bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing from the Middle: Frontline Supervisors and Perceptions of Their Organizational Power
Authors: Kras Kimberly R. , Portillo Shannon , Taxman Faye S.
Published: May 2017

Frontline supervisors serve in a critical role, maintaining relationships between upper management and frontline workers; however, we still know relatively little about how subordinates view their power in relation to their supervisors and how frontline supervisors understand and exercise their own power. Focusing on street‐level workers and frontline supervisors across a statewide community corrections agency, we explore perceptions, experiences, and assertions of power in the workplace. Using focus groups with thirty‐two street‐level probation and parole officers and focus groups and field observations of seventy‐five frontline supervisors, we find that officers and frontline supervisors have widely differing views on the power of the frontline supervisory position, some of which are influenced by gender. While street‐level workers align frontline supervisors with policy creators, frontline supervisors view themselves as disempowered go‐betweens. Frontline supervisors compensate for their perceived lack of power in policymaking and implementation by using micropower strategies to assert their power. This study extends street‐level bureaucrat theory to the role of frontline supervisors, who in practice are distant from the upper management roles with which they are typically categorized.
III. FROM SMALL TO BIG: METHODS FOR INCORPORATING LARGE SCALE DATA INTO DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE
Authors: Davis‐Kean Pamela E. , Jager Justin
Published: May 2017

For decades, developmental science has been based primarily on relatively small‐scale data collections with children and families. Part of the reason for the dominance of this type of data collection is the complexity of collecting cognitive and social data on infants and small children. These small data sets are limited in both power to detect differences and the demographic diversity to generalize clearly and broadly. Thus, in this chapter we will discuss the value of using existing large‐scale data sets to tests the complex questions of child development and how to develop future large‐scale data sets that are both representative and can answer the important questions of developmental scientists.
VIII. THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF DEVELOPMENTAL METHODOLOGY
Authors: Little Todd D. , Wang Eugene W. , Gorrall Britt K.
Published: May 2017

This chapter selectively reviews the evolution of quantitative practices in the field of developmental methodology. The chapter begins with an overview of the past in developmental methodology, discussing the implementation and dissemination of latent variable modeling and, in particular, longitudinal structural equation modeling. It then turns to the present state of developmental methodology, highlighting current methodological advances in the field. Additionally, this section summarizes ample quantitative resources, ranging from key quantitative methods journal articles to the various quantitative methods training programs and institutes. The chapter concludes with the future of developmental methodology and puts forth seven future innovations in the field. The innovations discussed span the topics of measurement, modeling, temporal design, and planned missing data designs. Lastly, the chapter closes with a brief overview of advanced modeling techniques such as continuous time models, state space models, and the application of Bayesian estimation in the field of developmental methodology.
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT HOW WE LEARN ABOUT METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICS
Authors: Jose Paul E.
Published: May 2017

The overarching theme of this monograph is to encourage developmental researchers to acquire cutting‐edge and innovative design and statistical methods so that we can improve the studies that we execute on the topic of change. Card, the editor of the monograph, challenges the reader to think about works such as the present one as contributing to the new subdiscipline of developmental methodology within the broader field of developmental science. This thought‐provoking stance served as the stimulus for the present commentary, which is a collection of observations on “how we learn about methodology and statistics.” The point is made that we often learn critical new information from our colleagues, from seminal writings in the literature, and from conferences and workshop participation. It is encouraged that researchers pursue all three of these pathways as ways to acquire innovative knowledge and techniques. Finally, the role of developmental science societies in supporting the dissemination and uptake of this type of knowledge is discussed.
The emerging role of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling in obesity and exercise
Authors: Martinez‐Huenchullan S. , McLennan S. V. , Verhoeven A. , Twigg S. M. , Tam C. S.
Published: May 2017

Skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling has been proposed as a new feature associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Exercise training improves muscle function in obesity, which may be mediated by regulatory effects on the muscle extracellular matrix. This review examined available literature on skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling during obesity and the effects of exercise. A non‐systematic literature review was performed on PubMed of publications from 1970 to 2015. A total of 37 studies from humans and animals were retained. Studies reported overall increases in gene and protein expression of different types of collagen, growth factors and enzymatic regulators of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix in obesity. Only two studies investigated the effects of exercise on skeletal muscle extracellular matrix during obesity, with both suggesting a regulatory effect of exercise. The effects of exercise on muscle extracellular matrix seem to be influenced by the duration and type of exercise training with variable effects from a single session compared with a longer duration of exercise. More studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodelling during obesity and the effects of exercise.
Paraphoma chlamydocopiosa sp. nov. and Paraphoma pye sp. nov., two new species associated with leaf and crown infection of pyrethrum
Authors: Moslemi A. , Ades P. K. , Crous P. W. , Groom T. , Scott J. B. , Nicolas M. E. , Taylor P. W. J.
Published: May 2017

