bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the effects of friction modelling on small punch creep test responses: A numerical investigation
Authors: Cortellino Francesco , Sun Wei , Hyde Thomas
Published: July 2016

This article shows the results of finite element analyses of small punch creep testing of a P91 steel at 600 °C using two different approaches to model the friction between the specimen and the punch. The numerical results obtained using the ‘classical’ Coulomb friction model (i.e. constant friction coefficient) have been compared with those obtained by a more modern formulation, which takes into account the effects of local loading conditions, that is, the contact pressure, between the contacting bodies (the small disc specimen and the punch) on the coefficient of friction. The aim of the work is to investigate the effects of the friction formulation used for the calculations on the numerical results representing the output of the test, that is, the variation of the punch displacement versus time and the time to rupture. The calculations, carried out for various load levels, showed that the friction coefficient is not constant at all positions on the contacting surface between the punch and the specimen during the deformation process. The maximum value for the coefficient of friction is reached at the contact edge, which is a very important region in the specimen, because this is the position at which most of the creep deformation occurs. As expected, the displacement versus time curve (that is usually the only output obtained from experimental small punch creep testing) is affected by friction formulation which is used, as this directly influences the stress and strain fields in the specimen.
Faecal haemoglobin concentration is related to detection of advanced colorectal neoplasia in the next screening round
Authors: Digby Jayne , Fraser Callum G , Carey Francis A , Diament Robert H , Balsitis Margaret , Steele Robert JC
Published: July 2016

Objective

To examine associations between faecal haemoglobin concentrations below the cut-off used in colorectal cancer screening and outcomes in the next screening round.

Methods

In the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, faecal haemoglobin concentrations and diagnostic outcomes were investigated for participants with a negative result (faecal haemoglobin concentrations < 80.0 µg Hb/g faeces), followed by a positive result within two years.

Results

Of 37,780 participants with negative results, at the next screening round, 556 (1.5%) screened positive and 30,293 (80.2%) negative. Initial median faecal haemoglobin concentrations (2.1 µg Hb/g faeces, IQR: 0.0–13.2) were higher in those with subsequent positive results than those with subsequent negative results (0.0 µg Hb/g faeces, IQR: 0.0–1.4; p < 0.0001). Using faecal haemoglobin concentrations 0.0–19.9 µg Hb/g faeces as reference, logistic regression analysis showed high adjusted odds ratios for advanced neoplasia (advanced neoplasia: colorectal cancer or higher risk adenoma) detection at the next round of 14.3 (95% CI: 8.9–23.1) in those with initial faecal haemoglobin concentrations 20.0–39.9 µg Hb/g faeces, and 38.0 (95% CI: 20.2–71.2) with 60.0–79.9 µg Hb/g faeces.

Conclusions

A higher proportion of participants with faecal haemoglobin concentrations of ≥ 20 µg Hb/g faeces had advanced neoplasia detected at the next round than participants with lower faecal haemoglobin concentrations. Although most relevant when using high faecal haemoglobin concentrations cut-offs, studies of faecal haemoglobin concentrations and outcomes over screening rounds may provide strategies to direct available colonoscopy towards those at highest risk.
Randomized Controlled Theory-Based, E-Mail-Mediated Walking Intervention
Authors: Richards Elizabeth A. , Ogata Niwako , Cheng Ching-Wei
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of two concurrent randomized controlled interventions based on social cognitive theory to increase walking. A second purpose was to compare the efficacy of the intervention between two distinct groups: dog owners and non-dog owners. Adult dog owners ( n = 40) and non-dog owners ( n = 65) were randomized into control or intervention groups. Intervention groups received bi-weekly emails for first 4 weeks and then weekly email for the next 8 weeks targeting self-efficacy, social support, goal setting, and benefits/barriers to walking. Dog owner messages focused on dog walking while non-dog owners received general walking messages. Control groups received a 1-time email reviewing current physical activity guidelines. At 6 months, both intervention groups reported greater increases in walking and maintained these increases at 12 months. The greatest increases were seen in the dog owner intervention group. In conclusion, dog owners accumulated more walking, which may be attributed to the dog–owner relationship.
Awards as Strategic Signals
Authors: Gallus Jana , Frey Bruno S.
Published: July 2016

This contribution uses signaling theory to analyze the widely observed phenomenon of award giving. Awards appear in various forms, ranging from the Employee of the Month title to prizes, decorations, orders, and other honors. The purpose of this article is to develop an understanding of the signals emitted when awards are given and accepted, and to highlight conditions under which signaling failures are likely to arise. We take a comparative approach, contrasting awards with other incentives, in particular with monetary compensation and bonuses. Our analysis helps inform management practice by presenting a systematic appraisal of the strategic signaling functions of awards. It proposes under which conditions awards tend to raise performance, and when monetary compensation proves to be superior.
Microstructural characterization and effective viscoelastic behavior of magnetorheological elastomers with varying acetone contents
Authors: Damiani Robbie , Sun LZ
Published: July 2016

