bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting the resettlement of a Syrian family in Canada: The social work resettlement practice experience of Social Justice Matters
Authors: Drolet Julie , Enns Richard , Kreitzer Linda , Shankar Janki , McLaughlin Anne-Marie
Published: August 2017

The Syrian conflict and war has contributed to the largest refugee crisis in recent history. Many refugees are seeking protection and safety for their family. This article discusses the context of the Syrian refugee crisis and how a group of social work faculty members are responding by supporting the resettlement of a Syrian refugee family in Canada. Private sponsorship options, grassroots activities, and the role of social work in resettlement are discussed. This article concludes with a call to action for social workers to strengthen their support and involvement in the resettlement of refugees.
Thin broadband microwave absorber with conductive and magnetic materials coated on a glass fabric
Authors: Nam Young-Woo , Choi Jae-Hun , Huh Jeong-Moo , Lee Won-Jun , Kim Chun-Gon
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a thin broadband microwave absorber that is manufactured by electrical modification of a glass fabric using two different types of coating techniques in the C band to the Ku band (4–18 GHz). Unlike the production method of conventional absorbers, the proposed microwave absorbers were manufactured using a triple-layered structure. The latter consists of glass/epoxy, Ni-coated glass fabric, and Ni-Co-coated glass fabric without dispersed carbonaceous nano-conductive particles in the polymer matrix. The glass fabric was coated with a Ni and a Ni-Co magnetic nanomaterial via electroless plating and RF magnetron sputtering techniques. The element components, phase identification, and magnetic properties of the conductive and magnetic material-coated glass fabrics were examined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The results showed that high dielectric and magnetic properties can be obtained in the target frequency range owing to the conductive and the magnetic material. The proposed two types of broadband microwave absorbers have a low thickness value of 0.858 and 3.305 mm; the design of the broadband absorbers resulted in two strong resonance peaks near 8.5 and 16.3 GHz and satisfied the −10 dB absorption performance from 6.32 to 18 GHz.
Buckypaper/DYAD/Buckypaper and Buckypaper/DYAD/ (polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube) composite sensors: Preparation and damping properties characterization
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Rotenberg Yonatan , Fekrmandi Hadi , Levy Cesar
Published: August 2017

Buckypaper/DYAD/Buckypaper and Buckypaper/DYAD/(polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube) composites films were made by frit compression method and layer-by-layer attachment method. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the morphology properties of polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube and the results showed that carbon nanotubes were well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Free vibration test results showed that the double-sided attachment of the sensor had higher damping ratio values than single-sided attachment. Also, damping ratios were higher when the composite sensor was placed at the beam's clamped end. Furthermore, the Buckypaper/DYAD/(polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube) combination exhibited higher damping ratios than the other cases tested. Thus, these samples have the potential of being simultaneously strain sensors and dampers.
Comparisons of the use of twist, pilot-hole and step-drill on influence of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer drilling hole quality
Authors: Wang Gong-Dong , Kirwa Melly S
Published: August 2017

Understanding the drilling-induced damage to carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites remains the most active research being undertaken in the composite materials world of today. Despite the vast amounts of literature available, the relationship between drilling and damage to the composites has not been fully understood. In this research, a comparative study of different drilling methods including the use of a twist drill, the use of a pilot hole/pre-drilled hole and the use of a step drill on the influence of the hole quality has been accomplished. In order to achieve this comparison, thrust forces have been monitored during drilling experiments where four different feed rates and one spindle speed have been considered. A finite element model has also been included to study delamination damage on the laminates and validate the experimental results. Results show that thrust forces increase with increasing feed rates and that drilling by step drill is the most appropriate method as it records low forces hence minimal delamination damage.
Large-scale manufacturing of helical auxetic yarns using a novel semi-coextrusion process
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Ghita Oana R , Lin Congping , Evans Kenneth E
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces a novel extrusion process for manufacturing helical auxetic yarn (HAY). A range of semi-coextruded HAYs have been manufactured in a cost-effective, consistent and readily usable form. The semi-coextruded HAYs were compared to the conventional spun yarns in terms of tensile properties and auxetic behavior. The results show the presence of the auxetic effect in newly fabricated semi-coextruded HAYs. Similar to the traditional spun HAYs, the new HAYs are sensitive to parameters such as the initial wrap angle, the core/wrap diameter ratio and component moduli. Importantly, a few new manufacturing parameters have been identified for tailoring the auxetic behavior of the semi-coextruded HAYs. The semi-coextruded HAYs are auxetic when an instantaneous true Poisson’s ratio analysis method is applied. The semi-coextruded HAYs give a larger maximum negative Poisson’s ratio than the conventional HAYs due to the advantages of the pre-formed helical wrap structure.
How Should We Secure Our Transplanted Meniscus? A Meta-analysis
Authors: Jauregui Julio J. , Wu Zhan Dong , Meredith Sean , Griffith Cullen , Packer Jonathan D. , Henn R. Frank
Published: August 2017

Background:

Meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) is a salvage procedure for young patients with symptomatic meniscal deficiency. Although many studies report good outcomes, MAT remains controversial, and an optimal fixation technique for the meniscus roots is debated.

