bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiating Clostridium difficile Colitis from Clostridium difficile Colonization in Ulcerative Colitis: A Role for Procalcitonin?
Authors: Reinink Andrew R. , Limsrivilai Julajak , Reutemann Bethany A. , Feierabend Tristan , Briggs Emily , Rao Krishna , Higgins Peter D.R.
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims:Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) frequently complicates ulcerative colitis (UC) and can mimic disease flare. Differentiating UC flare from CDI remains a clinical challenge, particularly due to C. difficile colonization. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a serum biomarker for bacterial infections. We hypothesized that PCT would differentiate acute CDI from UC flare and C. difficile colonization. Methods: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted from 2013 to 2016. All UC patients with a stool sample for C. difficile testing were eligible. A total of 117 patients were enrolled, while 20 were excluded. Chart review was performed. Results: Among 27 patients with CDI, median PCT was 60.7 (range 26-560.6) pg/mL, while among 90 patients without CDI, median PCT was 56.7 (range 25.1-2,252) pg/mL (p = 0.9). It was found that 14 patients with CDI responded completely to C. difficile treatment (CDI-R), while 8 patients did not and were diagnosed with UC flare (CDI-NR). For CDI-R, median PCT was 104.5 (range 26.3-560.6), compared to 40.3 (range 26.0-116.3) for CDI-NR (p = 0.036). Conclusions: In UC patients presenting with diarrhea, serum PCT was not significantly higher in UC patients with positive C. difficile testing. However, PCT was significantly elevated in CDI-R versus CDI-NR, suggesting that PCT may have utility in making this discrimination.
Intermuscular Adipose Tissue and Subclinical Coronary Artery Calcification in Midlife
Authors: Terry James G. , Shay Christina M. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Jacobs David R. , Sanchez Otto A. , Reis Jared P. , Goff David C. , Gidding Samuel S. , Steffen Lyn M. , Carr John Jeffrey
Published: October 2017

Objective—

Excess deposition of fat within and around vital organs and nonadipose tissues is hypothesized to contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We evaluated the association of abdominal intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) volume with coronary artery calcification in the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) participants.

Approach and Results—

We measured IMAT in the abdominal muscles, visceral adipose tissue and pericardial adipose tissue, and coronary artery calcification using computed tomography in 3051 CARDIA participants (56% women) at the CARDIA year 25 examination (2010–2011). Mean IMAT volume and mean IMAT/total muscle volume (IMAT normalized for muscle size) were calculated in a 10-mm block of slices centered at L3–L4. Multivariable analyses included potential confounders and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Compared with the lowest quartile, the upper quartile of abdominal IMAT volume was associated with higher coronary artery calcification prevalence (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.6 [1.2–2.1]) after adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results were similar for highest versus lowest quartile of IMAT normalized to total muscle volume (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.5 [1.1–2.0]). Significant associations of higher IMAT and normalized IMAT with coronary artery calcification prevalence persisted when body mass index, visceral adipose tissue, or pericardial adipose tissue were added to the models.

Conclusions—

In a large, community-based, cross-sectional study, we found that higher abdominal skeletal muscle adipose tissue volume was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and other adipose depots.
NO Augments Endothelial Reactivity by Reducing Myoendothelial Calcium Signal Spreading
Authors: Pogoda Kristin , Mannell Hanna , Blodow Stephanie , Schneider Holger , Schubert Kai Michael , Qiu Jiehua , Schmidt Andreas , Imhof Axel , Beck Heike , Tanase Laurentia Irina , Pfeifer Alexander , Pohl Ulrich , Kameritsch Petra
Published: October 2017

Objective—

Because of its strategic position between endothelial and smooth muscle cells in microvessels, Cx37 (Connexin 37) plays an important role in myoendothelial gap junctional intercellular communication. We have shown before that NO inhibits gap junctional intercellular communication through gap junctions containing Cx37. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet identified.

Approach and Results—

Using channel-forming Cx37 mutants exhibiting partial deletions or amino acid exchanges in their C-terminal loops, we now show that the phosphorylation state of a tyrosine residue at position 332 (Y332) in the C-terminus of Cx37 controls the gap junction–dependent spread of calcium signals. Mass spectra revealed that NO protects Cx37 from dephosphorylation at Y332 by inhibition of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. Functionally, the inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication by NO decreased the spread of the calcium signal (induced by mechanical stimulation of individual endothelial cells) from endothelial to smooth muscle cells in intact vessels, while, at the same time, augmenting the calcium signal spreading within the endothelium. Consequently, preincubation of small resistance arteries with exogenous NO enhanced the endothelium-dependent dilator response to acetylcholine in spite of a pharmacological blockade of NO-dependent cGMP formation by the soluable guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one).

Conclusions—

Our results identify a novel mechanism by which NO can increase the efficacy of calcium, rising vasoactive agonists in the microvascular endothelium.
Compromised Cerebrovascular Regulation and Cerebral Oxygenation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Malenfant Simon , Brassard Patrice , Paquette Myriam , Le Blanc Olivier , Chouinard Audrey , Nadeau Valérie , Allan Philip D. , Tzeng Yu‐Chieh , Simard Sébastien , Bonnet Sébastien , Provencher Steeve
Published: October 2017

Background

Functional cerebrovascular regulatory mechanisms are important for maintaining constant cerebral blood flow and oxygen supply in heathy individuals and are altered in heart failure. We aim to examine whether pulmonary arterial hypertension (
PAH
) is associated with abnormal cerebrovascular regulation and lower cerebral oxygenation and their physiological and clinical consequences.

