bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Outflow Facility in Live C57BL/6 Mice of Different Age
Authors: Yelenskiy Aleksandr , Ko MinHee K. , Chu Edward R. , Gonzalez Jose M. , Siegmund Kimberly , Tan James C.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To characterize total outflow facility across the live adult mouse lifespan as a reference for mouse glaucoma studies and the common C57BL/6 background strain. Methods: Microperfusion was performed by single-needle cannulation and feedback-controlled coupling of pressure and flow to maintain a constant pressure in the anterior chambers of live C57BL/6NCrl mice aged 3-4 months (n = 17), 6-9 months (n = 10), and 23-27 months (n = 12). This mouse age range represented an equivalent human age range of young adult to elderly. We characterized the following across age groups in vivo: (1) outflow facility based on constant pressure perfusion in a pressure range of 15-35 mm Hg, (2) perfusion flow rates, and (3) anterior segment tissue histology after perfusion. Thirty-nine live mice underwent perfusion. Results: Pressure-flow rate functions were consistently linear for all age groups (all R2 > 0.96). Total outflow facility in mice aged 3-4, 6-9, and 23-27 months was 0.0066, 0.0064, and 0.0077 μL/min/mm Hg, respectively. Facility was not significantly different between age groups (all p > 0.4). The groups had closely overlapping frequency distribution profiles with right-sided tails. Post hoc estimates indicated that group facility differences of at least 50% would have been detectable, with this limit set mainly by inherent variability in the strain. A trend toward higher perfusion flow rates was seen in older mice aged 23-27 months, but this was not significantly different from that of mice aged 3-4 months or 6-9 months (p > 0.2). No histological disruption or difference in iridocorneal angle or drainage tissue structure was seen following perfusion in the different age groups. Conclusion: We did not find a significant difference in total outflow facility between different age groups across the live C57BL/6 mouse adult lifespan, agreeing with some human studies. The possibility that more subtle differences might exist ought to be judged with respect to the heterogeneity in facility at different ages. Our findings provide reference data for live perfusion studies pertaining to glaucoma involving the C57BL/6 strain.
The Relationship of Residual Renal Function with Cardiovascular Morbidity in Hemodialysis Patients and the Potential Role of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1
Authors: Raikou Vaia D. , Kardalinos Vasilios , Kyriaki Despina
Published: November 2017

Background: Residual renal function (RRF) provides several benefits to patients on dialysis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays an important role in atherosclerotic lesions. We considered the relationship between RRF and cardiovascular morbidity and the significant role of MCP-1 serum concentrations in hemodiafiltration (HDF) patients. Methods: We enrolled 76 patients on on-line HDF. RRF was defined by interdialytic urine output, and we studied the patients in two groups according to the preservation or not of urine output. MCP-1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. χ2 tests were applied for the association between RRF and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction. We built an adjusted model using logistic regression analysis for the factors which might impact on the loss of urine output. Results: χ2 tests showed a significant association between the loss of urine output and LVH, diastolic dysfunction, and PAD (χ2 = 7.4, p = 0.007; χ2 = 14.3, p = 0.001; χ2 = 4.2, p = 0.03, respectively), although the association with CAD and systolic dysfunction was found to be nonsignificant. The patients without RRF had significantly higher MCP-1, and the urine volume was inversely associated with MCP-1 (r = -465, p = 0.03). In the built adjusted model, the elevated MCP-1 was found to be a significant predictor for the loss of RRF. Conclusion: The loss of RRF was significantly associated with LVH, diastolic dysfunction, and PAD in HDF patients. The increased MCP-1, affected by the lack of urine, may act as an additional underlying factor on this relationship, reflecting a progressive inflammation/oxidative stress condition.
Contemporary Epidemiology of Transient Ischemic Attack in Dijon, France (2013–2015)
Authors: Béjot Yannick , Brenière Céline , Graber Mathilde , Garnier Lucie , Durier Jérôme , Blanc-Labarre Christelle , Delpont Benoit , Giroud Maurice
Published: November 2017

Background: We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: All TIAs were prospectively collected in Dijon, France, using a population-based registry (2013–2015). TIAs were considered the first-ever in patients who had no previous cerebrovascular events (CVEs); otherwise they were considered recurrent TIAs. Annual incidence (first-ever TIAs) and attack rates (first-ever and recurrent TIAs) were calculated. Results: Four hundred twenty TIAs were registered (255 first-ever and 165 recurrent TIAs, mean age: 74.1 ± 15.7 years). The age-standardized incidence rate (to the 2013 European population) was 61 (95% CI 46–76) and the attack rate was 81 (95% CI 64–99) per 100,000/year. Patients with TIA as a recurrent event had a greater prevalence of risk factors and preventive treatments. However, one third of them were not receiving antithrombotic agents or antihypertensive treatments, and half were not treated with statins at the time of their recurrence. The mean ABCD2 score was 4.3 ± 1.3, and 72% of patients had a high risk of recurrence (score ≥4). In patients with available MRI (23%), an infarct lesion was seen in 15.5%. Conclusions: TIA is a frequent occurrence and a large proportion of patients have a high risk of recurrence, thus highlighting the need to establish dedicated emergency services to administer prompt secondary prevention.
Necessidades das famílias em enfermaria pediátrica: a percepção dos próprios atores
Authors: Joaquim Regina Helena Vitale Torkomian , Barbano Letícia Maria , Bombarda Tatiana Barbieri
Published: November 2017

