bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variants in the 9p21.3 Locus Associated with Glioma Risk in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Dahlin Anna M. , Wibom Carl , Andersson Ulrika , Hougaard David M. , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Deltour Isabelle , Hultman Christina M. , Kähler Anna K. , Karlsson Robert , Hjalmars Ulf , Melin Beatrice
Published: April 2019

Background:

Genome-wide association studies have identified germline genetic variants in 25 genetic loci that increase the risk of developing glioma in adulthood. It is not known if these variants increase the risk of developing glioma in children and adolescents and young adults (AYA). To date, no studies have performed genome-wide analyses to find novel genetic variants associated with glioma risk in children and AYA.

Methods:

We investigated the association between 8,831,628 genetic variants and risk of glioma in 854 patients diagnosed up to the age of 29 years and 3,689 controls from Sweden and Denmark. Recruitment of patients and controls was population based. Genotyping was performed using Illumina BeadChips, and untyped variants were imputed with IMPUTE2. We selected 41 established adult glioma risk variants for detailed investigation.

Results:

Three adult glioma risk variants, rs634537, rs2157719, and rs145929329, all mapping to the 9p21.3 (CDKN2B-AS1) locus, were associated with glioma risk in children and AYA. The strongest association was seen for rs634537 (odds ratioG = 1.21; 95% confidence interval = 1.09–1.35; P = 5.8 × 10−4). In genome-wide analysis, an association with risk was suggested for 129 genetic variants (P <1 × 10−5).

Conclusions:

Carriers of risk alleles in the 9p21.3 locus have an increased risk of glioma throughout life. The results from genome-wide association analyses require validation in independent cohorts.

Impact:

Our findings line up with existing evidence that some, although not all, established adult glioma risk variants are associated with risk of glioma in children and AYA. Validation of results from genome-wide analyses may reveal novel susceptibility loci for glioma in children and AYA.
Inflammatory Potential of Diet, Inflammation-Related Lifestyle Factors, and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: Results from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Zheng Jiali , Wirth Michael D. , Merchant Anwar T. , Zhang Jiajia , Shivappa Nitin , Stolzenberg-Solomon Rachael Z. , Hebert James R. , Steck Susan E.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Chronic inflammation is implicated in pancreatic cancer, and can be modulated by diet and other lifestyle factors. We examined the association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) scores and pancreatic cancer risk in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, and examined effect modification by inflammation-related lifestyle factors, including body mass index, cigarette smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Methods:

Energy-adjusted DII scores (E-DII) were computed on the basis of food frequency questionnaire responses for foods and dietary supplements. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted and effect modification was examined by adding a cross-product of each effect modifier with E-DII quintile in the multivariable-adjusted model.

Results:

There were 2,824 primary incident pancreatic cancers diagnosed during a median of 13.4 years follow-up, and there was no association between E-DII scores and pancreatic cancer risk among either men [HRQ5vsQ1, 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–1.16] or women (HRQ5vsQ1, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82–1.21) in the multivariable-adjusted model, and no association was detected by any cancer stage. The E-DII and pancreatic cancer association was not modified by any of the inflammation-related lifestyle factors examined.

Conclusions:

Results from this large prospective study did not support an association between inflammatory potential of diet and pancreatic cancer, or effect modification by other inflammation-related lifestyle factors.

Impact:

Inflammatory potential of diet may not be related to pancreatic cancer risk. Future cohort studies with more frequent dietary measures could be useful in determining the appropriate timing of dietary intake in relation to pancreatic cancer etiology.
The Effect of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Controlled, Clinical Study
Authors: Kadihasanoglu Mustafa , Aydin Mustafa , Taskiran Mehmet , Kendirci Muammer
Published: April 2019

Background: Although prostate cancer releases more prostate-specific antigen (PSA) per unit of prostate volume (PV), data are limited regarding the association between intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) and the PSA level. Objectives: The study aim was to evaluate the IPP effect in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Method: This study included patients with (n = 119) and without (n = 121) IPP. The age, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), PSA level, maximum and average flow rates, PV, hematuria, urinary retention, and post-void residual (PVR) volume were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The mean ages were similar between the 2 groups (66.56 ± 8.67 and 66.92 ± 8.7 years, respectively, p = 0.747), and there were no statistically significant differences in the IPSS, maximum and average flow rates, hematuria, PVR volume, and urinary retention means (p > 0.05). However, the IPP patients had lower total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) levels than those without IPP (3.55 [4.18] vs. 5.26 [5.24] ng/mL, p = 0.013 and 0.7 [1.09] vs. 1.05 [1.23] ng/mL, p = 0.029, respectively). Moreover, there were strong positive correlations between the IPP grade and the tPSA and fPSA levels (r = 0.262, p = 0.001 and r = 0.254, p = 0.002 respectively). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that IPP results in a decreased PSA level, even with a higher PV.
Ultrasonography Can Replace CT Scans as the Initial Imaging Examination of Ureteral Calculi
Authors: Liu Dan , Wu Jixiang , Chen Shan , Liu Yuexin , Zhang Guangyin , Ping Hao , Qiao Ludong , Zheng Yupeng , Wang Wei
Published: April 2019

