bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are cardiovascular risk factors also associated with the incidence of atrial fibrillation?
Authors: Allan Victoria , Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Casas Juan-Pablo , Wallace Joshua , Hunter Ross , Schilling Richard , Perel Pablo , Morley Katherine , Banerjee Amitava , Hemingway Harry
Published: February 2017

Established primary prevention strategies of cardiovascular diseases are based on understanding of risk factors, but whether the same risk factors are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and field synopsis of the associations of 23 cardiovascular risk factors and incident AF, which included 84 reports based on 28 consented and four electronic health record cohorts of 20,420,175 participants and 576,602 AF events. We identified 3-19 reports per risk factor and heterogeneity in AF definition, quality of reporting, and adjustment. We extracted relative risks (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals [CI] and visualised the number of reports with inverse (RR [CI]<1.00), or direct (RR [CI]>1.00) associations. For hypertension (13/17 reports) and obesity (19/19 reports), there were direct associations with incident AF, as there are for coronary heart disease (CHD). There were inverse associations for non-White ethnicity (5/5 reports, with RR from 0.35 to 0.84 [0.82–0.85]), total cholesterol (4/13 reports from 0.76 [0.59–0.98] to 0.94 [0.90–0.97]; 8/13 reports with non-significant inverse associations), and diastolic blood pressure (2/11 reports from 0.87 [0.78–0.96] to 0.92 [0.85–0.99]; 5/11 reports with non-significant inverse associations), and direct associations for taller height (7/10 reports from 1.03 [1.02–1.05] to 1.92 [1.38–2.67]), which are in the opposite direction of known associations with CHD. A systematic evaluation of the available evidence suggests similarities as well as important differences in the risk factors for incidence of AF as compared with other cardiovascular diseases, which has implications for the primary prevention strategies for atrial fibrillation.
Does the Use of a Decision Aid Improve Decision Making in Prosthetic Heart Valve Selection?
Authors: Korteland Nelleke M. , Ahmed Yunus , Koolbergen David R. , Brouwer Marjan , de Heer Frederiek , Kluin Jolanda , Bruggemans Eline F. , Klautz Robert J.M. , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Bucx Jeroen J.J. , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Polak Peter , Markou Thanasie , van den Broek Inge , Ligthart Rene , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Takkenberg Johanna J.M.
Published: February 2017

Background—

A Dutch online patient decision aid to support prosthetic heart valve selection was recently developed. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess whether use of the patient decision aid results in optimization of shared decision making in prosthetic heart valve selection.

Methods and Results—

In a 5-center randomized controlled trial, patients were allocated to receive either standard preoperative care (control group) or additional access to the patient decision aid (intervention group). Legally capable adult patients accepted for elective isolated or combined aortic and mitral valve replacement were included. Primary outcome was preoperative decisional conflict (Decisional Conflict Scale); secondary outcomes included patient knowledge, involvement in valve selection, anxiety and depression, (valve-specific) quality of life, and regret. Out of 306 eligible patients, 155 were randomized (78 control and 77 intervention). Preoperative decisional conflict did not differ between the groups (34% versus 33%;
P
=0.834). Intervention patients felt better informed (median Decisional Conflict Scale informed subscore: 8 versus 17;
P
=0.046) and had a better knowledge of prosthetic valves (85% versus 68%;
P
=0.004). Intervention patients experienced less anxiety and depression (median Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score: 6 versus 9;
P
=0.015) and better mental well-being (mean Short Form Health Survey score: 54 versus 50;
P
=0.032). Three months postoperatively, valve-specific quality of life and regret did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions—

A patient decision aid to support shared decision making in prosthetic heart valve selection does not lower decisional conflict. It does result in more knowledgeable, better informed, and less anxious and depressed patients, with a better mental well-being.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.trialregister.nl
. Unique identifier: NTR4350.
Myocardial Infarction Risk After Discontinuation of Thienopyridine Therapy in the Randomized DAPT Study (Dual Antiplatelet Therapy)
Authors: Stefanescu Schmidt Ada C. , Kereiakes Dean J. , Cutlip Donald E. , Yeh Robert W. , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Massaro Joseph M. , Hsieh Wen-Hua , Mauri Laura
Published: February 2017

Background:

Thienopyridine plus aspirin beyond 1 year after coronary stenting reduces myocardial infarction (MI) risk and increases bleeding risk in comparison with aspirin alone. The hazard associated with late thienopyridine discontinuation and risk factors for MI after discontinuation are poorly defined.

Methods:

In the DAPT Study (Dual Antiplatelet Therapy), after percutaneous coronary intervention and 12 months of thienopyridine (clopidogrel or prasugrel) plus aspirin, eligible patients remained on aspirin and were randomly assigned to continued thienopyridine versus placebo for 18 months. At 30 months, patients stopped the study drug and were observed for 3 months. Cumulative incidence of MI was assessed over 3 months after randomization (months 12–15) and 3 months after study drug discontinuation (months 30–33). The MI hazard for each of these periods was assessed across randomized treatment arms and by DAPT score values <2 or ≥2.

