bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed chimerism established by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is maintained by host and donor T regulatory cells
Authors: Kinsella Francesca A. M. , Zuo Jianmin , Inman Charlotte F. , Pearce Hayden , Maggs Luke , Eldershaw Suzy E. , Chan Y. L. Tracey , Nunnick Jane , Nagra Sandeep , Griffiths Mike , Craddock Charles , Malladi Ram , Moss Paul
Published: March 2019

Transplantation is an effective treatment of many clinical disorders, but the mechanisms that regulate immunological tolerance are uncertain and remain central to improving patient outcome. Hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) often establishes “mixed chimerism” in which immune cells from both the donor and patient coexist in vivo in a setting of immunological tolerance. We studied immune function in 69 patients within 2 months following SCT; 37 were fully donor and 32 displayed mixed chimerism. The proportion of T regulatory (Treg) cells was increased during mixed chimerism and comprised equal numbers of donor and host-derived regulatory cells. This was associated with a tolerogenic PD-L1+ profile on dendritic cells. Importantly, effector T cells from patients with mixed chimerism exhibited reduced cytotoxicity against host target cells in vitro, but this was restored following depletion of CD4+ Treg cells. These data show that Treg cells play a major role in sustaining immunological tolerance during mixed chimerism. These insights should help to guide novel interventions to improve clinical transplantation.
Genetic variability of inflammation and oxidative stress genes does not play a major role in the occurrence of adverse events of dopaminergic treatment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Redenšek Sara , Flisar Dušan , Kojović Maja , Kramberger Milica Gregorič , Georgiev Dejan , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Trošt Maja , Dolžan Vita
Published: February 2019

Background

Inflammation and oxidative stress are recognized as important contributors to Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. As such, genetic variability in these pathways could have a role in susceptibility for the disease as well as in the treatment outcome. Dopaminergic treatment is effective in management of motor symptoms, but poses a risk for motor and non-motor adverse events. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress on Parkinson’s disease susceptibility and the occurrence of adverse events of dopaminergic treatment.

Methods

In total, 224 patients were enrolled, and their demographic and clinical data on the disease course were collected. Furthermore, a control group of 146 healthy Slovenian blood donors were included for Parkinson’s disease’ risk evaluation. Peripheral blood was obtained for DNA isolation. Genotyping was performed for NLRP3 rs35829419, CARD8 rs2043211, IL1β rs16944, IL1β rs1143623, IL6 rs1800795, CAT rs1001179, CAT rs10836235, SOD2 rs4880, NOS1 rs2293054, NOS1 rs2682826, TNF-α rs1800629, and GPX1 rs1050450. Logistic regression was used for analysis of possible associations.

Results

We observed a nominally significant association of the IL1β rs1143623 C allele with the risk for Parkinson’s disease (OR = 0.59; 95%CI = 0.38–0.92, p = 0.021). CAT rs1001179 A allele was significantly associated with peripheral edema (OR = 0.32; 95%CI = 0.15–0.68; p = 0.003). Other associations observed were only nominally significant after adjustments: NOS1 rs2682826 A allele and excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks (OR = 1.75; 95%CI = 1.00–3.06, p = 0.048), SOD2 rs4880 T allele and nausea/vomiting (OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.25–0.94; p = 0.031), IL1β rs1143623 C allele and orthostatic hypotension (OR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.32–1.00, p = 0.050), and NOS1 rs2682826 A allele and impulse control disorders (OR = 2.59; 95%CI = 1.09–6.19; p = 0.032). We did not find any associations between selected polymorphisms and motor adverse events.

Conclusions

Apart from some nominally significant associations, one significant association between CAT genetic variability and peripheral edema was observed as well. Therefore, the results of our study suggest some links between genetic variability in inflammation- and oxidative stress-related pathways and non-motor adverse events of dopaminergic treatment. However, the investigated polymorphisms do not play a major role in the occurrence of the disease and the adverse events of dopaminergic treatment.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Using Factor Analysis to Gather Validity Evidence When Using Surveys in Your Research
Authors: Knekta Eva , Runyon Christopher , Eddy Sarah
Published: March 2019

Across all sciences, the quality of measurements is important. Survey measurements are only appropriate for use when researchers have validity evidence within their particular context. Yet, this step is frequently skipped or is not reported in educational research. This article briefly reviews the aspects of validity that researchers should consider when using surveys. It then focuses on factor analysis, a statistical method that can be used to collect an important type of validity evidence. Factor analysis helps researchers explore or confirm the relationships between survey items and identify the total number of dimensions represented on the survey. The essential steps to conduct and interpret a factor analysis are described. This use of factor analysis is illustrated throughout by a validation of Diekman and colleagues’ goal endorsement instrument for use with first-year undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students. We provide example data, annotated code, and output for analyses in R, an open-source programming language and software environment for statistical computing. For education researchers using surveys, understanding the theoretical and statistical underpinnings of survey validity is fundamental for implementing rigorous education research.
No man is an island: social resources, stress and mental health at mid-life
Authors: Sehmi Rukmen , Maughan Barbara , Matthews Timothy , Arseneault Louise
Published: March 2019

Background

Positive social relationships are known to mitigate the negative effects of stress on mental health. However, the direction of association between social resources and mental health remains unclear, and it is not known whether higher than average levels of social resources confer additional benefits, in the short and longer term.

