bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of One versus Two Fecal Immunochemical Tests in the Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia in a Population-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Moosavi Sarvenaz , Enns Robert , Gentile Laura , Gondara Lovedeep , McGahan Colleen , Telford Jennifer
Published: December 2016

Objective.To determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of two versus one abnormal FIT in the detection of colorectal neoplasia in a Canadian population.Methods.Three communities enrolled in a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening pilot program from 01/2009 to 04/2013 using 2 FITs. Data collected included demographics, colonoscopy, pathology, and FIT results. Participants completed both FITs and had one positive FIT and colonoscopy. PPV of one versus two abnormal FITs was calculated using a weighted-generalized score statistic. A two-sided 5% significance level was used.Results.1576 of 17,031 average-risk participants, 50–75 years old, had a positive FIT. Colonoscopy revealed 58 (3.7%) cancers, 419 (31.6%) high-risk polyps, and 374 (23.7%) low-risk polyps as the most significant lesion. PPV of one versus two positive FITs for cancer, high-risk polyps, and any neoplasia were 1% versus 8%, 20% versus 40%, and 48% versus 67%, respectively (pvalue < 0.0001). When the first FIT was negative, the second positive FIT detected 7 CRCs and 98 high-risk polyps.Conclusions.PPV of two positive FITs is superior to one positive FIT for CRC and high-risk polyps. The added value of the second FIT was 12% of total CRCs and 23% of total high-risk polyps.
Unusual Cushing’s Syndrome and Hypercalcitoninaemia due to a Small Cell Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Balestrieri Antonio , Magnani Elena , Nuzzo Fiorella
Published: December 2016

A 75-year-old man was hospitalized because of severe hypokalaemia due to ACTH dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Total body computed tomography (TBCT) and 68 Gallium DOTATATE PET/CT localized a voluminous prostate tumour. A subsequent transurethral prostate biopsy documented a small cell carcinoma positive for ACTH and calcitonin and negative for prostatic specific antigen (PSA) at immunocytochemical study; serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) was normal. Despite medical treatments, Cushing’s syndrome was not controlled and the patient’s clinical condition progressively worsened. Surgical resection was excluded; the patient underwent a cycle of chemotherapy followed by febrile neutropenia and fatal intestinal perforation. This case report describes a rare case of Cushing’s syndrome and hypercalcitoninaemia due to a small cell carcinoma of the prostate, a rare tumour with very few therapeutic options and negative prognosis.
Synthesis, Optimization, Property, Characterization, and Application of Dialdehyde Cross-Linking Guar Gum
Authors: Hongbo Tang , Yanping Li , Wen Zhang , Siqing Dong
Published: December 2016

Dialdehyde cross-linking guar gum (DCLGG), as a novel material, was synthesized using phosphorus oxychloride as a cross-linking reagent, sodium periodate as an oxidant, and ethanol as a solvent through keeping the original particle form of guar gum. The process parameters such as the reaction temperature, reaction time, pH, amount of sodium periodate, and amount of ethanol were optimized by the response surface methodology in order to obtain the regression model of the oxidization. The covalent binding of L-asparagine onto the surfaces of DCLGG was further investigated. The results showed that the best technological conditions for preparing DCLGG were as follows: reaction temperature = 40°C, reaction time = 3.0 h, pH = 4.0, and amount of ethanol = 74.5%. The swelling power of DCLGG was intermediate between cross-linking guar gum and dialdehyde guar gum. The cross-linking and dialdehyde oxidization reduced the viscosity of GG. The cross-liking reduced the melting enthalpy of GG. However, the oxidization increased melting enthalpy of ACLGG. The thermal stability of GG was increased by cross-linking or oxidization. The variation of the onset decomposition temperature and end decomposition temperature of GG was not consistent with thermal stability of GG. L-asparagine could be chemically bound well by DCLGG through forming Schiff base under the weak acidity. The maximum adsorption capacity of L-asparagine on DCLGG with aldehyde content of 56.2% reached 21.9 mg/g.
A 14-Year-Old Boy with Unusual Presentation of Respiratory Distress
Authors: Powell Adam W. , Hanke Samuel , Tweddell James S. , Madsen Nicolas
Published: December 2016

There are multiple cardiac etiologies for wheezing and respiratory distress which require a high degree of suspicion for the pediatrician to diagnose. We present a case of a patient with a history of long-standing mild persistent asthma with minimal improvement on controller and bronchodilator therapies who presented to the emergency room with acute respiratory distress. When he demonstrated a lack of improvement with traditional respiratory therapies, additional etiologies of respiratory distress were considered. Ultimately an echocardiogram was performed, which revealed the diagnosis of cor triatriatum. He underwent surgical resection of his accessory membrane and has had no additional symptoms of asthma since repair.
Modification of Leather Split by In Situ Polymerization of Acrylates
Authors: Xu Weixing , Zhou Jianfei , Wang Ya’nan , Shi Bi
Published: December 2016