O presente trabalho visou identificar a percepção de familiares sobre suas necessidades na vivência do processo de hospitalização infantil. Por meio do uso da técnica de grupo focal, foram realizados 11 encontros com um total de 36 familiares participantes. Os dados obtidos foram analisados pela Análise de Conteúdo Temática e agrupados em quatro categorias: desgaste psicoemocional, modificação de rotina, ambiente hospitalar e recursos de suporte. Diante dos apontamentos, verificou-se que as necessidades proferidas pelos familiares vinculam-se a problemáticas relacionadas ao ambiente físico hospitalar, à postura profissional, a dinâmica do serviço e a própria vivência do adoecimento e hospitalização. Concluiu-se que as demandas apresentadas são multidimensionais, visto perpassarem por questões emocionais, organizacionais e relacionadas a rupturas de seu cotidiano. Deste modo, se faz necessário incluir o familiar cuidador na assistência, fator que exige o desenvolvimento de um trabalho interdisciplinar efetivo, sendo o terapeuta ocupacional um profissional potencial para auxiliar na minimização das dificuldades estratificadas.
A aposentadoria na perspectiva ocupacional: continuidade do curso de vida e novas possibilidades
Authors: Xavier Cecília Melo Neves , Bueno Kátia Maria Penido , Assis Luciana De Oliveira , Almeida Simone Costa de , Assis Marcella Guimarães
Published: November 2017

O aumento da expectativa de vida contribui para que aposentados estejam envolvidos em ocupações por muitos anos, o que demanda a criação de novos arranjos ocupacionais para suas vidas. Percebe-se uma ausência, na literatura, da compreensão do modo como o sujeito acessa as ocupações que constituirão a nova rotina. Esse trabalho objetiva compreender, a partir da percepção do aposentado, como as ocupações realizadas no percurso de vida participam da reorganização ocupacional na aposentadoria. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, fundamentado teoricamente no paradigma de desenvolvimento ao longo de toda a vida (life span). Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 30 idosos. Os resultados foram analisados por análise de conteúdo e foram apresentados em quatro categorias: ao longo de toda a vida; antigos significados, novas ocupações; agora eu posso; outras possibilidades: a descoberta. Os resultados revelaram que ocupações realizadas no percurso de vida são referências importantes na aposentadoria, ressaltando a relevância da história ocupacional. Identificou-se também a prática de novas ocupações, comprovando que esse pode ser um momento de novas possibilidades. Este estudo não incluiu diferenciações quanto ao gênero e classe social e tais aspectos poderão ser abordados em estudos futuros.
Desenvolvimento de recurso de tecnologia assistiva para paciente com lesão do plexo braquial
Authors: Oliveira Flauber Felipe , Oliveira Eliza Ribeiro
Published: November 2017

Um dos desafios cotidianos para pessoas com Lesão do Plexo Braquial (LPB) é desempenhar as Atividades de Vida Diária (AVDs) com sucesso, desde atividades simples, como o vestir, até atividades mais complexas como preparar uma refeição. Tais pessoas podem ser beneficiadas pelas Tecnologias Assistivas (TAs), que são definidas como qualquer item, equipamento ou produto, seja ele adquirido comercialmente, modificado ou personalizado que é usado para aumentar, manter ou melhorar as capacidades funcionais dos indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a experiência de desenvolvimento de um recurso de TA para um paciente com LPB da clínica escola de Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB). Primeiramente foi realizada a avaliação com o uso da Medida Canadense de Desempenho Ocupacional (COPM) para identificar as necessidades do paciente. Após o desenvolvimento do produto foram realizados treinos de uso e o acompanhamento em ambiente domiciliar, com vista a testar sua eficácia. O paciente ainda passou por um processo de reavaliação, com a reaplicação da COPM para comparação dos resultados. De acordo com os resultados é possível considerar o recurso eficaz, por aumentar o desempenho e a satisfação do paciente quanto à realização da atividade que estava afetada.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Inhibits Pseudoaneurysm Formation After Aortic Patch Angioplasty
Authors: Bai Hualong , Lee Jung Seok , Hu Haidi , Wang Tun , Isaji Toshihiko , Liu Shirley , Guo Jianming , Liu Haiyang , Wolf Katharine , Ono Shun , Guo Xiangjiang , Yatsula Bogdan , Xing Ying , Fahmy Tarek M. , Dardik Alan
Published: November 2017

Objective—

Pseudoaneurysms remain a significant complication after vascular procedures. We hypothesized that TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) signaling plays a mechanistic role in the development of pseudoaneurysms.

