bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in Case Reports of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome
Authors: Hübner Simona T. , Bertoli Raffaela , Rätz Bravo Alexandra E. , Schaueblin Martina , Haschke Manuel , Scherer Kathrin , Ceschi Alessandro , Leuppi-Taegtmeyer Anne B.
Published: April 2018

Background: The spectrum of inflammatory marker response in DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) syndrome has not been systematically characterized. Methods: An epidemiological biomarker study of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) values in patients with DRESS syndrome reported at 2 regional pharmacovigilance centers in Switzerland or published in the medical literature 2008–2016 was performed. Results: Ninety-four DRESS cases were studied. All cases showed a CRP value > 10 mg/L (the upper limit of normal). The mean CRP value was 109.2 ± 79.4 mg/L. CRP values were significantly higher in 22 cases where a cause of inflammation besides DRESS could not be excluded (mean 162.1 vs. 92.9 mg/L; p = 0.003). Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis showed a moderate performance with a CRP cut-off value of 99.4 mg/L (AUC 0.717) to distinguish between patients with and without a possible additional cause of inflammation. The mean and median PCT values were 2.44 ± 5.94 and 0.69 ng/mL, respectively (n = 25 patients). Patients in whom an additional cause of inflammation besides DRESS could not be excluded showed a median PCT of 1.37 ng/mL (n = 9) versus 0.67 ng/mL (n = 16) in patients with DRESS only. PCT values were above the normal cut-off of 0.1 ng/mL, suggestive of bacterial infection in all but 1 case. Furthermore, there was a correlation between PCT values and hepatic enzyme measurements. Conclusions: Evaluating CRP and PCT values might be of use in helping physicians to distinguish between cases of DRESS syndrome with and without concurrent infection or other causes of inflammation. Further prospective investigation is required to define the use of these inflammatory markers in the management of DRESS.
Social change in Aegean prehistory
Authors: Peixoto Renan Falcheti
Published: April 2018

Resenha.
The OCT-ORION Study
Authors: Lee Stephen W.L. , Tam Frankie C.C. , Lam Simon C.C. , Kong Shun-Ling , Shea Catherine P. , Chan Kelvin K.W. , Wong Michael K.L. , Chan Michael P.H. , Wong Anthony Y.T. , Yung Arthur S.Y. , Lam Yui-Ming , Zhang Lei-Wei , Wu Karl K.Y. , Mintz Gary S. , Maehara Akiko
Published: April 2018

Background—

Durable polymers used in drug-eluting stents are considered a potential cause of hypersensitivity inflammatory response adversely affecting stent healing. Using a sequential follow-up with optical coherence tomography, we compared the differences in healing profiles of 2 drug-eluting stents with a biodegradable or durable polymer.

Methods and Results—

Sixty patients with multivessel disease were prospectively enrolled to receive both study stents, which were randomly assigned to 2 individual vessels, a Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent with a durable BioLinx polymer and a BioMatrix NeoFlex Biolimus A9–eluting stent with a biodegradable polylactic acid polymer. Optical coherence tomography was performed at baseline, then in 5 randomly assigned monthly groups at 2 to 6 months, and at 9 months in all patients. The primary end point was the difference in optical coherence tomography strut coverage at 9 months. Key secondary end points included angiographic late lumen loss and composite major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and definite or probable stent thrombosis) at 9 months. Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent showed significantly better strut coverage than BioMatrix NeoFlex Biolimus A9–eluting stent at 2 to 6 months (
P
<0.001) and less variance of percent coverage at 9 months, 99.7% (interquartile range, 99.1–100) versus 99.6% (interquartile range, 96.8–99.9; difference, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.00–1.05;
P
<0.001). No significant difference was observed in major adverse cardiac events or angiographic end points.

Conclusions—

Despite having a durable polymer, Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent exhibited better strut coverage than BioMatrix NeoFlex Biolimus A9–eluting stent having a biodegradable polymer; both showed similar antiproliferative efficacy. This novel, longitudinal, sequential optical coherence tomography protocol using each patient as own control could achieve conclusive results in small sample size.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01742507.
Staged Percutaneous Intervention for Concurrent Chronic Total Occlusions in Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Villablanca Pedro A. , Olmedo Wilman , Weinreich Michael , Gupta Tanush , Mohananey Divyanshu , Albuquerque Felipe N. , Kassas Ibrahim , Briceño David , Sanina Cristina , Brevik Thomas A. , Ong Emily , Ramakrishna Harish , Attubato Michael , Menegus Mark , Wiley Jose , Kalra Ankur
Published: April 2018

Background

Studies have shown that chronic total occlusion (
CTO
) in a noninfarct‐related artery in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction is linked to increased mortality. It remains unclear whether staged revascularization of a noninfarct‐related artery
CTO
in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction translates to improved outcomes. We performed a meta‐analysis to compare outcomes between patients presenting with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction with concurrent
CTO
who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of noninfarct‐related artery
CTO
versus those who did not.