Aims

To investigate the concurrent and longitudinal contribution of higher levels of social resources in reducing the risk of mental health symptoms after exposure to stress at age 45, and to identify life-course precursors of mid-life social resources.

Method

The National Child Development Study (NCDS) is a prospective birth cohort of over 17 000 births in 1958. We tested concurrent and longitudinal associations between different levels of social resources at age 45 and mental health symptoms among individuals exposed to stress and verified whether prior mental health symptoms (age 42) explained these associations. We also tested a range of child, family and adult precursors of mid-life social resources.

Results

Higher than average levels of social resources were required to confer benefits to mental health among individuals exposed to high stress levels, both concurrently at age 45 and in the longer term at age 50. In general, these associations were not attributable to prior mental health symptoms. Key predictors of mid-life social resources included evidence of early sociability.

Conclusions

Having a broad network of social ties and better personal support helps individuals withstand exposure to higher levels of stress. Given that sociable children had better mid-life social resources, early intervention may benefit individuals' social resources later in life.
Impact of 123I-MIBG Scintigraphy on Clinical Decision-Making in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Rao Dipti , van Berkel Anouk , Piscaer Ianthe , Young William F , Gruber Lucinda , Deutschbein Timo , Fassnacht Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Spyroglou Ariadni , Prejbisz Aleksander , Hanus Katarzyna , Eisenhofer Graeme , Manelli Massimo , Canu Letizia , Lenders Jacques W M , Bancos Irina , Timmers Henri J L M
Published: March 2019

Context

Cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI is regarded as a first-choice modality for tumor localization in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). 123I-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) is widely used for functional imaging but the added diagnostic value is controversial.

Objective

To establish the virtual impact of adding 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to CT or MRI on diagnosis and treatment of PPGL.

Design

International multicenter retrospective study.

Intervention

None.

Patients

Two hundred thirty-six unilateral adrenal, 18 bilateral adrenal, 48 unifocal extra-adrenal, 12 multifocal, and 26 metastatic PPGL.

Main Outcome Measures

Patients underwent both anatomical imaging (CT and/or MRI) and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy. Local imaging reports were analyzed centrally by two independent observers who were blinded to the diagnosis. Imaging-based diagnoses determined by CT/MRI only, 123I-MIBG only, and CT/MRI combined with 123I-MIBG scintigraphy were compared with the correct diagnoses.

Results

The rates of correct imaging-based diagnoses determined by CT/MRI only versus CT/MRI plus 123I-MIBG scintigraphy were similar: 89.4 versus 88.8%, respectively (P = 0.50). Adding 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to CT/MRI resulted in a correct change in the imaging-based diagnosis and ensuing virtual treatment in four cases (1.2%: two metastatic instead of nonmetastatic, one multifocal instead of single, one unilateral instead of bilateral adrenal) at the cost of an incorrect change in seven cases (2.1%: four metastatic instead of nonmetastatic, two multifocal instead of unifocal and one bilateral instead of unilateral adrenal).

Conclusions

For the initial localization of PPGL, the addition of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to CT/MRI rarely improves the diagnostic accuracy at the cost of incorrect interpretation in others, even when 123I-MIBG scintigraphy is restricted to patients who are at risk for metastatic disease. In this setting, the impact of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy on clinical decision-making appears very limited.
Singing Katiusha: Tolstoy’sResurrectionin 1910s Korea
Authors: Lim Susanna
Published: February 2019

This article examines the remarkable success of the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy’s last novel, Resurrection (1899), in early colonial Korea of the 1910s. In answering the main question of the significance of Resurrection in Korea’s colonial modernity, I argue that it is necessary to consider the interplay of the elite and popular receptions of Tolstoy’s novel, as well as to place the various Korean versions of Resurrection within the broader context of early colonial rule, the development of modern colonial media and mass culture, the specificities of the cultural terrain of the 1910s, and intellectuals’ search for a modern national literature. Resurrection was introduced in Korea at a critical early period when various narrative forms and cultural media coexisted and vied with each other for influence, and when—prior to the appearance of Yi Kwangsu’s Mujŏng—literature was far from enjoying a privileged place in modern Korean culture. As such, an examination of its reception can provide important insights into the dynamics governing the emergence of the modern novel at the dawn of the colonial period in its interaction with popular culture and modern media.
Serum-based inhibition of pitviper Venom by Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi)
Authors: Goetz Scott M. , Piccolomini Sara , Hoffman Michelle , Bogan James , Holding Matthew L. , Mendonça Mary T. , Steen David A.
Published: March 2019