Results:

Among the 11 648 randomly assigned patients, the monthly cumulative incidence of MI was lower with continued thienopyridine versus placebo at 12 to 15 months (0.12% versus 0.37%,
P
<0.001, in all patients; 0.13% versus 0.27%,
P
=0.02, in patients not treated with paclitaxel-eluting stents), and higher at 30 to 33 months (0.30% versus 0.15%,
P
=0.013, in all patients; in patients without paclitaxel-eluting stents, 0.18% versus 0.17%,
P
=0.91). The majority of MIs in both time periods (74% and 76%) were not related to stent thrombosis. After multivariable adjustment, treatment arm independently predicted MI at months 12 to 15 (
P
<0.001) and 30 to 33 (
P
=0.011). During months 12 to 15, patients with DAPT scores <2 or ≥2 both had lower rates of MI with continued thienopyridine (MI monthly incidence 0.16% versus 0.51%,
P
<0.001, for scores ≥2; 0.08% versus 0.24%,
P
=0.012, for scores<2, interaction
P
=0.064).

Conclusions:

Discontinuing thienopyridine after either 12 or 30 months is associated with an early increase in MI risk, mainly unrelated to stent thrombosis; the magnitude of risk is highest in the earlier time frame, and lower in patients not treated with paclitaxel-eluting stents. Although higher DAPT scores identify patients with greater absolute ischemic benefit (relative to bleeding harm) with continued thienopyridine therapy, discontinuation at 12 months increases MI hazard regardless of DAPT score group.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00977938.
Revisiting the Subintroductae: Slavery, Asceticism, and “Syneisaktism” in the Exegesis of John Chrysostom
Authors: de Wet Chris L.
Published: February 2017

Building on Page duBois’ work on domestic slavery, and the relationship between literal and metaphorical slavery, this article revisits John Chrysostom’s treatises against the subintroductae (“female spiritual companions”), and reads the late ancient ascetic cohabitation of syneisaktism (often termed “spiritual marriage”) not so much as a type of spiritual marriage, but as an alternative form of slavery. The findings examine the discourse of slavery in the treatises, determine the type of service cohabiting ascetics may have provided to one another, and show how this popular living arrangement relates to late ancient domestic slavery. The thesis holds that syneisaktism provided an alternative to slaveholding, since many of these subintroductae would have been ascetics who got rid of most, if not all, of their slaves, and had to find other ways of coping with domestic labor demands. The close resemblance between slavery and syneisaktism thus shapes Chrysostom’s diatribe against the subintroductae.
Taiwanese Migrants and the Development of “Japanese Tawau” in Prewar British North Borneo (臺灣移民與戰前英屬北婆羅洲「日本人的斗湖」之開發)
Authors: Chung (鍾淑敏) Shu-min
Published: February 2017

This paper examines two waves of Japanese recruitment of Taiwanese migrants to British North Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia today) before World Warii. The North Borneo Chartered Company that governed the region from 1881 encouraged the inflow of migrants and foreign capital. By the time when Japan started to kick off its first wave of labor recruitment Taiwan in around 1915, ethnic Chinese migrants from the Straits Settlements and South China had formed significant communities in the shores of British North Borneo. But local labor power could not meet up the demand of the bourgeoning Japanese enterprises in mining, farming, and fishery industries in British North Borneo in general and in Tawau district in particular. Japan thus attempted to recruit workers from Taiwan to make up the insufficient number of Chinese migrants. In the 1920s, compared with their Chinese counterparts from South China, most Taiwanese did not settle in Borneo after their labor contract expired. The Japanese plan of developing a “Taiwan village” did not come true. In 1938, when Japan launched another launch another migrant scheme to send out Taiwanese to North Borneo, Japanese colonial regime in Taiwan rendered substantial capital and technology to the Taiwanese migrants. Now, Japan expected the Taiwanese to contribute more than their labor power but their connections with other Chinese descendants who had already settled there. In other words, Japan considered the interest of the Taiwanese migrants as part of the interests of the Japanese empire. The roles of prewar Taiwanese migration to British North Borneo should thus be understood by Japan’s Southward Expansion.

本文探討1917年與1938年日本人兩波召募臺灣勞工前往英屬北婆羅洲（今馬來西亞沙巴）斗湖一帶的過程和影響。在英國鼓勵日本招募華工來開發當地的背景下，1917年時日本招募臺灣人的動機，最主要是為了因應華工招募不足的困境而採取的臨時性措施，臺灣人被視為華工的替代品。相對於華工，臺灣移工也沒有在當地形成久居的社區。而在1938年臺灣拓殖株式會社提出的移民計畫中，臺灣人已經不只是單純的勞動力，背後還有臺灣總督府為使其定居的經費補助。這或許便是臺拓計畫中所提及臺灣人日本化的成果：可賦予臺灣人更大的任務，去面對人口占居多數的斗湖華人。戰前臺灣人移居北婆羅洲可說是伴隨著總督府南進的風潮與政策中，扮演了不同階段所需要的角色。 (This article is in Chinese).
Chinese Lottery Business and Korea, 1898–1909: The Cantonese Company Tongshuntai, and East Asian Trade Networks (晩淸彩票業與朝鮮,1898–1909：廣幫華商同順泰號和東亞貿易網絡)
Authors: Kang (姜抮亞) Jin-A
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates Chinese-managed lottery businesses and their circulation from China into Korea. It focuses on the case of the business practices and marketing of the Cantonese company Tongshuntai, a foremost representative of Chinese capital in Korea. Through the case study of the lottery, East Asian trade networks can be understood as a kind of network circulating culture and information across the region. In 1899, the first modern Chinese lottery was issued in Shanghai. Cantonese merchants imported the Chinese lottery and broadly advertised lotteries in the newspaper in Seoul. Korea and China showed the same pattern in lottery business from the time of its rise to its demise. In 1909, there were strong regulations against lottery business both in China and Korea simultaneously. The force leading to the termination of lotteries in China was the reformative power that aimed to modernize China. In Korea, however, impetus to stop lotteries came from Korean nationalism as well as Japanese imperialist authority.