Objective: To study the feasibility of ultrasonography (US) as a replacement for CT during the diagnosis of ureteral calculi (UC). Materials and Methods: Clinical and imaging data of patients with UC between January 2013 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the imaging method, patients were divided into 3 groups: Group A, CT alone; Group B, CT and US, Group C, US alone. Age, location, and the size of stones were compared among the groups. According to the maximum diameter (MD) measured by using CT in Group B, patients were subdivided into 3 groups (subgroup 1–3): MD <0.5 cm, 0.5 cm ≤ MD ≤1.0 cm, and MD >1.0 cm. The MD measured by US and CT were compared in the subgroups. Results: A total of 1,289 patients with UC were admitted. The use of CT correlated with age (p = 0.000) and stone location (p = 0.004). The sensitivity and specificity of US were 71.3 and 100%. Positive US results correlated with stone size (p = 0.008), but not location (p = 0.861). The mean MDs of the calculi measured by US and CT: in subgroup 1:  0.80 ± 0.31 and 0.35 ± 0.05 cm (p = 0.000); in subgroup 2: 0.94 ± 0.32 and 0.72 ± 0.16 cm (p = 0.000); in subgroup 3: 1.75 ± 0.68 and 1.59 ± 0.52 cm (p = 0.094). Conclusions: US confirmed that UC do not require confirmatory CT. US can replace CT as the initial imaging examination of UC.
Significance of Crescentic Glomeruli in Acute Kidney Injury with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ayaash Ali , Maan Dipesh , Kapetanos Anastasios , Bunker Mark , Wasko Mary Chester , Clark Barbara
Published: April 2019

Crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) without immune reactants or deposits (referred to as pauci-immune) is typically characterized by the presence of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). While ANCA-negative patients might be expected to have a more benign course, they often have poor renal outcomes, especially without treatment with steroids and immune-modulating therapy. Pauci-immune crescentic GN can also co-exist with other autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we describe an ANCA-negative patient with RA who developed dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI) with findings consistent with focal pauci-immune crescentic GN (i.e., no IgG or immune complex on kidney biopsy). Coexistent conditions included Klebsiella sepsis attributed to pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis, leukocytoclastic immune-mediated skin vasculitis, and positive ANA. He had spontaneous improvement in renal function without immunosuppressive therapy. This crescentic GN was not associated with poor renal outcome as AKI resolved with supportive care and treatment of his infection. The AKI was likely multifactorial with co-existing acute tubular necrosis in the setting of Kebsiella sepsis and rhabdomyolysis, and the crescentic GN was felt more likely to be related to the infection rather than having a primary role. This case highlights the importance of viewing crescentic GN in the context of the clinical picture, as it may not always lead to the need of aggressive immune suppression and is not a universally poor prognostic kidney finding. However, these cases do warrant close follow-up as our patient had recurrent RA disease manifestations over the next 2 years that eventually led to his death from severe pulmonary hypertension.
Beyond the Mainstream
Authors: Kraus Michael
Published: April 2019

Analyzing the work of Max Schmidt (1874-1950), especially his 1917 book Die Aruaken. Ein Beitrag zum Problem der Kulturverbreitung [The Arawak: A Contribution to the Problem of Cultural Dissemination], this article deals with methodological and theoretical trends among German ethnologists carrying out expeditions in the Amazon region at the turn of the nineteenth century. The approaches outlined are placed in the context of the institutionalisation of ethnology as a separate academic discipline in Germany. The focus is on the development of modern fieldwork methods; the critique of diffusionism by Schmidt and other South America researchers; and the specific approaches of Max Schmidt who, in spite of the contemporary emphasis on "material" and "intellectual" culture, also considered sociological issues in his analysis.
Brush Sign Is Associated With Increased Severity in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Lucas Neto Lia , Jung Simon , Penas Sara , Panos Leonidas , Heldner Mirjam R. , Fischer Urs , Arnold Marcel , Canhão Patrícia , El-Koussy Marwan , Ferro José M. , Hakim Arsany
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose—

The brush sign (BS) is an abnormally accentuated signal drop of the subependymal and deep medullary veins in paramagnetic-sensitive magnetic resonance sequences, previously described in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to describe the BS in patients with thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses and explore its association with clinical severity, thrombosis extent, parenchymal brain lesion, and clinical prognosis.

Methods—

We assessed consecutive adult patients admitted to 2 university hospitals with diagnosis of acute thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses and imaging assessment with magnetic resonance imaging, including paramagnetic-sensitive sequences. Demographics, imaging findings, clinical presentation, and functional outcome at 3 months were analyzed according to the presence of BS.

Results—

In 118 patients included, BS was observed in gradient-echo T2*weighted (T2*WI) in 16% and susceptibility-weighted imaging in 13% of cases. All patients with BS had thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, or deep venous system. BS was associated with ipsilateral parenchymal lesion (odds ratio, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.9–21.1;
P
=0.002) and higher thrombus load (median [interquartile range] 5 [4–6] versus 2 [2–4]);
P
<0.0001). BS was also associated with focal neurological deficits (OR 4.2; 95%CI, 1.4–12.7,
P
=0.01). The functional outcome at 3 months was not significantly different in patients with BS.