Two new pathogens of pyrethrum, described as Paraphoma chlamydocopiosa and Paraphoma pye, isolated from necrotic leaf lesions on pyrethrum plants in northern Tasmania, Australia, were identified using morphological characters, phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), elongation factor 1‐α (EF1‐α) and β‐tubulin (TUB) genes, and pathogenicity bioassays. Bootstrap support in the combined and individual gene region phylogenetic trees supported the two species that were significantly different from the closely related P. chrysanthemicola and P. vinacea. Morphological characteristics also supported the two new species, with conidia of P. chlamydocopiosa being considerably longer and wider than either P. chrysanthemicola or P. vinacea, and P. pye being distinct in forming bilocular pycnidia. Glasshouse pathogenicity tests based on root dip inoculation resulted in P. chlamydocopiosa and P. pye infecting the crown and upper root tissues of pyrethrum plants, and significant reduction in biomass 2 months after inoculation. Both of these Paraphoma species caused leaf lesions during in vitro and in vivo bioassays 2 weeks after foliar spray inoculation. Although P. chlamydocopiosa and P. pye were shown to be crown rot pathogens, they were also commonly isolated from leaves of diseased plants in pyrethrum fields of northern Tasmania.
Transit migration
Authors: Djajić Slobodan
Published: May 2017

Unauthorized international migration to the advanced countries has become increasingly more costly and indirect. The hazardous land and sea routes that pass through one or more transit countries offer liquidity‐constrained individuals an opportunity to economize on the pecuniary cost of migration as well as to work along the way to pay for the next leg of the journey. This paper analyzes the optimal behavior of transit migrants and examines its implications for the effectiveness of immigration control measures of the transit and final‐destination countries in deterring unauthorized migration. Strengthening of border controls at the final destination is shown to increase the relative effectiveness of internal enforcement measures of the transit countries, while tougher internal enforcement in the transit countries increases the relative effectiveness of border controls at the final destination.
Patient‐related complexity of care: a challenge or overwhelming burden for nurses – a qualitative study
Authors: Kentischer Felix , Kleinknecht‐Dolf Michael , Spirig Rebecca , Frei Irena Anna , Huber Evelyn
Published: May 2017

Background

Patient‐related complexity of nursing care in acute care hospitals has increased in recent years, in part due to shorter hospital stays and the increase in multimorbid patients. However, little research has been conducted on how nurses experience complex nursing care situations.

Aims

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of how nurses experience complex nursing care situations in Swiss acute care hospitals.

Methods

This qualitative study utilised focus group interviews and thematic analysis. Focus groups facilitate different perspectives of the topic. Thematic analysis is suitable for the analysis of everyday stories. Participants were 24 Registered Nurses with experience in their field, from four Swiss hospitals. The evaluation was performed in six steps according to themes. Participation was voluntary. This study was part of a multicentre research project that had been approved by the responsible ethics committees.

Results

Three main themes regarding the experience of complex nursing care situations were found: complexity as a challenge, complexity as an overwhelming burden and mediating factors. Mediating factors included time resources and teamwork and interprofessional collaboration as contextual conditions. Additionally, nurses’ individual characteristics such as their professional experience and expertise, as well as their personal and professional values and beliefs were considered as mediating factors. These mediating factors may determine whether complex nursing care situations are experienced as challenging or overwhelming.

Limitations

The findings from this study are limited as only experienced nurses participated in the study.

Conclusions

Nurses are ambivalent with regard to how they experience complex nursing care situations. The contextual conditions and the nurses’ personal characteristics play a key role in whether nurses perceive complex nursing care situations as positive challenges or overwhelming burdens. These findings are important for managers, as they can support nurses to master complex nursing care situations.
‘If it weren't for me…’: perspectives of family carers of older people receiving professional care
Authors: Carlsen Benedicte , Lundberg Kjetil
Published: May 2017

Background

In the Scandinavian countries and elsewhere, family care is important as a complement for older people in the professional care system. Better understanding of this role could lead to better cooperation between professionals and family carers and better use of family carers as a resource in care for older people.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore experiences of the role of family carers of older people in need of services and therefore to increase our understanding of this role.

Method

The study was designed as a qualitative interview study. In 2014 and 2015, we conducted semistructured interviews with a varied sample of 16 family carers of older people in both urban and rural locations in Norway. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Findings

The way the caregiving role was enacted varied greatly between the family carers in this study, but they all conveyed mixed feelings regarding their role. They saw caring for their relative both as a duty and a strain, as well as a choice and a meaningful task. One reason for their engagement was perceived deficiencies in professional care services. Family carers thus felt they made a difference to the older person's well‐being and health, and more so if this role was acknowledged by professional caregivers.