Method and Results

We conducted an electronic database search of all published data. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary end points were all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting, stroke, and heart failure readmission. Odds ratios (
ORs
) and 95% confidence intervals (
CIs
) were computed. Random effects model was used and heterogeneity was considered if
I
2
>25. Six studies (n=1253 patients) were included in the analysis. There was a significant difference in major adverse cardiovascular events (
OR
, 0.54; 95%
CI
, 0.32–0.91), cardiovascular mortality (
OR
, 0.43; 95%
CI
, 0.20–0.95), and heart failure readmissions (
OR
, 0.57; 95%
CI
, 0.36–0.89), favoring the patients in the
CTO
percutaneous coronary intervention group. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups for all‐cause mortality (
OR
, 0.47; 95%
CI
, 0.22–1.00), myocardial infarction (
OR
, 0.78; 95%
CI
, 0.41–1.46), repeat revascularization (
OR
, 1.13; 95%
CI
, 0.56–2.27), and stroke (
OR
, 0.51; 95%
CI
, 0.20–1.33).

Conclusions

In this meta‐analysis,
CTO
percutaneous coronary intervention of the noninfarct‐related artery in patients presenting with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction was associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and heart failure readmissions.
Effectiveness and Safety of Apixaban, Dabigatran, and Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin in Frail Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Martinez Brandon K. , Sood Nitesh A. , Bunz Thomas J. , Coleman Craig I.
Published: April 2018

Background

Frailty predicts poorer outcomes and decreased anticoagulation use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban versus warfarin in frail nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients.

Methods and Results

Using
US
MarketScan claims data from November 2011 to December 2016, we identified frail oral anticoagulant‐naïve nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with ≥12 months of continuous insurance coverage before oral anticoagulant initiation. Frailty status was determined using the Johns Hopkins Claims‐based Frailty Indicator score (≥0.20 indicating frailty). Users of apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban were separately 1:1 matched to warfarin users via propensity‐scores, with residual absolute standardized differences <0.1 being achieved for all covariates after matching. Patients were followed for up to 2 years or until an event, insurance disenrollment or end of follow‐up. Rates of stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding were compared using Cox regression and reported as hazard ratios (
HR
s) and 95% confidence intervals (
CI
s). In total, 2700, 2784, and 5270 patients were included in the apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban 1:1 matched analyses to warfarin. At 2 years, neither apixaban nor dabigatran were associated with differences in the hazard of stroke or systemic embolism (
HR
=0.78; 95%
CI
=0.46–1.35 and
HR
=0.94; 0.60–1.45) or major bleeding (
HR
=0.72; 95%
CI
=0.49–1.06 and
HR
=0.87; 95%
CI
=0.63–1.19) versus warfarin. Rivaroxaban was associated with reduced stroke or systemic embolism at 2 years (
HR
=0.68; 95%
CI
=0.49–0.95) without significantly altering major bleeding risk (
HR
=1.07; 95%
CI
=0.81–1.32).

Conclusions

Our study found rivaroxaban but not apixaban or dabigatran to be associated with reduced
SSE
versus warfarin in frail nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients. No direct‐acting oral anticoagulants demonstrated a significant difference in major bleeding versus warfarin.
BİREYLERİN ÖRGÜT KÜLTÜRÜ ve KONTROL ODAĞI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: KOÇOĞLU Merve
Published: April 2018

Bu çalışmada çalışanların örgüt
kültürü algıları ve kontrol odağı inançları arasındaki ilişkisinin incelenmesi
amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, İstanbul’da bir Üniversite de yüksek lisans eğitimi
alan ve farklı sektörlerde faaliyet gösteren işletmelerde çalışan 326 beyaz
yakalı çalışandan toplanan veri analiz edilmiştir. Bu araştırmada, çalışanların
örgüt kültürü algıları ile kontrol odağı inançları arasında ilişki olduğu
tespit edilmiştir. Bu ilişki örgüt kültürünün alt boyutları (klan, adhokrasi,
pazar, hiyerarşi) bağlamında incelendiğinde ise tüm örgüt kültürü alt
boyutlarının da birbiriyle ilişkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, araştırmada
kadınların erkeklere oranla daha fazla pazar kültür odaklı oldukları ve
yöneticilerin ise çalışanlara oranla daha fazla dış kontrol inançlı olduğu
sonucuna varılmıştır.
FEN LİSESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN MESLEK SEÇİMİNİ ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLERİN BULANIK TOPSIS YÖNTEMİ İLE ANALİZİ
Authors: Akın Nalan Gülten , Akyıldız Mühibe
Published: April 2018

Meslek seçimi, bireyin tüm
yaşantısını etkileyen önemli bir karardır. Doğru kararın verilebilmesi için
meslek seçiminde etkili olan bütün faktörlerin en iyi şekilde değerlendirilmesi
gerekir. Kişisel özellikler, ilgi, yetenek, değerler, aile, sosyo-ekonomik
çevre, mesleğin maddi ya da manevi getirisi, iş güvencesi meslek seçiminde
etkili olan faktörlerden sadece bir kaçını oluşturmaktadır. Gerçek hayatta bireylerin meslek
seçerken en çok etkilendikleri faktörleri kesin olarak belirlemek ve bunları
önem derecesine göre sıralamak mümkün olmamaktadır. Bu durumun çözümü için
Zadeh tarafından bulanık küme teorisi geliştirilmiştir. Teorinin çok kriterli
karar verme (ÇKKV) yöntemlerine dahil edilmesiyle, birden fazla kriter,
alternatif ve karar vericinin olduğu problemlerin çözümü mümkün hale gelmiştir.
Meslek seçimini etkileyen faktörlerin sıralanması ÇKKV yöntemleri ile
çözülebilecek problemlerdendir.