Purpose:

To assess the overall outcome of MAT and compare the results of different meniscal root fixation techniques.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Following specific guidelines, we systematically evaluated all current literature for studies reporting on the outcomes of patients who underwent MAT. Using random effect models of proportions, we determined the tear and failure rates. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to determine the improvement in clinical outcomes and pain level. Data were then stratified by root fixation method into 2 groups: fixation that preserved the graft’s root insertions on the allograft bone (bone fixation group) and suture fixation of the root soft tissue without the allograft bone (soft tissue suture group).

Results:

A total of 38 studies (1637 MATs, 81% men) involving subjects with a mean age of 34 years (range, 20-48 years) and a mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 25-168 months) met inclusion criteria. This overall cohort had significant improvements in Lysholm scores (from 57.8 to 81.4 points; SMD 1.5, P < .001) and pain level (visual analog scale [VAS], from 56 to 21 points; SMD 1.8, P < .001). The cohort had a tear rate of 9% and a failure rate of 12.6%. No significant differences were found between the soft tissue suture (485 MATs) and bone fixation (489 MATs) groups in terms of meniscal allograft tear rates (13.4% vs 14.9%), failure rates (17.6% vs 18.8%), Lysholm scores (from 52.3 to 82.4, SMD 2.0, and from 60.7 to 82.9, SMD 1.7; respectively), and VAS scores (from 65 points to 18 points, SMD 2.6, and from 63 points to 13 points, SMD 3.1; both P < .001). Meniscal extrusion was similar, with a weighted mean percentage of extrusion of 40.2% in the soft tissue suture group and 43.1% in the bone fixation group.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in clinical outcomes for MAT patients with low tear and failure rates. The data do not demonstrate a difference between soft tissue suture and bone fixation for MAT root fixation. This suggests that the technique of root fixation may not have an appreciable influence on clinical outcome, pain reduction, extrusion, or MAT longevity. Further prospective trials are needed.
Firearm Prevalence and Homicide
Authors: Moore Matthew D.
Published: August 2017

Examinations of firearm prevalence and crime have produced mixed results. The mixed research results and lack of knowledge about the amount of firearms in the United States make it difficult for researchers to assess the role that firearm prevalence plays in crime. The current analysis argues that the equivocal results could be due to location type because different locations may define the use and ownership of a firearm in different ways. Densely packed urban centers may be affected by firearm prevalence differently than sparsely populated rural areas. The current analysis created metro, nonmetro, and rural location types to examine the relationship between firearm prevalence and homicide. The findings illustrate that firearm prevalence significantly predicts the number of homicides in metro counties but does not significantly predict firearm prevalence for nonmetro and rural counties.
Nutrition Implications for Long‐Term Survivors of Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Authors: Petzel Maria Q. B. , Hoffman Leah
Published: August 2017

With slowly increasing survival rates in pancreatic cancer and international consensus guidelines recommending surgical resection of premalignant lesions, survival post–pancreatic resection is increasing. With longer survival time, the significant comorbidities of such major surgery have far‐reaching effects on the nutrition status of the survivor of pancreatic cancer. This review describes the many nutrition‐related side effects of pancreatic surgery, including the development of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, micronutrient deficiencies, diabetes, fatty liver, and metabolic bone disease. Beyond causing additional medical problems, each of these can have significant effects on quality of life and functional status. The potential mechanisms, diagnosis criteria, and potential treatments of these conditions are described. Overall, little literature exists to fully describe the effects of these comorbidities, and even less is able to guide effective treatments for this population. Clinicians caring for these patients should begin incorporating goals for promotion of long‐term health and reduction of these known and reported comorbidities in patients who have undergone pancreatic surgery. Treatment plans in this population remain understudied, and clinicians may need to consider recommendations for similar disease states when developing interventions for these patients.
Numerical investigation of a highly loaded centrifugal compressor stage with a tandem bladed impeller
Authors: Li Ziliang , Lu Xingen , Zhang Yanfeng , Han Ge , Yang Chengwu , Zhao Shengfeng
Published: August 2017

This study numerically investigated a highly loaded centrifugal compressor stage with various tandem-designed impellers and a wedge diffuser using a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver to better understand the fundamental mechanism of tandem impellers. The flow topologies in the impeller are analyzed in detail to identify the underlying physical mechanism of the effect of the tandem-impeller design on the performance of the compressor stage. Particular emphasis is placed on the evolution of the flow structure in the tandem bladed impeller by varying the inducer–exducer clocking arrangements. The results demonstrate that a tandem compressor design is more efficient than a conventional compressor design for the majority of the tested clocking configurations, and the tandem clocking friction significantly affects the impeller performance. For the tested centrifugal compressor stage, an approximately 1.4% increase in isentropic efficiency and 1.3% increase in stall margin are achieved with an inducer–exducer clocking fraction of 25%. The improvement in the primary centrifugal compressor stage performance by the tandem-impeller design is a result of the manipulation of the flow structure and the reduction in the highly distorted jet/wake exit flow pattern. Compared to the conventional impeller designs, the tandem-impeller clocking arrangement variation significantly affects the high-momentum flow along the exducer suction surface and inducer wake diffusion, inlet axial velocity, and flow angle of the exducer blade. Therefore, this variation is advantageous for shortening the length of the boundary layers on both parts of the blade and enables an intense mixing at the exducer passage to improve the flow uniformity of the impeller exit. As a result, the impeller efficiency, diffuser recovery, and stalling margin can be improved compared with the conventional design.
Universities’ Expectations for Study-Abroad Programs Fostering Internationalization: Educational Policies
Authors: Take Hiroko , Shoraku Ai
Published: August 2017