Leather split, the byproduct of leather manufacture, possesses low utility value because it has loose weave of collagen fibers and weak mechanical strengths. Herein, a practical and convenient method for increasing strengths of leather split was developed by one-step in situ polymerization. The structures and properties of polyacrylate/leather split composites were systematically investigated. The results suggested the monomers with an α-methyl and a proper straight-chain ester group, such as nBMA, can effectively modify the leather split. For leather split with a thickness of 1.6 mm, the rational processes for preparation of polyacrylate/leather split composite are that monomer and split were stirred in a drum for 4 hours for full permeation and then the split was heated in anaerobic condition at 45°C for 30 min. The tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break of the optimized PnBMA/split composite were 18.72 MPa, 62.73 N/mm, and 46.02%, respectively. With these mechanical properties, the split after modification can be well used as leather for making shoes, bags, gloves, and clothing.
Pilot Contamination Mitigation via a Novel Time-Shift Pilot Scheme in Large-Scale Multicell Multiuser MIMO Systems
Authors: Luo Zhangkai , Wang Huali , Lv Wanghan
Published: December 2016

We propose a novel time-shift pilot scheme to mitigate the pilot contamination in large-scale multicell multiuser MIMO (LS-MIMO) systems. In the proposed scheme, the length of the uplink training pilot sequence is equal to the cell number; that is to say, the same pilot sequence is used within a cell, while for different cells, pilot sequences are mutually orthogonal. Moreover, users within a cell transmit the same pilot sequence in a time-shift manner during the channel estimation stage and in this way all user terminals’ channel state information can be estimated without contamination. The asymptotic channel orthogonality is studied in the LS-MIMO system, with which the mutual interference among cells caused by data and pilot sequences can be cancelled with the successive interference cancellation (SIC) method. We explore the superiority of the proposed scheme in channel coefficient estimation, uplink data detection, and downlink data transmission steps. Theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed time-shift pilot design can alleviate the pilot contamination problem and improve the performance of the considered system significantly compared with the popular orthogonal pilots.
Cytotoxicity of Titanate-Calcium Complexes to MC3T3 Osteoblast-Like Cells
Authors: Chen Yen-Wei , Drury Jeanie L. , Moussi Joelle , Taylor-Pashow Kathryn M. L. , Hobbs David T. , Wataha John C.
Published: December 2016

Monosodium titanates (MST) are a relatively novel form of particulate titanium dioxide that have been proposed for biological use as metal sorbents or delivery agents, most recently calcium (II). In these roles, the toxicity of the titanate or its metal complex is crucial to its biological utility. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of MST and MST-calcium complexes with MC3T3 osteoblast-like cells; MST-Ca(II) complexes could be useful to promote bone formation in various hard tissue applications. MC3T3 cells were exposed to native MST or MST-Ca(II) complexes for 24–72 h. A CellTiter-Blue® assay was employed to assess the metabolic activity of the cells. The results showed that MST and MST-Ca(II) suppressed MC3T3 metabolic activity significantly in a dose-, time-, and cell-density-dependent fashion. MST-Ca(II) suppressed MC3T3 metabolism in a statistically identical manner as native MST at all concentrations. We concluded that MST and MST-Ca(II) are significantly cytotoxic to MC3T3 cells through a mechanism yet unknown; this is a potential problem to the biological utility of these complexes.
Viekira Pak Induced Fatal Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report of an Unusual Side Effect
Authors: Abdulsamad Molham , Ihimoyan Ariyo
Published: December 2016

Viekira Pak is a new direct-acting antiviral agent that has an excellent efficacy in treating patients with chronic HCV. FDA released a safety warning that Viekira Pak can cause serious liver injury mostly in patients with underlying advanced liver disease. We report the first case of fatal lactic acidosis presenting 3 days after initiating therapy with Viekira Pak. Although it is very hard to precisely determine the cause of lactic acidosis, our case highlights an unusual side effect that ensued after starting the medication. Given the complexity of drug-drug interactions that can happen with the new direct-acting antiviral agents and the paucity of data regarding coadministration and methods of monitoring, a thorough review should be pursued prior to initiating these medications.
Obesity and Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Middle East and UAE
Authors: Vats Mayank G. , Mahboub Bassam H. , Al Hariri Hassan , Al Zaabi Ashraf , Vats Deepa
Published: December 2016