ÇKKV metotlarından bulanık TOPSIS
yöntemi ile nitel ve nicel veriler beraber işlenebilmekte ve bulanık ifadeler sayısal
verilere dönüştürülebilmektedir. Bu çalışmada ÇKKV yöntemlerinden biri olan
BTOPSIS yöntemini kullanılarak, fen lisesi öğrencilerinin meslek tercihlerinde
etkili olan faktörlerin sıralaması yapılmıştır.
TÜRKİYE’ DE POLİTİKA FAİZ ORANI VE BANKACILIK KREDİ FAİZ ORANLARI ARASINDAKİ GEÇİŞKENLİĞİN NEDENSELLİK ANALİZLERİ İLE YORUMLANMASI
Authors: UĞUR Ahmet , BİNGÖL Nergis
Published: April 2018

Bu çalışmanın amacı, politika faiz
oranı ve bankacılık kredi faiz oranları arasındaki geçişkenliği incelemektir.
Bu amaçla 01: 2002’ den 12: 2016’ ya kadar olan aylık veriler kullanılmıştır.
Verilere ilk önce birim kök testleri ve ardından sırasıyla geleneksel,
bootstrap tabanlı Toda Yamomato ve frekans alan nedensellik testleri
uygulanmıştır. Geleneksel Toda Yamamota nedensellik analizine göre politika
faiz oranı ve taşıt kredisi faiz oranı birbirlerini etkilememektedir. Frekans
alan nedensellik testine göre ise bankacılık kredi faiz oranları politika faiz
oranlarını uzun dönemde etkilemektedir.
Evolution of trichome morphology in Mimosa (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae)
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA JULIANA , TOZZI ANA MARIA GOULART DE AZEVEDO , SIMON MARCELO FRAGOMENI , URQUIZA NAZARETH GUEDES , MORALES MATÍAS
Published: April 2018

With more than 500 species, Mimosa L. is one of the largest genera of the Leguminosae. It exhibits considerable trichome diversity among species. Trichome types have been used as diagnostic characters, but some are not well known and have been poorly described in taxonomic works, causing some difficulties for species identification and description. The morphology of trichomes of 35 species was studied using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy to define the types of trichomes precisely. An ancestral character state reconstruction using a densely-sampled phylogeny of the genus was performed in order to investigate the evolution of trichome types in Mimosa. Two basic types of trichomes can be distinguished: glandular and non-glandular. The glandular trichomes can be sessile or stalked. The non-glandular trichomes can be unbranched or branched. Unbranched trichomes are unicellular and conical or cylindrical, whereas branched trichomes are multicellular and verruciform, medusiform, plumose, barbellate, stellate, stellate-lepidote, or lepidote. Character optimization analysis suggests that glandular and branched trichomes are derived and evolved independently in different lineages within Mimosa. The ancestral condition in Mimosa was probably non-glandular and unbranched trichomes, which was retained from piptadenioid ancestors. Our study provides a first insight into the evolutionary history of trichome morphology in the genus. Despite high levels of homoplasy, trichome morphology offers a set of characters that can be used for differentiating species and species groups in combination with other characters.
A revision of the genus Trithrinax (Cryosophileae, Coryphoideae, Arecaceae)
Authors: CANO ÁNGELA , PERRET MATHIEU , STAUFFER FRED W.
Published: April 2018

The palm genus Trithrinax is revised and three species and four varieties are accepted (T. brasiliensis var. brasiliensis, T. brasiliensis var. acanthocoma, T. campestris, T. schizophylla var. schizophylla and T. schizophylla var. biflabellata comb. nov.). This taxonomic treatment presents detailed and complete description of all taxa, based on the studies of natural populations in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the morphological analysis of herbarium specimens (including all available types) and an exhaustive literature research. Illustrations are presented for all taxa and identification keys to the species and varieties are proposed. Species descriptions include updated distribution maps, information about their ecology, taxonomic notes and a compilation of common names and uses. The conservation status assessment reveals an important level of threatening for all taxa, ranging from vulnerable (VU) to endangered (EN), mainly due to the decline of the area of occupancy and the quality of habitat.
Paraíba State, Brazil: a hotspot of bryophytes
Authors: GERMANO SHIRLEY RANGEL , SILVA JOAN BRUNO , PERALTA DENILSON FERNANDES
Published: April 2018

