bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract WP86: What Threshold Defines Penumbral Brain Tissue in Patients With Symptomatic Anterior Circulation Intracranial Stenosis: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Khatri Pooja , Prabakharan Shyam , Yeatts Sharon , Cutting Shawna , Jayaraman Mahesh , McTaggart Ryan , Chang Andrew , Sacchetti Daniel , Liebeskind David , Furie Karen
Published: January 2019

Background:
Impaired distal perfusion predicts neurological deterioration in patients with large artery atherosclerosis. We aim to determine the optimal threshold of T
max
delay on perfusion imaging associated with neurological deterioration in patients with symptomatic proximal anterior circulation large artery stenosis.

Methods:
Data were abstracted from a prospective ischemic stroke database of consecutively enrolled patients with symptomatic proximal intracranial stenosis (internal carotid artery or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery) who underwent magnetic resonance perfusion imaging within 24 hours of symptom onset during a 15 month period. Tissue volumes of perfusion delay T
max
0-4 seconds, T
max
> 4 seconds, T
max
> 6 seconds, and T
max
> 8 seconds were calculated using an automated approach. A target mismatch (penumbra - core) was defined as ≥ 15 mL of brain tissue using each of the T max threshold categories. The outcome was neurological deterioration at 30 days defined as new or worsening neurological deficits that are not attributed to a non-vascular etiology.

Results:
Among 52 patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis, 26 patients met inclusion criteria. Neurological deterioration was associated with target mismatch profile defined according to T
max
>6 [66.7% (6/9) vs. 5.9% (1/17), p <0.01) and T
max
>8 [57.1% (4/7) vs. 15.8% (3/19), p = 0.05] but not T
max
>4 [27.3% (6/17) vs. 11.1% (1/9), p = 0.35].

Conclusion:
A target mismatch profile using T
max
> 6 sec may optimally define tissue at risk in patients with symptomatic proximal intracranial stenosis. Larger prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Abstract WP87: Defining Ischemic Core in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multiparametric Bayesian-Based Model
Authors: Nael Kambiz , Tadayon Ehsan , Daoud Amy , Fifi Johanna , Tuhrim Stanley , Wheelwright Danielle , Chang Helena , Mocco J
Published: January 2019

Purpose:
Bayesian model has shown promising results to offset noise-related variability in perfusion analysis. Using baseline CTP in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), we aim to find optimal Bayesian-estimated thresholds to construct a multiparametric model that can provide the most accurate estimate of ischemic core.

Methods:
AIS patients with anterior circulation stroke who had baseline CTP and achieved successful recanalization (≥ IIb IIB) were included. CTP data were processed using a Bayesian probabilistic method. Five CTP parameters including delay, TTP, MTT, CBV and CBF and 5 additional “difference maps” were generated by subtracting the mean of a cube (27 voxels) on the contralateral side of each voxel (delay
diff
, TTP
diff
, CBV
diff
, CBF
diff
, MTT
diff
). Brain was extracted from CTP, coregistered with the follow up MRI, on which infarction and non-infarction masks were drawn. A robust logistic regression was performed to assess the binary outcome of voxel-based analysis (infracted vs non-infarcted) by adjusting for intra-subject correlations. Subsequently we obtained the CTP-estimated ischemic core volume from our model (logit-score) and from what is used in routine clinical practice (rCBF <30% based on singular-value deconvolution= SVD) and compared with those obtained from MRI using Bland-Altman analysis.

Results:
Four CTP variables (threshold/AUC) remained independent predictor of infarction: TTP (28.8/0.76); CBF (22.1/0.73); delay
diff
(0.87/0.80); and MTT
diff
(1.38/0.69). Our imaging model output summarized in a logit score (

= -3.9170 + 0.0601*TTP - 0.0095*CBF + 0.4629*ATD
diff
+ 0.0989*MTT
diff

) identified infracted voxels with overall AUC of 0.88 at score of 0.109. In a total of 58 patients included, the difference of ischemic core volume between CTP-estimation and MRI (mean, 95%CI) were (-6, -13 +2) for SVD and (+1, -3 +4) for Bayesian logit model. Bland-Altman analysis showed the limits of agreement ranging from -61 to +50 for SVD-CBF and -25 to +26 for Bayesian-logit model.

Conclusion:
We established CTP thresholds for Bayesian model to estimate ischemic core. Our multiparametric Bayesian-based model improves variability in CTP-estimation of ischemic core in comparison to methodology used in current clinical routine.
Abstract WP88: Relationship Between Small Vessel Ischemic White Matter Disease and Collateral Recruitment in Patients With Acute Embolic Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Vilanilam George K , Becker Tara L , Badi Mohammed K , McCoy Emily G , D'Souza Caitlin E , Agarwal Anjali , Vibhute Prasanna , Miller David A , Gupta Vivek
Published: January 2019

Introduction:
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) is the most prominent neuroimaging feature of small vessel disease (SVD). SVD is thought to be a result of arteriolosclerosis, chronic hypoperfusion of white matter, selective oligodendrocyte death and degeneration of myelinated fibers. The risk of ischemic stroke is significantly increased with the presence of WMH. The presence of intracranial collaterals is a strong predictor of salvageable neurological function in acute stroke; however, the factors affecting the ability to recruit collaterals are poorly understood. We wanted to study if the presence and severity of small vessel white matter disease had an adverse effect on cerebral collateral flow in acute embolic large vessel stroke.

