bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between smoking and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from a prospective, multicentre, observational study in China
Authors: Song Chenxi , Fu Rui , Dou Kefei , Yang Jingang , Xu Haiyan , Gao Xiaojin , Wang Hao , Liu Shuai , Fan Xiaoxue , Yang Yuejin
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of smoking on in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are managed by contemporary treatment is still unclear.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using data from the China AMI registry between 2013 and 2016. Eligible patients were diagnosed with AMI in accordance with the third universal definition of MI. Propensity score (PS) matching and multivariable logistic regression were used to control for confounders. Subgroup analysis was performed to examine whether the association between smoking and in-hospital mortality varies according to baseline characteristics.

Results

A total of 37 614 patients were included. Smokers were younger and more frequently men with fewer comorbidities than non-smokers. After PS matching and multivariable log regression analysis were performed, the difference in in-hospital mortality between current smokers versus non-smokers was reduced, but it was still significant (5.1% vs 6.1%, p=0.0045; adjusted OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.88, p<0.001). Among all subgroups, there was a trend towards lower in-hospital mortality in current or ex-smokers compared with non-smokers.

Conclusions

Smoking is associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, even after multiple analyses to control for potential confounders. This ‘smoker’s paradox’ cannot be fully explained by confounding alone.

Trial registration number

NCT01874691.
The association of exercise and sedentary behaviours with incident end-stage renal disease: the Southern Community Cohort Study
Authors: Pike Mindy , Taylor Jacob , Kabagambe Edmond , Stewart Thomas G , Robinson-Cohen Cassianne , Morse Jennifer , Akwo Elvis , Abdel-Kader Khaled , Siew Edward D , Blot William J , Ikizler T Alp , Lipworth Loren
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine whether lifestyle factors, including sedentary time and physical activity, could independently contribute to risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Study design

Case-cohort study.

Setting

South-eastern USA.

Participants

The Southern Community Cohort Study recruited ~86 000 black and white participants from 2002 to 2009. We assembled a case cohort of 692 incident ESRD cases and a probability sample of 4113 participants.

Predictors

Sedentary time was calculated as hours/day from daily sitting activities. Physical activity was calculated as metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours/day from engagement in light, moderate and vigorous activities.

Outcomes

Incident ESRD.

Results

At baseline, among the subcohort, mean (SD) age was 52 (8.6) years, and median (25th, 75th centile) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 102.8 (85.9–117.9) mL/min/1.73 m2. Medians (25th–75th centile) for sedentary time and physical activity were 8.0 (5.5–12.0) hours/day and 17.2 (8.7–31.9) MET-hours/day, respectively. Median follow-up was 9.4 years. We observed significant interactions between eGFR and both physical activity and sedentary behaviour (p<0.001). The partial effect plot of the association between physical activity and log relative hazard of ESRD suggests that ESRD risk decreases as physical activity increases when eGFR is 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. The inverse association is most pronounced at physical activity levels >27 MET-hours/day. High levels of sitting time were associated with increased ESRD risk only among those with reduced kidney function (eGFR ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2); this association was attenuated after excluding the first 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

In a population with a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, physical activity appears to be associated with reduced risk of ESRD among those with preserved kidney function. A positive association between sitting time and ESRD observed among those with advanced kidney disease is likely due to reverse causation.
Anaemia and iron dysregulation: untapped therapeutic targets in chronic lung disease?
Authors: Patel Mehul S , McKie Elizabeth , Steiner Michael C , Pascoe Steven J , Polkey Michael I
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia is common in many chronic lung diseases. Beyond pulmonary considerations, delivery of oxygen (O2) to the tissues and subsequent O2utilisation is also determined by other factors including red blood cell mass and iron status; consequently, disruption to these mechanisms provides further physiological strains on an already stressed system. O2availability influences ventilation, regulates pulmonary blood flow and impacts gene expression throughout the body. Deleterious effects of poor tissue oxygenation include decreased exercise tolerance, increased cardiac strain and pulmonary hypertension in addition to pathophysiological involvement of multiple other organs resulting in progressive frailty. Increasing inspired O2is expensive, disliked by patients and does not normalise tissue oxygenation; thus, other strategies that improve O2delivery and utilisation may provide novel therapeutic opportunities in patients with lung disease. In this review, we focus on the rationale and possibilities for doing this by increasing haemoglobin availability or improving iron regulation.
Transfer of a healthy microbiota reduces amyloid and tau pathology in an Alzheimer’s disease animal model
Authors: Kim Min-Soo , Kim Yoonhee , Choi Hyunjung , Kim Woojin , Park Sumyung , Lee Dongjoon , Kim Dong Kyu , Kim Haeng Jun , Choi Hayoung , Hyun Dong-Wook , Lee June-Young , Choi Eun Young , Lee Dong-Sup , Bae Jin-Woo , Mook-Jung Inhee
Published: August 2019

Objective

Cerebral amyloidosis and severe tauopathy in the brain are key pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite a strong influence of the intestinal microbiota on AD, the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and AD pathophysiology is still elusive.