A checklist for Paraíba bryophytes comprising 176 species (including 15 synonyms and the exclusion of three doubtful identifications), 86 genera, and 35 families is presented. This regional pool of species represents 19% of the Brazilian endemic species. We identified six species (not included in the Brazilian Red List) that require attention from a conservation viewpoint due to their rare distributions. The bryophyte assemblages are distributed according to precipitation and temperature gradients related to their distance from the coast, allied to stochastic processes. The present study identified deficits in collection efforts, especially in drier areas.
A new species of Didymodon (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta) and a key to New Zealand representatives of the genus
Authors: BEEVER JESSICA E. , FIFE ALLAN J.
Published: April 2018

A new species of moss, Didymodon novae-zelandiae, is described and illustrated. A key is provided to the six New Zealand species of genus Didymodon, together with the single New Zealand species of the related genus Gymnostomum. The key distinguishing features of D. novae-zelandiae are its gymnostomous capsule with a mammillate operculum, and its diminutive size. This study is a contribution to the preparation of the eFlora of New Zealand, Mosses.
Taxonomic placement of Millettia occidentalis (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae), a rare liana from the Amazon Basin
Authors: CAMARGO RODRIGO A. , TOZZI ANA MARIA G.A.
Published: April 2018

A new combination is proposed for Millettia occidentalis, a rare liana endemic to a small locality of the Amazon Basin, in Brazil. Morphology and geographic distribution supports its transfer to Deguelia and a specimen at IAN is designated as lectotype. Validation in Deguelia is needed for use in impending floristic treatments, as well as to promote conservation and new field efforts. It occurs in “terra firme” forests (non-flooded), on high lands and appears to be very rare range-wide, based on documented occurrences. Description, illustration, distribution map, some ecological notes and a preliminary evaluation of its conservation assessment are provided.
Revision of the cicada genus Dilobopyga (Hemiptera, Cicadidae) from Sulawesi and the Moluccas
Authors: DUFFELS J.P.
Published: April 2018

This revision of the cicadas of the genus Dilobopyga provides a diagnosis of the genus and descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps for 48 species. The following 33 species described here are new to science: D. angulata, angustata, bifida, curvispina, fasciata, hayashii, hollowayi, johani, knighti, langeraki, laterocurvata, latifascia, luwukensis, macrocerata, maleo, mamasa, mediolobata, nebulosa, operculata, palopoensis, pelengensis, platyacantha, quadrimaculata, rantemario, recurvata, rozendaali, sangihensis, sarasinorum, splendida, tambusisi, toraja, vantoli and watuwila. The key presented is designed for the identification of males of Dilobopyga to the species level. The subdivision of the genus in five species groups viz., opercularis group (17 species), nebulosa group (1 species), chlorogaster group (16 species), minahassae group (6 species) and watuwila group (8 species), is sustained by a phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters of all species described.        The cicadas of the genus Dilobopyga are found in Sulawesi, neighbouring islands and southern Moluccas. Of the 48 species of Dilobopyga 43 species are endemic to Sulawesi. Most of these Sulawesi species are restricted to either one peninsula or to a part of Central Sulawesi. The remaining five species are endemic to either the Sangihe Islands, Banggai Islands or the southern Moluccas. A taxon-area cladogram for the species of Dilobopyga provides a basis for a discussion on the historic biogeography of the genus.
Relationship between El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Symmetry of the Hadley Circulation: Role of the Sea Surface Temperature Annual Cycle
Authors: Guo Yi-Peng , Tan Zhe-Min
Published: April 2018

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which features an equatorial quasi-symmetric sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA), is related to both the symmetric and asymmetric components of the Hadley circulation (HC) variability. However, the mechanisms for such a nonlinear HC–ENSO relationship are still unclear. Using 36-yr monthly reanalysis datasets, this study shows that the month-to-month HC variability is dominated by two principal modes, the asymmetric mode (AM) and symmetric mode (SM), both of which are highly correlated with ENSO variability. Furthermore, the relationship between the HC principal modes and the ENSO SSTA is modulated by the western Pacific SST annual cycle. When the zonal mean western Pacific SST peaks off (on) the equator, the ENSO SSTA leads to the AM (SM) of HC variability. This is because the zonal mean western Pacific SST peak provides a warmer background favorable for the SSTA to stimulate convection, indicating the important role of the combined effect of the SST annual cycle and the ENSO SSTA in affecting the HC variability. Importantly, the western Pacific SST annual cycle has no such modulation effect during central Pacific El Niño or La Niña events. The results have important implications for simulating and predicting the climatic impacts of ENSO and HC variability.
Trends and Substance Use Associations With E-Cigarette Use in US Adolescents
Authors: Curran Kelly A. , Burk Thad , Pitt Paulette D. , Middleman Amy B.
Published: April 2018

Concerns exist that e-cigarette use may introduce adolescents to drugs. This study explores trends and associations of inhaled tobacco use with drug use. We performed a secondary data analysis on the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey examining the inhaled tobacco and drug use patterns among US teens. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using bivariate and multivariate analyses between inhaled tobacco use with other drug use, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and gender. When adjusting for gender, age, and race/ethnicity, teens who use only e-cigarettes had a higher odds than peers who do not use any inhaled tobacco products to have ever tried marijuana or alcohol, currently use marijuana or alcohol, have lifetime drug use, and misused prescription medications. Drug risk behavior appears stratified with type of inhaled tobacco used, with generally exclusive e-cigarette use linked to lowest risk and conventional and e-cigarette use associated with highest risk of drug use.
Avoiding Patient Harm With Parenteral Nutrition During Electrolyte Shortages
Authors: Brown Eric W. , McClellan Nicole H. , Minard Gayle , Maish George O. , Dickerson Roland N.
Published: April 2018