Conclusions

This study suggests that in spite of or perhaps even because of feelings of obligation and strain, family care is experienced as highly meaningful. However, it seems important that family carers receive explicit appreciation from professional health or care staff.
Feeling and thinking: An affect‐as‐cognitive‐feedback account
Authors: Ray Cara , Huntsinger Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2017

Despite the abundance of evidence demonstrating a dedicated link between positive and negative affect and specific ways of thinking, not all findings are consistent with this view. New research suggests that the relationship between affect and thinking can be altered and often reversed, by varying the mental context in which affect is experienced. The affect‐as‐cognitive‐feedback account can explain a wide range of phenomena, including both prior findings and this more recent research, and generate new predictions. According to this account, affective reactions confer value on accessible information processing strategies (e.g., global vs. local processing) and other mental content that happens to be accessible at the time. This view underscores that the relationship between affect and cognition is not fixed but instead is highly malleable. We present evidence that supports this account, along with new findings that suggest a malleable influence of specific affective states on cognition.
Self‐regulation principles underlying risk perception and decision making within the context of genomic testing
Authors: Cameron Linda D. , Biesecker Barbara Bowles , Peters Ellen , Taber Jennifer M. , Klein William M.P.
Published: May 2017

Advances in theory and research on self‐regulation and decision‐making processes have yielded important insights into how cognitive, emotional, and social processes shape risk perceptions and risk‐related decisions. We examine how self‐regulation theory can be applied to inform our understanding of decision‐making processes within the context of genomic testing, a clinical arena in which individuals face complex risk information and potentially life‐altering decisions. After presenting key principles of self‐regulation, we present a genomic testing case example to illustrate how principles related to risk representations, approach and avoidance motivations, emotion regulation, defensive responses, temporal construals, and capacities such as numeric abilities can shape decisions and psychological responses during the genomic testing process. We conclude with implications for using self‐regulation theory to advance science within genomic testing and opportunities for how this research can inform further developments in self‐regulation theory.
The subject of psychology: A Lacanian critique
Authors: Hook Derek
Published: May 2017

This paper provides an overview of Jacques Lacan's views on psychology, paying particular attention to how such critiques support a distinctively Lacanian view of the subject. Lacan attacked various facets of psychology, including: psychology's objectifying (and objectivistic) tendencies; the discipline's historical attempt to model itself on the natural sciences; its conceptual and practical prioritizations of the ego and consciousness; its frequent prioritization of developmental, biological and physiological paradigms above a careful analysis of the structures and operations of language and speech. The aim of the paper is not to systematically work through Lacan's various criticisms, still less to refute them. Ultimately, Lacan's historical attacks against psychology—apposite as they are—have their greatest value in helping us to strike some distance from commonplace assumptions and psychological assumptions about the nature of the subject.
How do I work up pretransfusion samples containing anti‐CD38?
Authors: Anani Waseem Q. , Duffer Kathleen , Kaufman Richard M. , Denomme Gregory A.
Published: May 2017

Anti‐CD38 is used to treat relapsed or treatment‐refractory multiple myeloma. CD38 monoclonal antibodies, however, can interfere with routine blood bank serologic tests. Agglutination is observed at the indirect phase of testing as the drug binds to red blood cells (RBCs). Resolving the testing interference causes delays issuing RBC units to patients with anemia. A number of devised methods to eliminate or bypass the effects of anti‐CD38 on serologic tests are in use but no panacea exists. The limitations of each method require each testing site tailor an approach to best fit their needs. We present perspectives and testing practices from a hospital transfusion medicine service and an Immunohematology Reference Laboratory managing pretransfusion samples with anti‐CD38.
Children's and adults' perception of questions and statements from terminal fundamental frequency contours
Authors: Saindon Mathieu R. , Cirelli Laura K. , Schellenberg E. Glenn , van Lieshout Pascal , Trehub Sandra E.
Published: May 2017

The present study compared children's and adults' identification and discrimination of declarative questions and statements on the basis of terminal cues alone. Children (8–11 years, n = 41) and adults (n = 21) judged utterances as statements or questions from sentences with natural statement and question endings and with manipulated endings that featured intermediate fundamental frequency (F0) values. The same adults and a different sample of children (n = 22) were also tested on their discrimination of the utterances. Children's judgments shifted more gradually across categories than those of adults, but their category boundaries were comparable. In the discrimination task, adults found cross-boundary comparisons more salient than within-boundary comparisons. Adults' performance on the identification and discrimination tasks is consistent with but not definitive regarding categorical perception of statements and questions. Children, by contrast, discriminated the cross-boundary comparisons no better than other comparisons. The findings indicate age-related sharpening in the perception of statements and questions based on terminal F0 cues and the gradual emergence of distinct perceptual categories.
A method of velocity estimation using composite hyperbolic frequency-modulated signals in active sonar
Authors: Wang Fangyong , Du Shuanping , Sun Wei , Huang Qiang , Su Jiao
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes a method to estimate the target velocity using a combination of two hyperbolic frequency-modulated (HFM) signals. The Doppler-shifted time-delay between the two signals compared with the original time-delay is used to estimate the target velocity. One finds that a HFM with an increasing frequency sweep (positive HFM) and one with a decreasing frequency sweep (negative HFM) yield a different time. And a better Doppler estimation can be obtained by using a negative HFM signal followed by a positive HFM signal than the other way around. The method is applied to real data and performance is demonstrated via simulated data.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequences of Four Lignocellulose-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Puerto Rican Forest Soil:
Gordonia
sp.,
Paenibacillus
sp.,
Variovorax
sp., and
Vogesella
sp
Authors: Woo Hannah L. , DeAngelis Kristen M. , Teshima Hazuki , Davenport Karen , Daligault Hajnalka , Erkkila Tracy , Goodwin Lynne , Gu Wei , Lo Chien-Chi , Munk Christine , Scholz Matthew , Xu Yan , Chain Patrick , Bruce David , Detter Chris , Tapia Roxanne , Han Cliff , Simmons Blake A. , Hazen Terry C.
Published: May 2017