Because internationalization in higher education has recently received significant attention within the context of globalization, universities in Japan have begun to develop study-abroad programs to support their students in gaining international experience. This article explores those university policies designed to support the internationalization of higher education through mandatory study-abroad programs. An analysis is conducted of the educational policies of these universities based on a review of their admission, curriculum, and degree-awarding policies. The findings are as follows: First, it is unclear how study-abroad programs provide students with opportunities to attain knowledge and skills. Second, universities that face the same challenge to cultivate global citizenship through study abroad should review their educational content to determine whether students are achieving the goals set in their policies. Universities should realize the importance of study abroad in terms of providing opportunities through which students can achieve their education goals.
Force, flatness and touch without feeling: Thinking historically about haptics and buttons
Authors: Plotnick Rachel
Published: August 2017

In recent years, concerns have cropped up about the disappearance of analog buttons in favor of flat, slick touchscreens that ask little from their users’ fingers beyond swipes, touches, and taps. This form of interfacing has generated concerns both about usability and about how users relate tactilely and affectively with digital media. This article suggests that worries about these discursive and material shifts related to finger force and flat design continue a conversation begun >100 years ago when the very concept of a “button” was new. Stitching together past and present, this study identifies a persistent struggle to make sense of how humans touch and feel machines, with questions about user agency, labor, individuality, and authentic engagement coming to the fore. Additionally, it makes a case for encouraging scholars to work at the intersection of history and haptic media systems.
Novel Endovascular Management of Proximal Type A (DeBakey II) Aortic Dissection With a Patent Foramen Ovale Occluder
Authors: Yuan Xun , Mitsis Andreas , Mozalbat David , Nienaber Christoph A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To present a novel endovascular management option that avoids open surgery in selected patients with subacute type A aortic dissection (DeBakey II). Case Report: A 75-year-old woman with previous infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repaired in 2006 and multiple comorbidities (EURO score II 20.5%) was admitted with chest pain; computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed a new dissection in the ascending aorta just above the right coronary ostium. As the patient was considered unfit to undergo surgery, an endovascular solution was suggested after multidisciplinary team discussion. With a single entry identified, coils were deployed in the false lumen followed by a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder placed across the entry tear to seal the cavity. Intraprocedural digital subtraction angiography and transesophageal echocardiography, as well as CTA 3 days postprocedure, confirmed an entirely thrombosed false lumen. The 6-month follow-up CTA demonstrated the PFO occluder firmly in place, shrinkage of the false lumen, and remodeling of the ascending aorta. Conclusion: Interventional management of the false lumen in proximal (type A) dissection is feasible and sustainable. The use of coils and closure devices may present a new, efficient, minimalistic strategy to avoid open surgery in selected cases.
Cardio-cephalic neural crest syndrome: A novel hypothesis of vascular neurocristopathy
Authors: Komiyama M
Published: August 2017

A novel hypothesis proposes that “cardio-cephalic neural crest (NC) syndrome,” i.e. cephalic NC including cardiac NC, contributes to the concurrent occurrence of vascular diseases in the cardio- and cerebrovascular regions. NC is a transient structure present in early embryogenesis. Cephalic NC provides mesenchymal cells to the vascular media in these regions. Concurrent cardio- and cerebrovascular lesions have been reported in PHACE syndrome, ACTA2 mutation syndrome, and less frequently in the spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis (so-called moyamoya disease). Cardiovascular lesions in these syndromes include coarctation of the aorta, persistent truncus arteriosus, patent ductus arteriosus, and coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular lesions include agenesis and stenosis/occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, and moyamoya phenomenon. These concurrent vascular lesions both in the cardio- and cerebrovascular regions might be related to cephalic NC. This hypothesis, although not proven, may facilitate a better understanding of the above-mentioned NC-related vascular pathologies and lead to appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for clinicians and chart future direction for researchers.
A systematic review of treatment modalities and outcomes of type Ib endoleak after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair
Authors: Bianchini Massoni Claudio , Perini Paolo , Tecchio Tiziano , Azzarone Matteo , de Troia Alessandro , Freyrie Antonio
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To collect specific literature on type Ib endoleak after aorto-iliac endografting for abdominal aortic aneurysm, reporting data on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up results.

