bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing a housing precariousness measure for Europe
Authors: Clair Amy , Reeves Aaron , McKee Martin , Stuckler David
Published: May 2018

There are concerns that the recovery from the Great Recession in Europe has left growing numbers of people facing precarious housing situations. Yet, to our knowledge, there is no comparative measure of housing precariousness in contrast to an extensive body of work on labour market precariousness. Here, we draw on a comparative survey of 31 European countries from the 2012 wave of European Union Survey of Income and Living Conditions to develop a novel housing precariousness measure. We integrate four dimensions of housing precariousness: security, affordability, quality and access to services, into a scale ranging from 0 (not at all precarious) to 4 (most precarious). Over half of the European population report at least one element of housing precariousness; 14.7  percent report two dimensions and 2.8  percent three or more (equivalent to ~15  million people). Eastern European and small island nations have relatively greater precariousness scores. Worse precariousness tends to be more severe among the young, unemployed, single and those with low educational attainment or who live in rented homes and is associated with poor self-reported health. Future research is needed to strengthen surveillance of housing precariousness as well as to understand what policies and programmes can help alleviate it.
Design and analysis of an integrated sliding mode control–two-point wheelbase preview strategy for a semi-active air suspension with stepper motor-driven gas-filled adjustable shock absorber
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wong Pak Kin , Ma Xinbo , Xie Zhengchao
Published: May 2018

This article proposes an integrated sliding mode control–two-point wheelbase preview strategy for semi-active air suspension system with gas-filled adjustable shock absorber. First of all, a vehicle suspension model with rolling lobe air spring and gas-filled adjustable shock absorber is built, following with a road input model for the front wheel. By describing the detailed structure and working process of the gas-filled adjustable shock absorber, the regulating mechanism between the stepper motor and the designed gas-filled adjustable shock absorber is established. Subsequently, the sliding mode control algorithm is applied to generate the desired damping force with the real-time state of the vehicle. Moreover, to predetermine the road profile for the rear wheel, a two-point wheelbase preview approach is proposed and its superiority is also illustrated as compared with the conventional single-point wheelbase preview approach. To evaluate the performance of the proposed system, numerical analysis is conducted with other three comparative schemes, namely, passive suspension system, active suspension system with H infinity control, and sliding mode control–controlled semi-active air suspension system with adjustable shock absorber. Simulation results show that the integrated sliding mode control–two-point wheelbase preview strategy can be successfully utilized in the semi-active air suspension system with stepper motor-driven gas-filled adjustable shock absorber, and the vehicle performance with the proposed system can be greatly improved.
PUK–KDP Conflict: Future Kurdish Status in Kirkuk
Authors: Abdullah Farhad Hassan
Published: May 2018

After the September 25 referendum, the political and military developments in the disputed territories resulted in significant threats toward Iraqi Kurdistan and also deepened the internal rivalry between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The Kurdish lost control of Kirkuk, which was the strongest Kurdish-held disputed territory in Iraq. Subsequently, on October 16, the Iraqi military attacked the city, and the Kurdish forces fled, unable to defend it. This article discusses the various disputes between the PUK and KDP vis-à-vis Kirkuk. It will also identify possible scenarios for the future role of the Kurds in Kirkuk and the wider implications of the city being ruled by an acting governor representing the Kurds. This article concludes that electing a new governor and returning the Kurdish parties in the Brotherhood List to the Council of Kirkuk is the best scenario.
Usability Testing of an Interactive Communication Tool to Help Children Express Their Cancer Symptoms
Authors: Tsimicalis Argerie , Rennick Janet , Stinson Jennifer , May Sylvie Le , Louli Julie , Choquette Anne , Treherne Stephanie , Berube Sarah , Yoon Sunmoo , Ruland Cornelia
Published: May 2018

Objective: Sisom is an interactive computer software program that allows children to rate the severity of their cancer symptoms. The study objectives were to describe the usability of Sisom in terms of ease of use, usefulness, and aesthetics and to offer suggestions for improvement. Method: A multisite, descriptive study was conducted to describe the usability of Sisom. A purposive sample of children, ages 6 to 12 years, being treated for cancer was recruited. English- and French-speaking children completed the eight tasks in Sisom recorded using Morae software and provided input via an audiotaped interview. Data were downloaded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed descriptively. Results: Thirty-four children with varying cancers participated. The majority of children liked Sisom and found Sisom easy to use, found it to be helpful in expressing their symptoms, and were satisfied with the aesthetics. Some children provided suggestions for improvement to optimize Sisom use in Canada. Conclusions: Children’s positive responses and desire to use Sisom again suggest that future research should be directed toward implementing and evaluating its effectiveness in a variety of settings.
Preventable Hospital Admissions and 30-Day All-Cause Readmissions: Does Hospital Participation in Accountable Care Organizations Improve Quality of Care?
Authors: Chukmaitov Askar , Harless David W. , Bazzoli Gloria J. , Muhlestein David B.
Published: May 2018