Methods and Results

Resting mean flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (
MCA
v
mean
); transcranial Doppler), cerebral pressure‐flow relationship (assessed at rest and during squat‐stand maneuvers; analyzed using transfer function analysis), cerebrovascular reactivity to
CO
2
, and central chemoreflex were assessed in 11 patients with PAH and 11 matched healthy controls. Both groups also completed an incremental ramp exercise protocol until exhaustion, during which
MCA
v
mean
, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output (photoplethysmography), end‐tidal partial pressure of
CO
2
, and cerebral oxygenation (near‐infrared spectroscopy) were measured. Patients were characterized by a significant decrease in resting
MCA
v
mean
(
P
<0.01) and higher transfer function gain at rest and during squat‐stand maneuvers (both
P
<0.05). Cerebrovascular reactivity to
CO
2
was reduced (
P
=0.03), whereas central chemoreceptor sensitivity was increased in
PAH
(
P
<0.01), the latter correlating with increased resting ventilation (
R
2
=0.47;
P
<0.05) and the exercise ventilation/CO
2
production slope (

V
˙

E

/

V
˙

CO
2

slope;
R
2
=0.62;
P
<0.05) during exercise for patients. Exercise‐induced increases in
MCA
v
mean
were limited in
PAH
(
P
<0.05). Reduced
MCA
v
mean
contributed to impaired cerebral oxygen delivery and oxygenation (both
P
<0.05), the latter correlating with exercise capacity in patients with PAH (
R
2
=0.52;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

These findings provide comprehensive evidence for physiologically and clinically relevant impairments in cerebral hemodynamic regulation and oxygenation in
PAH
.
Uncoupling Protein 2 Inhibits Myointimal Hyperplasia in Preclinical Animal Models of Vascular Injury
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Yaolei , Li Wei , Wang Peijian , Gu Rui , Feng Yaxing , Wei Shujie , Peng Ke , Zhang Yunrong , Su Linan , Wang Qiang , Li De , Yang Dachun , Wong Wing Tak , Yang Yongjian , Ma Shuangtao
Published: October 2017

Background

Intracoronary stent restenosis, characterized by excessive smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and myointimal hyperplasia, remains a clinical challenge. Mitochondrial membrane potential has been linked to the proliferative rate of SMCs. This study aimed to screen a critical gene regulating mitochondrial potential and to confirm its effects on myointimal formation in preclinical animal models.

Methods and Results

We performed transcriptome screening for genes differentially expressed in ligated versus unligated mouse carotid arteries. We observed that uncoupling protein 2 gene (
Ucp2
) mRNA, encoding UCP2, was transiently upregulated during the first 3 days after ligation and then significantly downregulated from day 7 through day 21, during which time neointima formed remarkably. The UCP2 protein level also declined after day 7 of ligation. In ligated carotid arteries,
Ucp2
−/−
mice, compared with wild‐type littermates, exhibited accelerated myointimal formation, which was associated with increased superoxide production and can be attenuated by treatment with antioxidant 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidinoxyl (TEMPOL). Knockdown of UCP2 enhanced human aortic SMC migration and proliferation that can also be attenuated by TEMPOL, whereas UCP2 overexpression inhibited SMC migration and proliferation, along with decreased activity of nuclear factor‐κB. Moreover, nuclear factor‐κB inhibitor attenuated UCP2 knockdown‐enhanced SMC proliferation. Adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of UCP2 inhibited myointimal formation in balloon‐injured carotid arteries of rats and rabbits and in‐stent stenosis of porcine coronary arteries. Moreover, UCP2 overexpression also suppressed neointimal hyperplasia in cultured human saphenous vein ex vivo.

Conclusions

UCP2 inhibits myointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury, probably through suppressing nuclear factor‐κB–dependent SMC proliferation and migration, rendering UCP2 a potential therapeutic target against restenosis.
Northwestern Caucasus in the Early Middle Ages: A Few Notes
Authors: Charvát Petr
Published: October 2017

The paper is on the history of the Northwestern Caucasus between the turn of the eras and the 13th century. From among the many ethnic groups inhabiting this region since the times of Greek and Roman Antiquity, the Alans were probably the best known. Settling down first in the submontane tracts of the Northern Caucasus, they gradually ascended the accessible valleys and rendered themselves as masters of the whole area north of the Caucasus main ridge. Constantly having to find their way between the ambitions of Byzantium and the Khazar Khanate of the steppes, the Northwestern Caucasians successfully exploited the region’s natural resources and engaged in long-distance trade along a side artery of the Silk Road. In the 10th century, Alans embraced Christianity and created their own state, a staunch ally of Byzantium. Alania perished in consequence of the Mongol invasion at the beginning of the 13th century. Most of its inhabitants followed their new masters into Central Asia, some have found new homes in Byzantium, Hungary and their vicinity.
The Population of the South Caucasus according to the 1897 General Census of the Russian Empire
Authors: Bournoutian George
Published: October 2017