本文以廣幫華商同順泰號的營業活動爲例，探討20世紀初中國彩票在韓國的流通和華商的作用，進而討論20世紀初東亞貿易網絡的文化性功能。在1899年廣濟剬司得到官方批准，在上海創辦了江南義賑彩票，此後中國近代性彩票業眞正開始。在韓華商在江南彩票開始的當年已進口了江南票。中國與韓國，同時彩票大大流行，兩地域社會經驗了同樣的社會變化，供給者接踵而起，過熱競爭，惹起了彩票市場進一步擴大，終於引起了反對彩票的社會剬論。中國創辦國産彩票，代替洋票，杜塞了資本的外流，反而韓國消費洋票之中國彩票，爲了新政期地方財政提供了資金。1909年韓中兩國同時開始了取締彩票，但在中國取締彩票之動力是中國入憲派與改革勢力，在韓國取締彩票的是韓國民族主義情緖以及日本帝國主義。 (This article is in English).
A contribution to the knowledge of the subfamily Panagaeinae Hope, 1838
from Africa. Part 2. Revision of the Craspedophorus leprieuri and C. regalis groups (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: HÄCKEL MARTIN
Published: February 2017

Afrotropical species of the Craspedophorus leprieuri and Craspedophorus regalis groups are revised. C. clasispilus (Alluaud, 1915) and C. guineensis Basilewsky, 1987 are considered as subspecies of C. leprieuri (Laporte de Castelnau, 1835); the synonymized C. peringueyi Csiki, 1929 (=laticollis Péringuey, 1904) is restated as subspecies of C. leprieuri, and it is described C. leprieuri zambianus (DR Congo: Katanga Province; Zambia); C. pseudofestivus Burgeon, 1930 is considered subspecies of C. merus Péringuey, 1904, and it is described C. merus lundanus (Angola, DR Congo: Kasai-Oriental and Katanga Provinces); C. bouvieri imperialis Burgeon, 1930 is considered to be a separate species of C. bouvieri (Rousseau, 1905), and C. bouvieri dux Basilewsky, 1951 is transferred to C. imperialis. The synonymized C. sayersii (Hope, 1842) is considered to be a good subspecies of C. regalis. C. bouvieri crampeli (Alluaud, 1915) is removed from C. bouvieri, and transferred to C. reflexus (Fabricius, 1781) in the C. reflexus species group (Häckel 2016). In this group C. uelensis Burgeon, 1930 is considered to be a subspecies of C. reflexus; and C. bozasi Alluaud, 1930 is synonymized with C. reflexus uelensis Burgeon, 1930. C. arnosti Häckel 2016 is synonymized with C. reflexus crampeli (Alluaud, 1915), C. ethmoides Alluaud, 1930 is synonymized with C. impictus (Boheman, 1848), and C. lebaudyi Alluaud, 1932 is synonymized with C. stanleyi Alluaud, 1930.
Notes on the genus Conchapelopia Fittkau (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae) from southern China, with description of a new species
Authors: NIITSUMA HIROMI , TANG HONGQU
Published: February 2017

Two interesting species, Conchapelopia togamaculosa Sasa & Okazawa and a new species, Conchapelopia brachiata sp. n., were collected from southern China. The male, pupa and larva of the new species are described, and new distributions of the former species are noted. Although the male of the new species is very distinct from that of the former in the hypopygial median volsella, the pupa and larva stunningly resemble those of the former.
Interpreting Fixed-Location Observations of Turbulence Advected by Waves: Insights from Spectral Models
Authors: Rosman Johanna H. , Gerbi Gregory P.
Published: February 2017