This study evaluates quality performance of hospitals participating in Medicare Shared Savings and Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) programs relative to nonparticipating hospitals. Overall, 198 ACO participating and 1210 propensity score matched, nonparticipating hospitals were examined in a difference-in-difference analysis, using data from 17 states in the years 2010-2013. The authors studied preventable hospitalizations for conditions sensitive to high-quality ambulatory care—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, chronic heart failure (CHF), complications of diabetes—and 30-day all-cause readmissions potentially influenced by hospital care. A decrease was found in preventable hospitalizations for COPD and asthma and for diabetes complications for ACO participating hospitals, but no significant differences for preventable CHF hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions. Mixed results may be attributable to insufficient incentives for ACO participating hospitals to decrease 30-day readmissions, whereas disease-focused initiatives may have a beneficial effect on preventable hospitalizations for COPD and asthma and complications of diabetes.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Two Empathy Measures: A Comparison of the Measurement Precision, Construct Validity, and Incremental Validity of Two Multidimensional Indices
Authors: Murphy Brett A. , Costello Thomas H. , Watts Ashley L. , Cheong Yuk Fai , Berg Joanna M. , Lilienfeld Scott O.
Published: May 2018

The quality of empathy research, and clinical assessment, hinges on the validity and proper interpretation of the measures used to assess the construct. This study investigates, in an online sample of 401 adult community participants, the construct validity of the Affective and Cognitive Measure of Empathy (ACME) relative to that of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the most widely used multidimensional empathy research measure. We investigated the factor structures of both measures, as well as their measurement precision across varying trait levels. We also examined them both in relation to convergent and discriminant criteria, including broadband personality dimensions, general emotionality, personality disorder features, and interpersonal malignancy. Our findings suggest that the ACME possesses incremental validity beyond the IRI for most constructs related to interpersonal malignancy. Our results further indicate that the IRI Personal Distress scale is severely deficient in construct validity, raising serious concerns regarding past findings that have included it when computing total empathy scores. Finally, our results indicate that both questionnaires display poor measurement precision at high trait levels, emphasizing the need for future researchers to develop indices that can reliably measure high levels of empathy.
Exploration of Factors Related to Depressive Symptomatology in Family Members of Military Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Moriarty Helene , Winter Laraine , Short Thomas H. , True Gala
Published: May 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a family affair, affecting those with the injury and their families. Psychological distress, often measured as depression or depressive symptoms, is highly prevalent among family members. Predictors of depression in family members of civilians with TBI have been examined, but predictors of depression in family members of military veterans have received very little research attention and are poorly understood. To address the knowledge gap, this study explored factors related to depressive symptoms in family members of veterans in the United States, using an ecological framework. Baseline data from 83 family members were used. Family members with higher caregiver burden, presence of a veteran with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and greater financial difficulty experienced significantly more depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that efforts to support family members and decrease their depression should aim to reduce caregiver burden and financial difficulty, and help family members cope with veteran PTSD and TBI. Family-focused interventions are needed.
‘It’s Like Chicken Talking to Ducks’ and Other Challenges to Families of Chinese Immigrant Older Adults in Long-Term Residential Care
Authors: Koehn Sharon , Baumbusch Jennifer , Reid R. Colin , Li Neville (Ka Ming)
Published: May 2018

Immigrant older adults are increasingly moving into long term residential care (LTRC) homes; however, most were designed and continue to be run in accordance with Anglocentric norms and values. Participation and interest in Family Councils—through which they might collectively voice concerns—was low within our purposive sample of nine Chinese-origin residents living in LTRC homes and 11 family carers. Our study, conducted in two LTRC homes in British Columbia, Canada between January and March 2016, further explored participants’ perceptions of quality of care by staff and quality of life of residents. Our findings negate participants’ rationale that they do not attend because they have no issues to raise. Solutions must recognize that carers’ time is precious and care-work is gendered; language incongruity and failure to address it marginalizes residents and their family members. A culturally informed reticence to speak out is reinforced when attempts to do so are silenced.
The Prevalence of Concomitant Deep Vein Thrombosis, Symptomatic or Asymptomatic, Proximal or Distal, in Patients With Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Hirmerova Jana , Seidlerova Jitka , Chudacek Zdenek
Published: May 2018

