bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Frailty in Administrative Claims Data: Comparative Performance of Four Claims-Based Frailty Measures in the U.S. Medicare Data
Authors: Kim Dae Hyun , Patorno Elisabetta , Pawar Ajinkya , Lee Hemin , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Glynn Robert J
Published: October 2019

Background

There has been increasing effort to measure frailty in the U.S. Medicare data. The performance of claims-based frailty measures has not been compared.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 3,097 community-dwelling fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries (mean age 75.6 years) who participated in the 2008 Health and Retirement Study examination. Four claims-based frailty measures developed by Davidoff, Faurot, Segal, and Kim were compared against frailty phenotype, a deficit-accumulation frailty index (FI), and activities of daily living (ADL) dependence using Spearman correlation coefficients and C-statistics.

Results

Claims-based frailty measures were positively associated with frailty phenotype (prevalence in ≤10th vs >90th percentile: 8.0% vs 41.3% for Davidoff; 5.9% vs 53.1% for Faurot; 3.3% vs 48.0% for Segal; 2.9% vs 51.0% for Kim) and FI (mean in ≤10th vs >90th percentile: 0.17 vs 0.33 for Davidoff; 0.13 vs 0.37 for Faurot; 0.12 vs 0.31 for Segal; 0.10 vs 0.37 for Kim). The age and sex-adjusted C-statistics for frailty phenotype for Davidoff, Faurot, Segal, and Kim indices were 0.73, 0.74, 0.73, and 0.78, respectively, and partial correlation coefficients with FI were 0.18, 0.32, 0.26, and 0.55, respectively. The results for ADL dependence were similar (prevalence in ≤10th vs >90th percentile: 3.7% vs 50.5% for Davidoff; 2.3% vs 55.0% for Faurot; 3.0% vs 38.3% for Segal; 2.3% vs 50.8% for Kim). The age and sex-adjusted C-statistics for the indices were 0.79, 0.80, 0.74, and 0.81, respectively.

Conclusions

The choice of a claims-based frailty measure can influence the identification of older adults with frailty and disability in Medicare data.
Unfinished Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities: An Integrative Review
Authors: Ludlow Kristiana , Churruca Kate , Mumford Virginia , Ellis Louise A , Testa Luke , Long Janet C , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

When workload demands are greater than available time and resources, staff members must prioritize care by degree of importance and urgency. Care tasks assigned a lower priority may be missed, rationed, or delayed; collectively referred to as “unfinished care.” Residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are susceptible to unfinished care due to consumers’ complex needs, workforce composition, and constraints placed on resource availability. The objectives of this integrative review were to investigate the current state of knowledge of unfinished care in RACFs and to identify knowledge gaps.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a search of academic databases and included English-language, peer-reviewed, empirical journal articles that discussed unfinished care in RACFs. Data were synthesized using mind mapping techniques and frequency counts, resulting in two categorization frameworks.

Results

We identified 17 core studies and 27 informing studies (n = 44). Across core studies, 32 types of unfinished care were organized under five categories: personal care, mobility, person-centeredness, medical and health care, and general care processes. We classified 50 factors associated with unfinished care under seven categories: staff member characteristics, staff member well-being, resident characteristics, interactions, resources, the work environment, and delivery of care activities.

Discussion and Implications

This review signifies that unfinished care in RACFs is a diverse concept in terms of types of unfinished care, associated factors, and terminology. Our findings suggest that policymakers and providers could reduce unfinished care by focusing on modifiable factors such as staffing levels. Four key knowledge gaps were identified to direct future research.
A Comprehensive Overview of Activities of Daily Living in Existing Frailty Instruments: A Systematic Literature Search
Authors: Costenoble Axelle , Knoop Veerle , Vermeiren Sofie , Vella Roberta Azzopardi , Debain Aziz , Rossi Gina , Bautmans Ivan , Verté Dominique , Gorus Ellen , De Vriendt Patricia
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

The relationship between frailty and disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) can be seen in different ways, with disability being—to varying degrees—a characteristic, negative outcome, or predictor of frailty. This conflation of definitions is partly a result of the different frailty tools used in research. Aiming to provide a comprehensive overview, this systematic literature search analyzed (i) if, (ii) to what extent, and (iii) how ADLs are evaluated by frailty instruments.

Research Design and Methods

A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and PsycINFO to identify all frailty instruments, followed by categorization of the ADL items into basic (b-), instrumental (i-), and advanced (a-) ADLs.

Results

In total, 192 articles described 217 frailty instruments, from which 52.1% contained ADL items: 45.2% b-ADLs, 35.0% i-ADLs, and 10.1% a-ADLs. The most commonly included ADL items were bathing (b-ADLs); using transportation (i-ADLs); and semiprofessional work engagement in organized social life or leisure activities (a-ADLs). These instruments all had a multidomain origin (χ 2 = 122.4, p < .001).