Assigning a physical interpretation to turbulent fluctuations beneath waves is complex because eddies are advected by unsteady wave orbital motion. Here, the kinematic effects of wave orbital motion on turbulent fluctuations at a fixed location were investigated using model turbulence spatial spectra (κ spectra) together with a general form of the frozen turbulence approximation. Model autospectra and cospectra included an inertial subrange, a rolloff at energy-containing scales (L = 2π/κ0), and a dissipation range. Turbulence was advected by a background flow composed of waves (rms orbital velocity σw, peak frequency ωw, and spectral width Δωw) propagating parallel to a current uc. Expressions were derived for turbulence frequency spectra (ω spectra), and parameters were varied across ranges typical in the coastal ocean. Except close to the wave band, the ω-spectrum shape collapses with two dimensionless parameters, a velocity ratio σw/uc, and a time-scale ratio ucκ0/ωw, which can be used to diagnose the effects of wave advection on turbulence spectra. As σw/uc increases, less variance and covariance appear at low frequencies (ω < ucκ0) and more appear at high frequencies (ω > ucκ0). If σw/uc > 2, wave advection must be taken into account when estimating turbulence length scales and integral quantities (e.g., Reynolds stress) from the low-frequency portion of spectra. The offset of the −5/3 region due to waves is unaffected by the rolloff or dissipation range; therefore, previously proposed methods for estimating dissipation rate from wave-affected −5/3 spectra are robust. Although idealized, the results inform the interpretation of turbulence ω spectra beneath waves and guide the estimation of turbulence properties from those spectra.
The Impact of NASA Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Dropwindsonde Observations on Tropical Cyclone Track, Intensity, and Structure: Case Studies
Authors: Christophersen Hui , Aksoy Altug , Dunion Jason , Sellwood Kathryn
Published: February 2017

The impact of Global Hawk (GH) dropwindsondes on tropical cyclone analyses and forecasts is evaluated in an ensemble-based vortex-scale data assimilation system. Two cases from Hurricane Edouard (2014) are presented. In the first case, inner-core observations were exclusively provided by GH dropwindsondes, while in the second case, GH dropwindsondes were concentrated in the storm’s near environment and were complemented by an extensive number of inner-core observations from other aircraft. It is found that when GH dropwindsondes are assimilated, a positive impact on the minimum sea level pressure (MSLP) forecast persists for most lead times in the first case, conceivably due to the better representation of the initial vortex structure, such as the warm-core anomaly and primary and secondary circulations. The verification of the storm’s kinematic and thermodynamic structure in the forecasts of the first case is carried out relative to the time of the appearance of a secondary wind maximum (SWM) using the tail Doppler radar and dropwindsonde composite analyses. A closer-to-observed wavenumber-0 wind field in the experiment with GH dropwindsondes is seen before the SWM is developed, which likely contributes to the superior intensity forecast up to 36 h. The improvement in the warm-core anomaly in the forecasts from the experiment with GH dropwindsondes is believed to have also contributed to the consistent improvement in the MSLP forecast. For the latter case, a persistent improvement in the track forecast is seen, which is consistent with a better representation of the near-environmental flow obtained from GH data in the same region.
Investigating foamed polylactic acid films through cell structure alteration and processing conditions
Authors: Hussain Sadakat , Parker Kate , Garancher Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2017

Polylactic acid films were foamed through a solid-state process using liquid carbon dioxide as a physical blowing agent. The foamed films were stretched to understand the effect of cell strut alignment on elastic modulus and yield stress normalised with density. Through stretching, cell strut alignment was achieved and verified with scanning electron microscopy. Aligning the cell struts improved the elastic modulus by a factor of 4 and the yield stress by a factor of 5 while decreasing the strain percentage at break. Aligned cell struts axially strain during tensile deformation which requires more force than unaligned cell struts which bend at initial deformations. The flexographic printability and surface topography of the foamed polylactic acid films was also analysed. The temperature used to impregnate carbon dioxide into the polylactic acid films was varied to understand its significance on printability and surface topography. Samples impregnated at ambient temperatures had smooth surface topography and a shiny lustre and good printability, whereas, samples impregnated at sub-ambient temperatures had a dull and rough texture and poor printability. Also, the carbon dioxide content had an effect on the surface topography and printability.
Influence of fiber surface treatments on physico-mechanical behaviour of jute/epoxy composites impregnated with aluminium oxide filler
Authors: Swain Priyadarshi Tapas Ranjan , Biswas Sandhyarani
Published: February 2017

The present paper discovers the effect of ceramic filler inclusion on physico-mechanical and water absorption behaviour of untreated and chemically treated (alkali and benzoyl chloride treated) bi-directional jute natural-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. In practice, the major drawbacks of using natural fibers are their high degree of moisture absorption and poor dimensional stability. Currently, chemical treatments are able to induce fiber modifications that increase their resistance when utilized in composite products. Jute fibers were subjected to various chemical modifications to improve the interfacial bonding with the matrix. In this study, an analysis has been carried out to make pre-treated jute fiber (10, 20, 30 and 40 wt.%) and different filler content (5 and 10 wt.%) with epoxy-based composites. A comparative study of all the untreated jute/aluminium oxide based hybrid composites with chemically treated jute/aluminium oxide based hybrid composites was carried out. The investigational result reveals that chemically treated composites considerably improved the mechanical properties of the composite. The maximum water absorption resistance and strength properties were found with benzoyl chloride-treated fiber-reinforced composite. Lastly, the surface morphology of fractured surfaces after tensile and flexural testing is studied using scanning electron microscope.
Telomerase Expression in Medaka (Oryzias melastigma) Pharyngeal Teeth
Authors: Tan W.H. , Witten P.E. , Winkler C. , Au D.W.T. , Huysseune A.
Published: February 2017