Here, we report the high-quality draft genome sequences of four phylogenetically diverse lignocellulose-degrading bacteria isolated from tropical soil (
Gordonia
sp.,
Paenibacillus
sp.,
Variovorax
sp., and
Vogesella
sp.) to elucidate the genetic basis of their ability to degrade lignocellulose. These isolates may provide novel enzymes for biofuel production.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pediococcus pentosaceus Strain FBL2, a Probiotic Bacterium Isolated from Jogaejeot, a Salted Fermented Food, in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Eiseul , Kim Jae-Hwan , Park Saet-Byul , Kim Mi-ju , Kim Hyun-Joong , Kim Chang-Gyeom , Choo Dong-Won , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: May 2017

Pediococcus pentosaceus
strain FBL2 is a lactic acid bacterium isolated in the Republic of Korea from jogaejeot, a salted fermented food made with shellfish.
P. pentosaceus
strain FBL2 comprised 54 contigs (≥1 kb) and had a total draft genome size of 1,934,229 bp with a G+C content of 37.2%.
Complete Genome Sequences of Porcine Deltacoronavirus Strains DH1/2016 and DH2/2016 Isolated in South Korea
Authors: Chung Hee-Chun , Nguyen Van Giap , Oh Woo-Taek , My Le Huynh Thi , Moon Hyung-Joon , Lee Jee-Hoon , Kim Hye-Kwon , Park Seong-Jun , Park Bong Kyun
Published: May 2017

Two porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) strains, named DH1/2016 and DH2/2016, were isolated from feces of piglets which had severe watery diarrhea symptoms. A comparison of the complete genome sequences suggested that the DH1/2016 and DH2/2016 strains are highly homologous to each other and to PDCoVs isolated in early 2014 from the United States.
What is the best analgesic option for patients presenting with renal colic to the emergency department? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pathan Sameer A. , Mitra Biswadev , Romero Lorena , Cameron Peter A.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Patients with renal colic present to the emergency department in excruciating pain. There is variability in practice regarding the choice of initial analgesic to be used in renal colic. The aim of this article is to outline the protocol for review of the efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and paracetamol use in renal colic pain management.

Methods and analysis

This is the protocol for a systematic review, comparing efficacy of NSAIDs, opioids and paracetamol in renal colic studied under randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. This protocol reporting is based on the PRISMA-P recommendations (PRISMA-P-checklist). We will conduct a comprehensive literature search for both peer-reviewed and grey literature published until 18 December 2016. Using a predefined search strategy, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be searched. Additional searches will include WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, abstract list of relevant major conferences and the reference lists of relevant publications. Two authors will independently screen and identify the studies to be included. The RCT comparing NSAIDs versus opioids or paracetamol will be included in the review, if the age of participants in the study was >16 years and they presented with moderate to severe renal colic. Any disagreement between the screening authors will be resolved through discussion and reaching consensus; if not, a third reviewer will arbitrate. Quantitative data from homogeneous studies will be pooled in the meta-analysis using RevMan V.5.3 software. The findings of this review will be presented according to the guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethics approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected. We plan to publish the result of this review in a peer-reviewed journal.
Examining the safety of menstrual cups among rural primary school girls in western Kenya: observational studies nested in a randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Juma Jane , Nyothach Elizabeth , Laserson Kayla F , Oduor Clifford , Arita Lilian , Ouma Caroline , Oruko Kelvin , Omoto Jackton , Mason Linda , Alexander Kelly T , Fields Barry , Onyango Clayton , Phillips-Howard Penelope A
Published: May 2017

Objective

Examine the safety of menstrual cups against sanitary pads and usual practice in Kenyan schoolgirls.

Design

Observational studies nested in a cluster randomised controlled feasibility study.

Setting

30 primary schools in a health and demographic surveillance system in rural western Kenya.

Participants

Menstruating primary schoolgirls aged 14–16 years participating in a menstrual feasibility study.

Interventions

Insertable menstrual cup, monthly sanitary pads or ‘usual practice’ (controls).

Outcome measures

Staphylococcus aureusvaginal colonization,Escherichia coligrowth on sampled used cups, toxic shock syndrome or other adverse health outcomes.

