bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity, representation, and the limits of engaged pluralism in (economic) geography
Authors: Rosenman Emily , Loomis Jessa , Kay Kelly
Published: February 2019

Within geography writ large, and economic geography in particular, there has been increasing interest in ‘engaged pluralism’ – defined by its proponents as lively and respectful engagement across theoretical, methodological, and topical lines – to increase diversity and build mutual respect among scholars. Drawing on feminist and postcolonial scholarship, we offer a sympathetic critique of engaged pluralism, grounded in a review of publishing trends in economic geography. Our findings reveal theoretical inertia around particular topics and paradigms, as well as low rates of publishing participation from women. We close with a discussion of engagement, reciprocity, and meaningful contact.
Understanding India: Bhadralok, Modernity and Colonial India
Authors: Chakravartty Aryendra
Published: February 2019

This article explores the understandings of mid-nineteenth-century colonial India through the perceptions of Bholanauth Chunder, an anglicised Bengali bhadralok and his early attempt at seeing and experiencing a historical entity called India. The role played by the middle class in forging a sense of anti-colonial nationalism has received significant attention, but this focuses on late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By focusing on the perceptions and visions of an Indian middle class during the mid-nineteenth century, I provide an early articulation of nationalism which preceded the later nationalist movement by several decades. The ambiguous nature of the colonial middle class demonstrates that although they were concerned with articulating an incipient sense of nationalism, this did not involve a complete repudiation of the British. The influence of Western education is evident in Chunder’s strong desire for progress and modernity; his appreciation and use of history as an instrument in forging a common national past, although it is largely an imagination of a ‘Hindu’ past; and his critique of religious orthodoxy, which is inimical to progress. However, Chunder’s ethnographic observations demonstrate that his perceptions of Indian society were not entirely predetermined by colonial knowledge.
Effective Christian Religious Education in Nigerian Secondary Schools as a Mechanism for Sustaining Democracy in Nigeria
Authors: Okunoye Job Oluremi
Published: February 2019

Nigeria is a nation that is morally and spiritually sick and her democracy is bedeviled with moral, social and political disorders. This article examines the role of Christian religious education in Nigerian secondary schools for the sustenance of democracy. There is a need to emphasize Christian religious education which upholds the principles of peace, non-violence and fair play in politics and elections into offices.
Preadmission Corticosteroid Therapy and the Risk of Respiratory Failure in Adults Without HIV Presenting With Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Authors: Wieruszewski Patrick M. , Barreto Erin F. , Barreto Jason N. , Yadav Hemang , Tosh Pritish K. , Mara Kristin C. , Limper Andrew H.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Corticosteroid therapy is a well-recognized risk factor for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP); however, it has also been proposed as an adjunct to decrease inflammation and respiratory failure.

Objective:

To determine the association between preadmission corticosteroid use and risk of moderate-to-severe respiratory failure at the time of PCP presentation.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated HIV-negative immunosuppressed adults diagnosed with PCP at Mayo Clinic from 2006 to 2016. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the association between preadmission corticosteroid exposure and moderate-to-severe respiratory failure at presentation.

Results:

Of the 323 patients included, 174 (54%) used preadmission corticosteroids with a median daily dosage of 20 (interquartile range: 10-40) mg of prednisone or equivalent. After adjustment for baseline demographics, preadmission corticosteroid therapy did not decrease respiratory failure at the time of PCP presentation (odds ratio: 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.73-2.09, P = .38). Additionally, after adjusting for inpatient corticosteroid administration, preadmission corticosteroid use did not impact the need for intensive care unit admission ( P = .98), mechanical ventilation ( P = .92), or 30-day mortality ( P = .11).

Conclusions:

Corticosteroid exposure before PCP presentation in immunosuppressed HIV-negative adults was not associated with a reduced risk of moderate-to-severe respiratory failure.
A Latent Growth Modeling Analysis of the Effects of Perceived Supports, Perceived Barriers, and Coping Efficacy on Latina/o Engineering Students’ Life Satisfaction
Authors: Flores Lisa Y. , Atilano Ruben , Suh Han Na , Navarro Rachel L.
Published: February 2019

Using latent growth modeling (LGM) procedures, this study tested a model of Latina/o engineering students’ life satisfaction based on Lent and Brown’s social cognitive well-being model with a sample of 342 Latina/o engineering students attending a Hispanic-serving institution. Participants completed measures of perceived supports, perceived barriers, and coping efficacy at 3 points, each approximately 1 year apart, and life satisfaction at Time 3. The results indicated that perceived supports, perceived barriers, and coping efficacy changed across time. Specifically, perceived supports and coping efficacy decreased and perceived barriers increased over time. Individual differences were found in the growth patterns of these constructs, with participants with low perceived supports and coping efficacy at Time 1 demonstrating more decrease and those with low perceived barriers at Time 1 demonstrating more increase in these variables over time. In the multivariate LGM analysis, the proposed model fit the data, but only partial support was found for the relations among the variables. Specifically, high perceived barriers were negatively related to low coping efficacy, high perceived supports were positively related to high coping efficacy, and high coping efficacy was positively related to high life satisfaction. However, coping efficacy did not mediate the relations between supports and barriers to life satisfaction. Finally, growth in perceived barriers was negatively related to the decline of coping efficacy. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Job Satisfaction and Bad Jobs: Why Are Cleaners So Happy at Work?
Authors: Léné Alexandre
Published: February 2019