Conclusions—

BS in T2*WI and susceptibility-weighted imaging was observed in approximately one in 7 patients with acute thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses. BS was significantly associated with ipsilateral parenchymal brain lesion, extent of thrombosis, and manifestation with focal neurological deficits. This suggests that BS can represent a marker of severity in thrombosis of the cerebral veins and sinuses.
Revision of black fungus gnat species (Diptera, Sciaridae) described from the Hawaiian Islands by D.E. Hardy and W.A. Steffan, and a contribution to the knowledge of the sciarid fauna of the Galápagos Islands
Authors: MOHRIG WERNER , KAUSCHKE ELLEN , BROADLEY ADAM
Published: April 2019

On the Hawaiian Islands 22 sciarid species were detected, belonging to the following ten genera: Austrosciara Schmitz & Mjöberg, Bradysia Winnertz, Corynoptera Winnertz, Cratyna Winnertz, Epidapus Haliday, Hyperlasion Schmitz, Lycoriella Frey, Phytosciara Frey, Pseudolycoriella Menzel & Mohrig and Scatopsciara Edwards. The revision resulted in new combinations for the following five species: Austrosciara hawaiiensis (Hardy) comb. n., Corynoptera prominens (Hardy) comb. n., Cratyna adrostylata (Hardy) comb. n., Cr. longicosta (Hardy) comb. n., and Scatopsciara hoyti (Hardy) comb. n. Eight species were declared as new synonyms: Bradysia bishopi Steffan, 1973 = B. centidens Vilkamaa, Hippa & Mohrig, 2012 syn. n.; B. crassicornis (Skuse, 1890) = B. molokaiensis (Grimshaw, 1901) syn. n. and = B. aspercera Mohrig, 2016 syn. n.; B. radicum (Brunetti, 1912) = B. spatitergum (Hardy, 1956) syn. n.; Corynoptera prominens (Hardy, 1956) = C. gladiota Mohrig, 2004 syn. n.; Cosmosciara hartii (Johannsen, 1912) = Plastosciara (Plastosciara) latipons Hardy, 1956 syn. n.; Hyperlasion wasmanni (Schmitz, 1918) = Scythropochroa magnisensoria Hardy, 1956 syn. n.; and Scatopsciara hoyti (Hardy, 1956) = Sc. spiculata Vilkamaa, Hippa & Mohrig, 2012 syn. n. These four species are new reports for Hawai‘i, three of them are new to science: Epidapus pallidus (Séguy), Pseudolycoriella nigrofemoralis Mohrig, Kauschke & Broadley sp. n., Scatopsciara hardyi Mohrig, Kauschke & Broadley sp. n. and Sc. steffani Mohrig, Kauschke & Broadley sp. n. A lectotype was designated for Bradysia radicum (Brunetti) in order to fix the name. All new and revised species are figured.        The species Bradysia bishopi Steffan, 1973, B. ocellaris (Comstock, 1882), B. radicum (Brunetti, 1912), Cosmosciara hartii (Johannsen, 1912), Pseudolycoriella planiforceps (Steffan, 1971) and Scatopsciara steffani Mohrig, Kauschke & Broadley sp. n. are reported from the Galápagos Islands.
On the Assessment of a Cooling Tower Scheme for High-Resolution Numerical Weather Modeling for Urban Areas
Authors: Yu Miao , González Jorge , Miao Shiguang , Ramamurthy Prathap
Published: April 2019

A cooling tower scheme that quantifies the sensible and latent anthropogenic heat fluxes released from buildings was coupled to an operational forecasting system [Rapid Refresh Multiscale Analysis and Prediction of the Beijing Urban Meteorological Institute (RMAPS-Urban)] and was evaluated in the context of the megacity of Beijing, China, during summer months. The objective of this scheme is to correct for underestimations of surface latent heat fluxes in regional climate modeling and weather forecasts in urban areas. The performance for surface heat fluxes by the modified RMAPS-Urban is greatly improved when compared with a suite of observations in Beijing. The cooling tower scheme increases the anthropogenic latent heat partition by 90% of the total anthropogenic heat flux release. Averaged surface latent heat flux in urban areas increases to about 64.3 W m−2 with a peak of 150 W m−2 on dry summer days and 40.35 W m−2 with a peak of 150 W m−2 on wet summer days. The model performance of near-surface temperature and humidity is also improved. Average 2-m temperature errors are reduced by 1°C, and maximum and minimum temperature errors are improved by 2°–3°C; absolute humidity is increased by 5%.
The Thermodynamic Cycles and Associated Energetics of Hurricane Edouard (2014) during Its Intensification
Authors: Fang Juan , Pauluis Olivier , Zhang Fuqing
Published: April 2019