Discussion and Implications

Because 52.1% of all instruments included ADL items, the concepts of frailty and disability appear to be highly entangled. This might lead to circular reasoning, serious concerns regarding contamination, and invalid research results.
‘Our village is dependent on us. That’s why we can’t leave our work’. Characterizing mechanisms of motivation to perform among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in Bihar
Authors: Wahid Syed S , Munar Wolfgang , Das Sharmila , Gupta Mahima , Darmstadt Gary L
Published: October 2019

Community health workers (CHWs) play major roles in delivering primary healthcare services, linking communities to the formal health system and addressing the social determinants of health. Available evidence suggests that the performance of CHW programmes in low- and middle-income countries can be influenced by context-dependent causal mechanisms such as motivation to perform. There are gaps regarding what these mechanisms are, and what their contribution is to CHW performance. We used a theory-driven case study to characterize motivational mechanisms among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Bihar, India. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with CHWs and focus group discussions with beneficiary women. Data were coded using a combined deductive and inductive approach. We found that ASHAs were motivated by a sense of autonomy and self-empowerment; a sense of competence, connection and community service; satisfaction of basic financial needs; social recognition; and feedback and answerability. Findings highlight the potential of ASHAs’ intrinsic motivation to increase their commitment to communities and identification with the health system and of programme implementation and management challenges as sources of work dissatisfaction. Efforts to nurture and sustain ASHAs’ intrinsic motivation while addressing these challenges are necessary for improving the performance of Bihar’s ASHA programme. Further research is needed to characterize the dynamic interactions between ASHAs’ motivation, commitment, job satisfaction and overall performance; also, to understand how work motivation is sustained or lost through time. This can inform policy and managerial reforms to improve ASHA programme’s performance.
1. Introduction
Authors: Clark Tom , Foster Liam , Bryman Alan
Published: October 2019

This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the definition of a dissertation. It then sets out the ways in which the present volume can help students with their dissertation, i.e. how to move from a focus on the theory of research methods to the process of actually undertaking research. Throughout, the book provides a number of features that help students to deal with the challenges of writing a dissertation, and suggests how they might overcome them. These features draw directly on the experiences of students who have undertaken a dissertation, and the expertise of dissertation supervisors from different disciplines. The chapter then goes on to explain how this book is organized followed by an overview of the subsequent chapters.
3. Getting Started
Authors: Clark Tom , Foster Liam , Bryman Alan
Published: October 2019

This chapter examines the more practical foundations on which all research projects are built and guides students through the realities of planning and managing their dissertation. It examines how to negotiate the workload of the research process, how to cope with unexpected problems, and how to best use the supervisor for support throughout this process. If students start their dissertation with a clear plan, and have an agreement about their working relationship with their supervisor, this will limit the problems they might encounter further down the line and give them the best chance to fulfil their potential. Steps to be taken when planning a dissertation including identifying the topic area and a potential title; making sure that the research aims are achievable; thinking about the kind of theoretical approach and methods to employ; and becoming familiar with dissertation guidelines and requirements, including the format that the dissertation should take.
8. Ethics
Authors: Clark Tom , Foster Liam , Bryman Alan
Published: October 2019

Ethics play a vital part of the research process. They provide a set of value-based principles that enable research to be conducted in an appropriate manner. Research ethics help ensure that the relationships built during the process of conducting social research are respectful and constructive, and that the student’s project does not endanger either the student or those he or she comes into contact with. This chapter provides an introduction to the practice of ethics in social research. It provides an outline of basic ethical practice, before discussing the nature and purpose of ethical review boards. It demonstrates how ethical rules of thumb are often more complicated when encountering them ‘in the field’. Finally, it explores how ethics also informs the process of writing up research.
12. Collecting Qualitative Data
Authors: Clark Tom , Foster Liam , Bryman Alan
Published: October 2019

This chapter deals with qualitative data. While everyone is familiar with the idea of interviewing and observing, actually collecting qualitative data is not as easy as it might first appear to be. In fact, when doing qualitative work, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information collected. However, with some purposeful planning, piloting, and practice, the student can avoid some of the pitfalls associated with qualitative data collection. Focusing on qualitative interviews and participant observation, the chapter introduces some of the common issues that arise when gathering qualitative data and offers useful advice concerning the planning and practice of collecting data ‘in the field’.
Protective effects of BACE1 inhibitory ligand molecules against amyloid beta-induced synaptic and mitochondrial toxicities in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Pradeepkiran Jangampalli Adi , Reddy Arubala P , Yin Xiangling , Manczak Maria , Reddy P Hemachandra
Published: October 2019

Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are the major drivers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, and are formed by successive cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the beta and gamma secretases. Mounting evidence suggests that Aβ and mitochondrial structural and functional abnormalities are critically involved in the loss of synapses and cognitive decline, in patients with AD. In AD brain, state the sequential proteolytic cleavage of APP by beta secretase 1 enzyme (BACE1) and γ-secretase leads to the production and release of Aβ40 and 42. BACE1 expression and activity increased in the brains of AD patients. Structurally, β-secretase has a very large binding site (1000 Å) with fewer hydrophobic domains that makes a challenge to identify the specific targets/binding sites of BACE1. In the present study, we constructed a BACE1 pharmacophore with pepstatin and screened through molecular docking studies. We found one potential candidate (referred as ligand 1) that binds to the key catalytic residues of BACE1 and predicts to inhibit abnormal APP processing and reduce Aβ levels in AD neurons. Using biochemical, molecular, transmission electron microscopy, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses, we studied the protective effects of ligand 1 against Aβ-induced synaptic and mitochondrial toxicities in mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells that express mutant APP. We found interaction between ligand 1 and BACE1 and this interaction decreased BACE1 activity, Aβ40 and 42 levels. We also found increased mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial fusion and synaptic activity and reduced mitochondrial fission in ligand 1-treated mutant APP cells. Based on these results, we cautiously conclude that ligand 1 reduces Aβ-induced mitochondrial and synaptic toxicities, and maintains mitochondrial dynamics and neuronal function in AD.
Nr2f1 heterozygous knockout mice recapitulate neurological phenotypes of Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome and show impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity
Authors: Chen Chun-An , Wang Wei , Pedersen Steen E , Raman Ayush , Seymour Michelle L , Ruiz Fernanda R , Xia Anping , van der Heijden Meike E , Wang Li , Yin Jiani , Lopez Joanna , Rech Megan E , Lewis Richard A , Wu Samuel M , Liu Zhandong , Pereira Fred A , Pautler Robia G , Zoghbi Huda Y , Schaaf Christian P
Published: October 2019

Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) has been identified as an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by a complex neurological phenotype, with high prevalence of intellectual disability and optic nerve atrophy/hypoplasia. The syndrome is caused by loss-of-function mutations in NR2F1, which encodes a highly conserved nuclear receptor that serves as a transcriptional regulator. Previous investigations to understand the protein’s role in neurodevelopment have mostly used mouse models with constitutive and tissue-specific homozygous knockout of Nr2f1. In order to represent the human disease more accurately, which is caused by heterozygous NR2F1 mutations, we investigated a heterozygous knockout mouse model and found that this model recapitulates some of the neurological phenotypes of BBSOAS, including altered learning/memory, hearing defects, neonatal hypotonia and decreased hippocampal volume. The mice showed altered fear memory, and further electrophysiological investigation in hippocampal slices revealed significantly reduced long-term potentiation and long-term depression. These results suggest that a deficit or alteration in hippocampal synaptic plasticity may contribute to the intellectual disability frequently seen in BBSOAS. RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed significant differential gene expression in the adult Nr2f1+/− hippocampus, including the up-regulation of multiple matrix metalloproteases, which are known to be critical for the development and the plasticity of the nervous system. Taken together, our studies highlight the important role of Nr2f1 in neurodevelopment. The discovery of impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the heterozygous mouse model sheds light on the pathophysiology of altered memory and cognitive function in BBSOAS.
Poor ventilatory efficiency during exercise may predict prolonged air leak after pulmonary lobectomy
Authors: Brat Kristian , Chobola Milos , Homolka Pavel , Heroutova Michaela , Benej Michal , Mitas Ladislav , Olson Lyle J , Cundrle Ivan
Published: October 2019

Poor ventilatory efficiency, defined as the increase in minute ventilation relative to carbon dioxide production during exercise (VE/VCO2 slope), may be associated with dynamic hyperinflation and thereby promote the development of prolonged air leak (PAL) after lung resection. Consecutive lung lobectomy candidates (n = 96) were recruited for this prospective two-centre study. All subjects underwent pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to surgery. PAL was defined as the presence of air leaks from the chest tube on the 5th postoperative day and developed in 28 (29%) subjects. Subjects with PAL were not different in terms of age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, type of surgery (thoracotomy/video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) and site of surgery (right/left lung; upper/lower lobes). Subjects with PAL had more frequent pleural adhesions (50% vs 21%; P = 0.006) and steeper VE/VCO2 slope (35 ± 7 vs 30 ± 5; P = 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression showed that only the presence of pleural adhesions [odds ratio (OR) 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–10.9; P = 0.008] and VE/VCO2 slope (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2; P = 0.003) were independently associated with PAL (AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.86). We conclude that a high VE/VCO2 slope during exercise may be helpful in identifying patients at greater risk for the development of PAL after lung lobectomy.

