bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Trajectory Mapping Technique for the Visualization and Analysis of Three-Dimensional Flow in Supercell Storms
Authors: Betten Daniel P. , Biggerstaff Michael I. , Wicker Louis J.
Published: November 2016

A visualization technique that allows simultaneous spatial analysis of complex flow behavior from thousands of Lagrangian trajectories is presented and tested using a high temporal and spatial resolution cloud model. The utility of the trajectory mapping technique is illustrated by showing that the source height of the air trajectories is a good proxy to the model-derived equivalent potential temperature. Moreover, the history of the forcing of vertical momentum is related to instantaneous vertical motion patterns shown to be elucidated in the trajectory mapping framework. The robustness of the trajectory mapping method was evaluated by integrating tendency terms and comparing Lagrangian-derived quantities to instantaneous values in the model. The original trajectory maps were also compared to those where the original fields have been filtered and/or the available data frequency are limited to the spatial and temporal scales typical of research radar datasets. The trajectory mapping method was applied to a supercell observed on 29 May 2004 to demonstrate that trajectory behavior for the observed case compares well to those from the higher-resolution numerical model output.
Cross-border Ties as Sources of Risk and Resilience
Authors: Torres Jacqueline M. , Alcántara Carmela , Rudolph Kara E. , Viruell-Fuentes Edna A.
Published: November 2016

Few studies have examined the associations between health and the cross-border ties that migrants maintain with their family members in communities of origin. We draw on theory related to social ties, ethnic identity, and mental health to examine cross-border ties as potential moderators of the association between migration-related stress and psychological distress among Latino migrants. Using data from the National Latino and Asian American Survey, we find that remittance sending is associated with significantly lower levels of psychological distress for Cuban migrants, and difficulty visiting home is associated with significantly greater psychological distress for Puerto Rican migrants. There were significant associations between migration-related stressors and psychological distress, although these associations fell to nonsignificance after accounting for multiple testing. We found little evidence that cross-border ties either buffer or exacerbate the association between migration-related stressors and psychological distress. We consider the findings within the current political and historical context of cross-border ties and separation.
The UK and EU Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after Brexit: Integrated, Associated or Detached?
Authors: Whitman Richard G.
Published: November 2016

None of the existing models for the future trade policy relationship between the UK and the EU come with a predetermined foreign and security policy relationship. This article assesses how the future EU-UK foreign and security policy relationship might be organised post-Brexit. It provides evaluation of the current EU-UK interrelationship in the fields of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and assesses the degree to which the UK is presently integrated into EU decision-making and implementation. It highlights that the UK needs to determine the degree to which it wants autonomy or even divergence from existing EU policies. The article concludes by rehearsing the costs and benefits of three possible future relationships between the UK and EU foreign, security and defence policy: integrated, associated or detached.
‘Ulster Says No’: Regulating the consumption of commercial sex spaces and services in Northern Ireland
Authors: Maginn Paul J , Ellison Graham
Published: November 2016

Commercial forms of sex such as prostitution/sex work, strip clubs and even sex shops have been the subject of much political debate and policy regulation over the last decade or so in the UK and Ireland. These myriad forms of commercial sex and land usage have managed to survive and even thrive in the face of public outcry and regulation. Despite being part of the UK we suggest that Northern Ireland has steered its own regulatory course, whereby the consumption of commercial sexual spaces and services have been the subject of intense moral and legal oversight in ways that are not apparent in other UK regions. Nevertheless, in spite of this we also argue that the context of Northern Ireland may provide some lessons for the ways that religious values and moral reasoning can influence debates on commercial sex elsewhere.
Robust motion control of live-line maintenance robot mechanical arm for high-voltage transmission line based on H∞ theory
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wu Gongping , Wang Wei , Zhang Jie , Fan Fei , Ye Xuhui
Published: November 2016

To overcome the low operation efficiency, high labour-intensiveness and high risk in the artificial live-line replacement of insulator strings, a robot for overhead transmission line maintenance was developed. In order to suppress effectively the influences of disturbance signals and uncertainties on tracking precision and stability of the robot mechanical arm motion under high voltage and strong electromagnetic interference, this paper proposed a H∞ control theory-based robust trajectory tracking control method for the robot mechanical arm. Through layering robot control architecture, a dynamic model of mechanical arm basic motion was established by the Lagrange method combined with an armature voltage equation of the joint motor, and the unified dynamic model of mechanical arm different motion was obtained. On this basis, the state-space model of mechanical arm motion error was deduced under disturbances and uncertainties, and thus an H∞ control model for mechanical arm motion was constructed. Subsequently, the H∞ controller for the mechanical arm trajectory tracking control system was solved by linear matrix inequality (LMI) based on the established model, and the asymptotic stability of the mechanical arm motion control system was verified by selecting the appropriate Lyapunov function. The proposed method for such a controller was proved to be of good versatility, strong adaptability and sound expansibility. Finally, simulation results verified the effectiveness of the H∞ controller and field operation tests further validated the engineering practicability of such a control method in macro and micro aspects.
Deciphering Sources of Variability in Clinical Pathology
Authors: Tripathi Niraj K. , Everds Nancy E. , Schultze A. Eric , Irizarry Armando R. , Hall Robert L. , Provencher Anne , Aulbach Adam
Published: November 2016