The article is about the population statistics of the South Caucasus by religion, language/ethnicity and profession, following the first General Census of the Russian Empire in 1897.
Interpreting the Warring States Graphs Zi 才 and Chui in Light of the Yancang Chu Slips (由嚴倉楚簡看戰國文字資料 中“才”、“”兩字的釋讀)
Authors: Tianhong (李天虹) Li
Published: October 2017

Scholars have previously suggested that the characters 才 and in a variety of published Warring States texts may be interpreted as fractions: 才 has been read as zi 錙, meaning “one fourth”; has been read as chui 錘, meaning “one third.” The Yancang Chu slips, excavated in 2010 but not yet published, contain a number of similar uses of these graphs that more fully substantiate these readings as fractions. How the graphs originally came to be used as fractions awaits further research.

已公佈戰國文字資料中散見用作數詞的“才”字和“”字，有學者認爲“才”應當讀爲“錙”，表示四分之一；“”應當讀爲“錘”，表示三分之一。2010年出土、尚未公布的嚴倉楚簡中，多見相同用法的“才”和“”，爲此説提供了比較豐富的例證。錙、錘何以有這種用法，尚有待進一步探討。
An Overview of Western Sinologists’ Studies of Chinese Paleography (西方漢學家中國古文字研究概要)
Authors: Shaughnessy (夏含夷) Edward L.
Published: October 2017

This essay, the first chapter in the author’sXifang Hanxue chutu wenxian yanjiu gaiyao西方漢學出土文獻研究概要 (Essentials of Western Sinology’s Research on Unearthed Documents), provides a survey of Western Sinology’s research on Chinese paleography from the time of the first such study (1881) through 2015. The survey includes especially the following topics: general discussions of Chinese paleography and/or unearthed documents, the origins of Chinese writing and its social functions, the nature of Chinese writing, methodological studies, and reference works, but does not cover studies of ancient Chinese grammar or phonology.

摘要這篇文章是作者著《西方漢學出土文獻研究概要》第一章，就 1881 年到 2015年間西方漢學對中國出土文獻與古文字研究成果作概括的論述，分成下列題目：中國出土文獻與古文字學綜論、中國文字的起源及其社會作用、中國文字的性質、古文字學方法論、古文字學參考書，但是不包括相關的古代漢語語法研究和古代漢語音韻學。
Taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Steinera (Arctomiales, Arctomiaceae) in the subantarctic islands of Crozet and Kerguelen
Authors: ERTZ DAMIEN , POULSEN ROAR S. , CHARRIER MARYVONNE , SØCHTING ULRIK
Published: October 2017

The lichenized genus Steinera is revised for the archipelagos of Crozet and of Kerguelen, with a high level of endemism revealed. It is shown to represent a good example of convergent evolution between two different orders. Phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU, RPB1 and mtSSU sequences show that two different species groups can be recognized: Steinera s. str. belongs to the Arctomiaceae (Arctomiales) and is characterized notably by species having pluriseptate ascospores, and a second species group belongs to the Koerberiaceae (Peltigerales) and is characterized notably by simple ascospores sometimes having a plasma-bridge. The genus Henssenia is newly described to accommodate this latter group. The type species of Steinera is shown to have been erroneously treated in the past, with Steinera molybdoplaca being the type of Steinera and “S.” glaucella belonging to the genus Henssenia. A sorediate morph is recorded for S. molybdoplaca and the results confirmed using a 4-gene phylogeny, including nuITS sequences. Some species previously described in the genera Arctomia and Massalongia from the Southern Hemisphere are shown to belong to Steinera s. str. Five new species are described: Steinera isidiata Ertz & R.S. Poulsen, S. membranacea Ertz & R.S. Poulsen, S. lebouvieri Ertz, S. pannarioides Ertz & R.S. Poulsen and Henssenia subglaucella Ertz & R.S. Poulsen along with seven new combinations: Steinera intricata (Øvstedal) Ertz, S. latispora (Øvstedal) Ertz, S. olechiana (Alstrup & Søchting) Ertz & Søchting, S. subantarctica (Øvstedal) Ertz, Henssenia glaucella (Tuck.) Ertz, R.S. Poulsen & Søchting, H. radiata (P. James & Henssen) Ertz and H. werthii (Zahlbr.) Ertz, R.S. Poulsen & Søchting. An epitype is chosen for Henssenia glaucella and a neotype for H. werthii. “Steinera” symptychia has an isolated phylogenetic position in the Koerberiaceae and might represent a distinct, new genus. World-wide identification keys to the species of Henssenia and Steinera are provided.
Relationship of Aortic Wall Distensibility to Mitral and Aortic Valve Calcification: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cohoon Kevin P. , Criqui Michael H. , Budoff Matthew J. , Lima Joao A. , Blaha Michael J. , Decker Paul A. , Durazo Ramon , Liu Kiang , Kramer Holly
Published: October 2017

