bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring metal levels in water and multiple biomarkers in the grouper (Epinephelus tauvina) to assess environmental stressors on the Arabian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdel-Moneim Ashraf M , Al-Kahtani Mohamed A , Elmenshawy Omar M , Elsawy Hany , Hafez Aly M , Genena Marwa A
Published: March 2018

In this field study, the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) in water and a suite of biochemical and histological biomarkers in the grouper ( Epinephelus tauvina) were assessed at four sites in the Arabian Gulf. Samples were taken from a relatively non-urban reference site, called Salwa (S1), and three effluent-dominated sites, namely Al-aziziyah in southern Dammam city (S2), the Al-Jubail coast (S3), and Manifa (S4). Toxic metals, namely Pb and Co (at all sites) and Fe (at S3), were elevated in water samples relative to the internationally permissible limits. In fish, induced levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the liver at S3 and S4 were higher than those of the reference fish at S1. Additionally, the level of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) product (malondialdehyde (MDA)) was significantly increased in gills (at S3) and liver (at S2 and S3). There was an inhibition of catalase activities in the gills of fish from S2 to S4 and significantly higher activity levels of superoxide dismutase in the gills of fish from S4. Histopathological features such as aneurysms in gill vessels, deformed gill lamellae, increases in liver melano-macrophage centers, and hepatocellular necrosis were most abundant at sites where significant pollution problems exist (i.e. S2–S4). The results reveal that the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, in the Arabian Gulf, is still contaminated, as indicated by elevated HSP70, LPO content and numbers of histological lesions, and that monitoring of contaminants and their effects should be continued in this region.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Shows Markedly Lower than Predicted Mortality (>72 Hours After Multiple Trauma) From Sepsis and Multiple Organ Failure
Authors: Kamp Oliver , Jansen Oliver , Lefering Rolf , Meindl Renate , Waydhas Christian , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Hamsen Ume ,   the TraumaRegister DGU
Published: March 2018

Background:

Sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF) remain one of the main causes of death after multiple trauma. Trauma- and infection-associated immune reactions play an important role in the pathomechanism of MOF, but the exact pathways remain unknown. Spinal cord injury (SCI) may lead to an altered immune response, and some studies suggest a prognostic advantage for such patients having sepsis or multiple trauma. Yet these findings need to be evaluated in larger cohorts of trauma patients.

Methods:

Retrospective, multicenter study, using the data of the TraumaRegister DGU. Patients with and without SCI surviving the initial first 72 hours after trauma were matched according to injury pattern and age. Comparative analysis considered morbidity (sepsis, MOF) and hospital mortality.

Results:

The study population included 800 matched pairs. As intended by the matching process, patients with cervical SCI had an otherwise comparable injury pattern but a higher severity of trauma (mean Injury Severity Score: 36 vs 29, mean number of diagnosis: 5.6 vs 4.4). They had a higher rate of sepsis (15.9% vs 10.9%, P = .005) and MOF (35.9% vs 24.1%, P < .001) while mortality revealed no significant difference (9.5% vs 9.9%, P = .866).

Conclusions:

Cervical SCI leads to an increased rate of sepsis and MOF but appears to be favorable with respect to outcome of sepsis and MOF following multiple trauma. Further research should focus on the pathomechanisms and the possible arising therapeutic options.
Injectable TEMPO-oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose/biphasic calcium phosphate hydrogel for bone regeneration
Authors: Safwat Engie , Hassan Mohammad L , Saniour Sayed , Zaki Dalia Yehia , Eldeftar Mervat , Saba Dalia , Zazou Mohamed
Published: March 2018

Nanofibrillated cellulose, obtained from rice straw agricultural wastes was used as a substrate for the preparation of a new injectable and mineralized hydrogel for bone regeneration. Tetramethyl pyridine oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose, was mineralized through the incorporation of a prepared and characterized biphasic calcium phosphate at a fixed ratio of 50 wt%. The TEMPO-oxidized rice straw nanofibrillated cellulose was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and carboxylic content determination. The injectability and viscosity of the prepared hydrogel were evaluated using universal testing machine and rheometer testing, respectively. Cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase level tests on osteoblast like-cells for in vitro assessment of the biocompatibility were investigated. Results revealed that the isolated rice straw nanofibrillated cellulose is a nanocomposite of the cellulose nanofibers and silica nanoparticles. Rheological properties of the tested materials are suitable for use as injectable material and of nontoxic effect on osteoblast-like cells, as revealed by the positive alkaline phosphate assay. However, nanofibrillated cellulose/ biphasic calcium phosphate hydrogel showed higher cytotoxicity and lower bioactivity test results when compared to that of nanofibrillated cellulose.
Coping Strategies of Economically Destitute Women Who Acquired HIV Through Paid Blood and Plasma Collections in Rural China
Authors: Souleymanov Rusty , Zhang Yurong
Published: March 2018

