bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing rigor and reducing bias in qualitative research: A document analysis of parliamentary debates using applied thematic analysis
Authors: Mackieson Penny , Shlonsky Aron , Connolly Marie
Published: July 2018

Qualitative research methods have traditionally been criticised for lacking rigor, and impressionistic and biased results. Subsequently, as qualitative methods have been increasingly used in social work inquiry, efforts to address these criticisms have also increased. Applied thematic analysis provides structure and integrates reflexivity in qualitative research using textual data. In this article, we describe how applied thematic analysis was operationalised in a document analysis of the official records of parliamentary debates in the Australian State of Victoria relating to the introduction of Permanent Care Orders, an alternative to adoption for children residing out-of-home and unable to be safely reunified with their parents. We present this example to extend the knowledge base regarding applied thematic analysis and to demonstrate how step-by-step implementation of a purposeful methodology using trustworthy documentary data can effectively increase rigor and transparency, thereby reducing potential bias, in a qualitative analysis. First, we clarify key terms; then discuss the challenges of analysing textual data; consider the value of parliamentary debates as a textual data source; and provide a detailed description of the processes undertaken in the document analysis. Finally, we reflect on the application of applied thematic analysis in our study, highlighting its value in strengthening qualitative social work research using document analysis.
A novel positioning approach for an intelligent vessel based on an improved simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm and marine radar
Authors: Wu Chao , Wu Qing , Ma Feng , Wang Shuwu
Published: July 2018

This research proposes a simultaneous localization and mapping approach to obtain the positioning information of a vessel in accordance with sequential radar images. At the very beginning, the digital image preprocessing methods are used to obtain the static feature point in radar images. Subsequently, the trajectory of the vessel is calculated based on a simultaneous localization and mapping–based algorithm. Finally, the calculated vessel trajectory is compared with the actual trajectory to verify the validity of the proposed approach. With the help of this approach, marine radar is capable of providing temporal positioning information of the vessel from a plethora of blips captured in frame-by-frame radar images. The proposed approach is unique in that it used marine radar as the only sensor to obtain the positioning information of the vessel. Particularly, field testing has been conducted to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach.
Do Listeners Perceive Interviewers’ Attributes from their Voices and Do Perceptions Differ by Question Type?
Authors: Charoenruk Nuttirudee , Olson Kristen
Published: July 2018

As an aural mode, an interviewer’s voice is an important part of telephone surveys. A speaker’s voice can convey information about his or her trustworthiness and confidence, among other attributes. Consequently, respondents may perceive attributes of interviewers from their voices. We evaluated how five perceived attributes of interviewers (expertise, confidence, reliability, trustworthiness, and easiness to understand) are associated with interviewer voice characteristics (pitch, intonation, speech rate, and disfluencies) and whether this varies by types of question and interviewer characteristics. Overall, listeners perceived interviewers’ attributes from their voices. Interviewers with higher pitched voices, moderate intonation, a faster pace, and fewer disfluencies were rated more positively, but these ratings differed somewhat for socially undesirable and complex questions. Reading questions at the recommended speech rate of two words per second leads to negative perceptions of interviewers.
Balloon-expandable stents for treatment of symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis: Clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up
Authors: Baik Sung Hyun , Kwak Hyo Sung , Chung Gyung Ho , Hwang Seung Bae
Published: July 2018

Background

Insertion of a balloon-expandable stent (BES) in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis is a treatment option for reperfusion therapy. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up after insertion of balloon-expandable stents in patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis.

Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained for retrospective review of patient data. Thirty-four patients (15 men, 19 women; median age, 67.5 years) with symptomatic MCA stenosis underwent balloon-expandable stent insertion between June 2008 and December 2010. Patient records were reviewed for angiographic findings and clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.

Results

Of these patients, 22 presented with acute ischemic stroke with underlying MCA atherosclerosis and had good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score (mRS): 0–2) after reperfusion therapy. Indications for stenting for the remaining 12 patients were recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) refractory to medical therapy and MCA stenosis greater than 70%. During the poststenting follow-up period, which ranged from 61 to 108 months (median, 67.5 months), a TIA occurred in five patients. Of these five patients, one experienced a complete reocclusion of the MCA stent, and three had symptomatic restenosis. The remaining 29 patients did not experience any further ischemic events or restenosis during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

In our study, treatment with balloon-expandable stents in patients with symptomatic MCA stenosis resulted in low recurrence rates for both ischemic events and restenosis during long-term follow-up.
Expanding on Notions of Ethical Risks to Qualitative Researchers
Authors: Stahlke Sarah
Published: July 2018

Although qualitative research ethics have typically focused on participant risk, there is a growing recognition that researchers themselves face ethical risks, including the emotional impacts of research on sensitive topics. There is still considerable room for discussion about what it means to conduct sensitive research and how researchers are impacted by such work. In my research about nursing work, I encountered unexpected ethical challenges. These situations included hearing and responding to disagreeable participant statements, listening to distressing stories, managing the high expectations of research participants in terms of the purpose and outcomes of the research, and facing my own potential professional marginalization because of the political nature of my research. By extant definitions, my research might not be considered sensitive. As well, I faced consequences beyond emotional harms. Thus, I propose a broadened understanding of sensitivities in research and their consequences in order to acknowledge the potential for researchers’ ethical distress in all qualitative research.
Invariant points of semi-active suspensions
Authors: Nie Shida , Zhuang Ye , Chen Fan , Xie Jie
Published: July 2018