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), a class of polymer-based composites with dispersed ferromagnetic micro-particles, fall in the class of smart materials, because their macroscopic or effective rheological properties can be continuously, rapidly, and reversibly changed with the application of a magnetic field. Conventional magnetorheological elastomers exhibit poor mechanical properties and magnetorheological effect as a result of their matrix materials and the particle-matrix interfaces. Here, we investigate the effect of acetone contents on the magnetorheological elastomer microstructure at the interfacial regions using the scanning electron microscope and the three-dimensional nano-CT imaging, as well as determining the overall or effective mechanical properties of magnetorheological elastomers. It is shown that acetone increases both the overall storage modulus and loss factor along with the magnetorheological effect due to acetone’s reaction on the interface as well as its effect on iron particle alignment.
A State of Change
Authors: Hassan Mai
Published: July 2016

Many developing countries have recently increased the number of their sub-national administrative units. Existing literature explains this phenomenon by suggesting that because new units serve as patronage to an area, they can help a leader meet local demand for state resources or divide opposition elites. These explanations, however, overlook the costs of new administrative units to a leader facing competitive reelection, in part, because they rely largely on evidence from non-competitive electoral systems. I posit that leaders facing competitive reelection create new units selectively, limiting the supply to electorally valuable areas where residents of the split unit can best be swayed to vote for the leader in the upcoming election. I find evidence of these claims using a unique dataset of administrative district creation alongside archival evidence from Kenya during the country’s first decade after the return to multi-party elections. This article illuminates the political factors driving decentralization across developing countries that have transitioned to holding multi-party elections.
Service Failures of Rural Water Supply Systems in Ethiopia and Their Policy Implications
Authors: Behailu Beshah M. , Hukka Jarmo J. , Katko Tapio S.
Published: July 2016

As the world is striving to improve water supply coverage, a significant number of rural communities are forced to turn back to unprotected sources due to service breakdowns of their water supply systems. Yet, these communities do not seem to receive the same attention as those building new systems. The purpose of this article is to reveal and diagnose the determinant factors of service failures and to propose mitigation measures to the rural water supply in Ethiopia. The study is conducted through a literature review and field discussions with experts ( n = 48) and artisans ( n = 35), who have been involved in the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the systems. Moreover, failed schemes ( n = 20) were visited, and discussions were held with village elders of each water point. The findings indicate that lack of uniformity of implementation approaches, and institutional and organizational incapability of the local government aggravate the service failures. The further capacity building, institutionalization, and improving remuneration of employees are likely to reduce the problems substantially.
MrBayes sMC3
Authors: Kuan Lídia , Pratas Frederico , Sousa Leonel , Tomás Pedro
Published: July 2016

MrBayes is a popular software package for Bayesian phylogenetic inference, which uses an iterative approach to derive an evolutionary tree for a collection of species whose DNA sequences are known. Computationally, MrBayes is characterized by a large number of iterations, each composed of a set of tasks that isolated are not very time-consuming, but are globally computationally demanding. To accelerate the latest MrBayes 3.2, this paper presents MrBayes sMC3, which relies on the computational power of an heterogeneous CPU+GPU platform. For this, MrBayes sMC3 exploits both task and data-level parallelism while minimizing the overheads associated with kernel launches and CPU-GPU data transfers. Experimental results indicate that the proposed parallel approach, together with the proposed set of optimizations, allow for an application acceleration of up to 10× regarding the original MrBayes, and up to 3× regarding the Beagle Library. Furthermore, by analyzing the convergence rate of MrBayes sMC3 with that of the state-of-the-art approaches, a significant reduction in execution time is observed.
The role of defensive firearm use in the governance of security in Latin America
Authors: Sanjurjo Diego
Published: July 2016

This article discusses the role played by citizens who acquire firearms for defensive purposes in the governance of security in Latin America. Do states possess the capacity to enforce formal-legal regulations or do citizens participate in the governance of security autonomously? Does the behavior of armed citizens correspond with the strategies and goals defined in security policies? The analysis concludes that firearms facilitate a behavior which delegitimizes authorities and harms state security policies. This role is more frequent in Latin America due to the legitimacy deficits of authorities and the lack of information regarding firearms and users, which hinder state capacities to control armed citizens from a distance. Their conceptualization in scenarios of regulated governance is therefore problematic, since their behavior evades state control frequently and with ease. These citizens are therefore better conceptualized under a nodal governance model.
Effects of a Training Intervention for Enhancing Recovery after Ivor-Lewis Esophagus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fagevik Olsén M. , Kjellby Wendt G. , Hammerlid E. , Smedh U.
Published: July 2016

Background and Aims:

There is a risk of decreased physical function, quality of life and persistent pain after open surgery for esophageal cancer. There are currently no studies that evaluate the effect of any postoperative intervention, including physical exercises, after this type of surgery. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the effect of a training intervention after Ivor-Lewis resection of the esophagus.