Little is known about the lives and hardships of socially marginalized and economically destitute women in rural Central China living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), who acquired the virus through commercial blood and plasma donations in the mid-1990s. Women living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) experience significant economic hardships and social exclusion in a male dominated, traditional, rural Chinese society, including the loss of labor power, financial burdens, and HIV-related stigma. This qualitative study examined strategies used by these marginalized women to cope with these hardships. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 15 interviews from women in Fuyang City, Anhui. Findings reveal that women undertook a variety of coping strategies: migrating to smaller towns, reducing labor intensity, reallocating labor within households, supplementing incomes by taking on additional jobs, borrowing money from relatives, reducing food consumption, lowering standards of living, withdrawing children from school, strategically disclosing HIV status and background information to employers, as well as avoiding weddings or funerals. This study identifies policy implications that can be used by social workers to mitigate the deleterious social and economic impacts of HIV and AIDS on the lives of women in vulnerable rural households in central China.
What Happens When Employees Are Furloughed? A Resource Loss Perspective
Authors: Baranik Lisa E. , Cheung Janelle H. , Sinclair Robert R. , Lance Charles E.
Published: March 2018

Furloughs refer to placing employees on a temporary leave with no pay for the period of the leave. The current study draws from conservation of resources (COR) theory to examine how furloughs affect employees’ experiences of burnout, work–family conflict, and life satisfaction. Results gathered from 212 individuals show that being furloughed during the 2013 U.S. federal government shutdown was associated with perceived personal resource loss, which was related to decreased life satisfaction and increased work–family conflict and physical, cognitive, and emotional burnout 5 weeks after the shutdown ended. The relationships between furlough status and all outcomes were fully mediated by perceived resource loss. Our findings show that furloughs can and do negatively affect employees and that these effects last long after the furlough has ended.
The Impact of AUC-Based Monitoring on Pharmacist-Directed Vancomycin Dose Adjustments in Complicated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Stoessel Andrew M. , Hale Cory M. , Seabury Robert W. , Miller Christopher D. , Steele Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2018

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the impact of area under the curve (AUC)-based vancomycin monitoring on pharmacist-initiated dose adjustments after transitioning from a trough-only to an AUC-based monitoring method at our institution.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of patients treated with vancomycin for complicated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection between November 2013 and December 2016 was conducted. The frequency of pharmacist-initiated dose adjustments was assessed for patients monitored via trough-only and AUC-based approaches for trough ranges: 10 to 14.9 mg/L and 15 to 20 mg/L.

Results:

Fifty patients were included: 36 in the trough-based monitoring and 14 in the AUC-based-monitoring group. The vancomycin dose was increased in 71.4% of patients when troughs were 10 to 14.9 mg/L when a trough-only approach was used and in only 25% of patients when using AUC estimation ( P = .048). In the AUC group, the dose was increased only when AUC/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) <400; unchanged regimens had an estimated AUC/MIC ≥400. The AUC-based monitoring did not significantly increase the frequency of dose reductions when trough concentrations were 15 to 20 mg/L (AUC: 33.3% vs trough: 4.6%; P = .107).

Conclusions:

The AUC-based monitoring resulted in fewer patients with dose adjustments when trough levels were 10 to 14.9 mg/L. The AUC-based monitoring has the potential to reduce unnecessary vancomycin exposure and warrants further investigation.
Women’s Empowerment and Nonprofit Sector Development
Authors: Evans Crystal A. , Mayo Lorin M. , Quijada Maria A.
Published: March 2018

This research makes two main contributions: (a) validates Themudo’s findings of a positive correlation between women’s empowerment and the development of the nonprofit sector by using different forms of empowerment and (b) suggests women’s empowerment causes nonprofit development, thus contributing to the formation of a gender theory. Using women’s economic empowerment by county ( n = 3,428) and women’s state-level political empowerment ( n = 50), the positive correlation between women’s empowerment, both economic and political, and nonprofit development is confirmed. Next, Granger causality tests (1975-2013, n = 39) suggest women’s political empowerment causes nonprofit development. These results provide insights for further research in nonprofit development and suggest that policies that increase women’s empowerment will also benefit the nonprofit sector.
Designing and implementing a plug-in type repetitive controller for a redundantly actuated ankle rehabilitation robot
Authors: Ayas Mustafa Sinasi , Altas Ismail Hakki
Published: March 2018

This article is focused on increasing the tracking performance of a developed ankle rehabilitation robot subject to external disturbance. A plug-in-type repetitive controller cascaded to a proportional–integral–derivative controller is designed and implemented in order to make improvement in the tracking ability of the parallel mechanism while performing the common range of motion exercises which are intensive training exercises in ankle rehabilitation. First, the trajectory tracking control is simply implemented by the PID controllers, the parameters of which are optimally tuned using Cuckoo search algorithm. Then, the designed RC is plugged into the system and trajectory tracking control is carried out. Performance measurements of the PID controller and plug-in RC controller are estimated using error-based performance methods and considerable improvements are observed in attenuating the external disturbance and decreasing the tracking error when the plug-in RC is implemented.
Determining the number of significant figures for reporting NIR results
Authors: Cárdenas Vanessa , Romañach Rodolfo J
Published: March 2018