Methods

Publications about type Ib endoleak after aorto-iliac endografting for abdominal aortic or iliac aneurysm were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Considered studies were in English and published until 3 November 2016. Research methods and reporting were performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Inclusion criteria were: (1) reporting on abdominal aortic or iliac aneurysm as primary diagnosis; (2) reporting on distal endoleak after aorto-iliac endografting. Patient data, data on endovascular treatment, endoleak, reintervention, and follow-up were collected by two independent authors.

Results

Included studies were 11 (five original articles, six case reports), corresponding to 29 patients and 30 type Ib endoleak. Excluding missing data (2/30, 6.7%), type Ib endoleak was treated intra-operatively, within six months and after six months in six cases (21.4%), eight cases (28.6%), and fourteen cases (50%), respectively. Treatment of type Ib endoleak was endovascular in 27 cases (90%) (7 embolizations + extender cuffs, 10 extender cuffs, 8 embolizations without extender cuff, 1 Palmaz stenting and 1 iliac branched endograft), hybrid in 1 case (3.3%) and surgical in 2 cases (6.6%). Buttock claudication occurred in two cases (6.7%). One-month mortality was 3.4% (2/29) without events due to type Ib endoleak. In 14 cases (46.7%), median follow-up was six months (interquartile range: 2.75–14; range: 0.75–53). Type Ib endoleak persisted or reappeared in three cases (10%), all after endovascular treatment. Two of these (2/3, 66.7%) needed endovascular reintervention. No death during follow-up was reported.

Conclusions

Few specific data are available in literature about type Ib endoleak after aorto-iliac endografting for abdominal aortic aneurysm. About 50% of type Ib endoleak occurred after six months from the endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair procedure. Treatment is mainly endovascular and distal endograft extension is the main and effective treatment. Buttock claudication is the most frequent complication in case of exclusion of internal iliac artery. Persistent type Ib endoleak is possible, and adjunctive endovascular procedures are necessary.
Patterns of Cervical Disc Degeneration: Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Over 1000 Symptomatic Subjects
Authors: Suzuki Akinobu , Daubs Michael D. , Hayashi Tetsuo , Ruangchainikom Monchai , Xiong Chenjie , Phan Kevin , Scott Trevor P. , Wang Jeffrey C.
Published: August 2017

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate cervical disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a large population of symptomatic patients and to provide baseline data on the pattern of degeneration in order to understand how the cervical spine ages.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study of 1059 patients who underwent upright cervical MRI for neck pain with and without neurological symptoms. A total of 6354 cervical discs from C2/3 to C7/T1 were evaluated. Cervical disc degeneration was evaluated on T2-weighted MRI and graded into 4 categories (Grades 0-III). Positive degeneration was defined as greater than Grade II. The correlation between age and total grade of degeneration of each patient was evaluated, as well as the prevalence and pattern of degeneration.

Results:

The average number of degenerated disc levels and the total grade of cervical disc degeneration significantly increase with age. In the patient group with 1-level degeneration, C5/6 was the most common degenerated level followed by C4/5 and C6/7. In the group with 2-level degeneration, C5/6 & C6/7 was most common followed by C4/5 & C5/6 and C3/4 & C4/5. Skip level degeneration was significantly rarer than contiguous level degeneration, and C7/T1 and C2/3 were the most unlikely to degenerate in multilevel degeneration.

Conclusion:

Disc degeneration is most common in the middle cervical spine (C5/6) and progresses to contiguous levels, except for C7/T1 and C2/3. This pattern may play a role in adjacent-level disc degeneration associated with spinal fusion.
We the (Christian) People: Christianity and American Identity from 1996 to 2014
Authors: Whitehead Andrew L. , Scheitle Christopher P.
Published: August 2017

Religious identity, and specifically Christian identity, has long been a dominant symbolic boundary marker for inclusion into American society. But how has the salience of this boundary marker changed in recent years and in comparison to other boundary markers? Using multiple waves of the General Social Survey, we investigate temporal variation in the use of religion and other markers in constructing symbolic boundaries around American identity. First, we find that the Christian symbolic boundary both increased from 1996 to 2004 and declined from 2004 to 2014. Second, this pattern was not unique; in addition to the Christian symbolic boundary, Americans used a variety of both civic and ascriptive boundary markers to define American identity. However, our analysis also demonstrates that in 2004, the Christian symbolic boundary was significantly linked to national identity in a unique way while the other boundary markers were not. These results suggest that period effects and cultural events can influence the salience of religion in creating national symbolic boundaries. We discuss each of these findings, their relationship to the study of symbolic boundaries and American identity, and their societal implications.
IAPs protect host target tissues from graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Toubai Tomomi , Rossi Corinne , Oravecz-Wilson Katherine , Liu Chen , Zajac Cynthia , Wu Shin-Rong Julia , Sun Yaping , Fujiwara Hideaki , Tamaki Hiroya , Peltier Daniel , Riwes Mary , Henig Israel , Brabbs Stuart , Duckett Colin S. , Wang Shaomeng , Reddy Pavan
Published: August 2017

