bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgery Is an Effective Option after Failure of Chemoradiation in Cancers of the Anal Canal and Anal Margin
Authors: Delhorme Jean-Baptiste , Severac François , Waissi Waisse , Romain Benoit , Antoni Delphine , Freel Kelle C. , Schumacher Catherine , Rohr Serge , Brigand Cécile , Noël Georges
Published: June 2017

Background: Surgery for anal canal cancer (ACC) and anal margin cancer (AMC) is the only curative option after failure of chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This study aimed to determine the efficacy of surgery for ACC or AMC after failed CRT. Methods: This was a single-centre, retrospective study of 161 patients initially treated with CRT. We compared the survival rates of patients successfully treated by CRT with those of patients whose CRT failed (both surgically salvaged and treated palliatively). Results: Thirty-one patients underwent surgery with curative intent, 20 received palliative treatment after failure of CRT, and 110 had effective CRT. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was significantly higher among patients with successful CRT than among patients who underwent surgery with curative intent (86 vs. 66%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the 5-year OS of patients treated with curative surgery was significantly better than that of patients who underwent palliative treatment (66 vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001). The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 32 and 3%, respectively. Considering patients with failed CRT, curative surgery was the only factor prognostic of favourable OS in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Curative surgery after failure of CRT for ACC or AMC remains an effective treatment to improve survival in two-thirds of cases, resulting in high but manageable morbidity.
Extensive Sex Chromosome Polymorphism of Microtus thomasi/Microtus atticus Species Complex Associated with Cryptic Chromosomal Rearrangements and Independent Accumulation of Heterochromatin
Authors: Rovatsos Michail T. , Marchal Juan A. , Romero-Fernández Ismael , Arroyo Maria , Athanasopoulou Eva B. , Sánchez Antonio
Published: June 2017

The sibling species Microtus thomasi and M. atticus represent probably the highest karyotypic diversity within the genus Microtus and are an interesting model for chromosomal evolution studies. In addition to variation in autosomes, they show a high intraspecific variation in the size and morphology of both sex chromosomes. We analyzed individuals with different sex chromosome constitutions using 3 painting probes, 2 from Y chromosome variants and 1 from the small arm of the submetacentric X chromosome. Our comparative painting approach uncovered 12 variants of Y and 14 variants of X chromosomes, which demonstrates that the polymorphism of sex chromosomes is substantially larger than previously reported. We suggest that 2 main processes are responsible for this sex chromosome polymorphism: change of morphology from acrocentric to submetacentric or metacentric chromosomes and increase in size due to accumulation of repetitive DNA sequences, generating heterochromatic blocks. Strong genetic drift in small and fragmented populations of these 2 species could be related to the origin and maintenance of the large polymorphism of sex chromosomes. We proposed that a similar polymorphism variation combined with random drift fixing the biggest sex chromosomes could have occurred in the origin of some of the actual Microtus species with giant sex chromosomes.
Less Fibrotic Burden Differently Affects the Long-Term Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Resection
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Choi Gi Hong , Kim Do Young , Park Young Nyun , Kim Kyung Sik , Choi Jin Sub , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang-Hyub
Published: June 2017

Background: The clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differ in patients with and without cirrhosis. Objective: We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of noncirrhotic HCC patients after curative resection. Methods: We retrospectively examined 649 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent curative resection from 1996 to 2012; 387 (59.6%) were cirrhotic and 262 (40.4%) were noncirrhotic. Results: The mean age was 54.7 years, and 511 (78.7%) of the study participants were men. The most common cause of HCC was hepatitis B virus (n = 419, 64.6%). Noncirrhotic tumors were larger and more advanced than cirrhotic tumors. However, the noncirrhotic group showed better disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) after resection than the cirrhotic group (median 64.0 vs. 56.0 months for OS and 48.0 vs. 31.0 months for DFS, p < 0.05). The predictors for HCC recurrence were cirrhosis, tumor number, portal vein invasion, and major surgery. Conclusions: Noncirrhotic HCC showed better DFS and OS after resection than cirrhotic HCC, although noncirrhotic HCC presented more aggressively.
Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children
Authors: Inzaghi Elena , Baldini Ferroli Barbara , Fintini Danilo , Grossi Armando , Nobili Valerio , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is related to cardiometabolic risk in adults, whereas the metabolic role of IGF-II is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess IGFs in obese children and correlate them with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. Methods: This is a retrospective study including 574 obese children (11.34 ± 3.16 years). All subjects underwent complete anthropometry and biochemical assessment. In a subgroup of 136 subjects, body composition was evaluated. IGF-I was measured in 300 obese subjects and IGF-II in 77 obese and 15 lean children. 177 subjects were divided according to the presence of 1 or more MetS criteria: group 1, subjects with 1 MetS criterion; group 2, subjects with 2 components; and group 3, subjects with MetS diagnosis. Results: IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGF-I/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 ratio were not different among subjects with an increasing number of MetS criteria and were not associated with single components of MetS as well as with body composition parameters. In children younger than 10 years, IGF-I directly correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.005) even after controlling for confounders. IGF-II was significantly higher in obese children and correlated with parameters of insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: IGFs were neither related to MetS nor to body composition parameters in obese children. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the relationship between IGF-II and insulin sensitivity.
Thrombin is a selective inducer of heparanase release from platelets and granulocytes via protease-activated receptor-1
Authors: Tatour Mifleh , Shapira Ma'anit , Axelman Elena , Ghanem Shourouk , Keren-Politansky Anat , Bonstein Lilach , Brenner Benjamin , Nadir Yona
Published: June 2017