Results

Among 604 eligible girls tested, no adverse event or TSS was detected over a median 10.9 months follow-up.S. aureusprevalence was 10.8%, with no significant difference over intervention time or between groups. Of 65 S.aureuspositives at first test, 49 girls were retested and 10 (20.4%) remained positive. Of these, two (20%) sample isolates tested positive for toxic shock syndrome toxin-1; both girls were provided pads and were clinically healthy. Seven per cent of cups required replacements for loss, damage, dropping in a latrine or a poor fit. Of 30 used cups processed forE. coligrowth, 13 (37.1%, 95% CI 21.1% to 53.1%) had growth.E. coligrowth was greatest in newer compared with established users (53%vs22.2%, p=0.12).

Conclusions

Among this feasibility sample, no evidence emerged to indicate menstrual cups are hazardous or cause health harms among rural Kenyan schoolgirls, but large-scale trials and post-marketing surveillance should continue to evaluate cup safety.
Satisfaction, burnout and intention to stay of emergency nurses in Shanghai
Authors: Jiang Hui , Ma Lily , Gao Caiping , Li Tengteng , Huang Lihua , Huang Weiqin
Published: May 2017

Background

Stability of the nursing workforce is considered a key factor for high-quality healthcare. Satisfaction and burnout are reported to be closely related to staff turnover. This study investigates satisfaction and burnout of ED nurses in Shanghai and association of these factors with intention to stay on the job.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional descriptive survey study conducted between October and December 2015. Our own questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were used to construct the survey. The convenience sampling method was used. The survey targeted ED nurses in 30 Shanghai hospitals. Data were analysed using descriptive, non-paired t-tests, analysis of variance and multivariable logistic regression to decipher possible causes for burnout and identify reasons for continued interest in staying on the job by ED nurses.

Results

Of 1137 nurses who received surveys, 976 (87%) responded. Among the respondents, 75% reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their jobs, but there was a high level of burnout, and 22.5% of the nurses expressed their intention to leave the ED within the following year (p<0.05). Nurses’ satisfaction and burnout were associated with intention to leave. Salary, nurse–patient relationships, nurse staffing and work environment were areas where nurses were less satisfied, while group cohesion was associated with greater satisfaction.

Conclusion

ED nurses in Shanghai report a high level of burnout, which is associated with an intention to leave their jobs. Interventions are needed to improve satisfaction and reduce burnout to maintain the stability of the nursing workforce.
A general model for salmon run reconstruction that accounts for interception and differences in availability to harvest
Authors: Cunningham Curry J. , Branch Trevor A. , Dann Tyler H. , Smith Matt , Seeb James E. , Seeb Lisa W. , Hilborn Ray
Published: May 2017

Understanding population-specific spawner–recruit relationships is necessary for sustainable salmon management. Where multiple populations are harvested together, run reconstruction methods partition mixed-stock catches and allocate recruits back to their populations of origin. Traditional run reconstruction methods often use age composition data to inform catch partitioning. However age-only methods do not account for stock-specific differences in the availability of fish to harvest within fishing areas or the incidental harvest of nontarget stocks in nearby fishing areas. Advances in molecular genetic techniques permit genetic stock identification (GSI) of both contemporary and historical catch samples. We present a statistical model for salmon run reconstruction that utilizes both age composition and GSI data to estimate differences in the availability of stocks within, and interception rates among, terminal fisheries. When applied to the commercial sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fishery in Bristol Bay, Alaska, new estimates of population productivity differed from those generated using previous age-only methods by 0.1%–155.1%, with stock-specific mean absolute percent differences of 9.7%–38.7% across years, underscoring the value of genetic data for run reconstruction. With more accurate run reconstruction methods, spawner–recruit relationships can be identified more precisely, thus providing more accurate management targets for salmon fisheries.
Particle acceleration by static black holes in a model of f(R) gravity
Authors: Halilsoy M. , Ovgun A.
Published: May 2017

Particle collisions are considered within the context of f(R) gravity described by [Formula: see text], where R stands for the Ricci scalar and α is a nonzero constant. The center of mass energy of head-on colliding particles moving in opposite radial directions near the naked singularity or horizon are considered. Collision of particles in the same direction near the event horizon yields finite energy while the energy of oppositely moving particles grows unbounded. Addition of a cosmological constant does not change this feature. Collision of a massless outgoing photon with an infalling particle and collision of two oppositely moving photons following null-geodesics are also taken into account.
Microstructure and properties of TiO2 sol-enhanced black nickel nanocomposite coating
Authors: Bo Hu , Hou Fengyan , Tay See Leng , Wang Yuxin , Gao Wei , Xiong Chao
Published: May 2017

