bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the mid-Holocene relative sea-level highstand hypothesis in North Wales, UK
Authors: Rushby Greg T , Richards Geoff T , Gehrels W Roland , Anderson William P , Bateman Mark D , Blake William H
Published: June 2019

Accurate Holocene relative sea-level curves are vital for modelling future sea-level changes, particularly in regions where relative sea-level changes are dominated by isostatically induced vertical land movements. In North Wales, various glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models predict a mid-Holocene relative sea-level highstand between 4 and 6 ka, which is unsubstantiated by any geological sea-level data but affects the ability of geophysical models to model accurately past and future sea levels. Here, we use a newly developed foraminifera-based sea-level transfer function to produce a 3300-year-long late-Holocene relative sea-level reconstruction from a salt marsh in the Malltraeth estuary on the south Anglesey coast in North Wales. This is the longest continuous late-Holocene relative sea-level reconstruction in Northwest Europe. We combine this record with two new late-Holocene sea-level index points (SLIPs) obtained from a freshwater marsh at Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, and with previously published regional SLIPs, to produce a relative sea-level record for North Wales that spans from ca. 13,000 BP to the present. This record leaves no room for a mid-Holocene relative sea-level highstand in the region. We conclude that GIA models that include a mid-Holocene sea-level highstand for North Wales need revision before they are used in the modelling of past and future relative sea-level changes around the British Isles.
Ethnographic reflections of the role of Global North volunteers in sport-for-development
Authors: Lucas Ryan , Jeanes Ruth
Published: June 2019

This article critically examines the work undertaken by Global North volunteers in Global South sport-for-development programmes. Whilst existing studies acknowledge the centrality of Northern volunteers to the delivery of sport-for-development programmes in the Global South, there are few detailed explorations of how volunteers approach working in diverse cultural contexts and their impact on local communities. Drawing on an ethnographic methodology and post-colonial theory, the article reflects on the first author’s experiences as an AusAID funded volunteer working as a cricket development officer in the Solomon Islands. In addition to the first author’s fieldnotes and critical reflections, the article draws on interviews conducted with indigenous and expatriate stakeholders involved in the sport-for-development programme. The findings demonstrate the complexities of Global North volunteers’ engagement with sport-for-development. The use of post-colonial theory illustrates the ways in which Global North volunteers can perpetuate neo-colonial initiatives and systems of working that are imposed on Global South communities. The study suggests that volunteers can be very aware of their position but can feel helpless in challenging external agencies to promote more culturally sensitive and localised approaches to development work. Furthermore, the paper indicates the complications of developing localised initiatives, indicating how external agencies, through the Global North volunteer, used indigenous people to create the impression that programmes are locally driven. The paper concludes by examining the ways in which indigenous communities resisted the imposition of a sport-for-development initiative that did not meet their needs.
Should we study political behaviour as rituals? Towards a general micro theory of politics in everyday life
Authors: Marx Paul
Published: June 2019

Political behaviour research is divided into several explanatory approaches. They have in common that they disregard, to varying extents, the social bases of their explanatory concepts. To fill this void, the present article explores the theoretical advantages of applying Randal Collins’s ritual theory to political behaviour. The central claim is that any cognitive factor, such as interests, values, norms or identities has to be infused with emotional resonance in concrete social interaction in order to become a relevant motivation for political behaviour. Based on this argument, the article develops four testable propositions and discusses how they relate to existing approaches. The article concludes that ritual-based emotions are a unified motivational basis for political behaviour, which help understand which cognitive factor becomes politically relevant in a specific situation. The theoretical discussion is complemented with suggestions of how to study political rituals empirically.
Comparing Student- and Teacher-Formed Teams on Group Dynamics, Satisfaction, and Performance
Authors: Rusticus Shayna A. , Justus Brandon J.
Published: June 2019

We compared student- and teacher-formed teams on aspects of group dynamics, satisfaction, and performance. Two sections of an introductory psychology research methods course were randomly assigned to either student-formed or teacher-formed teams. We conducted t tests on 10 measures related to group dynamics, satisfaction, and success. Academic performance and group work contribution were the only measures found to be statistically different, with the student-formed teams scoring higher than the teacher-formed teams. Follow-up individual interviews or focus groups conducted with 13 students suggested a slight preference for the teacher-formed method because it was transparent and eliminated the stress of having to choose one’s team members. We further recommend this method because of its simplicity and closer approximation to real-world scenarios. Several factors identified as being important for effective team functioning, regardless of group formation method, are also discussed.
Increased Length of Stay Associated With Antibiotic Use in Older Adults With Advanced Cancer Transitioned to Comfort Measures
Authors: Datta Rupak , Zhu Mojun , Han Ling , Allore Heather , Quagliarello Vincent , Juthani-Mehta Manisha
Published: June 2019

Background:

Antibiotic use may increase hospital length of stay (LOS) among older patients with advanced cancer who are transitioned to comfort measures.