Purpose: We report a case of a patient with gastrointestinal dysmotility and substantial drainage losses who required parenteral nutrition (PN) and developed a non–anion gap metabolic acidosis secondary to a shortage of concurrent potassium acetate and sodium acetate PN additives. We describe how severe PN-associated metabolic consequences were averted during this acetate shortage. Summary: The patient with inability to swallow and significant weight loss was admitted to the hospital and given PN after failure to tolerate either gastric or jejunal feeding due to dysmotility and severe abdominal distension and discomfort. PN was initiated and the nasogastric and jejunal tubes were left to low intermittent suction or gravity drainage (average losses of 800 mL and 1600 mL daily, respectively) to reduce abdominal distension. The patient had been stable on PN for approximately 2 months prior to when a shortage in potassium acetate and sodium acetate occurred. As a result, potassium and sodium requirements had to be met with chloride and phosphate salts. The patient developed a non–anion gap metabolic acidosis after 11 days of acetate-free PN. Progression to severe acidemia was avoided by administration of sodium bicarbonate daily for 3 days and replacement of 0.9% sodium chloride supplemental intravenous fluid with lactated ringers solution. Conclusion: This case report illustrates that PN component shortages require clinicians to closely monitor patients who require PN. In addition, clinicians may need to use creative therapeutic strategies to avoid potential serious patient harm during PN component shortages.
Development and validation of the collective psychological ownership scale in organizational contexts
Authors: Su Xuebing , Ng Siu-man
Published: April 2018

Collective psychological ownership (CPO) refers to the sense shared by group mates that they jointly own their organization. CPO is an important emerging concept but its operationalization is still at an early stage. The study aimed to develop and evaluate the CPO scale among social service workers. The item pool together with a battery of validation scales formed the basis for an Internet-based survey. Through convenience and snowball sampling strategies, social service workers in Guangdong Province, China were invited to take part in the survey, resulting in 444 completed questionnaires. Bi-factor analyses were conducted. Both exploratory and confirmatory analyses of bi-factor analyses supported the one-general-two-specific structure of CPO. Internal consistency, assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, was satisfactory for the bi-factor structure. Convergent and divergent validity were supported by the correlations with validation scales in the expected directions. The general factor was named shared possessiveness, and the two specific factors were shared decision-making and shared hardship endurance. With good preliminary psychometric properties, the newly developed CPO scale will trigger a series of studies related to workplace behaviors and well-being.
Meeting the Needs of Young Adolescents: ABBL Anti-Bullying Program During Middle School Transition
Authors: Wójcik Małgorzata , Hełka Anna M.
Published: April 2018

This article introduces ABBL, the anti-bullying program for the transition to middle school, which was designed as a free, feasible, and easily applicable solution for teachers who, for any reason, cannot take advantage of comprehensive anti-bullying school-based programs. The ABBL, based on the identification of the causal risk factors and mechanisms that lead to bullying, aims to influence the peer group in such a way that students do not reward antisocial behaviors and are, instead, able to create supportive class atmospheres and strong networks of personal attachments. The evaluation of the program effectiveness showed that it reduced bullying in the classroom. Indications for wider implementations are presented together with the ready-to-use ABBL anti-bullying program (see http://blizej.org/abbl-antibullying-program/ ).
Variation in Birth Outcomes by Mother’s Country of Birth Among Hispanic Women in the United States, 2013
Authors: DeSisto Carla L. , McDonald Jill A.
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

Despite knowledge that the Hispanic population is growing in the United States and that birth outcomes may vary by maternal country of birth, data on birth outcomes by maternal country of birth among Hispanic women are scant. We compared the rates of 3 birth outcomes for infants born in the United States—preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age—between foreign-born Hispanic women and US-born Hispanic women, and then we examined these birth outcomes by mother’s country of birth for foreign-born Hispanic women.

Methods:

Using the 2013 natality file from the National Vital Statistics System of the National Center for Health Statistics, we examined data on the 3 birth outcomes and maternal characteristics by maternal country of birth. We used log binomial models to calculate unadjusted and adjusted relative risks for preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age for US-born Hispanic women compared with foreign-born Hispanic women. We also compared the relative risk of each adverse birth outcome for foreign-born Hispanic women by country of birth.