Approach and Results—

Rat aortic pericardial patch angioplasty was associated with a high incidence (88%) of pseudoaneurysms at 30 days, with increased smad2 phosphorylation in small pseudoaneurysms but not in large pseudoaneurysms; TGF-β1 receptors were increased in small pseudoaneurysms and preserved in large pseudoaneurysms. Delivery of TGF-β1 via nanoparticles covalently bonded to the patch stimulated smad2 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo and significantly decreased pseudoaneurysm formation (6.7%). Inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling with SB431542 decreased smad2 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo and significantly induced pseudoaneurysm formation by day 7 (66.7%).

Conclusions—

Normal healing after aortic patch angioplasty is associated with increased TGF-β1 signaling, and recruitment of smad2 signaling may limit pseudoaneurysm formation; loss of TGF-β1 signaling is associated with the formation of large pseudoaneurysms. Enhancement of TGF-β1 signaling may be a potential mechanism to limit pseudoaneurysm formation after vascular intervention.
STABLE-SR (Electrophysiological Substrate Ablation in the Left Atrium During Sinus Rhythm) for the Treatment of Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yang Bing , Jiang Chenyang , Lin Yazhou , Yang Gang , Chu Huimin , Cai Heng , Lu Fengmin , Zhan Xianzhang , Xu Jian , Wang Xinhua , Ching Chi-Keong , Singh Balbir , Kim Young-Hoon , Chen Minglong
Published: November 2017

Background:

Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone or combined with adjuvant substrate modifications is unsatisfactory for atrial fibrillation (AF) control in nonparoxysmal AF patients. Ablation targeting the fibrotic areas after CPVI (STABLE-SR [Electrophysiological Substrate Ablation in the Left Atrium During Sinus Rhythm]) is a newly evolved substrate modification strategy.

Methods and Results:

In this multicenter, randomized clinical trial, 229 symptomatic nonparoxysmal AF patients were 1:1 randomized to STABLE-SR group (n=114) or conventional STEPWISE group (n=115). In the STABLE-SR group, after CPVI, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation and cardioversion to sinus rhythm, left atrial high-density mapping was performed. Areas with low-voltage and complex electrogram were further homogenized and eliminated, respectively. Dechanneling would be done if necessary. In the STEPWISE group, additional linear lesions and defragmentation were performed.The primary end point was freedom from documented atrial tachyarrhythmias for ≥30 s after a single ablation procedure without antiarrhythmic medications at 18 months. At 18 months, 74.0% of the patients in the STABLE-SR group and 71.5% in the STEPWISE group (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–1.29;
P
=0.325) achieved success according to intention-to-treat analysis. However, less procedure time (186.8±52.7 versus 210.5±48.0 minutes,
P
<0.001), reduced post-CPVI fluoroscopic time (11.0±7.8 versus 13.7±8.9 minutes,
P
=0.006), and shorter energy delivery time (60.1±25.1 versus 75.0±24.3 minutes,
P
<0.001) were observed in the STABLE-SR group compared with the STEPWISE group.

Conclusions:

STABLE-SR is a simplified, personalized, and effective ablation strategy in nonparoxysmal AF patients. More importantly, over 50% nonparoxysmal AF patients do not need further ablation beyond CPVI and therefore can avoid excessive ablation.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01761188.
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Outcomes in Patients Supported With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Asleh Rabea , Briasoulis Alexandros , Schettle Sarah D. , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Pereira Naveen L. , Edwards Brooks S. , Clavell Alfredo L. , Maltais Simon , Joyce David L. , Joyce Lyle D. , Daly Richard C. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , Stulak John M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. The effect of DM on post–left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation outcomes is unclear. This study sought to investigate whether patients with DM had worse outcomes than patients without DM after LVAD implantation and whether LVAD support resulted in a better control of DM.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed 341 consecutive adults who underwent implantation of LVAD from 2007 to 2016. Patient characteristics and adverse events were studied and compared between patients with and without DM. One hundred thirty-one patients (38%) had DM. Compared with patients without DM, those with DM had higher rates of ischemic cardiomyopathy, LVAD implantation as destination therapy, and increased baseline body mass index. In a proportional hazards (Cox) model with adjustment for relevant covariates and median follow-up of 16.1 months, DM was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval: 1.18–2.53;
P
=0.005) and increased risk of nonfatal LVAD-related complications, including a composite of stroke, pump thrombosis, and device infection (hazard ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.35–3.18;
P
=0.001). Preoperative hemoglobin A1c was not significantly associated with mortality or adverse events among patients with DM. LVAD implantation resulted in a remarkable decrease in hemoglobin A1c levels (7.4±1.9 pre-LVAD versus 6.0±1.5 and 6.3±1.4 after 3 and 12 months post-LVAD, respectively;
P
<0.0001) and a significant reduction in requirements of DM medications.