Heparanase, known to be involved in angiogenesis and metastasis, was shown to form a complex with tissue factor (TF) and to enhance the generation of factor Xa. Platelets and granulocytes contain abundant amounts of heparanase that may enhance the coagulation system upon discharge. It was the aim of this study to identify the inducer and pathway of heparanase release from these cells. Platelets and granulocytes were purified from pooled normal plasma and were incubated with ATP, ADP, epinephrine, collagen, ristocetin, arachidonic acid, serotonin, LPS and thrombin. Heparanase levels were assessed by ELISA, heparanase procoagulant activity assay and western blot analysis. The effects of selective protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and 2 inhibitors and PAR-1 and 4 activators were studied. An in-house synthesised inhibitory peptide to heparanase was used to evaluate platelet heparanase involvement in activation of the coagulation system. Heparanase was released from platelets only by thrombin induction while other inducers exerted no such effect. The heparanase level in a platelet was found to be 40 % higher than in a granulocyte. Heparanase released from platelets or granulocytes increased factor Xa generation by three-fold. PAR-1 activation via ERK intracellular pathway was found to induce heparanase release. In conclusion, heparanase is selectively released from platelets and granulocytes by thrombin interacting with PAR-1. Heparanase derived from platelets and granulocytes is involved in activation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway. The present study implies on a potential anticoagulant effect, in addition to anti-platelet effect, of the new clinically studied PAR-1 inhibitors.
Adoção ao padrão IFRS e earnings quality: a persistência do lucro das empresas listadas na BM&FBovespa
Authors: Silva Josimar Pires da , Bonfim Mariana Pereira , Niyama Jorge Katsumi , Silva César Augusto Tibúrcio
Published: June 2017

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi o de analisar a relação entre a persistência do lucro das empresas listadas na BM&FBovespa, em comparação ao padrão IFRS. A pesquisa teve como base os dados das demonstrações financeiras, separadas em pré-convergência (anos de 2003 a 2007), e pós-convergência (anos de 2010 a 2014), resultando assim, em uma amostra de 235 empresas, com 2.350 observações. Para o cálculo da proxy de qualidade do lucro, tomou-se por base o modelo presente nos trabalhos de Dechow e Schrand (2004), Dechow, Ge, e Schrand (2010) e Perotti e Wagenhofer (2014), que considera o coeficiente angular β como a medida para a persistência nos lucros. Os achados da pesquisa demonstraram que houve aumento na qualidade do lucro após a adoção das IFRS, mostrando consistência com as pesquisas internacionais nas quais a convergência às normas internacionais de contabilidade, poderia resultar em um aumento na qualidade do lucro para as companhias.
Effect of Coronary Revascularization on the Prognostic Value of Stress Myocardial Contrast Wall Motion and Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Gaibazzi Nicola , Porter Thomas , Lorenzoni Valentina , Pontone Gianluca , De Santis Delia , De Rosa Andrea , Guaricci Andrea Igoren
Published: June 2017

Background

The assessment of myocardial perfusion (
MP
) and wall motion (
WM
) using contrast dipyridamole echocardiography (
cSE
‐
WMP
) improves the sensitivity to detect coronary artery disease and the stratification of cardiac events, but its long‐term value for fatal and nonfatal ischemic cardiac events, also with respect to patients undergoing revascularization or not, remains to be determined.

Methods and Results

One‐thousand three‐hundred and twenty‐nine patients with suspect or known CAD who underwent
cSE
‐
WMP
were followed for a median 5.5 years. The independent prognostic value of
cSE
‐
WMP
regarding cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction was related to stress
WM
and
MP
, rest ejection fraction, clinical risk factors, and medications. Patients revascularized after
cSE
‐
WMP
were separately analyzed to determine whether the procedure influenced outcome and whether this depends on
cSE
‐
WMP
results. A total of 125 cardiac fatal and nonfatal ischemic events (9.4%) occurred during the follow‐up (61 deaths, 64 myocardial infarctions). The 5‐year event rate with normal
MP
and
WM
was 5.9%, 9.9% with isolated
MP
defects (normal
WM
), and 15.5% with both
MP
and
WM
abnormalities. In patients not undergoing revascularization (n=1111), reversible
MP
defects added discrimination value over
WM
response and clinical factors/medication data (
P
=0.001), while in the cohort undergoing revascularization (n=218),
cSE
‐
WMP
results did not influence outcome.