When organisms possess chemical defenses, their predators may eventually evolve resistance to their toxins. Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi; EIS) prey on pitvipers and are suspected to possess physiological resistance to their venom. In this study, we formally investigated this hypothesis using microassays that measured the ability of EIS blood sera to inhibit A) hemolytic and B) snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) activity of Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) venom. To serve as controls, we also tested the inhibitory ability of sera from House Mice (Mus musculus) and Checkered Gartersnakes (Thamnophis marcianus), a snake that does not feed on pitvipers. Sera from both EIS and gartersnakes inhibited over 60% of SVMP activity, while only EIS sera also inhibited venom hemolytic activity (78%). Our results demonstrate that EIS serum is indeed capable of inhibiting two of the primary classes of toxins found in Copperhead venom, providing the first empirical evidence suggesting that EIS possess physiological resistance to venom upon injection. Because we documented resistance to hemolytic components of pitviper venom within EIS but not gartersnakes, we speculate this resistance may be driven by selection from feeding on pitvipers while resistance to SVMP may be relatively widespread among snakes.
Multi-sample SPIM image acquisition, processing and analysis of vascular growth in zebrafish
Authors: Daetwyler Stephan , Günther Ulrik , Modes Carl D. , Harrington Kyle , Huisken Jan
Published: March 2019

To quantitatively understand biological processes that occur over many hours or days, it is desirable to image multiple samples simultaneously, and automatically process and analyse the resulting datasets. Here, we present a complete multi-sample preparation, imaging, processing and analysis workflow to determine the development of the vascular volume in zebrafish. Up to five live embryos were mounted and imaged simultaneously over several days using selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). The resulting large imagery dataset of several terabytes was processed in an automated manner on a high-performance computer cluster and segmented using a novel segmentation approach that uses images of red blood cells as training data. This analysis yielded a precise quantification of growth characteristics of the whole vascular network, head vasculature and tail vasculature over development. Our multi-sample platform demonstrates effective upgrades to conventional single-sample imaging platforms and paves the way for diverse quantitative long-term imaging studies.
TMEM30A deficiency in endothelial cells impairs cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Liu Wenjing , Yang Yeming , Sun Kuanxiang , Li Shujin , Xu Huijuan , Yang Mu , Zhang Lin , Zhu Xianjun
Published: February 2019

Phosphatidylserine (PS) asymmetry in the eukaryotic cell membrane is maintained by a group of proteins belonging to the P4-ATPase family, namely, PS flippases. The folding and transporting of P4-ATPases to their cellular destination requires a β-subunit member of the TMEM30 protein family. Loss of Tmem30a has been shown to cause multiple disease conditions. However, its roles in vascular development have not been elucidated. Here, we show that TMEM30A plays critical roles in retinal vascular angiogenesis, which is a fundamental process in vascular development. Our data indicate that knockdown of TMEM30A in primary human retinal endothelial cells led to reduced tube formation. In mice, endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of Tmem30a led to retarded retinal vascular development with a hyperpruned vascular network as well as blunted-end, aneurysm-like tip ECs with fewer filopodia at the vascular front and a reduced number of tip cells. Deletion of Tmem30a also impaired vessel barrier integrity. Mechanistically, deletion of TMEM30A caused reduced EC proliferation by inhibiting VEGF-induced signaling. Our findings reveal essential roles of TMEM30A in angiogenesis, providing a potential therapeutic target.
Recreational fisheries within the Portofino MPA and surrounding areas (Ligurian Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: VENTURINI SARA , MEROTTO LORENZO , CAMPODONICO PIETRO , CAPPANERA VALENTINA , FANCIULLI GIORGIO , CATTANEO-VIETTI RICCARDO
Published: March 2019