Design

Using a recently developed AD-like pathology with amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles (ADLPAPT) transgenic mouse model of AD, which shows amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and reactive gliosis in their brains along with memory deficits, we examined the impact of the gut microbiota on AD pathogenesis.

Results

Composition of the gut microbiota in ADLPAPTmice differed from that of healthy wild-type (WT) mice. Besides, ADLPAPTmice showed a loss of epithelial barrier integrity and chronic intestinal and systemic inflammation. Both frequent transfer and transplantation of the faecal microbiota from WT mice into ADLPAPTmice ameliorated the formation of amyloid β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, glial reactivity and cognitive impairment. Additionally, the faecal microbiota transfer reversed abnormalities in the colonic expression of genes related to intestinal macrophage activity and the circulating blood inflammatory monocytes in the ADLPAPTrecipient mice.

Conclusion

These results indicate that microbiota-mediated intestinal and systemic immune aberrations contribute to the pathogenesis of AD in ADLPAPTmice, providing new insights into the relationship between the gut (colonic gene expression, gut permeability), blood (blood immune cell population) and brain (pathology) axis and AD (memory deficits). Thus, restoring gut microbial homeostasis may have beneficial effects on AD treatment.
Trends in the drowning mortality rate in Iran
Authors: Derakhshan Pegah , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Saadat Soheil , Ghanbari Ali , Rezaei Nazila , Khosravi Sepehr , Mehdipour Parinaz , Amirmohammadi Mina , Jahani Shima , Sharif-Alhoseini Mahdi , Jazayeri Seyed Behzad , Chegini Maryam , Ghodsi Zahra , Sadeghian Farideh , Naghdi Khatereh , Salamati Peyman , H Mokdad Ali , O’Reilly Gerard , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: August 2019

Objective

The WHO estimates the global incidence of death by drowning to be about 300 000 cases per year. The objective of this study was to estimate the trend in mortality due to drowning in all provinces of Iran in all age groups and both genders from 1990 to 2015.

Study design

The National and Subnational Burden of Diseases (NASBOD) project is a comprehensive project in Iran. It is based on the Global Burden of Disease study and includes novel methods to estimate the burden of diseases in Iran.

Methods

This study used the results of the mortality rate due to drowning as part of NASBOD and investigated the causes behind the mortality rates. The data set recorded mortality rates by 19 age groups and two genders with the corresponding subnational pattern during the time period from 1990 to 2015.

Results

The drowning mortality rate decreased in Iran from 1990 to 2015. From 1990 to 2015, the annual percentage change for males and females was −5.28% and −10.73%, respectively. There were 56 184 male and 21 589 female fatalities during the study period. The highest number of deaths was seen in 1993 with 4459, and the lowest number of fatalities was observed in 2015 with 903 deaths.

Conclusion

Our data showed a decline in drowning mortality in Iran from 1990 to 2015, but the rates and declines varied by province. Our findings are of great importance to health officials and authorities in order to further reduce the burden of drowning.
Retraction of cutaneous specimens: tumours and margins after surgical excision
Authors: Sevray Marine , Brenaut Emilie , Grangier Yann , Misery Laurent , Poizeau Florence , Staroz Frédéric
Published: August 2019

Aims

In previous studies, skin retraction of dermato-pathological specimens after the surgical excision of tumours was calculated at 30% for the surface, with approximately 20% for the length and 15% for the width. The aim of this study was to analyse the retraction of the specimens and the retraction of the lesion and the margins.

Methods

Patients who underwent excision of a skin tumour between January 2013 and July 2014 were randomly included.

Results

A total of 104 patients was included. There were 52% male with a mean age of 68.3 years. Seventy-eight per cent of the lesions were malignant (51% were basal cell carcinoma, 10% squamous cell carcinoma). The retraction of the area of the specimen (29%) was significantly greater than the retraction of the tumour (21%). On multivariate analysis, the localisation and the duration of fixation were independent predictors of the specimen area retraction. The retraction of the specimen was 17% in length and 15% in width. The retraction of the margins was calculated at 19% in length and 12% in width. The surgeon correctly evaluated the localisation of the smallest margin in 55% of cases.

Conclusions

Our study provided additional data regarding the retraction of the tumours and margins. The guidelines for surgical excision of skin cancers recommend a clinical margin before excision, but the evaluation of the sufficiency of the margins is based on histological measurement. Our data are useful for the interpretation of the sufficiency of the margins.
Somatic deletion ofKDM1A/LSD1gene is associated to advanced colorectal cancer stages
Authors: Ramírez-Ramírez Ruth , Gutiérrez-Angulo Melva , Peregrina-Sandoval Jorge , Moreno-Ortiz José Miguel , Franco-Topete Ramon Antonio , Cerda-Camacho Felipe de Jesús , Ayala-Madrigal Maria de la Luz
Published: August 2019

Aims

KDM1A/LSD1 and ZNF217 are involved in a protein complex that participates in transcriptional regulation.ZNF217has been analysed in numerous cancers and its amplification has been associated with advanced stages of disease; however, a similar role forKDM1A/LSD1has not been uncovered. In this study, we estimated the number ofKDM1A/LSD1andZNF217gene copies in tissue samples from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as its association with clinicopathological features in patients with CRC.