Methods:

We studied a cohort of patients with advanced cancer aged ≥65 years who were transitioned to comfort measures during admission from July 1, 2014, through November 30, 2016. We evaluated the association between antibiotic exposure and LOS using a Poisson regression model adjusted for age, gender, cancer type, comorbidities, infection, and intensive care unit admission.

Results:

Among 461 patients with advanced cancer, median age was 74 years (range: 65-99), 49.0% (n = 226) were female, and 20.6% (n = 95) had liquid tumors. Overall, 82.9% (n = 382) received ≥1 antibiotic and 64.6% (n = 298) had ≥1 infection diagnosis during hospitalization. Infection diagnoses commonly included sepsis (35%, n = 161/461), pneumonia (25%, n = 117/461), and urinary tract infection (14%, n = 66/461). Among those receiving antibiotics, the most common choices included vancomycin (79%, n = 300/382), cephalosporins (63%, n = 241/382), and penicillins (45%, n = 172/382). In a multivariable Poisson regression model, LOS was 34% longer (count ratio = 1.34, [95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.51]) among those exposed versus unexposed to antibiotics.

Conclusions:

Antibiotic use among patients with advanced cancer who are transitioned to comfort measures is associated with longer LOS. These data illustrate the importance of tradeoffs associated with antibiotic use, such as unintended increased LOS, when striving for goal-concordant care near the end of life.
Positive Deviance as Design Thinking: Challenging Notions of Stasis in Technical and Professional Communication
Authors: Durá Lucía , Perez Lauren , Chaparro Magdalena
Published: June 2019

In design thinking, extreme users have found work-arounds for common problems, but they are few in number and often overlooked in toolkits and write-ups. This article posits that positive deviance, an approach to social and behavioral change that is compatible with design thinking, offers technical and professional communicators an accessible and innovative methodology for engaging extreme users. The authors analyze a case study of how the positive deviance approach was used to address federal recidivism on the U.S.–Mexico border. They conducted a positive deviance inquiry to arrive at the everyday replicable behaviors that enabled released individuals to complete their terms of supervised release successfully, despite the odds against them and without access to special resources. The authors conclude by discussing the value and implications of focusing on extreme users.
When Do Opponents of Gay Rights Mobilize? Explaining Political Participation in Times of Backlash against Liberalism
Authors: Ayoub Phillip M. , Page Douglas
Published: June 2019

Existing research suggests that supporters of gay rights have outmobilized their opponents, leading to policy changes in advanced industrialized democracies. At the same time, we observe the diffusion of state-sponsored homophobia in many parts of the world. The emergence of gay rights as a salient political issue in global politics leads us to ask, “Who is empowered to be politically active in various societies?” What current research misses is a comparison of levels of participation (voting and protesting) between states that make stronger and weaker appeals to homophobia. Voters face contrasting appeals from politicians in favor of and against gay rights globally. In an analysis of survey data from Europe and Latin America, we argue that the alignment between the norms of sexuality a state promotes and an individual’s personal attitudes on sexuality increases felt political efficacy. We find that individuals who are tolerant of homosexuality are more likely to participate in states with gay-friendly policies in comparison with intolerant individuals. The reverse also holds: individuals with low education levels that are intolerant of homosexuality are more likely to participate in states espousing political homophobia.
Business Models for Sustainability: Choices and Consequences
Authors: Schneider Sabrina , Clauß Thomas
Published: June 2019

Business models for sustainability (BMFS) explicitly consider, jointly, economic with social and/or ecological value contributions. Thus, managing BMFS requires that one should combine multiple institutional logics, consider different stakeholders, and integrate distinct value dimensions. While research into BMFS has proposed frameworks and tools to capture this complexity, the mechanisms that underlie the interaction of the economic with social and/or ecological value creation cycles in BMFS remain unknown. We use a longitudinal, multiple-case study approach to identify a framework of fundamental choices and consequences that lead to economic and social/ecological value creation. Our findings highlight the interdependence of a set of three fundamental choices (an ambition to cater for multiple purposes, behavioral consistency, and collaboration) that lead to a virtuous circle of reinforcing consequences and cascaded value creation. Furthermore, we show how acceptance of limitations and restrictions functions as a powerful coping mechanism to deal with paradox tensions.
Medical conditions and outcomes in 371 hoarded cats from 14 sources: a retrospective study (2011–2014)
Authors: Jacobson Linda S , Giacinti Jolene A , Robertson Jyothi
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the source, route of surrender and signalment of hoarded cats relinquished to the Toronto Humane Society (THS); (2) document the prevalence of medical conditions by group (place of origin); (3) compare medical conditions between institutional hoarding (IH) and non-institutional hoarding (NIH) environments; and (4) report length of stay (LOS) and outcomes in hoarded and non-hoarded cats.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive epidemiological study was performed using THS records from between July 2011 and June 2014. The prevalence of medical conditions was calculated for the different groups. Univariable logistic regression with a random intercept to account for autocorrelation among animals from the same group was used to examine the influence of IH and NIH environments on selected medical conditions. LOS and outcomes were calculated for hoarded and non-hoarded cats.