This study expands on a previous analysis of the intensification of Hurricane Edouard (2014) in the isentropic coordinates to further examine the thermodynamic processes that lead to the strengthening of the storm. Thermodynamic cycles are extracted using the methodology known as the Mean Airflow as Lagrangian Dynamics Approximation. The most intense thermodynamic cycle here is associated with the air rising within the hurricane eyewall. Its structure remains mostly steady during the early development of Edouard but evolves rapidly as the storm intensifies. Through intensification, the ascent shifts toward high values of entropy under the effect of enhanced surface heat fluxes and stronger surface winds, while reaching higher altitudes and lower temperatures. The near–rapid intensification onset of Edouard corresponds to an increase in the energy input into the cycle and an increase in the amount of kinetic energy generated. The external heating fluctuates considerably in the two low-level legs with a period of about 16–24 h, indicative of diurnal variation in the thermodynamic cycle. During the intensification of Edouard, the mechanical work production and the Carnot efficiency both increase dramatically, which can be attributed to the increase in energy transport and deepening of the thermodynamic cycle. In addition, there is a substantial increase of the mechanical work done during the horizontal expansion of air parcels near Earth’s surface, and a larger fraction of the kinetic energy generated is used to sustain and intensify the horizontal flow rather than to provide a vertical acceleration in the updrafts.
A Southern Ocean Mechanism for the Interhemispheric Coupling and Phasing of the Bipolar Seesaw
Authors: Thompson Andrew F. , Hines Sophia K. , Adkins Jess F.
Published: April 2019

The last glacial period is punctuated by abrupt changes in Northern Hemisphere temperatures that are known as Dansgaard–Oeschger (DO) events. A striking and largely unexplained feature of DO events is an interhemispheric asymmetry characterized by cooling in Antarctica during periods of warming in Greenland and vice versa—the bipolar seesaw. Methane-synchronized ice core records indicate that the Southern Hemisphere lags the Northern Hemisphere by approximately 200 years. Here, we propose a mechanism that produces observed features of both the bipolar seesaw and the phasing of DO events. The spatial pattern of sea ice formation and melt in the Southern Ocean imposes a rigid constraint on where water masses are modified: waters are made denser near the coast where ice forms and waters are made lighter farther north where ice melts. This pattern, coupled to the tilt of density surfaces across the Southern Ocean and the stratification of the ocean basins, produces two modes of overturning corresponding to different bipolar seesaw states. We present evolution equations for a simplified ocean model that describes the transient adjustment of the basin stratification, the Southern Ocean surface density distribution, and the overturning strength as the ocean moves between these states in response to perturbations in North Atlantic Deep Water formation, which we take as a proxy for Greenland temperatures. Transitions between different overturning states occur over a multicentennial time scale, which is qualitatively consistent with the observed Southern Hemisphere lag. The volume of deep density layers varies inversely with the overturning strength, leading to significant changes in residence times. Evidence of these dynamics in more realistic circulation models is discussed.
Do other variables add value to assessment of the risk of colorectal disease using faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin?
Authors: Digby Jayne , Steele Robert JC , Strachan Judith A , Mowat Craig , Anderson Annie S , McCann Rebecca , Law Louise , Fraser Callum G
Published: April 2019

Background

Faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin have been recommended to assist in assessment of patients presenting in primary care with lower bowel symptoms. The aim was to assess if, and which, additional variables might enhance this use of faecal immunochemical tests.

Methods

Faecal immunochemical test analysis has been a NHS Tayside investigation since December 2015. During the first year, 993 patients attending colonoscopy were invited to complete a detailed questionnaire on demographic background, symptoms, smoking status, alcohol use, dietary fibre, red and processed meat intake, physical activity, sitting time, dietary supplement use, family history of colorectal cancer, adenoma, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. Significant bowel disease was classified as colorectal cancer, advanced adenoma or inflammatory bowel disease.

Results

A total of 470 (47.3%) invitees agreed to complete the questionnaire and 408 (41.1%) did. Unadjusted odds ratios for the presence of significant bowel disease compared with undetectable faecal haemoglobin increased with increasing faecal haemoglobin and for faecal haemoglobin 10–49, 50–199, 200–399 and ⩾400 μg Hb/g faeces were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.16–5.63), 2.47 (0.55–1.03), 6.30 (1.08–36.65) and 18.90 (4.22–84.62), respectively. Rectal bleeding and family history of polyps were the only other variables with statistically significant ( P < 0.05) odds ratios greater than 1.00, being 1.88 (1.13–3.17) and 2.93 (1.23–6.95), respectively. Odds ratios adjusted for all other variables showed similar associations, but only faecal haemoglobin and family history of polyps had significant associations.

Conclusions

Faecal haemoglobin is the most important factor to be considered when deciding which patients presenting in primary care with lower bowel symptoms would benefit most from referral for colonoscopy.
Reference interval determination for glycated albumin in defined subgroups of a South African population
Authors: Matsha Tandi E , Korf Marizna , Erasmus Rajiv T , Hoffmann Mariza , Mapfumo Cladnos , Smit Francois , Zemlin Annalise E
Published: April 2019

Background

Glycated proteins, such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA%), are increasingly being used for glycaemic control assessment and the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. GA% is an intermediate marker of glycaemic control that is not influenced by factors that affect HbA1c concentrations. The aim of this study was to determine reference intervals and assess confounding factors for glycated albumin in a well-characterized healthy population in South Africa.

