bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Authors: Sprung Charles L. , Somerville Margaret A. , Radbruch Lukas , Collet Nathalie Steiner , Duttge Gunnar , Piva Jefferson P. , Antonelli Massimo , Sulmasy Daniel P. , Lemmens Willem , Ely E. Wesley
Published: June 2018

Medical professional societies have traditionally opposed physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia (PAS-E), but this opposition may be shifting. We present 5 reasons why physicians shouldn’t be involved in PAS-E. 1. Slippery slopes: There is evidence that safeguards in the Netherlands and Belgium are ineffective and violated, including administering lethal drugs without patient consent, absence of terminal illness, untreated psychiatric diagnoses, and nonreporting; 2. Lack of self-determination: Psychological and social motives characterize requests for PAS-E more than physical symptoms or rational choices; many requests disappear with improved symptom control and psychological support; 3. Inadequate palliative care: Better palliative care makes most patients physically comfortable. Many individuals requesting PAS-E don’t want to die but to escape their suffering. Adequate treatment for depression and pain decreases the desire for death; 4. Medical professionalism: PAS-E transgresses the inviolable rule that physicians heal and palliate suffering but never intentionally inflict death; 5. Differences between means and ends: Proeuthanasia advocates look to the ends (the patient’s death) and say the ends justify the means; opponents disagree and believe that killing patients to relieve suffering is different from allowing natural death and is not acceptable.

Conclusions:

Physicians have a duty to eliminate pain and suffering, not the person with the pain and suffering. Solutions for suffering lie in improving palliative care and social conditions and addressing the reasons for PAS-E requests. They should not include changing medical practice to allow PAS-E.
Losing Control to Data-Hungry Apps: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Mobile App Privacy
Authors: Brandtzaeg Petter Bae , Pultier Antoine , Moen Gro Mette
Published: June 2018

Personal data from mobile apps are increasingly impacting users’ lives and privacy perceptions. However, there is a scarcity of research addressing the combination of (1) individual perceptions of mobile app privacy, (2) actual dataflows in apps, and (3) how such perceptions and dataflows relate to actual privacy policies and terms of use in mobile apps. To address these limitations, we conducted an innovative mixed-methods study including a representative user survey in Norway, an analysis of personal dataflows in apps, and content analysis of privacy policies of 21 popular, free Android mobile apps. Our findings show that more than half the respondents in the user survey repeatedly had refrained from downloading or using apps to avoid sharing personal data. Our analysis of dataflows applied a novel methodology measuring activity in the apps over time (48 hr). The investigation showed that 19 of the 21 apps investigated transmitted personal data to a total of approximately 600 different primary and third-party domains. From an European perspective, it is particularly noteworthy that most of these domains were associated with tech companies in the United States, where privacy laws are less strict than companies operating from Europe. The investigation further revealed that some apps by default track and share user data continuously, even when the app is not in use. For some of these, the terms of use provided with the apps did not inform the users about the actual tracking practice. A comparison of terms of use as provided in the studied apps with actual person dataflows as identified in the analysis disclosed that three of the apps shared data in violation with their provided terms of use. A possible solution for the mobile app industry, to strengthen user trust, is privacy by design through opt-in data sharing with the service and third parties and more granular information on personal data sharing practices. Also, based on the findings from this study, we suggest specific visualizations to enhance transparency of personal dataflows in mobile apps. A methodological contribution is that a mixed-methods approach strengthens our understanding of the complexity of privacy issues in mobile apps.
The Politics of Racial Symbolism: Deval Patrick and His Discourse of Education
Authors: Johnson Lawrence
Published: June 2018

This article assesses the link between racial symbolism and corporate education reform through the political discourse of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick between 2007 and 2010. Where many observers find the representation of high profile Black elected officials as an attenuation of racial domination, I argue it is the symbolism of racial progress that is utilized to advance corporate interests in public education reform. Patrick’s discourse supports neoliberal education reform as a solution to racialized issues of poverty, public safety, and mass incarceration. Through Patrick’s personal narratives he affirms a pro-blackness that acknowledges the pervasiveness of racial disparities in which he offers public education reform as an alternative in contrast to more punitive discourses of law and order.
Masculinity and Precarity: Male Migrant Taxi Drivers in South China
Authors: Choi Susanne YP
Published: June 2018

This article examines how male rural-to-urban migrant taxi drivers’ experience of a loss of control over their working conditions and increasing financial insecurity are driven by state regulation and market reorganization of the taxi industry, and their status as second class citizens in urban China. Precarity, as explored in this article, speaks to feelings of disempowerment, a profound sense of livelihood insecurity and a crisis of social reproduction that has resulted from workplace reorganization that marginalizes workers. The findings contribute to the study of precarity and masculinity by first unpacking how masculine identities are built around men’s access to masculine service niches and their control over working conditions in these niches. It then shows how precariousness negates these male workers’ sense of self by simultaneously taking away the control that distinguishes their work from factory employment and female-dominated service jobs; and undermining their capacity to meet the provider norm.
In, Against and Beyond Precarity: Work in Insecure Times
Authors: Alberti Gabriella , Bessa Ioulia , Hardy Kate , Trappmann Vera , Umney Charles
Published: June 2018

