bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive decision-making in comparative perspective
Authors: Heinemann Isabel , Schoen Johanna
Published: June 2019

Reproductive decision-making has been highly contested in Western countries and can thus serve as an illustration through which to trace changing norms, values, family concepts and gender roles. This special issue investigates public debates regarding legal abortion and women’s changing options for decision-making in the US, Germany, Sweden and Ireland as well as transnational abortion travels since the 1960s. After gaining the right to abortion, women have had to contend with a political and legislative backlash that has threatened to undermine access to abortion care. While women have not been perceived as responsible decision-makers, they have vigorously claimed the right to make their own reproductive decisions. The introduction to this special issue proposes a comparative approach to analyse the impact that political shifts since the 1960s have had on reproductive policies and women’s access to abortion. We follow the similarities and differences in national policies, legal frameworks, moral codes, and individual agency in different Western countries.
Variable formation control of multiple robots via VRc and formation switching to accommodate large heading changes by leader robot
Authors: Wee Sung-Gil , Dai Yanyan , Kang Tae Hun , Lee Suk-Gyu
Published: June 2019

This article describes a novel multi-robot formation control based on a switching technique that allows follower robots to maintain formation when the leader robot’s direction changes rapidly or unexpectedly. The formation pattern is determined using Virtual Robot’s Center of the multi-robot formation. To avoid collision, the formation of robots reformed in optimal size by estimating the distance between the robot and an obstacle in real time. When the leader robot suddenly changes its direction, waypoints of follower robots are switched and the formation is quickly reconstructed. This prevents follower robots from colliding with each other and reduces their radius of movement and allows them to follow the leader robot at higher speed. The proposed method which is inherently a flexible control of multi-robot formation guarantees collision avoidance and prevents sudden changes in waypoints of the system by gradually changing its size. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated via simulation and experimental results.
Cellular-Enabled Glucometers and Maternal Glucose Control: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Wernimont Sarah A. , Sheng Jessica S. , Fleener Diedre , Summers Karen M. , Syrop Craig , Andrews Janet I.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Management of diabetes in pregnancy is burdensome due to self-glucose monitoring, recording, and reporting demands. Cellular-enabled glucometers provide real-time transmission of glucose values independent of internet access and cell phone data plans. We describe a quality improvement (QI) intervention that introduced cellular-enabled glucometers for use during pregnancies complicated by diabetes.

Methods:

Our aim was to improve maternal glucose control in a cohort of insulin-requiring pregnant women enrolled in a telemedicine diabetes program. During initial establishment of a QI program, women were offered cellular-enabled glucometers but could elect to keep their standard meter. The primary outcome evaluated was glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at delivery.

Results:

Baseline characteristics including initial HbA1c were similar between women using a standard glucometer (n = 45) and those using a cellular-enabled glucometer (n = 72). Women who used a cellular-enabled glucometer had a lower HbA1c at delivery compared to those using a standard glucometer (5.8% vs 6.3%, P = .03). This improvement was particularly notable for women with poor glucose control (defined as HbA1c >6.5%) at initial obstetric visit. Women with poor glucose control who used a cellular-enabled glucose monitor had significantly lower HbA1c at delivery (6.0% vs 6.8%, P = .03) and greater change from initial visit compared to those using a standard glucometer (−2.6% vs −1.4%, P = .02). No statistically significant differences were detected in tracked neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion:

For pregnancies complicated by insulin-requiring diabetes, use of cellular-enabled glucometers as part of a perinatal diabetes program improves glucose control at delivery with timely transmission of accurate values throughout gestation.
Relationship Between Nasal Cycle, Nasal Symptoms and Nasal Cytology
Authors: Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Scarpa Bruno , Ottaviano Giancarlo
Published: June 2019

Background

The nasal cycle is the spontaneous congestion and decongestion of nasal mucosa that happens during the day. Classically, 4 types of nasal cycle patterns have been described: (1) classic, (2) parallel, (3) irregular, and (4) acyclic. Hypothalamus has been considered as the central regulator even if several external factors may influence its activity.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of a correlation between nasal cycle pattern, nasal cytology and nasal symptoms.

Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers have been enrolled in the study. All subjects completed a Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 questionnaire and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction. The nasal cycle was studied by means of peak nasal inspiratory flow. Nasal cytology has been used to evaluate the presence of local nasal inflammation.

Results

Nineteen subjects showed a parallel nasal cycle pattern, while 11 showed a regular one. A parallel pattern was present in 60% of asymptomatic subjects and in 67% of the symptomatic one ( P = 1). VAS for nasal obstruction did not show a significant difference between the 2 patterns of the nasal cycle ( P = .398). Seventeen subjects had a normal rhinocytogram, while 13 volunteers showed a neutrophilic rhinitis; 53.8% of the subjects with a neutrophilic rhinitis showed a parallel pattern, while the remaining 46.2% had a regular one. In the case of a normal cytology, 70.6% of the volunteers had a parallel pattern and 29.4% had a regular one. Differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant ( P = .575).