Methods

We measured glycated albumin using an enzymatic method on stored serum samples of healthy individuals recruited in Cape Town, South Africa. Reference intervals (overall and specific for age, sex and ethnicity) were determined using non-parametric methods and confounding factors were assessed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

The reference interval (2.5th to 97.5th percentile) for glycated albumin of 663 healthy individuals (mean age, 34 years, 38.6% males) ranged from 10.7 to 15.2%. Sex, body mass index categories and ethnicity were significantly associated with the glycated albumin and were considered of practical importance because their standardized regression coefficients (Beta) were greater than a cut-off of 0.15, implying a stronger effect on glycated albumin ( P < 0.001). The glycated albumin reference intervals for subjects with body mass index <25 kg/m2 was 11.2–15.3%, for body mass index 25–30 kg/m2 it was 10.5–14.9% and 10.0–14.6% for body mass index >30 kg/m2 ( P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

The overall reference interval showed good correlation with reference intervals determined in other studies. However, sex, ethnicity and body mass index were statistically significant confounding factors that may influence the overall reference interval. Therefore, overall glycated albumin reference intervals should be used cautiously.
An occupational therapy community development practice process
Authors: Leclair Leanne L. , Lauckner Heidi , Yamamoto Cynthia
Published: April 2019

Background.

Little research has focused on the application of the Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF) to occupational therapists’ work in community development (CD).

Purpose.

This study sought to describe Canadian occupational therapists’ CD practice processes.

Method.

Using interpretive description, Canadian occupational therapists engaged in CD practice participated in an initial interview and follow-up interview or focus group. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings.

Eight occupational therapists participated in describing a process that focused on five key elements: (1) getting to know the community, (2) getting the ball rolling/planning together, (3) building (upon) occupational opportunities, (4) revisiting the approach, and (5) striving for sustainability. These elements occurred within a practice context and frames of reference related to CD practice.

Implications.

Participants outlined a process that was less discrete than the CPPF and highlighted the knowledge and skills needed along with the less tangible attitudes/approaches required to engage with communities.
Failures of Flexibility: How Perceived Control Motivates the Individualization of Work–Life Conflict
Authors: Wynn Alison T. , Rao Aliya Hamid
Published: April 2019

Firms have increasingly used flexibility policies to facilitate work–life balance, yet existing research shows that employees are stigmatized for using these seemingly beneficial policies. In this article, the authors identify perceived control, that is, the sense of control employees feel they have over managing their work–life conflicts, as a key factor in their avoidance of flexibility policies. Through 50 in-depth interviews with management consultants from five firms, the authors find that employees frame managing their work–life conflicts as a test of their professional skills, emphasize their “natural” suitability for the consulting industry, use choice rhetoric to reframe oppressive work demands as personal choices, and accentuate their ability to exit the consulting industry if they are unable to manage their work–life balance independently. Empirically, this study provides a fuller explanation for the pervasive avoidance of flexibility policies and expands on prior explanations that focus on flexibility stigma.
Explaining coping strategies of agricultural extension officers in Tanzania: the role of the wider institutional context
Authors: Lameck Wilfred , Hulst Rudie
Published: April 2019

Building on Lipsky, public administration scholars have conducted ample research on the coping strategies of street-level bureaucrats. To explain their behaviour, many studies focus on the individual characteristics of street-level workers or on features of the organization that they form part of. So far, less attention has been paid to the influence of the wider institutional context. This article presents findings of research on how different elements of the institutional context – the formal public administration, the norms of the professional community and the expectations of the public – can explain the coping strategies of agricultural extension officers in Tanzania. In the absence of specific guidance from the administrative context and of pressure by the public, the strategies that these street-level workers choose are primarily inspired by the norms of their professional community.

Points for practitioners

Public managers should be especially aware of the fact that, to a large extent, the professional norms of street-level workers determine how they use their discretion. Therefore, the training of street-level bureaucrats should not only focus on their professional abilities, but also include the transfer of key values of the public service.
“In Ignorance to View a Small Portion and Think that All”: The False Promise of Job Literacy
Authors: Kazemek Francis E.
Published: April 2019

…To perplex youth in their outgoings & to bind to labours in Albion Of day & night the myriads of eternity: that they may grind And polish brass & iron hour after hour, laborious tasks, Kept ignorant of its use: that they might spend the days of wisdom In sorrowful drudgery to obtain a scanty pittance of bread, In ignorance to view a small portion & think that All, And call it Demonstration, blind to all the simple rules of life

(Blake, 1966, p. 700)
How do civilians attribute blame for state indiscriminate violence?
Authors: Pechenkina Anna O , Bausch Andrew W , Skinner Kiron K
Published: April 2019