Black nickel coatings are widely used in industries due to their shiny black color and other unique properties. However these coatings are normally soft, which limits their applications. In order to increase the mechanical properties of black nickel coatings, sol-enhanced technology has been applied to the plating process. TiO2 sol-enhanced black nickel nanocomposite coatings were electroplated on nickel-coated brass. A systematic study on the microstructure and properties of the black coatings were conducted. The effects of TiO2 concentration (TiO2 sol concentration in 0–20 mL/L) on the surface morphology, nanohardness and wear resistance have been studied. The results indicated that the nanohardness of the sol-enhanced black nickel coating was increased by [Formula: see text]20%. The mechanisms of improvement and surface morphology variation were also discussed.
Nonlinear optical absorption in the core shell nanowire
Authors: Kouhi Mohammad
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the effect of incident light intensity, relaxation time, core radius and shell thickness on linear, nonlinear, total optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes in [Formula: see text] core–shell nanowire are theoretically investigated. The presented nanostructure is a cylindrical quantum wire including a shell around the cylinder core. By numerical solution of Schrödinger equation in the cylindrical coordinates with effective mass approximation, the optical absorption coefficients are calculated. The results show that the magnitude of optical absorption coefficients can be adjusted by varying the relaxation time. The positions of resonant peaks of optical absorption coefficients are redshifted by increase of core radius due to decrease of the energy difference between two energy levels. With increase of shell thickness initially, the resonance wavelength of absorption coefficient increases (redshift) and magnitude of absorption coefficient decreases. Then with more increases of the shell thickness, redshifting of resonance wavelength is stopped and magnitude of absorption coefficient is increased. There is a significant increase in the refractive index change with increase of relaxation time.
RATIONAL FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM SCREENING IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PATIENTS WITHOUT DEFINITE PREDISPOSING FACTOR
Authors: Roshanzamir Sharareh , Azarang Amid , Dabbaghmanesh Alireza
Published: May 2017

Background: Screening for hypothyroidism in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients is of controversy. To determine the value of hypothyroidism screening in CTS patients without definite predisposing factor we designed this study. Materials and Methods: 220 normal female and 220 female with CTS were included. We excluded any patient with a definite predisposing factor for CTS such as trauma, being manual laborer, etc. Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire was filled for each CTS patient and all the patients went under electrodiagnostic study; and a blood sample was taken to measure TSH and T4 level. Results: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 38.2% among the CTS group, and 11.8% in control group. The level of TSH was above 10[Formula: see text]mU/L (cut off level for treatment) in 45.2% of subclinical hypothyroid patients with CTS and 11.5% of subclinical hypothyroid patients without CTS. In the subclinical hypothyroid patients with CTS there was a significant direct correlation between TSH values and the Boston questionnaire scoring (correlation coefficient with function score: 0.93 and with symptom score: 0.96) ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: Regarding high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in CTS patients without definite predisposing factor and direct association of TSH level with symptom severity we recommend screening for hypothyroidism in these patients.
Experimental study of the stabilization effect of cement on diesel-contaminated soil
Authors: Chen Huie , Jiang Yaling , Zhang Wen , He Xiaohong
Published: May 2017

Soil samples with different contaminant concentrations were stabilized by different added doses of cement. Unconfined compressive test results were used to analyse the influence of curing time, diesel content and cement addition ratio on the strength formation process. Micrographs of samples were used to analyse the deterioration in soil properties caused by diesel and the stabilization effect of cement. The results showed that different combinations of curing time, diesel and cement content led to different strength increase processes. For unstabilized contaminated soil, the time needed to finish the deterioration brought about by diesel in slightly contaminated samples was longer than that in heavily contaminated samples. For stabilized contaminated soil, the strength formation process in samples with low diesel contents and low cement addition ratios was faster than that in samples with high diesel contents and low cement addition ratios, and the strength formation process of samples with high cement addition ratios was slow. A higher strength increase was obtained in slightly contaminated samples stabilized by cement at a low addition ratio. The amount of fine particles increased in contaminated samples, and the stabilized contaminated samples had a denser aggregated structure and a higher content of large aggregations compared with the original sample.
The Impact of Duration of Complaints on Successful Outcome of Sacral Neuromodulation
Authors: Jairam Ranjana , Drossaerts Jamie , van Koeveringe Gommert , van Kerrebroeck Philip
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate whether the duration of complaints in patients with overactive bladder syndrome or non-obstructive urinary retention predicts the outcome of sacral neuromodulation (SNM). Methods: All patients that underwent a SNM test period evaluation between 2011 and 2014, were included in this study. The duration of complaints was listed in 3 categories: (a) 0-5 years, (b) 5-10 years and (c) 10 years or longer. Analyses with chi square tests were performed to evaluate whether the duration of complaints are associated with outcome of SNM. Results: In total, 130 patients were included. Most patients had a complaint duration of 0-5 years (n = 60). The test period was successful in 56% (n = 74) of the total group. Analyses showed that the duration of complaints is not significantly associated with outcome of SNM (p = 0.752), even when subdivided per indication, and also when possible confounders such as age at test and indication are taken into account (p = 0.720). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, there is no relationship between duration of complaints and SNM outcome. SNM seems to remain a feasible treatment option, despite of possible anatomical or physiological changes within the lower urinary tract.
Effektivität und Erfolgsprädiktoren in der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie unter Praxisbedingungen
Authors: Hasenauer Melanie , Tschuschke Volker
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund: Es gibt wenige deutsche Effektivitätsstudien zur Behandlung unterschiedlicher Störungsbilder unter naturalistischen Praxisbedingungen (Phase-IV-Forschung). Die vorliegende Studie untersucht anhand einer unselektierten Stichprobe, welche Therapieeffekte sich im Rahmen von Ambulanzen verhaltenstherapeutischer Ausbildungsinstitute durch Therapeuten in Ausbildung und unter Supervision erzielen lassen und welche Prädiktoren für das Behandlungsergebnis bedeutsam sind. Patienten und Methoden: 73 Patienten mit unterschiedlichen Diagnosen nach ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases 10) wurden zu Therapiebeginn und -ende untersucht. Die Erfolgsbewertung erfolgte durch die Berechnung der Effektstärken (Cohen's d). Um Aussagen über mögliche Prädiktoren zu erhalten, wurden die Outcome-Variablen mithilfe der Strategie multipler Outcome-Kriterien zu jeweils einem Belastungs- und Outcome-Score verrechnet. Mögliche Prädiktorvariablen wurden zu Behandlungseintritt in einer Analyse gemischter Modelle (Mixed Model Analysis) getestet. Ergebnisse: Bei verschiedenen Outcome-Berechnungen ergaben sich durchschnittlich hohe Prä-Post-Effektstärken von d = 0,98 bis d = 1,43. Als signifikante Erfolgsprädiktoren wurden die Schwere der psychischen Eingangsbelastung der Patienten (positiv), eine niedrigere Schulbildung (negativ) und die Diagnose einer Angststörung (negativ) gefunden. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse legen die Wirksamkeit ambulanter kognitiver Verhaltenstherapie, durchgeführt von Ausbildungskandidaten unter Supervision, nahe. Differenzielle Behandlungsergebnisse zeigen, dass Angstpatienten am wenigsten und Patienten mit Anpassungs- und Persönlichkeitsstörungen am meisten profitierten. Fragen bezüglich der differenziellen Ergebnisse werden diskutiert und Empfehlungen für zukünftige Forschung gegeben.
Esophageal Metastasis from Rectal Cancer Successfully Treated with Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Watanabe Sho , Takashima Atsuo , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Tanaka Yusaku , Nakamura Shoko , Okita Natsuko , Honma Yoshitaka , Iwasa Satoru , Kato Ken , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Boku Narikazu
Published: May 2017