Conclusions

cSE
‐
WMP
, with both contrast
MP
and
WM
assessments, provides independent, incremental prognostic information regarding ischemic cardiac events at 5 years in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Revascularization reduces cardiac events after an abnormal
cSE
‐
WMP
, resulting in outcomes not different from those in patients with normal
cSE
‐WMP.
Further Thoughts on the Syntax of Il. 5.265-269
Authors: Willi Andreas
Published: June 2017

In response to a recent article by P. Probert on the same passage, it is argued that we need not assume that Il. 5.265-269 obliquely refers to an otherwise unknown ‘stud farm’ of Zeus if we want to maintain that the phenomenon of attractio relativi is only attested in post-Homeric times. The relative pronoun ἧς on which Probert’s reading is based should rather be understood as representing either a ‘descriptive’ genitive or, even more likely, an early instance of the genitive of price.
Sexual minority youth and depressive symptoms or depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies
Authors: Lucassen Mathijs FG , Stasiak Karolina , Samra Rajvinder , Frampton Christopher MA , Merry Sally N
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Research has suggested that sexual minority young people are more likely to have depressive symptoms or depressive disorder, but to date most studies in the field have relied on convenience-based samples. This study overcomes this limitation by systematically reviewing the literature from population-based studies and conducting a meta-analysis to identify whether depressive disorder and depressive symptoms are elevated in sexual minority youth.

Method:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted and informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement to determine if rates of depressive symptoms or depressive disorder differ for sexual minority youth, relative to heterosexual adolescents. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and ERIC databases were searched. Studies reporting depressive symptom data or the prevalence of depressive disorder in population-based samples of adolescents, which included sexual minority youth and heterosexual young people, were included in the review. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine differences between groups.

Results:

Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. The proportion of sexual minority youth in the studies ranged from 2.3% to 12%. Sexual minority youth reported higher rates of depressive symptoms and depressive disorder (odds ratio = 2.94, p < 0.001 and standardized mean difference, d = 0.39, p < 0.001) in comparison to heterosexual young people. Female sexual minority youth were more likely to report depressive symptoms when compared to male sexual minority youth (standardized mean difference, d = 0.34, p < 0.001). Limitations included variations in how sexuality was operationalized and how depressive symptoms or depressive disorder was measured.

Conclusions:

There is robust evidence that rates of depressive disorder and depressive symptoms are elevated in sexual minority youth in comparison to heterosexual young people. Despite the elevated risk of depressive symptoms or depressive disorder for sexual minority youth, the treatment for this group of young people has received little attention.
Collective occupation in public spaces and the construction of the social fabric
Authors: Kantartzis Sarah , Molineux Matthew
Published: June 2017

Background.

Contemporary research is expanding understandings of occupation beyond that of the individual’s doing, including the shared and social nature of occupation. The concept of collective occupation has been introduced to capture this broader understanding.

Purpose.

This study aimed to explicate the concept of occupation in a Greek town.

Method.

Ethnographic methodology was used and primary data were collected through observation, participation, and informal interviews. Analysis involved a hermeneutic process to develop a narrative of occupation in the town, including action, setting, and plots.

Findings.

Occupation, a dynamic and multidimensional process, served to maintain the self, family, and social fabric and balance between and within them. Collective occupation maintained the social fabric through three forms: informal daily encounters in public spaces, organization and associations, and celebration and commemoration.

Implications.

Occupational therapists may consider engaging with the potential power of such collective occupation when working toward social change to enable just and inclusive societies.
Chemical and structural analyses of the graphene nanosheet/alumina ceramic interfacial region in rapidly consolidated ceramic nanocomposites
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Islam Mohammad , Alharthi Nabeel H , Alawadhi Hussain , Subhani Tayyab , Munir Khurram S , Shah Syed Ismat , Inam Fawad , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: June 2017

Graphene nanosheets (GNS) reinforced Al2O3 nanocomposites were prepared by a rapid sintering route. The microhardness and fracture toughness values of the resulting nanocomposites simultaneously increased due to efficient graphene nanosheet incorporation and chemical interaction with the Al2O3 matrix grains. The properties enhancement is attributed to uniformly dispersed graphene nanosheet in the consolidated structure promoted by high surface roughness and ability of graphene nanosheet to decorate Al2O3 nanoparticles, strong GNS/Al2O3 chemical interaction during colloidal mixing and pullout/crack bridging toughening mechanisms during mechanical testing. The GNS/Al2O3 interaction during different processing stages was thoroughly examined by thermal and structural investigation of the interfacial area. We report formation of an intermediate aluminum oxycarbide phase via a confined carbothermal reduction reaction at the GNS/Al2O3 interface. The graphene nanosheet surface roughness improves GNS/Al2O3 mechanical attachment and chemical compatibility. The Al2O3/GNS interface phase facilitates efficient load transfer, thus delaying failure through impediment of crack propagation. The resulting nanocomposites, therefore, offer superior toughness.
Characterisation of coir fibre hybrid composites reinforced with clay particles and glass spheres
Authors: Muthu Jacob , Priscilla Janet , Odeshi Akindele , Kuppen Nalen
Published: June 2017