A pandemic of obesity is sweeping all across the globe and the Middle East region also does not remain untouched by this prevailing pandemic. In fact, as per WHO report, Kuwait has the second highest obesity prevalence followed closely by other Middle East (ME) countries, namely, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Apart from direct medical, psychological, and quality of life related adverse effects of obesity, many indirect medical comorbidities, namely, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and metabolic syndrome, imposes a significant health burden on the individual and community with consequent morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the very high prevalence of obesity, undiagnosed sleep apnea, and other obesity related disorders with discussion of the contributing factors specific to the region including the fair insight into the current status of sleep medicine services in Middle East and UAE despite huge number of patients having undiagnosed sleep disorders. We will also suggest to control this epidemic of obesity and OSA so that the corrective measure could be taken at health ministry level to help people of this region to fight against obesity and related disorders, primarily OSA.
A Novel LSD1 Inhibitor T-3775440 Disrupts GFI1B-Containing Complex Leading to Transdifferentiation and Impaired Growth of AML Cells
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshinori , Gamo Kanae , Yabuki Masato , Takagi Shinji , Toyoshima Kosei , Nakayama Kazuhide , Nakayama Akiko , Morimoto Megumi , Miyashita Hitoshi , Dairiki Ryo , Hikichi Yukiko , Tomita Naoki , Tomita Daisuke , Imamura Shinichi , Iwatani Misa , Kamada Yusuke , Matsumoto Satoru , Hara Ryujiro , Nomura Toshiyuki , Tsuchida Ken , Nakamura Kazuhide
Published: December 2016

Dysregulation of lysine (K)-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1), also known as KDM1A, has been implicated in the development of various cancers, including leukemia. Here, we describe the antileukemic activity and mechanism of action of T-3775440, a novel irreversible LSD1 inhibitor. Cell growth analysis of leukemia cell lines revealed that acute erythroid leukemia (AEL) and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia cells (AMKL) were highly sensitive to this compound. T-3775440 treatment enforced transdifferentiation of erythroid/megakaryocytic lineages into granulomonocytic-like lineage cells. Mechanistically, T-3775440 disrupted the interaction between LSD1 and growth factor–independent 1B (GFI1B), a transcription factor critical for the differentiation processes of erythroid and megakaryocytic lineage cells. Knockdown of LSD1 and GFI1B recapitulated T-3775440–induced transdifferentiation and cell growth suppression, highlighting the significance of LSD1–GFI1B axis inhibition with regard to the anti-AML effects of T-3775440. Moreover, T-3775440 exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in AEL and AMKL xenograft models. Our findings provide a rationale for evaluating LSD1 inhibitors as potential treatments and indicate a novel mechanism of action against AML, particularly AEL and AMKL. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(2); 273–84. ©2016 AACR.
Anxiety and Coping Strategy Changes in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Initiating Fingolimod: The GRACE Prospective Study
Authors: Moreau Thibault , Bungener Catherine , Heinzlef Olivier , Suchet Laurent , Borgel Florent , Bourdeix Isabelle , Meite Mohamed , Rerat Karin , Chouette Isabelle ,   on behalf of the GRACE Study Group
Published: December 2016

The objective of this prospective study was to assess the changes in anxiety levels, and their relationship with coping strategies over the first four months of fingolimod treatment in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Data were collected at the inclusion visit (Visit 1) and 4 months later (Visit 2). We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess the level of anxiety and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations scale to assess the coping strategies used when engaged with stressful situations. The HADS anxiety scores were compared between Visits 1 and 2, according to the preferred coping strategy. At Visit 1, half of the 198 patients included were considered to be anxious (doubtful or in a certain way). The same proportion preferentially used an avoidance-oriented strategy and one-third preferentially used an emotion-oriented strategy. The mean HADS anxiety score decreased significantly (p = 0.001) at Visit 2 (8.1 ± 4.0) compared to Visit 1 (8.8 ± 4.3), particularly in the group of patients who used an emotion-oriented strategy (p = 0.002). In conclusion, the initiation of fingolimod in patients with RRMS is followed by a decrease of anxiety levels which vary according to the coping strategy used.
Defining “Our Theology”
Authors: Tipton Stephen
Published: December 2016

This essay discusses the archetypal/ectypal distinction set forth by Amandus Polanus (1561–1610) within his definition of true theology (theologia vera) in his Syntagma theologiae Christianae. In that work, Polanus demonstrates that defining theology is the fundamental task of a theologian. To arrive at his definition of theology, Polanus draws together the in se/in nobis distinction of John Duns Scotus and the archetypal/ectypal distinction of Fransciscus Junius in De verae theologiae. The result is a theology that is communicated from God, by a gracious revelation, to his rational creatures. Through his use of these distinctions, Polanus demonstrates both continuity and discontinuity with contemporary and Medieval scholastic thought on this very important issue. As well, he grounds the whole of the Syntagma as an exercise of Christian piety that seeks to be both speculative (in the sense that it looks to Scripture) and practical.
Too Much to Rule: States and Empires across the Early Modern World
Authors: Marcocci Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