Conclusions

DM is associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality and major adverse events despite favorable glycemic control after LVAD implantation.
Contemporary Characteristics and Outcomes in Chagasic Heart Failure Compared With Other Nonischemic and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shen Li , Ramires Felix , Martinez Felipe , Bodanese Luiz Carlos , Echeverría Luis Eduardo , Gómez Efraín A. , Abraham William T. , Dickstein Kenneth , Køber Lars , Packer Milton , Rouleau Jean L. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Zile Michael R. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Gimpelewicz Claudio R. , McMurray John J.V. ,   on behalf of the PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE Investigators and Committees
Published: November 2017

Background

Chagas’ disease is an important cause of cardiomyopathy in Latin America. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction caused by Chagas’ disease, with other etiologies, in the era of modern HF therapies.

Methods and Results

This study included 2552 Latin American patients randomized in the PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) and ATMOSPHERE (Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure) trials. The investigator-reported etiology was categorized as Chagasic, other nonischemic, or ischemic cardiomyopathy. The outcomes of interest included the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization and its components and death from any cause. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were performed to compare outcomes by pathogenesis. There were 195 patients with Chagasic HF with reduced ejection fraction, 1300 with other nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and 1057 with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Compared with other etiologies, Chagasic patients were more often female, younger, and had lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal impairment (but had higher prevalence of stroke and pacemaker implantation) and had worse health-related quality of life. The rates of the composite outcome were 17.2, 12.5, and 11.4 per 100 person-years for Chagasic, other nonischemic, and ischemic patients, respectively—adjusted hazard ratio for Chagasic versus other nonischemic: 1.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.94;
P
=0.003) and Chagasic versus ischemic: 1.55 (1.18–2.04;
P
=0.002). The rates of all-cause mortality were also higher.

Conclusions

Despite younger age, less comorbidity, and comprehensive use of conventional HF therapies, patients with Chagasic HF with reduced ejection fraction continue to have worse quality of life and higher hospitalization and mortality rates compared with other etiologies.

Clinical Trial Registration

PARADIGM-HF: URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01035255; ATMOSPHERE: URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00853658.
Risk of Stroke in Patients With Short-Run Atrial Tachyarrhythmia
Authors: Yamada Shinya , Lin Chin-Yu , Chang Shih-Lin , Chao Tze-Fan , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Lo Li-Wei , Chung Fa-Po , Hu Yu-Feng , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Liao Jo-Nan , Te Abigail Louise D. , Chang Yao-Ting , Chang Ting-Yung , Wu Cheng-I , Higa Satoshi , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose—

The risk of stroke in patients with short-run atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between short-run AT and the stroke and the use of the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score for the risk stratification.

Methods—

From the registry of 24-hour Holter monitoring, 5342 subjects without known atrial fibrillation or stroke were enrolled. Short-run AT was defined as episodes of supraventricular ectopic beats <5 seconds.

Results—

There were 1595 subjects (29.8%) with short-run AT. During the median follow-up period of 9.0 years, 494 subjects developed new-onset stroke. Patients with short-run AT had significantly higher stroke rates compared with patients without short-run AT (11.4% versus 8.3%;
P
<0.001). In patients with short-run AT, the number of strokes per 100 person-years for patients with CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 0 and 1 were 0.23 and 0.67, respectively. However, the number of them for patients with CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 were 1.62, 1.89, 1.30, and 2.91, respectively. In patients with CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 0 or 1, age (>61 years old) and burden of premature atrial contractions (>25 beats/d) independently predicted the risk of stroke. In subgroup analyses, short-run AT patients were divided into 3 groups based on their CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc scores: low score (score of 0 [men] or 1 [women]; n=324), intermediate score (score of 1 [men] or 2 [women]; n=275), and high score (score of ≥2 [men] or ≥3 [women]; n=996). When compared with low score, intermediate and high scores were independent predictors for stroke (hazard ratio, 6.165;
P
<0.001 and hazard ratio, 8.577;
P
<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions—

Short-run AT increases the risk of stroke. Therefore, the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score could be used for the risk stratification. Age and burden of premature atrial contractions were independent predictors for stroke in patients with CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 0 or 1.
The Gravity of International Crimes as a Challenge to the (Full) Protection of Human Rights before International Criminal Tribunals? A Strasbourg Perspective
Authors: Deprez Christophe
Published: November 2017

While it goes undisputed that international criminal tribunals (icts) are, in general terms, bound to respect human rights standards, there is no consensus on whether their obligations should be identical in scope to those of national criminal tribunals. Most commentators seem to value the idea of equality in protection for international and domestic defendants alike. Yet, according to others, the human rights obligations of icts should be contextualised, that is, adapted to the specificities of international justice – and most critically to the gravity of international crimes. This article seeks to shed some light on this debate. It does so, in particular, by pointing out the intrinsic flexibility of human rights, and by drawing on the practice of the European Court of Human Rights with respect to gravity-based contextualism.
Concepts of National and Constitutional Identity in Croatian Constitutional Law
Authors: Toplak Jurij , Gardasevic Djordje
Published: November 2017