Hybrid composite materials were fabricated using an optimum coir fibre with functionalised clay and glass spheres using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding. The coir fibres were treated with 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve their bonding properties by removing the cellulose and lignin found on the fibre surface. Clay functionalisation was done using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane at different ratios and obtained an optimum ratio of 1 g clay: 2 g silane. Composite specimens were fabricated using epoxy and coir fibre at 7%, 10%, 15% and 20% volume fractions, respectively. Based on the mechanical properties, an optimum volume fraction of 15% coir fibre was selected to fabricate the hybrid composites with functionalised clay and glass spheres reinforcements, respectively. These composite specimens were then characterised to obtain their tensile, flexural and impact properties. From the results, it was realised that hybrid composites containing 4% functionalised clay particles and 8% glass spheres have superior mechanical properties. The reason behind the improved properties might be due to the reinforcing effect of the particles, which improved the load transfer between the fibre and the matrix.
Internal Migration, Social Exclusion, and Victimization
Authors: Zhong Hua , Xu Jianhua , Piquero Alex R.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

This article applies a multidimensional social exclusion framework to examine Chinese rural-to-urban migrant victimization.

Method:

Data from the 2012 China Labor Dynamics Survey is used to examine whether Chinese migrants are more likely to be victimized compared to urban residents and to what extent the prior findings on the meditating roles of social exclusion between immigration and victimization can be applied to understand Chinese migrants’ victimization.

Results:

Findings reveal the elevated victimization risks among nationwide rural-to-urban migrants. Logistic regression models find that social exclusion mediates the link between migrant status and victimization and that social exclusion predicts victimization.

Conclusions:

The discriminative institutional arrangements in China are a major force of the universal disadvantages of Chinese migrants. That is, it is not the migrant status itself, but the social exclusion suffered by individuals that increase the likelihood of being criminally victimized.
Teachers’ Perceptions of Preschool Children’s Psychomotor Development in Spain
Authors: Cueto Sofía , Prieto José Antonio , Nistal Paloma , Abelairas-Gómez Cristian , Barcala-Furelos Roberto , López Sergio
Published: June 2017

This study analyzed the psychomotor profiles of preschool stage students and to determine how these data agreed with the students’ teachers’ subjective assessment. We also correlated these data with other variables such as age, gender, and family influence. A total of 211 children aged 3 to 6 years, in the second cycle of preschool from 30 classes of 10 schools in Spain participated. Additionally, 30 preschool teachers from these classes participated. Study results revealed serious teacher misperceptions regarding their students’ psychomotor development, with low agreement rates between students and teachers in the motor dimension and slight agreement rates in communicative, cognitive, and social areas. The reasons for and implications of these misperceptions are discussed.
Open Introductory Psychology Textbooks
Authors: Griggs Richard A. , Jackson Sherri L.
Published: June 2017

Given their high cost, many students no longer buy textbooks for all of their courses, impacting their learning and performance in these courses. This is especially prevalent at community colleges. Open (digitally free) textbooks constitute one solution to this problem, but the latest national survey of college faculty found that 66% were not aware of open textbooks and 15% only somewhat aware. Because introductory psychology is psychology’s most popular course with 1–2 million students enrolled annually and almost 50% are community college students, we addressed this unawareness problem by providing analytical discussions of the viability of the open introductory textbooks presently available. We conclude that traditional textbooks are higher in quality, but open textbooks meet a specific market need.
Discrete T–S fuzzy systems with time-varying delays: a new discrete sliding mode control approach
Authors: Ben Yazid Yassine , Mehdi Driss , Nouri Ahmed Said
Published: June 2017

The control of nonlinear systems has been the subject of extensive research. This interest is mainly due to its potential for real applications. In this paper, we investigated discrete sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear time-delay systems represented by T–S fuzzy models. In most existing fuzzy sliding mode control, a common input matrix is considered for all subsystems. This assumption is very restrictive. Therefore, we proposed a new sliding surface, which takes account of the system state and the control input in order to exclude the restrictive assumption. Furthermore, we have improved the latter sliding mode control scheme, by adding delayed states. Based on formulation of linear matrix inequalities, the parameters of the sliding function are obtained. Therefore, to further reduce the conservatism in the existing results, the Wirtinger-based integral inequality and Jensens inequality are employed. To show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed controller design methodology, a numerical example is given for illustration.
Cyber security study for power systems under denial of service attacks
Authors: Shen Yubin , Fei Minrui , Du Dajun
Published: June 2017