In the past two decades, empires have increasingly attracted the attention of historians of the early modern period to the detriment of the traditional focus on states as the default political unit of analysis. The emergence of global history is not alien to this turn. This article maintains that our understanding of configurations of the early modern political map would only benefit from detaching the history of the state from its European trajectory and focusing on the multiple connections between states and empires across the world. Not only did both states and empires share the problem of having too much to rule, but their differences were not always so clear to the historical actors. Therefore, looking at their interactions at a local level might be a promising line to follow in future research.
Cross-border Healthcare in the eu: And What if Something Goes Wrong?
Authors: Paskalia Vicki
Published: December 2016

In March 2011, a new Directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union: Directive 2011/24, on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, the primary purpose of which has been to facilitate access to healthcare across national borders. Healthcare safety and the availability of legal remedies in cases of harm are important parameters of quality healthcare and important patients’ rights in modern healthcare systems, and they are therefore important issues in a context of cross-border patient mobility. The aim of this article is to shed some light on the provisions of the Healthcare Directive in relation to the issue of legal remedies in cases of harm. It is argued that the current legal state should be considered unsatisfactory, problematic and in need of more clarity and even harmonisation.
Subsistence pattern and contact-driven language change
Authors: Epps Patience
Published: December 2016

While it is well known that processes of contact-driven language change are sensitive to socio-cultural factors, the question of whether these apply differently among hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists has engendered considerable debate. These dynamics have been particularly underexplored in the Amazon basin, where high linguistic diversity has until very recently been coupled with a dearth of quality documentation. This investigation undertakes a systematic assessment of the effects of contact on fourteen languages (representing six distinct language families/isolates), spoken by northern Amazonian peoples whose subsistence practices all involve a relative emphasis on hunting and gathering. The effects of contact are assessed via an extensive survey of lexical and grammatical data from nearly a hundred languages of this region, and take into account lexical borrowing, Wanderwort distributions, and grammatical convergence. This comparative approach indicates that most Amazonian foraging-focused peoples have been heavily involved in regional interactive networks over time, as have their more horticulture-dominant neighbors, but that the linguistic effects of contact are variable across subsistence pattern. While subsistence thus does not appear to be correlated with the degree of contact-driven change experienced by the languages of this region, it is, on the other hand, a strong predictor of the direction of influence, which favors a unidirectional farmer-to-forager linguistic transmission.
The Foundation of a Tabrizi Workshop in Cairo: A Case Study of Its Influence on the Mosque of Emir Altunbugha Al-Maridani
Authors: Bakhoum Diana Isaac
Published: December 2016

This article discusses the introduction of new decorative techniques to Bahri Mamluk architecture in Cairo; the focus is primarily on the Mosque of Emir Altunbugha al-Maridani. The mosque was built during the third reign of al-Nasir Muhammad, which was marked by great growth and urban development. The exchange of artists from the Ilkhanid domain and the foundation of a court workshop in Cairo during the 1330s and 1340s were responsible for the increase in the use of tile decoration and stuccowork on Cairene architecture. Four tile panels above the entryways to the mosque and stucco decoration are analyzed technically and stylistically to learn more about the craftsmen’s inspiration and technique, as well as the extent of the workshop’s involvement in the mosque. The discussion further aims at contextualizing the mosque in light of contemporaneous historical events and at examining how these may have contributed or influenced the architecture of this period.
Sayyid Yusuf’s 1433 Pilgrimage Scroll (Ziyārātnāma) in the Collection of the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
Authors: Chekhab-Abudaya Mounia , Couvrat Desvergnes Amélie , Roxburgh David J.
Published: December 2016

A pilgrimage scroll (ziyārātnāma) dated 1433 in the name of Sayyid Yusuf b. Sayyid Shihab al-Din Ma Waraʾ al-Nahri records an ʿumra to Mecca and visits (ziyārāt) to Medina, Jerusalem, Hebron, Najaf, and Karbala. This document reflects a common phenomenon in the central Islamic lands of the post-Mongol and pre-Safavid period, namely, the non-sectarian veneration of the family of the Prophet Muhammad, and its narrative provides unusually rich details about the pilgrim’s objectives in commissioning it. Given the rarity of this document and the lack of any scholarly study of it, two art historians and one conservation scientist here present an in-depth analysis of its materials, techniques of production, format, form, topographic representations, and calligraphy. The scroll is also considered vis-à-vis comparative materials, which are admittedly scant in number.
1771 et au-delà : comment la France est passée de la persanerie au persanisme?
Authors: Tavakoli Helia
Published: December 2016