State indiscriminate violence against civilians has been viewed as counterproductive for the government. This conclusion hinges on the assumption that indiscriminate violence aggrieves civilians against the government even when the rebels provoke the state by using civilians as human shields. An alternative view suggests that civilians recognize if the rebels exploit them as human shields and blame the rebels if such provocation occurs. We ask: do civilians evaluate all state indiscriminate violence in the same way or do they think of state indiscriminate violence differently when it is provoked by insurgents? Accounting for the covariate differences between individuals with and without personal experience of warfare in the survey data from postwar Ukraine, we find that personal exposure to violence shapes one’s blame attribution for provoked state attacks on civilians. Individuals unexposed to violence tend to take into account whether the government was provoked by the rebels. By contrast, individuals with personal experience of warfare tend to blame the government for indiscriminate attacks regardless of rebel provocation. This finding has implications for counterinsurgency scholarship and policy. It is likely that the difference between unexposed and exposed to violence civilians emerges in geographically isolated conflicts. If so, targeting of civilians may have different effects on the escalation of insurgency in geographically concentrated as opposed to widespread cases of violence.
Envisioning more effective delivery of custom feeding programs using participatory approaches: Lessons from Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Marandure Tawanda , Bennett James , Dzama Kennedy , Gwiriri Lovemore C , Bangani Noluvuyo , Mapiye Cletos
Published: April 2019

In South Africa, livelihoods of smallholder cattle farmers are constrained by a lack of appropriate production knowledge, climate change, inadequate support services, societal inequity, irrelevant pro-poor policies and inappropriate delivery of improved livestock technologies. A transdisciplinary team of local and international researchers conducted a workshop to explore opportunities and constraints to the delivery of a beef cattle custom feeding programme in Eastern Cape Province using participatory approaches, including visioning exercises. The main challenges to the cattle custom feeding programme reported by producers included lack of cattle production skills, lack of technical knowledge on feed production, limited funding and inconsistent cattle feed delivery. Participants envisioned a portfolio of locally based solutions that included prioritization of local feed production, identification of sustainable support networks, establishment of a communal herd to cover feeding centre’s overhead costs and creation of a knowledge exchange platform for farmers. In addition, participants attempted to strengthen knowledge transfer among stakeholders through the development of an online site for knowledge exchange. Overall, the participatory approaches adopted empowered participants to freely express their opinions and openly share knowledge and experiences regarding common challenges and opportunities associated with delivery of a beef cattle custom feeding programme.
A modeling framework for the application of multi-paradigm simulation methods
Authors: Mykoniatis Konstantinos , Angelopoulou Anastasia
Published: April 2019

Decisions about modeling and simulation (M&S) of real-world systems need to be evaluated prior to implementation. Discrete Event, System Dynamics, and Agent Based are three different modeling and simulation approaches widely applied to enhance decision-making of M&S of these systems. Combining and/or integrating these methods can provide solutions to a plethora of systems’ problems. However, current solutions and frameworks do not provide guidance for selecting and deploying M&S models. Hence, the aim of this work is to present a generic modeling framework for combining and/or integrating Discrete Event, System Dynamics, and Agent Based simulation approaches. The framework is termed multi-paradigm modeling framework (MPMF). In this paper, we describe the research methodology that was followed for the development of MPMF, the different phases of MPMF, and the generic relationships of forming and deploying multi-paradigm simulation models. Then we evaluate the framework by using it for the implementation of a universal task analysis simulation model (UTASiMo). The MPMF provided guidance on what methods need to be incorporated into the UTASiMo models, what information is exchanged among those models, and how these models are connected and interact with each other.
Anchoring capital in place: The grounded impact of international wealth chains on housing markets in London
Authors: McKenzie Rex , Atkinson Rowland
Published: April 2019

Taking as our focus the city of London over the last decade, we use state-held records of house sales to consider the impact of competition for housing resources in the luxury property market. This data suggests that the use of offshore investment vehicles and the concealment of wealth from national tax agencies have become key mechanisms by which housing resources have been exploited by the wealthy and their capital deployed by agents of the rich. Using the concept of wealth chains, we consider these methods of capital accumulation as these extending flows of managed capital become ‘anchored’ within specific urban spaces, in this case the luxury housing market of inner West London. Our analysis of a selection of these chains shows that the prevailing political management of the property economy benefits those already winning the war of inequality while looking to augment their capital and shield it from tax and regulation. The ultra-wealthy, financial intermediaries and multinational corporations have created chains articulated across space, with the effect of undermining the value of dwellings as homes, and have replaced them with assets to be traded in pursuit of private and offshore wealth gains. The result is an urban context that favours already advantaged and powerful interests and enables the avoidance of tax obligations desperately needed at a time of austerity and intense housing need.
“Why do we measure mankind?” Marketing anthropometry in late-Victorian Britain
Authors: Smith Elise
Published: April 2019