Clinical trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03498352.
Does concurrent use of intra-aortic balloon pumps improve survival in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?
Authors: Wang DaoBo , Chao Victor , Yap Kok Hooi , Tan Teing Ee
Published: October 2019

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Does concurrent use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) improve survival in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)?’. Altogether 472 papers were found using the reported search, of which 3 level 2 systematic reviews represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The reported comparative outcomes were mortality, weaning off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), vascular complications and non-vascular complications. One systematic review demonstrated significantly lower in-hospital mortality with concurrent use of IABP and VA-ECMO, while the other 2 studies showed no difference in mortality. One paper reported on the weaning success from ECMO and demonstrated significantly higher weaning success with concurrent IABP usage. Another paper reported on the complications and showed no differences in vascular and non-vascular complications. We conclude that there was no significant improvement in survival with the concurrent use of IABP and VA-ECMO for a cardiogenic shock as compared to the use of VA-ECMO alone. However, the concurrent use of IABP with VA-ECMO improved weaning success from VA-ECMO. The incidence of vascular and non-vascular complications was similar with or without IABP usage.
Treatment of words for illness and disability in monolingual English dictionaries
Authors: Norri Juhani
Published: October 2019

The article examines the treatment of twenty-five words for illness and disability in twenty monolingual English dictionaries. The selection of works examined includes learners’, collegiate, and general-purpose dictionaries, both British and American. The analysis focusses on the indications of offensiveness, if any, that lexicographers have included in the entries. The lexemes studied have fallen out of favour in recent decades (e.g. handicapped, midget, retard, retarded, spastic) or do not follow the principles of person-first language, in particular the recommendation that patients should not be named after their conditions (e.g. infirm, lunatic, paralytic, syphilitic as nouns). The treatment of individual terms varies quite considerably from one volume to another. Some dictionaries have clearly adopted a policy of warning readers against almost any word referring to a person with a health issue. Others are more selective in their assignment of labels and usage notes. Discussions about person-first language have clearly influenced many of the dictionaries examined.
Childhood in the digital age: a socio-cultural and legal analysis of the UK’s proposed virtual legal duty of care
Authors: Nyamutata Conrad
Published: October 2019

In 2019, the UK government issued an ambitious White Paper as a precursor to the regulation of ‘online harms’. This article adopts a socio-cultural and legal approach to analysing the proposed law in the context of children. How childhood is conceptualized influences public policy and legal interventions, including on the digital space. This remains a contested terrain with different conclusion on the effects of the cyberspace. The biggest challenge with legal interventions on the digital realm is the need to achieve a balance between protection and participation rights of children. The dominant conception of childhood as a period of vulnerability has meant ‘protection’ often overrides participation rights. However, such focus is the subject of challenge, with some suggesting that regulation is the product of moral panic. A further strand is the potential of disproportionate punitive measures against Internet companies against the backdrop of human rights obligations. The UK proposition is discussed within this socio-cultural and legal contexts with the objective of highlighting challenges and legal pitfalls. This article argues that Internet governance ought to give serious consideration to the new sociology of childhood.
Intrinsic and Dual Volume Deviations of Convex Bodies and Polytopes
Authors: Besau Florian , Hoehner Steven , Kur Gil
Published: October 2019

We establish estimates for the asymptotic best approximation of the Euclidean unit ball by polytopes under a notion of distance induced by the intrinsic volumes. We also introduce a notion of distance between convex bodies that is induced by the Wills functional and apply it to derive asymptotically sharp bounds for approximating the ball in high dimensions. Remarkably, it turns out that there is a polytope that is almost optimal with respect to all intrinsic volumes simultaneously, up to absolute constants.

Finally, we establish asymptotic formulas for the best approximation of smooth convex bodies by polytopes with respect to a distance induced by dual volumes, which originate from Lutwak’s dual Brunn–Minkowski theory.
Rank, Coclass, and Cohomology
Authors: Symonds Peter
Published: October 2019

We prove that for any prime $p$ the finite $p$-groups of fixed coclass have only finitely many different mod-$p$ cohomology rings between them. This was conjectured by Carlson; we prove it by first proving a stronger version for groups of fixed rank.
On Intermediate Subalgebras of C*-simple Group Actions
Authors: Amrutam Tattwamasi
Published: October 2019

We show that for a large class of actions $\Gamma \curvearrowright \mathcal{A}$ of $C^*$-simple groups $\Gamma $ on unital $C^*$-algebras $\mathcal{A}$, including any non-faithful action of a hyperbolic group with trivial amenable radical, every intermediate $C^*$-subalgebra $\mathcal{B}$, $C_{\lambda }^*(\Gamma )\subseteq \mathcal{B} \subseteq \mathcal{A}\rtimes _{r}\Gamma $, is of the form $\mathcal{A}_1\rtimes _{r}\Gamma $, where $\mathcal{A}_1$ is a unital $\Gamma $-$C^*$-subalgebra of $\mathcal{A}$.
Matrix metalloproteinases cleave membrane-bound PD-L1 on CD90+ (myo-)fibroblasts in Crohn’s disease and regulate Th1/Th17 cell responses
Authors: Aguirre Jose E , Beswick Ellen J , Grim Carl , Uribe Gabriela , Tafoya Marissa , Chacon Palma Gabriela , Samedi Von , McKee Rohini , Villeger Romain , Fofanov Yuriy , Cong Yingzi , Yochum Gregory , Koltun Walter , Powell Don , Pinchuk Irina V
Published: October 2019