Methods

Paraffin-embedded tumour samples from 50 patients with CRC with a histopathological diagnosis of CRC were included. The number of copies ofKDM1A/LSD1andZNF217genes was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). We also analysed the association between copy numbers of selected genes and clinicopathological data based on multivariate analysis.

Results

Deletion of theKDM1A/LSD1gene occurred in 19 samples (38%), whereasZNF217gene amplification was identified in 11 samples (22%). We found a significant association between lymph node metastasis or advanced tumour stage andKDM1A/LSD1gene deletion (p value=0.0003 and p value=0.011, respectively).

Conclusions

KDM1A/LSD1gene deletion could be considered a novel prognostic biomarker of late-stage CRC.
The Well-Being Index WHO-5: hedonistic foundation and practical limitations
Authors: Kusier Amalie Oxholm , Folker Anna Paldam
Published: August 2019

Research and policymaking on positive mental health and well-being have increased within the last decade, partly fueled by decreasing levels of well-being in the general population and among at-risk groups. However, measurement of well-being often takes place in the absence of reflection on the underlying theoretical conceptualisation of well-being. This disguises the fact that different rating scales of well-being often measure very different phenomena because rating scales are based on different philosophical assumptions, which represent radically different foundational views about the nature of well-being. The aim of this paper is to examine the philosophical foundation of the Well-Being Index WHO-5 in order to clarify the underlying normative commitments and the psychometric compromises involved in the translation of philosophical theory into practice. WHO-5 has been introduced as a rating scale that measures the affective and hedonistic dimensions of well-being. It is widely used within public health and mental health research. This paper introduces the philosophical theory of Hedonism and explores how two central assumptions that relate to hedonistic theory are reflected in the construction of WHO-5. The first concerns ‘the hedonic balance’, that is the relation between positive and negative emotions. The second assumption concerns ‘the value of emotions’, that is, how to determine the duration and intensity of emotions. At the end, Hedonism is contrasted with Life Satisfaction Theory, an alternative foundational theory of well-being, in order to clarify that the outlook of WHO-5 is more a rating system of positive affect than a cognitive judgement of overall life satisfaction. We conclude that it is important to examine the philosophical foundation of rating scales of well-being, such as WHO-5, in order to be fully able to assess the magnitude as well as the limits of their results.
Central blindness following general anaesthesia due to suspected catheter‐related venous air embolism in a gelding
Authors: Makra Zita , Bodó Gábor , Veres‐Nyéki Kata Orsolya
Published: August 2019

This case report describes a transient post‐anaesthetic bilateral central blindness caused by suspected air embolism associated with intravenous catheter cap disconnection and its medical management in a horse. The cap of the catheter becomes dislodged during head and tail rope assisted recovery. The first clinical signs were sweating, shivering and dyspnoea, which was followed by the collapse of the horse on the ropes and generalised seizures. Supportive treatment was administered in the form of nasal oxygen supply, sedation, flunixin meglumine, dexamethasone, mannitol, followed by per os vitamin supplementation for 5 days. The horse regained vision fully in 2 weeks and returned to its original level of exercise in 4 months.
Homothetic matter collineations of LRS Bianchi type V spacetimes with perfect fluid source
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Ahmad Shehzad , Khan Fawad
Published: August 2019

For a perfect fluid source, we have investigated the homothetic matter collineations (HMCs) of locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type V spacetimes. For degenerate energy–momentum tensor, two cases arise. In one case, the solution of HMC equations yields 11-dimensional algebra of HMCs while in the second case, we have infinite number of HMCs. When the energy–momentum tensor is non-degenerate, we have four cases, each giving five-dimensional algebra of HMCs. Some LRS Bianchi type V metrics are provided admitting HMCs.
Relativistic quantum motion of spin-0 particles with a Cornell-type potential in (1 + 2)-dimensional Gürses spacetime backgrounds
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: August 2019

In this work, we investigate the relativistic quantum dynamics of spin-0 particles in the background of (1 + 2)-dimensional Gürses spacetime [M. Gürses, Class. Quantum Grav. 11, 2585 (1994)] with interactions. We solve the Klein–Gordon equation subject to Cornell-type scalar potential in the considered framework, and evaluate the energy eigenvalues and corresponding wave functions, in detail.
Unstable cycles for the Burke–Shaw system via variational approach
Authors: Dong Chengwei , Liu Huihui
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the systematical calculations of the unstable cycles for the Burke–Shaw system (BSS) are presented. In contrast to the Poincaré section method used in previous studies, we used the variational method for the cycle search and established appropriate symbolic dynamics on the basis of the topological structure of the cycles. The variational approach made it easy to continuously track the periodic orbits when the parameters were varied. Structure of the whole cycle in the dissipative system demonstrated that the methodology could be effective in most low-dimensional chaotic systems.
ANALYSES OF PEDESTRIAN’S HEAD-TO-WINDSHIELD IMPACT BIOMECHANICAL RESPONSES AND HEAD INJURIES USING A HEAD FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
Authors: CAI ZHIHUA , XIA YUN , HUANG XINGYUAN
Published: August 2019

