treatment effects was conducted in 20 individuals with metabolic syndrome, to reduce the subcutaneous abdominal fat. Four 30-minutes treatment sessions (manufacturer´s standard protocol) were performed in 1-week intervals. Vital signs, ECG, lab screening, body composition, subcutaneous fat thickness and spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) have been examined before, after the 1st and 4th treatment, and at follow-up visits 1 month and 3 months after the treatment.

Results: The RF treatment led to a significant reduction of abdominal circumference after the 4th session (p<0.001), and during follow-up after 1 and 3 months (p<0.001 and p<0.02, resp.). There was a significant correlation (r=-0.58, p=0.007) between reduction of abdominal circumference and initial very-low frequency (VLF) spectral power at 1 month follow-up. A significant increase of cumulative spectral power in low frequency (p=0.02) and reduction in high frequency (p=0.05) band have been observed immediately (20+14 minutes) after the treatment. On the contrary, no sustained impact on autonomic balance has been recorded 39+18 days after the treatment. A significant correlation between the initial adiponectin values and immediate autonomic response to one treatment was observed in VLF and total spectral bands (r>0.59, p<0.04).

Conclusions: Our analysis shows that the selective-field RF treatment is safe and efficient for reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat. While the treatment increases the immediate sympathetic response of the body to deep tissue heating, no sustained change in autonomic function could be recorded at 1 month follow-up. The observed correlation between initial VLF spectral power and waist circumference reduction at follow-up, as well as the association of initial adiponectin values and immediate autonomic response to the treatment might be instrumental for decisions on body contouring strategies.
UV-independent induction of beta defensin 3 in neonatal human skin explants
Authors: Wolf Horrell Erin , D'Orazio John
Published: February 2015

In order to determine the effect of UV radiation on β-defensin 3 (BD3) expression in human skin, freshly-isolated UV-naïve skin was obtained from newborn male infants undergoing planned circumcision.  Skin explants sustained ex vivo dermis side down on RPMI media were exposed to 0.5 kJ/m2UVB, and biopsies were taken from the explant through 72 hours after radiation.  mRNA expression was measured by qRTPCR and normalized to TATA-binding protein.  BD3 expression at each time point was compared with an untreated control taken at time 0 within each skin sample.  Extensive variability in both the timing and magnitude of BD3 induction across individuals was noted and was not predicted by skin pigment phenotype, suggesting that BD3 induction was not influenced by epidermal melanization.  However, a mock-irradiated time course demonstrated UV-independent BD3 mRNA increases across multiple donors which was not further augmented by treatment with UV radiation, suggesting that factors other than UV damage promoted increased BD3 expression in the skin explants.  We conclude that BD3 expression is induced in a UV-independent manner in human skin explants processed and maintained in standard culture conditions, and that neonatal skin explants are an inappropriate model with which to study the effects of UV on BD3 induction in whole human skin.
ViennaNGS: A toolbox for building efficient next- generation sequencing analysis pipelines
Authors: Wolfinger Michael T. , Fallmann Jörg , Eggenhofer Florian , Amman Fabian
Published: February 2015

Recent achievements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies lead to a high demand for reuseable software components to easily compile customized analysis workflows for big genomics data. We present ViennaNGS, an integrated collection of Perl modules focused on building efficient pipelines for NGS data processing. It comes with functionality for extracting and converting features from common NGS file formats, computation and evaluation of read mapping statistics, as well as normalization of RNA abundance. Moreover, ViennaNGS provides software components for identification and characterization of splice junctions from RNA-seq data, parsing and condensing sequence motif data, automated construction of Assembly and Track Hubs for the UCSC genome browser, as well as wrapper routines for a set of commonly used NGS command line tools.
A Maintenance of a Dominant Market Position – on the Example of the Polish Post Office
Authors: Bernat Tomasz
Published: February 2015

The system changes of the Polish economy, which began in the 80s of the 20th  century and were continued after the accession to the European Union in 2004, have caused significant transformations, not only in the economy and ownership relations, but also in single markets. What is more, some of the European Commission’s guidelines have introduced the market regulations which were dominated by natural monopolies. These changes were to cause the competitiveness on the market and to improve its functioning in an efficiency allocative sense in order to make the consumers’ situation better. However, it is often a kind of struggle without any visible effects in short or long term. One of such examples is the Polish Post Office as the national operator in the market of postal services. The scientific objective of this study is to answer the question whether the changes in the law regulating the postal market cause real changes in the market structure, resulting in a reduction in allocative inefficiency? The working hypothesis referring to such research problem is formulated as follows: large business entities operating in the monopolistic market structure until now use all of the tools – including changes in the law, to maintain their position. It causes an increase in allocative inefficiency of companies and  market. The object of the research is Poczta Polska SA. The primary research method will be based on the analysis of the legal rules, the analysis of the activities and entities’ decisions and the comparative analysis. The active research is supported by the literature recognition.
Methodological Problems of Modern Political Economy Subject
Authors: Tyshchenko Maria
Published: February 2015