In the late nineteenth century, British anthropometrists attempted to normalize the practice of measuring bodies as they sought to collate data about the health and racial makeup of their fellow citizens. As the country’s leading anthropometrists, Francis Galton and Charles Roberts worked to overcome suspicion about their motives and tried to establish the value of recording physical dimensions from their subjects’ perspective. For Galton, the father of the eugenics movement, the attainment of objective self-knowledge figured alongside the ranking of one’s physique and faculties against established norms. The competitive tests at Galton’s anthropometric laboratory were meant to help subjects identify their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately revealing their level of eugenic fitness. Roberts, on the other hand, saw the particular value of anthropometric data in informing economic and social policy, but capitalized on parents’ interest in their children’s growth rates to encourage regular monitoring of their physical development. While both Galton and Roberts hoped that individuals would ultimately furnish experts with their anthropometric data to analyze, they both understood that the public would need to have explained the practical purposes of such studies and to familiarize themselves with their methods. This article argues that while anthropometry did not become a fully domestic practice in this period, it became a more visible one, paving the way for individuals to take an interest in metrical evaluations of their bodies in the coming years.
The New Far-Right in Brazil and the Construction of a Right-Wing Order
Authors: Goldstein Ariel Alejandro
Published: April 2019

Michel Temer’s government produced a new right-wing order in Brazil that might be called an “armored democracy.” The main characteristics of this order are the construction of a “leftist” enemy to justify repression of activists and social movements, preserving a loyal base and manipulating the anger if no economic achievements are made; a political partisan role for the judicial powers with strong interference of lobbying and military consultants; a weak democracy without political participation; the establishment of a market-friendly order against the platform voted for by the majority of Brazilians in the 2014 election; right-wing advances in public discourse that have reframed the political culture and discussion; and the accession of a far-right contender to the presidency for the first time since re-democratization began in 1985. Brazil seems to be repeating its history because it has not reflected on and judged its past. The most important threat to democracy is not only this new president but the country’s own elitist, corrupt, and restricted democratic system.

O governo de Michel Temer produziu uma nova ordem da direita no Brasil que pode ser chamada de “democracia blindada”. As principais características dessa ordem são a construção de um inimigo “esquerdista” para justificar a repressão de ativistas e movimentos sociais, preservando uma base leal e manipulando a raiva se nenhuma conquista econômica for feita; um papel partidário político para os poderes judiciais com forte interferência de lobby e consultores militares; uma democracia fraca sem participação política; o estabelecimento de uma ordem favorável ao mercado contra a plataforma votada pela maioria dos brasileiros nas eleições de 2014; os avanços de direita no discurso público que reestruturaram a cultura e a discussão política; e a adesão de um candidato de extrema direita à presidência pela primeira vez desde a redemocratização começou em 1985. O Brasil parece estar repetindo sua história porque não refletiu e julgou seu passado. A mais importante ameaça à democracia não é apenas esse novo presidente, mas o próprio sistema democrático elitista, corrupto e restrito do país.
Let’s Not Talk About Science: The Normalization of Big Science and the Moral Economy of Modern Astronomy
Authors: Baneke David
Published: April 2019

In the 1990s, the Dutch astronomical community had to choose its next big telescope project. The starting point of their discussions was not a plan in search of support, but a scientific community in search of a plan. Their discussion demonstrates how big science projects are an integral part of the moral and institutional economy of modern astronomy. Large telescopes are unique but not exceptional: big science has become part of “normal science,” both scientifically and institutionally. In retrospect, the discussions anaylized in this paper discussions concern the earliest phase of three major astronomical instruments: the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), and the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). Interestingly, the Dutch astronomers focused on what they called “strategic” arguments, explicitly excluding arguments regarding scientific merit. I demonstrate how this should be understood in the context of the moral economy of the community. This analysis, based on rich archive material and background interviews with key actors, adds to our understanding of big science or “megascience” in the post–Cold War era.
Introduction
Authors: Fazio Giorgio , Ferrara Alessandro
Published: April 2019

The contributions grouped in this special section on ‘Realizing social freedom: a conversation on Honneth’s idea of socialism’ critically engage Honneth’s latest philosophical production and address Freedom’s Right and The Idea of Socialism from a cross-cutting perspective. The contributions grouped in the first round of discussion revolve around the problems raised by the theory of justice outlined in Freedom’s Right, though they also address the subsequent developments undergone by this theory in the book on socialism. The contributions grouped in the second round of discussion, instead, concentrate on Honneth’s proposal for a renewal of our understanding of socialism, with the aim of assessing its continuity and discontinuity in relation to the systematic retrieval of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right undertaken in Honneth’s earlier book.
Double Whammy for Older Smokers: Marginalized by Tobacco Control and Valued by the Tobacco Industry
Authors: Cataldo Janine K.
Published: April 2019

In the last 20 years, the United States has made stunning progress reducing the rate of adult smoking. However, the smallest reduction is among older adults. Compared to younger smokers, older smokers are more likely to be lower socioeconomic status (SES), have several tobacco related comorbidities, and are less likely to be treated for tobacco addiction yet, in tobacco policy, they are not considered a marginalized group. The tobacco industry’s interest in older smokers contrasts with the lack of interest shown by tobacco control. A double whammy is a set of two bad events or situations that have an effect at the same time. The purposes of this article are to use the health disparity paradigm to (a) discuss the “double whammy” of marginalization by tobacco control and valuation by the tobacco industry on the health of older smokers and (b) provide strategies to promote health equity for older smokers.
Arterial Traffic Flow Estimation Based on Vehicle-to-Cloud Vehicle Trajectory Data Considering Multi-Intersection Interaction and Coordination
Authors: Luo Xia , Liu Bo , Jin Peter J. , Cao Yang , Hu Wansgu
Published: April 2019