Our analysis is based on the French DARES Working Conditions survey which contains a very large sample of individuals representative of the French working population. We demonstrate that employees working in the cleaning sector report significantly higher levels of satisfaction than the other employees. This statistical result is robust; it persists when we introduce a large number of control variables. This result is puzzling insofar as it is generally agreed that these workers hold ‘poor quality’ jobs: low pay, an abnormal pattern of work, arduous working conditions. We suggest that cleaners’ expectations and standards are influenced by an adaptation process. Their job satisfaction needs to be considered in the light of their past experience. Their employment history shapes their wants and needs and thus affects the way they evaluate their work.
Flight phase and altitude-dependent geometrical vertical flight plan optimization minimizing the total number of vertical plan segments
Authors: Dancila Bogdan Dumitru , Beulze Benoit , Botez Ruxandra Mihaela
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a new method for the geometrical construction of an optimal vertical flight plan associated to a provided lateral flight plan defined as a succession of waypoints characterized by their along-the-track distance relative to the first waypoint and their constraints. The principal objective of the proposed method is the minimization of the total number of vertical flight plan segments, whose slope values closest match the values set for their corresponding flight phase and altitude. The main advantage of the proposed method is that it constructs the optimized vertical flight plan employing faster—and less-intensive computations than methods based solely on aircraft performance models. Also, the proposed algorithm has the advantage of generating ground-fixed predicted vertical flight plans which, when flown, are less sensitive to varying wind conditions, thus, smaller trajectory deviations than those computed using solely the model-based algorithms. Two implementations corresponding to different trade-offs between conflicting preferred gradient and minimal segment length constraints were compared. The results show that a vertical flight path segment’s construction and resulting configuration is dependent on the configuration of the vertical flight plan segments that precede it. The results also show that for a majority of the test cases, the resulting flight plans computed using the two implementations were identical. Moreover, even when the flight plans were not completely identical, many of the corresponding segments were identical.
Dissecting the Neural Focus of Attention Reveals Distinct Processes for Spatial Attention and Object-Based Storage in Visual Working Memory
Authors: Hakim Nicole , Adam Kirsten C. S. , Gunseli Eren , Awh Edward , Vogel Edward K.
Published: February 2019

Complex cognition relies on both on-line representations in working memory (WM), said to reside in the focus of attention, and passive off-line representations of related information. Here, we dissected the focus of attention by showing that distinct neural signals index the on-line storage of objects and sustained spatial attention. We recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) activity during two tasks that employed identical stimulus displays but varied the relative demands for object storage and spatial attention. We found distinct delay-period signatures for an attention task (which required only spatial attention) and a WM task (which invoked both spatial attention and object storage). Although both tasks required active maintenance of spatial information, only the WM task elicited robust contralateral delay activity that was sensitive to mnemonic load. Thus, we argue that the focus of attention is maintained via a collaboration between distinct processes for covert spatial orienting and object-based storage.
Anti–α-enolase antibody combined with β2 microglobulin evaluated the incidence of nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Huang Y , Chen L , Chen K , Huang F , Feng Y , Xu Z , Wang W
Published: February 2019

Objective

Anti–α-enolase antibody (Ab) combined with β2 microglobulin (β2-MG) were investigated to predict the incidence of nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

Levels of serum anti–α-enolase Ab and urinary β2-MG were detected in 115 SLE patients, 29 SLE patients with nephritis and 70 healthy controls by ELISA and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation between anti–α-enolase Ab combined with β2-MG and the incidence of nephritis in SLE patients was evaluated by correlation analysis.

Results

The optical density value of serum anti–α-enolase Ab in SLE patients with nephritis (0.84) was greatly increased compared with SLE patients (0.76) or healthy controls (0.54). Moreover, the levels of urinary β2-MG in SLE patients with nephritis (6.75 mg/L) were increased compared with SLE patients (3.45 mg/L) or healthy controls (1.48 mg/L). There was a positive correlation between the level of anti–α-enolase Ab and β2-MG ( r = 0.754). Furthermore, anti–α-enolase Ab combined with β2-MG for evaluating the incidence of nephritis in SLE patients had the best assessment of the effectiveness (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 92.7%) compared with only anti–α-enolase Ab (AUC: 80.9%) or β2-MG (AUC: 84.5%).