The objectives of this session were to explore causes of variability in clinical pathology data due to preanalytical and analytical variables as well as study design and other procedures that occur in toxicity testing studies. The presenters highlighted challenges associated with such variability in differentiating test article–related effects from the effects of experimental procedures and its impact on overall data interpretation. These presentations focused on preanalytical and analytical variables and study design–related factors and their influence on clinical pathology data, and the importance of various factors that influence data interpretation including statistical analysis and reference intervals. Overall, these presentations touched upon potential effect of many variables on clinical pathology parameters, including animal physiology, sample collection process, specimen handling and analysis, study design, and some discussion points on how to manage those variables to ensure accurate interpretation of clinical pathology data in toxicity studies. This article is a brief synopsis of presentations given in a session entitled “Deciphering Sources of Variability in Clinical Pathology—It’s Not Just about the Numbers” that occurred at the 35th Annual Symposium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology in San Diego, California.
A Markov Decision Process Model for Cervical Cancer Screening Policies in Colombia
Authors: Akhavan-Tabatabaei Raha , Sánchez Diana Marcela , Yeung Thomas G.
Published: November 2016

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women around the world, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) is universally known as the necessary agent for developing this disease. Through early detection of abnormal cells and HPV virus types, cervical cancer incidents can be reduced and disease progression prevented. We propose a finite-horizon Markov decision process model to determine the optimal screening policies for cervical cancer prevention. The optimal decision is given in terms of when and what type of screening test to be performed on a patient based on her current diagnosis, age, HPV contraction risk, and screening test results. The cost function considers the tradeoff between the cost of prevention and treatment procedures and the risk of taking no action while taking into account a cost assigned to loss of life quality in each state. We apply the model to data collected from a representative sample of 1141 affiliates at a health care provider located in Bogotá, Colombia. To track the disease incidence more effectively and avoid higher cancer rates and future costs, the optimal policies recommend more frequent colposcopies and Pap tests for women with riskier profiles.
Food, music and politics: The interweaving of culinary taste patterns, ‘highbrow’ musical taste and conservative attitudes in Finland
Authors: Purhonen Semi , Heikkilä Riie
Published: November 2016

This article addresses two key debates in cultural sociology: one on coherent lifestyle patterns crossing several cultural fields and one on pervasive lifestyles, which also includes, apart from the cultural elements, wider socio-political orientations. The study takes the point of view of three fields rarely studied together – food, music and political attitudes – employing a rich empirical research design utilizing both representative survey data ( N = 1,388) and qualitative interviews ( N = 28). Starting from the analysis of how culinary tastes are socially stratified in present-day Finland, three culinary taste patterns are identified: preferences for ‘heavy/meat’, ‘light/ethnic’ and ‘fast food’. The most salient distinction is established between the light/ethnic taste (indicating a trend towards high status, female and urban) and the heavy/meat taste (inclined towards low status, male and rural). Culinary taste patterns are closely related with ‘highbrow’ musical taste and politically conservative attitudes. In particular, the light/ethnic culinary pattern is strongly associated with highbrow musical taste and liberal attitudes. The results support the ideas of structural homology between cultural fields and lifestyle patterning, including an important political component. At the individual level however the ‘homology’ is often far from perfect.
Signature scientifique et collaborations internationales: l’inflation du nombre de coauteurs en physique des particules
Authors: Raynaud Dominique
Published: November 2016

The article examines the inflation in the number of authors that now affects several disciplines such as particle physics and biomedical sciences. Deepening the example of the ATLAS and CMS collaborations at CERN, which discovered the Higgs boson in 2012, the article details the signing procedures in this field, reviews the factors responsible for the inflation in the number of authors, asks whether this inflation has caused the emergence of novel phenomena, characterizes these novelties, and specifies the time and number thresholds at which they appeared. The article concludes that the inflation in the number of authors in particle physics is an emergent (not additive) process, proved, in particular, by the normative activity engaged in the field.
« Cela nous a échappé… » : théorie de l’acteur-réseau et le problème des générations scientifiques
Authors: Dubois Michel
Published: November 2016