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) may have symptomatic or asymptomatic concomitant deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The reported prevalence of PE-associated DVT is variable, and thus, the utility of routine testing is controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze the prevalence of DVT and the factors associated with proximal DVT/whole-leg DVT in patients with symptomatic PE. In 428 consecutive patients (mean age: 59 ± 16.4 years; 52.3% men), we performed clinical examination and complete bilateral compression ultrasound and ascertained medical history and risk factors for DVT/PE. χ2 and t tests were used. Deep vein thrombosis was found in 70.6%; proximal DVT in 49.5%. Sensitivity/specificity of DVT symptoms was 42.7%/93.7% for whole-leg DVT and 47.6%/83.3% for proximal DVT. Male gender significantly prevailed among those with whole-leg DVT and with proximal DVT (58.9% and 61.8%). Active malignancy was significantly more frequent in the patients with proximal DVT than without proximal DVT (10.4% vs 3.7%). In conclusion, the prevalence of PE-associated DVT is quite high but clinical diagnosis is unreliable. In our group, male gender and active malignancy were significantly associated with the presence of concomitant proximal DVT.
Reliability and Validity of an Asian Indian Dietary Acculturation Measure (AIDAM)
Authors: Venkatesh Sumathi , Weatherspoon Lorraine J.
Published: May 2018

Dietary acculturation (adopting the eating patterns/practices of the host environment) of individuals who relocate to another country could be a risk factor for diet-related chronic diseases. A reliable and validated measure for the assessment of dietary acculturation may facilitate understanding of the relationship between dietary acculturation and diet-related chronic diseases in various nonnative populations. We aimed to determine the reliability and validity of a culturally sensitive Asian Indian Dietary Acculturation Measure (AIDAM) for Asian Indians. A cross-sectional survey was administered via Qualtrics Research Suite to 191 Asian Indian adults in the United States. The web survey consisted of AIDAM, a food frequency questionnaire consisting of Asian Indian (AI-FFQ) and non-Indian (NI-FFQ) foods and participant sociodemographic questions. Reliability and validity were examined through a polytomous Rasch model. Except for one item that was excluded due to misfit, 50 items were stable. The root mean square error was .08 for all the items, and the item and person reliabilities were .98 and .88, respectively. AIDAM was positively related to NI-FFQ ( r = .265) and negatively related to AI-FFQ ( r = −.432) based on correlations and linear regressions ( p < .001). Our preliminary analysis showed the AIDAM to have good reliability and validity when tested with a sample of Asian Indians in the United States. Further large studies with Asian Indians using AIDAM are needed to support our findings. This tool can be used by health professionals and researchers to determine the level of dietary acculturation as well as diet quality implications when assessing risk for diet-related diseases.
Anaesthetic management and complications during hypophysectomy in 37 cats with acromegaly
Authors: Neilson David M , Viscasillas Jaime , Alibhai Hatim IK , Kenny Patrick J , Niessen Stijn JM , Sanchis-Mora Sandra
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the anaesthetic management and perianaesthetic complications encountered during hypophysectomy surgery in acromegalic cats. We explored relationships between animal demographic data, the anaesthetic protocol used and presence of perioperative complications.

Methods

Cats having undergone hypophysectomy surgery for the treatment of feline acromegaly at a single veterinary referral hospital were identified from hospital records. The anaesthesia records and clinical notes of these animals were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistics were produced and binary logistic regression run to assess for any relationship between patient factors, anaesthetic management and complications during the perioperative period.

Results

Perianaesthetic complications identified included hypothermia, hypotension, bradycardia and airway obstruction. Mortality at 24 h post-anaesthesia was 8%. The use of alpha (α)2 agonists was associated with a lower incidence of hypotension. Fentanyl infusion was associated with a higher incidence of airway obstruction compared with remifentanil. Subjectively assessed anaesthetic recovery quality had an association with the number of days spent in the intensive care ward postoperatively.

Conclusions and relevance

The anaesthetic management described seems effective for hypophysectomy surgery in cats. Intraoperative complications were common and, while not apparently associated with 24 h patient outcome, drugs and equipment to manage these complications should be available.
Analysis of Temporal Changes in Growth and Gene Expression for Commensal Gut Microbes in Response to the Polyphenol Naringenin
Authors: Firrman Jenni , Liu LinShu , Argoty Gustavo Arango , Zhang Liqing , Tomasula Peggy , Wang Minqian , Pontious Sherri , Kobori Masuko , Xiao Weidong
Published: May 2018