NIR spectroscopy is widely used in Quality Control laboratories in many industries. These laboratories require procedures to establish the number of significant figures and perform rounding of the results to be reported. This column discusses various approaches for reporting NIR results and the use of short term precision for rounding and reporting results.
Comparative analysis of diagnostic procedures for tumor detection rates in paired data
Authors: Lim Yaeji , Choi Ji Soo , Kim Kiyoun , Park Mira , Kim Seonwoo
Published: March 2018

Diagnostic procedures are mostly used to detect a particular disease, and each procedure indicates the presence or absence of the disease in an individual. Sensitivity and positive predictive value, which are measures of the effectiveness of a diagnostic procedure, are simply calculated as the proportion of the individuals diagnosed with the disease by the test among the patients with the disease, and of the diseased persons among the individuals in whom the disease was detected by the test, respectively. For a diagnosis with such a binary result, sensitivity and the positive predictive value of diagnostic procedures can be compared using the chi-square statistic. However, in the treatment of cancer patients, it is important not only to diagnose the disease status of an individual patient but also to detect the correct location of the cancer. The tumor location may be incorrectly identified in some subjects diagnosed with cancer. It is therefore of interest whether a procedure that diagnoses cancer also correctly indicates the tumor location. In this paper, we re-define the sensitivity and the positive predictive value of tumor detection as the ratio of the number of cases with a correct diagnosis of the tumor location by the test to the number of cases of cancer, and as the ratio of patients with a correct diagnosis of the tumor location to the number of individuals diagnosed with cancer by the test, respectively. We refer to these parameters as ‘semi-sensitivity’ and ‘semi-positive predictive value’. To compare these ratios between diagnostic procedures, test statistics are developed from binary diagnostic results. Simulation studies conducted to evaluate the nominal level and power are presented, and two sets of example data are also analyzed using the new test statistic.
The Disease Burden of Indoor Air Pollution From Solid Fuel Use in China
Authors: Chen Tianqi , Liao Hua
Published: March 2018

Solid fuels, such as coal, straw, and firewood are wildly used for cooking and heating in China, with the negative side effects of indoor air pollution and residential health problems. This article investigates the current and historical trend of China’s disease burden caused by indoor air pollution (IAP) at the provincial level. The Global Burden Disease data set and national/provincial yearbooks are used. The results show the following: (1) In recent years, the burden of disease caused by IAP is decreasing; (2) in all health aspects, eastern coastal regions performed better than inland regions; (3) health risk is extremely severe in Henan, Sichuan, and Guizhou provinces; (4) IAP gives rise to serious diseases, including chronic obstructive respiratory diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. This article discusses the relevant causes and countermeasures.
The Effect of Perceiving a Calling on Pakistani Nurses’ Organizational Commitment, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Job Stress
Authors: Afsar Bilal , Shahjehan Asad , Cheema Sadia , Javed Farheen
Published: March 2018

Introduction. People differ considerably in the way in which they express and experience their nursing careers. The positive effects associated with having a calling may differ substantially based on individuals’ abilities to live out their callings. In a working world where many individuals have little to no choice in their type of employment and thus are unable to live out a calling even if they have one, the current study examined how perceiving a calling and living a calling interacted to predict organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and job stress with career commitment mediating the effect of the interactions on the three outcome variables. The purpose of the study is to investigate the mediating effect of career commitment between the relationships of calling and (a) nurses’ attitudes (organizational commitment), (b) behaviors (organizational citizenship behavior), and (c) subjective experiences regarding work (job stress). Design. Using a descriptive exploratory design, data were collected from 332 registered nurses working in Pakistani hospitals. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results. Living a calling moderated the effect of calling on career commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and job stress, and career commitment fully mediated the effect of calling on organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and job stress. Discussion and Conclusion. Increasing the understanding of calling, living a calling, and career commitment may increase nurses’ organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior and decrease job stress. The study provided evidence to help nursing managers and health policy makers integrate knowledge and skills related to calling into career interventions and help nurses discover their calling.
Mental Health Considerations in Developmental Disabilities: Associated Issues, Impacts, and Solutions
Authors: Holub Ashley , Horne-Moyer Lynn , Abar Beau
Published: March 2018