Results

Three hundred and seventy-one hoarded cats from 14 sources were included. The majority (n = 352/371) were surrendered voluntarily, many with the assistance of a community intermediary. Upper respiratory infection (URI) was the most common medical condition (38% of cats), followed by dermatological disease (30%). The prevalence of medical conditions varied substantially between groups. The odds of URI at intake (odds ratio [OR] 4.35, P = 0.044) and chronic URI (OR 23.70, P <0.0001) were significantly greater for IH compared with NIH. Adoption rates, euthanasia rates and LOS were similar for hoarded and non-hoarded cats.

Conclusions and relevance

The different prevalence of medical conditions in groups of hoarded cats indicates a continuum of harm and severity in animal hoarding. Hoarded cats can have LOS and live release rates comparable with non-hoarded cats. Cats from IH were significantly more likely to have chronic URI. This study highlights the need for a greater focus on IH, as well as the role of community intermediaries and the potential for a harm reduction approach to animal hoarding.
Self-Care Interventions That Reduce Hospital Readmissions in Patients With Heart Failure; Towards the Identification of Change Agents
Authors: Toukhsati SR , Jaarsma T , Babu AS , Driscoll A , Hare DL
Published: June 2019

Unplanned hospital readmissions are the most important, preventable cost in heart failure (HF) health economics. Current professional guidelines recommend that patient self-care is an important means by which to reduce this burden. Patients with HF should be engaged in their care such as by detecting, monitoring, and managing their symptoms. A variety of educational and behavioural interventions have been designed and implemented by health care providers to encourage and support patient self-care. Meta-analyses support the use of self-care interventions to improve patient self-care and reduce hospital readmissions; however, efficacy is variable. The aim of this review was to explore methods to achieve greater clarity and consistency in the development and reporting of self-care interventions to enable ‘change agents’ to be identified. We conclude that advancement in this field requires more explicit integration and reporting on the behaviour change theories that inform the design of self-care interventions and the selection of behaviour change techniques. The systematic application of validated checklists, such as the Theory Coding Scheme and the CALO-RE taxonomy, will improve the systematic testing and refinement of interventions to enable ‘change agent/s’ to be identified and optimised.
Critical Care, Critical Data
Authors: Cosgriff Christopher V , Celi Leo Anthony , Stone David J
Published: June 2019

As big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence continue to penetrate into and transform many facets of our lives, we are witnessing the emergence of these powerful technologies within health care. The use and growth of these technologies has been contingent on the availability of reliable and usable data, a particularly robust resource in critical care medicine where continuous monitoring forms a key component of the infrastructure of care. The response to this opportunity has included the development of open databases for research and other purposes; the development of a collaborative form of clinical data science intended to fully leverage these data resources, and the creation of data-driven applications for purposes such as clinical decision support. Most recently, data levels have reached the thresholds required for the development of robust artificial intelligence features for clinical purposes. The systematic capture and analysis of clinical data in both individuals and populations allows us to begin to move toward precision medicine in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this perspective review, we examine the fundamental role of data as we present the current progress that has been made toward an artificial intelligence (AI)-supported, data-driven precision critical care medicine.
From party to leader mobilization? The personalization of voter turnout
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Frederico , Garzia Diego , De Angelis Andrea
Published: June 2019

Partisan dealignment has been frequently advanced as a pivotal driver of the personalization of voting behavior. As voters’ long-term attachments with parties have eroded, it is argued that partisanship has lost importance relative to short-term factors, like voters’ evaluations of party leaders. Such theoretical reasoning has been applied recurrently in research dedicated to explaining vote choice. However, we hypothesize that dealignment can downplay partisanship’s impact vis-à-vis leaders in the same way regarding turnout decisions. This article aims at demonstrating the importance of voters’ evaluations of party leaders in their probability to turn out in parliamentary elections through a novel data set pooling 52 national election surveys from 13 Western European parliamentary democracies between 1974 and 2016. The results confirm the increasing relevance of leaders in explaining turnout decisions and a decline of partisanship’s mobilizing ability. These trends are further accentuated among individuals with a television-dominated media diet, demonstrating the role of media change in driving this process.
Networks and efficient policy implementation: Insights from cohesion policy
Authors: Boumans Dorine , Ferry Martin
Published: June 2019