In the Mediterranean Sea, recreational fishing is a popular activity and anglers catch a significant amount of fish which could represent more than 10% of the total harvesting in a littoral area. The Portofino Marine Protected Area, established in 1999 in the Ligurian Sea (North-Western Mediterranean), traditionally hosts a well-developed recreational fishery. Aim of this study has been to characterize the activities of the local anglers, analysing their annual harvesting within and around the Portofino MPA and the species composition of the catches. This was possible studying data from the mandatory anglers’ logbooks, and through interviews and surveys at sea. In 2015, the 340 checked anglers fished, in average, 1 kg/day, on average, mainly by trolling or handlining systems. Each fisherman, during 25 (± 21) trips, fished approximately 25 kg/year, for a total harvesting of about 8-9 t/year. Seriola dumerili, with 230 kg/year, was the species most caught in terms of biomass. It was followed by Coryphaena hippurus (130 kg/year). In addition, the analysis of catches occurring during local fishing competitions organized off the MPA limits suggested a harvesting capacity for each angler varying between 0.7 and 1.1 kg/angler per day, depending on the used gear (handlining, trolling, spear-guns). Finally, 36% of the anglers claimed to hook often the hard bottom seabed, often losing nylon lines. Consequently, the Management Body of the Portofino MPA has been advised to suspend recreational fishing activities in the most busy areas for a period of two years, calling for a complete removal of the lost fishing gears.
Emerging small-molecule treatments for multiple sclerosis: focus on B cells
Authors: Gregson Aaron , Thompson Kaitlyn , Tsirka Stella E , Selwood David L
Published: March 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major cause of disability in young adults. Following an unknown trigger (or triggers), the immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding axons, leading to progressive nerve cell death. Antibodies and small-molecule drugs directed against B cells have demonstrated good efficacy in slowing progression of the disease. This review focusses on small-molecule drugs that can affect B-cell biology and may have utility in disease management. The risk genes for MS are examined from the drug target perspective. Existing small-molecule therapies for MS with B-cell actions together with new drugs in development are described. The potential for experimental molecules with B-cell effects is also considered. Small molecules can have diverse actions on B cells and be cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. The current B cell–directed therapies often kill B-cell subsets, which can be effective but lead to side effects and toxicity. A deeper understanding of B-cell biology and the effect on MS disease should lead to new drugs with better selectivity, efficacy, and an improved safety profile. Small-molecule drugs, once the patent term has expired, provide a uniquely sustainable form of healthcare.
Reinventing the antimicrobial pipeline in response to the global crisis of antimicrobial-resistant infections
Authors: Singer Andrew C. , Kirchhelle Claas , Roberts Adam P.
Published: March 2019

The pipeline for new antibiotics is dry. Despite the creation of public/private initiatives like Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (Carb-X) and the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Centre, the current focus on ‘push-pull’ incentives for the pharmaceutical industry still relies on economic return. We propose a joint, internationally-funded antimicrobial development institute that would fund permanent staff to take on roles previously assigned to pharmaceutical companies. This institute would receive ring-fenced, long-term, core funding from participating countries as well as charities, with the aim to focus on transforming the largely dormant antimicrobial pipeline. Resulting drugs would be sold globally and according to a principle of shared burdens. Our proposed model for antimicrobial development aims to maximise society’s investment, through open science, investment in people, and the sharing of intellectual property.
Modern contraceptive use among female adolescents in rural Nigeria: Does exposure to family planning messages matter? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chima Victor , Alawode Oluwatobi Abel
Published: March 2019

Background: The world currently has the highest number of adolescents in all of history. Africa is home to quite a number of them, with most of these adolescents in Africa live in rural areas where they are more disadvantaged and their reproductive decisions could have telling impacts on their lives, family planning (contraception) has been identified as important to avoid such impacts. Factors associated with the use of modern contraceptives among female adolescents have been extensively researched but the importance of mass media family planning messages on modern contraceptives use among female adolescents in rural Nigeria is under-researched, hence this study.

Method: This paper uses the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data with a weighted sample size (n=4473) to examine the association between exposure to family planning messages and use of modern contraceptives among female adolescents in rural Nigeria.

Results: Findings indicated that exposure to family planning messages on radio and television were significantly associated with use, however, educational attainment and region of residence were other factors that influenced contraceptive use. Therefore, family planning messages through traditional media (radio and television) is associated with the use of modern contraceptives among female rural adolescents in Nigeria.

Conclusion: The study concludes that family planning messages through mass media especially radio and televisions are associated with modern contraceptives use among rural adolescents. The continued use of mass media could create opportunities to achieve more results in family planning although the messages should be resident-specific and targeted to various cadres of people with consideration for the level of education to ensure efficiency of the message.
ELK1 has a dual activating and repressive role in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Prise Ian , Sharrocks Andrew D.
Published: March 2019

Background: The ERK MAPK pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating numerous cellular processes during normal development and in the adult but is often deregulated in disease scenarios. One of its key nuclear targets is the transcription factor ELK1, which has been shown to play an important role in controlling gene expression in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). ELK1 is known to act as a transcriptional activator in response to ERK pathway activation but repressive roles have also been uncovered, including a putative interaction with the PRC2 complex.

Methods: Here we probe the activity of ELK1 in hESCs by using a combination of gene expression analysis in hESCs and during differentiation following ELK1 depletion and also analysis of chromatin occupancy of transcriptional regulators and histone mark deposition that accompany changes in gene expression.

Results: We find that ELK1 can exert its canonical activating activity downstream from the ERK pathway but also possesses additional repressive activities. Despite its co-binding to PRC2 occupied regions, we could not detect any ELK1-mediated repression at these regions. Instead, we find that ELK1 has a repressive role at a subset of co-occupied SRF binding regions. This latter repressive role appears not to be exerted through competition with MRTF family co-activators.