Esophageal metastasis from colorectal carcinoma is uncommon, and diagnosis of esophageal metastasis is difficult. We report a case of a 54-year-old woman with postoperative recurrence of rectal cancer metastasizing to the esophagus. She underwent rectectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil, leucovorin plus oxaliplatin for stage IIIB rectal cancer. Three years later, she presented with dysphagia and cough. Computed tomography showed thickening of the esophagus wall, enlargement of the lymph nodes in the mediastinum and abdomen, and ground-glass opacities in the right lung. Endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor of the midthoracic esophagus. Histopathological analysis of the tumor biopsy showed infiltration of adenocarcinoma cells into the stroma of the esophagus; tumor cells were positive for caudal type homeobox 2 and negative for thyroid transcription factor 1. A transbronchial biopsy indicated pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis of rectal adenocarcinoma. Based on those findings, she was diagnosed with recurrent rectal cancer. She received fluorouracil-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab, which ameliorated her symptoms and induced a durable response without severe adverse events. Diagnosis of esophageal metastasis from rectal cancer can thus be made by repeated biopsy. Furthermore, aggressive systemic treatment with fluorouracil-containing chemotherapy and bevacizumab is a treatment option for colorectal cancer patients with esophageal metastasis.
Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Peritoneal Dialysis: The Role of Adipocytes
Authors: Shi Jun , Yu Manshu , Sheng Meixiao
Published: May 2017

Chronic inflammation and angiogenesis are the most common complications in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD), resulting in progressive peritoneum remolding and, eventually, utrafiltration failure. Contributing to the deeper tissue under the peritoneal membrane, adipocytes play a neglected role in this process. Some adipokines act as inflammatory and angiogenic promoters, while others have the opposite effects. Adipokines, together with inflammatory factors and other cytokines, modulate inflammation and neovascularization in a coordinated fashion. This review will also emphasize cellular regulators and their crosstalk in long-term PD. Understanding the molecular mechanism, targeting changes in adipocytes and regulating adipokine secretion will help extend therapeutic methods for preventing inflammation and angiogenesis in PD.
Role of Adipose Tissue Endothelial ADAM17 in Age-Related Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Authors: Dou Huijuan , Feher Attila , Davila Alec C. , Romero Maritza J. , Patel Vijay S. , Kamath Vinayak M. , Gooz Monika Beck , Rudic R. Daniel , Lucas Rudolf , Fulton David J. , Weintraub Neal L. , Bagi Zsolt
Published: May 2017

Objective—

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase ADAM17 (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF]–converting enzyme) regulates soluble TNF levels. We tested the hypothesis that aging-induced activation in adipose tissue (AT)-expressed ADAM17 contributes to the development of remote coronary microvascular dysfunction in obesity.