Data are limited on whether valvular calcification is associated with aortic wall stiffness. We tested whether aortic valve calcification (AVC) and/or mitral valve calcification (MVC) is inversely associated with aortic distensibility (AD). Cross-sectional study conducted in a subset of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) included 3676 MESA participants aged 44 to 84 years with AD measured with magnetic resonance imaging and with AVC and MVC measured with noncontrast cardiac computed tomography scans. Both AVC and MVC were divided into 3 categories: zero, < median values (low), and ≥ median values (high) for patients with nonzero values. Overall, 88% (n = 3256) and 92% (n = 3365) of participants had zero AVC and MVC, while 6% (n = 211) and 4% (n = 156) had low, and 6% (n = 209) and 4% (n = 155) had high values of AVC and MVC, respectively. The AVC was independently associated with AD after adjusting for age, gender, and ethnicity ( P = .035). No association was noted between AVC groups and AD after adjustment for all covariates or MVC groups and AD in any model.
A Learning Collaborative Approach to Improve Primary Care STI Screening
Authors: McKee M. Diane , Alderman Elizabeth , York Deborah V. , Blank Arthur E. , Briggs Rahil D. , Hoidal Kelsey E. S. , Kus Christopher , Lechuga Claudia , Mann Marie , Meissner Paul , Patel Nisha , Racine Andrew D.
Published: October 2017

The Bronx Ongoing Pediatric Screening (BOPS) project sought to improve screening for sexual activity and sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea and chlamydia [GCC] and HIV) in a primary care network, employing a modified learning collaborative, real-time clinical data feedback to practices, improvement coaching, and a pay-for-quality monetary incentive. Outcomes are compared for 11 BOPS-participating sites and 10 non-participating sites. The quarterly median rate for documenting sexual activity status increased from 55% to 88% (BOPS sites) and from 13% to 74% (non-BOPS sites). GCC screening of sexually active youth increased at BOPS and non-BOPS sites. Screening at non–health care maintenance visits improved more at BOPS than non-BOPS sites. Data from nonparticipating sites suggests that introduction of an adolescent EMR template or other factors improved screening rates regardless of BOPS participation; BOPS activities appear to promote additional improvement of screening during non–health maintenance visits.
Incidence and Cumulative Incidence as Supplemental Measures of the Scale of Imprisonment
Authors: Rhodes William , Gaes Gerald G. , Luallen Jeremy , Kling Ryan , Rich Tom , Cutler Christopher
Published: October 2017

Prison growth has primarily been measured as a prevalence over time. We propose cohort-specific supplemental measures: incidence based on the age of first adult admission into prison, and cumulative incidence, based on the proportion of people who will be imprisoned during their lifetime. We present a new estimation method using administrative data. Prior research derived estimates from inmate surveys. The main advantages of this new method are that estimates can be updated every year with little cost and minimal imputation. We present results showing that we have likely reached an inflection point in the growth of cumulative incidence, and the ratio between Blacks and Whites is declining although the disparity is still large—roughly 4.5 to 1.
The Effect of the European Union Customs Union on the Balance of Trade in Turkey
Authors: Ketenci Natalya
Published: October 2017

This article investigates the effect of the customs union between Turkey and the European Union on the balance of trade in Turkey. The framework for analysis is an extended trade gravity model onto which the impact of the customs union is applied. The gravity model of trade is estimated using dynamic panel data which applies the generalized method of moments to a sample of OECD countries. Separate estimates were made for the periods before and after the process of trade liberalization in Turkey—1980–1995 and 1996–2012, respectively—as well as for the full period—1980–2012. The main conclusion is that when the European Union is accounted for as an econometric variable, the empirical results are striking: Turkey’s gains resulting from taking part in the customs union are noteworthy, with significant improvement in the trade balance with European Union countries. However, the trade flows, and specifically imports, have been mainly with OECD countries that are themselves not members of the EU. The model indicates that external common tariffs are responsible for Turkey’s trade growth rather than tariffs abolished in the internal market of the customs union.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of University Students’ Motivation Toward Band and Academics in Singapore and the United States
Authors: Tan Leonard , Miksza Peter
Published: October 2017

The purpose of the study was to investigate how university band students’ (non–music majors) motivational goal orientations toward band and academics differ across participants from Singapore ( n = 200) and the United States ( n = 227) and examine how they relate to a suite of adaptive dispositions (i.e., flow, grit, and commitment) relevant for 21st-century learning. Data were gathered via a self-report questionnaire that measured achievement goal orientations toward academic major, individual and collective goal orientations toward band, flow during rehearsals, grit while practicing, and commitment to band. An unexpected lack of cross-cultural differences was found, with participants from both cultural groups reporting higher levels of motivation toward their major academic field compared to band, indicating that achievement domain rather than culture accounted for differences in motivational goal orientations. Results also suggest that the optimal motivational profile to cultivate in large ensemble is a combination of individual mastery-approach and collective performance-approach goals.
India’s Secular Journey
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: October 2017