Head injuries in the vehicle crashes or pedestrian accidents can usually cause death or permanent disabilities, and head injuries resulting from the impact of car windshields remain a major problem. Anatomically, more realistic head models are required to more accurately document and evaluate the head-to-windshield impact responses and head injuries. The current study developed a head finite element model and carried out various simulations to investigate the head-to-windshield impact biomechanical responses and assess the head injuries. First, a 50th percentile three-dimensional finite element head model was developed and validated by using previously published cadaver experimental data. Then, the biomechanical responses were predicted under a head-to-windshield impact at different impact velocities (10, 12, and15[Formula: see text]m/s) and different inclination angles of the windshield (35∘, 40∘, and 45∘). Finally, head injuries were investigated through examining various injury parameters. The results indicated that the contact force, the acceleration, the intracranial pressure, the deformation of the skull, and the negative pressure rose when the impact velocity and the inclination angles increased. Thus, the vehicle impact velocity and the inclination angle of the windshield greatly affect the severity of the resulting injuries on pedestrians’ heads, with the severity increasing with the impact velocity and windshield inclination angle.
Investigation of the mechanisms of cyclooxygenase-mediated mechanoreflex sensitization in a rat model of simulated peripheral artery disease
Authors: Butenas Alec L. E. , Hopkins Tyler D. , Rollins Korynne S. , Felice Kennedy P. , Copp Steven W.
Published: August 2019

Mechanical and metabolic stimuli within contracting skeletal muscles reflexly increase sympathetic nervous system activity and blood pressure. That reflex, termed the exercise pressor reflex, is exaggerated in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and in a rat PAD model with a chronically ligated femoral artery. The cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway contributes to the exaggerated pressor response during rhythmic skeletal muscle contractions in patients with PAD, but the specific mechanism(s) of the COX-mediated exaggeration are not known. In decerebrate, unanesthetized rats with a chronically ligated femoral artery (“ligated” rats), we hypothesized that hindlimb arterial injection of the COX inhibitor indomethacin would reduce the pressor response during 1-Hz dynamic hindlimb skeletal muscle stretch; a model of the activation of the mechanical component of the exercise pressor reflex (i.e., the mechanoreflex). In ligated rats ( n = 7), indomethacin reduced the pressor response during stretch (control: 30 ± 4; indomethacin: 12 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.01), whereas there was no effect in rats with “freely perfused” femoral arteries ( n = 6, control: 18 ± 5; indomethacin: 17 ± 5 mmHg; P = 0.87). In ligated rats ( n = 4), systemic indomethacin injection had no effect on the pressor response during stretch. Femoral artery ligation had no effect on skeletal muscle COX protein expression or activity or concentration of the COX metabolite prostaglandin E2. Conversely, femoral artery ligation increased expression of the COX metabolite receptors endoperoxide 4 and thromboxane A2-R in dorsal root ganglia tissue. We conclude that, in ligated rats, the COX pathway sensitizes the peripheral endings of mechanoreflex afferents, which occurs principally as a result of increased expression of COX metabolite receptors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that the mechanoreflex is sensitized by the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway within hindlimb skeletal muscles in the rat chronic femoral artery ligation model of simulated peripheral artery disease (PAD). The mechanism of sensitization appears attributable to increased receptors for COX metabolites on sensory neurons and not increased concentration of COX metabolites. Our data may carry important clinical implications for patients with PAD who demonstrate exaggerated increases in blood pressure during exercise compared with healthy counterparts.
A Novel HER3-Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate, U3-1402, Exhibits Potent Therapeutic Efficacy through the Delivery of Cytotoxic Payload by Efficient Internalization
Authors: Hashimoto Yuuri , Koyama Kumiko , Kamai Yasuki , Hirotani Kenji , Ogitani Yusuke , Zembutsu Akiko , Abe Manabu , Kaneda Yuki , Maeda Naoyuki , Shiose Yoshinobu , Iguchi Takuma , Ishizaka Tomomichi , Karibe Tsuyoshi , Hayakawa Ichiro , Morita Koji , Nakada Takashi , Nomura Taisei , Wakita Kenichi , Kagari Takashi , Abe Yuki , Murakami Masato , Ueno Suguru , Agatsuma Toshinori
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

HER3 is a compelling target for cancer treatment; however, no HER3-targeted therapy is currently clinically available. Here, we produced U3-1402, an anti-HER3 antibody–drug conjugate with a topoisomerase I inhibitor exatecan derivative (DXd), and systematically investigated its targeted drug delivery potential and antitumor activity in preclinical models.

