bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dasatinib Reversibly Disrupts Endothelial Vascular Integrity by Increasing Non-Muscle Myosin II Contractility in a ROCK-Dependent Manner
Authors: Kreutzman Anna , Colom-Fernández Beatriz , Jiménez Ana Marcos , Ilander Mette , Cuesta-Mateos Carlos , Pérez-García Yaiza , Arévalo Cristina Delgado , Brück Oscar , Hakanen Henna , Saarela Jani , Ortega-Carrión Alvaro , de Rosendo Ana , Juanes-García Alba , Steegmann Juan Luis , Mustjoki Satu , Vicente-Manzanares Miguel , Muñoz-Calleja Cecilia
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Dasatinib is a short-acting dual ABL/SRC family tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which is frequently used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia. Although very effective, patients taking dasatinib often display severe adverse effects, including pleural effusions and increased risk of bleeding primarily in the gastrointestinal tract. The actual causes of these side effects are currently undetermined. We hypothesize that endothelial cells (ECs) that line the inner walls of blood vessels and control the traffic to the underlying tissues might be involved.

Experimental Design: The effects of TKIs on ECs were studied by various assays, such as real-time cell impedance measurements, live-cell microscopy, wound healing, Western blot, and an in vivo model.

Results: Dasatinib uniquely causes a profound, dose-dependent disorganization of the EC monolayers. Dasatinib promoted the disassembly of cell–cell contacts, altered cell–matrix contacts, and further altered the wound healing. A key observation is that this effect is fully reversible after drug washout. In line with these in vitro observations, intraperitoneal administration of dasatinib to mice caused significant vascular leakage in the intestine. The underlying molecular mechanism of dasatinib-induced reorganization of the actin involves ROCK activation, which increases the amount of the phosphorylation of myosin light chain and consequently activates the non-muscle myosin II.

Conclusions: Our data are consistent with a scenario in which dasatinib triggers a transient increase in vascular leakage that probably contributes to adverse effects such as bleeding diathesis and pleural effusions. Clin Cancer Res; 23(21); 6697–707. ©2017 AACR.
p53 Nongenotoxic Activation and mTORC1 Inhibition Lead to Effective Combination for Neuroblastoma Therapy
Authors: Moreno-Smith Myrthala , Lakoma Anna , Chen Zaowen , Tao Ling , Scorsone Kathleen A. , Schild Linda , Aviles-Padilla Kevin , Nikzad Rana , Zhang Yankai , Chakraborty Rikhia , Molenaar Jan J. , Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Sheehan Vivien , Kim Eugene S. , Paust Silke , Shohet Jason M. , Barbieri Eveline
Published: August 2017

Purpose: mTORC1 inhibitors are promising agents for neuroblastoma therapy; however, they have shown limited clinical activity as monotherapy, thus rational drug combinations need to be explored to improve efficacy. Importantly, neuroblastoma maintains both an active p53 and an aberrant mTOR signaling.

Experimental Design: Using an orthotopic xenograft model and modulating p53 levels, we investigated the antitumor effects of the mTORC1 inhibitor temsirolimus in neuroblastoma expressing normal, decreased, or mutant p53, both as single agent and in combination with first- and second-generation MDM2 inhibitors to reactivate p53.

Results: Nongenotoxic p53 activation suppresses mTOR activity. Moreover, p53 reactivation via RG7388, a second-generation MDM2 inhibitor, strongly enhances the in vivo antitumor activity of temsirolimus. Single-agent temsirolimus does not elicit apoptosis, and tumors rapidly regrow after treatment suspension. In contrast, our combination therapy triggers a potent apoptotic response in wild-type p53 xenografts and efficiently blocks tumor regrowth after treatment completion. We also found that this combination uniquely led to p53-dependent suppression of survivin whose ectopic expression is sufficient to rescue the apoptosis induced by our combination.

Conclusions: Our study supports a novel highly effective strategy that combines RG7388 and temsirolimus in wild-type p53 neuroblastoma, which warrants testing in early-phase clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 23(21); 6629–39. ©2017 AACR.
Defective Cyclin B1 Induction in Trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) Acquired Resistance in HER2-positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Sabbaghi MohammadA , Gil-Gómez Gabriel , Guardia Cristina , Servitja Sonia , Arpí Oriol , García-Alonso Sara , Menendez Silvia , Arumi-Uria Montserrat , Serrano Laia , Salido Marta , Muntasell Aura , Martínez-García Maria , Zazo Sandra , Chamizo Cristina , González-Alonso Paula , Madoz-Gúrpide Juan , Eroles Pilar , Arribas Joaquin , Tusquets Ignasi , Lluch Ana , Pandiella Atanasio , Rojo Federico , Rovira Ana , Albanell Joan
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) is a standard treatment in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. However, resistance inevitably occurs. We aimed to identify mechanisms of acquired T-DM1 resistance.