Key Points

IAP expression in hosts regulates GVHD. IAP expression in nonhematopoietic host targets is critical for mitigating GVHD damage.
Ruxolitinib for treatment of refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Broglie Larisa , Pommert Lauren , Rao Sridhar , Thakar Monica , Phelan Rachel , Margolis David , Talano Julie
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Optimal salvage therapy for refractory HLH is unknown. In our patient, ruxolitinib treatment led to clinical remission of refractory HLH.
A 4-lncRNA scoring system for prognostication of adult myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Yao Chi-Yuan , Chen Ching-Hsuan , Huang Huai-Hsuan , Hou Hsin-An , Lin Chien-Chin , Tseng Mei-Hsuan , Kao Chein-Jun , Lu Tzu-Pin , Chou Wen-Chien , Tien Hwei-Fang
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Through lncRNA profiling, we identified an MDS patient subset with distinct clinical and mutational patterns along with inferior outcomes. A concise yet powerful 4-lncRNA risk-scoring system was devised with the potential to improve current MDS risk stratification.
Morphoproteomics, E6/E7 in-situ hybridization, and biomedical analytics define the etiopathogenesis of HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma and provide targeted therapeutic options
Authors: Brown Robert E. , Naqvi Syed , McGuire Mary F. , Buryanek Jamie , Karni Ron J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as an etiopathogenetic factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes are instrumental in promoting proliferation and blocking differentiation leading to tumorigenesis. Although surgical intervention can remove such tumors, the potential for an etiologic field effect with recurrent disease is real. A downstream effector of E7 oncoprotein, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), is known to promote proliferation and to pose a block in differentiation and in turn, could lead to HPV-induced malignant transformation. However, the EZH2 pathway is amenable to low toxicity therapies designed to promote differentiation to a more benign state and prevent recurrent disease by inhibiting the incorporation of HPV into the genome. This is the first study using clinical specimens to demonstrate EZH2 protein expression in oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC).

Methods

The study included eight patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, confirmed p16INK4a- positive by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The tissue expression of E6/E7 messenger RNA (mRNA) was measured by RNAscope® in-situ hybridization technology. Expression of EZH2, Ki-67, and mitotic indices were assessed by morphoproteomic analysis. Biomedical analytics expanded the results with data from Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and KEGG databases to construct a molecular network pathway for further insights.

Results

Expression of E6 and E7 oncogenes in p16INK4a- positive oropharyngeal carcinoma was confirmed. EZH2 and its correlates, including elevated proliferation index (Ki-67) and mitotic progression were also present. Biomedical analytics validated the relationship between HPV- E6 and E7 and the expression of the EZH2 pathway.

Conclusion

There is morphoproteomic and mRNA evidence of the association of p16INK4a-HPV infection with the E6 and E7 oncogenes and the expression of EZH2, Ki-67 and mitotic progression in oropharyngeal carcinoma. The molecular network biology was confirmed by biomedical analytics as consistent with published literature. This is significant because the biology lends itself to targeted therapeutic options using metformin, curcumin, celecoxib and sulforaphane as therapeutic strategies to prevent progression or recurrence of disease.
The Jewel in the Crown: Specific Aims Section of Investigator-Initiated Grant Proposals
Authors: Santen Richard J , Barrett Eugene J , Siragy Helmy M , Farhi Leon S , Fishbein Lauren , Carey Robert M
Published: August 2017

The specific aims section of National Institutes of Health and other grants is the most important component, as it summarizes the scientific premise, gap in current knowledge, hypotheses, methods, and expected results of the project proposed. The reviewer usually reads this section first and forms an immediate opinion, usually confirmed on reading the entire grant. This treatise reviews the philosophical background underlying generation of hypotheses, emphasizes the important characteristics of the specific aims section, and offers a point-by-point roadmap for writing. This perspective arose out of a new Endocrine Society initiative in which senior investigators review the specific aims of next-generation members.
Effects of atorvastatin on treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: A double-blind randomized trial
Authors: Rahim Fakher , Sayyah Mehdi
Published: August 2017

Cel

Zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsyjne (OCD) to chroniczne zaburzenia o nieznanej etiologii. W przypadku osób cierpiących na lekooporne zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsyjne stosuje się leczenie wspomagające (augmentation). Niniejsze badanie przeprowadzono w celu oceny wpływu atorwastatyny na lekooporne zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsyjne

Metoda

Niniejsze badanie trwało 12-tygodni. Zastosowano w nim metodę podwójnej ślepej próby oraz randomizację. Do badania włączono 26 dorosłych pacjentów ambulatoryjnych, którzy spełniali kryteria OCD wg DSM-IV-TR, oraz u których stwierdzono, iż zaburzenia te są lekooporne. Pacjenci otrzymali atorwastatynę w dawce 10 mg na dobę oraz placebo odpowiednio w grupie badanej oraz kontrolnej, zostali również zbadani za pomocą skali obsesji i kompulsji Yale-Brown na początku badania oraz po jego zakończone 12 tygodni później.

Wyniki

Wyniki niniejszego badania wskazują na znaczne zmniejszenie objawów obsesyjnych mierzonych za pomocą skali Y-BOCS (P = 0,017) oraz ogólnego wyniku sali Y-BOCS (P = 0,041) w grupie pacjentów leczonych atorwastatyną. Zmniejszenie objawów kompulsyjnych mierzonych za pomocą tej skali (P = 0,081) nie było istotne statystycznie. Atorwastatyna była na ogół dobrze tolerowana przez pacjentów. W grupie pacjentów leczonych atorwastatyną zaobserwowano istotne zmniejszenie libido (P = 0,019).