Material and Methods:

Patients scheduled for esophagus resection according to Ivor-Lewis were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The training intervention started at discharge and lasted three months. Before discharge, patients were given three leaflets with exercises to increase range of motion in the affected area and exercises aiming to restore lung function and physical function. All exercises were described in detail and the patients carried out the ones in the first program under supervision. Before surgery and three months after discharge, the patients estimated their level of physical function, level of physical activity, and quality of life. They also underwent spirometry, measurements of range of motion in the rib cage, spine, and shoulders, and three functional tests. Comparisons of differences within and between the groups were made.

Results:

A total of 43 of 64 randomized patients participated in the follow-up. Postoperatively, the patients in the intervention group had a significantly higher degree of physical function and less deteriorated range of motion in right shoulder flexion and thoracic left lateral flexion. There were no significant differences between the groups in lung function, pain, or quality of life.

Conclusion:

The results of the three-month intervention indicate that specific training can positively affect physical function and range of motion to preoperative values. The intervention was well tolerated, and no side effects were registered.
Shadows from the past: The mothering experience of women survivors of maternal suicide
Authors: Leichtentritt Ronit D , Leichtentritt Judy , Mahat Shamir Michal
Published: July 2016

Raising children, while challenging in the best of times, can be more complicated for a woman who lost her own mother during her childhood/adolescent years. This study examines the long-term impact of maternal suicide as evident in the mothering experiences of 12 Israeli women.

Findings

The participants’ descriptions reveal a constant Sisyphean struggle to move away from their legacy only to be pulled back—a fervent wish to be different from their mothers along with the simultaneous realization that they cannot escape their past. This continuing struggle is captured through four themes: (a) being a mother long before having children, (b) the past casting a pall over the present, (c) mothering as a means of fixing what is broken, and (d) the lack of a maternal model: an irrevocable absence.

Applications

The results of this study are discussed from an emotional socialization perspective which points to the relevance of two theoretical perspectives: the modeling and the compensation views of emotional socialization in the participants’ mothering experiences. These views can help social workers both to understand and to attend to the distinctive difficulties of mothers who have survived the suicide of their own mothers.
Last Year Your Answer Was …
Authors: Al Baghal Tarek
Published: July 2016

Prior studies suggest memories are potentially error prone. Proactive dependent interviewing (PDI) is a possible method to reduce errors in reports of change in longitudinal studies, reminding respondents of previous answers while asking if there has been any change since the last survey. However, little research has been conducted on the impact of PDI question wording. This study examines the impact of PDI wording on change reports and how these wordings interact with other survey features such as mode, question content, and prior change. Experimental results indicate that asking about change in an unbalanced fashion leads to more reports of change initially than other wordings, but only in a face-to-face survey. Follow-up questions led to final change reports that were similar across all wordings, but this necessitates asking additional questions. Findings suggest that asking PDI using change as the initial option should be avoided.
Impact of Calcification on Clinical Outcomes After Endovascular Therapy for Superficial Femoral Artery Disease
Authors: Okuno Shota , Iida Osamu , Shiraki Tatsuya , Fujita Masashi , Masuda Masaharu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Uematsu Masaaki
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To investigate whether the severity of lesion calcification assessed by the novel peripheral artery calcification scoring system (PACSS) was associated with clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) for superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 394 consecutive patients (mean age 72±8 years; 290 men) with intermittent claudication [223 (57%) with diabetes, 81 (21%) on hemodialysis] who underwent successful EVT for de novo SFA lesions [length 152.1±95.7 mm; 199 (50%) TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class C/D] between January 2010 and December 2013. The patients were retrospectively categorized using the PACSS classification (grades 0–4: no visible calcification of the target lesion, unilateral wall calcification <5 cm, unilateral calcification ≥5 cm, bilateral wall calcification <5 cm, and bilateral calcification ≥5 cm, respectively). The main outcome was primary patency, while the secondary outcome measures were mortality and major adverse limb events [MALE: any intervention (repeat EVT or surgical revision) or major (above ankle) amputation]. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to explore whether the PACSS classification was an independent predictor of clinical outcomes. Results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The distribution of PACSS grades was 0 in 54%, grade 1 in 16%, grade 2 in 12%, grade 3 in 9%, and grade 4 in 9%. The 2-year primary patency rates in these grades, respectively, were 70.0%, 66.6%, 72.1%, 55.6%, and 36.3% (p<0.001). After multivariate analysis, PACSS grade 4 (HR 2.74, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.83, p<0.001), diabetes (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.20, p=0.022), lesion length (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07, p=0.006), and vessel diameter (HR 0.80, 85% CI 0.65 to 0.98, p=0.038) were associated with loss of primary patency. PACSS grade 4 was also associated with MALE and mortality (p=0.048 and 0.011, respectively). Bare metal stent use (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73, p<0.001) was positively associated with primary patency. Conclusion: PACSS grade 4 calcification was independently associated with clinical outcomes after EVT for de novo SFA lesions.
Influence of Repeat Intervention on the Risk of Major Amputation After Infrapopliteal Angioplasty for Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Utsunomiya Makoto , Iida Osamu , Yamauchi Yasutaka , Nakano Masatsugu , Soga Yoshimitsu , Kawasaki Daizo , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Nakamura Masato
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To assess the influence of repeat intervention on the risk of major amputation after infrapopliteal angioplasty for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Methods: A multicenter database of Japanese CLI patients was interrogated to identify patients who underwent balloon angioplasty for isolated infrapopliteal lesions from April 2004 to December 2012. In that time frame, 1298 limbs of 1065 patients (mean age 72±10 years; 739 men) were eligible for this analysis. The prevalence of tissue loss was 76%, with 33% accompanied by infection. The association between repeat intervention and future risk for major amputation was evaluated using a mixed effects logistic regression model. A stratification analysis was also performed with baseline variables. A supplementary analysis compared baseline characteristics between the cases with and without repeat intervention. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Results: Median follow-up was 1.2 years (interquartile range 0.4–2.5), during which time 143 (11.0%) limbs had major amputations and 499 (38.4%) underwent repeat intervention. The mixed effects modeling revealed that repeat intervention was significantly associated with future risk for major amputation (unadjusted HR 3.01, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.41, p=0.001). From the stratification analysis, repeat intervention significantly increased future risk of major amputation in cases with regular dialysis (HR 3.35, 95% CI 2.14 to 5.26, p<0.001), whereas it did not in those without dialysis. The supplemental analysis showed that patients with repeat intervention within 1 year had a higher prevalence of nonambulatory status, regular dialysis, tissue loss, and infection at baseline compared to those without repeat intervention for 1 year. Conclusion: In the patients with CLI due to infrapopliteal lesions, the need for repeat intervention increased the risk of future major amputation. However, this correlation was not applicable to nondialysis patients.
Electroencephalography-Derived Sensory and Motor Network Topology in Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue
Authors: Vecchio Fabrizio , Miraglia Francesca , Porcaro Camillo , Cottone Carlo , Cancelli Andrea , Rossini Paolo Maria , Tecchio Franca
Published: July 2016