An open communication infrastructure is used to support data transmission in a modern deregulated power system, it makes communication channels vulnerable to cyber-attacks and the reliability of the power system is affected. This paper studies the load frequency control of a one area power system under denial-of-service attacks. First, the state model of the closed-loop power system for one area is formulated, where the time delay of the communication channels is taken into account. Secondly, an event-triggering control mechanism is integrated with the load frequency control scheme of the power system; it can effectively improve the utilization of communication channels for an area control error transmission. Then, by utilizing the average dwell time design approach, the exponential stability criteria and the good stability effect can be obtained for a one area power system with an event-triggered load frequency control scheme under denial-of-service attacks, if an appropriate rate is chosen for the allowable denial-of-service attacks duration when the entire system running, and if the time delay margin can be acquired for these criteria. Finally, an example shows that the dynamics of a one area power system are compared with different denial-of-service attacks scenarios.
Managing Ambiguities at the Edge of Knowledge
Authors: Hoffman Steve G.
Published: June 2017

Many research-intensive universities have moved into the business of promoting technology development that promises revenue, impact, and legitimacy. While the scholarship on academic capitalism has documented the general dynamics of this institutional shift, we know less about the ground-level challenges of research priority and scientific problem choice. This paper unites the practice tradition in science and technology studies with an organizational analysis of decision-making to compare how two university artificial intelligence labs manage ambiguities at the edge of scientific knowledge. One lab focuses on garnering funding through commercialization schemes, while the other is oriented to federal science agencies. The ethnographic comparison identifies the mechanisms through which an industry-oriented lab can be highly adventurous yet produce a research program that is thin and erratic due to a priority placed on commercialization. However, the comparison does not yield an implicit nostalgia for federalized science; it reveals the mechanisms through which agency-oriented labs can pursue a thick and consistent research portfolio but in a strikingly myopic fashion.
Aging With a Physical Disability in Medicaid Managed Care
Authors: Heller Tamar , Owen Randall , Bowers Anne , Gibbons Hailee M.
Published: June 2017

This study examines health services appraisal (HSA) and unmet health-care needs for adults (age 50 and over) with physical disabilities in Medicaid managed care (MMC) versus Medicaid fee for service (FFS). Surveys from 309 individuals in MMC and 349 in FFS 2 years after MMC implementation included demographics, MMC processes, HSA, and unmet health-care needs. Regression analyses with HSA and unmet health-care needs as outcomes included demographics and group status (MMC or FFS) for the entire sample, and demographics and MMC processes (continuity of care, experience with care coordinators and primary care physicians) as independent variables for only MMC enrollees. Group status was not associated with HSA or unmet needs. Among MMC enrollees, better health and more positive MMC processes related to higher HSA and lower unmet needs. It is important to consider the perspectives of people aging with disabilities in MMC to better serve their needs.
Health and Health-Care Utilization of the Older Population of Ireland: Comparing the Intellectual Disability Population and the General Population
Authors: McCarron Mary , Cleary Eimear , McCallion Philip
Published: June 2017

Background/Objectives:

Largely unresearched are the similarities and differences compared to the general population in the aging of people with an intellectual disability (ID). Data reported here compare the health and health-care utilization of the general aging population in Ireland with those who are aging with ID.

Design:

Data for comparisons were drawn from the 2010 The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and the Intellectual Disability Supplement (IDS)-TILDA Wave 1 data sets.

Setting:

TILDA participants were community dwelling only while IDS-TILDA participants were drawn from community and institutional settings.

Participants:

TILDA consists of a sample of 8,178 individuals aged 50 years and older who were representative of the Irish population. The IDS-TILDA consists of a random sample of 753 persons aged 40 and older. Using age 50 as the initial criterion, 478 persons with ID were matched with TILDA participants on age, sex, and geographic location to create the sample for this comparison.

Measurements:

Both studies gathered self-reported data on physical and mental health, behavioral health, functional limitations, and health-care utilization.

Results:

Rates of chronic disease appeared higher overall for people with ID as compared to the general population. There were also age-related differences in the prevalence of diabetes and cancer and different rates of engagement between the two groups in relevant behavioral health activities such as smoking. There were higher utilization levels among IDS-TILDA participants for allied health and general practitioner visits.