Results:

US-born Hispanic women had higher rates of the 3 birth outcomes than did foreign-born Hispanic women (preterm birth: 8.0% vs 7.0%; low birth weight: 6.1% vs 5.2%; small for gestational age: 9.2% vs 7.9%). These higher rates persisted after adjusting for maternal characteristics. The rates for these 3 birth outcomes varied significantly by country of birth for foreign-born Hispanic women, with Puerto Rican women consistently having the poorest birth outcomes.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrated heterogeneity in rates of adverse birth outcomes by country of birth for foreign-born Hispanic women. Presenting rates for foreign-born mothers as a group masks differences by country. To understand possible changes in data on birth outcomes, states should stratify data by maternal country of birth.
The limits of multiculturalism in Australia? The Shari’a flogging case of R v. Raad, Fayed, Cifci and Coskun
Authors: Dagistanli Selda , Possamai Adam , Turner Bryan S , Voyce Malcolm , Roose Joshua
Published: April 2018

This article focuses on the marginal extremities – the limits – of Shari’a practices in Australia, through the example of a criminal case in which four Sydney-based Muslim men whipped a Muslim convert to punish him for his excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol. The men claimed they acted in line with the doctrines of Shari’a practice to ‘purify’ or absolve the victim of his sins. While the case was tried before a magistrate in a lower court, it is argued in this article that its social and political significance was wider, reaching into contemporary debates around multiculturalism and immigration from non-western, non-liberal and mainly Muslim nations. Mainstream media and political narratives viewed the whipping as an example of the moral dangers of accommodating Shari’a norms, eliding the differences between peaceable Shari’a and its violent extremities, while situating the case at the limits of multicultural accommodation. This article interrogates the objectionable margins of some cultural practices through this limit case. At the same time it questions the limits or limitations of a multiculturalism that homogeneously views the practices of entire ethnic or religious groups as violent and incommensurable with dominant norms, while using these understandings as a justification for marginalising these groups.
Numerical simulation of the airflow field in vortex spinning processing
Authors: Shang Shanshan , Yang Jianping , Yu Chongwen
Published: April 2018

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of the airflow characteristics during the whole vortex spinning process, including the initial state of the yarn drawing-in process and the normal stable process, were obtained and analyzed. Spinning experiments, with the aid of a scanning electron microscope, were adopted to verify the results of the numerical simulation. The numerical simulation results show that the turbulence phenomenon in the normal spinning process is much more obvious than that in the initial spinning process; the air streamlines move orderly in the initial spinning process, which will produce a strong suction force that will be conducive to drawing the fiber bundle into the nozzle successfully, but the trajectory of airflow is complex in the normal stable spinning process and there is an upstream airflow with the same direction as the rotating airflow to provide extra tension for the yarn, which can improve the strength of the resultant yarn. The spinning experimental result is consistent with the result predicted by numerical simulation. The research further reveals the flow regularity and the turbulent phenomenon of the high-speed rotating airflow, predicts the effect of airflow motion on the spinning effect, and is helpful for stabilizing the spinning process and improving the yarn tenacity.
The case for enhanced coalbed methane using hydraulic fracturing in the geostructural belt
Authors: Hu Guozhong , Sun Chao , Sun Mingfei , Qin Wei , Linghu Jianshe
Published: April 2018

Coal and gas outbursts mostly occur during mining at geostructural belts. Pre-drainage coalbed methane using hydraulic fracturing is one of the methods to prevent outbursts. However, the coal in geostructural belts is to be soft and crushed with special mechanical properties and pore structure. To explore the feasibility of hydraulic fracturing in geostructural belts, a field investigation on enhanced coalbed methane using hydraulic fracturing with vertical well was conducted at the Yangquan Coalfield, China. This case puts forward a method for the location selection of vertical well in geostructural belts. In addition, a triple-control technology for hydraulic fracturing, which is characterized by pressure control, flow control and sand ratio control of fracturing fluid, is presented. The results show that the average gas production and maximum gas drainage capacity of the test well were 5.67 and 12.88 times than those of the regular well, respectively, achieving good drainage effects.
The work programme of NERIS in post-accident recovery
Authors: Schneider T. , Andronopoulos S. , Camps J. , Duranova T. , Gallego E. , Gering F. , Isnard O. , Maître M. , Murith C. , Oughton D. , Raskob W.
Published: April 2018

NERIS is the European platform on preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergency response and recovery. Created in 2010 with 57 organisations from 28 different countries, the objectives of the platform are to: improve the effectiveness and coherency of current approaches to preparedness; identify further development needs; improve ‘know how’ and technical expertise; and establish a forum for dialogue and methodological development. The NERIS Strategic Research Agenda is now structured with three main challenges: (i) radiological impact assessments during all phases of nuclear and radiological events; (ii) countermeasures and countermeasure strategies in emergency and recovery, decision support, and disaster informatics; and (iii) setting up a multi-faceted framework for preparedness for emergency response and recovery. The Fukushima accident has highlighted some key issues for further consideration in NERIS research activities, including: the importance of transparency of decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels; the key role of access to environmental monitoring; the importance of dealing with uncertainties in assessment and management of the different phases of the accident; the use of modern social media in the exchange of information; the role of stakeholder involvement processes in both emergency and recovery situations; considerations of societal, ethical, and economic aspects; and the reinforcement of education and training for various actors. This paper emphasises the main issues at stake for NERIS for post-accident management.
The effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates intervention on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cruz-Díaz David , Romeu Marta , Velasco-González Carmen , Martínez-Amat Antonio , Hita-Contreras Fidel
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates practice on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Design:

This is a randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

This study was conducted in the university laboratory.