This article summarizes the birth and evolution of Persian studies in France. The year 1771 marks the beginning of Persian studies in Europe. In that year the major translation of the holy book Avesta by Anquetil-Duperron appeared in French, while A Grammar of the Persian Language by William Jones was published in England. Focusing on the knowledge of and allusions to Persian culture and literature in France from 1771 on, the study offers to answer these questions: How did the publication of these two major works contribute to the genesis of Persian studies in France? What changes emerged after the appearance of these two books in France? Was the nineteenth century also influenced by the work of these two scholars, or was their effects limited to the eighteenth century?
The Ando-Patagonian Stigmella magnispinella group (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae) with description of new species from Ecuador, Peru and Argentina
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , GERULAITIS VIRGINIJUS
Published: December 2016

On the basis of morphological studies of collection samples from the Andes (Ecuador, Peru and Argentina), we describe five new species of Stigmella Schrank (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae): S. varispinella Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. (Ecuador), S. olekarsholti Remeikis Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. magnispinella Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (Peru), S. dolia Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., and S. patagonica Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov. (Argentina). All treated taxa belong to the newly designated S. magnispinella group. Images of adults and genitalia, pictorial keys, a distribution map, and photographs of the leaf-mines of S. olekarsholti are included.
Social Identity and Attitudes Toward Cultural Diversity
Authors: Hamamura Takeshi
Published: December 2016

Prior research indicates that there may be a disharmonious relationship between positive attitudes toward ethnic and cultural diversity and social identity within a socially dominant group. Recent work in cultural psychology, however, has implied that this disharmonious relationship may be confined to a specific representation of social identity. This research examined this possibility. Study 1 ( N = 51,238) found that the negative association between national identity and diversity attitudes found among participants from Western societies did not extend to participants from non-Western societies. Study 2 ( N = 222) recruited American and Japanese participants, disentangled two distinct representations of their social identity—collective and relational social identity—and found their differential associations with positive attitudes toward multiculturalism. Implications are discussed.
What the literature tells us about score sheet design
Authors: Bugnon Philippe , Heimann Maike , Thallmair Michaela
Published: December 2016

Score sheets are an essential tool of animal welfare. They allow transparent assessments to be made of animal health and behavior during animal experiments and they define interventions when deviations from normal status are detected. As such, score sheets help to refine animal experiments as part of the 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement) concept. This mini review aims at summarizing the scarce literature available on score sheet design.
Osteotomy models – the current status on pain scoring and management in small rodents
Authors: Lang Annemarie , Schulz Anja , Ellinghaus Agnes , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina
Published: December 2016

Fracture healing is a complex regeneration process which produces new bone tissue without scar formation. However, fracture healing disorders occur in approximately 10% of human patients and cause severe pain and reduced quality of life. Recently, the development of more standardized, sophisticated and commercially available osteosynthesis techniques reflecting clinical approaches has increased the use of small rodents such as rats and mice in bone healing research dramatically. Nevertheless, there is no standard for pain assessment, especially in these species, and consequently limited information regarding the welfare aspects of osteotomy models. Moreover, the selection of analgesics is restricted for osteotomy models since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to affect the initial, inflammatory phase of bone healing. Therefore, opioids such as buprenorphine and tramadol are often used. However, dosage data in the literature are varied. Within this review, we clarify the background of osteotomy models, explain the current status and challenges of animal welfare assessment, and provide an example score sheet including model specific parameters. Furthermore, we summarize current refinement options and present a brief outlook on further 3R research.
Morbidity scoring after abdominal surgery
Authors: Graf Rolf , Cinelli Paolo , Arras Margarete
Published: December 2016

Postoperative monitoring of pain and distress in small rodents is not standardized, and widely accepted score sheets are not available. Here we describe a score sheet used in abdominal surgery of rodents, with particular reference to procedures involving the liver.
Correlates of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Targeted Testing Program of the New York City Jail System
Authors: Akiyama Matthew J. , Kaba Fatos , Rosner Zachary , Alper Howard , Kopolow Aimee , Litwin Alain H. , Venters Homer , MacDonald Ross
Published: December 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to understand predictors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positivity in a large urban jail system in New York City.

Methods:

We examined demographic characteristics, risk behaviors, and HCV antibody prevalence among 10 790 jail inmates aged 16 to 86 who were screened from June 13, 2013, to June 13, 2014, based on birth cohort or conventional high-risk criteria. We used logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of HCV antibody positivity.

Results:

Of the 10 790 inmates screened, 2221 (20.6%) were HCV antibody positive. In the multivariate analysis, HCV antibody positivity was associated most strongly with injection drug use (IDU; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 35.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 28.5-43.0). Women were more likely than men to be infected with HCV (aOR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5). Compared with non-Hispanic black people, Hispanic (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8-2.4) and non-Hispanic white (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1) people were more likely to be infected with HCV. Non-IDU, recidivism, HIV infection, homelessness, mental illness, and lower education level were all significantly associated with HCV infection. The prevalence rate of HCV infection among a subset of inmates born after 1965 who denied IDU and were not infected with HIV was 5.6% (198 of 3529). Predictors of HCV infection among this group included non-IDU as well as being non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, recidivist, and homeless.