Conclusion

These data suggested that anti–α-enolase Ab may be a potential indicator for the prediction of nephritis in SLE patients.
Taking Crime Seriously: Conservation Values and Legal Cynicism as Predictors of Public Perceptions of the Seriousness of Crime
Authors: Adriaenssen An , Karstedt Susanne , Paoli Letizia , Visschers Jonas
Published: February 2019

Public perceptions of the seriousness of crime have long been presented as an indicator of actual crime seriousness, which features prominently in contemporary criminal policy. However, doubts persist on the policy relevance of such perceptions, among others, because their predictors and the extent of consensus about them in our pluralistic societies are unclear. Against this background, we examine the extent to which conservation values, legal cynicism, and religiosity drive public crime seriousness perceptions and generate heterogeneity. A general population survey in Belgium eliciting 1,278 valid responses indicates a limited impact of these values, attitudes, and beliefs on crime seriousness perceptions, with exception of the “mala prohibita” considered. Of the three predictors, conservation values have the most consistent impact across different crimes. Moreover, our findings suggest that crime seriousness perceptions are still largely consensual, thus allaying one concern for their use for policy-making purposes.
Autoamputation of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Novel and Rare Presentation of a Familiar Entity
Authors: Jebastin Thangaiah Judith , Williamson Sean R. , Pimentel Jason , Perry Kyle
Published: February 2019

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is categorized as a fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignant potential. It has significant risk for local recurrence and, less commonly, local or distant metastasis. Initially, these tumors typically arise as a firm plaque on the skin that slowly progresses to a nodular and protuberant dermal lesion. DFSP can also exhibit ulceration, hemorrhage, and accelerated growth, but autoamputation has not been described in the English literature. In this article, we report a case of an asymptomatic classical DFSP on the upper back in which the protuberant portion spontaneously autoamputated. In this case, the residual lesion was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. The presentation, features, and implications of this interesting mode of presentation are discussed.
Piezoelectricity and length scale effect on the vibrational behaviors of circular sandwich micro-plates
Authors: Shahrokhi M , Jomehzadeh E , Rezaeizadeh M
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the vibrational behaviors of circular and annular sandwich micro-plates coupled with two piezoelectric layers are analytically studied. For defining the equations of motion, the Hamilton’s principle and the classical plate theory are used. In the micro-scale size, the properties of the material depend on dimensions, and therefore the modified couple stress theory is utilized to consider this effect. The electric potential of piezoelectric layers is obtained by satisfaction of the Maxwell equation. The natural frequencies for various boundary conditions in two kinds of open and close circuit electric conditions are calculated, and the effects of length scale and electrical field are studied. The results show that the natural frequencies for open piezoelectric micro-plates are larger than the closed ones.
Tryptophan Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Photoreduction Method: Characterization and Determination of Bactericidal and Anti-Biofilm Activities on Resistant and Susceptible Bacteria
Authors: Courrol Daniella dos Santos , Lopes Carla Regina Borges , Pereira Camila Bueno Pacheco , Franzolin Marcia Regina , Silva Flávia Rodrigues de Oliveira , Courrol Lilia Coronato
Published: February 2019

The high rates of antibiotics use in hospitals have resulted in a condition where multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a severe threat to the human health worldwide. Therefore, there is an increasing necessity to identify new antimicrobial agents that can inhibit the multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm formation. In this study, antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of tryptophan silver nanoparticles (TrpAgNP) were investigated. The TrpAgNPs were synthesized by photoreduction method, and the influence of irradiation time and concentration of reagents were analyzed. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Zeta Potential and (UV)-absorption spectra. The antibacterial activity of TrpAgNPs was tested for antibiotic-resistant and susceptible pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, evaluating the influence of photoreduction parameters in bactericidal effect. The results have shown that TrpAgNPs solutions with lower tryptophan/silver nitrate (AgNO3) ratio and higher AgNO3 concentration have higher bactericidal action against bacteria with inhibition of ~100% in almost all studied bacterial strains. The antimicrobial activity of TrpAgNPs within biofilms generated under static conditions of antibiotic-resistant and susceptible strains of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, C. freundii, and P. aeruginosa was also investigated. The results showed that TrpAgNPs have an inhibitory effect against biofilm formation, exceeding 50% in the case of Gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli, K. pneumoniae, C. freundii, and P. aeruginosa—54.8% to 98.8%). For Gram-positive species, an inhibition of biofilm formation of 68.7% to 72.2 % was observed for S. aureus and 20.0% to 40.2% for S. epidermidis.
Constructing im/migrants and ethnic minority groups as ‘carriers of disease’: Power effects of categorization practices in tuberculosis health reporting in the UK and Germany
Authors: von Unger Hella , Scott Penelope , Odukoya Dennis
Published: February 2019