Approach and Results—

Coronary arterioles (CAs, ≈90 µm) from right atrial appendages and mediastinal AT were examined in patients (aged: 69±11 years, BMI: 30.2±5.6 kg/m
2
) who underwent open heart surgery. CA and AT were also studied in 6-month and 24-month lean and obese mice fed a normal or high-fat diet. We found that obesity elicited impaired endothelium-dependent CA dilations only in older patients and in aged high-fat diet mice. Transplantation of AT from aged obese, but not from young or aged, mice increased serum cytokine levels, including TNF, and impaired CA dilation in the young recipient mice. In patients and mice, obesity was accompanied by age-related activation of ADAM17, which was attributed to vascular endothelium–expressed ADAM17. Excess, ADAM17-shed TNF from AT arteries in older obese patients was sufficient to impair CA dilation in a bioassay in which the AT artery was serially connected to a CA. Moreover, we found that the increased activity of endothelial ADAM17 is mediated by a diminished inhibitory interaction with caveolin-1, owing to age-related decline in caveolin-1 expression in obese patients and mice or to genetic deletion of caveolin-1.

Conclusions—

The present study indicates that aging and obesity cooperatively reduce caveolin-1 expression and increase vascular endothelial ADAM17 activity and soluble TNF release in AT, which may contribute to the development of remote coronary microvascular dysfunction in older obese patients.
The intricate nomenclatural questions around Plantago holosteum (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: IAMONICO DUILIO , HASSEMER GUSTAVO , RØNSTED NINA , DI PIETRO ROMEO
Published: May 2017

A nomenclatural study on the names of the narrow-leaved plantains linked to Plantago holosteum is presented. The names P. carinata, P. gerardii, P. holosteum, P. maritima var. apennina, P. subulata sensu Wulfen, and P. wulfenii have been studied. The name P. holosteum is lectotypified on illustration by Bauhin & Cherler, P. wulfenii by Willdenow on a specimen preserved at B while P. maritima var. apennina was neotypified using a specimen deposited at RO. For P. holosteum, an accepted and widely used name both in the floristic and the vegetation literature of SE-Europe, an epitype is designated here. The name P. carinata was proposed by Mertens & Koch to replace P. subulata sensu Wulfen non L., but is illegitimate (ICN, Arts. 52.2, 53.1). Plantago gerardii Schult. is a later homonym of P. gerardii Pourr. (= P. argentea), and therefore also illegitimate (Art. 53.2). All the names investigated in this paper are placed in the synonymy of P. holosteum here (some of them only provisionally), except for Willdenow’s P. wulfenii which is considered a heterotypic synonym of P. maritima.
How Well Are Tropical Cyclones Represented in Reanalysis Datasets?
Authors: Hodges Kevin , Cobb Alison , Vidale Pier Luigi
Published: May 2017

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are identified and tracked in six recent reanalysis datasets and compared with those from the IBTrACS best-track archive. Results indicate that nearly every cyclone present in IBTrACS over the period 1979–2012 can be found in all six reanalyses using a tracking and matching approach. However, TC intensities are significantly underrepresented in the reanalyses compared to the observations. Applying a typical objective TC identification scheme, it is found that the largest uncertainties in TC identification occur for the weaker storms; this is exacerbated by uncertainties in the observations for weak storms and lack of consistency in operational procedures. For example, certain types of storms, such as tropical depressions, subtropical cyclones, and monsoon depressions, are not included in the best-track data for all reporting agencies. There are definite improvements in how well TCs are represented in more recent, higher-resolution reanalyses; in particular MERRA-2 is comparable with the NCEP-CFSR and JRA-55 reanalyses, which perform significantly better than the older MERRA reanalysis.
Nanocomposite based on polystyrene/polyamide blend and bentonite
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Haider Safia , Muhammad Bakhtiar
Published: May 2017

Novel organomodified nanoclay (bentonite) was reinforced in polystyrene, polyamide, and polystyrene/polyamide blend matrix to develop a series of nanocomposites using a solution processing technique. Modification of bentonite nanoclay was performed via an ion-exchange method with l-serine amino acid. Properties of polystyrene/modified bentonite, polyamide/modified bentonite, and polystyrene/polyamide/modified bentonite nanocomposites were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and cone calorimetry techniques. A unique honeycomb-like pattern was observed for polystyrene/polyamide blend with 0.5 g modified bentonite content. The morphology analysis revealed a co-continuous structure in which nanoclay particles were trapped. The polystyrene/polyamide/modified bentonite nanocomposite also showed fine improvement in thermal properties of the system, that is, initial decomposition temperature = 309–321°C and maximum weight loss temperature = 390–400°C. Glass transition temperature (351–385°C) of the series was also higher than the polystyrene/modified bentonite and polyamide/modified bentonite series. Increasing nanoclay content decreased the peak heat release rate of polystyrene/polyamide/modified bentonite 0.5 nanocomposite to 145 kW m−2, indicating improvement in nonflammability. Moreover, the blend and nanoclay series possess better flame retardancy than the blend and other nanocomposite series developed.