In this Foreword to the special issue ‘In, Against and Beyond Precarity’ the guest editors take stock of the existing literature on precarity, highlighting the strengths and limitations of using this concept as an analytical tool for examining the world of work. Concluding that the overstretched nature of concept has diluted its political effectiveness, the editors suggest instead a focus on precarization as a process, drawing from perspectives that focus on the objective conditions, as well as subjective and heterogeneous experiences and perceptions of insecure employment. Framed in this way, they present a summary of the contributions to the special issue spanning a range of countries and organizational contexts, identifying key drivers, patterns and forms of precarization. These are conceptualized as implicit, explicit, productive and citizenship precarization. These forms and patterns indicate the need to address precariousness in the realm of social reproduction and post-wage politics, while holding these in tension with conflicts at the point of production. Finally, the guest editors argue for a dramatic re-think of current forms of state and non-state social protections as responses to the precarization of work and employment across countries in both the Global ‘North’ and ‘South’.
Ternary memory property of novel polyimide with backbone carbazole moiety and pendant triphenylamine moiety
Authors: Yang Yanhua , Jin Pan , Liu Jinzhang , Ding Shijin , Chen Lin , Chu Yueying , Shen Yingzhong
Published: June 2018

The polyimide (TPA-Cz PI) was synthesized by the reaction of 9-(4′-(4′-diphenylamino)phenylbenzyl)-3,6-diaminocarbazole with 2,2′,3,3′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride through a classical two-step polymerization process. It exhibited excellent organo-solubility and self-extinguishing property. The synthesized TPA-Cz PI shown excellent film formation. The TPA-Cz PI film sandwiched between an indium tin oxide bottom electrode and Al top electrode. And the fabricated memory device exhibited ternary rewritable storage property in the bias with good data retention and the current ratio of 104:102:1 for ON2, ON1, and OFF states. Its current conduction mechanism by the I-V curves of different conduction models based on the experimental data was analyzed and used to illuminate the physical nature of resistance switching effects. The experimental result indicates that field-induced conformational ordering of the TPA-Cz PI chains and charge-transfer interaction between electron-donor and electron-withdrawing are responsible for the switching behavior. This work can provide a sketch for the design and selection of ternary state resistance random access memory materials in future research.
Nonlinear stability of sandwich beams with carbon nanotube reinforced faces on elastic foundation under thermal loading
Authors: Kiani Yaser , Mirzaei Mostafa
Published: June 2018

In this research, post-buckling response of sandwich beams with carbon nanotube reinforced face sheets subjected to uniform temperature rise loading and resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation is investigated. A single-layer theory formulation based on the first-order shear deformation beam theory is used. Material properties of the media are obtained according to a refined rule of mixtures approach which contains efficiency parameters. Suitable for the large deformations, von-Kármán strains are taken into consideration. The elastic foundation is modelled as the Pasternak model which takes into account the shear interaction of the springs. Material properties of the face sheets are considered to be position and temperature dependent. The governing equations of the system are obtained using the Ritz method for various combinations of clamped, simply supported and sliding supported edges. Post-buckling equilibrium path of the beam is obtained according to an iterative displacement control strategy. Numerical results of the present study are compared with the available data in the open literature. Then, the numerical results are provided to explore the effect of side-to-thickness ratio, volume fraction of carbon nanotube, distribution pattern of carbon nanotube, the ratio of face thickness-to-host thickness, boundary conditions and elastic foundation.
The siren song of aesthetics? Domain differences and creativity in engineering and design
Authors: Cropley David H , Kaufman James C
Published: June 2018

For many years, researchers have debated the role of “domain” in creativity. Opinion remains divided, but a common view is that creativity is a combination of domain-general elements, coupled with domain-specific manifestations, usually in the form of different kinds of products. Discussions of domains and creativity frequently take place in very broad, thematic terms, differentiating only between Arts and Sciences, with less attention given to differences within domains. The goal of this paper is to explore a single technological domain, studying differences between the micro-domains of Engineering and Industrial Design. Do engineers and industrial designers differ when evaluating the creativity of products? If they differ, what might be the underlying drivers of these differences? Contrary to expectations, not only were there significant differences between these groups, but evidence presented in this study suggests that engineers have difficulty differentiating between aesthetics and functionality, as components of product creativity, in contrast to industrial designers, who seem to possess a more discriminating eye.
The inevitable deservingness gap: A study into the insurmountable immigrant penalty in perceived welfare deservingness
Authors: Reeskens Tim , van der Meer Tom
Published: June 2018