Methods:
We identified a consecutive series of adult subjects with acute embolic large vessel strokes confirmed on CT angiography (CTA) from a 10-year institutional database. Patients without a brain MRI within six months of CTA were excluded. Collateral scores of the affected hemisphere were calculated on CTA using the modified Tan scale (0-4) by two independent trained reviewers and confirmed by a neuroradiologist. The WMH was quantified using the Fazekas scale (0-3) incorporating both deep and periventricular components. Areas of restricted diffusion on brain MRI in the peri-stroke period were eliminated from the assessment of Fazekas score. Spearman’s correlation tests were performed for the association between collateral scores and WMH.

Results:
A total of 234 patients (mean age 70±14 years, 47% [110/234] women) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of periventricular and deep WMH was 83% and 87% respectively. Aging had a significant impact on periventricular WMH (r=0.48,
p
<0.001) and deep WMH (r=0.47,
p
<0.001). However, collateral scores exhibited no statistically significant relationship with the presence or severity of periventricular scores (r=0.08, p=0.17) or deep WMH scores (r=0.01, p=0.77).

Conclusions:
Our results indicate that the presence of SVD does not affect cerebral collateral flow. The vascular niche and risk factors of SVD appear to be distinct from that of intracranial vessels responsible for collateral reperfusion of ischemic territory in acute large vessel embolic stroke.
Abstract WP91: Influence of Patient Age on Appearance and Enlargement of DWI Abnormal Lesion After Successful Recanalization by Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Takaishi Satoshi , Hamada Yuki , Tatsuno Kentaro , Fukano Takayuki , Tokuyama Yoshiaki , Usuki Noriko , Yoshie Tomohide , Takada Tatsuro , Yoshida Yasuyuki , Ono Hajime , Ueda Toshihiro
Published: January 2019

Introduction:
We have often experienced that young patients tend to have good outcome even with low DWI ASPECTS after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. As a cause of this phenomenon, we made hypothesis that the appearance of DWI abnormal lesion was influenced by patient age. In this study we aimed to examine the influences of age on appearance of DWI abnormal lesion, and on its enlargement after successful recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusion.

Methods:
This study included 94 acute cardioembolic stroke patients who successful recanalization (TICI2b or 3) was obtained with mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusion in our hospital from 2010 to 2018. Patients were classified into 3 groups depending on age, under 69 years old (Young group, n=20), 70 to 84 (Intermediate group, n=50), and over 85(Elderly group, n=24). DWI abnormal lesion volume was assessed before and within24hours after treatment for each group.

Results:
There was no difference in time from onset to recanalization between three groups. Initial DWI abnormal lesion volume in Young group was larger than that in Elderly group (51.0ml vs 10.8ml P<0.05). A similar tendency was observed regardless of the occluded blood vessel site and MRI imaging time and baseline NIHSS. The proportion of patients with the volume of DWI abnormal lesion enlarged 1.5 times or more in 24 hours after treatment in the elderly group was higher than in young group (45% VS 70.8%). In multivariate analysis, the elderly age and the time to reperfusion were related to expansion of DWI abnormal lesion, and this tendency was remarkable in ICA, MCA occlusion.

Conclusions:
Young age was associated with the appearance of larger initial DWI abnormal lesions.And old age was associated with the expansion of DWI abnormal lesions after successful recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy of large vessel occlusion.
Abstract WP93: Inter-Operator Heterogeneity in CT/CTP-Guided Patient Selection for Thrombectomy
Authors: Nazari Pouya , Golnari Pedram , Ansari Sameer A. , Hurley Michael C. , Shaibani Ali , Potts Matthew B , Jahromi Babak S
Published: January 2019

Introduction:
Recent trials have shown application of CTP in identifying patients who will have a favorable response to endovascular reperfusion therapy, in both early and extended time windows after onset of stroke symptoms. However, the optimal imaging protocol to select these patients is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to assess how CTP affects clinical decision making in different time periods after stroke and to investigate the inter-rater agreement in imaging interpretation.

Methods:
Imaging sets including non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CTP [RAPID (iSchemaView Inc, Menlo Park, CA)] from patients admitted with the diagnosis of large vessel occlusion (MCA and ICA) stroke at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed by five neurovascular interventionists independently. In order to focus upon the contribution of imaging to decision-making, interventionists were blinded to demographics and clinical symptoms of patients. Images were presented to each interventionist in random fashion, at separate settings (assessing decision-making within 0-6 and 6-24 hrs). Each interventionist was asked whether they would intervene first based upon NCCT, and then after viewing CTP images for the same patient.