The present article reviews in detail the generational fate of Actor-Network Theory (AnT). This theory is one of the rare examples of an intellectual product that has managed to transpose into the very general terms of contemporary social theory findings initially elaborated in what is often seen as the confidential field of science and technology studies. Building in particular on MJ Nye’s work on the origins of the social construction of science in order to establish a generational approach to the study of the sciences, the article distinguishes two generations of AnT and highlights the asymmetric character of the intergenerational link between them. In looking back on the principal criticisms of AnT since its creation, the article shows how second-generation AnT – the ‘diaspora’ generation, as Law has termed it (1999) – identifies mostly with a degenerative research program (in Lakatos’ sense, 1978), built around four main types of effect: effects of repetition, of dramatization, of routinization and, finally, of invisibilization of the critical debate.
Terrain ruggedness and land cover: Improved data for most research designs
Authors: Shaver Andrew , Carter David B. , Shawa Tsering Wangyal
Published: November 2016

Existing arguments about the effect of terrain on intrastate and interstate violence are more varied than the data sources widely used to test such relationships. We introduce precise geo-referenced data on terrain ruggedness and land cover globally at the national, provincial, and 1×1 km grid-square levels. Accordingly, the data are readily applicable to a wide range of research designs, including cross-national, sub-national and single-country designs, as well as any study that uses geographic information system data. We demonstrate the utility of the data with replication of Miguel et al. (2004, Journal of Political Economy 112(4): 725–753) and produce new findings leveraging both the ruggedness and land cover data.
Cataract refractive surgery
Authors: Potvin Richard
Published: November 2016

Historically, cataract surgery was aimed at removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens; this provided clear vision to patients but without regard to their refractive error—their need for spectacles or contact lenses after surgery. Modern diagnostic and surgical instrumentation now makes it possible to address these refractive errors at the time of surgery, introducing a new paradigm—cataract refractive surgery. Although not medically necessary, many patients appreciate the chance to reduce or eliminate their need for spectacles after surgery, even if some personal cost is involved.
La chirurgie réfractive de la cataracte
Authors: Potvin Richard
Published: November 2016

La chirurgie de la cataracte a toujours consisté à extraire le cristallin opacifié de l’œil pour le remplacer par une lentille artificielle. Cette intervention rend la vision du patient plus nette, sans pour autant corriger l’erreur de réfraction, c’est-à-dire la nécessité de porter des lunettes ou des lentilles cornéennes après l’opération. Les instruments diagnostiques et chirurgicaux modernes permettent désormais de corriger ces erreurs de réfraction au moment de l’opération, ce qui a fait émerger une nouvelle notion, celle de la chirurgie réfractive de la cataracte. Même si cette correction n’est pas nécessaire sur le plan médical, de nombreux patients se réjouissent de la possibilité de ne plus porter de lunettes ou d’en porter moins après l’opération, même s’ils doivent engager des frais.
La bioéthique, la réévaluation des technologies de la santé et la gestion
Authors: Soril Lesley J. J. , Clement Fiona M. , Noseworthy Tom W.
Published: November 2016

La réévaluation des technologies de la santé (RTS), ce domaine émergent des services de santé et des recherches stratégiques, favorise la prise en charge optimale des technologies pendant toute leur vie utile. La RTS, qui est une évaluation structurée et fondée sur des données probantes des effets cliniques, économiques, sociaux et éthiques des technologies en place, permet de faire une utilisation optimale de ces technologies, d’en prévoir le retrait progressif et de mieux rentabiliser celles qui sont utilisées dans le milieu de la santé. Elle soulève des préoccupations éthiques chez les cliniciens qui prodiguent des soins directs aux patients, particulièrement lorsqu’elle vise un retrait progressif. Le présent article porte sur les considérations éthiques applicables aux cliniciens et à la RTS, selon une approche de la prise de décision bioéthique axée sur les principes.
Journal Editors’ Visions, Strategies, and Experiences
Authors: Webb Justin W. , Kammerlander Nadine
Published: November 2016

Building on insights of interviews with editors of nine leading journals in the fields of management, entrepreneurship, and family business, we provide insights on the editors’ job. We reveal how editors strategically determine and implement a vision for their journal, how they integrate the editing job into their work routines, and what insights they want to share with potential incoming editors.
Performance implications of public–private partnerships in research hospitals: Lessons from the involvement of a charity
Authors: Catuogno Simona , Arena Claudia , Saggese Sara , Sarto Fabrizia
Published: November 2016

The paper examines the financial and non-financial performance effects of the third sector involvement in public research hospitals. By relying on multiple data sources, the study compares the performance of an Italian public research hospital before and after the establishment of a partnership with a charity institution. The results reveal that the involvement of the charity is beneficial for both care and research activities, thus supporting the research hospital in achieving its twofold mission. Beside the advancement of the literature, the paper offers a successful example of collaboration between public and not-for-profit organizations that can be replicated to improve public health.
Medical innovation and the sustainability of health systems: A historical perspective on technological change in health
Authors: Lehoux Pascale , Roncarolo Federico , Rocha Oliveira Robson , Pacifico Silva Hudson
Published: November 2016