Experimental Design:

In vitro pharmacologic activities and the mechanisms of action of U3-1402 were assessed in several human cancer cell lines. Antitumor activity of U3-1402 was evaluated in xenograft mouse models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Safety assessments were also conducted in rats and monkeys.

Results:

U3-1402 showed HER3-specific binding followed by highly efficient cancer cell internalization. Subsequently, U3-1402 was translocated to the lysosome and released its payload DXd. While U3-1402 was able to inhibit HER3-activated signaling similar to its naked antibody patritumab, the cytotoxic activity of U3-1402 in HER3-expressing cells was predominantly mediated by released DXd through DNA damage and apoptosis induction. In xenograft mouse models, U3-1402 exhibited dose-dependent and HER3-dependent antitumor activity. Furthermore, U3-1402 exerted potent antitumor activity against PDX tumors with HER3 expression. Acceptable toxicity was noted in both rats and monkeys.

Conclusions:

U3-1402 demonstrated promising antitumor activity against HER3-expressing tumors with tolerable safety profiles. The activity of U3-1402 was driven by HER3-mediated payload delivery via high internalization into tumor cells.
Prostituição e relações sociais de poder em Michel Houellebecq
Authors: Melo Israel Victor de
Published: August 2019

No intento de resposta ao que nos faz ecoar um discurso emancipatório aos sujeitos naquilo que diz respeito a suas sexualidades (em seu aspecto privado) e, ao mesmo tempo, evocar um discurso de recriminação da prostituição, a proposta deste artigo é apresentar as figurações da prostituição nas suas unidades de poder tendo por base extratos de romances do autor Michel Houellebecq.
Probing the Fog Life Cycles in the Namib Desert
Authors: Spirig Robert , Vogt Roland , Larsen Jarl Are , Feigenwinter Christian , Wicki Andreas , Franceschi Joel , Parlow Eberhard , Adler Bianca , Kalthoff Norbert , Cermak Jan , Andersen Hendrik , Fuchs Julia , Bott Andreas , Hacker Maike , Wagner Niklas , Maggs-Kölling Gillian , Wassenaar Theo , Seely Mary
Published: August 2019

An intensive observation period was conducted in September 2017 in the central Namib, Namibia, as part of the project Namib Fog Life Cycle Analysis (NaFoLiCA). The purpose of the field campaign was to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of the coastal fog that occurs regularly during nighttime and morning hours. The fog is often linked to advection of a marine stratus that intercepts with the terrain up to 100 km inland. Meteorological data, including cloud base height, fog deposition, liquid water path, and vertical profiles of wind speed/direction and temperature, were measured continuously during the campaign. Additionally, profiles of temperature and relative humidity were sampled during five selected nights with stratus/fog at both coastal and inland sites using tethered balloon soundings, drone profiling, and radiosondes. This paper presents an overview of the scientific goals of the field campaign; describes the experimental setup, the measurements carried out, and the meteorological conditions during the intensive observation period; and presents first results with a focus on a single fog event.
On the Diurnal Cycle of GPS-Derived Precipitable Water Vapor over Sumatra
Authors: Torri Giuseppe , Adams David K. , Wang Huiqun , Kuang Zhiming
Published: August 2019

Convective processes in the atmosphere over the Maritime Continent and their diurnal cycles have important repercussions for the circulations in the tropics and beyond. In this work, we present a new dataset of precipitable water vapor (PWV) obtained from the Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr), a dense network of GPS stations principally for examining seismic and tectonic activity along the western coast of Sumatra and several offshore islands. The data provide an opportunity to examine the characteristics of convection over the area in greater detail than before. In particular, our results show that the diurnal cycle of PWV on Sumatra has a single late afternoon peak, while that offshore has both a midday and a nocturnal peak. The SuGAr data are in good agreement with GPS radio occultation data from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission, as well as with imaging spectrometer data from the Ozone Measuring Instrument (OMI). A comparison between SuGAr and the NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP), however, shows significant differences, most likely due to discrepancies in the temporal and spatial resolutions. To further understand the diurnal cycle contained in the SuGAr data, we explore the impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on the diurnal cycle with the aid of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Results show that the daily mean and the amplitude of the diurnal cycle appear smaller during the suppressed phase relative to the developing/active MJO phase. Furthermore, the evening/nighttime peaks of PWV offshore appear later during the suppressed phase of the MJO compared to the active phase.
Election Cycles and Organizations: How Politics Shapes the Performance of State-owned Enterprises over Time
Authors: Inoue Carlos
Published: August 2019