Experimental Design: HER2-positive breast cancer cells (HCC1954, HCC1419, SKBR3, and BT474) were treated in a pulse-fashion with T-DM1 to induce a resistant phenotype. Cellular and molecular effects of T-DM1 in parental versus resistant cells were compared. CDK1 kinase activity and cyclin B1 expression were assayed under various conditions. Genetic modifications to up- or downregulate cyclin B1 were conducted. Effects of T-DM1 on cyclin B1 levels, proliferation, and apoptosis were assayed in human HER2-positive breast cancer explants.

Results: We obtained three cell lines with different levels of acquired T-DM1 resistance (HCC1954/TDR, HCC1419/TDR, and SKBR3/TDR cells). HER2 remained amplified in the resistant cells. Binding to HER2 and intracellular uptake of T-DM1 were maintained in resistant cells. T-DM1 induced cyclin B1 accumulation in sensitive but not resistant cells. Cyclin B1 knockdown by siRNA in parental cells induced T-DM1 resistance, while increased levels of cyclin B1 by silencing cdc20 partially sensitized resistant cells. In a series of 18 HER2-positive breast cancer fresh explants, T-DM1 effects on proliferation and apoptosis paralleled cyclin B1 accumulation.

Conclusions: Defective cyclin B1 induction by T-DM1 mediates acquired resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. These results support the testing of cyclin B1 induction upon T-DM1 treatment as a pharmacodynamic predictor in HER2-positive breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 7006–19. ©2017 AACR.
Selected Alkylating Agents Can Overcome Drug Tolerance of G0-like Tumor Cells and Eradicate BRCA1-Deficient Mammary Tumors in Mice
Authors: Pajic Marina , Blatter Sohvi , Guyader Charlotte , Gonggrijp Maaike , Kersbergen Ariena , Küçükosmanoğlu Aslι , Sol Wendy , Drost Rinske , Jonkers Jos , Borst Piet , Rottenberg Sven
Published: August 2017

Purpose: We aimed to characterize and target drug-tolerant BRCA1-deficient tumor cells that cause residual disease and subsequent tumor relapse.

Experimental Design: We studied responses to various mono- and bifunctional alkylating agents in a genetically engineered mouse model for BRCA1/p53-mutant breast cancer. Because of the large intragenic deletion of the Brca1 gene, no restoration of BRCA1 function is possible, and therefore, no BRCA1-dependent acquired resistance occurs. To characterize the cell-cycle stage from which Brca1−/−;p53−/− mammary tumors arise after cisplatin treatment, we introduced the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (FUCCI) construct into the tumor cells.

Results: Despite repeated sensitivity to the MTD of platinum drugs, the Brca1-mutated mammary tumors are not eradicated, not even by a frequent dosing schedule. We show that relapse comes from single-nucleated cells delaying entry into the S-phase. Such slowly cycling cells, which are present within the drug-naïve tumors, are enriched in tumor remnants. Using the FUCCI construct, we identified nonfluorescent G0-like cells as the population most tolerant to platinum drugs. Intriguingly, these cells are more sensitive to the DNA-crosslinking agent nimustine, resulting in an increased number of multinucleated cells that lack clonogenicity. This is consistent with our in vivo finding that the nimustine MTD, among several alkylating agents, is the most effective in eradicating Brca1-mutated mouse mammary tumors.

Conclusions: Our data show that targeting G0-like cells is crucial for the eradication of BRCA1/p53–deficient tumor cells. This can be achieved with selected alkylating agents such as nimustine. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 7020–33. ©2017 AACR.
Selection of Surgical Methods in the Treatment of Upper Tibia Osteosarcoma and Prognostic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ya , He Zeiwei , Li Yi , Yang Yihao , Shi Jiandang , Liu Xuefeng , Yuan Tao , Xia Junfeng , Li Dongqi , Zhang Jing , Yang Zuozhang
Published: August 2017