In this study, the effect of the flavanone naringenin on the growth and genetic expression of the commensal gut microbes, Ruminococcus gauvreauii, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, and Enterococcus caccae, was analyzed. Analysis of growth curves revealed that Ruminococcus gauvreauii was unaffected by naringenin, Bifidobacterium catenulatum was slightly enhanced by naringenin, and Enterococcus caccae was severely inhibited by naringenin. Changes in genetic expression due to naringenin were determined using single-molecule RNA sequencing. Analysis revealed the following responses to naringenin: Ruminococcus gauvreauii upregulated genes involved in iron uptake; Bifidobacterium catenulatum upregulated genes involved in cellular metabolism, DNA repair and molecular transport, and downregulated genes involved in thymidine biosynthesis and metabolism; Enterococcus caccae upregulated pathways involved in transcription and protein transport and downregulated genes responsible for sugar transport and purine synthesis. For the first time, changes in growth and gene expression for commensal gut bacteria in response to naringenin were documented.
Neuropeptide Signaling Networks and Brain Circuit Plasticity
Authors: McClard Cynthia K , Arenkiel Benjamin R
Published: May 2018

The brain is a remarkable network of circuits dedicated to sensory integration, perception, and response. The computational power of the brain is estimated to dwarf that of most modern supercomputers, but perhaps its most fascinating capability is to structurally refine itself in response to experience. In the language of computers, the brain is loaded with programs that encode when and how to alter its own hardware. This programmed “plasticity” is a critical mechanism by which the brain shapes behavior to adapt to changing environments. The expansive array of molecular commands that help execute this programming is beginning to emerge. Notably, several neuropeptide transmitters, previously best characterized for their roles in hypothalamic endocrine regulation, have increasingly been recognized for mediating activity-dependent refinement of local brain circuits. Here, we discuss recent discoveries that reveal how local signaling by corticotropin-releasing hormone reshapes mouse olfactory bulb circuits in response to activity and further explore how other local neuropeptide networks may function toward similar ends.
Intracranial aneurysms: Review of current science and management
Authors: Toth Gabor , Cerejo Russell
Published: May 2018

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms often have a relatively benign clinical course. Frequently, they are found incidentally during workup for an underlying, possibly related or unrelated, symptom or condition. Overall, brain aneurysms are considered to have a relatively low annual risk of rupture. However, should it occur, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Our understanding of the natural history and treatment outcomes of cerebral aneurysms has significantly increased over the last few decades, but choosing the optimal management for each patient requires the careful consideration of numerous medical, clinical and anatomic factors. The purpose of this review is to help physicians and caregivers, who may participate in the diagnosis, counseling and triage of patients with brain aneurysms, understand the basic elements of decision making. We discuss natural history, risk factors, screening, presentation, diagnosis, and their implications on aneurysm management and long-term follow-up. We also provide an overview of the risks and benefits of currently available treatment options.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is a marker of survival and cardiac complications rather than patency following revascularization of lower extremities
Authors: Pourafkari Leili , Choi Catherine , Garajehdaghi Reza , Tajlil Arezou , Dosluoglu Hasan H , Nader Nader D
Published: May 2018

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as a marker of inflammation, is associated with the severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The role of the NLR on predicting future complications after elective revascularization for patients with PAD remains unknown. We aimed to examine the role of the NLR in the development of major adverse limb events (MALE) and the long-term mortality of these patients. We evaluated 1708 revascularization procedures from May 2001 to December 2015 at the Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System from a prospectively maintained vascular database that included demographics, comorbidities and pre-procedural medications. Peri-procedural laboratory findings including complete blood cell count and metabolic panel were further retrieved from the electronic health record. The NLR was calculated, and the patients were categorized into tertiles according to NLR cut-off points. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine MALE and 10-year mortality. The primary endpoint of the study was MALE, and the secondary endpoint included 10-year mortality. A total of 1228 patients were included for final analyses. Patients in the third NLR tertile were more likely to experience MALE during the follow-up period ( p<0.001). In addition, fewer patients in tertile 3 survived over the follow-up period compared to tertiles 1 and 2 ( p<0.0001). Patients in tertile 3 tended to be older with a higher frequency of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Our multivariate analysis demonstrated that the NLR was independently associated with higher rates of MALE in the affected vessels following revascularization procedures. Similarly, the NLR was revealed to be an independent predictor of higher long-term mortality in these patients.
Poetic Confluence and the Public Formulation of Others’ Private Matters
Authors: Wooffitt Robin
Published: May 2018

This article is an exploratory empirical study of a form of interpersonal relationality that takes the form of a speech event in which one participant produces a spoken turn that exhibits a poetic relationship to a co-participant’s unspoken thoughts or unarticulated mental imagery. The data consist of anecdotal reports, which are analysed in relation to empirical findings from conversation analytic studies of formulations in institutional and naturally occurring talk. The first part of the article establishes its robustness and describes some recurrent properties. The analysis shows how poetic turns formulate modulated versions of others’ sensitive or delicate thoughts or imagery, thereby performing a form of Goffmanesque remedial work. In the discussion, methodological and substantive implications of this phenomenon are discussed, specifically: the use of anecdotes in sociological research, the porousness of personal boundaries, and theoretical accounts of relationality.
Autistic people’s perspectives on stereotypes: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Treweek Caroline , Wood Chantelle , Martin Jilly , Freeth Megan
Published: May 2018