Network-based arrangements are increasingly used for policy implementation. Arguments are made for the potential benefits of this approach, but evidence of their efficiency is inconclusive. Recent methodological innovations, incorporating social network analysis, are building the evidence base. This article contributes to a growing area of study by exploring the relationship between the efficient implementation of European Union cohesion policy projects, and the characteristics of the networks involved in the implementation process. The research combined quantitative analysis of implementation of projects in Scotland in 2007–2013 and semi-structured interviews. The research finds that the involvement of many partners can have a negative impact on implementation. Rather, the strategic position of key actors in the network is important for efficient implementation. The results stress the importance of network governance and the role of key agents as nodes that bridge structural gaps and facilitate exchange of knowledge and resources.
Effect of the radial support stiffness of the ring gear on the vibrations for a planetary gear system
Authors: Li Hongwu , Liu Jing , Ma Jinlei , Shao Yimin
Published: June 2019

Planter gear system is one of the critical components of various industrial transmission systems. In general, the ring gear is elastically fixed with the gearbox. The gearbox materials and their assembly relationships will affect the support stiffness of the ring gear and system vibrations. In this paper, a multi-body dynamic model for a planetary gear system with the elastic support of ring gear is developed to discuss the influence of the radial support stiffness of ring gear on the system vibrations. The planet bearings are also considered in the multi-body dynamic model. The rotational speed of the planet gear and carrier from the simulation and theoretical results are compared to validate the developed multi-body dynamic model. The influences of the radial support stiffness of the ring gear, carrier moment, and sun gear speed on the time- and frequency-domain vibrations of the planetary gear system are analyzed. The results denote that the waveform and amplitude of the time-domain vibration of the ring gear are greatly affected by the radial support stiffness of ring gear as well as the peak frequency amplitude and its sidebands. The peak frequency in the spectrum of ring gear is slightly affected by the radial support stiffness. It indicates that this study can give some guidance for the vibration control approaches for the planetary gear systems.
The use of social services by older males
Authors: Meyer Seth J
Published: June 2019

In the fields of social work and social welfare, there have been many studies which have examined the use of social services. Few studies, however, have specifically explored the use of social services by older male clients (age 60 and older). There is little understanding in social work concerning how to best work with male clients. Using the 2012 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey (n = 3042), this study examines how older males are using social services as compared to older females.

Findings

Specifically using a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model and logit models this study finds that older males, in general, are using fewer social services than older females. Looking at services supported through the Older Americans Act of 1965, it also identifies which services older males have a lower likelihood of using as compared to older females. Furthermore, instead of viewing all older males as a monolithic group, this study shows how intersectionalities in race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect service use.

Applications

By having a greater understanding of which services older males are and are not using, nonprofit organizations can start exploring how to expand and improve services for this population. To improve outreach to older males, organizations should first explore if they are using services to begin with.
Validation of a zonal hybrid URANS/LES turbulence modeling method for multi-cycle engine flow simulation
Authors: Krastev Vesselin Krassimirov , d’Adamo Alessandro , Berni Fabio , Fontanesi Stefano
Published: June 2019

A zonal hybridization of the RNG [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] URANS model is proposed for the simulation of turbulent flows in internal combustion engines. The hybrid formulation is able to act as URANS, DES or LES in different zones of the computational domain, which are explicitly set by the user. The resulting model has been implemented in a commercial computational fluid dynamics code and the LES branch of the modified RNG [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] closure has been initially calibrated on a standard homogeneous turbulence box case. Subsequently, the full zonal formulation has been tested on a fixed intake valve geometry, including comparisons with third-party experimental data. The core of the work is represented by a multi-cycle analysis of the TCC-III experimental engine configuration, which has been compared with the experiments and with prior full-LES computational studies. The applicability of the hybrid turbulence model to internal combustion engine flows is demonstrated, and PIV-like flow statistics quantitatively validate the model performance. This study shows a pioneering application of zonal hybrid models in engine-relevant simulation campaigns, emphasizing the relevance of hybrid models for turbulent engine flows.
School Bullying and Dating Violence in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zych Izabela , Viejo Carmen , Vila Elena , Farrington David P.
Published: June 2019