Secularism as an ideology and a framework of governance evolved in the West, but this Western inheritance had no relevance to secularism in India. It was Jawaharlal Nehru who gave currency to it in India. Hindu masses had not the slightest notion of what secularism meant or should mean. They saw it as an invitation for social and communal harmony and as a concession to the minorities. Ultra Hindu groups such as the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Sweyam Sangh were hostile to the idea of secularism. Muslim responses were even more varied. Muslim theologians rejected it on theological grounds. Muslims who were influenced by liberal and leftist ideologies espoused it. A large number of Muslims were sceptical whether the Indian State could remain secular for long. For them the presence of Nehru at the helm of affairs was a greater assurance that they would be treated fairly. Therefore, they decided to wait and watch. However, subsequent developments weakened the thrust towards secularism. The developments include Jaiprakash Narayan’s idea of non-statal politics and the legitimacy it provided to the forces which had been and were opposed to secularism from the start. The current situation is a continuation of that process.
Network Autocorrelation Modeling: A Bayes Factor Approach for Testing (Multiple) Precise and Interval Hypotheses
Authors: Dittrich Dino , Leenders Roger Th. A. J. , Mulder Joris
Published: October 2017

Currently available (classical) testing procedures for the network autocorrelation can only be used for falsifying a precise null hypothesis of no network effect. Classical methods can be neither used for quantifying evidence for the null nor for testing multiple hypotheses simultaneously. This article presents flexible Bayes factor testing procedures that do not have these limitations. We propose Bayes factors based on an empirical and a uniform prior for the network effect, respectively, first. Next, we develop a fractional Bayes factor where a default prior is automatically constructed. Simulation results suggest that the first two Bayes factors show superior performance and are the Bayes factors we recommend. We apply the recommended Bayes factors to three data sets from the literature and compare the results to those coming from classical analyses using p values. R code for efficient computation of the Bayes factors is provided.
Exogenous and Endogenous Learning Resources in the Actiotope Model of Giftedness and Its Significance for Gifted Education
Authors: Ziegler Albert , Chandler Kimberley L. , Vialle Wilma , Stoeger Heidrun
Published: October 2017

Based on the Actiotope Model of Giftedness, this article introduces a learning-resource-oriented approach for gifted education. It provides a comprehensive categorization of learning resources, including five exogenous learning resources termed educational capital and five endogenous learning resources termed learning capital. Evidence from the literature is presented that supports the validity of each of the categories. Finally, 12 implications of a learning resource orientation for gifted education are discussed in relation to four areas: gifted education orientations, gifted identification, gifted education principles, and gifted learning resources management.
A Formative Qualitative Evaluation to Inform Implementation of a Research Participation Enhancement and Advocacy Training Program for Diverse Seniors: The DREAMS Program
Authors: Perkins Molly M. , Hart Ariel , Dillard Rebecca L. , Wincek Ronald C. , Jones David E. , Hackney Madeleine E.
Published: October 2017

This article reports on a formative qualitative evaluation conducted to identify potential barriers and facilitators prior to implementation of a two-part educational intervention designed to increase older adults’ participation in clinical research. We conducted focus groups with 35 older adults from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds (Mean age = 74.5 ± 7.4 years), and six clinical researchers involved in aging research. Two older adult patient stakeholder advisors participated as members of the research team. Findings from thematic analysis showed that common barriers to research participation included older adults’ fear and mistrust of researchers and the medical community as well as misperceptions and negative attitudes about clinical research. A commonly held belief was that most clinical research is conducted by “greedy” pharmaceutical companies who are more interested in profits than finding cures for disease. Results provide useful insights regarding enrolling members of hard-to-reach older adult populations in clinical research.
Criminal Protection Orders for Women Victims of Domestic Violence: Explicating Predictors of Level of Restrictions Among Orders Issued
Authors: Sullivan Tami P. , Weiss Nicole H. , Price Carolina , Pugh Nicole E.
Published: October 2017

Criminal protection orders (POs), with varying degrees of restrictions, are issued by the criminal justice system to enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence (DV). Limited research exists to elucidate factors associated with their issuance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how demographic, relationship, parenting, and court-process-related factors are related to the level of restriction the PO places on the offender. Two-hundred ninety-eight women who were victims in a criminal DV case ( M age 36.4, 50.0% African American) participated in a structured interview approximately 12 to 15 months following the offenders’ arraignment. Results revealed that psychological DV severity and fear of the offender in the 30 days prior to arraignment significantly predicted PO level of restriction issued. In addition, level of restriction requested by the victim significantly predicted level of restriction issued by the judge (though closer examination of the data revealed that many orders were issued at a different level of restriction than the victim requested). Other demographic, relationship, parenting, and court-process-related factors did not predict PO level of restriction issued. Findings are discussed with respect to practice and policy in the criminal justice system.
Confinement device to assess dynamic crushability of wood material
Authors: Wouts J , Haugou G , Oudjene M , Naceur H , Coutellier D
Published: October 2017