A large number of individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs) go undiagnosed with mental health disorders as a result of being predominantly identified by their DDs. This biased treatment is referred to as diagnostic overshadowing and can stem from stigma and lack of education. It is often exacerbated by the inability to directly apply diagnostic criteria to this population. Despite the prevalence of these issues, these concerns are amenable to appropriate intervention, thus improving quality of care. Since social workers typically have a higher rate of contact with clients compared to other health care professionals, they may play a vital role in identifying the possible presence of mental health issues that otherwise have been overshadowed. The current practice note seeks to identify issues concerning the underdiagnoses of mental health issues in individuals with DDs, highlight their impact, and provide modifiable solutions.
Family, Identity, and the American Dream: Service Providers’ Perspectives on Families’ Experiences With Foreclosure
Authors: Collins Cyleste C. , Anthony Elizabeth , Taylor Debbie , Rothstein David
Published: March 2018

This article reports the findings from in-depth qualitative interviews with 18 service providers who worked with families facing foreclosure. The interviews’ purpose was to better understand a broad range of families’ experiences and inductive coding focused on quotes that reflected the meaning of those experiences. The analysis extracted three main themes related to foreclosure representing threat: (a) foreclosure threatened children’s education, (b) foreclosure threatened family memories, and (c) foreclosure threatened clients’ sense of self and attaining the American Dream. Providers reported that families fought to keep their homes and hoped to buy again after foreclosure. The findings suggest that social work services could be beneficial in helping families navigate the emotional and financial impact of the foreclosure experience.
Game for Low-Formal Education Farmers to Learn How to Improve Soil Quality
Authors: Pruksakorn Sutheera , Kiratiprayoon Somboon , Uttaranakorn Somkit , Sukreeyapongse Orathai , Dumrongrojwatthana Pongchai
Published: March 2018

Background. Many Thai farmers who live in national parks farmlands lack a formal education. They usually lack of knowledge on soil quality improvement and proper use of fertilizer. They illegally trespass in forest areas because of soil deterioration in their own limited expanses of farmland. Consequently, most of them are arrested, creating individual and family problems.

Aim. This “soil analysis and appropriate fertilizer use game” (SAAFU game) was designed for farmers having low-formal education to realize the soil analysis before planting and improve the appropriate chemical fertilizer usage.

Method.This quasi-experiential research used pre- and post-tests to evaluate the game session processes and learning of the players. The important steps were: 1) analysis of soil in the land box; 2) making decisions to buy fertilizer; 3) calculating, harvesting and selling products. Debriefing was also used to discuss and exchange their knowledge and experiences. Follow up process was also performed.

Results. The pre- and post-test score showed the better understanding of appropriate fertilizer use of the players. Soon after the gaming sessions, players went to their fields and collected 31 soil samples for soil nutrient analysis. Players also disseminated knowledge to their relatives and neighbors. As a result, non-players of Dongbak(22), Wangmon(9) and Chaimongkol(2) collected soil samples for soil nutrient analysis. Moreover, they grouping together to buy quicklime and fertilizers to get cheaper price.

Conclusion. This simple game can be used effectively with farmers having low-formal education. After the game and simulation, most of them realized how important of soil nutrients and soil analysis before planting and were able to teach their relatives and neighbours about soil collecting. This indicated the successful of this game.
Career Decision-Making Processes of Young Adults With First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Boychuk Christa , Lysaght Rosemary , Stuart Heather
Published: March 2018

The first episode of psychosis often emerges during young adulthood, when individuals are pursuing important educational and career goals that can become derailed because of the development of major impairments. Past research has neglected the developmental nature of employment and education decisions that young adults with first-episode psychosis make within the context of their lives. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to advance a model of the career decision-making processes of young adults with first-episode psychosis, and the influences that affect their career decision-making. The career decision-making of young adults with first-episode psychosis emerged as a multistaged, iterative process that unfolded over three phases of illness, and was affected by several internal and environmental influences. These findings suggest the phase of illness and career decision-making stage should be considered in future vocational programming for young adults with first-episode psychosis.
Wake Up! The World Is Out of Balance and If You Do Nothing You Are Part of the Problem: An Interview With Henry Mintzberg
Authors: Azevedo Guilherme , Gates Andrew
Published: March 2018

Henry Mintzberg has made—and continues to make—fundamental contributions to various areas of management research, practice, and education. In this “Meet the Person” conversation, he discloses part of his journey in pursuit of a rebalanced society. He talked to us about the reasons and the process behind the writing of his book Rebalancing Society, in which he argues that a healthy society is one where there is a balance across its public, private, and plural sectors. This conversation with Henry Mintzberg offers perspectives that are inspiring and provocative. Overall, it also reveals his expectations of how the framework provided by the book can help to reframe the relation among different parts of society to bring our planet back into balance.
Accelerate PhenoTestTM BC Kit Versus Conventional Methods for Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Gram-Positive Bloodstream Isolates: Potential Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Sofjan Amelia K. , Casey Benjamin O. , Xu Boxin A. , Amadio Jonathan , Restrepo Alejandro , Alam M. Jahangir , Garey Kevin W.
Published: March 2018