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently complain of excessive fatigue, which is the most disabling symptom for half of them. While the few drugs used to treat MS fatigue are of limited utility, we recently observed the efficacy of a personalized neuromodulation treatment. Here, we aim at strengthening knowledge of the brain network changes that occur when MS fatigue increases, using graph theory. We collected electroencephalographic (EEG; 23 or 64 channels) data in resting state with eyes open in 27 relapsing-remitting (RR) patients with mild MS (EDSS ≤2), suffering a wide range of fatigue as scored by the modified Fatigue Impact Scale (mFIS) (2-69, within a total range 0-84). To estimate graph theory small-world index (SW), we calculated the lagged linear coherence between EEG cortical eLORETA sources, in the standard frequency bands delta (2-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha1 (8-10.5 Hz), alpha2 (10.5-13 Hz), beta1 (13-20 Hz), beta2 (20-30 Hz), and gamma (30-45 Hz). We calculated the SW of these undirected and weighted networks separately in the four left and right frontal (motor) and parieto-occipito-temporal (sensory) brain networks. A correlative analysis demonstrated increased fatigue symptoms along with the SW specifically in the Sensory network of the left dominant hemisphere in the beta1 band (Pearson’s r = 0.404, P = .020). Our study indicates a specific involvement of the dominant-hemisphere sensory network in MS fatigue. It suggests that compensatory neuromodulation interventions could enhance efficacy in relieving this debilitating symptom by targeting this area.
Evaluating the Surgeons’ Perception of Difficulties of Two Techniques to Perform STARR for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome
Authors: Renzi Adolfo , Brillantino Antonio , Di Sarno Giandomenico , D’Aniello Francesco , Ferulano Giuseppe , Falato Armando ,   Coauthors
Published: July 2016