New medical technology challenges the sustainability of healthcare systems in several countries. Drawing on secondary sources of data, the aim of this article is to generate a better understanding of the historical Research & Development dynamics that have contributed to shape today’s medical innovation ecosystem. We describe key technological achievements along three historical periods – the 1950s, the 1980s and the 2000s – and situate them within their broader political, social, cultural and economic contexts. Our analyses bring forward self-reinforcing dynamics between technology, medical specialization, individualization of disease and the concentration of resources in academic teaching centres. We argue that the way medical innovation has been financed, designed and commercialized since the 1950s has engendered path dependency, which exacerbates the sustainability challenges healthcare systems are now facing. We conclude on the need for innovation design principles that could protect the sustainability of healthcare systems.
Reconstructing the eclectic psychiatry of Thomas Ferguson Rodger
Authors: Phelan Sarah
Published: November 2016

This article provides an introduction to the approach of the Scottish psychiatrist Thomas Ferguson Rodger (1907–78), as reconstructed from his archive. Rodger’s contribution has been largely neglected within the history of Scottish psychiatry. This paper amends this neglect through situating Rodger’s eclecticism in relation to both the biopsychosocial approach of his mentors, Adolf Meyer and David Henderson, and psychiatry’s de-institutionalization in the 1950s and 1960s. It is posited that Rodger’s eclecticism was a considered response to the pressures of this transitional phase to balance physical, psychological and social approaches, and a critical acknowledgement of the instability of contemporary psychiatric therapeutics. More psychodynamic than his predecessors, the importance of social relations for Rodger led him to acknowledge psychiatry’s limitations.
Conducting Configurational Comparative Research With Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Thiem Alrik
Published: November 2016

The search for necessary and sufficient causes of some outcome of interest, referred to as configurational comparative research, has long been one of the main preoccupations of evaluation scholars and practitioners. However, only the last three decades have witnessed the evolution of a set of formal methods that are sufficiently elaborate for this purpose. In this article, I provide a hands-on tutorial for qualitative comparative analysis (QCA)—currently the most popular configurational comparative method. In drawing on a recent evaluation of patient follow-through effectiveness in Lynch syndrome tumor-screening programs, I explain the search target of QCA, introduce its core concepts, guide readers through the procedural protocol of this method, and alert them to mistakes frequently made in QCA’s use. An annotated replication file for the QCApro extension package for R accompanies this tutorial.
Violent and Non-Violent Political Islam in a Global Context
Authors: Bonino Stefano
Published: November 2016

The role played by Islamism, or political Islam, in the contemporary world holds the key to understanding current geopolitical tensions both within the Muslim world and between the West and the Muslim world. This article centres on four books that explore some violent and non-violent manifestations of political Islam and offer analyses of the Islamic State, al-Qa’eda, the Muslim Brotherhood and, more generally, Salafi-jihadism. Political Islam considers Islam to be a totalising entity that should shape the contours of society, culture, politics and the law – that is, it ideally seeks to achieve unity of state and religion ( din wa-dawla). It expresses itself in multiple, and at times interlinked, ways that can encompass, among many others, a largely non-violent gradualist approach to power (Muslim Brotherhood), global terrorist action (al-Qa’eda) and sectarian warfare combined with territorial control and state-building (Islamic State). The aim of this article is to capture some of the multifarious ways in which political Islam manifests itself with the aid of the four books under review.

Holbrook D (2014) The Al-Qaeda Doctrine: The Framing and Evolution of the Leadership’s Public Discourse. New York: Bloomsbury. Pantucci R (2015) ‘We Love Death as You Love Life’: Britain’s Suburban Terrorists. London: Hurst. Vidino L (2010) The New Muslim Brotherhood in the West. New York: Columbia University Press. Weiss M and Hassan H (2015) ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror. New York: Regan Arts.
Citrate versus non-citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy: Results following a change in local critical care protocol
Authors: Chowdhury Samina R , Lawton Tom , Akram Aaqid , Collin Robert , Beck James
Published: November 2016