Subjects:

A total of 64 participants with chronic non-specific low back pain were included.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly allocated to intervention group consisted in Pilates intervention during 12 weeks ( n = 32) or control group who received no treatment ( n = 32).

Main measures:

Disability, pain and kinesiophobia were assessed by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, visual analogue scale and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. Measurements were performed at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks after study completion.

Results:

There were significant differences between groups with observed improvement in Pilates intervention group in all variables after treatment ( P < 0.001). Major changes on disability and kinesiophobia were observed at six weeks of intervention with no significant difference after 12 weeks ( P < 0.001). Mean changes of the intervention group compared with the control group were 4.00 (0.45) on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and 5.50 (0.67) in the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Pain showed better results at six weeks with a slightly but statistically significant improvement at 12 weeks with Visual Analogue Scale scores of 2.40 (0.26) ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Pilates intervention in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain is effective in the management of disability, pain and kinesiophobia.
Inflammatory pathways are central to posterior cerebrovascular artery remodelling prior to the onset of congenital hypertension
Authors: Walas Dawid , Nowicki-Osuch Karol , Alibhai Dominic , von Linstow Roloff Eva , Coghill Jane , Waterfall Christy , Paton Julian FR
Published: April 2018

Cerebral artery hypoperfusion may provide the basis for linking ischemic stroke with hypertension. Brain hypoperfusion may induce hypertension that may serve as an auto-protective mechanism to prevent ischemic stroke. We hypothesised that hypertension is caused by remodelling of the cerebral arteries, which is triggered by inflammation. We used a congenital rat model of hypertension and examined age-related changes in gene expression of the cerebral arteries using RNA sequencing. Prior to hypertension, we found changes in signalling pathways associated with the immune system and fibrosis. Validation studies using second harmonics generation microscopy revealed upregulation of collagen type I and IV in both tunica externa and media. These changes in the extracellular matrix of cerebral arteries pre-empted hypertension accounting for their increased stiffness and resistance, both potentially conducive to stroke. These data indicate that inflammatory driven cerebral artery remodelling occurs prior to the onset of hypertension and may be a trigger elevating systemic blood pressure in genetically programmed hypertension.
Understanding activity participation among individuals with Wolfram syndrome
Authors: Bumpus Emily , Hershey Tamara , Doty Tasha , Ranck Samantha , Gronski Meredith , Urano Fumihko , Foster Erin R
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Wolfram syndrome is a rare genetic disease associated with a variety of progressive metabolic and neurologic impairments. Previous research has focused on Wolfram syndrome-related impairments and biomarkers for disease progression; however, information about how Wolfram syndrome impacts participation in daily activities is lacking.

Method

Wolfram syndrome ( n = 45; 20 children, 25 adults) participants completed an online questionnaire about activity participation. Thirty-six non-Wolfram syndrome comparison participants (11 children; 25 adults) completed a portion of the questionnaire. Symptom data from a subset of Wolfram syndrome participants ( n = 20) were also examined in relation to participation data.

Results

Wolfram syndrome children and adults had lower participation than non-Wolfram syndrome children and adults in almost all activity domains, and social and exercise-related activities were the most problematic. In the subset of Wolfram syndrome adults with symptom data, poorer vision, balance, gait, hearing, and overall symptom severity were related to lower participation.

Conclusion

Wolfram syndrome appears to negatively impact participation in a variety of activities, and this effect may increase as people age and/or Wolfram syndrome progresses. The most functionally pertinent Wolfram syndrome symptoms are those associated with neurodegeneration, especially vision loss and walking and balance problems. This study revealed symptoms and activity domains that are most relevant for people with Wolfram syndrome and, thus, can inform current practice and treatment development research.
Clarity, Covenants, and Calvin’s Divine Accommodation
Authors: Gunter Nathan H. , Horner Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2018

This article argues that the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture strengthens the pedagogical example provided by progressive covenantalism, as articulated by Stephen Wellum, and the concept of divine accommodation, as articulated by John Calvin. The intersection of these theological concepts provides a mutually reinforcing vision for the pattern and practice of pedagogy as revealed through the clear teaching of Scripture.
The Power of Language in Defining and Developing Teams
Authors: Whitley Tony
Published: April 2018

Christian leadership resources focus on the alignment of individual efforts toward shared goals, attempting to capitalize on the proven benefits of “team” performance. Research in social psychology highlights the emotional impact of language in the crafting of mission and vision statements, which could lead to the success or failure of alignment efforts. This article assimilates research from social psychologists with existing team and organizational theory and distills the principles into usable material for church leadership. The review and assimilation of new data validate the known values of “team,” while offering insight into the development of goals and the crafting of vision and mission statements.
From Critical Thinking to Spiritual Maturity
Authors: Sanders Donald
Published: April 2018