Autism stereotypes can often portray autistic people in a negative way. However, few studies have looked at how autistic people think they are perceived by others, and none have specifically asked autistic people what they think the autistic stereotypes are. Semi-structured interviews with 12 autistic adults (aged between 20 and 63 years) were conducted. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, three main themes emerged from the data. These were as follows: (1) the primary stereotype is that autistic people are ‘weird’; (2) autistic stereotypes have negative effects and consequences; and (3) autistic people are heterogeneous. This study makes an important and novel contribution to understanding the experience of being autistic by exploring how autistic people feel they are perceived by others and identifying some of the ways in which negative stereotypes are believed to have negative consequences for autistic people.
Law, necropolitics and the stop and search of young people
Authors: Flacks Simon
Published: May 2018

Stop and search can harm young people, damage relations between police and the community and alienate ethnic and racial minorities. In Mohidin and another v Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis and others, a group of minors who had been stopped, searched and, in some cases, falsely imprisoned, assaulted and racially abused by officers, were awarded damages for the distress and pain suffered. In this article, the case will be read not for the tortious legal consequences of police actions towards youth, or members of the public in general, nor for the culpability of any of the parties concerned, but for how the use of ‘lawful’ police powers on young people was framed and justified by both officers and the courts. It is argued that the punitive function of such powers has been underexplored by criminologists, and that the authorization and legitimization of such tactics, routinely defended as a ‘necessary’ crime prevention tool, can be understood as an instantiation of ‘necropolitics’.
The moral dimensions of assessment in early childhood education
Authors: Buzzelli Cary A
Published: May 2018

This article conceptualizes assessment in early childhood education as a moral practice using Amartya Sen’s capability approach and Thomas A Schwandt’s practical hermeneutic approach to assessment and evaluation. After describing the moral connection Sen makes between development and assessment, Schwandt’s conceptualization of evaluation is presented as reframing it from a technical practice to one based on practical moral knowledge, having moral significance for teachers and children. Assessment as a moral practice must be done from two perspectives: from the learner’s perspective to assess children’s agency in guiding their own learning, and from the environment’s perspective to assess the opportunities for learning afforded children by the environment. Balancing assessment from these two perspectives is a moral challenge for teachers. The final section examines the recent work by Margaret Carr and Jennifer Keys Adair, who offer new approaches to assessment in early childhood that incorporate methods consistent with the capability approach and Schwandt. The goal of the article is to outline a moral practice of assessment in early childhood education.
Assessment of bearing degradation by using intrinsic mode functions and k-medoids clustering
Authors: Nistane VM , Harsha SP
Published: May 2018

Recently, the prognostic is much attention in the field of vibration-based bearing monitoring and it plays a significant role to avoid accidents. In rotary machines, the bearing failure is one of the major causes of machinery shutdown. The bearing degradation monitoring is a great concern for prevention of bearing failures. This paper presents an approach for the bearing degradation evaluation based on empirical mode decomposition and k-medoids clustering. The bearing fault features are extracted from vibration data using an intrinsic mode function of empirical mode decomposition process. The extracted features are then subjected to k-medoids clustering for obtaining normal and failure state. Assurance values curve, which is based on dissimilarity data of test object to the normal state is found and retained as degradation indicator for evaluation of bearing health. Experiment was conducted to verify and assess the effectiveness of proposed method for the evaluation of performance of bearing degradation. To justify the preeminence of recommended approach, the root mean square and kurtosis features of time domain, envelope analysis of diagnosis method, and degradation assessment classifiers, i.e. simplified fuzzy adaptive resonance theory map are commonly used in the bearing analysis compared with the proposed method. Early stage detection of degradation more accurately, the recommended method is better than the time-domain features and simplified fuzzy adaptive resonance theory map based on performance degradation assessment on bearing. Moreover, envelope analysis can be used to verify the early stage defect detected by the proposed method. In this study, it has been seen that the k-medoids clustering is an efficient tool to assess the performance of degradation of bearings.
Higher education beliefs and intentions among immigrant-origin students in Italy
Authors: Mantovani Debora , Gasperoni Giancarlo , Albertini Marco
Published: May 2018