Continuous renal replacement therapy necessitates the use of anticoagulation. The anticoagulant of choice has traditionally been heparin. Emerging evidence has highlighted the deleterious effects of systemic heparin anticoagulation in the critically ill. Regional citrate anticoagulation has been used as an alternative in the setting of continuous renal replacement therapy. Our retrospective before-and-after cohort study aimed to ascertain if regional citrate anticoagulation is associated with any benefit in terms of circuit longevity, rates of complications, blood transfusion requirements and mortality, when introduced to a large general intensive care unit with a case mix of acute medical patients and acute and elective surgical patients. The switch to regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy in our intensive care unit has been associated with a dramatically longer circuit life, with major implications for cost savings in terms of reduced nursing workload. We hope to look at fiscal aspects of the change in protocol in greater depth.
Four-corner arthrodesis employing the native scaphoid as the principal donor graft for advanced collapse deformity of the wrist: technique and outcomes
Authors: Koehler S. M. , Melone C. P.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional, radiographic, and subjective outcome of the authors’ technique of four-corner arthrodesis using the en bloc excised scaphoid as the principal donor bone graft coupled with Kirschner wire fixation. The study comprised 40 consecutive patients with progressive Stage II and III scapholunate advanced collapse or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse deformities. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, grip strength, carpal height, and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire responses were assessed with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. At an average of 7 weeks, all patients demonstrated radiographic fusion. Moreover, postoperatively, improvement in the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire domains of overall function, activities of daily living, work performance, pain, and satisfaction were statistically significant. Complications were few and no patient required revision surgery. In this study, the authors’ technique results in a reliable four-corner arthrodesis with a low expectation of complications or revision surgery.

Level of evidence: IV
Pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Gray Thomas G , McVey Sarah , Green Jill , Saxena Anupama , Patel Daksha
Published: November 2016

Pelvic organ prolapse is the descent of one or more of the pelvic organs, (including the bladder, uterus and rectum) from their normal anatomical position into the vaginal canal in women. This is a result of failure of the fascial, muscular and ligamentous supports of the pelvic organs and is a common problem encountered in primary care. Pelvic organ prolapse can have a profound and significant impact on quality of life, and it is important for GPs to understand how to diagnose and manage women with this condition. The majority of women presenting with pelvic organ prolapse are suitable for initial management in a primary care setting.
TWOC around the clock: a multimodal approach to improving catheter care
Authors: Dawson Carolyn H , Gallo Melanie , Prevc Kate
Published: November 2016

Background:

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the second-largest group of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). The Saving Lives Urinary Catheter Care Bundle was introduced to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). In response, we implemented a catheter care group to examine ways to improve catheter care in an acute hospital NHS Trust.

Methods:

We adopted a multimodal approach, revolving around four components: (1) Catheter Care Pathway; (2) HOUDINI checklist; (3) catheter magnets; and (4) use of bladder ultrasound scanners.

Results:

The yearly CAUTI prevalence survey showed an annual reduction in CAUTI from 2012–2013 to 2014–2015 (3.5% to 2.4%). Evaluations of the multimodal approach have highlighted limitations, leading to priorities being established around provision of tools, education, and use of measurement and feedback.

Conclusions:

Our multimodal approach demonstrates CAUTI rate improvements are achievable, directly benefiting patients. However, long-term maintenance of multimodal components is required to ensure sustained benefit. Engagement and accountability have emerged as significant challenges to the effectiveness and longevity of the catheter care group. We suggest greater emphasis on such challenges if long-term national or international improvement is to be achieved.
Assessing the population impact of low rates of vitamin D supplementation on type 1 diabetes using a new statistical method
Authors: Zipitis Christos S , Mughal Zulf M , Clayton Peter E
Published: November 2016

Vitamin D supplementation for all children <5 is recommended by the UK Department of Health for its skeletal effects. Vitamin D is also linked with a number of extra-skeletal effects; one of them being protection against type 1 diabetes. With a rapid increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes and the associated costs, measures of curtailing the rapid increase of type 1 diabetes are needed. In this review, we look at type 1 diabetes using a statistical method (PIN-ER-t) and published data in an attempt to quantify the impact on the population of babies born in 2012 of increasing vitamin D supplementation rates. Calculations show that for the population of 729,674 babies born in England and Wales in 2012, 374 cases of type 1 diabetes (out of 1357 total predicted) could be prevented over 18 years if all were supplemented with vitamin D. This could lead to savings in excess of £62 million for the cohort. This piece of work adds to the argument for studying the potential link between vitamin D supplementation and type 1 diabetes further.
Rare and challenging case of stroke as a manifestation of non bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in an underlying ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Kanthasamy Vijayabharathy , Natarajan Indira
Published: November 2016

Non bacterial thrombotic endocarditis presenting as a stroke is a rare presentation as a result of an underlying occult ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma. Embolic events secondary to non bacterial thrombotic endocarditis are potentially a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated promptly. High clinical suspicion for an underlying neoplasm is one of the key elements to be considered in the management of non bacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Systemic anticoagulation will treat as well as prevent further thromboembolic events.
Economic Conditions in Countries of Origin and Trajectories in Distress after Migration to Canada
Authors: Montazer Shirin , Wheaton Blair
Published: November 2016