This study develops a dynamic perspective on how elected state officials’ political incentives shape the behavior and performance of organizations, particularly state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Drawing on theoretical views about the relationship between politicians and firms, I argue that state officials seeking votes manipulate SOEs to boost employment before elections. As a result, SOEs exhibit both higher employment levels and lower financial performance in election years. The positive relationship between elections and SOE employment, however, is not uniform across firms and geographic communities: it is likely to be stronger in economically disadvantaged communities and weaker for SOEs with private investors. Data from Brazil’s water sector—an industry managing a crucial societal resource—support these predictions. These results shed light on the mechanisms linking officials’ political incentives and SOE behavior and show that SOE performance is politically contingent and thus varies systematically over time. More broadly, this study reveals how firms’ responses to political pressures depend on both organizational and community attributes and highlights how the interplay of election cycles, organizations, and communities shapes the performance of organizations in state capitalism.
Interruptions in Health Care: Assessing Their Connection With Error and Patient Harm
Authors: Sanderson Penelope , McCurdie Tara , Grundgeiger Tobias
Published: August 2019

Objective:

We address the problem of how researchers investigate the actual or potential causal connection between interruptions and medical errors, and whether interventions might reduce the potential for harm.

Background:

It is widely assumed that interruptions lead to errors and patient harm. However, many reviewers and authors have commented that there is not strong evidence for a causal connection.

Method:

We introduce a framework of criteria for assessing how strongly evidence implies causality: the so-called Bradford Hill criteria. We then examine four key “metanarratives” of research into interruptions in health care—applied cognitive psychology, epidemiology, quality improvement, and cognitive systems engineering—and assess how each tradition has addressed the causal connection between interruptions and error.

Results:

Outcomes of applying the Bradford Hill criteria are that the applied cognitive psychology and epidemiology metanarratives address the causal connection relatively directly, whereas the quality improvement metanarrative merely assumes causality, and the cognitive systems engineering metanarrative either implicitly or explicitly questions the feasibility of finding a direct causal connection with harm.

Conclusion:

The Bradford Hill criteria are useful for evaluating the existing literature on the relationship between interruptions in health care, clinical errors, and the potential for patient harm. In the future, more attention is needed to the issue of why interruptions usually do not lead to harm, and the implications for how we approach patient safety.
Truth as Gift and Vocation: New Perspectives on Revelation
Authors: Fortin Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2019

This article proposes to draw significant anthropological implications of a personally focused and historically contextualized understanding of revelation. Building on the work of Christoph Theobald, it uses Karl Rahner’s and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology of discipleship to retrieve and expand Dei Verbum’s understanding of human history as revelation. Revelation is both gift and vocation. The gift that is revelation defines for those who receive it a new vocation: to bear witness to the truth in their person, words, and deeds. This understanding is then put to the test of mystical experience by means of the analysis of Julian of Norwich’s Showings. Mystical encounter with the crucified Lord indeed compelled the 14th-century mystic to undertake the lifelong interpretation of the truth received, which itself led her to become a powerful witness, theologian, and spiritual guide.
What Afrikan Names May (or May Not) Tell Us About the State of Pan-Afrikanism
Authors: Kambon Ọbádélé , Yeboah Roland Mireku
Published: August 2019

Names are important to Afrikan=Black people of the continent and diaspora as, traditionally, one’s name is seen as playing a crucial role in the fulfillment (or lack thereof) of one’s life purpose. However, due to enslavement and neo-enslavement in the diaspora as well as colonialism and neo-colonialism on the continent, many Afrikan=Black people now give their children the names of their enslavers or colonial enemies. In this article, we utilize a comparative anthroponymic analysis making use of case studies from two institutions, namely, the Institute of African Studies (IAS)–University of Ghana at Legon and Abibitumi Kasa, with locations in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Accra, Ghana, in order to observe how some Afrikan=Black people adopt Eurasian names and/or reclaim Afrikan names, as well as the forms such names take. In our findings, we observe that in the case of names from Abibitumi Kasa, pulling largely from the diaspora, Afrikan=Black individuals tend to have names from all over the Afrikan world whereby the first name may be from one cultural-linguistic group while the surname is from another. There also may be a disparity whereby a preferred Afrikan=Black name may be different from one’s “legal” name, which may still be Eurasian. In the case of IAS, we find that names tend to be either from colonial enemies, a single Afrikan cultural-linguistic group, or a mixture of these two. In conclusion, we argue that these tendencies of the continent and the diaspora as represented by these two Afrikan=Black institutions may serve as a litmus test for understanding the current state of Pan-Afrikanism.
Investigation of composite fabric impregnated with non-Newtonian fluid for protective textiles
Authors: Sun Danmei , Zhu Fuyou , Stylios George K
Published: August 2019

Commercial high-performance fibre materials for body armour have very low surface friction and this has become an issue in the effectiveness of ballistic impact energy absorption. Also, the incidence of sports injuries in high contact sports is high. The severity of injuries of police and sportsman can be reduced by wearing enhanced protective clothing that have the ability to absorb the shocks. In this study, a type of non-Newtonian fluid has been developed. It became hardened upon a shock impact which was observed through a drop-on-weight test. The non-Newtonian fluid was successfully applied on to a traditional plain weave body armour fabric made of Twaron®. The treated fabric was studied by scanning electron microscopy and a yarn pulling-out test. It shows that the force to pull out a yarn from the non-Newtonian fluid treated fabric is four times higher than that of the untreated one. The flexibility of the non-Newtonian polymer treated fabric remains unchanged. The polymer can be used for applications where impact protection can be a highly desirable property.
Prevention of Postdental Procedure Bacteremia: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng B.S. , Lin S.Y. , Tu Y.K. , Wu Y.C. , Stubbs B. , Liang C.S. , Yeh T.C. , Chen T.Y. , Carvalho A.F. , Lin P.Y. , Lei W.T. , Hsu C.W. , Chen Y.W. , Tseng P.T. , Chen C.H.
Published: August 2019