The article addresses beliefs about higher education and ensuing intentions among a large sample of upper secondary school leavers in Italy, with a focus on children of immigrants. ‘Foreign’ students currently account for 7% of upper secondary students, and their incidence has been growing over time. Only a minority of non-Italian students continue their studies at the university level versus a majority of Italians. The article investigates the extent to which students of non-Italian origin differ from their native fellow students in terms of characteristics associated with a higher likelihood of enrolling in tertiary education The study draws on a survey involving over 5600 last-year upper secondary students – 525 of whom are of immigrant origin – in Italy during the 2013/14 school year. After a brief overview of the evolution and current situation of first and second generations in Italian upper secondary schooling, the text describes similarities and differences between native and non-native students with regard to a set of key features. An exploration of school leavers’ beliefs about the benefits of higher education and its link to the labour market reveals that immigrant-origin students have slightly less favourable views of higher education with respect to their Italian schoolmates. Finally, the analysis turns to school leavers’ intentions to enrol at university, which is examined via a set of binomial regression models, which suggest that immigrant-origin youths’ weaker higher education intentions are largely due to prior decisions in favour of non-academic school tracks.
Sulfur dioxide improves endothelial dysfunction by downregulating the angiotensin II/AT1R pathway in D-galactose-induced aging rats
Authors: Dai Jing , Liu Rui , Zhao Jinjie , Zhang Aijie
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on the endothelial function of the aorta in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging rats. Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into a D-gal group, a D-gal + SO2 group and a control group, then injected with D-gal, D-gal + SO2 donor or equivalent volumes of saline, respectively, for 8 consecutive weeks. After 8 weeks, the mean arterial pressure was significantly increased in the D-gal group, but was lowered by SO2. SO2 significantly ameliorated the endothelial dysfunction induced by D-gal treatment. The vasorelaxant effect of SO2 was associated with the elevated nitric oxide levels and upregulated phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. In the D-gal group, the concentration of angiotensin II in the plasma was significantly increased, but was decreased by SO2. Moreover, levels of vascular tissue hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde were significantly lower in SO2-treated groups than those in the D-gal group. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of oxidative stress-related proteins (the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunits) were increased in the D-gal group, while they were decreased after treatment with SO2. In conclusion, SO2 attenuated endothelial dysfunction in association with the inhibition of oxidative stress injury and the downregulation of the angiotensin II/AT1R pathway in D-gal-induced aging rats.
Progress in prediction of jet noise and quantification of aircraft/engine noise components
Authors: Viswanathan K
Published: May 2018

The bypass ratio of newer turbofan engines has been increasing steadily and has reached ∼10; even higher bypass ratios are being considered for improving aircraft fuel efficiency. An accurate method for the prediction of jet noise over a wide range of bypass ratio, from ∼5 to ultra-high bypass ratios (∼20), is required to address current and future needs. The main objective of the current study is the development of a procedure for real-world application that would permit the accurate prediction of jet noise, which in turn would enable the quantification of the non-jet noise component. A new empirical method for prediction of noise from realistic dual-stream jets is developed and validated against an extensive database acquired at model scale; the range of validity covers a velocity ratio ( Vs/Vp) ≥ ∼0.6, as this is the range of interest in real turbofan engines. Accurate absolute spectral predictions at all angles and all cycle conditions are first demonstrated at model scale. The same method is then extended to full-scale predictions, both from static engine tests and airplane flyover tests. The range of Strouhal number of interest in full-scale tests spans ∼0.1 to ∼100. Nearfield effects on the jet noise from dual-stream jets have been quantified and a simple and improved procedure for incorporating spectral effects has been developed. Accurate spectral predictions are obtained for noise from static engine tests and flyover tests, over a wide range of engine operating conditions and bypass ratio. Therefore, the good quality and accuracy of the new prediction method have been confirmed at both model scale and full scale, with and without forward flight. An absolute prediction takes ∼1 s on a workstation, as only a single scaling equation is utilized. The application of the new prediction method in gaining better quantification and understanding of the non-jet noise components, and their reduction, is described.
Haemoglobin A1c variability as an independent correlate of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in Chinese type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mo Yifei , Zhou Jian , Ma Xiaojing , Zhu Wei , Zhang Lei , Li Jie , Lu Jingyi , Hu Cheng , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To examine the association between haemoglobin A1c variability and macrovascular complication in type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled 5278 diabetes patients with no history of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis by ultrasound at their first visit to the hospital from 1999 to 2010. Patients had a median of 4 haemoglobin A1c (range = 3–9) measurements during follow-up. Average haemoglobin A1c and haemoglobin A1c variability were calculated as intra-individual mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and adjusted standard deviation. Cardiovascular disease events and ultrasound results were re-evaluated from the medical history at the end of the study.