Background: We aimed to explore the clinical effects and prognosis of different surgical methods in upper tibia osteosarcoma. Methods: Among 112 patients with proximal upper tibia osteosarcoma, 40 patients were treated with amputation, 20 patients were treated with massive osteoarticular allograft, and the remaining 52 cases were treated with tumor resection and artificial joint replacement. Results: Recurrence was observed in 2 cases (5%) in the amputation group, in 6 cases (30%) in the massive osteoarticular allograft group, and in 6 cases (12%) in the tumor resection and artificial joint replacement group (P = 0.021). The lung metastasis rates were 40% in the amputation group, 40% in the massive osteoarticular allograft group, and 38% in the tumor resection and artificial joint replacement group (P = 0.986). The survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 95%, 75%, and 45%, respectively, in the amputation group, 95%, 75%, and 35%, respectively, in the massive osteoarticular allograft group, and 92.3%, 78.8%, and 53.8%, respectively, in the tumor resection and artificial joint replacement group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The selection of the optimal surgical method for upper tibia osteosarcoma should be made according to the individual circumstances of the patient. Our study has significance for reducing the incidence of surgical complications and improving the quality of postoperative life.
Incidence and Management of Umbilical Artery Flow Abnormalities during Open Fetal Surgery
Authors: Sinskey Jina L. , Rollins Mark D. , Whitlock Elizabeth , Moon-Grady Anita J. , Vu Lan , Feiner John R. , Ferschl Marla B.
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Umbilical artery (UA) Doppler ultrasound is used to assess uteroplacental insufficiency. Absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AREDF) in the UA is associated with increased perinatal mortality in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction. We describe the incidence of UA Doppler abnormalities during open fetal surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing open in utero myelomeningocele (MMC) repair between 2008 and 2015. Intermittent UA Dopplers were performed during key portions of all cases. Our primary outcome was the rate of any AREDF. Secondary outcomes included analysis of absent versus reversed end diastolic flow (EDF), vasopressor use, and volatile anesthetic and clinical outcomes. Results: Thirty-four of 47 fetuses developed UA Doppler abnormalities intraoperatively. Nineteen had absent EDF and 15 had reversed EDF. No AREDF was present before induction, and all AREDF resolved by postoperative day 1. Ten of 19 (52.6%) patients who received sevoflurane had reversed EDF, versus 5/28 (17.9%) for desflurane, odds ratio (95% CI) 5.11 (1.36-19.16), p = 0.02. One intraoperative fetal death occurred in the AREDF group. Discussion: AREDF is a common phenomenon during open MMC repair. Anesthetic agent choice may influence this risk. Future studies of UA flow during fetal surgery are needed to further evaluate the impact of intraoperative AREDF on fetal well-being.
The Future of Human Longevity
Authors: Gavrilov Leonid A. , Krut'ko Vyacheslav N. , Gavrilova Natalia S.
Published: August 2017

Recent scientific publications suggest that human longevity records stopped increasing. Our finding that the mortality of centenarians has not decreased noticeably in recent decades (despite a significant mortality decline in younger age groups) is consistent with this suggestion. However, there is no convincing evidence that we have reached the limit of human life span. The future of human longevity is not fixed and will depend on human efforts to extend life span.
Interferon-γ Is Associated with Cerebral Atrophy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Postal Mariana , Ruocco Heloísa Helena , Brandão Carlos Otávio , Costallat Lilian Tereza Lavras , Silva Leonilda , Cendes Fernando , Appenzeller Simone
Published: August 2017

Objective: We evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine profile and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Methods: Consecutive SLE patients followed at the rheumatology unit were enrolled into this study. Neurologically asymptomatic controls were matched for age and sex and recruited during myelography. SLE patients were assessed for disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index; SLEDAI) and cumulative damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index; SDI). All subjects underwent MRI scans and blood and CSF withdrawal. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin were measured by nephelometry and link indexes were calculated according to the literature. Interleukin (IL)-12 p40/p70, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: We included 20 SLE patients (18 women, mean age 30.2 ± 9.2 years, range 19-45) with CNS manifestations. Increased IL-12 p40/p70, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 CSF levels were observed in SLE patients. Mild pleocytosis was observed in 8 (66%) SLE patients and intrathecal production of IgG was observed in 2 (10%) SLE patients. Three (15%) SLE patients had demyelinating lesions, 5 (25%) patients had cerebral atrophy, and 12 (60%) patients had ischemic lesions on MRI. We observed that the cerebral lesion count was associated with CNS manifestations and SDI scores. We observed a significant cerebral volume reduction in SLE patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, a direct correlation between cerebral volume reduction and CSF IFN-γ levels was observed (r = 0.5, p = 0.01). Conclusions: IL-12 p40/p70, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 CSF levels were increased in SLE patients with CNS manifestations, but only IFN-γ was associated with a cerebral volume reduction in SLE, suggesting an immunological basis for global atrophy in SLE.
Re-visiting Bolam and Bolitho in the light of Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board
Authors: Buttigieg George G
Published: August 2017

This article considers the potentially untapped significance of the Bolitho test, while the Bolam test looks to be facing a challenging twilight. It re-examines the landmark House of Lords case of Nadyne Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, having regard for Bolam as modified by Bolitho. Although further jurisprudential Bolam challenge is likely in the wake of the Montgomery ruling, there are grounds for re-examining Bolitho, on its own merits.
Real-time cutting simulation in virtual reality systems based on the measurement of porcine organs
Authors: Bao YiDong , Wu DongMei
Published: August 2017

A virtual soft tissues cutting model consistent with the organ specificity of real soft tissues was established in this paper, which was applied to the virtual operation training system. A measurement platform of soft tissue organ was designed and built, and the stress–strain and stress–relaxation data of pig liver and kidney were experimentally measured. Then, using the viscoelasticity mathematical formula, an improved virtual cutting model of the meshless classified balls-filling was constructed through VC++ and OpenGL. The cutting performance of the virtual soft tissues was further increased by leveraging the improved cutting classification algorithm. Finally, the extrusion and cutting simulation was enabled through the force feedback device, and the accuracy and effectiveness of this cutting model were validated by a comparative study of the virtual soft tissues cutting model and the stress–strain and stress–relaxation data of pig liver and kidney.
Understanding the Shift in Gaudium et Spes: From Theology of History to Christian Anthropology
Authors: Bosschaert Dries
Published: August 2017