The Croatian Constitutional Court recently rendered two important decisions concerning two national minorities’ rights: the right to vote in parliamentary elections; and the right to use minority language. In both decisions, the Court relied on a newly developed concept of Croatian national identity. This article explores and critically explains the wider social, political and legal context that has produced the emergence of the idea of a constitutional identity in Croatian constitutional jurisprudence. In addition, it evaluates the potential effects this new constitutional concept may have for future developments in Croatia’s political and constitutional system. This article also compares Croatian and Slovenian solutions to certain questions as the Slovenian Constitutional Court has ruled on strikingly similar issues, but arrived at different conclusions.
A checklist of the millipedes (Diplopoda) of Myanmar, with an updated list of Leonardo Fea’s collecting localities
Authors: LIKHITRAKARN NATDANAI , JIRAPATRASILP PARIN , GOLOVATCH SERGEI I. , PANHA SOMSAK
Published: November 2017

At present, the millipede fauna of Myanmar comprises 92 species from 34 genera, 13 families and 8 orders, mostly described in 1889–1896. All literature records are cited with updates on species identities, as well as numerous taxonomic problems which make the number of species and even genera still imprecise. The Myanmar millipede fauna contains 70 endemic and five widespread synanthropic species. One species is found to have erroneously been recorded from Myanmar, and is ejected from the list of Myanmar millipedes also because of its uncertain taxonomic status. A complete bibliography on the millipedes of Myanmar, an updated list of the collecting localities and a map of the journeys of Leonardo Fea, the principal collector of Diplopoda in Burma, are also presented.
The South Asian millipede genus Chondromorpha Silvestri, 1897 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae, Sulciferini): redescriptions and synonymies
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: November 2017

The South Asian millipede genus Chondromorpha Silvestri, 1897 is diagnosed and its relationship with Parchondromorpha Jeekel, 1980 is established. The species C. atopus (Chamberlin, 1920) and C. indus (Chamberlin, 1920), as well as the subspecies C. kelaarti kelaarti (Humbert, 1865), C. kelaarti longipes (Verhoeff, 1936) and C. kelaarti valparaiensis (Carl, 1932) are recognised as junior synonyms of C. kelaarti (Humbert, 1865), thereby reducing the total number of Chondromorpha spp. in India to four: C. kaimura Turk, 1947, C. kelaarti, C. mammifera Attems, 1936 and C. severini Silvestri, 1897 (the type-species). Two species, C. kelaarti and C. mammifera, are redescribed and illustrated in detail. All four Indian Chondromorpha spp. are keyed, and the known distribution records of C. kelaarti and C. mammifera are mapped.
Sea Surface Temperature in the Subtropical Pacific Boosted the 2015 El Niño and Hindered the 2016 La Niña
Authors: Su Jingzhi , Zhang Renhe , Rong Xinyao , Min Qingye , Zhu Congwen
Published: November 2017

After the quick decaying of the 2015 super El Niño, the predicted La Niña unexpectedly failed to materialize to the anticipated standard in 2016. Diagnostic analyses, as well as numerical experiments, showed that this ENSO evolution of the 2015 super El Niño and the hindered 2016 La Niña may be essentially caused by sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the subtropical Pacific. The self-sustaining SSTAs in the subtropical Pacific tend to weaken the trade winds during boreal spring–summer, leading to anomalous westerlies along the equatorial region over a period of more than one season. Such long-lasting wind anomalies provide an essential requirement for ENSO formation, particularly before a positive Bjerknes feedback is thoroughly built up between the oceanic and atmospheric states. Besides the 2015 super El Niño and the hindered La Niña in 2016, there were several other El Niño and La Niña events that cannot be explained only by the oceanic heat content in the equatorial Pacific. However, the questions related to those eccentric El Niño and La Niña events can be well explained by suitable SSTAs in the subtropical Pacific. Thus, the leading SSTAs in the subtropical Pacific can be treated as an independent indicator for ENSO prediction, on the basis of the oceanic heat content inherent in the equatorial region. Because ENSO events have become more uncertain under the background of global warming and the Pacific decadal oscillation during recent decades, thorough investigation of the role of the subtropical Pacific in ENSO formation is urgently needed.
Decreased activation and subsyndromal manic symptoms predict lower remission rates in bipolar depression
Authors: Caldieraro Marco Antonio , Walsh Samantha , Deckersbach Thilo , Bobo William V , Gao Keming , Ketter Terence A , Shelton Richard C , Reilly-Harrington Noreen A , Tohen Mauricio , Calabrese Joseph R , Thase Michael E , Kocsis James H , Sylvia Louisa G , Nierenberg Andrew A
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Activation encompasses energy and activity and is a central feature of bipolar disorder. However, the impact of activation on treatment response of bipolar depression requires further exploration. The aims of this study were to assess the association of decreased activation and sustained remission in bipolar depression and test for factors that could affect this association.