Conclusion:

Different disease trajectories found among IDS-TILDA participants raise concerns. The longitudinal comparison of data for people with ID and for the general population offered a better opportunity for the unique experiences of people with ID to be included in data that inform health planning.
Testing the limits of the politics of recognition: Fox hunters in the United Kingdom
Authors: Curchin Katherine
Published: June 2017

Research into the rights of minority groups to preserve their culture and identity has tended to focus on claims for cultural recognition made by indigenous peoples or other socio-economically disadvantaged groups. By contrast, this article examines the political appeals to culture and identity made by campaigners in the United Kingdom seeking to defend the sport of hunting with hounds in the lead up to the creation of the Hunting Act (2004). Opponents of the hunting ban consciously echoed arguments about cultural survival and cultural diversity made by indigenous hunters with the goal of fighting animal welfare legislation. These cultural arguments had little persuasive force when deployed by this relatively powerful and affluent group. I argue that the moral force of appeals to culture derive not from a vital human need for cultural recognition but from the imperative of redressing longstanding patterns of social, economic and political disadvantage.
Benzene as a by-product of toluene with methanol transformation on the basic zeolite catalysts and its presumable origin
Authors: Voloshyna Yuliya G , Pertko Olexandra P , Konovalov Serhiy V , Patrylak Lyubov K
Published: June 2017

The goal of the present study was to clarify the nature of benzene forming in base catalyzed side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol. Benzene formation has been observed as a primary product in the very beginning of conversion of toluene/methanol mixture on the basic catalysts. Dynamics of alteration of its content in reaction products has been explained. The nature of sites responsible for benzene formation has been suggested considering conception concerning preferences in toluene or methanol adsorption on the catalyst of different basicity. Toluene has been concluded to be a raw material for benzene formation.
Filler's impact on structure and physical properties in polyester resin–oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Gorelov Borys M , Gorb Alla M , Polovina Oleksiy I , Wacke Sylwester , Czapla Zbigniew , Kostrzewa Marek , Ingram Adam
Published: June 2017

Impact of nanosized oxide particles of titania (titanium dioxide, rutile) and silica–titania fumed compound on structure relaxation processes in nanocomposites of an orthophtalic unsaturated styrene cross-linked polyester resin has been experimentally studied using the thermal desorption mass spectroscopy, the dielectric spectroscopy, and the positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. All the nanocomposites showed unmonotonous variations in the thermal resistance, the dielectric permittivity and losses, and the annihilation rates for both positrons and ortho-positronium atoms with increasing filler’s loading. The nanoparticle-loading effects can be explained on the assumption that the oxide particles embedded into a cross-linked polyester resin induce rearrangements in its structure. Several mechanisms of particle–polymer interface interaction compete simultaneously and thus promote the alterations in molecular structure of the nanocomposites. The mechanisms may include both chemical and electrostatic fastening of polyester chains and styrene cross-links to the active surface sites, the destruction of the styrene cross-links, and redistribution of electron density in polymers. The features of the loading effects observed in the different nanocomposites can be ascribed to distinctions in both of active surface sites and intrinsic dielectric properties of the filling oxide particles.
Adsorption of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ions on carbon adsorbents
Authors: Gierak Andrzej , Łazarska Iwona
Published: June 2017

This work presents the results of the investigations of the adsorption process of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ions on carbon adsorbent with the application of the solid phase extraction method to isolate and enrich the investigated ions from aqueous solutions of the concentration below 1 mg/L. For the determination of the concentration of the analyzed ions, we applied the ion chromatography method. The sorption capacity for the tested adsorbents as well as the efficiency of the enrichment of the investigated ions were determined.
Removal of selected phthalates from aqueous solution by mesoporous-ordered carbon adsorbent
Authors: Jedynak Katarzyna , Wideł Dariusz , Oszczudłowski Jerzy
Published: June 2017

In the present work adsorption of selected phthalates from the water samples on mesoporous carbon material was investigated. Carbon material was obtained by soft-templating method in the presence of citric acid. Adsorption process of phthalates was carried out from water solution using static method with sonication for process acceleration. Phthalates extraction from water phase, after adsorption on carbon material, was carried out using solid phase microextraction method. Extracted samples were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method. Considering obtained experimental results it can be indicated that almost 100% of phthalates were adsorbed from water solutions. The efficiency of adsorption decreases with increasing molecular weight of phthalates.
“From factory to field”: USAID and the logistics of foreign aid in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan
Authors: Attewell Wesley
Published: June 2017

Emerging critical scholarship on logistics has shown how the field is implicated in a broader necropolitics of violence, disposability, and exploitation. While much has been made of logistics’ historical linkages to military and market forces, this paper, in contrast, explores how logisticians have played an increasingly central role in development and humanitarian missions to theatres of conflict and emergency. It focuses on the effort of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to supply mujahideen forces in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan with the non-lethal materiel necessary for their insurgency. It argues that USAID understood its relief and rehabilitation mission as a problem of logistics. By sketching the shifting contours of USAID’s cross-border programming, this article offers a more nuanced diagnosis of how logistics has become essential to the management of life and death across multiple temporalities, spaces, and scales.
Multimodal partial volume correction: Application to [11C]PIB PET/MRI myelin imaging in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Grecchi Elisabetta , Veronese Mattia , Bodini Benedetta , García-Lorenzo Daniel , Battaglini Marco , Stankoff Bruno , Turkheimer Federico E
Published: June 2017