Background. After initial enthusiasm in the use of a dedicated curved stapler (CCS-30 Contour Transtar) to perform stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), difficulties have emerged in this surgical technique. Objective. First, to compare surgeons’ perception of difficulties of STARR performed with only Transtar versus STARR performed with the combined use of linear staplers and Transtar to cure ODS associated with large internal prolapse and rectocele; second, to compare the postoperative incidence of the urge to defecate between the 2 STARR procedures. Design and Setting. An Italian multicenter randomized trial involving 25 centers of colorectal surgery. Patients. Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and rectocele or rectal intussusception, treated between January and December 2012. Interventions. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo STARR with a curved alone stapler (CAS group) or with the combined use of linear and curved staplers (LCS group). Main Outcome Measures. Primary end-points were the evaluation of surgeons’ perception of difficulties score and the incidence of the “urge to defecate” at 3-month follow up. Secondary end-points included duration of hospital stay, rates of early and late complications, incidence of “urge to defecate” at 6 and 12 months, success of the procedures at 12 months of follow-up. Results. Of 771 patients evaluated, 270 patients (35%) satisfied the criteria. Follow-up data were available for 254 patients: 128 patients (114 women) in the CAS group (mean age, 52.1; range, 39-70 years) and 126 (116 women) in LCS group (mean age, 50.7 years; range, 41-75 years). The mean surgeons’ perception score, was 15.36 (SD, 3.93) in the CAS group and 12.26 (SD, 4.22) in the LCS group ( P < .0001; 2-sample t test). At 3-month follow-up, urge to defecate was observed in 18 (14.6%) CAS group patients and in 13 (10.7%) LCS group patients ( P = .34; Fisher’s exact test). These values drastically decrease at 6 months until no urge to defecate in all patients at 12 months was observed. At 12-month follow-up, a successful outcome was achieved in 100 (78.1%) CAS group patients and in 105 (83.3%) LCS group patients ( P = .34; Fisher’s exact test). No significant differences between groups were observed in the hospital stay and rates of early or late complications occurring after STARR. Conclusions. STARR with Transtar associated with prior decomposition of prolapse, using linear staplers, seems to be less difficult than that without decomposition. Both procedures appear to be safe and effective in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome resulting in similar success rates and complications.
Developing a Framework for Evaluating Ethical Outcomes of Good Participatory Practices in TB Clinical Drug Trials
Authors: MacQueen Kathleen M. , Eley Natalie T. , Frick Mike , Mingote Laia Ruiz , Chou Alicia , Seidel Stephanie S. , Hannah Stacey , Hamilton Carol
Published: July 2016

Good Participatory Practice Guidelines for TB Drug Trials (GPP-TB) were issued in 2012, based on similar guidelines for HIV prevention and reflecting growing acceptance of the importance of community engagement and participatory strategies in clinical research. Though the need for such strategies is clear, evaluation of the benefits and burdens are needed. Working with a diverse group of global TB stakeholders including advocates, scientists, and ethicists, we used a Theory of Change approach to develop an evaluation framework for GPP-TB that includes a clearly defined ethical goal, a set of powerful strategies derived from GPP-TB practices for achieving the goal, and outcomes connecting strategies to goal. The framework is a first step in systematically evaluating participatory research in clinical trials.
Post-procedural pseudoaneurysms: Single-center experience
Authors: Mohammad Farah , Kabbani Loay , Lin Judith , Karamanos Efstathios , Esmael Fatema , Shepard Alexander
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Pseudoaneurysms are a well-recognized complication of percutaneous angiographic procedures. Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is currently the preferred treatment modality. This study was undertaken to evaluate our experience with the management of post-procedure pseudoaneurysms.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of all patients who developed a post-procedure pseudoaneurysm between March 2004 and January 2013. Data were obtained from our prospectively maintained non-invasive vascular laboratory data base.

Results

Overall, 167 patients (80 men) with post-procedure pseudoaneurysms were identified. The mean age was 66 years. Post-procedure pseudoaneurysms developed following diagnostic coronary angiography (38%), coronary angioplasty (37%), peripheral vascular interventions (14.7%), or other access procedures (7.6%). Mean post-procedure pseudoaneurysm diameter was 2.8 ± 1.8 cm. One hundred forty-two post-procedure pseudoaneurysms were injected with thrombin under ultrasound guidance. Primary success rate was 93.5%. There were 12 (8.5%) procedural failures of which seven (58%) responded to reinjection, three (25%) required operative management, one was treated with ultrasound-guided compression, and one (8.3%) was simply observed. On multivariate analysis, failures were associated with increased aneurysm diameter ( p = 0.006; odds ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.96), end-stage renal disease ( p = 0.013; odds ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78) and superficial femoral artery aneurysm origin ( p = 0.031; odds ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.86). There were two episodes of thrombus formation in the femoral artery; one resolved with anticoagulation alone, and the other required thrombectomy.

Conclusions

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is an effective and safe method for managing post-procedure pseudoaneurysms. Failure rates are low and associated with large aneurysm size, superficial femoral artery origin and end-stage renal disease.
Political Context and Meaning of British Citizenship: Cancellation as a National Security Measure
Authors: Prabhat Devyani
Published: July 2016

This article places the court cases on cancellation of British citizenship in the context of the wider socio-political debates on citizenship. The political context demonstrates several potential arguments linking citizenship with rights which could have informed the court cases. However, an observable trend is that while some of the decisions flag various substantive rights, most fail to expand upon them. A formal, legal approach to determination of foreign nationality laws and statelessness is evident in the cases rather than a discussion of rights and belonging. This illustrates how legal formalism operates to exclude important aspects of the meaning and content of British citizenship. By avoiding close scrutiny of the rights framework in the national security context the current cases support a minimal view of citizenship as loyalty in exchange for protection. This is reminiscent of the concept of subjecthood from the days of Empire. The article argues that intense proportionality review of the differential enjoyment of substantive rights would be far more revealing of the meaning and content of British citizenship.
Communication descending
Authors: Anderson James A
Published: July 2016