Nonmammalian vertebrates have the capacity of lifelong tooth replacement. In all vertebrates, tooth formation requires contact and interaction between the oral or pharyngeal epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. To secure lifelong replacement, the presence of odontogenic stem cells has been postulated, particularly in the epithelial compartment. This study uses an advanced teleost fish species, the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma, a close relative to Oryzias latipes, to examine the expression and distribution of telomerase reverse transcriptase (Tert), the catalytic unit of telomerase, in developing pharyngeal teeth and to relate these data to the proliferative activity of the cells. The data are complemented by expression analysis of the pluripotency marker oct4 and bona fide stem cell marker lgr5. Tert distribution and tert expression in developing tooth germs show a dynamic spatiotemporal pattern. Tert is present first in the mesenchyme but is downregulated as the odontoblasts differentiate. In contrast, in the epithelial enamel organ, Tert is absent during early stages of tooth formation and upregulated first in ameloblasts. Later, Tert is expressed and immunolocalized throughout the entire inner enamel epithelium. The pattern of Tert distribution is largely mutually exclusive with that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity: highly proliferative cells, as revealed by PCNA staining, are negative for Tert; conversely, PCNA-negative cells are Tert-positive. Only the early condensed mesenchyme is both Tert- and PCNA-positive. The absence of tert-positive cells in the epithelial compartment of early tooth germs is underscored by the absence of oct4- and lgr5-positive cells, suggesting ways other than stem cell involvement to secure continuous renewal.
Preparing Bilingual Teachers
Authors: Martínez-Álvarez Patricia , Cuevas Isabel , Torres-Guzmán María
Published: February 2017

This study draws upon a survey of writing conceptions and cultural dispositions data, as well as multimodal compositions allowing bilingual teacher candidates to recursively explore and deepen the relationships between language, identity, and culture in learning. We found that teacher candidates did rethink the relationships through the multimodal tool. Moreover, their epistemic writing conceptions were correlated with high intercultural dispositions and multimodal complexity. The multimodal composition allowed candidates to follow individually distinct processes, but they all made more references to their imagined teaching practice at the end of the learning experience. These references were the result of, and resulted in, a deeper reflection of the relationships. Our results have implications for preparing teachers to confront the reality of diverse classrooms through more flexible pedagogical practices that allow for diverse modes of meaning making, such as the multimodal composition in this study.
A Sociology of Nothing: Understanding the Unmarked
Authors: Scott Susie
Published: February 2017

Nothing is a sociologically neglected terrain, comprising negatively defined phenomena, such as non-identification, non-participation and non-presence. Nevertheless, these symbolic social objects are created and managed through meaningful social interaction. Nothing is accomplished either by active commission (doing/being a non-something) or by passive omission (not-doing/not-being something). I explore these dichotomous forms through four dimensions of negative social space: non-identity; inactivity; absence; and silence. Paradoxically, nothing is always productive of something: other symbolic objects come into being through the apprehension of phantoms, imaginaries, replacements and alternatives, which generate further constitutive meanings. A sociological analysis illuminates these processes, revealing how much nothing matters.
One Text, Two Declarations: Theological Trajectories from Nostra Aetate
Authors: Locklin Reid
Published: February 2017

Nostra Aetate inaugurated a new era of interreligious dialogue in the Catholic Church, but the theological foundation it provided for such dialogue is complex. This article traces two different heuristic trajectories: a universalist trajectory revealed in Nostra Aetate 1–2 and reflected in the work of Bernard Lonergan, and a particularist trajectory in Nostra Aetate 4 and the work of Gregory Baum. Once distinguished, these two trajectories reveal a fruitful tension at the heart of the church’s new engagement with other religious paths.
Cooperation with Evil Reconsidered: The Moral Duty of Resistance
Authors: Rubio Julie Hanlon
Published: February 2017

The essay presents an argument for critical retrieval of the framework of cooperation with evil used by the moral manualists who dominated Catholic moral theology in the first part of the 20th century. Both “liberal” and “conservative” Christians are concerned with cooperation but differ as to which issues deserve attention and when cooperation becomes problematic. The key to moving beyond the current impasse is balancing the manualists’ tolerance for material cooperation in the face of conflicting responsibilities with the prophetic sensibilities of womanist theologians who are “troubled in their souls” by the suffering of vulnerable human beings and call Christians to take concrete steps to contribute to the decrease of that suffering.
Duns Scotus on Disability: Teleology, Divine Willing, and Pure Nature
Authors: Cross Richard
Published: February 2017

According to the so-called “religio-ethical” model of disability accepted in some sense by Aquinas, disability is fundamentally a punishment for wrongdoing. Duns Scotus rejects this view and holds that disability could simply have been part of God’s plan, and that its presence could have been explained simply by virtue of God’s finding beauty in some of the bodily configurations of the disabled. I conclude by showing how Scotus’s view relates to the so-called “social” model of disability.
Age Differences in the Effects of Mortality Salience on the Correspondence Bias
Authors: Maxfield Molly , Pyszczynski Tom , Greenberg Jeff , Bultmann Michael N.
Published: February 2017