Results:

A total of 972 patients had macrovascular complication. Compared to those without atherosclerosis/cardiovascular disease (n = 4306), haemoglobin A1c intra-individual mean and haemoglobin A1c variability levels were significantly higher in patients with macrovascular complication ( p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that haemoglobin A1c variability was associated with macrovascular complication. Moreover, 488 patients with only atherosclerosis had significantly higher haemoglobin A1c intra-individual mean and haemoglobin A1c variability values than those without atherosclerosis/cardiovascular disease ( p < 0.001), but in 484 patients with cardiovascular disease incidents, only higher haemoglobin A1c intra-individual mean level was found ( p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

In Chinese type 2 diabetes, haemoglobin A1c variability was associated with macrovascular complication. Long-term stabilization of glucose is important in diabetes management, especially in the early stage of atherosclerosis.
Comparison of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and clinical status in diagnosing pneumonia in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of COPD: A prospective observational study
Authors: Titova Elena , Christensen Andreas , Henriksen Anne Hildur , Steinshamn Sigurd , Åsberg Arne
Published: May 2018

Lower respiratory tract infection is the most common cause of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) as single diagnostic tests and in combination with clinical signs and symptoms to diagnose pneumonia in patients hospitalized with AECOPD. This was a prospective, single centre observational study. Patients with spirometry-confirmed COPD who were hospitalized due to AECOPD were consecutively recruited at the hospital’s Emergency Unit. Pneumonia was defined as a new pulmonary infiltrate on chest X-ray. The values of PCT, CRP and WBC were determined at admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to study the accuracy of various diagnostic tests. Of the 113 included patients, 35 (31%) had pneumonia at admission. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) for PCT, CRP and WBC as a single test to distinguish between patients with and without pneumonia was 0.67 (95% CI 0.55–0.79), 0.73 (95% CI 0.63–0.84) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.55–0.79), respectively ( p = 0.42 for the test of difference). The AUC for a model of clinical signs and symptoms was 0.84 (95% CI 0.76–0.92). When biomarkers were added to the clinical model, the AUCs of the combined models were not significantly different from that of the clinical model alone ( p = 0.54). PCT had about the same accuracy as CRP and WBC in predicting pneumonia in patients hospitalized with AECOPD both as a single test and in combination with clinical signs and symptoms.
Statewide Alternate Reading Assessment of Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing With Additional Disabilities
Authors: Donne Vicki , Hansen Mary A. , Zigmond Naomi
Published: May 2018

This study presents longitudinal data analysis of 6 years of reading scores on a large-scale statewide performance-based alternate assessment for 214 students who are deaf/hard of hearing and have an additional cognitive disability. Assessment scores were examined by complexity level, within grade-level bands, and individually over time. Results indicated that even though the depth of content knowledge increased over time as defined by test specifications, students generally maintained a stable level of proficiency as determined by the state performance standards. Interpretation of results underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to reading instruction among special educators, teachers of the deaf, and speech-language pathologists to improve outcomes of this population.
Copy and Paste Lawmaking: Legislative Professionalism and Policy Reinvention in the States
Authors: Jansa Joshua M. , Hansen Eric R. , Gray Virginia H.
Published: May 2018

Research on policy reinvention tends to focus on whether policies become more or less comprehensive over time while neglecting to explain copying policy language verbatim. We argue that the extent to which lawmakers reinvent policy depends on the resources available to them. Lawmakers serving in more professional state legislatures have greater capacity to reinvent policies. In contrast, lawmakers serving in less professional settings are more likely to copy policy language. As evidence, we gather bill texts of 12 policies that diffused across the 50 states between 1982 and 2014. Using cosine similarity scores to measure language copying, we find that less professional legislatures copy more text from previous adopters, and that the likeliest culprit is a lack of funding for staff assistance. The findings have implications for states’ ability to amend policies to suit their own citizens’ needs.
Differentiated Regional Homogeneity in Progressive Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Study With Post Hoc Label
Authors: Cai Suping , Wang Yubo , Kang Yafei , Wang Haidong , Kim Hyejin , von Deneen Karen M. , Huang Meiping , Jiang Yuanyuan , Huang Liyu
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be the clinical transition stage between patients with cognitively intact geriatrics and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). When observed longitudinally, however, a certain proportion of patients with MCI are expected to revert to a cognitively intact state (MCI_R) while others either remain in the MCI state (MCI_S) or deteriorate into AD (MCI_P). It is worthwhile to investigate the divergence in the brain activities of these MCI groups with different post hoc labels.

Methods:

In this study, we employed the regional homogeneity (ReHo) measure to explore the characteristics of local brain activity in these MCI groups.

Results:

Compared to age-matched normal controls, our results exhibited that (1) in MCI_R group, ReHo index showed an increase in the left insula and a decrease in the left superior temporal gyrus; (2) in MCI_S group, ReHo index increased in the left orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG_orb) and decreased in the left inferior parietal lobe; and (3) in MCI_P group, ReHo index elevated in the left IFG_orb and decreased in the left putamen.