Conclusion:

These data reveal differences in HCV infection by sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomics in a large jail population, suggesting that a focused public health intervention is required and that universal screening may be warranted. Further sensitivity and cost-benefit analyses are needed to make this determination.
Exploring Costing Methods for Environmental Health Services in North Carolina
Authors: Singh Simone R. , Winterbauer Nancy L. , Tucker Ashley , Harrison Lisa Macon
Published: December 2016

All local health departments in North Carolina are mandated to provide a defined set of environmental health services, yet few have the tools to understand the costs incurred in delivering these services. The objectives of this study were to (1) derive cost estimates for 2 commonly provided environmental health services—food and lodging inspections and on-site water services—and (2) explore factors that drive variations in costs, focusing on the roles of economies of scale and scope. Using data from 15 local health departments in North Carolina, we found that costs varied substantially. A bivariate analysis found evidence of economies of scale: higher volumes of services were associated with lower costs per service. Providing a greater scope of services, however, was not consistently associated with reduced costs. In-depth cost data provide public health officials with key information when deciding how to best serve their communities.
Exploring residential mobility in Chinese cities: An empirical analysis of Guangzhou
Authors: Li Si-ming , Mao Sanqin
Published: December 2016

In this article we aim to extend the literature on residential decisions and relocation in Chinese cities by explicitly incorporating cohort or generation differences in an event-history analysis of residential mobility in the City of Guangzhou over the period 2000–2012, using data from a survey conducted at the end of 2012. The results reveal not only substantially higher mobility propensities for young adults than middle-aged individuals and senior citizens, but significant differential effects of major determinants such as hukou, educational attainment, membership of the Chinese Communist Party and birth of a child and child rearing, on housing consumption and residential relocation across age cohorts. We argue that such differences in mobility behaviour are attributable, to a significant extent, to the vastly different life experiences of and housing opportunities available to different age cohorts.
Making Hospitals Governable: Performativity and Institutional Work in Ranking Practices
Authors: Wallenburg Iris , Quartz Julia , Bal Roland
Published: December 2016

Rankings have become ubiquitous in public service settings. Although there are high hopes that comparative analysis leads to improved processes and outcomes, there is also a growing criticism of rankings as creating perverse effects. In this article, we analyze how public service governance is affected by rankings with a special focus on how, in what ways, and to what extent organizations are made into governable entities as a response to rankings. The article is based on a detailed ethnographic study in three Dutch hospitals, using insights from actor–network theory and institutional work, combining the concepts of performativity and institutional work.
Stability analysis for discrete-time switched systems with uncertain time delay and affine parametric uncertainties
Authors: Baleghi NA , Shafiei MH
Published: December 2016

This paper studies the stability conditions of a discrete-time switched linear system in the presence of affine parametric uncertainties and an unknown time delay. Based on a discrete Lyapunov functional, sufficient conditions are investigated to determine the upper bound of admissible time delay in the discrete-time switched system. Furthermore, the average dwell time method, which is an effective tool for stability analysis of switched systems, is used to derive the exponential stability conditions. These conditions characterize the switching signal, which does not depend on any uncertainties. Finally, numerical examples are provided to verify and compare the theoretical results.
Robust adaptive control for vehicle active suspension systems with uncertain dynamics
Authors: Huang Yingbo , Na Jing , Wu Xing , Gao Guan-Bin , Guo Yu
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes a new robust adaptive law for adaptive control of vehicle active suspensions with unknown dynamics (e.g. non-linear springs and piece-wise dampers), where precise estimation of essential vehicle parameters (e.g. mass of vehicle body, mass moment of inertia for the pitch motions) may be achieved. This adaptive law is designed by introducing a novel leakage term with the parameter estimation error, such that exponential convergence of both the tracking error and parameter estimation error may be proved simultaneously. Appropriate comparisons with several traditional adaptive laws (e.g. gradient and σ-modification method) concerning the convergence and robustness are presented. The mitigation of the vertical and pitch displacements can be achieved with the proposed control to improve the ride comfort. The suspension space limitation and the tyre road holding are also studied. A dynamic simulator consisting of commercial vehicle simulation software Carsim® and Matlab® is built to validate the efficacy of the proposed control scheme and to illustrate the improved estimation performance with the new adaptive law.
Quantifying the aggregate thermal performance of UK holiday homes
Authors: Johnston David , Farmer David , Miles-Shenton Dominic
Published: December 2016