Involvement in bullying perpetration or victimization could be risk factors for perpetration or victimization in early romantic relationships that emerge within an evolving peer group. Nevertheless, research on this topic is still in its early stages. This study was conducted to fill these gaps in knowledge through a comprehensive research synthesis. After systematic searches and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 projects that reported relations between bullying (perpetration and victimization) and dating violence (perpetration and victimization) were included in this meta-analysis. Bullying perpetration was related to dating violence perpetration (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.98), and this relation held after adjusting for covariates ( OR = 1.29). Moderator analyses showed that this effect was significant for males and females and stronger in cross-sectional studies. There was also a significant relation between bullying perpetration and dating violence victimization ( OR = 2.59), but this was much weaker after controlling for covariates ( OR = 1.09) and stronger for males and in longitudinal studies. Bullying victimization was related to dating violence victimization ( OR = 2.51), also after adjusting for covariates ( OR = 1.96), stronger for females and longitudinal projects. The relation between bullying victimization and dating violence perpetration was not statistically significant (unadjusted OR = 1.43, adjusted OR = 1.01). More research is needed to confirm these results, but this meta-analysis suggests that bullying and dating violence could be different behavioral manifestations, in different evolutionary moments and in different contexts, of the same underlying antisocial or violent dispositions, although longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this. Tailored and comprehensive interventions could be useful to tackle both problem behaviors.
Partnerships for Blood Pressure Control in Washington State, December 2016–July 2017
Authors: Vogel Mia T. , Petrescu-Prahova Miruna , Steinman Lesley , Clegg-Thorp Cate , Farmer Cheryl , Sarliker Sara Eve , Baldwin Laura-Mae
Published: June 2019

According to recent guidelines, 46% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (i.e., hypertension). Traditionally addressed in clinical settings, only 54% of adults successfully manage their hypertension. Community–clinical partnerships that facilitate medication adherence and lifestyle changes are promising avenues to achieve population-level blood pressure control. We examined partnerships for blood pressure control in Washington State, their facilitators and barriers, and ways public health departments could foster partnerships. We conducted 41 semistructured interviews with clinic staff, community-based organization (CBO) staff, pharmacy staff, and community health workers (CHWs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–adapted Himmelman Collaboration Continuum, which describes five levels of partnership intensity, guided our thematic analysis. We found variation across sectors in partnership frequency and intensity. Clinic and pharmacy staff reported fewer partnerships than CBO staff and CHWs, and mostly either low or very high intensity partnerships. CBO staff and CHWs described partnerships at each intensity level. Trust and having a shared mission facilitated partnerships. Competition, lack of time, limited awareness of resources, and lack of shared health records constituted barriers to partnership. Bringing potential partners together to discuss shared goals, increasing technological integration, and building awareness of resources may help bridge clinical and community silos and improve population-level blood pressure control.
Kinematic model and its parameter identification for cannula flexible needle insertion into soft tissue
Authors: Zhao Yan-Jiang , Liu Ze-Hua , Zhang Yong-De , Liu Zhi-Qing
Published: June 2019

In minimally invasive surgery, flexible needle insertion is a popular application which has been extensively researched. However, needle steering is challenging for a bevel tip cannula flexible needle due to the nonholonomic constraints and the rebounds of the needle shaft when the needle tip is reoriented. We proposed a novel kinematic model for the bevel tip cannula flexible needle based on bicycle and unicycle models, taking consideration of the deflection of the bevel tip and the rebounds of the needle shaft. Aiming at different types of paths, forward kinematics of the model was analyzed and calculated. Each parameter of the kinematic models was identified based on the experimental data using the least square method. Furthermore, the changing rules of parameters were explored under different angles of the bevel tip. The experimental results show that the errors of the proposed kinematic models are within 2 mm, which is greatly reduced compared to the traditional bicycle or unicycle model, and fulfill a general clinical surgery.
Pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mortimer Matthew C M , Ovens Jessica L
Published: June 2019

Pancreatic cancer is the eleventh most common cancer in the UK, yet it is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. In the UK, the age-standardised incidence has risen by 11% over the last decade. The symptoms are often vague, and as a result, it rarely presents at an early stage. Prognosis is determined by stage at presentation, therefore prompt recognition and referral of suspicious symptoms is vital. Survival rates remain poor, with just a 3% rate of 5-year survival. GPs therefore have an important role in both the early recognition and palliative care of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Ulcerative colitis
Authors: Andrews Charlie
Published: June 2019

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It is a chronic relapsing condition affecting the colon and rectum and can cause a variety of symptoms, the commonest of which is bloody diarrhoea. Prompt diagnosis, as well as flare identification and management by primary care clinicians can improve patient outcomes such as disease progression and effects on quality of life.
Introduction of Cobas Liat Influenza A/B for rapid point-of-care diagnosis of influenza infection in an acute trust
Authors: Brooke-Pearce Fran , Demertzi Elli
Published: June 2019

Background:

We aimed to evaluate the impact of a new molecular point-of-care test (POCT), the Cobas Liat Influenza A/B for rapid diagnosis of influenza within 20 min, on the operational workflow of the Trust, accurate diagnosis and potential cost savings during the winter of 2017–2018.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients aged > 18 years tested for flu A/B by laboratory PCR in January 2017 and by POCT in January 2018.