Postdental procedure bacteremia is common and troublesome. The comparative efficacy of multiple prophylactic interventions is unclear. We compared the efficacy of interventions for the prevention of postdental procedure bacteremia. We conducted a review of ClinicalKey, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to December 4, 2018. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated prophylactic interventions for the prevention of postdental procedure bacteremia were eligible. The primary outcome was the incidence of postdental procedure bacteremia. A total of 24 trials were included with 2,147 participants. Our network meta-analysis demonstrated that intravenous administration of 1,000/200 mg of amoxicillin/clavulanate provided the least incidence of postdental procedure bacteremia among all the prophylactic interventions (odds ratio = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.63) as compared with the placebo/controls. Oral 3 g of amoxicillin had the least incidence of postdental procedure bacteremia among all oral or topical forms of prophylactic interventions (odds ratio = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.44) as compared with the placebo/controls. No serious adverse events, such as anaphylactic shock, mortality, and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, were reported. None of the included subjects were of high risk of infectious endocarditis. Our network meta-analysis demonstrates that intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanate and oral amoxicillin might be the best prophylactic interventions in preventing postdental procedure bacteremia among all the oral/topical forms of interventions for the overall populations.
Accounting for Microdosing Classic Psychedelics
Authors: Beaton Blake , Copes Heith , Webb Megan , Hochstetler Andy , Hendricks Peter S.
Published: August 2019

Microdosing classic psychedelics (e.g., LSD [lysergic acid diethylamide] and psilocybin) is the practice of taking small amounts of these substances to bring about various positive life changes. Little is known about the subjective experiences and perceptions of those who engage in the practice. Accordingly, we use the sociology of accounts as a theoretical framework to explore the ways that those who microdose excuse or justify their practice. Using data from semistructured interviews with 30 people who had microdosed, we find that none provided excuses for their microdosing, but all offered one or more justifications. When discussing their microdosing, participants emphasized six key justifications: denial of injury, self-sustaining, self-fulfillment, appeal to normality, appeal to loyalties, and knowledgeableness. Findings provide insights into the subjective experiences of those who microdose, including the ways that they attempt to align their actions with societal expectations.
Inter-cultural and Intra-cultural Contact and the L2 Motivational Self System: An EFL Classroom Intervention Study
Authors: Aubrey Scott , Philpott Andrew
Published: August 2019

This 13-week study investigated changes in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ motivational states due to face-to-face inter-cultural and intra-cultural contact treatments in a Japanese EFL classroom. Drawing on the L2 motivational Self System and International Posture, this quasi-experimental study took the form of a between-groups design with pre- and post-questionnaire data. A total of 84 participants (63 Japanese students and 21 international students) were assigned to Inter-cultural, Intra-cultural, and Comparison groups. Japanese EFL students from the two treatment groups performed a series of oral tasks with either a Japanese peer (intra-cultural interaction) or a non-Japanese international student (inter-cultural interaction) while students from the Comparison group did not perform the tasks. The results revealed that inter-cultural contact led to significant increases in the variables, L2 learning experience and international posture, with no significant change in scores for any variables in either the Intra-cultural or Comparison group. Thus, the provision of inter-cultural contact in the classroom resulted in an improvement in students’ attitudes towards the classroom environment and their attitudes towards the international community. The findings are discussed in terms of the use of inter-cultural task-based interaction as a pedagogical tool to enhance motivation and as a basis for a predeparture study abroad programme.
Numerical simulation and experimental study of the bursting performance of triaxial woven fabric and its reinforced rubber composites
Authors: Zhou Hongtao , Xiao Xueliang , Qian Kun , Ma Qian
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the bursting performance of triaxial woven fabric and its reinforced rubber composites are studied by the finite element method and the experimental approach, and compared with plain woven fabric and its reinforced rubber composites. The bursting morphologies and load–displacement curves of the specimens during the bursting process are obtained. The results indicate that the rubber matrix has a protective and consolidation effect on the inner fabric, significantly improving the bursting strength of the fabric. Triaxial woven fabric shows a steeper load–displacement slope, higher maximum bursting load, and smaller initial damage displacement than plain woven fabric. The bursting morphologies of the specimens indicate that the structure of triaxial woven fabric is more stable and exhibits good expansion resistance to bursting damage. The bursting process of triaxial woven fabric can be divided into four stages: yarn straightening, yarn slippage, yarn breakage, and breakage extension.
Adolescent Gang Membership and Adverse Behavioral, Mental Health, and Physical Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: A Within-Family Analysis
Authors: Connolly Eric J. , Jackson Dylan B.
Published: August 2019