Conventional detection methods for intersection traffic flow heavily rely on fixed-location inductive loop, video image processing, infared, and microwave radar detectors. The emerging connected vehicles (CV) technologies can potentially reduce such dependencies on conventional vehicle detectors with the vehicle-to-cloud (V2C) CV data. This paper proposes an analytical method for traffic flow estimation in urban arterial corridors based on CV trajectories collected through V2C communication. Different from the existing single-intersection models, the proposed model considers traffic states and the traffic signal coordination among adjacent intersections, therefore, can capture the delay and queuing dynamics in arterial corridors. The queue spillback phenomenon is explicitly considered by applying the shockwave theory. The proposed model is evaluated based on real-world vehicle trajectory data from the DiDi platform collected on an arterial network in Chengdu, China with a penetration rate of less than 10% of the overall traffic. The flow estimation results are compared with traffic counts collected from video detectors. The model parameters are calibrated with more than 300,000 GPS points during a typical workday and tested on a different workday. The evaluation results show a mean absolute percentage error within the range of 4–7% among all intersections, outperforming the results generated by the existing single-intersection model. The results indicate the promising potential of using the proposed methods to evaluate intersection performance without heavy investment in on-site detectors.
Modeling Wrong-Way Driving Entries at Limited Access Facility Exit Ramps in Florida
Authors: Kayes Md Imrul , Sandt Adrian , Al-Deek Haitham , Uddin Nizam , Rogers John H. , Carrick Grady
Published: April 2019

Wrong-way driving (WWD) is a dangerous behavior which poses a significant safety risk on limited access facilities. As WWD crashes are rare, it is difficult to build credible statistical models based solely on crashes. Modeling other WWD events, such as citations and 911 calls, can result in more reliable models. Even though these WWD events do not always result in a crash, they can be an effective surrogate for WWD crashes. Analysis of Florida limited access exit ramps found that ramps with multiple WWD crashes from 2011 to 2015 tended to have more WWD citations and 911 calls (WWD entries). Additionally, areas with high WWD crash densities also had high WWD entry densities and 68% of WWD crashes had an associated citation, 911 call, or both. These results show that modeling WWD entries can provide insights into WWD crashes. A model was developed for Florida limited access facilities to identify roadway factors and traffic characteristics of exit ramp terminals that influence WWD entries. This model indicated that interchange type, intersection angle of exit ramp terminals, presence of tolling at the entrance ramp, presence of a channelizing island between the exit ramp lanes, number of lanes on the exit ramp, area (rural or urban), and traffic volumes significantly affect the likelihood of WWD entries at exit ramps. With this model, transportation agencies can better predict WWD entries at exit ramps; identify suitable locations for possible countermeasures; and improve their current design, signing, and pavement marking practices while still following national and state standards.
Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears in the Elderly: Does It Make Sense? A Systematic Review
Authors: Altintas Burak , Anderson Nicole L. , Pitta Rafael , Buckley Patrick S. , Bhatia Sanjeev , Provencher Matthew T. , Millett Peter J.
Published: April 2019

Background:

The indications and outcomes for rotator cuff repair (RCR) among patients ≥70 years old are not widely reported. Many active patients in this age range desire a joint-preserving option, and several small series reported successful clinical outcomes after RCR among patients aged ≥70 years.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature on the outcomes of RCR among patients ≥70 years old.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed and Cochrane were used for the literature search. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Coleman Methodology Score. Studies in English evaluating repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears among patients aged ≥70 years were included.

Results:

Eleven studies were reviewed, including 680 patients (694 shoulders) who were treated with arthroscopic and/or open RCR with a mean follow-up of 24.2 months (range, 12-40.8 months). Forty patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 654 shoulders with outcome data. This age group demonstrated a significant increase in clinical and functional outcomes after RCR with high satisfaction. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores showed an improvement from 44.2 (range, 35.4-56) preoperatively to 87.9 (range, 84-90.3) postoperatively, while Constant scores improved from 41.7 (range, 22.6-53.6) to 70.8 (range, 58.6-76). Postoperative imaging evaluation was performed on 513 shoulders, revealing a retear rate of 27.1% (139 shoulders). There were 45 retears after open repair and 94 after arthroscopic repair. The difference in retear rate among patients receiving arthroscopic repairs was not significantly different than open repairs ( P = .831). Pain according to a visual analog scale improved from 5.5 (range, 4.6-6.4) preoperatively to 1.3 (range, 0.5-2.3) postoperatively.

Conclusion:

RCR among patients ≥70 years old shows high clinical success rates with good outcomes and overall excellent pain relief. Although patients in this age group have a high potential for retear or persistent defects on imaging studies, RCR offers a joint-preserving option with significant functional and clinical improvement for the appropriately indicated patient.