Results:

From 21 December 2017 to 30 April 2018, a total of 1375 POCTs were performed with a total of 479 (35%) influenza-positive cases. Results demonstrated that 1046 (76%) suspected cases did not require isolation or were able to be discharged from Emergency Department (ED), once other risks had been ruled out. We particularly looked into the differences between the month of January 2017 (before POCT) and the month of January 2018.

Discussion:

Results demonstrate that influenza POCT had a positive impact on the Trust regarding prompt patient diagnosis and treatment, discharge decisions, improvement of patient bed management by avoiding unnecessary patient isolation and reducing bay closures, and significant reduction in length of stay in both positive and negative cases. Estimated cost savings were significant.
Steroids from a Far-Eastern Glass Sponge Aulosaccus sp.
Authors: Santalova Elena A. , Denisenko Vladimir A.
Published: June 2019

This report concerns the identification of steroid constituents of a Far-Eastern glass sponge Aulosaccus sp. (the Sea of Okhotsk), belonging to one of the least chemically investigated group of sponges. Steroid mixtures, isolated from the extract of Aulosaccus sp., were fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography on normal-phase and/or reversed-phase columns, and the obtained fractions were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In result, 64 compounds, including 32 3-keto derivatives of sterols with saturated, Δ7-, Δ8(14)-, Δ4-, and Δ4,6-tetracyclic systems and 32 sterols (stanols, 4α-methyl-stanols, Δ5 -, Δ7-, 4α-methyl-Δ8(14)-sterols), were identified. Most of these steroids were not found in glass sponges earlier. The structures of 2 new steroids, 24-propyl-5α-cholest-24(28) Z-en-3-one and 24-nor-cholest-4-en-3-one, were elucidated. Sterol esters were not found. 3-Keto derivatives of stanols were major components in the steroids of Aulosaccus sp. It is probable that association of Aulosaccus sp. with bacteria, capable of oxidizing sterols, led to the transformation of a significant part of sponge sterols into their 3-keto derivatives.
In Vitro Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Berberine and Barberry Extracts: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kocić Branislava D. , Dimitrijević Marija V. , Miladinović Ljiljana C. , Marković Marija S. , Ranković Goran Ž. , Miladinović Dragoljub L.
Published: June 2019

The berberine accumulation in Berberis vulgaris and antibacterial activity of plant extracts against Helicobacter pylori were examined. The antibacterial activities of berberine, the main alkaloid of B. vulgaris, and standard antimicrobials metronidazole and tetracycline were also determined. Berberine content was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial activity of plant extracts, berberine and reference antibiotics was tested by the broth microdilution method. The highest amount of berberine was found in the root bark (3.99 g/kg, dry wt). The plant extracts tested exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against H. pylori, but the activities were lower than those of berberine.
Verbal and Cross-Modal Ratings of Music: Validation and Application of an Icon-Based Rating Scale
Authors: Schubert E. , Murari M. , Rodà A. , Canazza S. , Da Pos O. , De Poli G.
Published: June 2019

Can music be rated consistently using nonverbal descriptors such as colours and temperatures? 144 participants rated 6 experimenter-selected and 2 self-selected pieces of music along 15 bipolar icon (graphic) scales intended to portray emotions, and sensory experiences consisting of colour, temperature, shape, speed, texture, and weight. Participants also rated the same pieces using bipolar verbal scales which aimed to encompass the concepts represented by the icons (e.g., the word “red” for the colour red). Furthermore, the icons themselves were subjected to open-ended verbal labelling to validate the icon scale. Colour icons spontaneously evoked a cross-modal association on 67% of occasions: blue being cool, and red/orange being warm or hot, and the icon scale had overall good face validity. Music regularly and consistently evoked multisensory associations (using the icon scale) including shapes, colours, weight, and temperatures, in addition to emotions. Cross-modal perception is indicative of music’s character rather than the enjoyment of the music. The icon scale provides new insights into music perception and for applications where language skill may limit participant expression.
Investigating the effects of imagery rescripting on emotional memory: A series of analogue studies
Authors: Kunze Anna E. , Arntz Arnoud , Kindt Merel
Published: June 2019