The article addresses the problem of new political economy as grand (if imperfect) synthesis of various strands. Exploring different approaches reveals a set of the problems concerning the rise of economic society. We show in the article through the classical approach that political economy responds to and contributes to economics, so far as the older sense of politics is concerned. Most approaches to political economy treat the private sector as the primary arena. It sets agendas and ultimately governs outcomes. The idea of a collective or public reality different in nature from the system of private interests holds little appeal for political economy. In our view, the main difficulty of political economy, common to different approaches, lies in the tendency to gloss over the separateness of the two spheres, the economic and the political one, absorbing one into the other. The main topic of our survey is the importance of understanding and appreciating the categorical distinction between politics and economics, and the dangers of making one or the other dominant in both realms.
Initial Shipment Decisions for New Products at Zara
Authors: Gallien Jérémie , Mersereau Adam J. , Garro Andres , Mora Alberte Dapena , Vidal Martín Nóvoa
Published: February 2015

Given uncertain popularity of new products by location, fast fashion retailer Zara faces a trade-off. Large initial shipments to stores reduce lost sales in the critical first days of the product life cycle, but maintaining stock at the warehouse allows restocking flexibility once initial sales are observed. In collaboration with Zara, we develop and test a decision support system featuring a data-driven model of forecast updating and a dynamic optimization formulation for allocating limited stock by location over time. A controlled field experiment run worldwide with 34 articles during the 2012 season showed an increase in total average season sales by approximately 2% and a reduction in the number of unsold units at the end of the regular selling season by approximately 4%.
Categorical Stigma and Firm Disengagement: Nuclear Power Generation in the United States, 1970–2000
Authors: Piazza Alessandro , Perretti Fabrizio
Published: February 2015

How do organizations react to stakeholder disapproval of a category to which they belong? In this paper, we draw on the categorization, stigma, and identity literatures in building a theory to predict whether firms that are involved in stigmatized activities will choose to reduce or terminate their involvement in them, as opposed to resorting to less drastic measures such as defensive practice adoption or impression management techniques. Conceptualizing groups of organizations involved in such contentious practices as stigmatized categories in the eyes of an audience, we argue that organizational responses rest on three elements: (1) the intensity of stigma targeting the category, (2) the media exposure of the category, and (3) the extent to which an organization is a member of the category. A quantitative study of proposed new nuclear reactor units in the United States between 1970 and 2000, in the face of mounting opposition to atomic power, provides empirical support for our claims.
Interventions for male involvement in pregnancy and labour: A systematic review
Authors: Ayebare Elizabeth , Mwebaza Enid , Mwizerwa Joseph , Namutebi Elizabeth , Kinengyere Alison Annet , Smyth Rebecca
Published: February 2015

Male involvement in pregnancy and labour care has been shown to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Nevertheless, it continues to be low, especially in low income countries. Several interventions have been suggested for supporting male involvement in reproductive health and maternity care, but no assessment has been made in terms of their effectiveness. The objective of this review was to summarise and evaluate the current evidence related to male partner involvement in maternal health. Three databases were searched electronically. This review included two randomised controlled trials and two observational studies. Two interventions emerged from the review: facility-based couple health education and workplace-based health education. These interventions showed positive outcomes regarding the presence of partners during antenatal visits, postpartum visits, childbirth, and the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth among others. More rigorous research is needed into strategies for, and the effect of, including men in maternal and newborn health.
Bio-Ethanol Production from Cornstalk Containing Wastewater
Authors: Akinola Temidayo O. , Erkurt Emrah A.
Published: February 2015

Having identified poorly efficient pre-treatment methods as the rate limiting step to cellulosic ethanol production, combination of two or more pre-treatment methods are being examined. In this study, three stage alkaline-acid-enzyme pre-treatment was attempted in addition to using waste water containing organic matter. Optimum Reducing Sugar yield of 604.96mg/g cornstalk was obtained when 10% (w/v) NaOH and 5% (v/v) H2SO4 was used in succession at 120˚C for 60 minutes. The use of wastewater containing cornstalk for the production of cellulosic ethanol was found to have desirable effects on Reducing Sugar yields. Total Reducing Sugar yield was increased to 874.05mg/g cornstalk and fermentation efficiency of 89.44% for wastewater containing 40g/L cornstalk.