Systematic examination of the role theory has played in the major associational journals in communication shows an exponential growth in the number of theories appearing in these journals. The sheer number and short lifespan of these theories as well as their limited impact on society suggest that they have little epistemological value but are, rather, the product of a closed system of discourse, symptomatic of a community speaking to itself.
Media research and psychoanalysis: A suggestion
Authors: Johanssen Jacob
Published: July 2016

This short commentary outlines psychoanalysis as a theory and method and its potential value to media research. Following Dahlgren , it is suggested that psychoanalysis may enrich the field because it may offer a complex theory of the human subject, as well as methodological means of doing justice to the richness, ambivalence and contradictions of human experience in relation to media. The psychoanalytic technique of free association and how it has been adapted in social research is suggested as a means to open up subjective modes of expression and thinking –- in researchers and research participants alike – that lie beyond rationality and conscious agency.
CD27 natural killer cell subsets play different roles during the pre-onset stage of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Gao Ming , Yang Yan , Li Daling , Ming Bingxia , Chen Huoying , Sun Yan , Xiao Yifan , Lai Lin , Zou Huijuan , Xu Yong , Xiong Ping , Tan Zheng , Gong Feili , Zheng Fang
Published: July 2016

NK cells participate in the development of human multiple sclerosis (MS) and mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), but the roles of different NK cell subsets in disease onset remain poorly understood. In this study, murine NK cells were divided into CD27high and CD27low/− subsets. The CD27high subset was decreased and the CD27low/− subset was increased in lymphoid organs during the pre-onset stage of EAE. Compared with the counterpart in naïve mice, the CD27high subset showed lower expression of Ly49D, Ly49H and NKG2D, and less production of IFN-γ, whereas the CD27low/− subset showed similar expression of the above mentioned surface receptors but higher cytotoxic activity in EAE mice. Compared with the CD27high subset, the CD27low/− subset exhibited increased promotion of DC maturation and no significant inhibition of T cells proliferation and Th17 cells differentiation in vitro. Additionally, adoptive transfer of the CD27low/− subset, but not the CD27high subset, exacerbated the severity of EAE. Collectively, our data suggest the CD27 NK cell subsets play different roles in controlling EAE onset, which provide a new understanding for the regulation of NK cell subsets in early autoimmune disease.
A comprehensive review of lenalidomide in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Arora Mili , Gowda Sonia , Tuscano Joseph
Published: July 2016

Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma, 5q- myelodysplasia and mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), has encouraging efficacy in other B-cell malignancies. Its unique mechanism of action is in part due to altering the tumor microenvironment and potentiating the activity of T and natural-killer (NK) cells. Impressive clinical activity and excellent tolerability allows broad applicability. Lenalidomide has been used in a wide range of B-cell malignancies for years, but in 2013, the FDA marked its approval as a single agent only in relapsed/refractory mantle-cell lymphoma. Perhaps most impressive is the efficacy of lenalidomide when combined with monoclonal antibodies. Impressive efficacy and toxicity profiles with the combination of lenalidomide and rituximab in B-cell lymphomas in both the upfront and relapsed/refractory setting may allow a shift in our current treatment paradigm in both indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This review will summarize the current data in the relapsed/refractory and front-line setting of NHL with single-agent lenalidomide as well as its use in combination with other agents.
Endoscopic techniques to detect small‐bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A literature review
Authors: Rossi Roberta Elisa , Conte Dario , Elli Luca , Branchi Federica , Massironi Sara
Published: July 2016

Background

The diagnosis of small‐bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SbNETs) has improved with the advent of video capsule endoscopy (CE) and double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE). The data describing the efficacy of CE/DBE in the detection of SbNETs are scanty.

Aim

The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on the role of DBE and CE in the diagnosis of SbNETs.

Material and methods

A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed using the following keywords: “neuroendocrine tumors and enteroscopy/and capsule endoscopy” and “small bowel neuroendocrine tumors.”

Results

CE and DBE can be complementary and show a similar diagnostic yield. The number of false‐negative results has not been established yet because of the “work‐up bias” observed in the majority of the studies.

Conclusions

DBE and CE appear to be both safe and effective procedures useful in the diagnosis of SbNETs. Further studies are required to clarify their potential complications and relationship with other techniques, particularly nuclear imaging.
Prediction of low bone mineral density in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Schüle Solvey , Rossel Jean‐Benoît , Frey Diana , Biedermann Luc , Scharl Michael , Zeitz Jonas , Freitas‐Queiroz Natália , Pittet Valérie , Vavricka Stephan R , Rogler Gerhard , Misselwitz Benjamin ,   Swiss IBD cohort study
Published: July 2016

Background

Low bone mineral density (BMD) remains a frequent problem in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). There is no general agreement regarding osteoporosis screening in IBD patients.