Results:
Datasets of 38 consecutive patients (female/male: 14/24; mean age: 63.24; side of stroke left/right: 21/17; thrombectomy no/yes: 18/20) were reviewed. Inter-rater agreement was moderate for thrombectomy in both time windows (0-6 hrs: κ = 0.43; 6-24 hrs: κ = 0.50) based on NCCT. Interventionists had overall fair (κ = 0.33) versus moderate agreement (κ = 0.55) for thrombectomy based on CTP in 0-6 hrs versus 6-24 hrs time-windows, respectively. The proportion of times that CTP altered decision-making after viewing NCCT yielded only poor (κ = 0.17) and fair (κ = 0.24) agreement across interventionists in 0-6 and 6-24 hrs time-windows, respectively.

Conclusions:
We found heterogeneity in decision-making across neurointerventionists when using the same neuroimaging to determine whether to intervene in acute ischemic stroke, in both the 0-6 and 6-24 hrs time-windows. While overall agreement was higher in 6-24 hrs time window, our data may have important clinical ramifications in standardization of processes of care.
Abstract WP96: Axonal Integrity of Normal Appearing White Matter Predicts Increased Burden of Leukoaraiosis
Authors: Etherton Mark R , Wu Ona , Giese Anne-Katrin , Rost Natalia
Published: January 2019

Background:
White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH) are thought to represent end-stage white matter injury. Increasing WMH burden is associated with greater risk of stroke, infarct growth, and poor outcomes after stroke. Understanding the microstructural changes of normal appearing white matter (NAWM) that predate WMH development is therefore clinically relevant as it could identify targets for therapeutic intervention to reduce stroke risk and improve post-stroke outcomes. Diffusion tensor imaging-based axial (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) can assess white matter axonal integrity and myelin status, respectively. In a cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), we measured NAWM and WMH AD and RD to elucidate the white matter microstructural changes associated with WMH burden.

Methods:
Brain MRI with diffusion tensor imaging sequences was acquired within 48 hours of admission on consecutive AIS patients. WMH volume (WMHv) was measured in a semi-automated manner. Median fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, RD, and AD values were calculated within NAWM and WMH in the hemisphere contralateral to the acute lesion. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of WMH. Level of significance was set at
P
< 0.05 for all analyses.

Results:
In 319 AIS patients, mean age was 67 +/- 15.9 years. Median WMHv was 6.19 cm3 (IQR 3.0-12.6 cm
3
). Mean AD was significantly increased in WMH compared to NAWM (WMH: 1.29 vs. NAWM: 1.16 x 10
-3
, mm
2
/s;
P
< 0.0001). In multivariable linear regression, age (β = 0.18,
P
= 0.017) and NAWM AD (β = 42.3,
P
= 0.012) were independent predictors of WMHv. Diffusivity anisotropy metrics of WMH were not associated with WMHv.

Conclusions:
In patients with AIS, NAWM AD is an independent predictor of WMHv. Our findings suggest that loss of NAWM axonal integrity contributes to WMH development.
A synopsis of the subterranean asellids of Maryland, U.S.A., with description of Caecidotea alleghenyensis, new species (Crustacea: Isopoda: Asellota)
Authors: LEWIS JULIAN J. , BOWMAN THOMAS E. , FELLER DANIEL J.
Published: January 2019

Nine species of asellid isopods are reported from groundwater habitats in Maryland. Three of these species are habitually found in springs: Lirceus brachyurus, Caecidotea kenki, and C. alleghenyensis, n. sp. The latter, described herein, is a member of the hobbsi group known only from the Allegheny Mountains in Garrett Co. Six species are obligate inhabitants of subterranean waters and are found primarily in Appalachian caves, although some have broad ranges that span noncavernous areas. The obligate subterranean species are Caecidotea pricei, C. franzi, C. holsingeri, C. mausi, C. vandeli and C. nordeni.
Revision of the genus Megalopsalis (Arachnida: Opiliones: Phalangioidea) in Australia and New Zealand and implications for phalangioid classification
Authors: TAYLOR CHRISTOPHER K.
Published: January 2019

A morphological phylogenetic analysis is conducted of Australasian harvestmen previously included in the family Monoscutidae. Monophyly of Monoscutidae is not supported, and the subfamilies Monoscutinae and Megalopsalidinae are synonymised with the South American subfamily Enantiobuninae. Monoscutidae is re-synonymised with the family Neopilionidae. The analysis also demonstrates the polyphyly of species previously assigned to the genus Megalopsalis. Megalopsalis epizephyros new species, M. eremiotis new species, M. leptekes new species and M. pilliga new species are described and M. serritarsus and M. hoggi are redescribed, all from Australia. Hypomegalopsalis tanisphyros new genus and species is described from Western Australia. Megalopsalis linnaei is transferred to Tercentenarium new genus. Forsteropsalis new genus is established to include species from New Zealand (including Auckland Island): Macropsalis chiltoni (type species), Pantopsalis distincta, Macropsalis fabulosa, Pantopsalis grayi, Megalopsalis grimmetti, Megalopsalis inconstans, Megalopsalis marplesi, Megalopsalis nigra and Pantopsalis wattsi.
Phylogenetic analysis of the Pantomorus-Naupactus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from North and Central America
Authors: ROSAS MARÍA V. , MORRONE JUAN J. , DEL RÍO M. GUADALUPE , LANTERI ANALÍA A.
Published: January 2019