This contribution reconsiders the rejected but often overlooked “Malines text” (September 1963) as the missing link in the redaction history of Gaudium et Spes and as a key witness to the document’s Christian anthropology. Applying the three hermeneutical principles of content, style, and “pastorality” ( pastoralité) to this text and its redaction history, a basis is laid for a reading of Vatican II that respects its embrace of diversity.
A New Ecumenism? Christian Unity in a Global Church
Authors: Rausch Thomas
Published: August 2017

The author asks if a new ecumenism might be emerging, one that can bring the burgeoning new Pentecostal-charismatic-independent churches of the Global South, most of them non-liturgical or sacramental, together with the traditional churches of Europe and North America that continue to lose members. The article assesses the recent statement of the World Council of Churches, The Church: Toward a Common Vision, seen by many of the new churches as too Western and Eurocentric, and asks if we need a new way of envisioning the ecumenical future.
Bargaining Power in Tourist Shopping
Authors: Zhang Honglei , Zhang Jinhe , Yang Yang , Zhou Qiang
Published: August 2017

Bargaining behavior is popular when tourists shop, with bargaining power representing the surplus sellers or buyers obtain after price negotiations. This article applies a two-tier stochastic frontier analysis to estimate sellers’ and buyers’ (i.e., tourists’) surplus terms as a measure of their respective bargaining power. Using large-scale data on shopping behavior obtained from a domestic tourist survey conducted in Nanjing, China, between 2005 and 2010, our empirical results indicate that in general, tourists exhibit stronger bargaining power than sellers. Additionally, tourists’ net surplus, as a measure of relative bargaining power, is heavily informed by their tripographic and sociodemographic characteristics, with the former being more influential. In particular, tourists traveling with companions and obtaining travel information from friends and mass media tend to have stronger-than-average bargaining power.
Gender and Risk Assessment in Juvenile Offenders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pusch Natasha , Holtfreter Kristy
Published: August 2017

Although young males are still the primary perpetrators of juvenile crime, the percentage of girls experiencing criminal justice system contact has risen. To identify effective interventions and address public concerns regarding juvenile crime, scholars and practitioners have assessed recidivism risk using tools such as the Youth Level of Service (YLS) Inventory. While the appropriateness of using gender-neutral tools to assess female criminality in adult correctional populations has been debated, mixed findings regarding juvenile risk-assessment tools have not provided definitive answers. To address these concerns, separate meta-analyses were conducted for male and female juvenile offenders. Specifically, mean effect sizes were compared to determine whether predictive validity varies by sex. Results largely indicate that the YLS/Case Management Inventory (CMI) works equally well for a variety of subgroups, including recidivism type, recidivism outcome, geographical location, and sample characteristics. The implications of these findings for theory, research, and correctional policy are discussed.
Bowling Alone, Bowling Together: Is Social Capital Priced in Bank Loans?
Authors: Cheng C. S. Agnes , Wang Jing , Zhang Ning , Zhao Sha
Published: August 2017

We investigate whether the societal-level social capital enjoyed by firms affects the cost of their bank loans. Employing a measure of societal-level social capital for U.S. counties, we find that firms with higher societal-level social capital are associated with lower loan spreads. To further identify causality, we explore two events: Using a sample of firms that relocate their headquarters for tax reasons, we find that firms that move to lower (higher) social capital counties experience a higher (lower) cost of bank loans following relocations. The second event was the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. After the disaster, social capital in affected counties—mainly in the State of New York, the State of Virginia, and adjacent counties—increased through social capital building efforts. We show that firms headquartered in the affected counties experience significantly lower loan spreads than other firms after the attack. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how societal-level social capital promotes economic development through its impact on financing costs.
Doing Diagnosis: Autism, Interaction Order, and the Use of Narrative in Clinical Talk
Authors: Maynard Douglas W. , Turowetz Jason
Published: August 2017

This study, with an eye toward the social psychology of diagnosis more generally, is an investigation of how clinicians diagnose children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Responding to Hacking’s call for a Goffmanian mode of analysis to complement and balance the emphasis on large-scale transformations and discourses, we examine the narrative way in which clinicians provide evidence to support a diagnostic position. Using recordings and transcripts of clinical visits across two eras, our findings about the interaction order of the clinic show distinct story types and components that contribute to diagnostic narratives for ASD. These include stories about concrete “instantiations,” stories that propose “tendencies,” and “typifications” or generalizations regarding a specific child. This work contributes to interaction order theory, methodology, and other domains of social psychological research.
Cutaneous analgesia before transradial access for coronary intervention to prevent radial artery spasm
Authors: Tatlı Ersan , Yılmaztepe Mustafa Adem , Vural Mustafa Gökhan , Tokatlı Alptuğ , Aksoy Murat , Ağaç Mustafa Tarık , Çakar Mehmet Akif , Gündüz Huseyin , Akdemir Ramazan
Published: August 2017

Aim:

Transradial access (TRA) for coronary intervention is increasingly used in current clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypothesis that cutaneous analgesia before TRA for coronary intervention at a puncture site 30 minutes before puncture can reduce patient discomfort and the incidence of radial artery spasm (RAS).