Conclusions: ELK1 should therefore be viewed as a dichotomous transcriptional regulator that can act through SRF to generate both activating and repressing properties at different genomic loci.
Conceptual, theoretical and methodological aspects of accounting
Authors: Акатьева Марина , Akateva Marina
Published: March 2019

Fundamental theoretical and methodological issues of accounting, meaningful and professionally evaluated, including in retrospect. Fundamental accounting concepts and paradigms, principles and postulates, modern understanding of the key objects of accounting and the content of its methodology, the definition of the place and role of the fundamental provisions of accounting theory in the information system of an economic entity and its management system.
For researchers, specialists of accounting and economic profile, other specialists, postgraduates and students.
Things We Do For No Reason: Sliding‐Scale Insulin as Monotherapy for Glycemic Control in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Ambrus Daniel B , O'Connor Mark J
Published: February 2019

The “Things We Do for No Reason” (TWDFNR) series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWDFNR series do not represent “black and white” conclusions or clinical practice standards but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.
Serious Choices: A Systematic Environmental Scan of Decision Aids and Their Use for Seriously Ill People Near Death
Authors: Saunders Catherine H , Patel Khusbu , Kang Hyunkyung , Elwyn Glyn , Kirkland Kathryn , Durand Marie‐Anne
Published: March 2019

Seriously ill people near death face difficult decisions about life‐sustaining treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical ventilation. Patient decision aids may improve alignment between patients' preferences and the care they receive, but the quantity, quality, and routine use of these tools are unknown. We conducted a systematic environmental scan to identify all decision aids for seriously ill people at high risk of death facing choices about life‐sustaining treatments, assess their quality, and explore their use in clinical settings. We searched MEDLINE, Google, and mobile application stores and surveyed experts. We included 27 decision aids in our scan. Concerning content, 14 of 27 decision aids for seriously ill people near death were for people with specific diseases and conditions (ie, advanced cancer or kidney disease); 11 concerned individual life‐sustaining treatment decisions (ie, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mechanical ventilation). Only two focused on more general care pathways (ie, life‐sustaining intervention, palliative care, and hospice). Twenty‐four of 27 decision aids presented options in a balanced way; 23 identified funding sources, and 19 of 27 reported their publication date. Just 11 used plain language. A minority, 11 of 27, listed evidence sources, five documented rigorous evidence‐synthesis methods, six disclosed competing interests, and three offered update policies. Preliminary results suggest that few health systems use decision aids in routine patient care. Although many decision aids exist for life‐sustaining treatment decisions during serious illness, the tools are deficient in some key quality areas.
Things We Do for No Reason: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Medical Ward Patients?
Authors: Holleck Jürgen L , Gunderson Craig G
Published: February 2019

The “Things We Do for No Reason” series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWD‐FNR series do not represent “black and white” conclusions or clinical practice standards, but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.
Follow‐Up of Incidental High‐Risk Pulmonary Nodules on Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography at Care Transitions
Authors: Kwan Janice L , Yermak Darya , Markell Lezlie , Paul Narinder S , Shojania Kaveh G , Cram Peter
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) detects incidental findings that require follow‐up. In just over 50% of cases, those incidental findings are pulmonary nodules. Fleischner guidelines recommend that patients with nodules that have a high risk of malignancy should undergo CT follow‐up within 3‐12 months.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the proportion of patients with pulmonary nodules requiring follow up who received repeat imaging within six weeks of the time frame recommended by the radiologist.

DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent CTPA in the emergency department and inpatient settings at three teaching hospitals in Toronto, Canada between September 1, 2014, and August 31, 2015. Natural language processing software was applied to a linked radiology information system to identify all CTPAs that contained pulmonary nodules. Using manual review and prespecified exclusion criteria, we generated a cohort with possible new lung malignancy eligible for follow‐up imaging; then we reviewed available health records to determine whether follow‐up had occurred.

RESULTS

Of the 1,910 CTPAs performed over the study period, 674 (35.3%) contained pulmonary nodules. Of the 259 patients with new nodules eligible for follow‐up imaging, 65 received an explicit suggestion for follow‐up by radiology (25.1%). Of these 65 patients, 35 (53.8%) did not receive repeat imaging within the recommended time frame. Explicit mention that follow‐up was required in the discharge summary (P = .03), attending an outpatient follow‐up visit (P < .001), and younger age (P = .03) were associated with receiving timely follow‐up imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 50% of patients with new high‐risk pulmonary nodules detected incidentally on CTPA did not receive timely follow‐up imaging
Limitation of Life‐Sustaining Care in the Critically Ill: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: McPherson Katie , Carlos W Graham , Emmett Thomas W , Slaven James E , Torke Alexia M
Published: March 2019