Migration- and ethnicity-related categories are a core feature of public health systems internationally, particularly in health reporting on communicable infectious diseases. The specific categories and classifications used differ from country to country and are subject to controversy and change. The article compares categorization practices in health reporting in the UK and Germany with regard to tuberculosis. Tuberculosis has been framed as a ‘migrants’ disease’ in recent decades and new categories were introduced to collect and report epidemiological data. We reconstruct the genesis, change and power effects of categories related to im/migrants and ethnic minority groups. In both countries, migration-related categorizations entail constructions of im/migrants as ‘carriers of disease’. However, the categories also connect with discourses on human rights, prevention, treatment and care for migrants as vulnerable groups. While this ambivalent role of migration-related categories is not unique to health statistics, the potential contribution to processes of ‘othering’ and politics of exclusion seem particularly imminent in the context of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. Ethnicity categories used in the UK, but not in Germany, also contribute to othering through racialization and culturalization, yet at the same time provide opportunities for community participation in the discourse.
Associations Between Rejection Sensitivity, Aggression, and Victimization: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Gao Shuling , Assink Mark , Liu Tinting , Chan Ko Ling , Ip Patrick
Published: February 2019

Background:

Rejection sensitivity (RS) is a personality disposition characterized by oversensitivity to social rejection; individuals who are sensitive to social rejection tend to anxiously or angrily expect, readily perceive, and overreact to it. The associations between (a) RS and aggression and (b) RS and victimization have been studied in recent years. However, the strength of these associations varied considerably between studies. This review aimed to synthesize the primary literature to improve our insight into these associations.

Method:

A comprehensive literature search yielded 52 studies (with a total of 66,405 participants and producing 203 effect sizes) on the RS-aggression and RS-victimization associations. Three-level meta-analytic models were used to synthesize effect sizes and to examine potential moderators of the RS-aggression association and the RS-victimization association, respectively.

Results:

There was a small but significant association between RS and aggression (pooled r = .183; p < .001) and a slightly below moderate and significant association between RS and victimization (pooled r = .298; p < .001). The RS-aggression association was stronger for angry RS than for anxious RS and stronger for reactive aggression than for proactive aggression. Similar results were obtained in analyzing the longitudinal associations only.

Conclusions:

RS is significantly associated with aggression and victimization. The implications of the results for clinical practice as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Optimizing structural parameters of carbon fiber braiding carriers based on antlion optimization algorithm
Authors: Hu Xintong , Yao Lingling , Zhang Yujing , Meng Zhuo , Sun Yize
Published: February 2019

Braiding carriers, which are the important parts of a braiding machine, have the functions such as carrying braiding materials, controlling tension of carbon fiber, and driving carbon fiber movement. During the braiding process, two groups of carbon fibers braided in clockwise and counter clockwise direction contact each other and form relative motion, which causes friction and fuzzing. In order to improve this situation, the structural parameters of the carriers need to be optimized. In this paper, the kinematics and dynamics models were established based on the structure of braiding carriers. The micro-element method was used to analyze the relationship between the fiber length released from the yarn barrel, the rotation angle of the lever, and the tension of the carbon fiber. To limit the fluctuant range of carbon fiber tension, and to alleviate the fluffing phenomenon caused by the two groups of carbon fiber in contact with each other, antlion algorithm was used to optimize the structural parameters of braiding carriers. The simulation results showed that the tension of the carbon fiber can meet the processing requirements by adjusting the starting angle of each stage of carrier, the length of lever, the elastic coefficient of springs, and pre-compression of springs. It can be known that the structural parameters of braiding carriers optimized by antlion algorithm could meet the requirement of carbon fiber tension.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Fiberglass Casts and 3-Dimensional–Printed, Open-Latticed, Ventilated Casts
Authors: Hoogervorst Paul , Knox Riley , Tanaka Kara , Working Zachary M. , El Naga Ashraf N. , Herfat Safa , Lee Nicolas
Published: February 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to quantify the stabilizing properties of a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed short-arm cast and compare those properties with traditional fiberglass casts in a cadaveric subacute distal radius fracture model. Methods: A cadaveric subacute fracture model was created in 8 pairs of forearms. The specimens were equally allocated to a fiberglass cast or 3D-printed cast group. All specimens were subjected to 3 biomechanical testing modalities simulating daily life use: flexion and extension of digits, pronation and supination of the hand, and 3-point bending. Between each loading modality, radiological evaluation of the specimens was performed to evaluate possible interval displacement. Interfragmentary motion was quantified using a 3D motion-tracking system. Results: Radiographic assessment did not reveal statistically significant differences in radiographic parameters between the 2 groups before and after biomechanical testing. A statistically significant difference in interfragmentary motion was calculated with the 3-point bending test, with a mean difference of 0.44 (±0.48) mm of motion. Conclusions: A statistically significant difference in interfragmentary motion between the 2 casting groups was only identified in 3-point bending. However, the clinical relevance of this motion remains unclear as the absolute motion is less than 1 mm. The results of this study show noninferiority of the 3D-printed casts compared with the traditional fiberglass casts in immobilizing a subacute distal radius fracture model. These results support the execution of a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing both casting techniques.
Derivation of local vibratory stimulus for stair climbing based on Mu rhythm
Authors: Ko Seunghun , Kwak Kiyoung , Kim Huigyun , Kim Dongwook
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to derive the local vibration that the sensorimotor area responds sensitively and to investigate changes in muscle activity of the lower limb when the vibratory stimulus was applied during the stair climbing. The electroencephalogram was measured when vibratory stimulus was applied to each tendon and changes in Mu rhythm activity were analyzed. A specific vibration frequency was selected through the results of the Mu rhythm analysis, and the specific vibratory conditions were set by combining the tendon site, vibration intensity, and frequencies. These vibratory conditions were applied simultaneously with the electromyogram measurement during the stair climbing. As a result, we confirm the specific vibration frequencies in each tendon. Also, we infer that there is a sensitive vibratory stimulus for each tendon. Moreover, the specific vibratory stimulus activates the sensorimotor area and elicits an increase in the muscle activity. This result means that specific vibration frequency and stimulation site should be considered in rehabilitation therapy that used the local vibratory stimulus. Also, local vibratory stimulus can be used to assist in stair climbing.
Heart and breathing rate variability in the avian perinatal period: The chicken embryo as a model
Authors: Tomi Satoko T , Ide Ryoji , Mortola Jacopo P
Published: February 2019