Increased T helper (Th)1/Th17 immune responses are a hallmark of Crohn’s disease (CD) immunopathogenesis. CD90+ (myo-)fibroblasts (MFs) are abundant cells in the normal (N) intestinal mucosa contributing to mucosal tolerance via suppression of Th1 cell activity through cell surface membrane-bound PD-L1 (mPD-L1). CD-MFs have a decreased level of mPD-L1. Consequently, mPD-L1-mediated suppression of Th1 cells by CD-MFs is decreased, yet the mechanism responsible for the reduction in mPDL-1 is unknown. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported in CD. Herein we observed that when compared to N- and ulcerative colitis (UC)-MFs, CD-MFs increase in LPS-inducible levels of MMP-7 and -9 with a significant increase in both basal and inducible MMP-10. A similar pattern of MMP expression was observed in the CD-inflamed mucosa. Treatment of N-MFs with a combination of recombinant human MMP-7, -9 and -10 significantly decreased mPD-L1. In contrast, inhibition of MMP activity with MMP inhibitors or anti-MMP-10 neutralizing antibodies restores mPD-L1 on CD-MFs. CD-MFs demonstrated reduced capacity to suppress Th1 and Th17 responses from activated CD4+ T cells. By contrast, supplementation of the CD-MF:T-cell co-cultures with MMP inhibitors or anti-MMP neutralizing antibodies restored the CD-MF-mediated suppression. Our data suggest that (i) increased MMP-10 expression by CD-MFs and concomitant cleavage of PD-L1 from the surface of CD-MFs are likely to be one of the factors contributing to the decrease of mPD-L1-mediated suppression of Th1/Th17 cells in CD; and (ii) MMPs are likely to have a significant role in the intestinal mucosal immune responses.
Gentamicin, azithromycin and ceftriaxone in the treatment of gonorrhoea: the relationship between antibiotic MIC and clinical outcome
Authors: Cole Michelle J , Tan Wei , Fifer Helen , Brittain Clare , Duley Lelia , Hepburn Trish , Lawrence Tessa , Montgomery Alan A , Sprange Kirsty , Thandi Sukhwinder , Churchward Colin , Tripodo Francesco , Woodford Neil , Ross Jonathan D C
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between MIC and clinical outcome in a randomized controlled trial that compared gentamicin 240 mg plus azithromycin 1 g with ceftriaxone 500 mg plus azithromycin 1 g. MIC analysis was performed on Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from all participants who were culture positive before they received treatment.

Methods

Viable gonococcal cultures were available from 279 participants, of whom 145 received ceftriaxone/azithromycin and 134 received gentamicin/azithromycin. Four participants (6 isolates) and 14 participants (17 isolates) did not clear infection in the ceftriaxone/azithromycin and gentamicin/azithromycin arms, respectively. MICs were determined by Etest on GC agar base with 1% Vitox. The geometric mean MICs of azithromycin, ceftriaxone and gentamicin were compared using logistic and linear regression according to treatment received and N. gonorrhoeae clearance.

Results

As the azithromycin MIC increased, gentamicin/azithromycin treatment was less effective than ceftriaxone/azithromycin at clearing N. gonorrhoeae. There was a higher geometric mean MIC of azithromycin for isolates from participants who had received gentamicin/azithromycin and did not clear infection compared with those who did clear infection [ratio 1.95 (95% CI 1.28–2.97)], but the use of categorical MIC breakpoints did not accurately predict the treatment response. The geometric mean MIC of azithromycin was higher in isolates from the pharynx compared with genital isolates.

Conclusions

We found that categorical resistance to azithromycin or ceftriaxone in vitro, and higher gentamicin MICs in the absence of breakpoints, were poorly predictive of treatment failure.
Abductive reasoning: let’s Find Out some models
Authors: Żyluk Natalia , Urbański Mariusz , Żelechowska Dorota
Published: October 2019

We present preliminary results on modelling structure of solutions to a task involving abductive reasoning. Research data were gathered using our new tool—Find Out, which has been designed in order to account empirically for abduction relatively close to everyday reasoning processes, with the necessary level of procedure standardization. The tool enables to capture abduction as a compound form of reasoning, from both product and process perspective. Find Out is set up as a game that requires playing the role of an investigator seeking an explanation of what has happened in the presented enigmatic situation. The task consists of three time-limited stages that require different reasoning activities (forming and evaluating of hypotheses, devising final explanations). In the paper, we present quantitative models of structures of solutions to the task proposed by the subjects in the form of situational graphs. We present also some ideas concerning qualitative characteristics of these solutions.
Why and How Does Participatory Governance Affect Policy Outcomes? Theory and Evidence from the Electric Sector
Authors: Baldwin Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