This paper re-examines the study of immigrant mental health by arguing that the level of economic development of origin country alters both initial mental health status and subsequent trajectories of distress over time. Using five waves of longitudinal survey data from the National Population Health Survey of adults living in three metropolitan cities in Canada ( N = 2,887), results show an increase in distress with time, but mainly among immigrants from lower gross national product (GNP) origin countries and only for the first 5 years postarrival, followed by a decline among all immigrants, irrespective of origin-country GNP. Increases in chronic stress exposure fully explain the initial increase in distress among immigrants from less developed countries of origin. Results call into question the generalizability of the “immigrant health paradox” to all immigrant groups and point to the importance of macro-level social and economic factors, and the matching of conditions at origin and destination, in the migration process.
Development and Testing of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Resource for Children’s Dental Anxiety
Authors: Porritt J. , Rodd H. , Morgan A. , Williams C. , Gupta E. , Kirby J. , Creswell C. , Newton T. , Stevens K. , Baker S. , Prasad S. , Marshman Z.
Published: November 2016

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for dental anxiety; however, access to therapy is limited. The current study aimed to develop a self-help CBT resource for reducing dental anxiety in children, and to assess the feasibility of conducting a trial to evaluate the treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness of such an intervention. A mixed methods design was employed. Within phase 1, a qualitative “person-based” approach informed the development of the self-help CBT resource. This also employed guidelines for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. Within phase 2, children, aged between 9 and 16 y, who had elevated self-reported dental anxiety and were attending a community dental service or dental hospital, were invited to use the CBT resource. Children completed questionnaires, which assessed their dental anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) prior to and following their use of the resource. Recruitment and completion rates were recorded. Acceptability of the CBT resource was explored using interviews and focus groups with children, parents/carers and dental professionals. For this analysis, the authors adhered to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool criteria. There were 24 families and 25 dental professionals participating in the development and qualitative evaluation of the CBT resource for children with dental anxiety. A total of 56 children agreed to trial the CBT resource (66% response rate) and 48 of these children completed the study (86% completion rate). There was a significant reduction in dental anxiety (mean score difference = 7.7, t = 7.9, df = 45, P < 0.001, Cohen’s d ES = 1.2) and an increase in HRQoL following the use of the CBT resource (mean score difference = -0.03, t = 2.14, df = 46, P < 0.05, Cohen’s d ES = 0.3). The self-help approach had high levels of acceptability to stakeholders. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness and acceptability of the resource in reducing dental anxiety in children and support the further evaluation of this approach in a randomized control trial.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study details the development of a guided self-help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy resource for the management of dental anxiety in children and provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of this approach with children aged between 9 and 16 y. The results of this study will inform the design of a definitive trial to examine the treatment- and cost-effectiveness of the resource for reducing dental anxiety in children.
The chromatin-associated Sin3B protein is required for hematopoietic stem cell functions in mice
Authors: Cantor David J. , David Gregory
Published: November 2016

Key Points

Inactivation of Sin3B in the hematopoietic compartment impairs HSC functions. Sin3B regulates HSC differentiation and quiescence.
Evaluating tools for transcription factor binding site prediction
Authors: Jayaram Narayan , Usvyat Daniel , R. Martin Andrew C.
Published: November 2016

Background

Binding of transcription factors to transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) is key to the mediation of transcriptional regulation. Information on experimentally validated functional TFBSs is limited and consequently there is a need for accurate prediction of TFBSs for gene annotation and in applications such as evaluating the effects of single nucleotide variations in causing disease. TFBSs are generally recognized by scanning a position weight matrix (PWM) against DNA using one of a number of available computer programs. Thus we set out to evaluate the best tools that can be used locally (and are therefore suitable for large-scale analyses) for creating PWMs from high-throughput ChIP-Seq data and for scanning them against DNA.

Results

We evaluated a set of de novo motif discovery tools that could be downloaded and installed locally using ENCODE-ChIP-Seq data and showed that rGADEM was the best-performing tool. TFBS prediction tools used to scan PWMs against DNA fall into two classes — those that predict individual TFBSs and those that identify clusters. Our evaluation showed that FIMO and MCAST performed best respectively.

Conclusions

Selection of the best-performing tools for generating PWMs from ChIP-Seq data and for scanning PWMs against DNA has the potential to improve prediction of precise transcription factor binding sites within regions identified by ChIP-Seq experiments for gene finding, understanding regulation and in evaluating the effects of single nucleotide variations in causing disease.
Special Collections
Authors: Yust Jason
Published: November 2016

The discrete Fourier transform on pitch-class sets, proposed by David Lewin and advanced by Ian Quinn, may provide a new lease on life for Allen Forte's idea of a general theory of harmony for the twentieth century based on the intervallic content of pitch-class collections. This article proposes the use of phase spaces and Quinn's harmonic qualities in analysis of a wide variety of twentieth-century styles. The main focus is on how these ideas relate to scale-theoretic concepts and the repertoires to which they are applied, such as the music of Debussy, Satie, Stravinsky, Ravel, and Shostakovich. Diatonicity, one of the harmonic qualities, is a basic concern for all of these composers. Phase spaces and harmonic qualities also help to explain the “scale-network wormhole” phenomenon in Debussy and Ravel and better pinpoint the role of octatonicism in Stravinsky's and Ravel's music.
Preclinical models for obesity research
Authors: Barrett Perry , Mercer Julian G. , Morgan Peter J.
Published: November 2016