As the asylum crisis hit Europe in tandem with the Great Recession, concerns about declining support for equal welfare provision to immigrants grow. Although studies on welfare deservingness show that immigrants are deemed least entitled to welfare compared to other target groups, they have fallen short of isolating welfare claimants’ identity (i.e. foreign origin) with competing deservingness criteria that might explain the immigrant deservingness gap. This article studies the importance of welfare claimants’ foreign origins relative to other theoretically relevant deservingness criteria via a unique vignette experiment among 23,000 Dutch respondents about their preferred levels of unemployment benefits. We show that foreign origin is among the three most important conditions for reduced solidarity, after labour market reintegration behaviour (reciprocity) and culpability for unemployment (control). Furthermore, favourable criteria do not close the gap between immigrants and natives in perceived deservingness, emphasizing the difficulty of overcoming the immigrant penalty in perceived welfare deservingness. We conclude our findings in the light of ongoing theoretical and political debates.
Holocene relative sea-level records from coral microatolls in Western Borneo, South China Sea
Authors: Majewski Jędrzej M , Switzer Adam D , Meltzner Aron J , Parham Peter R , Horton Benjamin P , Bradley Sarah L , Pile Jeremy , Chiang Hong-Wei , Wang Xianfeng , Ng Chiew Tyiin , Tanzil Jani , Müller Moritz , Mujahid Aazani
Published: June 2018

The spatial variability of Holocene relative sea level (RSL) in the South China Sea is unknown, with data restricted to Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, and a few other isolated sites. In this study, we present new continuous RSL records for Borneo using surveyed and U–Th dated coral microatolls from four sites in western Sarawak. The record spans 450 years of RSL from 7450 to 7000 yr BP. Our data suggest that RSL was higher than present and rapid RSL rise had ceased by 7450 yr BP. We compare these RSL reconstructions with a regional model of glacial-isostatic adjustment (GIA). The RSL reconstructions from three sites off the coast of Sarawak show a spatial gradient opposite to that predicted by the GIA model. This disagreement can best be explained by tectonic deformation since 7000 yr BP, which was previously unrecognized. We propose vertical land motion of 0.7–1.45 m due to slip on the Serabang fault, which runs between our four sites. This slip may have occurred in response to the loading of the Sunda Shelf by rising sea level.
Geochronology and sedimentary environment at the Udu-dong archeological site, Chuncheon, South Korea
Authors: Shin Seungwon , Park Yong-Hee , Choi Jeong-Heon , Lim Hyoun Soo , Shin Sook-Chung , Cheong Daekyo
Published: June 2018

The Udu-dong archeological site in Chuncheon, South Korea, dates back to the Proto–Three Kingdoms Period (approximately 100 BC to AD 350). Many artifacts, including some earthenware, have been excavated in these ancient dwelling sites. We applied three geochronological dating methods (radiocarbon, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), and archeomagnetic dating) to the archeological remains of this large-scale human settlement and reconstructed the history of depositional processes prior to human settlement. The timing of the ancient community’s settlement was investigated by radiocarbon dating of the charcoal fragments collected from old furnaces. Archeomagnetic dating allowed us to constrain the time period of the settlement’s abandonment by dating the last use of fire. The timing and development of fluvial deposits underlying the settlement site were reconstructed by OSL dating combined with sedimentary facies analysis. Our results show that, following the deposition of coarse sediments starting 10,000 years ago, the region formed a stable floodplain environment starting around 3000 years ago; people began to form clustered settlements approximately 50 years later. For the subsequent 150 years or so, the area was heavily used as a settlement site, with people evenly distributed across it, before eventual abandonment of the site around AD 200–250. Because the sedimentary deposits do not show any significant facies change during this period, we conclude that any catastrophic events were not the main reason for settlement abandonment. This study suggests that combining scientific and archeological analyses have significant benefits for studies of such archeological sites. Therefore, continuous collection of such data can provide important information for the excavation and protection of prehistoric or historic sites.
Maximum flood area during MIS 1 in the Almenara marshland (Western Mediterranean): Benthic foraminifera and sedimentary record
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Ana , Blázquez Ana María , Guillem Jordi , Usera Juan
Published: June 2018