In many policy arenas, decision makers have supplemented or even replaced traditional forms of bureaucratic decision making with more participatory approaches to governance. While theory suggests that participatory governance can have an instrumental effect on policy outcomes, there have been few efforts to systematically test these theories across multiple jurisdictions. This study asks whether and how participatory governance in electric sector regulation affects utilities’ energy savings. Using a mixed-methods research design, this study develops hypotheses drawn from participatory governance theory, analyzes regulatory documents to operationalize a set of participatory governance variables, and uses a multilevel fixed effects model to test whether these participatory governance variables have an effect on electricity consumption by customers of 250 utilities across 42 states between 2000 and 2015. Model results show that deliberation among stakeholders has a significant decrease in electricity use by consumers, but that this effect must be realized over time as stakeholders gain experience with the deliberative process. To explore why deliberation produces this effect, the study presents qualitative evidence from Connecticut and Maryland, two states that have used participatory governance to regulate utilities’ energy efficiency plans. Results suggest that information exchange among participants has a direct effect on utilities’ energy efficiency plans. Participatory governance also contributes to a network of engaged stakeholders who can help hold utilities accountable for achieving their savings goals.
Familial sliding hiatus hernia in four siblings with uncommon features: a case series report
Authors: Kakaje Ameer , Al Khoury Firas , Alfarroukh Ammar , Khouri Lina
Published: October 2019

This case report shows a very rare case series of one family with four children who had severe congenital sliding hiatus hernia (HH) with uncommon presentations, and they had one parent with sliding hernia and the other with reflux symptoms. It is rarely described in the literature a direct link to a familial type that might refer to a common genetic factor. Hiatus hernia is protrusion of abdominal viscera through the oesophagus opening in the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity with sliding hernia being the most common. It can be either asymptomatic or accompanied by a variety of symptoms. We present a case series of one family in which four siblings had congenital sliding diaphragmatic hernia with atypical symptoms and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is a rare case that suggests a common factor that can cause such a common disease. All four had uncommon presentations which all required surgical repair. Few cases reported on the medical literature, and they were discussed and compared with our case. However, we need further studies in families that might have this phenomenon.
Trade in Runaway Peasants and “The Chichikov Phenomenon” in Eighteenth-Century Russia
Authors: Gornostaev Andrey V
Published: October 2019

This article examines the trade in fugitive serfs in eighteenth-century Russia. This trade emerged from two interrelated phenomena—the sale of individual serfs and peasant flight—and was practiced by nobles, merchants, factory owners, and government officials. The acquisition of absent peasants, although seemingly absurd, represented a risky investment from which the new owners could profit upon discovery and reclamation of the fugitives. According to several eighteenth-century decrees, individuals found guilty of accepting fugitives were required to pay monetary compensation to the peasants’ legal owners for each year of harboring. In some instances, the sum of compensation reached staggering amounts of several thousand rubles. Exploiting this legal opportunity, eighteenth-century nobles or “Chichikovs”—named after the protagonist of Nikolai Gogol’s novel Dead Souls—purchased serfs on the run for the specific purpose of making a significant profit by collecting compensation. This article argues that the trade in runaways and “Chichikov schemes” reveals a yet unexplored dimension of Russian serfdom and its influence, both beneficial and ruinous, on the interactions between nobles, and between nobles and other members of imperial society. The article additionally advances the understanding of serfdom as a social framework based on practices and customs rather than on legislation alone.
The Verb *√L(-)Đ ‘To Remove’ in Early Aramaic Curses and the Evolution of Aramaic Interdental Orthography and Phonology
Authors: Richey Madadh
Published: October 2019

Several verbal morphologies including the core orthography {ld} are attested in ninth- and eighth-century bce Aramaic texts from Sefire and Tell Fekheriyeh. From their similar contexts, all can be demon-strated to have the semantics ‘to remove’, but scholars are divided as to the root source and precise phonology of these verbs. The present paper demonstrates that these {ld} verbs belong to a cognate set descendant from proto-Semitic . The representation of the reflex of the interdental by {d} is a precocious development only attested broadly in later Aramaic, but its surfacing here can be ration-alized by appeal to diachronic phonology, phonotactics and linguistic typology. The consistent employment of developed orthography for this root is perhaps related to the existence of a broad and consistent early Aramaic curse tradition.
Requiem for the STAT Test: Automation and Point of Care Testing
Authors: Singh Gurmukh , Savage Natasha M , Gunsolus Brandy , Foss Kellie A
Published: October 2019

Objective

Quick turnaround of laboratory test results is needed for medical and administrative reasons. Historically, laboratory tests have been requested as routine or STAT. With a few exceptions, a total turnaround time of 90 minutes has been the usually acceptable turnaround time for STAT tests.

Methods

We implemented front-end automation and autoverification and eliminated batch testing for routine tests. We instituted on-site intraoperative testing for selected analytes and employed point of care (POC) testing judiciously. The pneumatic tube system for specimen transport was expanded.

Results

The in-laboratory turnaround time was reduced to 45 minutes for more than 90% of tests that could reasonably be ordered STAT. With rare exceptions, the laboratory no longer differentiates between routine and STAT testing. Having a single queue for all tests has improved the efficiency of the laboratory.