We used the chicken embryo at the internal pipping phase (just after the onset of pulmonary ventilation) as a model to quantify the changes in heart rate (fH), breathing frequency (fB) and their variabilities (heart rate variability and breathing rate variability) during air breathing (21% O2) and successive 20-min periods of 15%, 10% and 5% O2 and post-hypoxic recovery. For each condition, and for both fH and fB, variability was quantified by time-domain analysis with five standard criteria; these produced qualitatively similar results, which were combined into a single variability index. In normoxia, breathing rate variability was about five times higher than heart rate variability. With 10% O2, the embryo’s oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) and breathing rate variability decreased while heart rate variability increased. In normoxia, respiratory sinus arrhythmia was recognisable in a minority of embryos; its average value was low (~2%) and decreased further with hypoxia. With very severe hypoxia (5% O2), in some cases, breathing stopped; when it did not, breathing rate variability was high. Within the 20-min post-hypoxia, all embryos recovered, and almost all parameters (fH, heart rate variability, fB, respiratory sinus arrhythmia and [Formula: see text]) were at the pre-hypoxic values; only breathing rate variability remained low. The possibility of simultaneous measurements of fB and fH makes the avian embryo, close to hatching, a suitable model for the investigations of heart rate variability and breathing rate variability in response to hypoxia during the transition from prenatal to postnatal life.
Diabetic patients are almost twice as likely to experience complications from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Authors: Borton Z , Shivji F , Simeen S , Williams R , Tambe A , Espag M , Cresswell T , Clark D
Published: February 2019

Aims

Large population-based studies have demonstrated increased prevalence of rotator cuff disease amongst diabetics. Recent studies have suggested comparable clinical outcomes from rotator cuff repair despite suggestions of increased complication rates amongst diabetics. However, there is a relative paucity of studies considering the effect of diabetes upon complication rate. We aim to report and quantify the effect of diabetes on complication rates following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between January 2011 and December 2014 was performed. Diabetic status and complication data defined as infection, frozen shoulder, re-tear or re-operation were collected and interrogated.

Results

A total of 462 patients were included at median follow-up of 5.6 years. Diabetics were significantly more likely to experience frozen shoulder (15.8% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.001), re-tear (26.3% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.042) or at least one complication following surgery (35.1% vs. 22.7%, p = 0.041) compared to non-diabetics. These equated to odds ratios of 4.03, 1.94 and 1.84, respectively.

Conclusions

Diabetic patients are almost twice as likely to experience complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, including double the risk of repair failure and more than four times the risk of frozen shoulder.
Situational ethics in a feminist ethnography on commercial surrogacy in Russia: Negotiating access and authority when recruiting participants through institutional gatekeepers
Authors: Weis Christina
Published: February 2019

In this article, I discuss methodological and ethical dilemmas when recruiting participants with the help of medical and institutional gatekeepers during my ethnographic fieldwork on commercial surrogacy in St Petersburg, Russia. Based on four case studies, I argue for the use of situational ethics. Solid up-front ethics that are approved by institutional advisory boards are important to ensure that the researcher has done their best to identify potential ethical issues prior to data collection and offer deontological safeguards. However, as empirical researchers, we are familiar with the unanticipated that is bound to happen once we commence data collection. In such cases, when the proposed and approved ethical conduct is no longer suited and researchers must make new ethical choices, situational ethics that take the immediate context into consideration are crucial. I further argue that situational ethics must not only be an extension of procedural ethics when the latter are no longer suited but an alternative to procedural ethics in order to make the research empowering, reciprocal and transformative of existing disadvantaging power relations. With this article, I contribute to the growing literature that argues in favour of situational ethics.
Caring for One’s Wife With Dementia—at Home: Older Husbands’ Experiences With Managing Challenges of Everyday Life
Authors: Rykkje Linda , Tranvåg Oscar
Published: February 2019