The sedimentological and micropaleontological analysis of three mechanical cores in the marshland of Almenara (Valencian Community, Spain) has allowed the reconstruction of the Holocene evolution of this wetland. The cold and dry 8.2-ka event might be represented in Almenara by a massive carbonate precipitation bed, upon which mid- and late-Holocene sediments were subsequently deposited. The direct influence of sea-level changes has been recorded in the two cores (S-4 and S-5) located near the marsh barrier, at 400–450 m from the current coastline. The maximum flood area during MIS 1 (last 11,600 years) is represented in these cores by sediments indicative of different littoral subenvironments (shoreface, foreshore, backshore). These sediments contain typically littoral marine foraminiferal species such as Ammonia beccarii, Rosalina globularis, Asterigerinata mamilla, Adelosina longirostra, Cibicidoides lobatulus, Elphidium macellum, and Bolivina pseudoplicata. The base of these littoral sedimentary materials has been dated as 5480 and 5580 cal. yr BP. At this moment, the inner area (core S-7) was occupied by a restricted oligohaline marsh subject to water-table fluctuations and with scarce individuals of brackish water foraminifera, such as Ammonia tepida, Haynesina germanica, or Cribroelphidium excavatum, that in more recent times (since at least 1700 cal. yr BP) gradually evolved to a palustrine area.
Elevated Levels of Alpha Cells Emanating from the Pancreatic Ducts of a Patient with a Low BMI and Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Webb M’Balu A. , Chen Jane J. , James Roger F. L. , Davies Melanie J. , Dennison Ashley R.
Published: June 2018

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease that causes progressive damage to the pancreatic parenchyma with irreversible morphological changes and fibrotic replacement of the gland. The risk factors associated with developing CP have been described as toxic (e.g., alcohol and tobacco); idiopathic (e.g., unknown); genetic, autoimmune, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and obstructive (the TIGAR-O system). Upon histological screening of the pancreata from a cohort of CP patients who had undergone pancreatectomy for the treatment of intractable pain in Leicester, UK, one sample showed a striking change in the morphological balance toward an endocrine phenotype, most notably there was evidence of substantial α cell genesis enveloping entire cross sections of ductal epithelium and the presence of α cells within the ductal lumens. This patient had previously undergone a partial pancreatectomy, had severe sclerosing CP, an exceptionally low body mass index (15.2), and diabetes at the time the pancreas was removed, and although these factors have been shown to induce tissue remodeling, such high levels of α cells was an unusual finding within our series of patients. Due to the fact that α cells have been shown to be the first endocrine cell type that emerges during islet neogenesis, future research profiling the factors that caused such marked α cell genesis may prove useful in the field of islet transplantation.
Enhancing the Therapeutic Potential of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Spinal Cord Repair Using Neurotrophins
Authors: Wright A. A. , Todorovic M. , Tello-Velasquez J. , Rayfield A. J. , St John J. A. , Ekberg J. A.
Published: June 2018

Autologous olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation is a promising therapy for spinal cord injury; however, the efficacy varies between trials in both animals and humans. The main reason for this variability is that the purity and phenotype of the transplanted cells differs between studies. OECs are susceptible to modulation with neurotrophic factors, and thus, neurotrophins can be used to manipulate the transplanted cells into an optimal, consistent phenotype. OEC transplantation can be divided into 3 phases: (1) cell preparation, (2) cell administration, and (3) continuous support to the transplanted cells in situ. The ideal behaviour of OECs differs between these 3 phases; in the cell preparation phase, rapid cell expansion is desirable to decrease the time between damage and transplantation. In the cell administration phase, OEC survival and integration at the injury site, in particular migration into the glial scar, are the most critical factors, along with OEC-mediated phagocytosis of cellular debris. Finally, continuous support needs to be provided to the transplantation site to promote survival of both transplanted cells and endogenous cells within injury site and to promote long-term integration of the transplanted cells and angiogenesis. In this review, we define the 3 phases of OEC transplantation into the injured spinal cord and the optimal cell behaviors required for each phase. Optimising functional outcomes of OEC transplantation can be achieved by modulation of cell behaviours with neurotrophins. We identify the key growth factors that exhibit the strongest potential for optimizing the OEC phenotype required for each phase.
An assemblage approach to liquid warfare: AFRICOM and the ‘hunt’ for Joseph Kony
Authors: Demmers Jolle , Gould Lauren
Published: June 2018

The Western state-led turn to remote forms of military intervention as recently deployed in the Middle East and across Africa is often explained as resulting from risk aversion (avoidance of ground combat), materiality (‘the force of matter’) or the adoption of a networked operational logic by major military powers, mimicking the ‘hit-and-run’ tactics of their enemies. Although recognizing the mobilizing capacities of these phenomena, we argue that the new military interventionism is prompted by a more fundamental transformation, grounded in the spatial and temporal reconfiguration of war. We see a resort to ‘liquid warfare’ as a form of military interventionism that shuns direct control of territory and populations and its cumbersome order-building and order-maintaining responsibilities, focusing instead on ‘shaping’ the international security environment through remote technology, flexible operations and military-to-military partnerships. We draw upon assemblage as a heuristic device and the case of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to flesh out the complex and fluid nature of liquid warfare and the ways by which power operates across space. We outline how the forging of a transnational military assemblage in the name of ‘hunting Kony’ allowed for the buildup of an archipelago of military bases and operational capabilities across Africa, which serve as hubs for the monitoring, disrupting and containment of potential risks and dangers.
Wave propagation in acoustic metamaterials with resonantly shunted cross-shape piezos
Authors: Chen Shengbing
Published: June 2018