Conclusion

It has been recognized in manufacturing that batch processing and having multiple queues for products are inefficient. The same principles were applied to laboratory testing, which resulted in improvement in operational efficiency and elimination of STAT tests. We propose that the target for in-laboratory turnaround time for STAT tests, if not all tests, be 45 minutes or less for more than 90% of specimens.
De-biasing role induced bias using Bayesian networks
Authors: Schweizer Mark
Published: October 2019

The merits of using subjective probability theory as a normative standard for evidence evaluation by legal fact-finders have been hotly debated for decades. Critics argue that formal mathematical models only lead to an apparent precision that obfuscates the ad-hoc nature of the many assumptions that underlie the model. Proponents of using subjective probability theory as normative standard for legal decision makers, specifically proponents of using Bayesian networks as decision aids in complex evaluations of evidence, must show that formal models have tangible benefits over the more natural, holistic assessment of evidence by explanatory coherence. This article demonstrates that the assessment of evidence using a Bayesian network parametrized with values obtained from the decision makers reduces role-induced bias, a bias that has been largely resistant to de-biasing attempts so far.
Modelling differential rotation of red giants: the case of the evolved sun
Authors: Kitchatinov Leonid , Nepomnyashchikh Alexander
Published: October 2019

Asteroseismology has revealed that cores of red giants rotate about one order of magnitude faster than their convective envelopes. This paper attempts an explanation for this rotational state in terms of the theory of angular momentum transport in stellar convection zones. A differential rotation model based on the theory is applied to a sequence of evolutionary states of a red giant of one solar mass. The model computations show a rotation of about ten times faster in the cores compared to the stellar surface. This rotational state is caused by the non-diffusive downward convective transport of angular momentum. The contrast in rotational rates between core and envelope increases with the radius (age) of the star. Seismologically detected scaling for the spin-down of the giants’ cores is also reproduced.
Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution of DNA Sequences in Transposable Elements. II. Accumulation of Variation and Evolution of a New Subfamily
Authors: Iwasaki Watal M , Kijima T E , Innan Hideki
Published: October 2019

In order to understand how DNA sequences of transposable elements (TEs) evolve, extensive simulations were carried out. We first used our previous model, in which the copy number of TEs is mainly controlled by selection against ectopic recombination. It was found that along a simulation run, the shape of phylogeny changes quite much, from monophyletic trees to dimorphic trees with two clusters. Our results demonstrated that the change of the phase is usually slow from a monomorphic phase to a dimorphic phase, accompanied with a growth of an internal branch by accumulation of variation between two types. Then, the phase immediately changes back to a monomorphic phase when one group gets extinct. Under this condition, monomorphic and dimorphic phases arise repeatedly, and it is very difficult to maintain two or more different types of TEs for a long time. Then, how a new subfamily can evolve? To solve this, we developed a new model, in which ectopic recombination is restricted between two types under some condition, for example, accumulation of mutations between them. Under this model, because selection works on the copy number of each types separately, two types can be maintained for a long time. As expected, our simulations demonstrated that a new type arises and persists quite stably, and that it will be recognized as a new subfamily followed by further accumulation of mutations. It is indicated that how ectopic recombination is regulated in a genome is an important factor for the evolution of a new subfamily.
Heliosciurus rufobrachium (Rodentia: Sciuridae)
Authors: Thomas Howard H , Best Troy L , Agwanda Bernard
Published: October 2019

Heliosciurus rufobrachium (Waterhouse, 1842), one of six species of Heliosciurus, is a sciurid commonly called red-legged sun squirrel. It is a medium-sized diurnally adapted tree squirrel occurring at ground-level to upper heights of the canopy of mature forests. It ranges from the west coast of Africa to Garissa County, Kenya. Adapted to an arboreal life, its frugivorous diet makes it a seed disperser for forest plants. In portions of West Africa, it serves as a source of bushmeat and it is a reservoir for human monkey-pox virus and Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness. H. rufobrachium is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The International Genome Sample Resource (IGSR) collection of open human genomic variation resources
Authors: Fairley Susan , Lowy-Gallego Ernesto , Perry Emily , Flicek Paul
Published: October 2019

To sustain and develop the largest fully open human genomic resources the International Genome Sample Resource (IGSR) (https://www.internationalgenome.org) was established. It is built on the foundation of the 1000 Genomes Project, which created the largest openly accessible catalogue of human genomic variation developed from samples spanning five continents. IGSR (i) maintains access to 1000 Genomes Project resources, (ii) updates 1000 Genomes Project resources to the GRCh38 human reference assembly, (iii) adds new data generated on 1000 Genomes Project cell lines, (iv) shares data from samples with a similarly open consent to increase the number of samples and populations represented in the resources and (v) provides support to users of these resources. Among recent updates are the release of variation calls from 1000 Genomes Project data calculated directly on GRCh38 and the addition of high coverage sequence data for the 2504 samples in the 1000 Genomes Project phase three panel. The data portal, which facilitates web-based exploration of the IGSR resources, has been updated to include samples which were not part of the 1000 Genomes Project and now presents a unified view of data and samples across almost 5000 samples from multiple studies. All data is fully open and publicly accessible.
MirGeneDB 2.0: the metazoan microRNA complement
Authors: Fromm Bastian , Domanska Diana , Høye Eirik , Ovchinnikov Vladimir , Kang Wenjing , Aparicio-Puerta Ernesto , Johansen Morten , Flatmark Kjersti , Mathelier Anthony , Hovig Eivind , Hackenberg Michael , Friedländer Marc R , Peterson Kevin J
Published: October 2019