Methods:

Patients (n=104) undergoing planned coronary interventions using TRA were prospectively randomized to receive either 1 mL of 1% lidocaine subcutaneously (n=52) (control group) or subcutaneous lidocaine plus 5% lidocaine cream (n=52) cutaneously 30 minutes before puncture (treatment group). The primary endpoint was angiographically or clinically confirmed RAS. Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of patient discomfort in the forearm during the procedure and access-site crossover to the femoral artery. Patient discomfort was quantified with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score.

Results:

Fifty-two patients in the treatment group (60.5±9.4 years of age and 16 female) and 52 patients in the control group (60.4±9.7 years of age and 16 female) were included in the final analysis. Radial artery spasm occurrence decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group (26.9% vs 9.6%; p=0.04) accompanied by a VAS score of 3.7±1.8 in the treatment group and 4.9±2.0 in the control group; p=0.02. The access site crossover rate did not differ between the groups (7.6% vs 21.1%; p=0.09).

Conclusion:

Cutaneous analgesia before TRA for coronary interventions is associated with a substantial reduction in the RAS and the procedure-related level of patient discomfort.
Marital Hostility and Early Adolescents’ Adjustment: The Role of Cooperative Marital Conflict
Authors: Zhou Nan , Buehler Cheryl
Published: August 2017

Although the assertion that marital hostility relates to higher levels of youth adjustment difficulties has been well established, few studies have examined cooperative marital conflict in relation to youth behavior problems. This study examined the main and moderating effects of cooperative marital conflict on youth behavior problems in a sample of 416 two-parent families. Gender differences also were examined. Youth were in the sixth grade (51% females), and ranged in age from 11 to 14 ([Formula: see text] = 11.86, SD = .69). Cooperative marital conflict was associated with lower levels of youth internalizing problems. Cooperative marital conflict was related to daughters’ but not sons’ lower levels of externalizing problems. Cooperative marital conflict also served as a protective factor in the association between marital hostility and youth internalizing problems. These findings highlight the importance of examining cooperative marital conflict above and beyond marital hostility to better understand youth development during early adolescence.
Strategic Interaction Among Overlapping Local Jurisdictions
Authors: Brien Spencer T.
Published: August 2017

This article explores the strategic interactions between overlapping counties and school districts within the context of property tax policy. Overlapping local governments share either part or all of their property tax bases and therefore may take into account each other’s tax policies when deciding their annual property tax rate. A dynamic model is developed to analyze how property tax rate determination is influenced by the fiscal policies of both overlapping and neighboring local jurisdictions. The results suggest a short-term mimicking effect that is largely canceled out the following period. These findings help to develop a more complete understanding of how the broader set of environmental and institutional attributes of local governments influence their fiscal policies.
Differences between central nervous system infection and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fang Hongli , Lan Likang , Qu Yanzhou , Zhang Qiankun , Lv Jin
Published: August 2017

Objective

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Central nervous system (CNS) infection is a consequence of intensive immunosuppressive therapy that patients with SLE might undergo. This study aimed to compare the differences between NPSLE and CNS infections in patients with SLE.

Methods

Patients with SLE and NPSLE or CNS infections were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and prognoses were recorded. The independent sample t-test or chi-square test was used to compare data.

Results

Patients with CNS infections (n = 20) had more serious headache, high fever (>39.0°C), and vomiting compared with patients with NPSLE (n = 48). Patients with CNS infections also had a larger prednisone dose at the time of symptom onset, larger cumulative dosages over the preceding year, lower SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, higher rate of nephritis, lower albumin levels, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, higher 24-h-urine protein levels, higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell levels, and lower protein and glucose levels than those with NPSLE.

Conclusions

For patients with SLE presenting with CNS symptoms, serious headache, high fever, a high dose of corticosteroids, low SLEDAI scores, and abnormal CSF are more important indicators for CNS infections than NPSLE.
Adaptation of a Self-Regulated Practice Behaviour Scale for Portuguese music students
Authors: Madeira Lígia Raquel B. , Araújo Marcos V. , Hein Christopher F. , Marinho Helena
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse the validity and reliability of the Self-Regulated Practice Behaviour Scale (SRPB) developed by Miksza (2012) for music students in Portugal. Tasks involved in this study included: (1) translating the original scale and creating a viable Portuguese adaptation for Portuguese musical performance students; (2) analysing the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the scale. The translation and adaptation of the original scale resulted in a 52-item Portuguese Self-Regulated Practice Behaviour measure (Portuguese SRPB). Students enrolled in music education programmes from eight conservatoires answered the Portuguese SRPB ( n = 1,200). The results of confirmatory factor analysis show that a five-factor model presenting the five correspondent theoretical dimensions of self-regulation (motive, method, behaviour, time management, and social influence) achieved the best fit to the data collected. All Portuguese SRPB dimensions were predictive of students’ reports of average practice efficiency, grades, and practice time, highlighting preliminary evidence of predictive validity. The internal consistency reliability coefficients ranged from good to excellent (α = .71 to .84). The findings suggest that the Portuguese SRPB produced a valid and reliable measure of the self-regulatory practice behaviour of Portuguese conservatoire students.
Hydroclimatology, modes of climatic variability and stream flow, lake and groundwater level variability
Authors: McGregor Glenn
Published: August 2017