Cross-shape piezoelectric patches were originally proposed to improve the band-gap properties of acoustic metamaterials with shunting circuits. The dispersion curves are characterized through the application of finite element method. Also, the theoretical band-gap predictions are verified by simulation results obtained from COMSOL. The investigation results show that the proposed scheme distinguishes itself from the conventional square patches by broader band gaps, whose bandwidth is almost doubled. The inherent capacitance of the piezoelectric patch is strongly related to the boundary conditions, so the local resonant band gap is strongly affected by the shape of piezoelectric patches as well. As a result, the band-gap width and location of metamaterials with different shape patches are rather different, even with the same size patches. Also, negative modulus (NM) and Poisson’s ratio were observed around the resonant frequencies. The transmission properties of finite periods agree well with band-gap predictions. An obvious attenuation zone (AZ) is produced around the band-gap location, in which the wave propagation is decayed strongly. Similarly, the width of AZ of the proposed metamaterial is much larger than that of the conventional one. Hence, the proposed scheme demonstrates more advantages in the application to vibration isolation when compared with the conventional.
Improving Reading Fluency Skills for Secondary Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: McKenna John William , Bettini Elizabeth
Published: June 2018

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often have deficient reading skills that require intensive intervention. Effective intervention is comprehensive in nature, addressing individual student needs. This article provides an overview and recommendations for one potential component of individualized support: the use of repeated reading interventions to improve the reading fluency of secondary grade students with EBD. Recommendations include practices teachers can use to plan, deliver, and improve the effectiveness of repeated reading interventions.
Divided We Fall: How Ratios Undermine Research in Strategic Management
Authors: Certo S. Trevis , Busenbark John R. , Kalm Matias , LePine Jeffery A.
Published: June 2018

Despite scholars’ admonitions regarding the use of ratios in statistical analyses, the practice is common in management research. This is particularly true in the area of strategic management, where important variables of interest are operationalized as ratios. In this study, we employ simulations to demonstrate the implications of using ratios in statistical analyses. Our simulations illustrate that ratio variables produce inaccurate parameter estimates and can result in lower levels of statistical power (i.e., the ability to uncover hypothesized relationships). We also find that when an independent or a dependent variable is a ratio, the relationship between the independent and dependent variable fluctuates as the dispersion of the denominator changes. These fluctuations occur even when the correlations between the unscaled variables remain exactly the same. We also find that including ratios in models as control variables influences estimates of relationships between focal independent and dependent variables. This is true even when neither the independent or dependent variable is a ratio. We provide several recommendations for researchers who may be interested in avoiding the pitfalls of ratio variables.
Eating Behavior, Stress, and Adiposity: Discordance Between Perception and Physiology
Authors: Joseph Paule V. , Davidson Hannah R. , Boulineaux Christina M. , Fourie Nicolaas H. , Franks Alexis T. , Abey Sarah K. , Henderson Wendy A.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the study was to examine the interrelationships among stress, eating behavior, and adiposity in a cohort of normal- and overweight individuals. Clinical markers of physiological stress (fasting serum cortisol) and adiposity (body mass index [BMI] and percent body fat) were obtained from participants selected for a natural history protocol ( n = 107). Self-reported data on eating behavior (using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire subscales such as Cognitive Restraint, Disinhibition, and Hunger) and psychological stress (via the Perceived Stress Scale) were evaluated. Demographic information was incorporated using principal component analysis, which revealed sex- and weight-based differences in stress, adiposity, and eating behavior measures. Following a cross-sectional and descriptive analysis, significant correlations were found between the Disinhibition and Hunger eating behavior subscales and measures of adiposity including BMI ( r = .30, p = .002 and r = .20, p = .036, respectively) and percent body fat ( r = .43, p = .000 and r = .22, p = .022, respectively). Relationships between stress measures and eating behavior were also evident in the analysis. Disinhibition and Hunger correlated positively with perceived stress ( r = .32, p .001 and r = .26, p = .008, respectively). However, Disinhibition varied inversely with serum cortisol levels ( r = −.25, p = .009). Future studies are warranted to better understand this paradox underlying the effects of perceived and physiological stress on eating behavior.
Methotrexate in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shah Nidhi , Alhusayen Raed , Walsh Scott , Shear Neil H.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin. Moderate to severe cases not responding to topical treatments and lifestyle changes may need second-line therapy. Methotrexate has been suggested as an effective treatment in such cases.

Objective:

This study was done to determine the efficacy, adverse effects, and safety profile of methotrexate therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Materials/Methods:

All adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis seen in the dermatology clinic at this tertiary hospital from January 2015 to December 2015 who were treated with methotrexate were reviewed in a retrospective chart review.