When life‐sustaining treatments (LST) are no longer effective or consistent with patient preferences, limitations may be set so that LSTs are withdrawn or withheld from the patient. Many studies have examined the frequency of limitations of LST in intensive care unit (ICU) settings in the past 30 years. This systematic review describes variation and patient characteristics associated with limitations of LST in critically ill patients in all types of ICUs in the United States. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed by a medical librarian between December 2014 and April 2017. A total of 1,882 unique titles and abstracts were reviewed, 113 were selected for article review, and 36 studies were fully reviewed. Patient factors associated with an increased likelihood of limiting LST included white race, older age, female sex, poor preadmission functional status, multiple comorbidities, and worse illness severity score. Based on several large, multicenter studies, there was a trend toward a higher frequency of limitation of LST over time. However, there is large variability between ICUs in the proportion of patients with limitations and on the proportion of deaths preceded by a limitation. Increases in the frequency of limitations of LST over time suggests changing attitudes about aggressive end‐of‐life‐care. Limitations are more common for patients with worse premorbid health and greater ICU illness severity. While some differences in the frequency of limitations of LST may be explained by personal factors such as race, there is unexplained wide variability between units.
Hydrocracking of LDPE Plastic Waste into Liquid Fuel over Sulfated Zirconia from a Commercial Zirconia Nanopowder
Authors: Hauli Latifah , Wijaya Karna , Syoufian Akhmad
Published: February 2019

Hydrocracking of LDPE plastic waste into liquid fuel was conducted by using sulfated zirconia (SZ) and Cr metal supported on SZ (Cr/SZ) catalysts. Catalysts were prepared and characterized by SEM-EDS, SAA, and TGA-DTA. The liquid produced was characterized by GC-MS. The characterization result showed the sulfate group was successfully impregnated on ZrO2 nano powder with the higher content of S and O than ZrO2 and then decreased after addition of Cr metal as confirmed in SEM-EDS result. All catalysts were in mesoporous material as observed by SAA characterization and also showed the highest specific surface area of Cr/SZ catalyst of 14.56 m2g-1. The catalytic activity increased by the presence of Cr on SZ with liquid produced about 40.15%. Hydrocracking process also increased the gasoline fraction and the highest gasoline fraction was produced by Cr/SZ catalyst about 89.91%.
Endoscopic Examinations in Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Soeparto Pitono
Published: March 2019

Much difficulties are often encountered in finding the underlying cause of recurrent abdominal pain. Clinical features may vary from one patient to the other and occasionally from one episode to the next even in the same child. The recent development of fibre optic endoscopy may well prove to have a useful diagnostic technique, particularly in those children in whom other investigations are inconclusive.

The result of endoscopic examinations in children with recurrent abdominal pain comprising of 62 children aged between 3-13 years were as follows: erosion in 7 children, oesophagi tis in 4 children, duodenitis in 3 children, spasm of the pylorus in 2 children, and normal findings were found in 30 children. Of the 30 patients with "normal" endoscopic findings, 7 had psychosomatic problems, 4 had allergy, 4 had urinary tract infection, 2 showed giardiasis, one had epilepsy, 1 was treated as pulmonary tuberculosis, where as in 11 patients organic as well as nonorganic abnormalities could not be found. There seem to be of no significant correlation between the endocopic and upper gastrointestinal series findings. Endoscopy seem to be of a safe and reliable tool in the diagnosis of a number of organic intestinal lesions otherwise not detected by ordinary investigations.
Arrhythmias and Conduction Disturbances in Children at the Department of Child Health, School of Medicine University of North Sumatra/Dr. Pirngadi Hospital Medan
Authors: Keliat Dalan Keriahen , Hasibuan Berlian , Siregar Abdullah Afif , Halim Sahat
Published: March 2019

A retrospective study on arrhythmias and conduction disturbances was conducted in 1986 in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology of Dr. Pirngadi Hospital, Medon. There were 106 (35.33%) cases with arrhythmias and conduction disturbances out of 300 patients studied. The most common type of arrhytmia among the patients under 5 was intraventricular conduction defects, whilst in the age group of 5-10 were sinus tachycardia and intraventricular conduction defects, and in the age group of 10-15 was first degree A-V block.Rheumatic heart diseases and VSD were the most common cardiac diseases associated with arrhythmias, where the frequency were 18.86% and 10.37%, respectively. Arrhythmias associated with several extracardiac diseases were found in 60 (56.61%). Two out of 7 cases who was rreated with antia"hythmic agents died with SVT associated with bronchopneumonia, and atria/fibrillation associated with gastroenteritis, dehydration and malnutrition. Treatment against the main diseases (without antiarrhythmic agents) was done in the remainders. Even though the overall mortality rate was 13.20%, it was not due to arrhythmia itself but most of them died of non-arrhythmic origin.
Integrated Characterization of Cuban Germplasm of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma Sagittifolium (L.) Schott)
Authors: Jiménez Marilys D. Milián , Concepción Osmany Molina , Aguila Yadelys Figueroa
Published: February 2019