Hydroclimatology is an expansive discipline largely concerned with understanding the workings of the hydrological cycle in a climate context. Acknowledging this, and given the burgeoning interest in the relation between climate and water in the context of working towards an improved understanding of the impacts of climatic variability on water resources, this progress report turns its attention to the connection between large-scale modes of climatic variability and hydrological variability in streams, lakes and groundwater. A survey of the recent literature finds that a plethora of teleconnection indices have been employed in the analysis of hydrological variability. Indices representing modes of climatic variability such as El Niño Southern Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific North America pattern, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Meridional Oscillation dominate the literature on climatic and hydrological variability. While examples of discernible signals of modes of climatic variability in stream flow and lake and groundwater level time series abound, the associations between periodic to quasi-period oscillations in atmospheric/ocean circulation patterns and variability within the terrestrial branch of the hydrological are far from simple, being both monotonic (linear and non-linear) and non-monotonic and also conditional on period of analysis, season and geographic region. While there has been considerable progress over the last five years in revealing the climate mechanisms that underlie the links between climatic and hydrological variability, a bothering feature of the literature is how climatic and hydrological variability is often viewed through a purely statistical lens with little attention given to diagnosing the relationship in terms of atmosphere and ocean physics and dynamics. Consequently, significant progress remains to be made in obtaining a satisfactory hydroclimatological understanding of stream flow, lake and groundwater variability, especially if hydroclimatological knowledge is to be fully integrated into water resource management and planning.
Modeling of leachate recirculation using combined drainage blanket–horizontal trench systems in bioreactor landfills
Authors: Feng Shi-Jin , Cao Ben-Yi , Xie Hai-Jian
Published: August 2017

Leachate recirculation in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills operated as bioreactors offers significant economic and environmental benefits. Combined drainage blanket (DB)–horizontal trench (HT) systems can be an alternative to single conventional recirculation approaches and can have competitive advantages. The key objectives of this study are to investigate combined drainage blanket –horizontal trench systems, to analyze the effects of applying two recirculation systems on the leachate migration in landfills, and to estimate some key design parameters (e.g., the steady-state flow rate, the influence width, and the cumulative leachate volume). It was determined that an effective recirculation model should consist of a moderate horizontal trench injection pressure head and supplementary leachate recirculated through drainage blanket, with an objective of increasing the horizontal unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and thereby allowing more leachate to flow from the horizontal trench system in a horizontal direction. In addition, design charts for engineering application were established using a dimensionless variable formulation.
Developing and Sustaining a Research Agenda in Special Education Teacher Education
Authors: Maheady Larry
Published: August 2017

This article was developed from an earlier invitation to discuss what it was like to teach at a comprehensive arts and science college with a large teacher education program while also trying to conduct and publish applied research. Were there any particular tricks to getting things done that could be handed down to younger professionals working in similar circumstances? Any words of wisdom to pass along that might mitigate the challenges of not having enough time or at least make professional writing and manuscript rejection easier? Perhaps, but that would require someone of greater intellect and stature than the authors have. What the authors can share, however, are some important lessons they have learned while developing an applied research agenda in special education teacher education. The lessons reflect experiences the authors found helpful in navigating the higher education waters for the past three plus decades.
Optimal button arrangement of a percussion drill bit and its operating condition for improving drilling efficiency
Authors: Kang Hoon , Park Jin-Young , Cho Jung-Woo , Jang Jin-Seok , Kim Kun-Woo , Lee Jae-Wook
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes an optimal button arrangement of a percussion drill bit and its operating condition to improve drilling efficiency. A new evaluation method is introduced for the button arrangement that utilizes the superimposed impact area, blank area, and drilling deviation moment as the quantitative indices to evaluate the impact of buttons on the rock surface. To determine the optimal button arrangement and its operating conditions, a progressive metamodel-based design optimization was conducted using the new evaluation indices as the analysis response, and then the optimal solution was determined through iteration. Consequently, all the button evaluation indices were reduced significantly and the impact areas were distributed uniformly under a specific operating condition. Additionally, the drilling performances of the optimal button arrangement were investigated according to the operating conditions to obtain the maximum drilling performance in terms of the drilling machine operation.
Self-powered magnetorheological dampers for motorcycle suspensions
Authors: Chen Chao , Chan Yu Shing , Zou Li , Liao Wei-Hsin
Published: August 2017