Methods

Cases of low BMD and disease characteristics were retrieved from 3172 patients of the Swiss IBD cohort study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted for predictive modeling. In a subgroup of 877 patients, 253 dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were available for validation.

Results

Low BMD was prevalent in 19% of patients. We identified seven predictive factors: type of IBD, age, recent steroid usage, low body mass index, perianal disease, recent high disease activity and malabsorption syndrome. Low BMD could be predicted with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 64%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 35% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 93%. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics was 0.78. In the validation cohort we calculated a PPV of 26% and an NPV of 88%.

Conclusion

We provide a comprehensive analysis of risk factors for low BMD and propose a predictive model with seven clinical variables. The high NPV of models such as ours might help in excluding low BMD to prevent futile investigations.
Factors associated with unintended weight change in the UK Armed Forces: a cohort study
Authors: Stevelink Sharon AM , Fear Nicola T
Published: July 2016

Objective

To examine factors associated with self-reported unintended weight change in (ex-) military personnel of the UK Armed Forces.

Design

A cohort study whereby a self-report questionnaire was administered at baseline (2003–2005) and follow-up (2007–2009).

Participants

A total of 6352 former and serving military personnel of the UK Armed Forces.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Main outcome measures

Personnel were asked about socio-demographic, military and (mental) health characteristics, including screening measures for common mental health disorders. Further, participants were asked to report unintended weight fluctuations (none, < or > than 10 lbs in the past month). Multinomial regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with self-reported weight change at follow-up.

Results

Out of the 6352 former and serving military personnel, 123 (2.1%) reported unintended weight loss and 577 (9.0%) reported unintended weight gain in the past month. At follow-up, multivariable analyses indicated that unintended weight loss or weight gain was more likely to be reported by those who screened positive for mental health problems and those reporting weight changes at baseline. Reported weight loss was more common among smokers than non-smokers, whereas reported weight gain at follow-up was associated with having a higher BMI at baseline.

Conclusions

At follow-up, self-reported unintended weight changes in former and serving military personnel of the UK Armed Forces were found to be associated with mental health problems, body mass index, smoking and self-reported weight changes at baseline.
Support for compassionate care: Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of Schwartz Center Rounds in an acute general hospital
Authors: Chadwick Raymond J , Muncer Steven J , Hannon Bronagh C , Goodrich Joanna , Cornwell Jocelyn
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the impact of Schwartz Center Rounds, a multi-disciplinary forum to reflect on the emotional consequences of working in healthcare, on the staff of a large acute general hospital over a three-year period.

Design

Evaluation data following each Round were collected routinely from all staff attending over this period and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Setting

An integrated university teaching trust with both acute hospital and community services in the North East of England.

Participants

Over the three-year period of the study, 795 participant evaluation forms were returned by staff attending the Rounds.

Main outcome measures

A standard evaluation form completed at the end of each Round by those present, including ratings on a five-point scale against each of eight statements and an opportunity to offer additional free text comments.

Results

The findings show a very positive response to all aspects of the Rounds by staff who attended. The most highly rated statement was: ‘I have gained insight into how others think/feel in caring for patients’. This was reinforced by the qualitative analysis in which the primary theme was found to be Insight. There were no significant differences between disciplines/staff groups, indicating that all staff whether clinical or non-clinical responded to the Rounds equally positively.

Conclusions

Schwartz Rounds are highly valued by staff from all disciplines, and by managers and other non-clinicians as well as clinicians. They appear to have the potential to increase understanding between different staff, and so to reduce isolation and provide support.
What Can Parents Do? Examining the Role of Parental Support on the Negative Relationship Among Racial Discrimination, Depression, and Drug Use Among African American Youth
Authors: Zapolski Tamika C. B. , Fisher Sycarah , Hsu Wei-Wen , Barnes Jessica
Published: July 2016

African American youth who experience racial discrimination are at heightened risk to use drugs as a coping response to distress. Based on the buffer-stress hypothesis, we proposed that parental support would attenuate this effect. Participants were 1,521 African American youth between 4th and 12th grade. As hypothesized, a mediation pathway was observed among racial discrimination, depression symptoms, and drug use. This effect was observed for both genders, although the pathway was partially mediated for males. In addition, as hypothesized, parental support buffered the negative effect of depression symptomatology on drug use as a consequence of discrimination. Our findings highlight the impact racial discrimination has on health outcomes for African American youth and the importance of managing youths’ emotional responses to discrimination. Moreover, findings illuminate the protective role of supportive parenting within the risk model and should thus be considered as an important component within prevention programming for this population of youth.
Usage and Attitudes Towards Natural Remedies and Homeopathy in General Pediatrics
Authors: Beer André-Michael , Burlaka Ievgeniia , Buskin Stephen , Kamenov Borislav , Pettenazzo Andrea , Popova Diana , Riveros Huckstadt María Pilar , Sakalinskas Virgilijus , Oberbaum Menachem
Published: July 2016