Results:

Forty-one patients (19 female, 22 male, mean age 45 years, range 19-90 years) were enrolled. Of these, 29% were naive to any systemic treatments in the past, including systemic corticosteroids. Methotrexate treatment resulted in excellent improvement (>75%) in 93% of patients, good (50%-75% improvement) in 5%, and partial (25%-50% improvement) in 2%. Median duration of therapy was 26 months, and 80% of patients were still on treatment at last review. Transient nonsignificant elevation of transaminases was the most common adverse effect noted in 20%, followed by nausea in 12% and fatigue in 7%. A fibroscan was done in 10 patients at cumulative doses ranging from 2 to 11 g methotrexate. No liver fibrosis was seen in these patients.

Conclusion:

Methotrexate is an effective treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with an acceptable safety profile. A low dose can be used to control the disease for prolonged periods without significant risk.
Detection and clinical correlation of leukocortical lesions in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis on multi-contrast MRI
Authors: Maranzano Josefina , Till Christine , Assemlal Haz-Edine , Fonov Vladimir , Brown Robert , Araujo David , O’Mahony Julia , Yeh E Ann , Bar-Or Amit , Marrie Ruth Ann , Collins Louis , Banwell Brenda , Arnold Douglas L , Narayanan Sridar
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To determine the frequency of cortical lesions (CLs) in patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) using multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the relationship between frontal CL load and upper limb dexterity assessed with the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT).

Methods:

Participants completed the 9-HPT and were imaged on a 3T MRI scanner to collect T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE), proton density–weighted, T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. CLs were manually segmented using all MRI contrasts.

Results:

We enrolled 24 participants with POMS (mean (standard deviation) age at first symptom: 13.3 (±2.7) years; mean age at scan: 18.8 (±3) years; mean disease duration of 5 (±3.2) years). A total of 391 CLs (mean, 16.3 ± 27.2; median, 7) were identified in 19 of 24 POMS patients (79%). The total number of CLs was positively associated with white matter lesion volume ( p = 0.04) but not with thalamic volume, age at the time of the scan, or disease duration. The number of frontal CLs was associated with slower performance on the 9-HPT ( p = 0.05).

Conclusion:

Multi-contrast 3T MRI led to a high rate of CL detection, demonstrating that cortical pathology occurs even in pediatric-onset disease. Frontal lobe CL count was associated with reduced manual dexterity, indicating that these CLs are clinically relevant.
Motivation and attachment to a diving destination: The case of Medes Islands (Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: Palau-Saumell Ramon , Forgas-Coll Santiago , Sánchez-García Javier , Prats Lluís
Published: June 2018

Motivations and place attachment constructs have been previously used as antecedents of behavioral intentions regarding a destination. Nevertheless, previous studies investigating behavioral intention models have paid little attention to the influence of motivations on place attachment and the influence of place attachment on behavioral intentions within the same structural model. This article develops an integrated model to investigate these relationships. Data were collected from recreational scuba divers in Catalonia, Spain. The results suggest that personal escape and personal seeking are the main motivations, and these factors influence place dependence and place identity. Other findings indicate that place dependence influences behavioral intentions more than place identity. In addition, the level of involvement in the activity moderates the links between constructs in some of the relationships.
The Perpetuation of Inequality: The Role of Community Engagement
Authors: Hastie Chris
Published: June 2018

In the aftermath of the disaster at Grenfell Tower there have been allegations that the local council failed to listen to warnings from residents about the potential fire risk in the building, along with other examples of attempts by the council to avoid dialogue. While these apparent failings of the council may be extreme examples, they are not isolated ones. The underlying culture and taken-for-granted assumptions of many public agencies mean that they struggle to engage and conduct dialogue with marginalised groups. Using the example of inequalities in the distribution of fire, I argue that the failure of community engagement itself serves to perpetuate the widespread inequalities found in British society. Although the incidence of fire is falling, the social gradient that exists in its distribution remains. This fact can be linked to the failure of services to engage with marginalised communities, those communities most affected by fire. Both access to services and the success of social policy interventions depend on effective dialogue between the state and citizens, but many are shut out from that dialogue. There is a pressing need to direct attention towards the ways in which public services relate to the communities that they serve.
Parent-reported early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children without intellectual disability who were diagnosed at school age
Authors: Goodwin Anthony , Matthews Nicole L , Smith Christopher J
Published: June 2018