Wnioski

Leczenie OCD jest złożone i znalezienie efektywnej terapii wspomagającej (augmentacji) w leczeniu tych zaburzeń byłoby bardzo pomocne. Wyniki badania wykazały skuteczność atorwastatyny jako terapii wspomagającej (augmentation) w leczeniu lekoopornych zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych. Zaleca się dalsze badania w tym kierunku.
An overview of the use of compression in lower-limb chronic oedema
Authors: Elwell Rebecca
Published: August 2017

A debilitating condition with a negative effect on a patient's quality of life, chronic oedema in the lower limbs can be managed by using compression garments. Rebecca Elwell explains

As yet, there is no known cure for this condition. However, it can be controlled and managed, and its recurrence can be prevented. One of the most common and successful ways of managing this condition is the use of compression hosiery. With an expanding knowledge base of compression hosiery, lymphoedema specialists are now able to address historical problems of poor fit and concordance. Moreover, there is a wide choice of garments available today for clinicians to use that not only help to control and treat the oedema, but that are also comfortable and inconspicuous, improving patients' quality of life. Evidence has shown that concordance is greatly increased when patients participate in their treatment and help to decide on the most suitable garment. This article gives an overview of the use of compression garments when treating lower-limb chronic oedema in patients, and explains the aspects to consider in choosing and prescribing compression hosiery.
Living with Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) from an adult viewpoint
Authors: Lateef Abie , Marshall-Lucette Sylvie
Published: August 2017

Using new case studies, Abie Lateef and Sylvie Marshall-Lucette examine the causes and consequences of ‘fish odour syndrome’, an under-researched and distressing condition that can have an often over-looked effect on quality of life

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon, inherited metabolic disease (IMD) characterised by an unpleasant rotting fish-like mouth or body odour. There does not seem to be any available study that addresses the psycho-social impact of this often missed and delayed diagnosed condition. Thus, this study explores adult patients' perspectives of living with TMAU, at one IMD department in the United Kingdom. A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted to study 11 adult participants, selected from 19 eligible patients with TMAU. After gaining approval from a Local Research Ethics Committee, data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed. Four main themes were identified from the data: conceptualisation of TMAU; personal sensitivity in the conundrum of TMAU; life with TMAU; and moving forward with TMAU. The participants' highly emotive, insightful lived experiences suggest an overlooked and overdue need for awareness of TMAU among healthcare professionals and the public, as well as funded studies into appropriate treatment.
Geoeconomics: The Democratic blueprint in historical perspective
Authors: Baranyi Tamás Péter
Published: August 2017

The article takes an evolutionary approach to the idea of geoeconomics. It presents the latter as a continuation and upgrade of post-Cold War triumphalism, neoliberal economic policies, and the Jimmy Carter-era human rights agenda, formulated into a single policy under the Clinton administration. As to the neoliberal component of this, the paper also discusses, briefly, what distinguishes the Democratic (liberal) and Republican (conservative) concepts of free trade. The article points out various sources to prove the link between the earlier policy elements and the eventually formulated policy. It also addresses the outlook on world affairs that was characteristic of the Clinton administration: the notion of “enlargement,” “geoeconomics,” and, pertaining to those outside this realm, the idea of rogue states and isolation. At the end of the paper, an evaluation is given on whether Clinton’s policies worked or not, and if one may offer a coherent definition of geoeconomics based on the practices observed.
Why so hard? Rule-of-law, reform, and state sovereignty in Ukraine and Moldova
Authors: Mizsei Kálmán
Published: August 2017

Unlike their luckier neighbors to the west, Ukraine and Moldova did not enjoy a convenient geographical location, a national consensus, a clear identity or the state traditions to make their transition effective after the meltdown of the Soviet empire. Their initial transformation was gradual, with leaders at the helm inherited from the communist past. Thus began an evolution, in many ways similar to that of many other CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, that led to an oligarchic but pluralistic Ukrainian and a captured oligarchic Moldovan state. So far, reform efforts have not been successful, demonstrating the strength of the new systems that came into being. In Ukraine two revolutions aimed at radical reforms but the first one failed and so far the second did not deliver the kind of liberal state that demonstrators and Western partners expected alike. The case of Moldova is similar but here mistakes of the Western partners also contributed to the current, unreformed outcome. Increasingly, the issue centers around the rule-of-law, the establishment of a competent and independent judiciary – in a geopolitical space that could not be further away from what Luttwak 26 years ago imagined with his description of a transition to geoeconomics. In large parts of the world, including Eastern Europe, bad old traditional geopolitics is very much alive and shapes everyday life in the most dramatic way.
Matching as Non-Parametric Preprocessing for the Estimation of Equivalence Scales
Authors: Dudel Christian , Garbuszus Jan Marvin , Ott Notburga , Werding Martin
Published: August 2017