We undertook the first cladistic analysis of the Pantomorus-Naupactus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from North and Central America, based on 35 species and 61 morphological characters, plus 1151 bp of the mtDNA COI and Cyt b genes. The morphological and the combined matrices analyzed with TNT yielded a single most parsimonious cladogram that allows recognition of two main lineages within the Pantomorus-Naupactus complex in North and Central America. One is represented by the species formerly placed in Phacepholis and the Pantomorus species group II sensu Sharp, ranging along the Pacific coast of Central America and Mexico and reaching the Great Plains of North America in the United States, yet not occurring in South America. The other lineage is represented by the species of Naupactus and Pantomorus species group I, with closer relationships to the South American species of these genera. The Pantomorus group I includes the type species of the genus (P. albosignatus Boheman) whereas the Pantomorus group II includes the type species of Athetetes Pascoe, 1886 (A. globicollis Pascoe). Based on the results of our phylogenetic analysis, we recommend retaining the name Pantomorus Schoenherr for most species of the Pantomorus group I, except P. stupidus (Boheman) and P. femoratus Sharp which should be transferred to Naupactus Dejean. Moreover, we enlarge the previous concept of Phacepholis to include most species of the Pantomorus group II, and we establish the synonymy of Athetetes Pascoe, 1886 with Phacepholis Horn, 1876, being the latter the valid name, by priority.
Rediscovery and description of the quagga shark, Halaelurus quagga (Alcock, 1899) (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) from the southwest coast of India
Authors: AKHILESH K. V. , BINEESH K. K. , SHANIS C. P.R. , HUMAN B. A. , GANGA U.
Published: January 2019

The Quagga shark Halaelurus quagga (Alcock, 1899) is one of the poorest known scyliorhinid (Carcharhiniformes) sharks of the world, described from a single specimen collected from the Arabian Sea coast of India (off Malabar). Since its description, the only other published reports of this species are of specimens from Somalia. This paper reports on H. quagga from Indian waters, more than 100 years after its description, and only the third report of specimens of this species globally. A re-description of H. quagga is also provided based on the recent Indian specimens.
Competing generic concepts for Blanding’s, Pacific and European pond turtles (Emydoidea, Actinemys and Emys)—Which is best?
Authors: FRITZ UWE , SCHMIDT CHRISTIAN , ERNST CARL H.
Published: January 2019

We review competing taxonomic classifications and hypotheses for the phylogeny of emydine turtles. The formerly recognized genus Clemmys sensu lato clearly is paraphyletic. Two of its former species, now Glyptemys insculpta and G. muhlenbergii, constitute a well-supported basal clade within the Emydinae. However, the phylogenetic position of the other two species traditionally placed in Clemmys remains controversial. Mitochondrial data suggest a clade embracing Actinemys (formerly Clemmys) marmorata, Emydoidea and Emys and as its sister either another clade (Clemmys guttata + Terrapene) or Terrapene alone. In contrast, nuclear genomic data yield conflicting results, depending on which genes are used. Either Clemmys guttata is revealed as sister to ((Emydoidea + Emys) + Actinemys) + Terrapene or Clemmys guttata is sister to Actinemys marmorata and these two species together are the sister group of (Emydoidea + Emys); Terrapene appears then as sister to (Actinemys marmorata + Clemmys guttata) + (Emydoidea + Emys). The contradictory branching patterns depending from the selected loci are suggestive of lineage sorting problems. Ignoring the unclear phylogenetic position of Actinemys marmorata, one recently proposed classification scheme placed Actinemys marmorata, Emydoidea blandingii, Emys orbicularis, and Emys trinacris in one genus (Emys), while another classification scheme treats Actinemys, Emydoidea, and Emys as distinct genera. The inclusion of Actinemys in the same taxon as Emydoidea + Emys is unacceptable under a phylogenetic classification framework because there is evidence for the non-monophyly of this clade. Moreover, Actinemys, Emydoidea, and Emys are morphologically highly distinct. Their morphological divergence exceeds by far the differences that typically occur among species of the same genus, so that a continued usage of the distinct genera Actinemys, Emydoidea and Emys is recommended.
An Evaluation of Clouds and Precipitation in Convection-Permitting Forecasts for South Africa
Authors: Stein T. H. M. , Keat W. , Maidment R. I. , Landman S. , Becker E. , Boyd D. F. A. , Bodas-Salcedo A. , Pankiewicz G. , Webster S.
Published: January 2019