In order to better understand the global approach and country differences in physicians’ usage, knowledge, and attitudes towards natural remedies and homeopathy in pediatric practice, an online survey involving 582 general pediatricians and general practitioners treating pediatric diseases was conducted in 6 countries. Overall, 17% of the pediatric prescriptions refer to phytotherapy and 15% refer to homeopathic preparations. Natural remedies and homeopathic preparations are more frequently used in upper respiratory tract infections, infant colic, sleep disturbances, and recurrent infections. In the majority of cases, they are used together with chemical drugs. Both treatment options are typically used if parents are concerned about side effects of conventional drugs or prefer natural remedies for themselves. Physicians express high interest in natural remedies and homeopathy; however, their knowledge is variable. Lack of proven efficacy, knowledge on mechanism of action, and information on indications are main factors that limit their usage.
A new class of $\mathcal{S}$-contractions in complete metric spaces and $\mathcal{G_{P}}$-contractions in ordered metric spaces
Authors: Komal Somayya , Kumam Poom
Published: July 2016

The basic purpose of this article is to define new so-called $\mathcal{S}$
S
-contractions and discuss the presence of common best proximity point theorems for such contractions in the setting of Cauchy metric spaces. We also calculate some common optimal approximate solutions of some fixed point equations when there does not exist any common fixed point. We also introduce the notions of $\mathcal{G_{P}}$
GP
-functions and $\mathcal {G_{P}}$
GP
-contractions with the help of $\mathcal{P}$
P
-functions and prove the existence of a unique best proximity point in partially order metric spaces. We give some examples that justify the validity of our results. These results extend and unify many existing results in the literature.
Seafood lipids and cardiovascular health
Authors: Cardoso Carlos , Afonso Cláudia , Bandarra Narcisa M.
Published: July 2016

Seafood lipids encompass important healthy nutrients, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which may have a significant effect on human cardiovascular health and needs to be supplied by the human diet. Particularly, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the most abundant n-3 PUFA present in seafood and have an impact on the cardiovascular health. DHA and EPA are deemed to display anti-inflammatory, cell membrane modulation, and biophysical properties, thereby offsetting the pro-inflammatory effects of n-6 PUFA, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of large amounts of n-3 PUFA exerts a positive effect on a wide array of cardiovascular health concerns ranging from hypertension and atherosclerosis to myocardial infarction and stroke. In fact, animal studies indicate that n-3 PUFAs play a bioactive cardiovascular protective role. Therefore, it is recommended up to two servings of fatty fish per week or up to 500 mg/day of EPA and DHA (World Health Organization).
Gr-1intCD11b+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells accumulate in corneal allograft and improve corneal allograft survival
Authors: Choi Wungrak , Ji Yong Woo , Ham Hwa-Yong , Yeo Areum , Noh Hyemi , Jin Su-Eon , Song Jong Suk , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Eung Kwon , Lee Hyung Keun
Published: July 2016

We identified the characteristics of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and investigated their mechanism of induction and their functional role in allograft rejection using a murine corneal allograft model. In mice, MDSCs coexpress CD11b and myeloid differentiation antigen Gr-1. Gr-1+CD11b+ cells infiltrated allografted corneas between 4 d and 4 wk after surgery; however, the frequencies of Gr-1+CD11b+ cells were not different between accepted and rejected allografts or in peripheral blood or BM. Of interest, Gr-1intCD11b+ cells, but not Gr-1hiCD11b+ cells, infiltrated the accepted graft early after surgery and expressed high levels of immunosuppressive cytokines, including IL-10, TGF-β, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. This population remained until 4 wk after surgery. In vitro, only high dose (>100 ng/ml) of IFN-γ plus GM-CSF could induce immunosuppressive cytokine expression in Gr-1intCD11b+ cells. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of Gr-1intCD11b+ cells reduced T cell infiltration, which improved graft survival. In conclusion, high-dose IFN-γ in allograft areas is essential for development of Gr-1intCD11b+ MDSCs in corneal allografts, and subtle environmental changes in the early period of the allograft can result in a large difference in graft survival.
DISCUSSIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: THE OFFSIDE ENERGY PROBLEM IN SEISMIC PROSPECTING
Authors: MANSFIELD ROBERT H.
Published: July 2016

I have just read with much interest the January issue of GEOPHYSICS with its articles on multiple reflection. I have had several similar experiences with definite and indefinite multiples, mainly in California. My greatest difficulties with them have come in localities where genuine deep reflections are interfered with by multiples of shallower horizons, so that the net combination of mixed dips proved awkward to deal with.
DISCUSSIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
Authors: Keller Joseph E.
Published: July 2016

Reference is made to Public Notice 32161, in the matter of “A proposal for a revision of fre-quency provisions in the Inter-American Radio Agreement of Havana (1937) (Santiago, Chile Revi-sion (1940)) E.A.S. 231, and the Frequency proposal of the United States at the forthcoming Fourth Inter-American Radio Conference (FIAR).”