Despite efforts to detect autism spectrum disorder during toddlerhood, many children with autism spectrum disorder remain undiagnosed until school age. To identify characteristics of children whose autism spectrum disorder might not be diagnosed during toddlerhood, this study used archived Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised records to examine the historical presentation of autism spectrum disorder symptoms in 48 school-age children with autism spectrum disorder. Children diagnosed after starting school (Late-Diagnosed; n = 24) were compared to age-matched children diagnosed before school age (Early-Diagnosed; n = 24). Symptom presentation was similar between groups, with the Late-Diagnosed group exhibiting only marginally fewer symptoms historically. The most commonly reported historical symptoms were negative symptoms, namely, deficits in social behaviors. Positive symptoms, such as unusual preoccupations, rituals, and mannerisms, were less commonly reported. These findings may aid earlier identification of autism spectrum disorder in children who would likely be diagnosed at school age.
The impact of brief reflective responses on student performance
Authors: Hamilton Hannah R , Mallett Robyn K
Published: June 2018

One-minute papers allow students to process what they learned during class and improve student performance. However, this activity can become monotonous and takes significantly longer than the name implies. The research described here tests the effectiveness of a briefer, more flexible version of this technique to increase the perceived relevance of the material and, in turn, performance. Students were randomly assigned to either self-generate a reflective response or answer a content-specific question generated by the instructor at the end of class. Students positively evaluated the brief reflective response activity. Moreover, answering the self-generated reflective responses was associated with greater perceived relevancy of course material to students’ daily lives compared to answering the content-specific questions. Perceived relevancy, in turn, was associated with higher examination grades. Thus, brief reflective responses are a useful tool to increase meaningful connections to course material which enhances examination performance.
Is Moneyball Relevant on the Racetrack? A New Approach to Evaluating Future Racehorses
Authors: Plant Emily J. , Stowe C. Jill
Published: June 2018

The market for racehorses is volatile and inefficient, and the ability to identify and exploit undervalued characteristics which predict performance can be profitable. In this article, we evaluate whether quantitative measures of physical structure and movement can help predict racing success and whether these measures are appropriately valued by the market. We discover an interesting dynamic: One measure predicting late racing development is a significant predictor of career earnings but is not valued by the auction market; a different measure predicting early racing development is valued by the marketplace but does not predict career earnings.
The Intention of Men Who Have Sex With Men to Participate in Voluntary Counseling and HIV Testing and Access Free Condoms in Indonesia
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Sukmawati Anastasia Suci , Wardojo Sri Sunaringsih Ika , Teli Margareta , Bere Yoh Kenedy , Mwanri Lillian
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to identify factors that influenced the intention of men who have sex with men (MSM) to participate in voluntary counseling and HIV testing (VCT) and in accessing free condoms. A qualitative inquiry using one-on-one in-depth interviews was conducted with MSM participants who were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was guided by a framework analysis for qualitative data by Ritchie and Spencer, and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework was used to analyze the data. The findings were grouped into three themes—namely, (a) attitude encompassing knowledge about HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS services and the belief about the positive outcomes of the services; (b) subjective norms including support from MSM peers and family members and motivation to comply with the support; and (c) perceived behavioral control, which is associated with resource availability and having confidence and positive intention to participate in VCT and willingness to access free condoms. Findings indicated that personal, community, and structural factors were predictors to intention to accessing services. Interventions targeting large numbers of MSM population and further studies to understand what needs to be done by nongovernmental organizations and governmental institutions to halt the spread of HIV infections among MSM populations and increase their intention to use HIV/AIDS services are also recommended.
LncRNA BISPR promotes the progression of thyroid papillary carcinoma by regulating miR-21-5p
Authors: Zhang Hong , Cai Yuechang , Zheng Li , Zhang Zhanlei , Lin Xiaofeng , Jiang Ningyi
Published: June 2018

Our study attempted to verify the effect of lncRNA BST2 interferon-stimulated positive regulator (BISPR) on cell viability, propagation and invasiveness of thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) and the interactive relationship between BISPR and miR-21-5p. Microarray analyzed the aberrant expression lncRNA BISPR in TPC. BISPR and miR-21-5p as well as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expressions in TPC cells were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, dual luciferase reporter assay, and transwell assay were conducted to manifest cell viability, propagation, and invasiveness of TPC cells. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the apoptosis and cell cycle of TPC cells. Mouse xenograft model was built to testify the effect of BISPR on tumor growth. BISPR in TPC tissues was over-expressed. BISPR knockdown restrained the propagation and invasiveness and enhanced the iodine uptake of TPC cells. The tumor-forming rate reduced after BISPR knockdown. In addition, miR-21-5p was lowly expressed in cancer tissues. BISPR promoted the development of TPC cells by inhibiting miR-21-5p expression. Bcl-2 was suppressed by miR-21-5p and sh-BISPR. BISPR, which was over-expressed in TPC, improved TPC cell viability, propagation, and invasiveness. MiR-21-5p was lowly expressed in TPC which inhibited Bcl-2 expression. BISPR stimulated propagation and invasiveness of TPC cells by depressing miR-21-5p.
Women’s attitude toward gynecological pain in fertile age: Results from a cross-sectional study among Italian community pharmacies
Authors: Giua Marassi Corrado , Pistone Assunta , Parazzini Fabio , Vannuccini Silvia , Petraglia Felice
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Several epidemiological data on women afferent to clinics for medical treatment of pelvic pain are available, while few studies explored the general population. Thus, this study aimed to investigate women presenting with gynecological pain at the community pharmacy and to evaluate the relevance of pharmacist advice regarding medical treatment.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 10 Italian community pharmacies, by administering a structured questionnaire to fertile age women reporting pelvic pain during the last 3 months. Questions were concerning demographic information, pain characteristics, women’s behavior toward gynecological pain, and diagnosis possibly received from a physician.