The [11C]PIB PET tracer, originally developed for amyloid imaging, has been recently repurposed to quantify demyelination and remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS). Myelin PET imaging, however, is limited by its low resolution that deteriorates the quantification accuracy of white matter (WM) lesions. Here, we introduce a novel partial volume correction (PVC) method called Multiresolution–Multimodal Resolution-Recovery (MM-RR), which uses the wavelet transform and a synergistic statistical model to exploit MRI structural images to improve the resolution of [11C]PIB PET myelin imaging. MM-RR performance was tested on a phantom acquisition and in a dataset comprising [11C]PIB PET and MR T1- and T2-weighted images of 8 healthy controls and 20 MS patients. For the control group, the MM-RR PET images showed an average increase of 5.7% in WM uptake while the grey-matter (GM) uptake remained constant, resulting in +31% WM/GM contrast. Furthermore, MM-RR PET binding maps correlated significantly with the mRNA expressions of the most represented proteins in the myelin sheath (R2 = 0.57 ± 0.09). In the patient group, MM-RR PET images showed sharper lesion contours and significant improvement in normal-appearing tissue/WM-lesion contrast compared to standard PET (contrast improvement > +40%). These results were consistent with MM-RR performances in phantom experiments.
Judging Total Volumes Of Silhouetted Spheres In Different Numerosities
Authors: Ruusuvirta Timo , Railo Henry
Published: June 2017

Volume and number are addressed separately rather than combined in perception research. Yet, our everyday problems often involve summed continuous volumes of countable solid objects with partial depth cues (e.g., food items). The participants were presented with a set of black-and-white silhouettes of spheres that independently varied in numerosity (from 1 to 6) and total volume (2, 4, 6, or 8), and an adjacent silhouette of a partially filled cylinder. They judged how much the silhouetted sphere(s) in the set would raise the level of the cylinder content if the spheres were immersed into that content. Higher total volumes and numerosities of the spheres were judged slower and underestimated. Lower total volumes and numerosities were judged faster and overestimated. These effects strongly reflected the total silhouette area of the spheres in a set. The discontinuous effect of numerosity on judgment accuracy and speed suggested separate judgment modes below and above Numerosity 3.
Solid-state fermentation and composting as alternatives to treat hair waste: A life-cycle assessment comparative approach
Authors: Catalán Eva , Komilis Dimitrios , Sánchez Antoni
Published: June 2017

One of the wastes associated with leather production in tannery industries is the hair residue generated during the dehairing process. Hair wastes are mainly dumped or managed through composting but recent studies propose the treatment of hair wastes through solid-state fermentation (SSF) to obtain proteases and compost. These enzymes are suitable for its use in an enzymatic dehairing process, as an alternative to the current chemical dehairing process. In the present work, two different scenarios for the valorization of the hair waste are proposed and assessed by means of life-cycle assessment: composting and SSF for protease production. Detailed data on hair waste composting and on SSF protease production are gathered from previous studies performed by our research group and from a literature survey. Background inventory data are mainly based on Ecoinvent version 3 from software SimaPro® 8. The main aim of this study was to identify which process results in the highest environmental impact. The SSF process was found to have lower environmental impacts than composting, due to the fact that the enzyme use in the dehairing process prevents the use of chemicals traditionally used in the dehairing process. This permits to reformulate an industrial process from the classical approach of waste management to a novel alternative based on circular economy.
Early Versus Late Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Besen Bruno Adler Maccagnan Pinheiro , Romano Thiago Gomes , Mendes Pedro Vitale , Gallo Cesar Albuquerque , Zampieri Fernando Godinho , Nassar Antonio Paulo , Park Marcelo
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Early initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) effect on survival and renal recovery of critically ill patients is still uncertain. We aimed to systematically review current evidence comparing outcomes of early versus late initiation of RRT in critically ill patients.

Methods:

We searched the Medline (via Pubmed), LILACS, Science Direct, and CENTRAL databases from inception until November 2016 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or observational studies comparing early versus late initiation of RRT in critically ill patients. The primary outcome was mortality. Duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and renal function recovery were secondary outcomes. Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were used for the primary outcome.