Dampers are the parts of suspensions which improve the ride comfort and the safety of vehicles including motorcycles. Magnetorheological dampers are very attractive for motorcycle suspensions, because of their controllable properties and their fast responses. Considerable energy is wasted owing to the energy dissipation by dampers encountering road irregularities and accelerating processes during everyday use of motorcycles. In addition, the current magnetorheological suspension systems depend on the power supply of batteries. Therefore, in this paper, a self-powered magnetorheological damper for motorcycle suspensions is proposed and implemented for the first time. It can convert the wasted mechanical energy into useful electrical energy to power itself. There are great merits in this such as energy saving, independence of extra batteries and less maintenance in comparison with conventional magnetorheological suspension systems, while keeping controllable performances. A customized prototype of the self-powered magnetorheological damper that is compatible with a motorcycle is developed and actually implemented in a motorcycle. Modelling for the self-powered magnetorheological damper is developed and validated by laboratory testing. Laboratory testing showed that the self-powered feature works well to generate the electrical power and to vary the magnetorheological damping force. Preliminary system-level testing showed that a self-powered magnetorheological suspension results in a better ride comfort, compared with that of a magnetorheological suspension without power generation. The results showed that implementing self-powered magnetorheological dampers in motorcycle suspensions is feasible and beneficial.
The Love of Large Numbers: A Popularity Bias in Consumer Choice
Authors: Powell Derek , Yu Jingqi , DeWolf Melissa , Holyoak Keith J.
Published: August 2017

Social learning—the ability to learn from observing the decisions of other people and the outcomes of those decisions—is fundamental to human evolutionary and cultural success. The Internet now provides social evidence on an unprecedented scale. However, properly utilizing this evidence requires a capacity for statistical inference. We examined how people’s interpretation of online review scores is influenced by the numbers of reviews—a potential indicator both of an item’s popularity and of the precision of the average review score. Our task was designed to pit statistical information against social information. We modeled the behavior of an “intuitive statistician” using empirical prior information from millions of reviews posted on Amazon.com and then compared the model’s predictions with the behavior of experimental participants. Under certain conditions, people preferred a product with more reviews to one with fewer reviews even though the statistical model indicated that the latter was likely to be of higher quality than the former. Overall, participants’ judgments suggested that they failed to make meaningful statistical inferences.
Justifying an ideal first pregnancy age: Vernacular science knowledge and the facilitation of lay argument
Authors: Jensen Robin E , Blumling Allison N.
Published: August 2017

Members of the lay public often draw from vernacular science knowledge—or metaphors, images, and terms related to technical science—to make normative assessments about behavior. Yet, little is known about vernacular science knowledge in terms of its forms and functions. In a national survey, US adults ( N = 688) were asked to identify an ideal age for first pregnancy, and to explain their decision. Participants drew from arguments related to hormonal processes, the language of risk, and the quality and quantity of “eggs” to navigate and identify an ideal timeline for first pregnancy. Their responses illustrated patterns of justification that involved the (a) employment of scientific concepts as heuristic cues for critical analysis, (b) conflation of details, and (c) synecdochal explication. These findings reveal some of the key ways in which vernacular science knowledge may shape the trajectory of lay argument in a range of contexts.
The legal consequences of sovereign insolvency – a review of creditor litigation in Germany following the Greek debt restructuring
Authors: Grund Sebastian
Published: August 2017

This article analyses three seminal instances of bondholder litigation before German municipal courts following the Greek sovereign debt restructuring of 2012. While the haircut imposed on private bondholders led to a significant reduction of the country’s debt level in 2012, thousands of German investors subsequently challenged the Greek government’s decision before German courts. In this context, as this article highlights, even within a single jurisdiction, courts may hold very different views as to which debt management measures by a sovereign borrower ought to be considered ‘public’ legal acts – thus barring foreign bondholder suits – and which are ‘commercial’ legal acts, where litigation is a feasible legal avenue for disgruntled creditors to recover losses. In sum, however, German courts were reluctant to grant broad enforcement remedies to private bondholders, essentially vindicating the Greek government’s strategy of rewriting local law and retrofitting so-called ‘collective action clauses’ to increase bondholder participation in the restructuring. Against this background, this article discusses some of the decisions’ potential implications, such as the increased prospects for other crisis-stricken governments to successfully repeat a Greek-style debt restructuring as well as the future treatment of foreign and domestic-law public debt both by courts and market participants.
Kids and Cops: Juveniles’ Perceptions of the Police and Police Services
Authors: Sanden Michael , Wentz Ericka
Published: August 2017