Methods:

We assessed participants with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed) bipolar depression ( n = 303) included in a comparative effectiveness study of lithium- and quetiapine-based treatments (the Bipolar CHOICE study). Activation was evaluated using items from the Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale. The selection of these items was based on a dimension of energy and interest symptoms associated with poorer treatment response in major depression.

Results:

Decreased activation was associated with lower remission rates in the raw analyses and in a logistic regression model adjusted for baseline severity and subsyndromal manic symptoms (odds ratio = 0.899; p = 0.015). The manic features also predicted lower remission (odds ratio = 0.934; p < 0.001). Remission rates were similar in the two treatment groups.

Conclusion:

Decreased activation and subsyndromal manic symptoms predict lower remission rates in bipolar depression. Patients with these features may require specific treatment approaches, but new studies are necessary to identify treatments that could improve outcomes in this population.
On True Score Evaluation Using Item Response Theory Modeling
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Dimitrov Dimiter M. , Marcoulides George A. , Harrison Michael
Published: November 2017

Building on prior research on the relationships between key concepts in item response theory and classical test theory, this note contributes to highlighting their important and useful links. A readily and widely applicable latent variable modeling procedure is discussed that can be used for point and interval estimation of the individual person true score on any item in a unidimensional multicomponent measuring instrument or item set under consideration. The method adds to the body of research on the connections between classical test theory and item response theory. The outlined estimation approach is illustrated on empirical data.
Comparisons of Mathematics Intervention Effects in Resource and Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Bottge Brian A. , Cohen Allan S. , Choi Hye-Jeong
Published: November 2017

In this article, we describe results of a reanalysis of two randomized studies that tested the effects of enhanced anchored instruction (EAI) on the fractions computation performance of students in special education resource rooms and inclusive mathematics classrooms. Latent class analysis and latent transition analysis classified students according to error subtypes and tracked their performance patterns. Results indicated that EAI was more effective than business as usual in reducing combining errors (e.g., adding denominators) and denominator errors (e.g., not finding common denominator) of students with disabilities (SWD) and students without disabilities in both settings. SWD in inclusive classrooms scored higher on the pretest than SWD in resource rooms, but EAI reduced the disparity on the posttest. An important additional finding revealed that the SWD who received more support from special education teachers in inclusive classrooms scored higher and made fewer errors than the SWD who were provided only limited support.
Effect of insulation core type on thermal conductivity of sandwich structure
Authors: Chen Zheng , Jia Zhen , Yan Ning
Published: November 2017

The influence of the layer thickness on the thermal conductivity of a sandwich structure containing an insulation material as the core layer was investigated by developing a corresponding finite element model simulating the structure. The insulation core studied included expanded polystyrene foam, polyurethane and mineral wool core. It was found that an increase in the ratio of core thickness to total surface layer thickness (shelling ratio) resulted in the decrease in the thermal conductivity of the sandwich structure. This change was significant when the shelling ratio was less than one. Regression analysis was conducted to describe the relationships among shelling ratio and thermal conductivities of the sandwich structure and each of its components. The evaluation of the thermal transmittance of the window system containing the sandwich structure used in window or other building components can be more accurate and simple.
Causal beliefs and war termination
Authors: Nilsson Marco
Published: November 2017

This article analyzes the length of interstate wars and the process of reaching a mutually acceptable bargaining solution. Rational choice scholarship has mainly sought to explain long wars in terms of commitment problems and private information. This article complements these rational choice perspectives by arguing that causal beliefs – a variable not considered by previous research – can also prolong wars by increasing expectations of battlefield performance and slowing down information updating. It illustrates the role of religiously based causal beliefs with the case of one of the longest interstate wars of modern time, the Iran–Iraq War of 1980–88. Even though commitment problems were present, they do not identify the root cause of Iran’s high expected utility of continuing the war, as religiously based causal beliefs played a more prominent role in prolonging the war. Religious causal beliefs constitute a real word mechanism that not only creates different priors about expected military capacity, but also slows down the process of updating beliefs, as battlefield events are not seen as credible information. Although the prevalence of religious conflicts has increased over time, the formation of beliefs and their effects on wars remains understudied when applying rational choice to real world conflicts.
Rates and Predictors of Professional Interpreting Provision for Patients With Limited English Proficiency in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Ward
Authors: Ryan Jennifer , Abbato Samantha , Greer Ristan , Vayne-Bossert Petra , Good Phillip
Published: November 2017