A multi-dimensional strategy to tackle the global obesity epidemic requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms that underlie this complex condition. Much of the current mechanistic knowledge has arisen from preclinical research performed mostly, but not exclusively, in laboratory mouse and rat strains. These experimental models mimic certain aspects of the human condition and its root causes, particularly the over-consumption of calories and unbalanced diets. As with human obesity, obesity in rodents is the result of complex gene–environment interactions. Here, we review the traditional monogenic models of obesity, their contemporary optogenetic and chemogenetic successors, and the use of dietary manipulations and meal-feeding regimes to recapitulate the complexity of human obesity. We critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of these different models to explore the underlying mechanisms, including the neural circuits that drive behaviours such as appetite control. We also discuss the use of these models for testing and screening anti-obesity drugs, beneficial bio-actives, and nutritional strategies, with the goal of ultimately translating these findings for the treatment of human obesity.
Dosimetric factors predicting radiation pneumonitis after CyberKnife stereotactic body radiotherapy for peripheral lung cancer
Authors: Nakamura Masaki , Nishimura Hideki , Nakayama Masao , Mayahara Hiroshi , Uezono Haruka , Harada Aya , Hashimoto Naoki , Ejima Yasuo , Ishihara Takeaki , Sasaki Ryohei
Published: November 2016

Objective:

The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) after CyberKnife lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and to evaluate predictive factors of symptomatic RP.

Methods:

56 patients with peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer were treated using the CyberKnife® VSI™ System (Accuracy Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) between May 2013 and September 2015. Total radiation doses ranged from 48 to 56 Gy, as delivered in four equal fractions. Symptomatic RP was defined as a grade of ≥2. Predictive factors for symptomatic RP were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

With a median follow-up duration of 12.5 months (range, 3–27 months), symptomatic RP was observed in 6 (10.7%) of the 56 patients. In the univariate analysis, percent vital capacity (p < 0.05), maximum tumour diameter (p < 0.05), gross tumour volume (p < 0.05), planning target volume (p < 0.01), mean lung dose (p < 0.01) and a normal lung volume receiving 5–50 Gy of radiation (V  5–50) (p < 0.01) were identified as significant predictive factors for symptomatic RP. In the multivariate analysis, only a V  25 >3.4% (p = 0.011) was identified as a significant predictive factor of symptomatic RP.

Conclusion:

The incidence of symptomatic RP after CyberKnife SBRT was almost identical to the incidences reported in the linear accelerator-based SBRT. A significant association was observed between a V  25 >3.4% and the risk of developing symptomatic RP.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first report that has investigated prognostic factors for symptomatic RP after CyberKnife SBRT for lung cancer. The newly developed scoring system may help to predict symptomatic RP.
Prominent cortical and medullary veins on susceptibility-weighted images of acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Benson John C , Taleb Shayandokht , Rykken Jeffrey B , Hoffman Benjamin , Oswood Mark C , McKinney Alexander M
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To determine the clinical and imaging implications of prominent cortical and medullary veins on susceptibility-weighted images (SWI) of patients with acute stroke.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke who had SWI scan within 24 h of symptom onset or time last-seen-well were included. The SWI series were reviewed for the presence of prominent cortical and medullary veins and were graded independently by two neuroradiologists. The correlations between prominent vein grades with different imaging and clinical variables were determined.

Results:

Among 213 patients, prominent SWI cortical and medullary veins were identified in 35 (16.4%) patients and 20 (9.4%) patients, respectively. There was fair interobserver agreement (k = 0.314–0.338, p ≤ 0.001) for grading, and moderate agreement (k = 0.406–0.413, p ≤ 0.001) for the presence of prominent veins. Both prominent cortical and medullary veins were associated with the presence of arterial occlusion (rho = 0.232, p = 0.001; rho = 0.180, p = 0.008; respectively) and larger infarct volume (rho = 0.445, p < 0.001; rho = 0.167, p = 0.015; respectively). However, neither cortical nor medullary cortical veins were associated with the severity of symptoms at admission or clinical outcome. Prominent cortical veins were independent predictors of arterial occlusion (p = 0.018), whereas prominent medullary veins were more strongly associated with larger infarct volumes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

There were small but significant correlations between cortical and medullary veins on SWI with arterial occlusion and large infarct volume in acute ischaemic stroke.