Results:

A group of 290 women were interviewed. Severe pain was reported in 58.3%, with a mean ± SD of 4.4 ± 6.8 days of suffering, causing absenteeism from work in 45.3% of cases. Almost half of women reported that the onset of gynecological pain was before 15 years and 72.2% had consulted a physician in the past, with a mean delay of 2.5 ± 4.3 years between the onset of pain and medical consultation. However, only 28% of the overall population received a diagnosis. 51.0% received one treatment, while 39% received two or more. The first therapy was prescribed in 40.2% cases by the physician, while in the remaining it was recommended either by the pharmacist or it was a self-medication.

Conclusion:

Gynecological pelvic pain is a disabling problem, regardless of the underlying cause, with significant impact on social and working life and requiring a better medical management.
Comparative study of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release versus blinded percutaneous A1 pulley release
Authors: Lee Sung Hyun , Choi Young Chae , Kang Hong Je
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of blind versus ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for treatment of trigger finger.

Methods:

This prospective study included 21 patients (25 fingers) who underwent blind release and 20 patients (23 fingers) who underwent ultrasonography-guided release. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, proximal interphalangeal joint contracture, complications, and patient satisfaction were compared between the groups.

Results:

At the final follow-up, triggering had disappeared in all patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided release, whereas three patients who underwent blind release required revision surgery for postoperative triggering. No complications were observed. VAS score was significantly different between groups at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. All patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided release were satisfied, whereas three patients who underwent blind release were not satisfied.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for treatment of trigger finger reduces postoperative pain and complications, such as incomplete release, compared with a blind procedure.
Derotational Osteotomy of the Distal Femur for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Instability Simultaneously Leads to the Correction of Frontal Alignment: A Laboratory Cadaveric Study
Authors: Imhoff Florian B. , Beitzel Knut , Zakko Philip , Obopilwe Elifho , Voss Andreas , Scheiderer Bastian , Morikawa Daichi , Mazzocca Augustus D. , Arciero Robert A. , Imhoff Andreas B.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Derotational osteotomy of the distal femur allows the anatomic treatment of patellofemoral maltracking due to increased femoral antetorsion. However, such rotational osteotomy procedures have a high potential of intended/unintended changes of frontal alignment.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to perform derotational osteotomy of the distal femur and to demonstrate the utility of a novel trigonometric approach to address 3-dimensional (3D) changes on 2-dimensional imaging (axial computed tomography [CT] and frontal-plane radiography). The hypothesis was that 1-step single-cut osteotomy can simultaneously correct torsion and frontal alignment based on preoperatively calculated cutting angles.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight human cadaveric whole legs (4 lower limb torsos) underwent derotational osteotomy of the distal femur of 20°. A straight leg axis, determined as a mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA) of 0°, was chosen as a goal for postoperative frontal alignment. The inclination of the cutting angle from the lateral view was calculated individually for each cadaveric leg and was represented by a simple 3D-printed cutting guide for surgery. Specimens underwent CT for the measurement of torsion, while the frontal leg axis was determined on an upright radiograph preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative angles were compared with the mathematical prediction model.

Results:

The preoperative mFTA ranged from –3.9° (valgus) to +3.4° (varus) (mean, –0.2° ± 2.6°). A postoperative mean mFTA of 0.37° ± 0.69° (95% CI, –0.22° to 0.95°) was achieved ( P = .01). Derotation showed a mean of 19.1° ± 2.1° (95% CI, 17.3°-20.8°). The oblique cutting plane for the correction of valgus legs showed a mean of 5.9° ± 6.8° and, for the correction of varus legs, a mean of –10.0° ± 4.5° projected on the perpendicular plane to the virtual anatomic shaft axis from the sagittal view.

Conclusion:

Single-cut distal femoral osteotomy can be performed to simultaneously address rotational as well as frontal alignment using a preoperatively defined oblique cut, as determined by the presented reproducible calculation model.

Clinical Relevance:

This study adds important knowledge to the technique of derotational osteotomy. This approach provides an individual, oblique single cut for the correction of torsion and frontal axis within a clinically insignificant margin. Simplified tables for calculation and a surgical reference make this model reproducible and safe.