More than 80,000 Norwegians live with dementia. Most caregivers for people with dementia are spouses, and women outnumber men. Due to an aging population, and women’s higher risk of dementia as well as men’s increased life expectancy, the number of male caregivers will rise. There are some differences in the caregiving roles of men and women. Research suggest that males report lower burden and depression than female caregivers, but some men struggle to adjust to the caregiver role, and men are less likely to access health care services. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of husbands engaged in caregiving for their home-dwelling spouse with dementia. This knowledge will add to the growing body of research about men in the context of dementia care and may raise gender awareness. The method is qualitative interviews with hermeneutical interpretation. The participants are five husbands recruited from two Hospital Memory Clinics in Norway. The results portray how the husbands managed their everyday challenges, and how they adapted to changes, experiences of loss and bereavement, and how they redefined personal freedom and expanded their responsibilities. Acknowledging the rewards of caregiving, the husbands found their life meaningful and they were thriving in their caregiving role. Health care personnel should recognize and respect the challenging life situation caregiving husbands may experience, calling for personnel to learn from, care for, and collaborate with them, enabling the couple to live a meaningful life together at home as long as possible.
Do municipal autonomy and institutional fragmentation stand in the way of antisprawl policies? A qualitative comparative analysis of Swiss cantons
Authors: Klaus Jacopo
Published: February 2019

Our study aims to explore whether simultaneous municipal autonomy and institutional fragmentation foster urban sprawl. We discuss the hypothesis that in such a setting, competition between municipalities to attract development leads to high degrees of urban sprawl. A comparison of the 26 Swiss cantons was carried out using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis combining the aforementioned conditions with other urban sprawl drivers. As a result, four consistent, sufficient combinations of conditions were identified. These combinations show that municipal autonomy and institutional fragmentation are indeed linked to high degrees of urban sprawl. This is especially true when municipal autonomy and institutional fragmentation are combined with the economic triggers of competition between municipalities and oversized designated building zones. These results draw attention to the necessity of stronger supra-municipal coordination within the framework of Swiss land use planning policy.
A gene-based recessive diplotype exome scan discovers FGF6, a novel hepcidin-regulating iron-metabolism gene
Authors: Guo Shicheng , Jiang Shuai , Epperla Narendranath , Ma Yanyun , Maadooliat Mehdi , Ye Zhan , Olson Brent , Wang Minghua , Kitchner Terrie , Joyce Jeffrey , An Peng , Wang Fudi , Strenn Robert , Mazza Joseph J. , Meece Jennifer K. , Wu Wenyu , Jin Li , Smith Judith A. , Wang Jiucun , Schrodi Steven J.
Published: February 2019

Standard analyses applied to genome-wide association data are well designed to detect additive effects of moderate strength. However, the power for standard genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses to identify effects from recessive diplotypes is not typically high. We proposed and conducted a gene-based compound heterozygosity test to reveal additional genes underlying complex diseases. With this approach applied to iron overload, a strong association signal was identified between the fibroblast growth factor–encoding gene, FGF6, and hemochromatosis in the central Wisconsin population. Functional validation showed that fibroblast growth factor 6 protein (FGF-6) regulates iron homeostasis and induces transcriptional regulation of hepcidin. Moreover, specific identified FGF6 variants differentially impact iron metabolism. In addition, FGF6 downregulation correlated with iron-metabolism dysfunction in systemic sclerosis and cancer cells. Using the recessive diplotype approach revealed a novel susceptibility hemochromatosis gene and has extended our understanding of the mechanisms involved in iron metabolism.
HAP1 loss confers l-asparaginase resistance in ALL by downregulating the calpain-1-Bid-caspase-3/12 pathway
Authors: Lee Jung Kwon , Kang SungMyung , Wang Xidi , Rosales Jesusa L. , Gao Xu , Byun Hee-Guk , Jin Yan , Fu Songbin , Wang Jinghua , Lee Ki-Young
Published: February 2019