Cellular materials such as wood are widely and advantageously used as shock absorbers in various transport applications. The design and manufacturing of structures made of these materials require the knowledge of their dynamic compressive properties at various strain rates and stress states. Therefore, it is challenging to conduct dynamic multiaxial stress state experiments and especially on split-Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus where stress hardening increases as a function of velocity. This paper presents the so-called verification and validation methodology for confining solutions dedicated to impact on viscoelastic split-Hopkinson pressure bar system with large diameter bars. The method is a hybrid approach combining finite element analysis and an original experimental validation. Based on finite element results, particular attention is given to the mass, the material and the geometry to minimize the confining device influence on the propagation of elastic waves and thus on the material response of the tested specimens. It is essential to avoid spurious reflected waves at the new interfaces of the system in order to ensure the validity of the experimentation. The numerically predicted solutions are experimentally validated and preliminary results in the context of dynamic loadings using wood material are presented.
Minimizing constraint forces and moments of manipulators using teaching–learning-based optimization and octahedron point mass model
Authors: Singh Kumani Devi , Chaudhary Himanshu
Published: October 2017

The octahedron seven point mass model of equimomental point masses and optimization technique “teaching–learning-based optimization” is presented to minimize constraint forces and moments at joints of an industrial manipulator. The octahedron point mass model configuration presented offers positive values for equimomental point masses to facilitate link shape formation. Equations are derived to compute point masses and their locations for the rigid links of an industrial manipulator. The flow chart of the teaching–learning-based optimization applicable in solving the manipulators problem is presented and used. The constraint moments at heavily loaded joints are reduced significantly. Moreover, the maximum values of driving torques are also reduced at joints. It is observed that teaching–learning-based optimization gives better results with less computational effort vis-à-vis genetic algorithm for the manipulator optimization problem formulated. The teaching–learning-based optimization algorithm introduced first time for manipulator balancing as optimization solver.
Experimental analysis of the influence of outlet network volume and inlet guide vane positioning on surge behavior in a single-stage low-speed centrifugal compressor
Authors: Kabalyk Kirill , Jasek Michal , Liskiewicz Grzegorz , Horodko Longin
Published: October 2017

The paper focuses on experimental investigation of the influence of outlet network volume and type on the course of surge in a single-stage low-speed centrifugal compressor. The test rig design is based on a 330 mm impeller (tip Mach number of 0.33) coupled with a vaneless diffuser and a scroll. During the measurements, the rig has been successively connected to a four meter long pipe and to an 11.8 m deep well. Time-averaged probing of pressures and temperatures has served to obtain the performance maps with both networks at three different positions of inlet guide vanes. Time-resolved measurements of static pressure were done in three chosen locations of the rig and enabled to trace the formation of flow instabilities at low flow rates. The analysis of received dataset revealed a reasonable impact of network design on the inception moment, quantitative and qualitative traits of deep surge. The most significant changes concerned the frequencies of the first surge harmonics and the nature of the process. “Pipeline-surge” reminded more of a standing wave whereas “plenum-surge”—of a periodic process similar to the ones reported in the referenced studies.
The cancer threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) in relation to foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals: A potentially useful concept compromised by a dubious derivation
Authors: Snodin DJ
Published: October 2017

The cancer threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) as determined by Kroes et al. in 2004 (0.15 µg/day and 1.5 µg/day at risk levels of 1 in 106 or 105, respectively) has been uncritically employed as a key metric in multiple regulatory guidance documents. There are numerous concerns regarding transparency and the highly conservative methodology in relation to its derivation; moreover, no formal confirmation has been undertaken by any regulatory body prior to its adoption. A recent joint report from the European Food Safety Authority and World Health Organization follows this trend, largely replicating previous conclusions and downplaying the need for a re-assessment. This view is challenged by Boobis et al. who confirm concerns regarding lack of transparency and stress that several of the assumptions and approaches used previously have been superseded by advances in knowledge; they recommend as a first step construction of a new dataset derived from the Carcinogenic Potency Database focusing on mutagenic DNA-reactive rodent carcinogens and a critical assessment of the relevance and reliability of carcinogenicity data. This type of approach is supported with two key exceptions: inclusion of data from the ToxTracker assay which provides a direct readout of DNA reactivity, and use of appropriate epidemiological data on acrylamide (AA) to determine a benchmark for human exposure to a typical DNA-reactive rodent carcinogen. It is concluded that a robust re-evaluation using an appropriate dataset and methodology is urgently needed to ensure the integrity of the cancer TTC before it is employed in its present form even more widely.
BRCA1 or CDK12 loss sensitizes cells to CHK1 inhibitors
Authors: Paculová Hana , Kramara Juraj , Šimečková Šárka , Fedr Radek , Souček Karel , Hylse Ondřej , Paruch Kamil , Svoboda Marek , Mistrík Martin , Kohoutek Jiří
Published: October 2017

A broad spectrum of tumors develop resistance to classic chemotherapy, necessitating the discovery of new therapies. One successful strategy exploits the synthetic lethality between poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1/2 proteins and DNA damage response genes, including BRCA1, a factor involved in homologous recombination–mediated DNA repair, and CDK12, a transcriptional kinase known to regulate the expression of DDR genes. CHK1 inhibitors have been shown to enhance the anti-cancer effect of DNA-damaging compounds. Since loss of BRCA1 increases replication stress and leads to DNA damage, we tested a hypothesis that CDK12- or BRCA1-depleted cells rely extensively on S-phase-related CHK1 functions for survival. The silencing of BRCA1 or CDK12 sensitized tumor cells to CHK1 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. BRCA1 downregulation combined with CHK1 inhibition induced excessive amounts of DNA damage, resulting in an inability to complete the S-phase. Therefore, we suggest CHK1 inhibition as a strategy for targeting BRCA1- or CDK12-deficient tumors.
The Effects of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive–Behavior Approach for Chinese With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Wong Daniel F. K. , Chan Viola , Ip Priscilla , Zhuang Xiao Yu
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

Hope and meaning in life are essential components of personal growth and happiness. Built on the recovery model, this study attempted to evaluate the effects of a recovery-oriented cognitive–behavior approach (CBA) in enhancing hope and meaning in life among a group of people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong.