According to terror management theory, awareness of death affects diverse aspects of human thought and behavior. Studies have shown that older and younger adults differ in how they respond to reminders of their mortality. The present study investigated one hypothesized explanation for these findings: Age-related differences in the tendency to make correspondent inferences. The correspondence bias was assessed in younger and older samples after death-related, negative, or neutral primes. Younger adults displayed increased correspondent inferences following mortality primes, whereas older adults’ inferences were not affected by the reminder of death. As in prior research, age differences were evident in control conditions; however, age differences were eliminated in the death condition. Results support the existence of age-related differences in responses to mortality, with only younger adults displaying increased reliance on simplistic information structuring after a death reminder.
It’s All About the Money (For Some): Consequences of Financially Contingent Self-Worth
Authors: Park Lora E. , Ward Deborah E. , Naragon-Gainey Kristin
Published: February 2017

Financial success is an important goal, yet striving for it is often associated with negative outcomes. One reason for this paradox is that financial pressures may be tied to basing self-worth on financial success. Studies 1a to 1c developed a measure of Financial Contingency of Self-Worth (Financial CSW), and found that it predicted more financial social comparisons, financial hassles, stress, anxiety, and less autonomy. In response to a financial (vs. academic) threat, higher Financial CSW participants experienced less autonomy, perceived financial problems more negatively, and disengaged from their financial problems (Study 2). When given an opportunity to self-affirm, however, Financial CSW participants did not show diminished autonomy in response to a financial (vs. academic) threat (Study 3). Finally, participants with higher Financial CSW were less likely to make extravagant spending decisions following a financial (vs. health) threat (Study 4). Together, these studies demonstrate the many consequences of staking self-worth on financial success.
The teacher as examiner of L2 oral tests: A challenge to standardization
Authors: Sundqvist Pia , Wikström Peter , Sandlund Erica , Nyroos Lina
Published: February 2017

The present paper looks at the issue of standardization in L2 oral testing. Whereas external examiners are frequently used globally, some countries opt for test-takers’ own teachers as examiners instead. In the present study, Sweden is used as a case in point, with a focus on the mandatory, high-stakes, summative, ninth-grade national test in English (speaking part). The national test has the typical characteristics of standardized tests and its main objective is to contribute to equity in assessment and grading on a national level. However, using teachers as examiners raises problems for standardization. The aim of this study is to examine teachers’/examiners’ practices and views regarding four aspects of the speaking test – test-taker grouping, recording practices, the actual test occasion, and examiner participation in students’ test interactions – and to discuss findings in relation to issues concerning the normativity and practical feasibility of standardization, taking the perspectives of test-takers, teachers/examiners, and test constructors into account. In order to answer research questions linked to these four aspects of L2 oral testing, self-report survey data from a random sample of teachers ( N = 204) and teacher interviews ( N = 11) were collected and quantitative data were analyzed using inferential statistics. Survey findings revealed that despite thorough instructions, teacher practices and views vary greatly across all aspects, which was further confirmed by interview data. Three background variables – teacher certification, work experience, gender – were investigated to see whether they could provide explanations. Whereas certification and gender did not contribute significantly to explaining the findings, work experience bore some relevance, but effect sizes were generally small. The study concludes that using teachers as examiners is a well-functioning procedure in terms of assessment for learning, but raises doubts regarding assessment of learning and standardization; a solution for test authorities could be to frame the test as non-standardized.
Patient safety in phlebology: The ACP Phlebology Safety Checklist
Authors: Collares Felipe Birchal , Sonde Mehru , Harper Kenneth , Armitage Michael , Neuhardt Diana L , Fronek Helane S
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To assess the current use of safety checklists among the American College of Phlebology (ACP) members and their interest in implementing a checklist supported by the ACP on their clinical practices; and to develop a phlebology safety checklist.

Method

Online surveys were sent to ACP members, and a phlebology safety checklist was developed by a multispecialty team through the ACP Leadership Academy.

Results

Forty-seven percent of respondents are using a safety checklist in their practices; 23% think that a phlebology safety checklist would interfere or disrupt workflow; 79% answered that a phlebology safety checklist could improve procedure outcomes or prevent complications; and 85% would be interested in implementing a phlebology safety checklist approved by the ACP.

Conclusion

A phlebology safety checklist was developed with the intent to increase awareness on patient safety and improve outcome in phlebology practice.
Hand grip strength determination for healthy males in Saudi Arabia: A study of the relationship with age, body mass index, hand length and forearm circumference using a hand-held dynamometer
Authors: Alahmari Khalid A , Silvian S. Paul , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Kakaraparthi Venkata Nagaraj , Ahmad Irshad , Alam Mohammad Mahtab
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine whether age, body mass index (BMI), hand length and forearm circumference were predictive of hand grip strength in healthy Saudi Arabian adult males.

Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited healthy adult male volunteers. Their anthropometric characteristics including age, BMI, hand length and forearm circumference were measured using routine techniques. Hand grip strength was assessed using a Jamar® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. The data were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient ( r) as well as by a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The study included 116 healthy males who satisfied the inclusion criteria. A Pearson correlation coefficient matrix demonstrated that all the four measures, age, BMI, hand length and forearm circumference, were significantly correlated with hand grip strength. Age had an inverse correlation with hand grip strength. The anthropometric measures of hand length, age and forearm circumference accounted for 44.2% (R2 0.442) of the variation of the hand grip strength.