l-Asparaginase (l-ASNase) is a strategic component of treatment protocols for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It causes asparagine deficit, resulting in protein synthesis inhibition and subsequent leukemic cell death and ALL remission. However, patients often relapse because of the development of resistance, but the underlying mechanism of ALL cell resistance to l-asparaginase remains unknown. Through unbiased genome-wide RNA interference screening, we identified huntingtin associated protein 1 (HAP1) as an ALL biomarker for l-asparaginase resistance. Knocking down HAP1 induces l-asparaginase resistance. HAP1 interacts with huntingtin and the intracellular Ca2+ channel, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor to form a ternary complex that mediates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ release upon stimulation with inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate3. Loss of HAP1 prevents the formation of the ternary complex and thus l-asparaginase-mediated ER Ca2+ release. HAP1 loss also inhibits external Ca2+ entry, blocking an excessive rise in [Ca2+]i, and reduces activation of the Ca2+-dependent calpain-1, Bid, and caspase-3 and caspase-12, leading to reduced number of apoptotic cells. These findings indicate that HAP1 loss prevents l-asparaginase–induced apoptosis through downregulation of the Ca2+-mediated calpain-1-Bid-caspase-3/12 apoptotic pathway. Treatment with BAPTA-AM [1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester)] reverses the l-asparaginase apoptotic effect in control cells, supporting a link between l-asparaginase-induced [Ca2+]i increase and apoptotic cell death. Consistent with these findings, ALL patient leukemic cells with lower HAP1 levels showed resistance to l-asparaginase, indicating the clinical relevance of HAP1 loss in the development of l-asparaginase resistance, and pointing to HAP1 as a functional l-asparaginase resistance biomarker that may be used for the design of effective treatment of l-asparaginase-resistant ALL.
Quantitative multivolume proton-magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cystic fibrosis lung disease: comparison with clinical indicators
Authors: Pennati Francesca , Salito Caterina , Borzani Irene , Cervellin Giulia , Gambazza Simone , Guarise Riccardo , Russo Maria Chiara , Colombo Carla , Aliverti Andrea
Published: February 2019

This cross-sectional study aims to verify the relationship between quantitative multivolume proton-magnetic resonance imaging (1H-MRI) and clinical indicators of ventilatory abnormalities in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease.

Non-enhanced chest MRI, spirometry and multiple breath washout was performed by 28 patients (10–27 years) with CF lung disease. Images acquired at end-inspiration and end-expiration were registered by optical flow to estimate expiratory–inspiratory proton-density change (Δ1H-MRI) as a measure of regional ventilation. Magnetic resonance images were also evaluated using a CF-specific scoring system.

Biomarkers of CF ventilation impairment were defined from the Δ1H-MRI as follows: Δ1H-MRI median, Δ1H-MRI quartile coefficient of variation (QCV) and percentage of low-ventilation volume (%LVV). Imaging biomarkers correlated to all the clinical measures of ventilation abnormality, with the strongest correlation between Δ1H-MRI median and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r2=0.44, p<0.001), Δ1H-MRI QCV and lung clearance index (LCI) (r2=0.51, p<0.001) and %LVV and LCI (r2=0.66, p<0.001). Correlations were also found between imaging biomarkers of ventilation and morphological scoring.

The study showed a significant correlation between quantitative multivolume MRI and clinical indicators of CF lung disease. MRI, as a non-ionising imaging technique, may be particularly attractive in CF care for longitudinal evaluation, providing a new imaging biomarker to detect early ventilatory abnormalities.
Women and COPD: do we need more evidence?
Authors: Gut-Gobert Christophe , Cavaillès Arnaud , Dixmier Adrien , Guillot Stéphanie , Jouneau Stéphane , Leroyer Christophe , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Marquette David , Meurice Jean-Claude , Desvigne Nicolas , Morel Hugues , Person-Tacnet Christine , Raherison Chantal
Published: February 2019

The increasingly female face of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence among women has equalled that of men since 2008, due in part to increased tobacco use among women worldwide and exposure to biomass fuels. This finding is supported by a number of characteristics. There is evidence of susceptibility to smoking and other airborne contaminants, along with epidemiological and phenotypic manifestations. COPD has thus become the leading cause of death in women in the USA. The clinical presentation is characterised by increasingly pronounced dyspnoea with a marked tendency towards anxiety and depression, undernutrition, nonsmall cell lung cancer (especially adenocarcinoma) and osteoporosis. Quality of life is also more significantly impacted. The theories advanced to explain these differences involve the role played by oestrogens, impaired gas exchange in the lungs and smoking habits. While these differences require appropriate therapeutic responses (smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy), barriers to the treatment of women with COPD include greater under-diagnosis than in men, fewer spirometry tests and medical consultations. Faced with this serious public health problem, we need to update and adapt our knowledge to the epidemiological changes.
Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: knowns and unknowns
Authors: Cottin Vincent , Wollin Lutz , Fischer Aryeh , Quaresma Manuel , Stowasser Susanne , Harari Sergio
Published: February 2019