Method:

A matched-pair comparison approach was adopted. Twenty-seven experimental group participants received recovery-oriented CBA, while 25 participants received standard counseling services. Assessments were administered at preintervention and at 6 and 12 months of intervention.

Results:

Repeated measures analyses of covariance indicated that the recovery-oriented CBA was more effective than the control condition in improving the mental health recovery process (basic functioning, finding new potentials, and spirituality) and a sense of hope (planning in achieving goals).

Conclusion:

Given these initial positive results, more vigorous studies and refinement of this recovery-oriented CBA are needed to ascertain the effectiveness of this combined intervention approach.
Are We Violating Student Expectations? Availability, Workload, Class Time Use, and Technology Policies in Undergraduate Courses
Authors: Broeckelman-Post Melissa A. , MacArthur Brenda L.
Published: October 2017

The goal of this study was to better understand what students expect from their college instructors in four areas: availability for out-of-class communication (OCC), student workload, in-class time use, and technology policies. Data from 606 participants were collected using an online survey design. Results showed that students’ expectations for OCC are being met, but that expectations for workload are being violated. Results also suggest that students prefer engaging in instructor-led activities during class time and want to be able to use their technological devices for educational purposes during class, but not for social purposes.
Efficacy of itraconazole oral solution using an alternating-week pulse therapy regimen for treatment of cats with experimental Microsporum canis infection
Authors: Puls Christopher , Johnson Aaron , Young Karrie , Hare Jonathan , Rosenkrans Kelly , Young Lisa , Moriello Karen
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate itraconazole 10 mg/ml oral solution for the treatment of Microsporum canis infection using an alternating-week pulse therapy regimen in a controlled laboratory setting.

Methods

Eighty cats with experimentally induced infections were randomly assigned to treatment (itraconazole vs control [sterile water]), administered 5 mg/kg PO q24h for 1 week on alternate weeks for 5 weeks, followed by a 4 week follow-up period. Topical therapeutic treatment was not administered. Cats were individually housed in stainless steel cages that were cleaned and disinfected daily. Study measures included weekly fungal cultures, clinical lesion scores, Wood’s lamp examination and periodic laboratory monitoring. Mycological cure was defined as two consecutive negative cultures.

Results

Itraconazole-treated cats had significantly greater ( P = 0.0003) mycological cure compared with untreated controls (24/40 [60%] vs 1/40 [2.5%], respectively) and all of these reached clinical cure and had negative final Wood’s lamp examinations. Furthermore, 36/40 (90%) treated cats had at least one negative fungal culture by the end of the study vs only 3/40 (7.5%) control cats. For both treatment groups, prevalence of clinical cure peaked at the end of the study (week 9), with 39/40 (97.5%) itraconazole-treated cats and 6/40 (15%) control cats achieving clinical cure. Wood’s lamp negative examination rates were significantly greater ( P <0.0001) for itraconazole-treated cats compared with controls (39/40 cats [97.5%] vs 6/40 [15%], respectively) and followed the same pattern of improvement as primary clinical lesions.

Conclusions and relevance

In this controlled study, orally administered itraconazole using a 5 mg/kg pulse-dose treatment regimen reduced the time to mycological cure and increased both mycological and clinical cure rates compared with untreated controls.
Evoking Imaginaries: Art Probing, Ethnography and More-than-academic Practice
Authors: Willim Robert
Published: October 2017

I discuss and argue for combinations of artistic practice and cultural analysis, for meta-disciplinary and serendipitous endeavours that can entangle art and ethnographic research. These combinations can be understood as practices that are more-than-academic. I define the artistic side of this combinatory work as art probing. Art probes have a double function. First, they can instil inspiration and be possible points of departure for research, and, second, they can be used to communicate scientific concepts and arguments beyond the scope of academic worlds. According to this point of view, artistic and scientific output should be seen as provisional renditions oriented towards different audiences and as part of an extended open-ended art of inquiry. When working with this more-than-academic practice, a number of stakeholders are involved, ranging from academic professionals to art institutions, museums and visitors of art exhibitions, and performances. I will discuss how I understand ethnography as part of this process and in relation to practices of art probing.
Tinted revolutions in prismatic news: Ideological influences in Greater China’s reporting on the role of social media in the Arab Uprisings
Authors: Du Y Roselyn
Published: October 2017