In the UK, there are approximately 330,000 holiday homes spread across a large number of mainly privately owned sites. These homes are often sited in exposed locations, are poorly insulated and are generally heated using expensive fuels, such as electricity or LPG. There is also a lack of empirical evidence available on the in situ energy performance of these homes. Consequently, it is not possible, given the existing evidence base, to determine whether these homes suffer from the same scale of building fabric thermal ‘ performance gaps’ (between assumed and realised in situ performance) that have been documented for newbuild UK housing. This paper presents the results obtained from undertaking detailed in situ thermal fabric tests on five new holiday homes. Whilst the size reported here is small, the results indicate that a ‘ performance gap’ exists for all of these homes. Results obtained indicate that this gap appears narrower than that documented for newbuild UK housing. The results also suggest that the scale of the ‘ gap’ may be more a consequence of the way in which the design intent of these homes has been determined, i.e. a ‘ prediction gap’.

Practical application: This paper presents the results obtained from undertaking detailed building fabric thermal performance tests on a small sample of new holiday homes. The results of these tests indicate that although a building fabric thermal performance ‘ performance gap’ exists in all of the holiday homes tested, the results suggest that the ‘ gap’ is much smaller than that documented for new build UK housing and may be more of a consequence of the way in which the design intent of these homes has been determined, i.e. a ‘ prediction gap’, rather than a ‘ performance gap’ between assumed and realised in situ performance. These results could be used by industry to develop more appropriate prediction tools that are relevant to holiday homes.
Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Constipation in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Shin Jeongran , Park Hyojung
Published: December 2016

The purpose was to examine the effects of auricular acupressure to relieve constipation in patients with breast cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. Participants were 52 patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy at E University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, randomized into two groups of equal size. For the experimental group, auricular acupressure was applied to seven auricular acupoints for 6 weeks using vaccaria seeds, whereas the control group received the usual care. Constipation-assessment scores of the experimental group were significantly lower compared with the control group ( p < .001). Stool-form scores of the experimental group were significantly higher compared with the control group ( p = .003). Patient Assessment of Constipation–Quality of Life scores of the experimental group were significantly lower compared with the control group ( p < .001). Auricular acupressure was effective at relieving constipation in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Auricular acupressure was also a safe and acceptable nursing intervention.
Local authorities and the engagement of private actors in climate change adaptation
Authors: Klein Johannes , Juhola Sirkku , Landauer Mia
Published: December 2016

The local level and private actors play an important role in the implementation of climate change adaptation. The engagement of the private sector and citizens has received increasing attention in recent years. Local authorities' choice of policy instruments, the distribution of responsibilities and the benefits of adaptation as a public or a private good have a bearing on the involvement of private actors. Based on interviews and documents from Copenhagen and Helsinki, we analyse how public authorities' choices, to whom and how they shift responsibilities, can foster transformational, participatory or market-oriented elements of adaptation. The results indicate that local authorities play a dominant role in providing adaptation. Public authorities steer where the private sector and citizens are expected to take responsibilities. This mix of top-down steering, market mechanisms and citizen involvement might reduce the advantages that a shift of responsibilities towards private actors could provide for the handling of climate change adaptation.
Supporting the supporter
Authors: Faw Meara H.
Published: December 2016

The social, economic, and physical costs associated with providing long-term care for a child with disabilities can be overwhelming, and it is not uncommon for caregivers to experience burnout, emotional distress, and significant health ailments as a result of their commitment to their child. Social support can be a key resource to combat these negative effects, as ample research has shown that social support can act as a buffer to the negative effects of stress. The current study explored whether short-term supportive interactions between parents of children with disabilities and members of their supportive network ( n = 40 dyads) influenced the physiological stress responses (as measured by salivary cortisol) of both interactants. Results indicated that receiving support in a short interaction resulted in parents experiencing decreases to their physiological stress, though the quality of the support played a key role in determining how beneficial the interaction was in this context. These results suggest the importance of considering support quality when examining the influence of social support on physical outcomes for support recipients.
The association between basic need satisfaction in relationship and personal growth among lesbian and heterosexual mothers
Authors: Shenkman Geva
Published: December 2016

The study examined the association between basic need satisfaction in the couple relationship (basic need satisfaction in the relationship [BNSR]) and personal growth (PG), using a sample of 57 lesbian mothers individually matched with 57 heterosexual mothers. BNSR was found to correlate positively with growth only among lesbian mothers, while no significant association was found among heterosexual mothers. The findings are explained in terms of the particular characteristics of lesbian couples, such as high emotional support, equal division of labor, and absence of traditional gender roles. The potential contribution of these features to PG in the context of lesbian motherhood, which is planned, intentional, and often achieved after contending with minority stress and challenging life circumstances, is discussed.
Topical knowledge in L2 speaking assessment: Comparing independent and integrated speaking test tasks
Authors: Huang Heng-Tsung Danny , Hung Shao-Ting Alan , Plakans Lia
Published: December 2016