Conclusion

Rhinitis with neutrophils seems to not influence the nasal cycle pattern. Based on the present results, the pattern of nasal cycle does not influence subjective nasal obstruction sensation.
Exercise training intensity determination in cardiovascular rehabilitation: Should the guidelines be reconsidered?
Authors: Hansen Dominique , Bonné Kim , Alders Toon , Hermans Ann , Copermans Katrien , Swinnen Hans , Maris Vincent , Jansegers Thomas , Mathijs Wout , Haenen Laura , Vaes Johan , Govaerts Emmanuela , Reenaers Veerle , Frederix Ines , Dendale Paul
Published: June 2019

Aims

In the rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease patients a correct determination of the endurance-type exercise intensity is important to generate health benefits and preserve medical safety. It remains to be assessed whether the guideline-based exercise intensity domains are internally consistent and agree with physiological responses to exercise in cardiovascular disease patients.

Methods

A total of 272 cardiovascular disease patients without pacemaker executed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on bike (peak respiratory gas exchange ratio >1.09), to assess peak heart rate (HRpeak), oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and cycling power output (Wpeak). The first and second ventilatory threshold (VT1 and VT2, respectively) was determined and extrapolated to %VO2peak, %HRpeak, %heart rate reserve (%HRR) and %Wpeak for comparison with guideline-based exercise intensity domains.

Results

VT1 was noted at 62 ± 10% VO2peak, 75 ± 10% HRpeak, 42 ± 14% HRR and 47 ± 11% Wpeak, corresponding to the high intensity exercise domain (for %VO2peak and %HRpeak) or low intensity exercise domain (for %Wpeak and %HRR). VT2 was noted at 84 ± 9% VO2peak, 88 ± 8% HRpeak, 74 ± 15% HRR and 76 ± 11% Wpeak, corresponding to the high intensity exercise domain (for %HRR and %Wpeak) or very hard exercise domain (for %HRpeak and %VO2peak). At best (when using %Wpeak) in only 63% and 72% of all patients VT1 and VT2, respectively, corresponded to the same guideline-based exercise intensity domain, but this dropped to about 48% and 52% at worst (when using %HRR and %HRpeak, respectively). In particular, the patient’s VO2peak related to differently elicited guideline-based exercise intensity domains ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The guideline-based exercise intensity domains for cardiovascular disease patients seem inconsistent, thus reiterating the need for adjustment.
English Language Education Throughout Islamic Republic Reign in Iran: Government Policies and People’s Attitudes
Authors: Rassouli Aman , Osam Necdet
Published: June 2019

After four decades of anti-intrusion policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) against the English language, the time has come to evaluate their success rates and to study the status of this language in Iran. This study has thus investigated the status of the English language in Iran on two levels: one concerning the state’s policies and another, the people’s attitudes. To do so, we carried out research on the content of education documents of the IRI and the English language teaching textbooks employed in the education system. To locate the society’s stance on the English language, we administered a survey study on 472 participants randomly sampled from undergraduate students from four state universities. We concluded that there is an evident gap between the approach of the Islamic government and the people’s approach toward English language in the current Iranian society.
Intrinsic Replication Competences of HIV Strains After Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Nevirapine Treatment in the Philippines
Authors: Kageyama Seiji , Amolong Hinay Alfredo , Telan Elizabeth Freda Omengan , Samonte Genesis May Jopson , Leano Prisca Susan Agustin , Tsuneki-Tokunaga Akeno , Kanai Kyosuke
Published: June 2019

Although drug-resistant HIV variants are considered to be less fit than drug-susceptible viruses, replication competence of these variants harbored by patients has not yet been elucidated in detail. We herein assessed the replication competence of strains obtained from individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy. Among 11 306 participants in a drug resistance surveillance in the Philippines, 2629 plasma samples were obtained from individuals after a 12-month treatment with zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC)/nevirapine (NVP). The replication competence of HIV isolates was then assessed by reinoculation into seronegative peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the absence of drugs in vitro. The drug resistance rate was estimated to be 9.2%. Drug-resistant strains were still a minority of closely related strains in a phylogenetic cluster. Among the available 295 samples, 37 HIV strains were successfully isolated. Progeny viruses were produced at a wide range (5.1 × 106 to 3.4 × 109 copies/mL) in primary culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The viral yields were higher than the corresponding plasma viral load (1300 to 3.4 × 106 copies/mL) but correlated with those ( r = 0.4). These results suggest that strains with higher intrinsic replication competence are one of the primary targets of newly selected drugs at the increasing phase of the plasma viral load during antiretroviral therapy.
King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire: responsiveness and minimum clinically important difference
Authors: Nolan Claire M. , Birring Surinder S. , Maddocks Matthew , Maher Toby M. , Patel Suhani , Barker Ruth E. , Jones Sarah E. , Walsh Jessica A. , Wynne Stephanie C. , George Peter M. , Man William D-C.
Published: June 2019

Health status is increasingly used in clinical practice to quantify symptom burden and as a clinical trial end-point in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (KBILD) questionnaire is a brief, validated 15-item, disease-specific, health-related quality of life questionnaire that is increasingly used in clinical trials, but little data exist regarding the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Using pulmonary rehabilitation as a model, we aimed to determine the responsiveness of KBILD and provide estimates of the MCID.