Educators, philosophers, and theologians have long concerned themselves with the process of critical thinking. John Dewey’s writings, specifically How We Think, cast a long shadow in both secular and religious educational contexts. Can the Christian educator employ Dewey’s framework for reflective thinking in a useful manner without subscribing to his naturalistic underpinnings? This article evaluates Dewey’s reflective thinking process and suggests potential applications to Christian growth and maturity. First, biblical components must replace the deficiencies in Dewey’s epistemology. Next, the article examines the mandate for and role of critical thinking in the life of the mature Christian through the lens of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. Finally, a clear connection between Paul’s teaching and Dewey’s process will be presented.
Jordanian Men’s and Women’s Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence and Its Correlates With Family Functioning and Demographics
Authors: Alzoubi Fatmeh Ahmad , Ali Reem Ahmad
Published: April 2018

Jordan is a developing country in the Middle East and, much like other countries in the world, has high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). Little information is available on Jordanian men’s and women’s attitudes toward IPV. The purpose of this study is to examine men’s and women’s attitudes toward IPV in Jordan and its relationship with some demographics and family functioning. A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design with a sample of 401 men and women was used. Descriptive statistics ( M, SD), Pearson r, t test, and ANOVA were used. The results indicated that Jordanian men and women have a lower score of IPVAS, 40.06 ( SD = 8.20), indicating lower acceptance of IPV compared with the literature. Family functioning was 3.12 ( SD = 0.46), indicating more healthy families. Family functioning was negatively correlated with IPVAS scores ( r = −.22, p = .00). All demographic variables showed small to moderate correlations with IPVAS. Education for both study participants and their spouses had a negative correlation with IPVAS ( r = −.27, p = .00) and ( r = −.20, p = .00), respectively. Male participants, individuals who were living with extended family, and those living in rural areas had significantly high IPVAS scores, indicating more accepting attitudes toward IPV. Practitioners should provide families with education on the methods of conflict resolution, effective communication within the family, problem-solving approaches, equal role distribution, and appropriate styles of establishing a family.
Quantitative Falsification for Qualitative Findings: Falsifying an Ethnographic Theory of American Public Discourse on Nuclear Waste With Text Mining in R
Authors: Pajo Judi
Published: April 2018

How can ethnographic theories that are qualitative and interpretive in nature also be scientific? This article puts forth an illustrative answer: It employs quantitative text mining methods to falsify prior findings reached largely through qualitative interpretations. The author’s earlier research innovated on core anthropological methods to offer that U.S. public discourse on radioactive waste between 1945 and 2009 may be best understood in terms of two paradigmatic waves that differ from each other in conceptualization of nuclear waste as well as in how nuclear waste relates to the broader environment and to human health. This article distills those earlier qualitative findings into a list of refutable statements that are subsequently assessed through quantitative analysis of the textual corpus of the original proxy for the ethnographic repository through employing the R statistical programming language (Version 3.4.0). As this case of quantitative analysis lends confidence on the validity of the interpretive conclusions in question, this article suggests that quantitative falsification testing may be a fit way for ethnographic findings to fulfill their scientific ambitions.
Fracture analysis of finite length angle-ply composite double cantilever beam specimens
Authors: Shahani AR , Abolfathitabar R
Published: April 2018

The double cantilever beam specimen is assumed as two finite length beams, connected together, except at the initial delamination length. The energy release rate ( GI) is evaluated analytically by considering a Timoshenko beam on Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations. The current data reduction methods have a blind spot in calculating GI when crack approaches the end of the ligament, which is considered in this study and, therefore, the simplifying assumption of infinite ligament length is not assumed here. GI will be strongly dependent on the ligament length if it is less than twice the thickness. Furthermore, the R-curves of different layups including their first points (fracture toughness) are drawn using Ρ–δ curves reported in the literature and they are compared to the experimental results. These comparisons show that Timoshenko beam on Winkler foundation gives the best results in comparison with experimental results for unidirectional and angle-ply laminates.
Design of two-pass swage autofrettage processes of thick-walled cylinders by computer modeling
Authors: Hu Zhong
Published: April 2018

An ever-increasing industrial demand for pressurized thick-walled cylindrical components drives research and practice to increase their strength–weight ratio, extend their fatigue life, or to increase their pressure-carrying capacity. This can be achieved through an energy-efficient and safe two-pass swage autofrettage process by generating a favorable compressive residual hoop stress field in the inner layer of the cylinder prior to use. In this paper, a two-pass swage autofrettage process of a thick-walled cylinder was systematically investigated based on finite element analysis. A 105 mm cannon barrel made of high-pressure vessel steel ASTM A723-1130 was taken as a case study. An elastic nonlinear-hardening plastic material model with the Bauschinger effect was adopted. The mandrel’s axial pushing forces during swage autofrettage processes were analyzed. A 30–35% reduction in mandrel’s pushing forces has been achieved in the two-pass process. The residual stresses in swage autofrettaged thick-walled cylinders were predicted. The results of computer modeling were in agreement with neutron diffraction measurements. A maximum 18% reduction in von Mises stress in the swage autofrettaged thick-walled cylinders under an elastic-limit working pressure was identified. A maximum 31% increase in pressure-carrying capacity for the swage autofrettaged thick-walled cylinders was revealed. The optimum radial interference was proposed. Results from the two-pass process were compared with those from the single-pass process.