Since 2016, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has been running convective-scale simulations to assist with forecast operations across southern Africa. These simulations are run with a tropical configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (UM), nested in the Met Office global model, but without data assimilation. For November 2016, convection-permitting simulations at 4.4- and 1.5-km grid lengths are compared against a simulation at 10-km grid length with convection parameterization (the current UM global atmosphere configuration) to identify the benefits of increasing model resolution for forecasting convection across southern Africa. The simulations are evaluated against satellite rainfall estimates, CloudSat vertical cloud profiles, and SAWS radar data. In line with previous studies using the UM, on a monthly time scale, the diurnal cycle of convection and the distribution of rainfall rates compare better against observations when convection-permitting model configurations are used. The SAWS radar network provides a three-dimensional composite of radar reflectivity for northeast South Africa at 6-min intervals, allowing the evaluation of the vertical development of precipitating clouds and of the timing of the onset of deep convection. Analysis of four case study days indicates that the 4.4-km simulations have a later onset of convection than the 1.5-km simulations, but there is no consistent bias of the simulations against the radar observations across the case studies.
The Private Security Events Database
Authors: Avant Deborah , Neu Kara Kingma
Published: January 2019

Since the 1990s, the private provision of military and security services has become a common feature of local, national, and transnational politics. The prevalence of private security has generated important questions about its consequences, but data to answer these questions are sparse. In this article, we introduce the Private Security Events Database (PSED) that traces the involvement of private military and security companies (PMSCs) in events in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2012. We describe the PSED project, highlight its descriptive findings, conduct a replication and reanalysis of Akcinaroglu and Radziszewski’s contract data in Africa, and compare the two databases’ coverage of Sierra Leone from 1991 to 1997. Our analysis demonstrates new insights into the relationship between PMSCs and civil war duration, confirming a correlation between PMSC presence and shorter conflicts, but questioning the logic Akcinaroglu and Radziszewski propose. It also points to a number of productive paths for future research.
Data-driven multi-inverter cooperative control for voltage tracking and current sharing in islanded AC microgrids
Authors: Meng Qi , Hou Zhongsheng
Published: January 2019

A data-driven cooperative control scheme utilizing additional local and network sensor information is proposed for voltage tracking and current sharing under a cyber-physical system framework. An information-based inverter controller is developed as a replacement for the physical mechanism or model-based method because of uncertainties related to the inverter application scenario, system structure and specifications. To overcome the disadvantages of the reference voltage set-point strategy, an integrated cascade controller is adopted in which the outer loop is a learning controller with a noncausal filter, used to achieve high-precision voltage tracking, and the inner loop is a current consensus regulator implemented by means of nonlinear proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control, used to realize instantaneous value smoothing and output current consensus among a number of inverters. The designed controller does not rely on the plant model, structure or parameters and does not use the droop mechanism; it relies on fully data-driven and distributed (without root nodes or leaders) techniques. This controller design scheme can be uniformly applied for different kinds of distributed generation unit to achieve flexible and expandable microgrid deployment. Plug-and-play and load change capabilities, as well as tolerance to communication constraints, are also verified on the MATLAB/Simulink platform.
What Words Are Worth: National Science Foundation Grant Abstracts Indicate Award Funding
Authors: Markowitz David M.
Published: January 2019

Can word patterns from grant abstracts predict National Science Foundation (NSF) funding? In an analysis of over 7.4 million words covering 19,569 proposals, this article presents evidence that the writing style of NSF grant abstracts corresponds to the amount of money received for the award. The data describe a clear relationship between word patterns and funding magnitude: Grant abstracts that are longer than the average abstract, contain fewer common words, and are written with more verbal certainty receive more money from the NSF (approximately $372 per one-word increase). While such language patterns correspond to award amount, they largely contradict the NSF’s call to communicate science in a plain manner, suggesting an inconsistency between the injunctive norms of the NSF and the descriptive norms of science writing. Broadly, the results support a tradition of research that uses big text data to evaluate social and psychological dynamics.
Blending, credit, context: Doing business, family and gender in Czech and US copreneurships
Authors: Jurik Nancy C , Křížková Alena , Pospíšilová Marie , Cavender Gray
Published: January 2019

Utilising a comparative/doing gender approach and thematic narrative methodology, we examine how copreneurs – romantic business partners – construct business and caring responsibilities. We interviewed male-female partners separately from 12 couples in the Czech Republic (CR) and 13 in the United States (US), countries with diverse entrepreneurial histories, norms and family policies. We ask: (1) How do copreneurs construct/‘do’ business and family? (2) How do copreneurs credit contributions of partners? (3) How are constructions of business, caring and credit embedded in country contexts? Results show that business tasks did not align with strict gender stereotypes. Task characterisations of CR respondents shifted according to doer’s sex category. CR men claimed business leadership; US men gave women equal credit. In both countries, domestic responsibilities were attributed to women. Women’s narratives addressed blending business and care; men’s narratives concentrated on business. We document how these gendering practices referenced country employment opportunities, gender norms and family-leave policies.
Lithium treatment for unipolar major depressive disorder: Systematic review
Authors: Undurraga Juan , Sim Kang , Tondo Leonardo , Gorodischer Ariel , Azua Emilio , Tay Kai Hong , Tan David , Baldessarini Ross J
Published: January 2019

Background:

The potential value of lithium treatment in particular aspects of unipolar major depressive disorder remains uncertain.