Background: The Accelerate PhenoTestTM BC kit (AXDX) provides rapid organism identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results. Its potential role for antimicrobial stewardship is unknown. Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of AXDX with conventional methods (CMs) and assess AXDX’s potential role for antimicrobial stewardship in patients with Gram-positive bloodstream infections (BSIs). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adults with Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus spp BSIs from July 2014 to January 2016 at a tertiary care medical center. Available isolates were tested on AXDX, and ID and AST results from AXDX were compared with those from CMs (VITEK 2 or ETEST). The following antibiotics were assessed for categorical agreement (CA) and essential agreement (EA) between the methods: ampicillin and daptomycin ( Enterococcus spp only), erythromycin and cefoxitin ( S aureus only), linezolid, and vancomycin. Potential role of AXDX for stewardship was assessed via a retrospective audit by infectious diseases clinicians. Results: We included 231 patients with S aureus (n = 112) or Enterococcus spp (n = 119) BSIs, and 106 unique isolates were available for ID and AST performance analyses. Sensitivity and specificity of AXDX for ID were 98.0% and 99.5%, respectively. CA and EA for the tested antibiotics were >97%. In Monte Carlo simulations, AXDX coupled with stewardship personnel (either 24/7 or Monday to Friday) would have allowed unnecessary therapy to be stopped and active/targeted therapy to be started ≥24 hours sooner in >50% of patients. Conclusions: Compared with CMs, AXDX had similar diagnostic accuracy and can potentially optimize therapy sooner in patients with Gram-positive BSIs.
Policy Reform with Marijuana Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits
Authors: Nkemdirim Okere Arinze
Published: March 2018

With the current legalization of medical marijuana and the possibility of recreational use being permitted in some states, the health care benefits associated with the use of marijuana is questionable. States that are on the path of legalizing marijuana, should recognize that as there are perceived positive benefits, there are also many evidence-based negative health consequences which may result in negative economic and societal consequences. As more data on health outcomes regarding the use of marijuana continue to emerge, policies directed toward legalizing marijuana, whether medical or recreational, should consider protecting the society from both harm and societal cost.
Extending the Construct Network of Trait Disinhibition to the Neuroimaging Domain: Validation of a Bridging Scale for Use in the European IMAGEN Project
Authors: Brislin Sarah J. , Patrick Christopher J. , Flor Herta , Nees Frauke , Heinrich Angela , Drislane Laura E. , Yancey James R. , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Bromberg Uli , Büchel Christian , Quinlan Erin Burke , Desrivières Sylvane , Frouin Vincent , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Conrod Patricia , Stringaris Argyris , Struve Maren , van Noort Betteke , Grimmer Yvonne , Fadai Tahmine , Schumann Gunter , Foell Jens
Published: March 2018

Trait disinhibition, a clinical-liability construct, has well-established correlates in the diagnostic, self-rating, task-behavioral, and brain potential response domains. Recently, studies have begun to test for neuroimaging correlates of this liability factor, but more work of this type using larger data sets is needed to clarify its brain bases. The current study details the development and validation of a scale measure of trait disinhibition composed of questionnaire items available in the IMAGEN project, a large-scale longitudinal study of factors contributing to substance abuse that includes clinical interview, self-report personality, task-behavioral, neuroimaging, and genomic measures. Using a construct-rating and psychometric refinement approach, a scale was developed that evidenced: (a) positive relations with interview-assessed psychopathology in the IMAGEN sample, both concurrently and prospectively and (b) positive associations with scale measures of disinhibition and reported psychopathology, and a robust negative correlation with P3 brain response, in a separate adult sample ( Mage = 19.5). These findings demonstrate that a common scale measure can index this construct from adolescence through to early adulthood, and set the stage for systematic work directed at identifying neural and genetic biomarkers of this key liability construct using existing and future data from the IMAGEN project.
Time domain force identification based on adaptive ℓq regularization
Authors: Li Qiaofeng , Lu Qiuhai
Published: March 2018

Traditional time domain force identification methods require prior knowledge about the force profile to apply the appropriate regularization term. Generally speaking, ℓ1 and ℓ2 regularization are applied for sparse-type and continuous-type forces respectively. However, prior knowledge about the force type may be unavailable in engineering practice. It is then necessary to incorporate the determination of q (as in ℓq regularization) into the identification process. In this paper, we propose two methods to address the problem: the joint and marginal posterior modes of the force history. The identification problem is formulated within the Bayesian framework. The force history, precision parameters, and q are all treated as unknown random parameters, and estimated based on vibration measurements only. The proposed methods are numerically validated on a mass–spring system, an engineering-scale support structure and experimentally validated on a cantilever beam. It is shown that the proposed methods by considering the data-driven determination of q could adapt to the force profile and consistently provide satisfactory results.
Putting Culture on the Map: Media Discourse and the Urban Growth Machine in Koreatown, Los Angeles
Authors: Collins Brady
Published: March 2018