Integrated speaking test tasks (integrated tasks) provide reading and/or listening input to serve as the basis for test-takers to formulate their oral responses. This study examined the influence of topical knowledge on integrated speaking test performance and compared independent speaking test performance and integrated speaking test performance in terms of how each was related to topical knowledge. The researchers derived four integrated tasks from TOEFL iBT preparation materials, developed four independent speaking test tasks (independent tasks), and validated four topical knowledge tests (TKTs) on a group of 421 EFL learners. For the main study, they invited another 352 students to respond to the TKTs and to perform two independent tasks and two integrated tasks. Half of the test takers took the independent tasks and integrated tasks on one topic combination while the other half took tasks on another topic combination. Data analysis, drawing on a series of path analyses, led to two major findings. First, topical knowledge significantly impacted integrated speaking test performance in both topic combinations. Second, the impact of topical knowledge on the two types of speaking test performances was topic dependent. Implications are proposed in light of these findings.
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ross Stephen , Bossis Anthony , Guss Jeffrey , Agin-Liebes Gabrielle , Malone Tara , Cohen Barry , Mennenga Sarah E , Belser Alexander , Kalliontzi Krystallia , Babb James , Su Zhe , Corby Patricia , Schmidt Brian L
Published: December 2016

Background:

Clinically significant anxiety and depression are common in patients with cancer, and are associated with poor psychiatric and medical outcomes. Historical and recent research suggests a role for psilocybin to treat cancer-related anxiety and depression.

Methods:

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 29 patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression were randomly assigned and received treatment with single-dose psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg) or niacin, both in conjunction with psychotherapy. The primary outcomes were anxiety and depression assessed between groups prior to the crossover at 7 weeks.

Results:

Prior to the crossover, psilocybin produced immediate, substantial, and sustained improvements in anxiety and depression and led to decreases in cancer-related demoralization and hopelessness, improved spiritual wellbeing, and increased quality of life. At the 6.5-month follow-up, psilocybin was associated with enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects (approximately 60–80% of participants continued with clinically significant reductions in depression or anxiety), sustained benefits in existential distress and quality of life, as well as improved attitudes towards death. The psilocybin-induced mystical experience mediated the therapeutic effect of psilocybin on anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:

In conjunction with psychotherapy, single moderate-dose psilocybin produced rapid, robust and enduring anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects in patients with cancer-related psychological distress. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00957359
On the flexural stiffness of 3D printer thermoplastic
Authors: Virgin Lawrence
Published: December 2016

This paper describes the process of estimating Young’s modulus for the thermoplastic material commonly used in a type of 3D printer. Its twin goals are to compare and contrast a number of simple techniques from elementary structural analysis and to assess the influence of the printer density settings and print orientation (effective material anisotropy). Since components printed using additive manufacturing are used extensively for student projects, often involving load-bearing components, this contribution seeks to shed some light on fundamental modeling issues
Productive and unproductive labour and social form: Putting class struggle in its place
Authors: Moraitis Alexis B , Copley Jack
Published: December 2016

The categories of productive and unproductive labour have been a source of contention among Marxist scholars since Marx first committed them to paper. This article will offer a critique of both the orthodox and autonomist approaches to this issue, arguing that they constitute transhistorical and analytically inadequate interpretations. In contrast, a social form approach to productive and unproductive labour provides a substantive definition of these categories in relation to the commodity form, and brings class struggle back to the forefront in a theoretically consistent manner.
Implementing Multisector Nutrition Programs in Ethiopia and Nepal
Authors: Kennedy Eileen , Fekadu Habtamu , Ghosh Shibani , Baral Kedar , Davis Dale , Sapkota Diplav , Webb Patrick
Published: December 2016

Effective governance is essential for effective nutrition program implementation. There are additional challenges in launching multisector plans to enhance nutritional status. The present study compares the challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia and Nepal in designing and implementing a multisector plan for nutrition. A semi-quantitative questionnaire with open-ended questions was used to solicit information from senior national-level policy officials and other key stakeholders. The nature of the major nutrition problems in each country was similar; these include malnutrition (particularly stunting), food insecurity, and micronutrient malnutrition. The main challenges identified included the need for more specificity in the roles of agencies/individuals in program implementation, more effective mechanisms for linking national to subnational officials, methods for creating awareness of the plans, and a dedicated line item in the budgets of each agency. The level of enthusiasm was high in both countries. Respondents in both countries highlighted the need to identify a “champion” at the highest level who would keep the momentum for the respective plans alive.