Methods:

With reports of controlled trials identified by systematic searching of Medline, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO literature databases, we summarized responses with lithium and controls followed by selective random-effects meta-analyses.

Results:

We identified 36 reports with 39 randomized controlled trials: six for monotherapy and 12 for adding lithium to antidepressants for acute major depression, and 21 for long-term treatment. Data for monotherapy of acute depression were few and inconclusive. As an adjunct to antidepressants, lithium was much more effective than placebo ( p<0.0001). For long-term maintenance treatment, lithium was more effective than placebo in monotherapy ( p=0.011) and to supplement antidepressants ( p=0.038), and indistinguishable from antidepressant monotherapy.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate efficacy of lithium as a treatment for some aspects of major depressive disorder, especially as an add-on to antidepressants and for long-term prophylaxis. It remains uncertain whether some benefits of lithium treatment occur with many major depressive disorder patients, or if efficacy is particular to a subgroup with bipolar disorder-like characteristics or mixed-features.
Clozapine augmentation strategies – a systematic meta-review of available evidence. Treatment options for clozapine resistance
Authors: Wagner Elias , Löhrs Lisa , Siskind Dan , Honer William G , Falkai Peter , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: January 2019

Background:

Treatment options for clozapine resistance are diverse whereas, in contrast, the evidence for augmentation or combination strategies is sparse.

Aims:

We aimed to extract levels of evidence from available data and extrapolate recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed/MEDLINE database and in the Cochrane database. Included meta-analyses were assessed using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria, with symptom improvement as the endpoint, in order to develop a recommendation grade for each clinical strategy identified.

Results:

Our search identified 21 meta-analyses of clozapine combination or augmentation strategies. No strategies met Grade A criteria. Strategies meeting Grade B included combinations with first- or second-generation antipsychotics, augmentation with electroconvulsive therapy for persistent positive symptoms, and combination with certain antidepressants (fluoxetine, duloxetine, citalopram) for persistent negative symptoms. Augmentation strategies with mood-stabilisers, anticonvulsants, glutamatergics, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation or cognitive behavioural therapy met Grades C–D criteria only.

Conclusion:

More high-quality clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of add-on treatments for symptom improvement in patients with clozapine resistance. Applying definitions of clozapine resistance would improve the reporting of future clinical trials. Augmentation with second-generation antipsychotics and first-generation antipsychotics can be beneficial, but the supporting evidence is from low-quality studies. Electroconvulsive therapy may be effective for clozapine-resistant positive symptoms.
A Novel Treatment Strategy for Severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Zipper Method
Authors: Kesici Selman , Tanyıldız Murat , Yetimakman Filiz , Bayrakci Benan
Published: January 2019

Objective:

Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are proven treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Despite these treatments, the prognosis for severe Guillain-Barré syndrome is still not satisfactory. This article seeks for a logical timing for plasma exchange–intravenous immunoglobulin synergy, which may improve outcome in severe Guillain-Barré syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation.

Study Design:

This study is an open-label study. Nine pediatric severe Guillain-Barré syndrome patients requiring mechanical ventilation were treated with novel treatment strategy named as “zipper method.” In this method, following diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome, plasma exchange was started immediately. In the first session of plasma exchange, one and a half volume of patients’ plasma was removed by using 5% albumin as replacement solution. At the end of the plasma exchange session, 0.4 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin infusion was started immediately. Second plasma exchange session was applied with one volume change after 24 hours from the end of the intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. Each plasma exchange session was followed by intravenous immunoglobulin infusions. This plasma exchange–intravenous immunoglobulin cycle was repeated for 5 times.

Results:

Among the 9 patients, the mean mechanical ventilation duration was 7 (5-14) days and the mean hospital stay was 18 (10-30) days. Medical Research Council sum score was increased in all patients, especially after the third session. All patients survived and all patients were able to walk unaided on the 28th day of admission.

Conclusion:

The zipper method as a novel treatment modality seems to reduce mortality, speed up weaning from mechanical ventilation, and shorten hospital stay, with excellent outcome in severe Guillain-Barré syndrome patients, who require intensive care. This technique stands as a promising immunomodulation strategy for various scenarios.
No school principal is an island: From individual to school sense-making processes in reform implementation
Authors: Ganon-Shilon Sherry , Chen Schechter
Published: January 2019

Educational reform implementation in today’s fast changing world requires a critical transition from individual to school sense-making processes. Managing expectations from above (e.g. external demands) and below (e.g. internal school goals) while performing within multiple overlapping contexts, principals seem pulled in many different directions simultaneously. This article proposes the concept of sense-making as a collaborative framework, explaining how principals make sense with their teachers through dialogue and negotiation to improve their schools as they constantly seek to understand the unique contexts in which they operate. This holistic approach invites a new perspective on how to develop models for reforming education systems while paving the way for a collaborative sense-making process within unique school contexts.
Pharmacist Statin Prescribing Initiative in Diabetic Patients at an Internal Medicine Resident Clinic
Authors: Vincent Robert , Kim Jennifer , Ahmed Tasrif , Patel Vishal
Published: January 2019

Background:

Despite general increases in statin use in the United States, statin therapy may be underutilized in diabetic patients and vulnerable populations.