Research suggests that adolescent gang membership increases the likelihood of adverse behavioral and mental health outcomes during adolescence. Less research, however, has examined whether gang membership is associated with adverse outcomes in young adulthood, and whether these associations remain after controlling for genetic and shared environmental factors that cluster within families. Data from a sample of full sibling pairs from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 are analyzed to test these hypotheses. Multivariate logistic regression models show that gang membership is associated with higher odds of arrest, alcohol abuse, severe anxious and depressive symptomatology, high school drop-out status, poor general health, and not seeking medical attention when needed in young adulthood. After controlling for familial confounding, siblings with a history of adolescent gang membership are more likely to report an arrest, never graduating high school, and severe anxious and depressive symptomatology. Implications of these results for future research are discussed.
Analysis of wind power potential by the three-parameter Weibull distribution to install a wind turbine
Authors: Sukkiramathi K , Seshaiah CV
Published: August 2019

Energy is essential for any country’s economic growth and is inevitable in improving the standard of life of its citizens. Since independence, India has spent considerable resources on increasing its energy capacity. As a result, the country’s energy generation capacity has increased considerably. Wind energy is a clean and eco-friendly energy source and is increasingly being accepted as a major complementary energy source for securing a sustainable and clean energy for future in India. The appropriate wind speed distribution is the key to assess the wind resource at a particular location. In this paper, the three-parameter Weibull distribution is used to estimate the capacity factor at different heights. This research provides information of wind characteristics of potential sites and helps in selecting suitable wind turbines.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Communication Intervention for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Gevarter Cindy
Published: August 2019

Individuals with complex communication needs are likely to experience considerable difficulties and challenges with everyday communication interactions due to limited use and understanding of natural speech. In this editorial, we review the nature of complex communication needs, describe the wide range of individuals who may experience such needs, and provide a brief history of behavioral approaches to addressing these needs. We also highlight the six papers in this special issue that contribute to the further understanding of the use of behavioral intervention approaches for addressing complex communication needs. These papers include one conceptual overview of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for individuals with complex communication needs, four intervention studies addressing a range of communicative topographies (i.e., vocal speech, AAC, and a social messaging app), and one systematic review examining interventions that promote communicative response variability. These six papers highlight the diversity of complex communication needs and emphasize the importance of examining the efficacy of a wide range of individualized behavioral approaches that are matched to specific needs and goals.
Sexualization and youth: Concepts, theories, and models
Authors: Bigler Rebecca S. , Tomasetto Carlo , McKenney Sarah
Published: August 2019

Youth in Western countries are exposed to many messages that sexualize women. We selectively review the literature on sexualization with the goal of clarifying and integrating theories, constructs, and models of the pathways and mechanisms via which exposure to such messages may affect youth. In the first section of the article, we define sexualization and discuss historical change concerning the construct. In the second section, we highlight the role that core values concerning sexuality and gender play in designing and interpreting research on sexualization. In the third section, we provide a conceptual analysis of the various psychological constructs related to sexualization, noting their roots in particular theories. In the fourth section, we discuss developmental issues and, in fifth and sixth sections, we present conceptual models of the antecedents and consequences of believing that sexual attractiveness to men is an important aspect of the female gender role among girls and boys, respectively.
Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) in patients with peritoneal metastasized colorectal, appendiceal and small bowel cancer
Authors: Gockel Ines , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Haase Linda , Niebisch Stefan , Moulla Yusef , Lyros Orestis , Lordick Florian , Schierle Katrin , Wittekind Christian , Thieme René
Published: August 2019

Background:

Patients with intestinal cancer (colorectal, appendiceal, and small bowel) with peritoneal metastases (PM) have a poor prognosis. We assessed whether pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) together with systemic chemotherapy is an effective treatment option for these entities in palliative intent.

Methods:

Between November 2015 and February 2018, prospective data registry was performed (NCT03100708). Thirteen patients with intestinal cancer (median age 61 years [range 49–77]) underwent 26 PIPAC procedures with a median number of 2 interventions per patient (range 1–6). A chemoaerosol consisting of cisplatin/doxorubicin was administered during standard laparoscopy.

Results:

The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index according to Sugarbaker before the first PIPAC was 14 (range 2–27), and the median ascites volume was 10 mL (range 0–6300 mL). Six patients who received 2 or more PIPAC procedures had decreased and stable ascites volumes, while only 1 patient displayed increased ascites. The median overall survival was 303 days (range 30–490) after the first PIPAC procedure.

Conclusions:

PIPAC offers a novel treatment option for patients with PM. Our data show that PIPAC is safe and well-tolerated. Ascites production can be controlled by PIPAC in patients with intestinal cancer. Further studies are required to document the significance of PIPAC within palliative therapy concepts.

Trial registration:

NCT03100708