The provision of professional interpreting services in the hospital setting decreases communication errors of clinical significance and improves clinical outcomes. A retrospective audit was conducted at a tertiary referral adult hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Of 20 563 admissions of patients presenting to the hospital emergency department (ED) and admitted to a ward during 2013-2014, 582 (2.8%) were identified as requiring interpreting services. In all, 19.8% of admissions were provided professional interpreting services in the ED, and 26.1% were provided on the ward. Patients were more likely to receive interpreting services in the ED if they were younger, spoke an Asian language, or used sign language. On the wards, using sign language was associated with 3 times odds of being provided an interpreter compared with other languages spoken. Characteristics of patients including their age and type of language spoken influence the clinician’s decision to engage a professional interpreter in both the ED and inpatient ward.
Identity Work by First-Generation College Students to Counteract Class-Based Microaggressions
Authors: Gray Barbara , Johnson Tiffany , Kish-Gephart Jennifer , Tilton Jacqueline
Published: November 2017

Using an interactional approach to studying organizations, we explore how social class differences alone and coupled with racial minority status generate identity threats for first-generation college students who are already underprivileged with respect to educational attainment. For these students the markers of social class are omnipresent and, like racial minorities, they experience microaggressions that require them to engage in identity work to counter these threats. We detail manifestations of social class differences on and off campus and identify the kinds of microaggressions these students encounter including those generated by the intersection of race and class that can destabilize students’ identities and lead to what we refer to as “identity collapse.” Our results also reveal four types of identity work including mining core identity strength, passing (via dodging and code switching), and developing peer support networks that allow some first-generation students to be resilient in responding to identity threats. We consider the implications of this class work for first-to-college students and offer suggestions for future research that expands our work to workplace organizations and inquires about the potential lasting effects of social class stigma.
Development of Sexual Risk in Minority Youth: Risk and Protective Factors in Early Adolescence
Authors: Wilson Helen W.
Published: November 2017

The current special issue highlights a number of culturally relevant variables that relate to sexual risk in early adolescents from minority race or ethnic backgrounds. Each of the four studies in this issue presents a unique perspective on factors that relate to increased risk or resilience in minority early adolescents. Therefore, findings reported in this special issue shed light on potential intervention strategies to deter the development of sexual risk in minority youth. The articles presented suggest a need for increased attention to early adolescence as a window of opportunity for preventing sexual risk in minority teens. Effective interventions during the transition from middle to high school, when dating and sexual interests emerge for most youth, have the potential to cultivate healthy relationships and prevent the development of health compromising sexual behaviors.
Clinical and Personality Disorders in a Danish Treatment-Seeking Sample of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators
Authors: Elklit Ask , Murphy Siobhan , Jacobsen Christine , Jensen Morgan Kezia
Published: November 2017

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health concern with profound psychological consequences. Perpetrators often have a history of childhood trauma and a range of co-occurring psychiatric problems, which may have implications for treatment. This study examines the prevalence of psychiatric and personality disorders (PD) among perpetrators and the association between a range of demographic, childhood trauma, and adult criminality variables for the most prominent disorders. Data were collected from IPV perpetrators ( n = 529) engaging in a treatment program, ‘ Dialogue Against Violence’. High rates of childhood trauma were observed. There was significant variation in the prevalence of clinical disorders and PDs, with Antisocial PD and Anxiety Disorder being the most common. A clinical disorder was the strongest predictor of PDs, likewise a PD was the strongest predictor of clinical disorders. Findings demonstrated that IPV perpetrators have a number of personality and clinical disorders and traumatic histories that need to be considered within a treatment perspective.
Chronic and Daily Stressors Along With Negative Affect Interact to Predict Daily Tiredness
Authors: Hartsell Elizabeth N. , Neupert Shevaun D.
Published: November 2017

The present study examines the within-person relationship of daily stressors and tiredness and whether this depends on daily negative affect and individual differences in chronic stress. One hundred sixteen older adult participants were recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk for a 9-day daily diary study. Daily tiredness, daily stressors, and negative affect were measured each day, and chronic stress was measured at baseline. Daily stressors, daily negative affect, and chronic stress interacted to predict daily tiredness. People with high chronic stress who experienced an increase in daily negative affect were the most reactive to daily stressors in terms of experiencing an increase in daily tiredness. We also found that people with low levels of chronic stress were the most reactive to daily stressors when they experienced low levels of daily negative affect. Our results highlight the need for individualized and contextualized approaches to combating daily tiredness in older adults.
Socio-economic integration of the informal recycling sector through an NGO intervention at the Andralanitra dumpsite in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Andrianisa Harinaivo A , Randriatsiferana Fanilo M , Rakotoson Serge L , Rakotoaritera Fanja
Published: November 2017