Objective:

To determine the impact of a collaborative pharmacist initiative on statin prescribing for diabetic patients in an internal medicine residency clinic. The primary outcome was the change in prevalence of patients on statin therapy before and after intervention implementation. Secondary outcomes included recommendation acceptance rates and reported adverse effects.

Methods:

This was a single-center, quasi-experimental pre–post intervention study. The study site was a hospital-based primary care residency clinic serving patients regardless of financial or insurance status. Diabetic patients 40 to 75 years old who were not on a statin and had an upcoming primary care physician appointment were included. Over 3 months, a clinical pharmacist and pharmacy resident evaluated clinical appropriateness and cost of statin therapy, provided recommendations to physicians, facilitated statin prescribing, and provided patient education.

Results:

Of 454 patients, 343 were on statin therapy (75.6%) prior to the initiative. The mean age was 58 years, 59.7% were female, 76.4% were black, and 90% had hypertension. After implementation, 375 (82.6%) patients were on statins ( P < .0001). Recommendations were well received (90.2% accepted) and no significant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion:

Pharmacist implementation of a collaborative, patient-centered initiative increased statin prescribing in diabetic patients, most of which were black and had hypertension, in an internal medicine resident clinic.
Exploring Racial and Ethnic Differences in Recovery Maintenance From Mobility Limitation
Authors: Latham-Mintus Kenzie
Published: January 2019

Objective: This research examines whether racial and ethnic minorities experience less recovery maintenance (i.e., maintaining their recovery status 2 years later). Method: Using Waves 4-12 (1998-2014) of Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this research examines recovery maintenance among a group of older adults who have previously recovered from mobility limitation. Outcomes included newly acquired mobility limitation (reference), recovery maintenance, and death/attrition. Additional analyses examined whether recovery maintenance predicted disability onset. Results: Analyses used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the odds of recovery maintenance 2 years later. After adjusting for socioeconomic status, there were no significant differences in recovery maintenance among older White and minority adults. Recovery maintenance was a robust predictor of subsequent disability onset; there was suggestive evidence that the effect of recovery maintenance on disability onset varied by race. Discussion: This research provides evidence that the higher rates of recovery among minorities is a form of physical resilience.
‘Those he also glorified’: Some Reformed Perspectives on Human Nature and Destiny
Authors: Ziegler Philip G.
Published: January 2019

Reflecting on some distinctive contributions of the tradition of Reformed theology to our understanding of the nature and prospects of humans qua creatures within the economy of salvation, this article looks to draw out key themes which may serve to orient contemporary Christian engagements with the discourse of transhumanism.
Reduction of recruitment costs in preclinical AD trials: validation of automatic pre-screening algorithm for brain amyloidosis
Authors: Ansart Manon , Epelbaum Stéphane , Gagliardi Geoffroy , Colliot Olivier , Dormont Didier , Dubois Bruno , Hampel Harald , Durrleman Stanley ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative* and the INSIGHT-preAD study
Published: January 2019

We propose a method for recruiting asymptomatic Amyloid positive individuals in clinical trials, using a two-step process. We first select during a pre-screening phase a subset of individuals which are more likely to be amyloid positive based on the automatic analysis of data acquired during routine clinical practice, before doing a confirmatory PET-scan to these selected individuals only. This method leads to an increased number of recruitments and to a reduced number of PET-scans, resulting in a decrease in overall recruitment costs. We validate our method on three different cohorts, and consider five different classification algorithms for the pre-screening phase. We show that the best results are obtained using solely cognitive, genetic and socio-demographic features, as the slight increased performance when using MRI or longitudinal data is balanced by the cost increase they induce. We show that the proposed method generalizes well when tested on an independent cohort, and that the characteristics of the selected set of individuals are identical to the characteristics of a population selected in a standard way. The proposed approach shows how Machine Learning can be used effectively in practice to optimize recruitment costs in clinical trials.
Emotional Labor: Regulating Emotions for a Wage
Authors: Grandey Alicia A. , Sayre Gordon M.
Published: January 2019

Many employees perform emotional labor, regulating their emotions to meet organizationally mandated display rules (e.g., “service with a smile”), which has both professional and personal implications. Emotion regulation in a work context is important to enhance customers’ mood and service satisfaction, but putting on that smile to perform one’s work role can have surprising costs depending on how the emotions are regulated. When employees try to change their feelings to appear sincere (i.e., deep acting), performance is enhanced, yet employees must often “fake it” (i.e., surface act), which has consequences to their well-being. We discuss how these concepts are similar and distinct from emotion-regulation strategies while also reviewing work factors that help optimize emotional labor’s impact on performance and well-being. Finally, we note recent studies that have expanded the concept of emotional labor and the methods used to capture this workplace experience.
Psychological Features of Extreme Political Ideologies
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Krouwel André P. M.
Published: January 2019