KBILD scores, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) scores, Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnoea score and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) distance were measured in 209 patients with ILD (105 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)) before and after an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Changes with intervention and Cohen's effect size were calculated. Anchor-based (linear regression and receiver operating characteristic plots) or distribution-based approaches (0.5sdand standard error of measurement) were used to estimate the MCID of KBILD domain and total scores.

KBILD, CRQ, MRC Dyspnoea and ISWT improved with intervention, and the effect sizes of KBILD domain and total scores ranged from 0.28 to 0.38. Using anchor-based estimates, the MCID estimates for KBILD-Psychological, KBILD-Breathlessness and activities, and KBILD-Total were 5.4, 4.4 and 3.9 points, respectively. Using distribution-based methods, the MCID estimate for KBILD-Chest symptoms was 9.8 points. The MCID estimates for KBILD in IPF patients were similar.

In patients with ILD and IPF, KBILD is responsive to intervention with an estimated MCID of 3.9 points for the total score.
The global prevalence of latent tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cohen Adam , Mathiasen Victor Dahl , Schön Thomas , Wejse Christian
Published: June 2019

In 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that one-third of the world's population had latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), which was recently updated to one-fourth. However, this is still based on controversial assumptions in combination with tuberculin skin test (TST) surveys. Interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) with a higher specificity than TST have since been widely implemented, but never used to estimate the global LTBI prevalence.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of LTBI estimates based on both IGRA and TST results published between 2005 and 2018. Regional and global estimates of LTBI prevalence were calculated. Stratification was performed for low, intermediate and high TB incidence countries and a pooled estimate for each area was calculated using a random effects model.

Among 3280 studies screened, we included 88 studies from 36 countries with 41 IGRA (n=67 167) and 67 TST estimates (n=284 644). The global prevalence of LTBI was 24.8% (95% CI 19.7–30.0%) and 21.2% (95% CI 17.9–24.4%), based on IGRA and a 10-mm TST cut-off, respectively. The prevalence estimates correlated well to WHO incidence rates (Rs=0.70, p<0.001).

In the first study of the global prevalence of LTBI derived from both IGRA and TST surveys, we found that one-fourth of the world's population is infected. This is of relevance, as both tests, although imperfect, are used to identify individuals eligible for preventive therapy. Enhanced efforts are needed targeting the large pool of latently infected individuals, as this constitutes an enormous source of potential active tuberculosis.
Systematic evaluation of the QualityRights programme in public mental health facilities in Gujarat, India
Authors: Pathare Soumitra , Funk Michelle , Drew Bold Natalie , Chauhan Ajay , Kalha Jasmine , Krishnamoorthy Sadhvi , Sapag Jaime C. , Bobbili Sireesha J. , Kawade Rama , Shah Sandeep , Mehta Ritambhara , Patel Animesh , Gandhi Upendra , Tilwani Mahesh , Shah Rakesh , Sheth Hitesh , Vankar Ganpat , Parikh Minakshi , Parikh Indravadan , Rangaswamy Thara , Bakshy Amritkumar , Khenti Akwatu
Published: June 2019

Background

Recognising the significant extent of poor-quality care and human rights issues in mental health, the World Health Organization launched the QualityRights initiative in 2013 as a practical tool for implementing human rights standards including the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the ground level.

Aims

To describe the first large-scale implementation and evaluation of QualityRights as a scalable human rights-based approach in public mental health services in Gujarat, India.

Method

This is a pragmatic trial involving implementation of QualityRights at six public mental health services chosen by the Government of Gujarat. For comparison, we identified three other public mental health services in Gujarat that did not receive the QualityRights intervention.

Results

Over a 12-month period, the quality of services provided by those services receiving the QualityRights intervention improved significantly. Staff in these services showed substantially improved attitudes towards service users (effect sizes 0.50–0.17), and service users reported feeling significantly more empowered (effect size 0.07) and satisfied with the services offered (effect size 0.09). Caregivers at the intervention services also reported a moderately reduced burden of care (effect size 0.15).