Social media is widely seen as playing a crucial role in the Arab Uprisings. This study compares news coverage in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan regarding social media in the Arab Uprisings. Content analysis of 162 news stories revealed that media in the three regions constructed their coverage within different frames, despite the events being geographically remote to the three Greater China regions and occurring in countries with which Greater China has little cultural, religious, ethnical, or economic connections. Overall, a clear pro-social-media pattern was found in Hong Kong and Taiwan media coverage, whereas in mainland China social media and the users involved in the Arab Uprisings were treated in the news in an obscured or unfavorable manner. Mainland China’s coverage was less likely to mention censorship of social media in the revolutions, whereas Hong Kong and Taiwan media frequently reported censorship and took a stance against it. Hong Kong and Taiwan media were also inclined to relate situations in the Arab Uprisings to mainland China. Such variations in the media coverage arguably are mainly due to ideological differences.
Work unit and private community in the evolution of urban planning in contemporary China
Authors: Deng Feng
Published: October 2017

Built on theories about the hold-up problem in New Institutional Economics, this article analyzes the evolution of urban planning in contemporary China from an institutional perspective. In particular, it focuses on two phenomena: work unit in the planned economy and the large-scale growth of private communities in the market economy. I argue that the hold-up problem in urban land use still exists in a planned economy and asks for the integration of de facto property owner and local public goods provider. Land use control was thus mostly conducted by the work unit. Urban planning in contemporary China has always been planning for government rather than for the public. This leads to great uncertainty in land use and, consequently, the hold-up problem. Widespread emergence of private communities in the Chinese city is the response of the market to the hold-up problem that arises from the nature of Chinese governmental planning.
Stakeholder Education for Community-Wide Health Initiatives: A Focus on Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Authors: Finley Cara , Suellentrop Katherine , Griesse Rebecca , House Lawrence Duane , Brittain Anna
Published: October 2017

Teen pregnancies and births continue to decline due in part to implementation of evidence-based interventions and clinical strategies. While local stakeholder education is also thought to be critical to this success, little is known about what types of strategies work best to engage stakeholders. With the goal of identifying and describing evidence-based or best practice strategies for stakeholder education in community-based public health initiatives, we conducted a systematic literature review of strategies used for effective stakeholder education. Over 400 articles were initially retrieved; 59 articles met inclusion criteria. Strategies were grouped into four steps that communities can use to support stakeholder education efforts: identify stakeholder needs and resources, develop a plan, develop tailored and compelling messaging, and use implementation strategies. These strategies lay a framework for high-quality stakeholder education. In future research, it is important to prioritize evaluating specific activities taken to raise awareness, educate, and engage a community in community-wide public health efforts.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Minority and Medically Underserved Oncology Patients: Assessment and Implications
Authors: Jones Desiree , Cohen Lorenzo , Rieber Alyssa G. , Urbauer Diana , Fellman Bryan , Fisch Michael J. , Nazario Arlene
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in minority and medically underserved oncology patients is not well documented. We assessed knowledge and utilization of CAM in a sample of these patients receiving treatment at an urban community hospital. Methods: Patients with cancer were interviewed using an electronic application that depicted specific CAM therapies. Patients were questioned on their knowledge and utilization of therapies, deterrents to use, and interest in using these therapies if they were made available. Results: Patients (n = 165) reported a high awareness and use of CAM therapies. CAM use was highest for prayer (85%), relaxation (54%), special diet (29%), meditation (19%), and massage (18%). Patients’ interest in using CAM was high for nearly all therapies. Lack of adequate knowledge and cost of use were reported as deterrents to use. Female patients reported higher use of aromatherapy relative to males (37.1% vs 19.4%, P = .02); those with higher education reported greater use of relaxation (60.8% vs 28.6%, P = .02); non-Hispanics reported higher use of relaxation relative to Hispanics (63.5% vs 44.2%, P = .03), and African American patients reported higher use of relaxation relative to White patients (69.2% vs 50%, P = .03). Conclusions: CAM use in minority and medically underserved cancer patients is common, but not professionally guided; thus, concerns remain regarding its safe use. Our data underscore the importance of patient-physician dialogue regarding CAM use in this patient population, and interest in access to the medically guided integration of evidence-based CAM therapies.
A Content Analysis of Testosterone Websites: Sex, Muscle, and Male Age-Related Thematic Differences
Authors: Ivanov Nicholas , Vuong Jimmy , Gray Peter B.
Published: October 2017

Male testosterone supplementation is a large and growing industry. How is testosterone marketed to male consumers online? The present exploratory study entailed a content coding analysis of the home pages of 49 websites focused on testosterone supplementation for men in the United States. Four hypotheses concerning anticipated age-related differences in content coding were also tested: more frequent longevity content toward older men, and more frequent social dominance/physical formidability, muscle, and sex content toward younger men. Codes were created based on inductive observations and drawing upon the medical, life history, and human behavioral endocrinology literatures. Approximately half ( n = 24) of websites were oriented toward younger men (estimated audience of men 40 years of age or younger) and half ( n = 25) toward older men (estimated audience over 40 years of age). Results indicated that the most frequent content codes concerned online sales (e.g., product and purchasing information). Apart from sales information, the most frequent codes concerned, in order, muscle, sex/sexual functioning, low T, energy, fat, strength, aging, and well-being, with all four hypotheses also supported. These findings are interpreted in the light of medical, evolutionary life history, and human behavioral endocrinology approaches.