In this article, we examine psychological features of extreme political ideologies. In what ways are political left- and right-wing extremists similar to one another and different from moderates? We propose and review four interrelated propositions that explain adherence to extreme political ideologies from a psychological perspective. We argue that (a) psychological distress stimulates adopting an extreme ideological outlook; (b) extreme ideologies are characterized by a relatively simplistic, black-and-white perception of the social world; (c) because of such mental simplicity, political extremists are overconfident in their judgments; and (d) political extremists are less tolerant of different groups and opinions than political moderates. In closing, we discuss how these psychological features of political extremists increase the likelihood of conflict among groups in society.
Patients’ Perspectives on Approaches to Facilitate Completion of Advance Directives
Authors: Rolnick Joshua A. , Shea Judy A. , Hart Joanna L. , Halpern Scott D.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Little is understood about the different ways patients complete advance directives (ADs), which is most commonly through lawyers and increasingly using websites.

Objective:

To understand patients’ perspectives on different approaches to facilitating AD completion, the value of legal regulation of ADs, and the use of a web-based platform to create an AD.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews with patients.

Setting/Participants:

We purposively sampled 25 patients at least 70 years of age or with a chronic disease from 2 internal medicine clinics.

Measurements:

Interviews focused on experiences and perspectives creating ADs, including facilitation by lawyers, health-care professionals, and websites. Feedback on a website prototype was also obtained. Responses were analyzed with modified grounded theory until thematic saturation was achieved.

Results:

Although a majority of participants with ADs had used lawyers, participants were ambivalent about the benefits of lawyer facilitation. Most valued both the medical perspective of a health-care professional and a lawyer’s attention to legal requirements for AD validity. Participants had positive impressions of the web platform, but some were concerned about privacy with online storage. Trust emerged as an overarching theme, and participants valued legal regulation of ADs to ensure document authenticity and delivery of preference-concordant care.

Conclusion:

Efforts to improve documentation of care planning need to address the disparate methods by which participants complete ADs. Creating options that combine the perceived benefits of a legal approach with greater health professional involvement could appeal to participants. Privacy concerns may limit web use by some patients.
Optimal observer-based feedback control for linear fractional-order systems with periodic coefficients
Authors: Dabiri Arman , Butcher Eric A.
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a new technique to design an optimal observer-based feedback control for linear fractional-order systems with constant or periodic coefficients. The proposed observer-based feedback control assures the fastest convergence of the closed-loop system’s states. For this purpose, a state-transition operator is defined in a Banach space and approximated using the fractional Chebyshev collocation method. It is shown that periodic gains of the controller and observer can be independently tuned by minimizing the spectral radius of their associated state-transition operators. The validity and efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated through two illustrative examples.
Vibration of thermally postbuckled FG-GRC laminated plates resting on elastic foundations
Authors: Shen Hui-Shen , Xiang Y , Fan Yin
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the small- and large-amplitude vibrations of thermally postbuckled graphene-reinforced composite (GRC) laminated plates resting on elastic foundations. The piecewise GRC layers are arranged in a functionally graded (FG) pattern along the thickness direction of the plate. The anisotropic and temperature-dependent material properties of the FG-GRC layers are estimated through the extended Halpin–Tsai micromechanical model. Based on the Reddy's higher order shear deformation plate theory and the von Kármán strain–displacement relationships, the motion equations of the plates are derived. The foundation support, the thermal effect, and the initial deflection caused by thermal postbuckling are also included in the derivation. A two-step perturbation approach is applied to determine the thermal postbuckling equilibrium paths as well as the nonlinear vibration solutions for the FG-GRC laminated plates. The numerical illustrations concern small- and large-amplitude vibration characteristics of thermally postbuckled FG-GRC laminated plates under a uniform temperature field. The effects of graphene reinforcement distributions and foundation stiffnesses on the vibration responses of FG-GRC laminated plates are examined in detail.
Capacity evaluation on Cu rolling tribological/electric contact pairs under various contact load and applied voltage
Authors: Song Chenfei , Liu Zili , Hou Xinbin , Wang Li , Zhang Yongzhen
Published: January 2019

The electric/tribological behaviors of Cu rolling pairs were studied under various contact load and applied voltage. The real-time data of friction coefficient and current were obtained synchronously, and their variation was analyzed. Under high contact load and high voltage, the degradation of electric/tribological contact could be expressed as the growth of friction coefficient and the aggravation of frictional/electrical fluctuation. The applied voltage played an important role in morphology change and surface oxidation. Low roughness surface and adhesion were observed on electric rolling surface mainly because of the Joule heating and the adhesion could induce the growth of high friction coefficient. Meanwhile, due to the tribo-oxidation and anodic oxidation, obvious but uneven O distribution was detected on the same surface and could disturb tribological/electric contact. The results may be beneficial for understanding the fundamental behaviors of novel rolling conducting rotary joint.