Imagery rescripting (IR) is a promising treatment for a variety of disorders, but its working mechanisms remain largely unknown. To elucidate the associative and evaluative learning processes underlying IR, we exposed participants to an aversive film clip followed by an instructed fear-conditioning procedure. The acquired fear memory was subsequently manipulated by either rescripting- (IR) or exposure-based (imaginal exposure; IE) interventions and their effects were examined on subjective and psychophysiological fear responses in three successive studies. Though the interpretation of the results was challenged with respect to the employed analogue IR intervention (Exp 1) and unexpected findings in the control condition (Exp 3), the present results establish preliminary evidence for the hypothesis that IR produces differential effects on fear responding when compared to IE. For example, in line with stimulus devaluation theory, IR effectively reduced subjective distress to the conditioned stimulus (Exp 2). Also, IR resulted in decreased physiological fear responses after fear reinstatement (Exp 3). The findings advance our general understanding of the processes involved in IR and they tentatively indicate that rescripting- and exposure-based treatments may work through different mechanisms. Moreover, this line of research demonstrates the challenges encountered when working with analogue models to test mechanisms of therapeutic change.
Decreased collagen VI in the tunica media of pulmonary vessels during exposure to hypoxia: a novel step in pulmonary arterial remodeling
Authors: Žaloudíková Marie , Eckhardt Adam , Vytášek Richard , Uhlík Jiří , Novotný Tomáš , Bačáková Lucie , Musílková Jana , Hampl Václav
Published: June 2019

The development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is characterized by the structural remodeling of pulmonary arteries. However, the relationship between changes of arterial cells and the extracellular matrix remains unclear. We focused on the evaluation of the non‐fibrillar collagen changes in tunica media induced by a four‐day exposure to hypoxia and the correlation of these changes with the pulmonary arterial wall structure modifications. We used 20 adult male Wistar rats. The amount and localization of collagen VI, collagen IV, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, and MMP9 were tested in pulmonary arteries immunohistochemically. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were used for the subsequent comparison of protein changes in arterial tunica media cells (normoxia/hypoxia). Collagen VI was significantly reduced strictly in the tunica media of conduit arteries of hypoxia‐exposed rats; however, its mRNA increased. The amount of collagen IV and its mRNA were not altered. We detected a significant increase of MMP9 strictly in the tunica media. In addition, a significantly increased number of MMP9‐positive cells surrounded the arteries. MMP2 and the expression of its mRNA were decreased in tunica media. We conclude that the loss of collagen VI is an important step characterizing the remodeling of pulmonary arteries. It could influence the phenotypic status and behavior of smooth muscle cells and modify their proliferation and migration.
Constructing the check-in: Reflections on photo-taking among Foursquare users
Authors: Wilken Rowan , Humphreys Lee
Published: June 2019

In this article, we explore the social construction of geomedia in relation to mobile photo-taking. The article draws from a study of location-sensitive mobile social networking and search and recommendation service Foursquare in Melbourne and New York City. The study utilized photo elicitation techniques, with each participant asked to provide photographs they associated with their own Foursquare check-ins, accompanied by written responses to questions designed to encourage them to reflect upon their motivations for recording and uploading each image. What emerged from our analysis of how participants discussed the construction of their Foursquare check-ins, were certain consistencies with the findings of prior work on Foursquare (e.g. to register a new venue or a nice meal, as part of exercises in self-expression, and to record memory traces). Strikingly, though, we also noticed something subtly yet significantly different in relation to photo use. Many of the submitted images and accompanying explanations revealed a particular sensitivity toward the local and the familiar, and a desire to capture “a mood, a feeling”—an “ordinary affect.” In light of this, in this article we are interested in the tension that exists between designed or intended uses of Foursquare, the social appropriation and shaping that is undertaken by Foursquare’s end-users, and the technological and strategic business adjustments that are undertaken by Foursquare in response.
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) for prostatic origin bleeding in the context of prostate malignancy
Authors: Tapping Charles R , Crew Jeremy , Proteroe Andrew , Boardman Phil
Published: June 2019

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has been shown to be beneficial in treating men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Here we describe treating four patients with prostate cancer (two with organ-confined and two with metastatic prostate cancer) with prostatic bleeding with PAE. Patients had other causes of hematuria excluded and were followed up at 3, 12, and 18 months after PAE. All four cases were technically successful and all cases of hematuria had resolved by the three-month follow-up (100%). There was one case of recurrence at 13 months after PAE which was successfully treated. PAE is useful for controlling significant prostatic bleeding in patients with prostate cancer and improves quality of life. Patients may, however, need repeated treatments to control the bleeding.
A case of a newborn with an intrahepatic congenital portosystemic venous shunt with concurrent congenital duodenal web
Authors: Plut Domen , Gorjanc Tamara
Published: June 2019