Conclusions:

The distinct ReHo changes in the individual MCI groups indicated a potential evidence for differentially active interventions for a specific patient with MCI.
Endovascular glue embolization of a radiation-induced lenticulostriate artery pseudoaneurysm in a pediatric patient with optic pathway glioma: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Patro Satya Narayana , Iancu Daniela , Al Mansoori Taleb , Lesiuk Howard , Vassilyadi Michael
Published: May 2018

Radiation-associated vascular changes most commonly present in the form of stenosis, thrombosis and occlusion. However, development of intracranial aneurysms secondary to radiation is far less common and often manifests with rupture. These aneurysms are difficult to treat and associated with high morbidity and mortality when ruptured compared with saccular aneurysms unrelated to radiation treatment. Both surgical and endovascular options are available for treatment of these aneurysms. We present a young patient with a radiation-induced intracranial pseudoaneurysm arising from the lenticulostriate branch of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA); this developed 1 year 4 months after 59.4 Gy of focused radiation to the suprasellar pilomyxoid astrocytoma. The patient successfully underwent endovascular glue embolization of the aneurysm and occlusion of the lenticulostriate artery after unsuccessful trapping of the aneurysm and occlusion of the parent artery using coils. She developed transient hemiparesis of the right side following the procedure, which was managed conservatively. We performed a complete review of the literature dealing with the radiation-induced intracranial aneurysms, their presentation, treatment and outcome.
Stories as property: Narrative ownership as a key concept in victims’ experiences with criminal justice
Authors: Pemberton Antony , Aarten Pauline GM , Mulder Eva
Published: May 2018

This article offers a novel approach to the difficulties experienced by victims in relation to their social surroundings in general, and to justice processes in particular, by expanding on an emerging paradigm of narrative victimology. For victims, ownership of their narrative is a key element of their experience, but this ownership is contested. The article brings together a body of victimological literature drawn from social and personality psychology, criminology and sociology to illuminate mechanisms underlying possible tensions between victims’ narratives and other perspectives on their ordeal. These tensions are relevant to understanding secondary victimisation in the criminal justice processes, as well as to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of restorative justice as a possible avenue for meeting victims’ needs.
Long-term outcomes of silicone metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty: a longitudinal analysis of 325 cases
Authors: Boe Chelsea , Wagner Eric , Rizzo Marco
Published: May 2018

An analysis was conducted of 325 consecutive metacarpophalangeal arthroplasties prospectively collected using a single institution’s total joints registry over a 14-year time period to characterize long-term radiographic and functional outcomes. Patients were followed for a mean of 7.2 years (2–18) or until revision. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survival free from revision were 98%, 95% and 95%, respectively. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates free from radiographic implant fracture were 93%, 58% and 35%, respectively. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates free from coronal plane deformity greater than 10° were 81%, 37% and 17%, respectively. Patients had significant improvements in their postoperative pain levels and metacarpophalangeal arc of motion. Neither implant fracture, nor coronal plane deformity >10° had a significant association with worse function. Overall, pain relief and functional improvement are reliable, though silicone implants do not protect from progression of coronal plane deformity and have a high fracture rate.

Level of evidence: IV
The second and third amino acids of Pam2 lipopeptides are key for the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells
Authors: Takeda Yohei , Azuma Masahiro , Hatsugai Ryoko , Fujimoto Yukari , Hashimoto Masahito , Fukase Koichi , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa
Published: May 2018

The TLR2 agonist, dipalmitoyl lipopeptide (Pam2LP), has been used as an immune adjuvant without much success. Pam2LP is recognised by TLR2/6 receptors in humans and in mice. This study examined the proliferative activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) using mouse Ag-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) and OT-I assay system, where a library of synthetic Pam2LP was utilised from the Staphylococcus aureus database. Ag-specific CTL expansion and IFN-γ levels largely depended on the Pam2LP peptide sequence. The first Aa is cysteine (Cys), which has an active SH residue to bridge fatty acids, and the second and third Aa are hydrophilic or non-polar. The sequence structurally adapted to the residual constitution of the reported TLR2/6 pocket. The inactive sequence contained proline or leucine/isoleucine after the first Cys. Notably, no direct activation of OT-I cells was detected without DCs by stimulation with the active Pam2LP having the Cys-Ser sequence. MyD88, but not TICAM-1 or IFN pathways, in DCs participates in DC maturation characterised by upregulation of CD40, CD80 and CD86. Hence, the active Pam2LPs appear suitable for dimeric TLR2/6 on DCs, resulting in induction of DC maturation.
“Brazil: A Paradigm of Many Developing Countries”
Authors: Blay Eva Alterman
Published: May 2018

Presented during the Plenary Session on “the Community “as the Focus for Health and Healthy Changes”, at the IUHPE's XVth World Conference