Advances in knowledge:

In consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke within anterior and posterior circulation territories, prominent cortical and medullary veins on SWI series are associated with imaging biomarkers of poor clinical outcome (i.e. large infarct volume and major arterial occlusion).
Bioconductor Workflow for Microbiome Data Analysis: from raw reads to community analyses
Authors: Callahan Ben J. , Sankaran Kris , Fukuyama Julia A. , McMurdie Paul J. , Holmes Susan P.
Published: November 2016

High-throughput sequencing of PCR-amplified taxonomic markers (like the 16S rRNA gene) has enabled a new level of analysis of complex bacterial communities known as microbiomes. Many tools exist to quantify and compare abundance levels or OTU composition of communities in different conditions. The sequencing reads have to be denoised and assigned to the closest taxa from a reference database. Common approaches use a notion of 97% similarity and normalize the data by subsampling to equalize library sizes. In this paper, we show that statistical models allow more accurate abundance estimates. By providing a complete workflow in R, we enable the user to do sophisticated downstream statistical analyses, whether parametric or nonparametric. We provide examples of using the R packages dada2, phyloseq, DESeq2, ggplot2 and vegan to filter, visualize and test microbiome data. We also provide examples of supervised analyses using random forests and nonparametric testing using community networks and the ggnetwork package.
Is it safe?
Authors: Kelly Robert
Published: November 2016

Information governance in a small business environment, with compliance expert Robert Kelly
Communication theory in dental practice – Part one
Authors: Nash Maggie
Published: November 2016

In a two-part article, Maggie Nash investigates the importance of dental professional-patient relationship
Operation: oral health enhancement
Authors: Bridges Glenys
Published: November 2016

Glenys Bridges considers how best to develop extended dental nursing skills to the benefit of our patients
Turning a negative into a positive
Authors: Rowlan Nicki
Published: November 2016

Is your practice safe? Caring? Responsive? Nicki Rowland drills down into those all-essential CQC questions
Soltería: contextos, impactos y trayectorias en la Europa Central (siglos XVIII y XIX)
Authors: Lanzinger Margareth
Published: November 2016

En Austria durante el siglo XVIII son los señoríos rurales (Grundherrschaften) y las instituciones de justicia quienes deciden sobre la situación económica de aquellas parejas que deseaban contraer matrimonio. Si no poseían al menos 200 florines, era muy probable que no se les concediera el permiso matrimonial. Y, aunque la emperatriz María Teresa aboliese esta ley en 1765, dicha política continuó, sin embargo, activa en la práctica. Desde 1820 estuvieron vigentes las leyes del consentimiento político al matrimonio con lo cual era posible de manera oficial impedir de forma irremisible los matrimonios de parejas pobres. De ello se encargaban los consejos de gobierno de los municipios. Especialmente rígida fue la aplicación de esta política en el Tirol germanohablante y en Voralberg, ya que lo que demuestra en parte la considerable tasa de personas solteras es que el matrimonio se convirtió aquí en un cuasi «privilegio». No obstante, no todos se dejaban desanimar por un dictamen negativo; muchas parejas usaban el camino del recurso legal o probaban otras estrategias y vías alternativas: no pocos se desplazaban hasta Roma con la intención de que allí los casaran. La estricta política de dispensa matrimonial del Tirol provocó a raíz de esto último, constantes desavenencias diplomáticas entre Viena y Roma que, en las postrimerías del siglo XIX se convirtieron en conflictos de competencia incluso entre niveles político-administrativos tan diferentes.
Carrera eclesiástica, servicio doméstico y curso de vida (Murcia, siglo XVIII)
Authors: Irigoyen López Antonio
Published: November 2016

En este trabajo se pretende relacionar la carrera eclesiástica con el servicio doméstico del clero secular lo cual tiene como eje vertebrador el curso de vida. La condición de sirviente se puede considerar una etapa inicial desde la que se querían alcanzar los grados eclesiásticos. Sin embargo, no siempre se podía establecer una cadena secuencial porque a menudo la condición de sirviente, estudiante y clérigo se aplicaban a una misma persona. En cualquier caso, entrar como sirvientes en las casas de aquellos clérigos que contaban con recursos y posibilidades de capital económico y relacional fue una opción para muchos individuos que ansiaban culminar su carrera eclesiástica.
Epistemologia Genética e Construtivismo: Contribuições para a Aprendizagem da Leitura
Authors: Bezerra Maria José Da Silva , Cunha Francisco Roberto Brito
Published: November 2016

O presente artigo tem por objetivo a compreensão de como se desenvolve a aprendizagem escolar na perspectiva da Epistemologia Genética de Jean Piaget, como também compreender a inteligência em vários estágios do desenvolvimento da criança e do adolescente. Através de pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a teoria piagetiana e o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem pretende-se mostrar o legado da mesma e a relação com a didática e o fazer pedagógico, através do construtivismo, especialmente no aprendizado da leitura. Ao final deseja-se que, se não acrescentou algo novo, pelo menos sirva de motivação para a busca de novo saber.