Results:

Sixty-two studies were retrieved and analyzed, including 11 RCTs. There was no difference in mortality between early and late initiation of RRT among RCTs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-1.19; I2 = 63.1%). Trial sequential analysis of mortality across all RCTs achieved futility boundaries at both 1% and 5% type I error rates, although a subgroup analysis of studies including only acute kidney injury patients was not conclusive. There was also no difference in time on mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital LOS, or renal recovery among studies. Early initiation of RRT was associated with reduced mortality among prospective (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96; I2 = 85.9%) and retrospective (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41-0.92; I2 = 90.9%) observational studies, both with substantial heterogeneity. However, subgroup analysis excluding low-quality observational studies did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusion:

Pooled analysis of randomized trials indicates early initiation of RRT is not associated with lower mortality rates. The potential benefit of reduced mortality associated with early initiation of RRT was limited to low-quality observational studies.
Safety of Phenylephrine Infusion Through Peripheral Intravenous Catheter in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Datar Sudhir , Gutierrez Eddy , Schertz Adam , Vachharajani Vidula
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The traditional approach for infusing vasopressors is to insert central venous catheters, which is associated with several complications. Phenylephrine is a commonly used vasopressor in the neurologic intensive care unit (neuro ICU), and due to its modest potency, the risk of local tissue injury from extravasation may be overestimated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of phenylephrine infusion through peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) in the neuro ICU.

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective review of all consecutive adults admitted to the neuro ICU receiving phenylephrine infusion via PIV at a tertiary academic medical center from September 2012 to November 2015.

Results:

Two hundred seventy-seven patients with a mean age of 65 years (standard deviation [SD]: ±15) were included in the final analysis. The most common indications for phenylephrine use were hemodynamic augmentation (40%) and postoperative hypotension (32%). The most common location of PIV-infusing phenylephrine was proximal upper extremity (50%). The most common PIV gauge was 20 (41%). The mean maximum dose of phenylephrine was 79 μg/min (SD: ±53, range: 5-200) or 1.04 μg/kg/min (SD: ±0.74, range: 0.07-3.49) and was continued for a mean duration of 19 hours (SD: ±18, range: 1-129). Nine (3%) total episodes of PIV infiltration were noted, none requiring intervention for significant tissue injury or limb ischemia.

Conclusion:

Infusion of phenylephrine through PIV is safe when used in moderate doses for a short time and can be considered in lieu of placing a central line solely for this purpose.
Exploring encapsulation mechanism of DNA and mononucleotides in sol-gel derived silica
Authors: Kapusuz Derya , Durucan Caner
Published: June 2017

The encapsulation mechanism of DNA in sol-gel derived silica has been explored in order to elucidate the effect of DNA conformation on encapsulation and to identify the nature of chemical/physical interaction of DNA with silica during and after sol-gel transition. In this respect, double stranded DNA and dAMP (2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-monophosphate) were encapsulated in silica using an alkoxide-based sol-gel route. Biomolecule-encapsulating gels have been characterized using UV-Vis, 29Si NMR, FTIR spectroscopy and gas adsorption (BET) to investigate chemical interactions of biomolecules with the porous silica network and to examine the extent of sol-gel reactions upon encapsulation. Ethidium bromide intercalation and leach out tests showed that helix conformation of DNA was preserved after encapsulation. For both biomolecules, high water-to-alkoxide ratio promoted water-producing condensation and prevented alcoholic denaturation. NMR and FTIR analyses confirmed high hydraulic reactivity (water adsorption) for more silanol groups-containing DNA and dAMP encapsulated gels than plain silica gel. No chemical binding/interaction occurred between biomolecules and silica network. DNA and dAMP encapsulated silica gelled faster than plain silica due to basic nature of DNA or dAMP containing buffer solutions. DNA was not released from silica gels to aqueous environment up to 9 days. The chemical association between DNA/dAMP and silica host was through phosphate groups and molecular water attached to silanols, acting as a barrier around biomolecules. The helix morphology was found not to be essential for such interaction. BET analyses showed that interconnected, inkbottle-shaped mesoporous silica network was condensed around DNA and dAMP molecules.
Pre-Hispanic settlements in hydrometeorologically susceptible areas during the late Holocene: The Upper Delta of the Paraná River Case
Authors: Castiñeira Latorre Carola , Apolinaire Eduardo , Blasi Adriana M , Bonomo Mariano , Politis Gustavo , Bastourre Laura , Mari Florencia
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we present the results of the geoarchaeological studies carried out in two archaeological localities of the Upper Delta of the Paraná River (Argentina). The main objective of these studies is to depict the pre-Hispanic strategies involved in the colonization and settlement of southern South America wetlands. Paraná Delta is one of the most conspicuous areas of these lowlands and comprises a large wetland macrosystem. Its current geomorphological configuration was established after the last transgressive mid-Holocene event c. 6000 14C yr BP. In this environment, a high ecological heterogeneity, with diverse and abundant tropical and temperate biota, was developed. These features were important factors to the human colonization and utilization of these wetlands. However, this environment has the highest hydrometeorological susceptibility of La Plata basin. This susceptibility had an impact on settlement systems and resource exploitation strategies established in the area since at least 2000 14C yr BP. These strategies involved at least two settlement types: semi-permanent residential camps and transitory camps oriented to exploit particular resources. The semi-permanent settlements were located in anthropogenic elevated mounds, locally known as ‘cerritos’, and were not subjected to seasonal inundations. Conversely, the transitory camps are found in levees exposed to recurrent flooding.