Conclusion

Hand length, age and forearm circumference significantly impacted on hand grip strength in Saudi Arabian healthy adult males.
Use of platelet-rich plasma for regeneration in non-vital immature permanent teeth: Clinical and cone-beam computed tomography evaluation
Authors: Alagl Adel , Bedi Sumit , Hassan Khalid , AlHumaid Jehan
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study was performed to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of a revascularization procedure in immature teeth with apical periodontitis using platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The PRP protocol and conventional revascularization protocol, which used a blood clot as the scaffold, were compared.

Methods

Thirty non-vital immature permanent teeth were randomly categorized into two groups. After disinfecting the root canal space with triple antibiotic paste (1:1:1 ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and cefaclor), a tissue scaffold was created using either PRP or a blood clot (control) and covered with white mineral trioxide aggregate. All cases were followed up clinically and radiographically for 12 months. Differences in bone density, root length, and lesion size were calculated using preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images. The means of the differences in individual parameters in the blood clot and PRP groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

After 5 months, sensitivity tests (cold and electric pulp tests) elicited a delayed positive response in 23 sites. At 12 months, cone-beam computed tomography revealed resolution or a decrease in lesion size and an increase in bone density in all 30 (100%) teeth. Additionally, continued root development was observed in 22 (73%) teeth and early root growth was observed in the test group (mineral trioxide aggregate with PRP).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that PRP can serve as a successful scaffold for regenerative endodontic treatment. With the exception of a significant increase in root length, the results of treatment with PRP were not significantly different from those of the conventional protocol using a blood clot as the scaffold.
Solar heat absorbing coating from multi-walled carbon nanotube composites with linear low-density polyethylene-coated copper sheet
Authors: Boonphan Samor , Singjai Pisith
Published: February 2017

This study aims to investigate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/linear low density polyethylene composite-coated copper sheets on an energy conversion efficiency of a solar water heating system. Volume percentages of 1, 3 and 5 MWNTs were ball-mill mixed with linear low density polyethylene before using a hot press method to coat the composites. A bonding layer between the composites and the copper sheets was intercalated using MWNTs/polyvinyl butyral composites. The strength of the bonding layer was tested using a shear tension test. Microstructures of the composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The energy conversion efficiency and solar absorptance of the solar heat absorbing coatings were measured by a home-made method and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that the efficiency and the absorptance increased by 40% and 0.95, respectively with the increasing volume percentages of MWNTs up to 5 vol.% in linear low density polyethylene.
Investigation of air pollution of Shanghai subway stations in ventilation seasons in terms of PM2.5 and PM10
Authors: Guo Erbao , Shen Henggen , He Lei , Zhang Jiawen
Published: February 2017

In November 2015, the PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter (PM) levels in platforms, station halls, and rail areas of the Shangcheng and Jiashan Road Station were monitored to investigate air pollution in the Shanghai subway system. The results revealed that in subway stations, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were significantly higher than those in outdoor environments. In addition, particle concentrations in the platforms exceeded maximum levels that domestic safety standards allowed. Particularly on clear days, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in platforms were significantly higher than maximum standards levels. Owing to the piston effect, consistent time-varying trends were exhibited by PM2.5 concentrations in platforms, station halls, and rail areas. Platform particle concentrations were higher than the amount in station halls, and they were higher on clear days than on rainy days. The time-varying trends of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in platforms and station halls were similar to each other. Activities within the station led to most of the inhalable particles within the station area. The mass concentration ratios of PM2.5 and PM10 in platforms were within 0.65–0.93, and fine particles were the dominant components.
The Methodology of The Witch-Hunt Narrative
Authors: Staller Karen M.
Published: February 2017

From an evidentiary point of view, the project Ross Cheit seeks to accomplish in his book, The Witch-Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology, and the Sexual Abuse of Children, is remarkably complex. I examine the methodology that underlies Cheit’s scholarship to assess the strength of his claims. Cheit’s work has a strong methodological core in which he asserts the existence of a “Witch-Hunt Narrative” (WHN), public perception that there are “hundreds” of legal cases involving innocent adults wrongly criminally pursued for child sexual abuse. He identifies three foundational cases in this WHN, McMartin, Michaels, and Fuster, along with dozens of others, which he distills from published lists. Using broadly collected archival and other data, Cheit investigates the veracity of this WHN. He concludes there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the witch-hunt claim. Methodologically, Cheit’s research veers into more problematic territory when he seeks to extend his WHN claims beyond this central core and extend it to the academy, particularly the research of several prominent academics, including psychologists Stephen J. Ceci and Maggie Bruck. I examine these claims and argue Cheit has not paid sufficient attention to the methods and methodology upon which he bases his claims. I conclude by noting the complexity of evaluating evidence produced and utilized in, and across, disciplinary boundaries, including journalism, law, and the academy. Nonetheless, Cheit’s scholarship raises a plethora of important questions and possibilities for future research.
The Witch-Hunt Narrative
Authors: Lamb Nancy Beasley
Published: February 2017