In today’s postindustrial economy, the extent to which cities and neighborhoods can develop and promote their cultural assets has become a key strategy for maintaining competitiveness by attracting tourism, investment, and job and population growth. These cultural modes of urban development fit the logic of the urban growth machine, in that they foster ideologies of place to encourage investment and enhance the profitability of the local economic base. This article examines the often-neglected role of the local newspaper in this process by focusing on how the Los Angeles Times represents one neighborhood—Koreatown, Los Angeles—over an approximately forty-year period. Through critical discourse analysis, this article unpacks four discursive frames used by the local newspaper and analyzes how these frames commodify cultural communities for consumption by the urban elite.
Prolonged voriconazole treatment in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia resulting in a litany of chronic overlapping toxicities
Authors: Rausch Caitlin R , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P
Published: March 2018

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal with activity against a number of yeast and mold species including Candida, Aspergillosis, Fusarium, and Coccidioides. Invasive fungal infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, prolonged treatment courses, and occasionally lifelong suppressive therapy. Voriconazole therapy can result in a number of acute toxicities that clinicians are frequently aware of including hepatotoxicity, visual disturbances, and hallucinations; however, there is limited experience with extended durations of voriconazole therapy. We describe the case of a 62-year-old man who developed Coccidioides meningitis as a result of prolonged neutropenia from treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was initially treated with a number of different antifungal agents including voriconazole, liposomal amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole; however, he developed acute toxicity due to those agents. He was successfully re-challenged with voriconazole, and maintained therapeutic serum concentrations throughout treatment. As a result of prolonged voriconazole exposure of over 14 years, he has suffered a number of toxicities, most significantly including actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and skeletal fluorosis. To our knowledge, this is the longest continuous use of voriconazole therapy currently in the literature.
Management of hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients on rituximab with past hepatitis B exposure: An observational study
Authors: Yeo Denise , Hossain Ihtimam , Lim Soon Thye , Farid Mohamad , Tao Miriam , Quek Richard , Tang Tiffany , Chan Alexandre
Published: March 2018

Background

Currently, a standardized approach to prevent and manage hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients with past hepatitis exposure receiving rituximab in Singapore is lacking. This study is designed to report the current management approach and outcomes associated with hepatitis B reactivation.

Objectives

The primary objective was to report 6-, 12-, 24-month cumulative hepatitis B reactivation-related outcomes. Secondary objectives were to report monitoring frequencies of hepatitis B DNA and liver function tests performed in lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving rituximab, and anti-viral prophylaxis use.

Methodology

This was a single centre, retrospective observational study. Patients with resolved hepatitis B initiated on rituximab from January 2011 to December 2015 were identified and reviewed over a two-year period starting from the date of rituximab initiation. Relevant parameters were obtained from electronic medical records. Hepatitis B reactivation was defined by hepatitis B DNA levels 20 IU/ml (1.30 log/ml) and above. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Seventy-five patients were retrospectively reviewed over a two-year period. Hepatitis B reactivation was defined as hepatitis B DNA levels ≥20 IU/ml (1.30 log/ml). The 24-month cumulative hepatitis B reactivation rate was 4.0%. The median (interquartile range) number of hepatitis B DNA tests performed during treatment, initial six-month follow-up, and subsequent follow-up were 1.0 (0.0–2.6), 1.0 (0.0–2.0), and 1.0 (0.0–3.1), respectively.

Conclusion

Large variations in hepatitis B reactivation monitoring and management strategies were observed. Further studies are required to develop and determine a standardised protocol that could contribute to safer and more cost-effective care for lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B on rituximab.
Trichloroethylene Alters Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg Paradigm in Mice: A Novel Mechanism for Chemically Induced Autoimmunity
Authors: Li Shu-long , Yu Yun , Yang Peng , Wang Hui , Zhang Cheng , Liu Min , Zhang Jia-xiang , Shen Tong , Wu Changhao , Zhu Qi-xing
Published: March 2018

The role of environmental factors in autoimmune diseases has been increasingly recognized. While major advance has been made in understanding biological pathogen-induced autoimmune diseases, chemically triggered autoimmunity is poorly understood. Trichloroethylene (TCE), a common environmental pollutant, has recently been shown to induce autoimmunity. This study explored whether TCE could cause imbalance of T helper (Th) cell subsets which would contribute to the pathogenesis of TCE-induced medicamentosa-like dermatitis. BALB/c mice were treated with TCE via drinking water at doses of 2.5 or 5.0 mg/mL for 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Trichloroethylene exposure caused time- and dose-dependent increase in Th1, Th2, and Th17 and decrease in regulatory cell (Treg) in the spleen at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with greatest changes mainly at 4 weeks. These effects were mirrored by similar changes in the expression of their corresponding cytokines interferon-γ, interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-17A, and IL-10. Mechanistically, these phenotypic changes were accounted for by alterations to their respective master transcription factors T-box expressed in T cells, GATA-binding protein 3, Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor ct (RORct), and forkhead box P3. Of interest, TCE treatment shifted the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg; specifically, TCE increased Th17/Treg. These findings provide the first evidence that TCE exposure significantly changes the Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm and their specific cytokines driven by altered master transcription factors. This may promote autoimmune reactions in the pathogenesis of TCE-induced skin sensitization and associated damage to other tissues.
Age-Related Memory Impairment Associated With Decreased Endogenous Estradiol in the Hippocampus of Female Rats
Authors: Chamniansawat Siriporn , Sawatdiyaphanon Chattraporn
Published: March 2018