Empirically analyzing household behavior usually relies on informal data preprocessing. That is, before an econometric model is estimated, observations are selected in such a way that the resulting subset of data is sufficiently homogeneous to be of interest for the specific research question pursued. In the context of estimating equivalence scales for household income, we use matching techniques and balance checking at this initial stage. This can be interpreted as a non-parametric approach to preprocessing data and as a way to formalize informal procedures. To illustrate this, we use German micro-data on household expenditure to estimate equivalence scales as a specific example. Our results show that matching leads to results which are more stable with respect to model specification and that this type of formal preprocessing is especially useful if one is mainly interested in results for specific subgroups, such as low-income households.
Irreducible representations of simple algebraic groups in which a unipotent element is
represented by a matrix with a single non-trivial Jordan block
Authors: Testerman Donna M. , Zalesski Alexandre E.
Published: August 2017

Let G be a simply connected simple linear algebraic group of exceptional Lie type over an algebraically closed field F
of characteristic

p
≥
0

{p\geq 0}

, and let

u
∈
G

{u\in G}

be a nonidentity unipotent element. Let ϕ be a non-trivial irreducible
representation of G.
Then the Jordan normal form of

ϕ
⁢

(
u
)

{\phi(u)}

contains at most one non-trivial block if and only if G is of type

G
2

{G_{2}}

, u
is a regular unipotent element and

dim
⁡
ϕ

≤
7

{\dim\phi\leq 7}

.
Note that the irreducible representations of the simple classical algebraic groups in which a non-trivial unipotent element is represented by a matrix whose Jordan form has a single non-trivial block were determined by I. D. Suprunenko [21].
Group varieties not closed under cellular covers and localizations
Authors: Herden Daniel , Petapirak Montakarn , Rodríguez José L.
Published: August 2017

A group homomorphism

e
:

H
→
G

{e:H\to G}

is a cellular cover of G
if for every homomorphism

φ
:

H
→
G

{\varphi:H\to G}

there is a unique homomorphism

φ
¯

:

H
→
H

{\bar{\varphi}:H\to H}

such that

φ
¯

⁢
e

=
φ

{\bar{\varphi}e=\varphi}

. Group localizations are defined dually.
The main purpose of this paper is to establish

2

ℵ
0

{2^{\aleph_{0}}}

varieties of groups which are not closed under taking cellular covers. This will use the existence of a special Burnside group of exponent p for a sufficiently large prime p as a key witness. This answers a question raised by Göbel in [12]. Moreover, by using a similar witness argument, we can prove the existence of

2

ℵ
0

{2^{\aleph_{0}}}

varieties not closed under localizations.
Finally, the existence of

2

ℵ
0

{2^{\aleph_{0}}}

varieties of groups neither closed under cellular covers nor under localizations is presented as well.
Stochastic non-resistive magnetohydrodynamic system with L\'{e}vy noise
Authors: Manna Utpal , Mohan Manil T. , Sritharan Sivaguru S.
Published: August 2017

In this work we prove the existence and uniqueness of path-wise solutions up to a maximal time for the viscous, non-resistive stochastic magnetohydrodynamic system perturbed by Lévy noise in two and three dimensions. The local-in-time existence and uniqueness result for the ideal and non-viscous MHD equations with Lévy noise is also addressed.
Technisch erweiterte Sozialität. Soziale Bewegungen und das Internet
Authors: Dolata Ulrich
Published: August 2017

Seit einigen Jahren wird die wissenschaftliche Beobachtung und Analyse sozialer Bewegungen neu formatiert und ausgerichtet. Das ist vor allem anderen dem Internet und Social Media-Plattformen geschuldet, die zu einem integralen Bestandteil der Entstehung, Organisierung und Mobilisierung von Protest geworden sind. In diesem Aufsatz wird herausgearbeitet, welche Rolle diese neuen technischen Infrastrukturen für die Entfaltung und Stabilisierung von politischem Protest und sozialen Bewegungen spielen. Im Zentrum der Argumentation stehen zwei Themen: Zum einen eine präzisere Bestimmung der technischen Grundlagen kollektiven Verhaltens und Handelns, die das Internet nicht nur als ermöglichende, sondern zugleich als regelsetzende und handlungsstrukturierende Infrastruktur mit großer Eingriffstiefe ausweist. Zum anderen die Auslotung des neuartigen Verhältnisses technischer und sozialer Konstitutionsbedingungen von kollektivem Protest und sozialen Bewegungen in Zeiten digitaler Medien, das als technisch erweiterte Sozialität auf den Begriff gebracht wird.
Gibt es Handlungs-, Tätigkeits-, Vorgangs- und Zustandsverben?
Authors: Höllein Dagobert
Published: August 2017

The terms Handlungs-, Tätigkeits-, Vorgangs- and Zustandsverb are common in linguistic literature. They convey the impression thatHandlung, Tätigkeit, VorgangandZustandare inherent features of verbs. The objective of this paper is to show, that all such are not inherent features of verbs but possible perspectives, predicates realise in sentences. Perspectives are modelled as prototypical, significative (i.e. not denotative) semantic roles of predicates. However, verbs are considered not open in terms of perspective but to have predispositions for specific perspectives.
Stress-Strain Relationship of Plastic Fiber Reinforced Rubber Concrete
Authors: Xue Gang , Cao Meiling
Published: August 2017