Conclusions

To date, some countries are hesitant to reforming mental health services in line with the CRPD, which is partially attributable to a lack of knowledge and understanding about how this can be achieved. This evaluation shows that QualityRights can be effectively implemented even in resource-constrained settings and has a significant impact on the quality of mental health services.
Cell migration directionality and speed are independently regulated by RasG and Gβ inDictyosteliumcells in electrotaxis
Authors: Jeon Taeck J. , Gao Runchi , Kim Hyeseon , Lee Ara , Jeon Pyeonghwa , Devreotes Peter N. , Zhao Min
Published: June 2019

Motile cells manifest increased migration speed and directionality in gradients of stimuli, including chemoattractants, electrical potential, and substratum stiffness. Here, we demonstrate that Dictyostelium cells move directionally in response to an electric field with specific acceleration/deceleration kinetics of directionality and migration speed. Detailed analyses of the migration kinetics suggest that migration speed and directionality are separately regulated by Gβ and RasG, respectively, in EF-directed cell migration. Cells lacking Gβ, which is essential for all chemotactic responses in Dictyostelium, showed EF-directed cell migration with the same increase in directionality in an EF as wild-type cells. However, these cells failed to show induction of the migration speed upon EF stimulation as much as wild-type cells. Loss of RasG, a key regulator of chemoattractant-directed cell migration, resulted in almost complete loss of directionality, but similar acceleration/deceleration kinetics of migration speed as wild-type cells. These results indicate that Gβ and RasG are required for the induction of migration speed and directionality, respectively, in response to an EF, suggesting separation of migration speed and directionality even with intact feedback loops between mechanical and signaling networks.
Ectodysplasin-A signaling is a key integrator in the lacrimal gland–cornea feedback loop
Authors: Kuony Alison , Ikkala Kaisa , Kalha Solja , Magalhães Ana Cathia , Pirttiniemi Anniina , Michon Frederic
Published: June 2019

A lack of ectodysplasin-A (Eda) signaling leads to dry eye symptoms, which have so far only been associated with altered Meibomian glands. Here, we used loss-of-function (Eda−/−) mutant mice to unravel the impact of Eda signaling on lacrimal gland formation, maturation and subsequent physiological function. Our study demonstrates that Eda activity is dispensable during lacrimal gland embryonic development. However, using a transcriptomic approach, we show that the Eda pathway is necessary for proper cell terminal differentiation in lacrimal gland epithelium and correlated with modified expression of secreted factors commonly found in the tear film. Finally, we discovered that lacrimal glands present a bilateral reduction of Eda signaling activity in response to unilateral corneal injury. This observation hints towards a role for the Eda pathway in controlling the switch from basal to reflex tears, to support corneal wound healing. Collectively, our data suggest a crucial implication of Eda signaling in the cornea–lacrimal gland feedback loop, both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Our findings demonstrate that Eda downstream targets could help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Ventilatory sensitivity to ammonia in the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii), a representative of the oldest extant connection to the ancestral vertebrates
Authors: Eom Junho , Giacomin Marina , Clifford Alexander M. , Goss Greg G. , Wood Chris M.
Published: June 2019

Ventilatory sensitivity to ammonia occurs in teleosts, elasmobranchs, and mammals. Here we investigated whether the response is present in hagfish. Ventilatory parameters (nostril flow, pressure amplitude, velar frequency, and ventilatory index, the latter representing the product of pressure amplitude times frequency), together with blood and water chemistry, were measured in hagfish exposed to either high environmental ammonia (HEA) in the external sea water or internal ammonia loading by intra-vascular injection. HEA exposure (10 mM NH4HCO3 or 10 mM NH4Cl) caused a persistent hyperventilation by 3 h, but further detailed analysis of the NH4HCO3 response showed that initially (within 5 min) there was a marked decrease in ventilation (80% reduction in ventilatory index and nostril flow), followed by a later 3-fold increase, by which time plasma total ammonia concentration had increased 11-fold. Thus, hyperventilation in HEA appeared to be an indirect response to internal ammonia elevation, rather than a direct response to external ammonia. HEA-mediated increases in oxygen consumption also occurred. Responses to NH4HCO3 were greater than those to NH4Cl, reflecting greater increases over time in water pH and PNH3 in the former. Hagfish also exhibited hyperventilation in response to direct injections of isotonic NH4HCO3 or NH4Cl solutions into the caudal sinus. In all cases where hyperventilation occurred, plasma total ammonia and PNH3 levels increased significantly, while blood acid-base status remained unchanged, indicating specific responses to internal ammonia elevations. The sensitivity of breathing to ammonia arose very early in vertebrate evolution.
Characterization of an evolutionarily conserved calcitonin signaling system in a lophotrochozoan, the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Schwartz Julie , Réalis-Doyelle Emilie , Dubos Marie-Pierre , Lefranc Benjamin , Leprince Jérôme , Favrel Pascal
Published: June 2019