The present study aims at integrating the characterization studies conducted on the Cuban germplasm collection of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Araceae) preserved in the Research Institute of Tropical Roots and Tubers Crops (INIVIT). Differentiation of accessions was done by combining qualitative and quantitative descriptors to clarify the relationships between six well-defined groups. The results may be used to establish a core collection for improved management of Xanthosoma spp. germplasm.
MAKNA VERBA MAJEMUK ~KIRU DALAM BAHASA JEPANG Kajian Struktur dan Semantis
Authors: Taqdir Taqdir
Published: March 2019

Abstract  The purpose of this paper is to know the structure of compound verb (V + V) in Japanese. The structure is a forming of zenkoudoushi (first verb) and koukoudoushi (second verb). The second verb is kiru. And the first verbs are joutai doushi (statis) keizoukudoushi (contuinity), shunkandoushi (fungtual), and daiyoushudoushi (the four verb). This classification from the Kindaichi’s classification. As a single verb kiru means to cut, to slice, to decide, and to turn off. When it combined with other verbs, the verb kiru will form a compound verb which has several meanings. Commonly, compound verb kiru has two meanings, namely in terms of lexical meaning and syntactical meaning. Lexically, compound verb kiru means setsudan ‘cutting’ and shuketsu ‘ends/over’, while syntactically this verb means kyokudo ‘extraordinary/ infinite’ and kansui ‘perfective’. The compound verb ~kiru which attached to continuity (keizokudoushi) has meaning as setsudan ‘cutting’, shuketsu ‘ends/over’, and kansui ‘perfective’, while when it is attached to the punctual verb (shuunkandoushi) means kyokudo ‘extraordinary/ infinite’.  Keyword : zenkoudoushi, koukoudoushi, compound verb, ~kiru
MULTIMEDIA LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION AND VOCABULARY MASTERY FOR ENHANCHING STUDENTS’ JAPANESE LANGUAGE READING SKILL AT SMKN 1 PURWOKERTO
Authors: Haryono Haryono
Published: March 2019

The present research is the implementation of the 2013 doctoral disertation report funded by DIKTI. The research is a part of IPTEKS scheme for community devotion that have strong relation to language education technology. It concern with the use of multimedia learning and vocabulary mastery on students’ Japanese language  reading skills at SMK 1 Purwokerto. The method is implemented experimentally by giving multimedia learning treatment such as Rosetta Stone and Tell Me More Japanese. Through some presentation with the use of those multimedia learning material, the purpose of this research is to know the extent to which the level of their vocabulary mastery and to encourage students in order to have an approriate skill to read Japanese documents. With the implementation of this multimedia learning training, graduate students of SMK Negeri I Purwokerto will be increased and for the future they have a good job at Japanese companies in Indonesia
Tradycje i obyczaje szkolne w „pamięci” nauczycieli oraz uczniów na terenie zaboru austriackiego
Authors: Grabowska Dorota
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this article is to explore the traditions and customs commemorated by the school community from the Austrian annexation. It presents their involvement in the celebration of national anniversaries (e. g. the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, the battle of Raclawice, uprisings) and religious ones (including Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi, All Souls’ Day). On the other side, it shows events associated with Polish education (e. g. National Commission of Education day) and also the functioning of the school (school anniversaries, the day of the patron saint of the school). It takes into consideration the ways of commemorating the achievements of people who contributed to the history of Polish learning and culture (e. g. Tadeusz Kościuszko, Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Słowacki). In addition, it explores the attitudes of the teachers to Polish traditions and customs. The above issues are illustrated on the basis of selected diaries and memoirs written by pupils and teachers.
Ludwika Ostrowska – dzieciństwo i edukacja młodej dziedziczki z Maluszyna
Authors: Studnicka-Mariańczyk Karolina
Published: March 2019

Ostrowska Ludwika was born September 5, 1851, in the palace of Maluszyn. Her father was Count Alexander Ostrowski of the house of Korab (1810–1896), her mother – Helena Countess of Morsztyns of the house of Leliwa (1815–1892). The countess was the youngest, sixth child of Alexander and Helen. The family environment exerted a significant influence on the development of Ludwika as a child, and later shaped her attitude in life. The childhood of the little countess passed in the happy atmosphere of the family home, under the watchful eye of her mother and carers, teachers and educators. In later years, as she grew older, Ludwika gradually took over the duties lady of the house and the management of a farm cottage and garden. She was also interested in social affairs, which was reflected in her commitment to charity.
Obowiązki wychowawcy klasy w szkołach średnich Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej
Authors: Kalinowska-Witek Barbara
Published: March 2019

Educational influence is among the essential tasks of school activities. It should be performed by all the teachers and especially by form tutors. The modern model of the form tutor was formed during the interwar period. After Poland regained independence, it also gained the opportunity of creating its own schools and of conducting educational tasks in accordance with the needs of the country and the society. Educating the youth became one of the most important tasks. The duties of form tutors had to be redefined, too. The educational authorities issued the relevant regulations, which were popularised by educational magazines and introduced into schools under the guidance of school principals and teachers’ boards.
I CALL MYSELF SNOB: POLITICS OF AESTHETICS OF KOREAN POETRY UNDER DICTATORSHIPS
Authors: HONG Sunghee
Published: February 2019