Patients with certain types of fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) are at risk of developing a progressive phenotype characterised by self-sustaining fibrosis, decline in lung function, worsening quality of life, and early mortality. It has been proposed that such progressive fibrosing ILDs, which show commonalities in clinical behaviour and in the pathogenetic mechanisms that drive progressive fibrosis, may be “lumped” together for the purposes of clinical research and, potentially, for treatment. At present, no drugs are approved for the treatment of ILDs other than nintedanib and pirfenidone for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. For other progressive fibrosing ILDs, the mainstay of drug therapy is immunosuppression. However, it is postulated that, once the response to lung injury in fibrosing ILDs has reached the stage at which fibrosis has become progressive and self-sustaining, targeted antifibrotic therapy would be required to slow disease progression. Nintedanib, an intracellular inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, has shown antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and vascular remodelling effects in several non-clinical models of fibrosis, irrespective of the trigger for the injury. Ongoing clinical trials will provide insight into the role of antifibrotic treatment with nintedanib or pirfenidone in the management of fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype.
The relationship between responsive caregiving and child outcomes: evidence from direct observations of mother-child dyads in Pakistan
Authors: Scherer Elissa , Hagaman Ashley , Chung Esther , Rahman Atif , O’Donnell Karen , Maselko Joanna
Published: February 2019

Background

Responsive caregiving, or interactions in which caregivers give appropriate responses to a child’s signals, is linked to improved psychosocial, cognitive and physical outcomes in children. However, much remains unknown about how responsive caregiving affects child development across cultural and socioeconomic contexts. The purpose of this study is to examine predictors of maternal responsive caregiving and investigate how these interactions are associated with children’s development.

Methods

Data for the current analyses came from a longitudinal study designed to follow mothers from the third trimester through the first three years of the child’s life. To assess responsive caregiving, the Observation of Mother-Child Interaction (OMCI) measure was used to examine maternal and child behaviors during a 5-min picture book activity at 24 months. Outcomes included child height-for-age z-score and child socioemotional development, using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Socioemotional (ASQ-SE) in which lower scores demonstrated better development. Using mean comparisons, the effects of baseline sociodemographic factors and maternal depression on responsive caregiving were tested. Analyses utilized hierarchical linear regressions to examine cross-sectional associations between responsive caregiving and child development outcomes at 24 months. Additional analyses controlled for the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME), a common measure in low-income contexts of caregiving, to assess whether OMCI was uniquely predictive of child outcomes.

Results

Higher maternal education attainment, lower number of children, greater socioeconomic assets, and lack of maternal depression were associated with higher levels of observed responsive caregiving behaviors. Higher total OMCI scores were associated with positive child socioemotional outcomes in adjusted models (β: -0.84, 95% CI [− 1.40, − 0.29]). The finding was statistically significant, even after controlling for HOME score (β: -0.83, 95% CI [− 1.38, − 0.27]). There was no association between OMCI scores and child linear growth.

Conclusions

Responsive caregiving is linked to positive child socioemotional development in rural Pakistan. Our findings suggest that incorporating responsive caregiving into child health interventions in LMIC may have valuable impacts on child socioemotional development. The OMCI may be useful in identifying important pathways for change to responsive caregiving behaviors and may be of service for future interventions that optimize child development through responsive caregiving.

Trial registration

NCT02111915(09/18/2015);NCT02658994(01/22/2016). Trials were prospectively registered.
Phase III Trial of PROSTVAC in Asymptomatic or Minimally Symptomatic Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gulley James L. , Borre Michael , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Ng Siobhan , Agarwal Neeraj , Parker Chris C. , Pook David W. , Rathenborg Per , Flaig Thomas W. , Carles Joan , Saad Fred , Shore Neal D. , Chen Liddy , Heery Christopher R. , Gerritsen Winald R. , Priou Frank , Langkilde Niels C. , Novikov Andrey , Kantoff Philip W.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE

PROSTVAC, a viral vector–based immunotherapy, prolonged median overall survival (OS) by 8.5 months versus placebo in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in a phase II study. This phase III study further investigated those findings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to PROSTVAC (Arm V; n = 432), PROSTVAC plus granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Arm VG; n = 432), or placebo (Arm P; n = 433), stratified by prostate-specific antigen (less than 50 ng/mL v 50 ng/mL or more) and lactate dehydrogenase (less than 200 v 200 U/L or more). Primary end point was OS. Secondary end points were patients alive without events (AWE)—namely, radiographic progression, pain progression, chemotherapy initiation, or death—at 6 months and safety. The study design was a superiority trial of PROSTVAC (Arm V or Arm VG) versus Arm P. Three interim analyses were planned.

RESULTS

At the third interim analysis, criteria for futility were met and the trial was stopped early. Neither active treatment had an effect on median OS (Arm V, 34.4 months; hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.20; P = .47; Arm VG, 33.2 months; hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.22; P = .59; Arm P, 34.3 months). Likewise, AWE at 6 months was similar (Arm V, 29.4%; odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.29; Arm VG, 28.0%; odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.20; placebo, 30.3%). Adverse events were similar for the treatment and placebo groups, with the most common being injection site reactions (62% to 72%) and fatigue (21% to 24%). Arrhythmias were the most common cardiac-related events (1.4% to 3.5%). There were no reports of either myocarditis or pericarditis. Serious treatment-related events occurred in less than 1% of all patients.

CONCLUSION

Whereas PROSTVAC was safe and well tolerated, it had no effect on OS or AWE in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Combination therapy is currently being explored in clinical trials.