In Protostoma, the diuretic hormone 31 (DH31) signaling system was long considered as the orthologue of the chordate calcitonin (CT) signaling system. Using the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) transcriptomic database GigaTON (http://ngspipelines-sigenae.toulouse.inra.fr/), we characterized seven G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) named Cragi-CTR1/7 and phylogenetically related to chordate CT receptors (CTRs) and to protostome DH31 receptors. Two CT Precursors (Cragi-CTP1 and Cragi-CTP2) containing two CT-type peptides and encoded by two distinct genes with a similar organization were also characterized. These oyster neuropeptides (Cragi-CT1/2) exhibit the two N-terminal paired cysteine residues and except CTP2 derived peptide (Cragi-CTP2dp) the C-terminal proline-amide motif typical of deuterostome CT-type peptides. All mature Cragi-CTs but Cragi-CTP2dp were detected in visceral ganglion (VG) extracts using mass spectrometry. Cell-based assays revealed that the formerly characterized oyster receptors Cg-CTR and Cragi-CTR2 were specifically activated by Cragi-CT1b and Cragi-CT2, respectively. This activation does not require the co-expression of receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). Thus, the oyster CT signaling appears functionally more closely related to the vertebrate CT/CTR signaling than to the (Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide) CGRP/CLR signaling. Gene expression profiles in different adult tissues and in oysters acclimated to brackish water suggest the potential implication of both Cg-CT-R/Cragi-CT1b and Cragi-CTR2/Cragi-CT2 in water and ionic regulations, though with apparently opposite effects. The present study represents the first comprehensive characterization of a functional CT-type signaling system in a protostome and provides evidence for its evolutionarily ancient origin and its early role in osmotic homeostasis.
Modulation of gold nanoparticle mediated radiation dose enhancement through synchronization of breast tumor cell population
Authors: Rieck Kristy , Bromma Kyle , Sung Wonmo , Bannister Aaron , Schuemann Jan , Chithrani Devika Basnagge
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The incorporation of high atomic number materials such as gold nanoparticles (GNPs) into tumor cells is being tested to enhance the local radiotherapy (RT) dose. It is also known that the radiosensitivity of tumor cells depends on the phase of their cell cycle. Triple combination of GNPs, phase of tumor cell population, and RT for improved outcomes in cancer treatment.

Methods:

We used a double-thymidine block method for synchronization of the tumor cell population. GNPs of diameters 17 and 46 nm were used to capture the size dependent effects. A radiation dose of 2 Gy with 6 MV linear accelerator was used to assess the efficacy of this proposed combined treatment. A triple negative breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231 was chosen as the model cell line. Monte Carlo (MC) calculations were done to predict the GNP-mediated cell death using the experimental GNP uptake data.

Results:

There was a 1.5- and 2- fold increase in uptake of 17 and 46 nm GNPs in the synchronized cell population, respectively. A radiation dose of 2 Gy with clinically relevant 6 MV photons resulted in a 62 and 38 % enhancement in cell death in the synchronized cell population with the incorporation of 17 and 46 nm GNPs, respectively. MC data supported the experimental data, but to a lesser extent.

Conclusion:

A triple combination of GNPs, cell cycle synchronization, and RT could pave the way to enhance the local radiation dose while minimizing side effects to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first study to show that the combined use of GNPs, phase of tumor cell population, and RT could enhance tumor cell death.
Medicines in pregnancy
Authors: Stock Sarah JE , Norman Jane E
Published: June 2019

Medicine use in pregnancy is extremely common, but there are significant knowledge gaps surrounding the safety, dosage and long-term effects of drugs used. Pregnant women have been purposively excluded from clinical trials of the majority of treatments for conditions that may occur concurrently with pregnancy. There is minimal information on the pharmacokinetics of many existing treatments and no systematic capture of long-term outcome data to help inform choices. Treatments commonly used in pregnancy are thus often old and untested, not optimised in dose, and prescribed off-label without adequate safety information. In addition, there has been a staggering lack of investment in drug development for obstetric conditions for decades. This is a major public health concern, and pregnancy complications are the leading cause of mortality in children under five years old globally, and health in pregnancy is a major determinant of women’s long-term health and wellbeing. There is an acute need for adequate investment and legislation to boost inclusion of pregnant women in clinical studies, capture high-quality information on medication use in pregnancy in general, and encourage new medicinal product development for obstetric conditions.
Improving the evidence for integrated family planning and economic growth programming: a synthesis of the evidence
Authors: Marcus Rachel , Bercu Chiara , Norton Maureen , Mutunga Clive
Published: June 2019

Background:Integrated family planning and economic growth programming has the potential to be more equitable and cost-effective, to garner high levels of support from communities, and to support countries on their journey to self-reliance. The available evidence is limited, but demonstrates that such integrated programming can catalyze improved outcomes in both sectors. We reviewed available program evidence to explore what information is available to implementers regarding potential best practices.

Methods:Economic growth is a broad sector; we focused specifically on the need for evidence related to integration of family planning with microfinance and livelihood programs. We conducted an extensive literature search and reviewed both published and gray literature according to two criteria: whether the papers explicitly focused on FP/EG integration and whether they included program descriptions, including discussions of what specific interventions were implemented.

Results:We find that only limited information exists regarding how best to design and implement such programs for FP/RH and economic growth. We provide ideas drawn from the identified program evidence about potential best practices for FP/RH and economic growth integrated programs, and find an increasing need for tools and resources on related best practices.