This study examined the impact of four categories of variables (demographics, neighborhood context variables, contact with the police, and vicarious influence variables) on juveniles’ perceptions of the police and police services. Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a larger research evaluation that examined the impact of law enforcement efforts in relation to violent crime. Survey responses collected from 423 middle school students were analyzed using a series of OLS regression models. The study found significant results for both dependent variables within all four categories of independent variables. Findings emphasize the importance of including influences from multiple sources into studies that examine juveniles’ perceptions of the police. Policy implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
The Organization of Working Time: Developing an Understanding and Action Plan to Promote Workers’ Health in a Seasonal Work Context: L'organisation temporelle du travail: la comprendre pour développer des actions favorisant la santé des travailleuses en contexte de travail saisonnier
Authors: Major Marie-Eve , Vézina Nicole
Published: August 2017

Despite the health problems associated with irregular schedules and long working hours, few studies have focused on the temporal dimension of work in seasonal working contexts. Through the monitoring of sixteen seasonal workers in the crab-processing industry over a two-year period, this study aimed to better understand their working reality and to provide a detailed picture of the temporal dimension of seasonal work as experienced by these workers. Observations of the work activity, interviews, and analysis of official documents were carried out. The findings reveal that the organization of working time and working conditions are very restrictive. These constraints are linked not only to the work environment and management but also to various public policies and ministerial directives. Methodological elements essential for the study of the organization of working time have been identified and could contribute to a better understanding of temporal constraints experienced by seasonal workers.

Résumé

Malgré les problèmes de santé associés aux horaires non standards et aux longues heures de travail, peu d'études se sont attardées à dégager un portrait de la dimension temporelle du travail en contexte de travail saisonnier. Par le suivi de 16 travailleuses saisonnières de l'industrie de la transformation du crabe pendant deux années, cette étude visait à mieux comprendre leur réalité de travail et à dresser un portrait détaillé de la dimension temporelle du travail saisonnier tel que vécu par ces travailleuses. Des observations du travail, des entretiens et l'analyse de documents ont été réalisés. Les résultats révèlent une organisation temporelle et des conditions de travail fort contraignantes pour ces travailleuses liées, entre autres, à l'environnement et à la gestion du travail, mais également à diverses politiques publiques et consignes ministérielles. Des éléments méthodologiques essentiels pour l'étude des temps de travail ont également été identifiés et contribueront à mieux cerner les contraintes temporelles des situations de travail vécues par les travailleuses saisonnières.
Diminished Trust of Healthcare Providers, Risky Lifestyle Behaviors, and Low Use of Health Services: A Descriptive Study of Rural Adolescents
Authors: Hardin Heather K. , McCarthy Valerie Lander , Speck Barbara J. , Crawford Timothy N.
Published: August 2017

The purpose of our study was to determine the extent to which individual characteristic variables predict trust of healthcare provider (HCP), lifestyle behaviors, and use of health services among adolescents attending public high school in rural Indiana. The sample included 224 individuals surveyed in 9th grade or 12th grade required courses. Trust of HCP and lifestyle behaviors were predicted using hierarchical multiple regression; number of HCP visits and emergency department (ED) visits in the past 12 months were predicted using negative binomial regression. This sample of adolescents living in a rural area reported riskier lifestyle behaviors than another sample of adolescents, lower trust of HCP than adults in general, and fewer HCP and ED visits than adolescents in general. Our study supports the need for school-based health services in rural areas and the opportunity for school nurses to act as care coordinators for marginalized youth.
Single-center, retrospective evaluation of safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants versus low-molecular-weight heparin and vitamin K antagonist in patients with cancer
Authors: Pritchard Elizabeth R , Murillo Jose R , Putney David , Hobaugh Eleanor C
Published: August 2017

Introduction

The safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in cancer patients is currently unclear. Low-molecular-weight heparin remains the standard of care for cancer patients with venous thromboembolism, with warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, as an alternative. Clear recommendations do not exist for patients with both active cancer and non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The objectives of this study were to report safety and efficacy outcomes of direct oral anticoagulants, low-molecular-weight heparin, and vitamin K antagonist in cancer patients with venous thromboembolism or non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of adult cancer patients from 2012 to 2015 who received an antineoplastic agent and an anticoagulant.

Results

A total of 258 patients were reviewed: 80 patients in direct oral anticoagulant group, 95 patients in low-molecular-weight heparin group, and 83 patients in vitamin K antagonist group. Sixty-seven percent of patients were on an anticoagulant for acute or chronic venous thromboembolism. Major bleeding events were similar across the groups (15% direct oral anticoagulant vs 17% low-molecular-weight heparin vs 18% vitamin K antagonist). The most common type of major bleeding event was gastrointestinal bleeding. A total of five fatal bleeding events occurred. Venous thromboembolism recurrence rates were higher in both direct oral anticoagulant (18%) and low-molecular-weight heparin (12%) groups while lower in vitamin K antagonist group (10%) compared to previous studies.

Conclusions

Cancer patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants, low-molecular-weight heparin, or vitamin K antagonist had similar rates of major bleeding events, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common event. Venous thromboembolism recurrence rates were higher in direct oral anticoagulant and low-molecular-weight heparin groups than prior studies. Randomized trials are warranted to establish clear safety and efficacy in this population.