This study addresses the issue of politics of aesthetics in Korean poetry in regards of ‘authenticity of snobbism’ manifested in poems and essays published from late 1960s to 1980s under dictatorships. The special attention is on the double positioning of oneself as the accuser and the accused. The questions of the politics of aesthetics of Korean poetry, even the recent argument, has discriminated ‘authenticity’ from ‘snobbism’, in the needs to qualify literature as the accuser of the opportunism and passivism under the dictatorships. However, this dichotomy has restricted the political-aesthetic possibilities of literature to an exclusive property of poets or (poets as) ‘citizens’. This study explores how Korean poetry generated the possibility of political aesthetics from every single snobbish corner of lives by placing ‘the accuser’ of the dictatorial government on the position of ‘the accused’ through its own voice. Poems and essays of Kim Soo-young, Kim Kwang-kyu and Lee Seong-bok will be significantly examined as what manifested the autoimmunity of literature beyond the pose of self-reflection.
Stream frequency over interval queries
Authors: Basat Ran Ben , Friedman Roy , Shahout Rana
Published: February 2019

Stream frequency measurements are fundamental in many data stream applications such as financial data trackers, intrusion-detection systems, and network monitoring. Typically, recent data items are more relevant than old ones, a notion we can capture through a
sliding window
abstraction. This paper considers a generalized sliding window model that supports stream frequency queries over an interval given at
query time.
This enables drill-down queries, in which we can examine the behavior of the system in finer and finer granularities. For this model, we asymptotically improve the space bounds of existing work, reduce the update and query time to a constant, and provide deterministic solutions. When evaluated over real Internet packet traces, our fastest algorithm processes items 90--250 times faster, serves queries at least 730 times quicker and consumes at least 40% less space than the best known method.
The infrared spectroscopy of chitosan films doped with silver and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Zemlyakova Evgeniya S. , Tcibulnikova Anna V. , Slezhkin Vasilyi A. , Zubin Andrey Yu. , Samusev Ilya G. , Bryukhanov Valeryi V.
Published: March 2019

This work presents the dependences of the absorption intensity of the acid-soluble chitosan biopolymer films in the infrared (IR) region of the spectrum on the concentrations of silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs) of different morphologies. The interaction mechanisms in the vibrational spectra overlapping area of the silver NPs and chitosan molecules (2500–3500 cm−1) were observed. The influence of the metal NPs on the dipole moments of the OH-, NH3
+- and CH-chitosan molecule group oscillations was established. This interaction leads to a linear increase of the IR absorption intensity with an increase of the silver nanoparticle concentration, synthesized by the citrate and borohydride methods. The presence of silver and gold ablative NPs in the chitosan films demonstrates the IR absorption intensity exponential decrease with the metal NPs’ concentrations.
Clichés as evaluative resources: A socio-cognitive study
Authors: Bullo Stella
Published: March 2019

In this article, I explore clichés as socio-cognitive resources that enable the expression of attitudinal positioning in interaction. I examine a corpus of 150 clichés collected from a variety of publicly available sources and illustrate their function by exploring how they are used to convey evaluation in institutional meetings. By co-deploying the attitude system of the appraisal framework with socio-cognitive discourse analysis tools, I argue that clichés can be used to provoke evaluation through the socio-cognitive resources they evoke given the shared knowledge contained within them. The findings indicate that the majority of evaluative instances relate to performance or ability of human entities by reference to basic aspects of human experience contained in the socio-cognitive representations evoked. The article also finds that the provoked attitudinal values work in a cumulative way to create a flow of evaluative patterns, which, in turn, contributes to our understanding of the interpersonal function they perform, i.e. persuade, urge action and save face. The paper argues that the co-deployment of both approaches allows the investigation of clichés as resources for covertly expressing evaluation by reference to knowledge shared by the interlocutors.
Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Fiber–Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Ghanem Sahar Y. , Bowling Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Fibers are used to improve the properties of concrete. This article investigates the mechanical properties of chopped carbon-fiber–reinforced concrete (CFRC). The properties examined include workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. The fibers were added at the volume fractions of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 %. Adding carbon fiber to the concrete decreased the workability of concrete. The compressive strength of CFRC increases when more carbon fiber is added to the mixture, up to a certain percentage, after which increasing fiber content becomes unbeneficial. This optimum fiber content is found to be 1 %, with a strength effectiveness of 13.65 %. The splitting tensile strength of CFRC improved linearly when more fiber was added to the mixture, and the strength effectiveness ranged from 18.37 to 132.6 %. The flexural strength of CFRC improved linearly with increased fiber content, and the strength effectiveness ranged from 3.26 to 13.82 %. Relationships for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of CFRC are introduced and explained.