Conclusions:Both family planning and economic growth programs should consider strengthening linkages between the two sectors, to accelerate the achievement of global family planning goals as well as to improve economic growth outcomes. We call for additional research and improved documentation to clarify the apparent contributions and effectiveness of FP/EG integration, as well as to confirm promising practices. The integration of family planning and economic growth sectors is particularly important as the global community works toward achieving broader global and country-level development goals.
Conditional Life Cycle: An Examination of Operating Performance for Leaders and Laggards
Authors: Cantrell Brett W. , Dickinson Victoria
Published: June 2019

The economics and management literature provides theoretical support for both leader and laggard firms to earn higher future operating returns. However, prior empirical research lacks a generalizable proxy to capture leader versus laggard behavior, thus limiting prior findings to specific contexts. This study utilizes a combination of firm-specific and industry life cycle identification to categorize leaders and laggards and validates the designation against constructs established in prior literature. Additionally, we examine each strategy’s effect on future performance, finding that, in general, laggards earn greater operating returns. Laggards gain their advantage through product differentiation—specifically, through marketing/advertising expenditures. Leaders are, on average, unable to convert their first movers’ advantage into sustainable future profitability once we control for other determinants of profitability. The leader/laggard classification using financial statement information has useful applications in analysis, forecasting, and valuation.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Ultrasonic cement removal in cement-in-cement revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Liddle A. , Webb M. , Clement N. , Green S. , Liddle J. , German M. , Holland J.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Previous studies have evidenced cement-in-cement techniques as reliable in revision arthroplasty. Commonly, the original cement mantle is reshaped, aiding accurate placement of the new stem. Ultrasonic devices selectively remove cement, preserve host bone, and have lower cortical perforation rates than other techniques. As far as the authors are aware, the impact of ultrasonic devices on final cement-in-cement bonds has not been investigated. This study assessed the impact of cement removal using the Orthosonics System for Cemented Arthroplasty Revision (OSCAR; Orthosonics) on final cement-in-cement bonds.

Methods

A total of 24 specimens were manufactured by pouring cement (Simplex P Bone Cement; Stryker) into stainless steel moulds, with a central rod polished to Stryker Exeter V40 specifications. After cement curing, the rods were removed and eight specimens were allocated to each of three internal surface preparation groups: 1) burr; 2) OSCAR; and 3) no treatment. Internal holes were recemented, and each specimen was cut into 5 mm discs. Shear testing of discs was completed by a technician blinded to the original grouping, recording ultimate shear strengths. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was completed, inspecting surfaces of shear-tested specimens.

Results

The mean shear strength for OSCAR-prepared specimens (33.6 MPa) was significantly lower than for the control (46.3 MPa) and burr (45.8 MPa) groups (p < 0.001; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc analysis). There was no significant difference in shear strengths between control and burr groups (p = 0.57). Scanning electron microscopy of OSCAR specimens revealed evidence of porosity undiscovered in previous studies.

Conclusion

Results show that the cement removal technique impacts on final cement-in-cement bonds. This in vitro study demonstrates significantly weaker bonds when using OSCAR prior to recementation into an old cement mantle compared with cement prepared with a burr or no treatment. This infers that care must be taken in surgical decision-making regarding cement removal techniques used during cement-in-cement revision arthroplasty, suggesting that the risks and benefits of ultrasonic cement removal need consideration. Cite this article: A. Liddle, M. Webb, N. Clement, S. Green, J. Liddle, M. German, J. Holland. Ultrasonic cement removal in cement-in-cement revision total hip arthroplasty: What is the effect on the final cement-in-cement bond? Bone Joint Res 2019;8:246–252. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.BJR-2018-0313.R1.
The effect of Oncotype DX® on adjuvant chemotherapy treatment decisions in early breast cancer
Authors: Rabie MA , Rankin A , Burger A , Youssef MMG
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to objectively establish the value of the Oncotype DX® (ODX) gene assay in adjuvant treatment decisions for intermediate risk patients with early, oestrogen receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, lymph node negative breast cancer at a district general hospital.

Methods

All patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer between January 2015 and December 2017 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn were considered for inclusion in the study. Those who did not meet the criteria for ODX referral were excluded. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on whether they were treated before or after the introduction of ODX testing in this hospital (June 2016): the pre-ODX and post-ODX groups. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients for whom adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) was recommended in each group.

Results

Of the 462 patients who underwent surgery during the study period, 43 met the eligibility criteria for ODX testing: 18 in the pre-ODX group and 25 in the post-ODX group. AC was recommended and given to 11 (61%) of the patients in the pre-ODX group. In the post-ODX group, AC was recommended for seven patients with an ODX Recurrence Score® (RS) of >25; this was given to six patients (24%). One patient (with a RS of 26) declined AC. ODX testing led to a significant reduction in the proportion of patients who received AC (p=0.015).