Intrahepatic congenital portosystemic venous shunts are rare vascular anomalies. We report a unique case of a neonate with an intrahepatic congenital portosystemic venous shunt with concurrent congenital duodenal web. Such association has not been previously reported to our knowledge. Interestingly, the shunt became apparent on the seventh day, after a delayed start of oral feeding due to the neonate’s recovery from the duodenal web surgery. The shunt was small and the clinical symptomatology mild. No direct treatment was required. The laboratory and the ultrasound follow-up of the child noted a spontaneous resolution of the shunt by the age of six months.
The Sentinelese of North Sentinel Island: A Reappraisal of Tribal Scenario in an Andaman Island in the Context of Killing of an American Preacher
Authors: Sasikumar M.
Published: June 2019

John Allen Chau (27), a Christian preacher and a US citizen, was shot dead on 16 November 2018 in the North Sentinel Island with a flurry of arrows by the most isolated tribe in the world, the Sentinelese. Chau illegally entered the prohibited area with the help of local fishermen for trying to interact with the uncontacted people in his effort to preach Christianity among them. In the island, he was shot and killed by the inhabitants. The tragic death of Chau is a matter of grief indeed. But, what is equally distressing is the report that the Andaman police have registered a criminal case for murder against the unknown tribesmen. The tribesmen living there are, perhaps, the only truly isolated hunter-gatherer tribal community in the world today. Their isolation is a sort of self-imposed isolation or isolation by preference. Till today, they have maintained their independent existence, repelling all attempts to engage with and contact them with the might of their bows and arrows. In the present article, an attempt has been made, in the light of historical and anthropological evidences, to discuss the context of this incident and the discourse it has generated.
A Measure of Social Media Marketing: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Khan Mohammad Furqan , Jan Anisa
Published: June 2019

With the evolution of social media the world has witnessed an information explosion. The role of social media in influencing the consumer behavior is huge, but the studies conducted in these areas are insignificant. Scholars have identified different variables over time to study social media marketing, but functionality-based approach was only investigated by Babac (Impact of social-media use on brand equity of magazine brands: A qualitative study of Vogue Turkey, Unpublished Master’s thesis, 2011) and Tresna and Wijaya (iBuss Management, 3: 37–48, 2015). Tresna and Wijaya’s (iBuss Management, 3: 37–48, 2015) study was based on Instagram, therefore, their scale could not be used for Facebook, because of the difference in website functionalities. Most of the social media marketing activities are carried on Facebook and to measure these marketing efforts a research instrument is needed. Therefore, this study is an attempt to develop a measurement scale to assess the influence of social media functionalities.

In order to identify the factors of social media, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was run on a sample of 122 respondents in SPSS 20. EFA was run on 34 items and seven items were removed in the first round. In the second round EFA was run on the remaining 27 items and five items were dropped. Third time when EFA was run, all 22 items loaded well on the seven factors of social media with a cumulative variance of 82.95 percent. The scales reliability was tested by using Cronbach’s alpha which was above the threshold. Further the scale was also tested for convergent and discriminant validity, that indicated positive results. Therefore, 22 items scale to measure seven functionalities of social media websites was found to be reliable and valid.

This study is unique because, a measurement scale to investigate the influence of social media functionalities of Facebook is developed. Previous study was based on Instagram and only six functionalities were measured, whereas this study has filled that gap by providing a full-fledged scale to measure the seven functionalities of social media. This scale can be further used to study the impact of these seven functionalities on various dimensions of consumer-based brand equity, purchase intentions, and brand experience.
Applying Quality Improvement Approaches to Reduce Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission and Improve Health and Nutrition Care in Five Countries: Lessons from the Partnership for HIV-Free Survival
Authors: Stern Amy F. , Ismail Anisa , Karamagi Esther , Nsubuga-Nyombi Tamara , Mwita Stella Kasindi , Ngonyani Monica M. , Kinyua Kevin , Muange Prisca , Lerotholi Kelello L. M. , Rantekoa Manone , Mahlalefa Khotso G. , Tshabalala Maureen Fatsani , Livesley Nigel
Published: June 2019

The World Health Organization guidelines for treating pregnant HIV-positive women and preventing HIV transmission to infants now recommend lifelong antiretroviral treatment for pregnant and breastfeeding women. We applied quality improvement (QI) methods to support governments and facility staff to address service gaps in 5 countries under the Partnership for HIV-Free Survival (PHFS). We used 3 key strategies: break the complex problem of improving HIV-free survival into more easily implementable phases, support a national management team to oversee the project, and support facility-level staff to learn and apply QI methods to reducing mother-to-child transmission. The key results in each country were increases in data completeness and accuracy, increases in retention in care of mother–baby pairs (MBPs), increase in coverage of MBPs with appropriate services, and reduction in vertical transmission of HIV. The PHFS experience offers a model that other multicountry networks can adopt to improve service delivery and quality of care.