It is widely known that not only the gonadal estradiol (E2) but also hippocampal E2 plays an essential role in memory process. However, the role of hippocampal E2-enhanced memory mechanism during aging is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of age on E2 concentration, the expression level of its receptors, and key steroidogenic enzymes in hippocampus. We also investigated the effect of microglia activation on E2 synthesis in hippocampal neurons. The results showed that serum E2 was higher in 19-month-old (aged) rats, which exhibited spatial memory decline in the Morris water maze (MWM) test when compared to the younger rats. Hence, serum E2 may not be associated with the reduced spatial memory performance in aging. In contrast, the level of E2 and the expressions of its receptors were significantly decreased in hippocampus of aged female rat compared to younger females. Furthermore, the expressions of key hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450 (P450) also significantly decreased with age, which resulted in lower hippocampal E2 levels. In addition, we found that the microglia of aged brain highly expressed interleukin 6 (IL-6), which directly inhibited E2 synthesis in hippocampal neurons via suppression of P450 synthesis. Taken together, we summarized that the microglia-derived IL-6 inhibited hippocampal E2 synthesis in aged rats which, in turn, contributed to the deficit of spatial memory performance.
Negotiating Masculinity in a Women’s Space: Findings from a Qualitative Study of Male Partners Accompanying Women at the Time of Abortion
Authors: Newton Sara L. , Hebert Luciana E. , Nguyen Brian T. , Gilliam Melissa L.
Published: March 2018

Although women are the focal point of abortion care, a woman’s male partner may accompany her to the abortion appointment. Using Connell’s “hierarchy of masculinities” framework, this study examines how male partners negotiate their identity and role in an unfamiliar setting while their female partners undergo an abortion. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews with male partners of women obtaining abortions at a community-based and a university-based abortion clinic were conducted. The interviews reflected the tension male partners felt while attempting to maintain characteristics of hegemonic masculinity (e.g., dominance, stoicism, ambition, and fatherhood) in an environment where their female partner’s needs were prioritized. Some male partners expressed distress about their inexperience with the process and procedure as well as their inability to participate or better care for their partners. Others negotiated alternative definitions of masculinity, emphasizing a duty and/or desire to provide support during his female partner’s pregnancy decision-making and abortion experience.
Social Media and Its Role in Friendship-driven Interactions among Young People: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Décieux Jean Philippe , Heinen Andreas , Willems Helmut
Published: March 2018

This article examines trends and developments in social interactions of young people and the role of social media in Luxembourg using a mixed method approach, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data. Our findings corroborate that social interactions via social media play a growing role in leisure time of young people and have changed the traditional patterns of friendship-driven social interactions among peers. We argue that although offline interactions remain very important for young people, they have been complemented and partially replaced by interactions via social media. Modes of young people’s social media interactions can be characterized as mixed modalities.
Steroid-induced ocular hypertension in the pediatric age group
Authors: Al Hanaineh Abeer T , Hassanein Dina H , Abdelbaky Sameh H , El Zawahry Omar M
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

Comparing the effects of topical Rimexolone versus Dexamethasone and Rimexolone versus Fluorometholone on the intraocular pressure in children <13 years.

Methods:

A total of 40 patients (80 eyes) undergoing bilateral recession strabismus surgery were divided into two groups. Group A included 20 children (40 eyes); for each, one eye was randomized to receive 1% Rimexolone and the fellow eye received 0.1% Dexamethasone. Group B included 20 children (40 eyes); for each, one eye was randomized to receive 1% Rimexolone and the fellow eye received 0.1% Fluorometholone. Patients received eye drops for two consecutive weeks. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure values for weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 were measured. The ocular-hypertensive response of all patients was categorized as either high, intermediate or low (Armaly–Becker Classification).

Results:

After a 2-week treatment for both groups, peak and maximal intraocular pressure changes were reached. Changes were significantly higher in the Dexamethasone-treated eyes than in the Rimexolone- and Fluorometholone-treated eyes, which had a comparable change. (Week 2 intraocular pressure Group A: 14.15 ± 3.23 mmHg vs 17.95 ± 4.27 mmHg; Group B: 15.1 ± 2.27 mmHg vs 15.2 ± 2.73 mmHg). In both groups, the increase was statistically significant compared to the baseline intraocular pressure (preoperative intraocular pressure Group A: 13.2 ± 3.53 mmHg vs 13.1 ± 3.43 mmHg; Group B: 12.55 ± 2.98 mmHg vs 12.15 ± 3.31 mmHg). Intraocular pressure returned to near preoperative values over the following four consecutive weeks (Week 6 intraocular pressure Group A: 12.25 ± 2.67 mmHg vs 12.55 ± 2.95 mmHg; Group B: 12.15 ± 2.8 mmHg vs 12.00 ± 2.75 mmHg). None of the patients were high responders.