Conclusions

In intermediate risk patients with breast cancer, the results of the ODX gene assay may change the decision for adjuvant treatment. It represents a valuable tool to assist patients’ and clinicians’ decision making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy.
An Approach for Pre-Diagnosis Information Literacy Level by Using Expert System
Authors: S Maria Ulfah , Munandar Joko
Published: June 2019

Communication and information technology has been equipped almost human lives sector. Inevitably, in spite of its positive impacts, this advance opens to vulnerable things, even dangerous to human generation. Pornography, violence and immoral activities, get advantages from global net between people Therefore, it is necessary for anybody to possess filter about what is, from where, when and how much information that he/she needs, which is information literacy. Students are not different with that fact. It is not only for filtering information, but this capability is also for creating a human learner who is self-directed, active learner, dynamic, and innovative. Whereas, indeed, these aspects are crucial in student centered learning which is commonly adapted in university.This paper gives an introduction for pre-diagnosis level of information literacy by designing and implementing rule-based expert system. This system mimics expertise of one expert by formulating knowledge as rules. Knowledge which is intended in this proposed system is information literacy for higher education in science and technology/engineering field.
Analysys and Implementation IEEE 802.1Q to Improve Network Security
Authors: Bahry Muhammad Syaeful , Sugiantoro Bambang
Published: June 2019

The development of technology today is very fast one only with the existence of the use of the computer network. This can be seen in the increasing number of organizations or companies that use the computer network to facilitate the flow of information within the organization or the company. But with the abundance of the use of network technology is only advancing network progressed only, but not maximize resource so that sometimes allows for the problem or traffic network. For that can be needed by network development solution made VLAN topology using NDLC method (Network Development Life Cycle). Vlans are able to improve the capabilities of the network and can reduce the amount of data that is sent to a destination that does not need to be so that the traffic in the network will be reduced by itself. In addition there is another reason why requires a VLAN is to reduce the possibility of the misuse of access rights. It can use the Mode Access. With the Mode will divide each Host into the VLAN each. With the existence of a VLAN shows can increase network ability as much as 13.4 %. With the data shows that a VLAN successful and able to make the network more efficient. In the VLAN network security aspect is able to optimize network security with the existence of access mode, so that the new host are not capable of entering it into the existing network topology.
Wireless Access Points Placement Analysis on WI-FI Signal Coverage with BAYESIAN Probability Method
Authors: Fawzan Mahbub Puba , Sugiantoro Bambang
Published: June 2019

Wireless networks in a room are strongly influenced by interference. To overcome the interference and so that the performance from the wireless network is getting better, then optimization is done. There are several types of propagation that can interfere with the performance of wireless networks, which include the number of transmitters (access points), free space loss, Received Signal Strength (RSSI), coverage that can be served, measuring attenuation on barriers (concrete walls, soft partitions, doors, and floors).This research is an analytical study where the purpose of this study is to determine the position of access point a good in the Shari'ah Faculty Building and the Law using the method of Bayesian probability. The first stage of this research is to determine the distance of the signal reception to find out the strength of the signal with manual random sampling so that the data obtained varies. The second stage is to determine the position of the access point with a choice of several points so that the best position can be compared based on the plan of the Syari'ah Faculty and Law Building. The last step is calculating probability by the method of Bayesian probability.The results of this study are the position of the access point best on the 3rd floor, namely at position B with a probability value of 13 while on the 4th floor the position of access the point best in position A with a value of 10, position D with a value of 13 and position E with a value of 13. The most influential propagation in the Syari'ah Faculty Building and the Law is a concrete wall with a size of 60% reducing the magnitude of the signal emitted.(Abstract)
MODEL KEWIRAUSAHAAN SOSIAL DI LEMBAGA AGRICULTURE ENTREPRENEUR CLINICS
Authors: Yuliska Yuliska
Published: June 2019

Entrepreneur activities are very important, not only become tools for increasingly individual life quality but also to improve state qualities. For the reason, a country must be having entrepreneurship to very much in society. Hence, as an organization of mobility form entrepreneur motivation, Agriculture Entrepreneur Clinics (AEC) has had the commitment to improving the quality of people. With the field research, this article aims to describe of concept, implementation, and result who social entrepreneur in this institution of AEC. The result of research is showing that the concept of social entrepreneurship in the institution of AEC conducted with the way of revolving and advantageous between institution AEC and peasant in simultaneously. Meanwhile, in implementation is conducting of the activities just like shared rice excellent from the result of researching discovery, conducted of new training methods for the ways of plant, coaching, and buying rice for harvest farmers who then sold by institution AEC. Social entrepreneurship in the institution AEC is not only improving for management but also increasingly for society.
Reflections on the conservation challenges of scientific and technological objects
Authors: Lemos M. , Tissot I.
Published: June 2019