The uniaxial compression tests were carried out on the prism specimens of plastic fiber–reinforced rubber concrete with three water-binder ratios and six kinds of plastic fiber contents, and the stress-strain curves were monitored. According to the uniaxial compression test, the change rule of the rising and falling of the stress-strain curve and the change of the peak strain were analyzed. Based on the features of the stress-strain curves, the uniaxial compressive constitutive model for plastic fiber–reinforced rubber concrete is proposed containing constitutive parameters A and B. By using the regressive analysis with the least squares principle method for the experimental data, we propose the mathematical expression of the constitutive parameters “a” and “b” of the rubber concrete, which demonstrates the specific relationship between the constitutive parameters A and B. Thus, the constitutive equation for plastic fiber–reinforced rubber concrete was obtained.
Combined Structure Geometry and Anode Placement Effects on Cathodic Protection Effectiveness
Authors: Marsh Charles P. , Navarro Aidnel G. , Weber Robert , Carlson Thomas A. , Hock Vincent F. , McInerney Michael K.
Published: August 2017

An impressed current cathodic protection system was applied to an uncoated test sample. The test sample was chosen to represent an essential right angle feature of a common structure. Anode placement was quantitatively shown to affect the resulting surface polarization distribution. Two distinct types of local polarization depletion zones have been demonstrated. These regions of lesser polarization represent a locally insufficient amount of cathodic protection compared to criteria designated values. Conversely, for geometrically complex structures containing sharp features, the possibility of locally evolving hydrogen gas is also discussed.
Drift-Induced Selection Between Male and Female Heterogamety
Authors: Veller Carl , Muralidhar Pavitra , Constable George W A , Nowak Martin A
Published: August 2017

Evolutionary transitions between male and female heterogamety are common in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Theoretical studies of these transitions have found that, when all genotypes are equally fit, continuous paths of intermediate equilibria link the two sex chromosome systems. This observation has led to a belief that neutral evolution along these paths can drive transitions, and that arbitrarily small fitness differences among sex chromosome genotypes can determine the system to which evolution leads. Here, we study stochastic evolutionary dynamics along these equilibrium paths. We find non-neutrality, both in transitions retaining the ancestral pair of sex chromosomes, and in those creating a new pair. In fact, substitution rates are biased in favor of dominant sex determining chromosomes, which fix with higher probabilities than mutations of no effect. Using diffusion approximations, we show that this non-neutrality is a result of “drift-induced selection” operating at every point along the equilibrium paths: stochastic jumps off the paths return with, on average, a directional bias in favor of the dominant segregating sex chromosome. Our results offer a novel explanation for the observed preponderance of dominant sex determining genes, and hint that drift-induced selection may be a common force in standard population genetic systems.
Multi-population Genomic Relationships for Estimating Current Genetic Variances Within and Genetic Correlations Between Populations
Authors: Wientjes Yvonne C J , Bijma Piter , Vandenplas Jérémie , Calus Mario P L
Published: August 2017

Relationships between individuals are important to estimate genetic variances within a population and covariances between populations. Here, Wientjes.....

Different methods are available to calculate multi-population genomic relationship matrices. Since those matrices differ in base population, it is anticipated that the method used to calculate genomic relationships affects the estimate of genetic variances, covariances, and correlations. The aim of this article is to define the multi-population genomic relationship matrix to estimate current genetic variances within and genetic correlations between populations. The genomic relationship matrix containing two populations consists of four blocks, one block for population 1, one block for population 2, and two blocks for relationships between the populations. It is known, based on literature, that by using current allele frequencies to calculate genomic relationships within a population, current genetic variances are estimated. In this article, we theoretically derived the properties of the genomic relationship matrix to estimate genetic correlations between populations and validated it using simulations. When the scaling factor of across-population genomic relationships is equal to the product of the square roots of the scaling factors for within-population genomic relationships, the genetic correlation is estimated unbiasedly even though estimated genetic variances do not necessarily refer to the current population. When this property is not met, the correlation based on estimated variances should be multiplied by a correction factor based on the scaling factors. In this study, we present a genomic relationship matrix which directly estimates current genetic variances as well as genetic correlations between populations.
Lukács on Uncritical Theory
Authors: Salem A.
Published: August 2017

The critique of bourgeois theory found in the work of the Marxist philosopher Georg Lukács is predicated on his argument that no part of capitalist society is free from the effects of a generalized reification, and primarily intellectual activity is very much included in the accusation. In these circumstances, if philosophical and scientific theories are blind to what lies beneath or beyond them, it is because their historically transcendent constructions reflect and reinforce the commodification that is constitutive of all of bourgeois society – economic, political, social and cultural. This article seeks to bring out the detail of these associations as they affect different types of theoretical writing at different times, from Cartesian and Kantian views through positivist science to a good deal of Marxist theory itself.