Conclusion:

Dexamethasone caused a higher elevation in intraocular pressure than Rimexolone and Fluorometholone in children. The ocular-hypertensive response was transient after the 2-week course.
Targeting Histone Demethylase LSD1/KDM1a in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Ambrosio Susanna , Majello Barbara
Published: March 2018

The autophagy-lysosome pathway sustains cellular homeostasis and is a protective mechanism against neurodegenerative diseases. Recent findings highlight the role of the histone demethylases LSD1/LDM1A as a pivotal regulator of autophagy process, by controlling the mTORC1 cascade, in neuroblastoma cells. LSD1 binds to the promoter region of the SESN2 gene, where LSD1-mediated demethylation leads to the accumulation of repressive histone marks that maintain SESN2 expression at low levels. LSD1 depletion results in enhanced SESN2 expression and consequently mTORC1 inhibition, thereby triggering the induction of autophagy. Our study provides important insight into neuroepigenetic mechanisms regulating the autophagic process, offering additional opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in diseases associated with dysfunctional autophagy-lysosomal pathway.
Motivations of experienced leisure travellers: A means-end chain study on the Chinese outbound market
Authors: Jiang Shan , Scott Noel , Ding Peiyi
Published: March 2018

This study examines Chinese outbound leisure travel motivation using a two-stage means-end chain (MEC) approach. In-depth interviews ( n = 60) using a soft-laddering method followed by a hard-laddering survey ( n = 600) with experienced Chinese outbound leisure travellers allowed culturally specific motivations for travel to be identified, based on 48 items at attribute, consequence and value levels. Six dominant MECs were identified. These findings provide a non-Western structure to the subtleties and salient dimensions of traveller motivation.
Young Adults’ Understanding of Fidelity: Social Structure and Relationship-Level Barriers to Fidelity Described During In-depth Interviews in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Klein Hattori Megan
Published: March 2018

The recent focus on fidelity – or its opposite, concurrency – is driven by interest in mathematical models showing that the HIV epidemic could be halted through decreases in exposure during the acute phase in early infection. Exposure during this period is more common when a greater percent of the population maintains multiple sexual relationships. However, given this quantitative focus on fidelity, little is known about how young adults understand fidelity and what they perceive to be the barriers to fidelity. Data from in-depth interviews with 48 participants aged 15–24 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, show that participants hold fidelity as the ideal in relationships, yet many struggled achieving this ideal. Young adults often discussed mutual expectations of fidelity with partners. However, constructions of masculinity that emphasize men’s sexuality were the main reason participants felt young men struggled with fidelity. Young women’s structural disadvantages, needs, and desires were described as barriers to their fidelity. Both sexes struggled with fidelity when their emotional and sexual needs were not met. Fidelity as a method of AIDS prevention permeates discussions between couples, yet young adults identify social and structural factors as key barriers to individuals’ execution of fidelity for HIV prevention.
Do partisanship and politicization undermine the impact of a scientific consensus message about climate change?
Authors: Bolsen Toby , Druckman James N.
Published: March 2018

Scientists are in near-universal agreement that human activity is a primary cause of climate change. Yet, despite this scientific consensus, the American public remains divided when it comes to beliefs about human-induced climate change. We investigate the role of partisan group identity and the politicization of science in undermining the impact of a scientific consensus message about human-induced climate change. We do so with a survey experiment administered on a nationally representative sample, finding that partisan identity—and especially politicization—can stunt the effect of a scientific consensus statement about climate change. We conclude with a discussion about how scientists, as a group, might work with partisans to more effectively communicate scientific information.
The intergroup foundations of climate change justice
Authors: Swim Janet K. , Bloodhart Brittany
Published: March 2018

Climate change is a global problem that is caused by humans and must be solved by humans, and while differences exist, many theories and research on prejudice and discrimination have direct connections to the psychological processes involved in climate change. Climate change is not only a geophysical issue, but an intergroup issue with justice implications. It impacts people who are most vulnerable to environmental degradation as well as social injustices. Arguably it not only violates human rights but also the rights of animals and nature. Thus, the study of group processes and intergroup relations is critical to understanding the myriad of barriers to addressing this large-scale problem. We explore influences on cognitive steps in perceiving climate change as a justice issue, using social psychology to understand minimization of harms and responsibilities for addressing climate change, and draw from the prejudice and discrimination literature to find ways of moving forward.