The conservation of science and technology (S&T) heritage encompasses complex challenges. Among the reasons for this complexity are the S&T objects specific characteristics: the wide variety of materials, construction techniques and dimensions, and the existence of operating mechanisms. Present conservation methods are not fully adapted to the specificity of this heritage, requiring more research on S&T conservation. This paper identifies the main challenges of S&T objects conservation and gives guidelines to overcome them by i) increasing knowledge on materials and their degradation; ii) understanding the objects’ function; iii) researching and developing new conservation techniques compatible with the characteristics of S&T objects; and iv) creating decision-making tools for the definition and implementation of conservation and maintenance programs.
Polymorphism of the SNP g. 1180 C>T in leptin gene and its association with growth traits and linear body measurement in Kebumen Ongole Grade cattle
Authors: Fathoni A. , Maharani D. , Aji R. N. , Choiri R. , Sumadi S.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to identify the polymorphism of leptin gene and its association with growth traits in Kebumen Ongole Grade cattle. One hundred blood samples were collected for molecular analysis. Polymorphism of the leptin gene was analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with HpyCH4V restriction enzyme and DNA sequencing. Association analysis of the leptin gene with growth traits was analyzed by T-test. The results showed that SNP g. 1180 C>T was found in the population.The SNP changed amino acid from arginine to cysteine. The SNP was significantly associated with a high chest circumference at weaning age in animal having CC genotype (P<0.05). There were two identified alleles, namely C and T, with frequencies were 0.885 and 0.115,respectively. The genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT were 0.78, 0.21 and 0.01, respectively. Allelic and genotypic distribution in the studied population were in Hardy-Weinbergequilibrium. Animals with CC genotype had a higher circumference at weaning age (WCC) than those with CT genotype. In conclusion, SNP g. 1180 C> T in the leptin gene is potential as genetic marker for growth traits in Kebumen Ongole Grade cattle.
Characteristics of the post-thawed Balinese bull semen extended in three different extenders and equilibration times
Authors: Amal A. S. , Arifiantini R. I. , Setiadi M. A. , Said S.
Published: June 2019

The objectives of the present study were to compare and determine the best post-thawed characteristics of balinese bull sperm cryopreserved in three different extenders; animal based (Tris-clarified egg yolk (Tris-cEY)), and non-animal based extenders (Bioxcell® (lecithin based) and Optixcell® (liposome based)) in combination with three different equilibration times (30 minutes, 2 hours, 4hours). Thirty six ejaculates were collected from six Balinese bulls and frozen in three extenders (Tris-cEY, Bioxcell® and Optixcell®) after equilibration in three different times (30 minutes, 2hours and 4hours). Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and eosin nigrosin staining were used in the post-thawed semen analysis. There was a significant interaction between equilibration time and extender type for sperm motility, viability and membrane integrity. Thirty minutes equilibration time had the lowest values (P<0.05) for all the evaluated parameters independent of extender type. Overall, semen extended in Tris-cEY, Bioxcell® and Optixcell® were similarly better when equilibrated at 4 hours (P>0.05). Moreover, post-thawed semen which were extended in Optixcell® for 2 hours equilibration showed a better motility compared with the other extenders (P<0.05). In conclusion, two hours equilibration of semen with Optixcell® is sufficient for semen freezing. Four hours equilibration has the best sperm survival, independent of the extender type.
Identifikasi Pola Morfologi Perkampungan Adat Nagari Koto Hilalang Sumatera Barat Berdasarkan Kearifan Lokal
Authors: Putri Siti Aisyah Adelina , Nurini Nurini
Published: June 2019

Nagari Koto Hilalang is one of the indigenous villages that located in Gunung Talang district, Solok Regency. This village has been known as one of tourism center in Solok regency referred to the citizen’s activity. The existency of the local wisdom affects the society’s activity due to the pattern of the area’s morphology. The presence of the local wisdom certainly form a morphological pattern and make it unique and different from the other regions. This research questioned the morphology of Nagari Koto Hilalang based on the local wisdom’s morphology. To answer the question of the research, this scientist used the qualitative and quantitative techniques. The analysis result obtained that the morphology pattern of Nagari Koto Hilalang is arranged based on the local wisdom of Minangkabau’s culture, such as taratak, dusun, koto, dan nagari. The rules of society that cause its morphology region belongs to form Organic Pattern where Nagari Koto Hilalang formed naturally/spontaneously because of the growing needs of society that is bound to the custom rule which has been hereditary from ancestors of the minangkabau people. In this study also provided recommendations of referrals for indigenous leaders, government, and community in sustaining indigenous villages (Nagari) morphology of Koto Hilalang.
Pengembangan Angkutan Umum Terintegrasi di Kota Surakarta
Authors: Arifianto Anandhika
Published: June 2019

Development of public transportation in the main steps to unravel traffic congestion in Surakarta City. Various alternative public transports are provided which are directly integrated, such as Batik Solo Trans (BST), city transportation, Werkudara-level buses, and railbus. Directly proportional to the number of public transportation equipment will have a major impact on the breakdown of traffic congestion that has occurred. There have been many people in Surakarta City who utilize integrated and sustainable public public transportation.