For more than two decades, conventional wisdom about the high-profile day care cases of the 1980s and early 1990s suggests all were modern-day witch hunts, based on false allegations made by highly suggestible children during an era when society was gripped by a “believe the children” hysteria. Author Ross Cheit refutes conventional wisdom by conducting an exhaustive examination of original data from dozens of cases bearing the witch hunt label. He concludes there was no witch-hunt epidemic, finding substantial evidence of sexual abuse in nearly every case he reviewed, contradicting the assertions made about those cases by what he calls the witch-hunt narrative. Cheit examines the legacy of the witch-hunt narrative and contends its exaggerated claims about the suggestibility of children have had a negative effect on the credibility of children today who allege being sexually abused. This writer examines Cheit’s conclusions in light of her own experience as a career prosecutor of crimes against children as well as her involvement in a high-profile day care case encompassed by the witch-hunt narrative. Setting the record straight about these cases is important not only for the sake of historical accuracy and intellectual honesty but also because the witch-hunt narrative’s unwarranted assertions about the suggestibility of children have had a negative effect on society’s perception of their credibility. Bringing public attention to the fallacies of the witch-hunt narrative and shining a light on questionable tactics used by some in academia to support their contention that all children are highly suggestible will ultimately serve to strengthen society’s ability to believe a child who discloses sexual abuse.
Advances in simulation of gerotor pumps: An integrated approach
Authors: Altare Giorgio , Rundo Massimo
Published: February 2017

The paper describes a multi-domain simulation of a gerotor oil pump. Three different analysis tools have been used in synergy to predict the pump flow rate, in both conditions of complete and incomplete filling, and the pressure ripple. The computational fluid dynamics software PumpLinx® has been used for the determination of the discharge coefficients, while a finite element model analysis performed with ANSYS® has allowed the evaluation of the deflection of the pump cover under the action of the delivery pressure. The data calculated with the 3D tools have been utilized as input for a lumped parameter model of the pump developed in LMS Amesim® with customized libraries. The aim of the study is to supply the guidelines for tuning the models using a reduced number of computational fluid dynamics simulations. The results collected in the experimental campaign have demonstrated that a lumped parameter approach can be suitable, if properly calibrated, to predict the pressure oscillations in conditions of defective filling. Moreover, it was found that the cover deflection has a significant importance not only on the leakages, but also on the pressure ripple.
The spectrum of neuropsychiatric lupus in a Black Caribbean population: a report of the Barbados National Lupus Registry
Authors: Flower C , Hambleton I , Corbin D , Marquez S , Edghill R
Published: February 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine neuropsychiatric lupus in a Black Caribbean population.

Methods

We reviewed Barbados National Lupus Registry patients with ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria and a diagnosis of neuropsychiatric lupus using the American College of Rheumatology 19 case definitions.

Results

From 366 patients with four or more American College of Rheumatology criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus, 55 (15%) had evidence of neuropsychiatric lupus. There were 51 females and four males (F:M = 13:1) with a median age of 31 years. A total of 76.4% had a single neuropsychiatric lupus complication and 23.6% had two or three complications occurring sequentially or concurrently. The top three complications were psychosis – 49.1% (95% CI 35.8, 62.5); ischaemic stroke – 32.7% (21.4, 46.5); and generalized tonic-clonic seizures – 12.7% (6.0, 24.8). Twelve of the American College of Rheumatology 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes were represented: 91.2% central; 8.8% peripheral. There were 521 observation years, and for 32 patients (58%) neuropsychiatric lupus was a presenting feature. For the remaining 23 (42%) the first neuropsychiatric lupus event came after systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis – median time of two years. Of the 22 deaths, systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis caused almost half (45.5%) at a median age of 32. The prevalence of nephritis was lower in the neuropsychiatric lupus subgroup (25.5%) compared with the Barbados National Lupus Registry data (47%) ( P = 0.01). Ischaemic stroke caused 22.7% of deaths at a median age of 46 and was the main cause of chronic neurologic deficits amongst survivors.

Conclusion

Neuropsychiatric lupus was an early cause of morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus with predominantly singular central nervous system complications, the most common of which was psychosis. Most deaths occurred at a young age, principally from systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis. Ischaemic stroke was the main neurologic cause of death and disability.
Predicting the cure rate of breast cancer using a new regression model with four regression structures
Authors: Ramires Thiago G , Cordeiro Gauss M , Kattan Michael W , Hens Niel , Ortega Edwin MM
Published: February 2017

Cure fraction models are useful to model lifetime data with long-term survivors. We propose a flexible four-parameter cure rate survival model called the log-sinh Cauchy promotion time model for predicting breast carcinoma survival in women who underwent mastectomy. The model can estimate simultaneously the effects of the explanatory variables on the timing acceleration/deceleration of a given event, the surviving fraction, the heterogeneity, and the possible existence of bimodality in the data. In order to examine the performance of the proposed model, simulations are presented to verify the robust aspects of this flexible class against outlying and influential observations. Furthermore, we determine some diagnostic measures and the one-step approximations of the estimates in the case-deletion model. The new model was implemented in the generalized additive model for location, scale and shape package of the R software, which is presented throughout the paper by way of a brief tutorial on its use. The potential of the new regression model to accurately predict breast carcinoma mortality is illustrated using a real data set.