Small non-coding RNAs have gained substantial attention due to their roles in animal development and human disorders. Among them, microRNAs are special because individual gene sequences are conserved across the animal kingdom. In addition, unique and mechanistically well understood features can clearly distinguish bona fide miRNAs from the myriad other small RNAs generated by cells. However, making this distinction is not a common practice and, thus, not surprisingly, the heterogeneous quality of available miRNA complements has become a major concern in microRNA research. We addressed this by extensively expanding our curated microRNA gene database - MirGeneDB - to 45 organisms, encompassing a wide phylogenetic swath of animal evolution. By consistently annotating and naming 10,899 microRNA genes in these organisms, we show that previous microRNA annotations contained not only many false positives, but surprisingly lacked >2000 bona fide microRNAs. Indeed, curated microRNA complements of closely related organisms are very similar and can be used to reconstruct ancestral miRNA repertoires. MirGeneDB represents a robust platform for microRNA-based research, providing deeper and more significant insights into the biology and evolution of miRNAs as well as biomedical and biomarker research. MirGeneDB is publicly and freely available at http://mirgenedb.org/.
Role of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study of the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation (IRRF)
Authors: Cifarelli Christopher P , Vargo John A , Fang Wei , Liscak Roman , Guseynova Khumar , Warnick Ronald E , Lee Cheng-chia , Yang Huai-che , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Maiti Tonmoy , Siddiqui Zaid A , Yuan Justin C , Grills Inga S , Mathieu David , Touchette Charles J , Cordeiro Diogo , Chiang Veronica , Hess Judith , Tien Christopher J , Faramand Andrew , Kano Hideyuki , Barnett Gene H , Sheehan Jason P , Lunsford L Dade
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Despite a high incidence of brain metastases in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), limited data exist on the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), specifically Gamma Knife™ radiosurgery (Elekta AB), for SCLC brain metastases.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a detailed analysis of SCLC patients treated with SRS, focusing on local failure, distant brain failure, and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed on 293 patients undergoing SRS for SCLC brain metastases at 10 medical centers from 1991 to 2017. Data collection was performed according to individual institutional review boards, and analyses were performed using binary logistic regression, Cox-proportional hazard models, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and competing risks analysis.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-two (79%) patients received SRS as salvage following prior whole-brain irradiation (WBRT) or prophylactic cranial irradiation, with a median marginal dose of 18 Gy. At median follow-up after SRS of 6.4 and 18.0 mo for surviving patients, the 1-yr local failure, distant brain failure, and OS were 31%, 49%, and 28%. The interval between WBRT and SRS was predictive of improved OS for patients receiving SRS more than 1 yr after initial treatment (21%, <1 yr vs 36%, >1 yr, P = .01). On multivariate analysis, older age was the only significant predictor for OS (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.16-2.29, P = .005).

CONCLUSION

SRS plays an important role in the management of brain metastases from SCLC, especially in salvage therapy following WBRT. Ongoing prospective trials will better assess the value of radiosurgery in the primary management of SCLC brain metastases and potentially challenge the standard application of WBRT in SCLC patients.
The Epidemiology and Burden of Influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata Lineages in Kenya, 2012–2016
Authors: Emukule Gideon O , Otiato Fredrick , Nyawanda Bryan O , Otieno Nancy A , Ochieng Caroline A , Ndegwa Linus K , Muturi Peter , Bigogo Godfrey , Verani Jennifer R , Muthoka Philip M , Hunsperger Elizabeth , Chaves Sandra S
Published: October 2019

Background

The impact of influenza B virus circulation in Sub-Saharan Africa is not well described.

Methods

We analyzed data from acute respiratory illness (ARI) in Kenya. We assessed clinical features and age-specific hospitalization and outpatient visit rates by person-years for influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata and the extent to which circulating influenza B lineages in Kenya matched the vaccine strain component of the corresponding season (based on Northern Hemisphere [October–March] and Southern Hemisphere [April–September] vaccine availability).

Results

From 2012 to 2016, influenza B represented 31% of all influenza-associated ARIs detected (annual range, 13–61%). Rates of influenza B hospitalization and outpatient visits were higher for <5 vs ≥5 years. Among <5 years, B/Victoria was associated with pneumonia hospitalization (64% vs 44%; P = .010) and in-hospital mortality (6% vs 0%; P = .042) compared with B/Yamagata, although the mean annual hospitalization rate for B/Victoria was comparable to that estimated for B/Yamagata. The 2 lineages co-circulated, and there were mismatches with available trivalent influenza vaccines in 2/9 seasons assessed.

Conclusions

Influenza B causes substantial burden in Kenya, particularly among children aged <5 years, in whom B/Victoria may be associated with increased severity. Our findings suggest a benefit from including both lineages when considering influenza vaccination in Kenya.