The social status improvement and the degree of integration of the informal recycling sector, by using InteRa, made by the AKAMASOA association interventions at the Andralanitra dumpsite (Antananarivo, Madagascar) was assessed. 20% of the workers from the three activities at the site were interviewed: 325 scavengers, 12 compost producers and three soap manufacturers. It was found that the incomes of Andralanitra workers are relatively low compared to that of people working in the same field in other countries (30–60 USD/month). However, with the social support from AKAMASOA, their living conditions were greatly improved, allowing them to own their house, have access to water and sanitation facilities and send their children to school or subscribe to health insurance and bank savings. Though they do not experience the common socio-economic issues faced by informal workers at dumpsites and their works are highly appreciated by the solid waste management (SWM) stakeholders, there is no official planned intervention to formalise their situation. Thus, InteRa has shown low scores in SWM and organisational interfaces and high scores in materials/value chain and social interfaces. AKAMASOA actions are good examples of successful NGO interventions to improve the dumpsites’ informal recycling social status. The findings suggest that full integration into the SWM system should be supported by municipalities through the setting of policy and regulations on the access to dumpsites and the exploitation of the wastes.
Investigation of intelligent reversible diaphragm using shape memory polymers
Authors: Tao Ran , Yang Qing-Sheng , Liu Xia , He Xiao-Qiao , Liew Kim-Meow
Published: November 2017

This article describes design and analysis of a novel reversible diaphragm using shape memory polymer. The reversible diaphragm could be applied to space engineering, such as propellant tank of rocket. The shape memory polymer diaphragm can automatically recover to the initial state after the overturning deformation and thus can be used repeatedly. A three-dimensional model is established to study the overturning and recovery behavior of the shape memory polymer diaphragm.The nonlinear finite element method based on the thermodynamic constitutive equations of shape memory polymer is used to obtain pressure -displacement relations and strain energy variation of SMP diaphragm with approximately hemispherical shape in the whole process of the overturning deformation. The influence of structural parameters and temperature on the overturning and recover behavior is discussed.
Becoming Critical Consumers of Research: Understanding Replication
Authors: Mathews Hannah M. , Hirsch Shanna E. , Therrien William J.
Published: November 2017

Special educators are tasked with understanding and implementing evidence-based practices. The purpose of this article is to highlight the salient features of replication in special education research and explain how practitioners can use this knowledge to become critical consumers of research. To do this we describe replication, emphasize the importance of understanding replication in special education research, provide a list of questions for consumers of research, explain the process of replication using an example, and offer resources for critical consumers to access.
UPMC Prescription for Wellness: A Quality Improvement Case Study for Supporting Patient Engagement and Health Behavior Change
Authors: Maners Rebecca J. , Bakow Eric , Parkinson Michael D. , Fischer Gary S. , Camp Geoffrey R.
Published: November 2017

Addressing patient health and care behaviors that underlie much of chronic disease continues to challenge providers, medical practices, health systems, and insurers. Improving health and care as described by the Quadruple Aim requires innovation at the front lines of clinical care: the doctor–patient interaction and office practice. This article describes the use of Lean Six Sigma in a quality improvement (QI) effort to design an effective and scalable method for physicians to prescribe health coaching for healthy behaviors in a primary care medical home within a large integrated delivery and financing system. Building on the national Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation–funded Prescription for Health multisite demonstration, this QI case study provides important lessons for transforming patient–physician–practice support systems to better address lifestyle and care management challenges critical to producing better outcomes.
Talking about Twitch: Dropped Frames and a normative theory of new media production
Authors: Bingham Christopher M
Published: November 2017

Twitch is an online video distribution platform that allows users to broadcast live video of themselves playing videogames. This distribution infrastructure includes features that allow viewers to financially support their favorite Twitch streamers, creating a new type of media professional: the entrepreneurial Twitch streamer. Like other professionals, Twitch streamers meet regularly to discuss the profession and business of live streaming. This article applies critical discourse analysis to one such venue for insider dialogue on professional Twitch streaming: the weekly talk show, Dropped Frames. On this program, professional broadcasters discuss many aspects of their career, such as Twitch’s corporate presence, production technology, the time and effort required to stream, precarity, their relationship to their community, the data they use to run their channels, the games they play, and their relationship to game developers. Speech within these empirically present categories demonstrates an underlying set of common assumptions about how the streaming industry should function. In other words, professional Twitch broadcasters develop a normative theory of streaming practice that is expressed in their speech. I argue that through their speech, professional Twitch streamers demonstrate a theoretical understanding of professional streaming that is based on their ability to negotiate uncertainty and the responsibility they feel for their communities.
Digital “women’s work?”: Job recruitment ads and the feminization of social media employment
Authors: Duffy Brooke Erin , Schwartz Becca
Published: November 2017

In the wake of profound transformations in digital media markets and economies, the structures and conditions of cultural production are being radically reconfigured. This study explores the nascent field of social media work through an analysis of job recruitment ads—texts, we contend, that provide insight into a key discursive site of imagining the ideal digital laborer. Drawing upon a qualitative textual analysis of 150 adverts, we show how employers construct workers through a patterned set of features, including sociability, deft emotional management, and flexibility. Such industrial imaginings incite workers to remain ever available, juggle various roles and responsibilities, and engage in persistent emotional labor—both online and off. These expectations, we argue, allude to the increasingly feminized nature of social media employment, with its characteristic invisibility, lower pay, and marginal status within the technology field.