The invariant points of the quarter vehicle model shape many properties concerned in vehicle suspension design. Although they have been studied for years, the invariant points are still confusing for their different traits. Hence, the existing invariant points are sorted and analysed. Meanwhile, the invariant points of the semi-active suspension were introduced. In this article, a further study on the invariant points of the semi-active suspension is conducted, which provides insight for suspension optimization. In detail, an equivalent linear approximation model, derived from the transformation of the semi-active suspension model, is utilized to analyse the invariant points of the semi-active suspension. With the equivalent linear approximation model, the invariant points of the sky-hook semi-active suspension are proved to be highly dependent on the adjustable damping range. In fact, the frequencies and magnitudes of the invariant points, as the limit of the semi-active suspension, are determined by the adjustable damping range. Consequently, the influence rule of the adjustable damping range on semi-active suspension performance is revealed, which provides insight for the optimization of the damping for different demands. Experimental study shows that the invariant points are real, not just exist in the theoretical analysis.
The politics of pleasure in global drama: A case study of the TV series, The Magnificent Century (Muhteşem Yüzyıl)
Authors: Özalpman Deniz , Sarikakis Katharine
Published: July 2018

This article is concerned with the ways in which local/national drama becomes a global success, which strategies are developed to appeal to viewers within different cultural settings and how far this shift is important when re/thinking audience reception studies. The study answers this question by exploring the television (TV) drama series, The Magnificent Century (2011–2014) by conducting in-depth interviews in the Greek capital Athens and the Moroccan capital Rabat with viewers and the production and distribution team of the series. The findings show that potentials for pleasure in the consumption of drama are designed from the very beginning when thinking globally, to reduce cultural differences to a minimum, to finally fuse audiences’ interpretative practices beyond cultural polarization to common understandings.
Troubling histories: Re-viewing documentary production and surveillance through the Freedom of Information Act
Authors: Grinberg Daniel
Published: July 2018

This article examines the variety of risks that critical independent filmmakers have confronted to expose government abuses. It considers the threats to the documentarians and their documents, as they chronicle incidents of state surveillance while they are themselves under state surveillance. It does so by constructing an alternative production history of Laura Poitras’ (2014) documentary film Citizenfour in relation to the antecedent case of Emile de Antonio, Mary Lampson, and Haskell Wexler’s 1976 film Underground (Whitney Museum of American Art, 2016). These production histories are primarily based on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) files that the filmmakers extracted from the US government agencies that targeted them. The article argues that these official files provide an under-explored vantage on the logistical and affective dimensions of making a dissident film. In addition, this article re-views the films the documentarians created under precarious labour conditions to investigate how state intimidation and interference perceptibly impacted these archival records. It examines how the mechanisms of censorship and filmmakers’ counteractive security measures registered significant visible traces in the films. Consequently, it argues that the troubling histories captured in both the files and the films can also trouble the authority of official historiography.
Assessing operational performance benefits of a Water Safety Plan implemented in Southwestern France
Authors: Setty K , O’Flaherty G , Enault J , Lapouge S , Loret JF , Bartram J
Published: July 2018

Aims:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Water Safety Plans (WSPs) since 2004 as a means to reduce drinking water contamination and risks to human health. These risk management programs have shown promise across several potential areas of evaluation, such as economic benefits and regulatory compliance. Since WSPs are largely carried out by people who interact with water treatment equipment and processes, operational performance indicators may be key to understanding the mechanisms behind desirable WSP impacts such as water quality and public health improvement.

Method:

This study reports performance measures collected at a WSP implementation location in southwestern France over several years.

Results:

Quantitative assessment of performance measures supported qualitative reports from utility managers. Results indicate significantly reduced duration of low-chlorine events at one production facility and a significant decrease in customer complaints related to water quality, manifesting reported improvements in operational performance and the customer service culture.

Conclusion:

The findings demonstrate some success stories and potential areas of future performance tracking. Cyclical iteration of the WSP can help to achieve continuous quality improvement. Successfully applied evaluation criteria such as the number of water quality complaints or alarm resolution time might be useful across other locations.
A Deeper Look Into the Relationship Between House Advantage and Reel Slot Performance
Authors: Lucas Anthony F. , Spilde Katherine
Published: July 2018

Results from an international field study conducted on three different casino floors indicated significantly elevated win levels on reel slots with increased house advantages. This work extended that of Lucas and Spilde, which found the same. Our study expanded their work by dramatically increasing the difference in the pars of paired slot titles, which were otherwise identical games. Still, the high par games outperformed their low par counterparts in the all-important metric of T-win. In addition, like Lucas and Spilde, the results of time series regression analyses failed to indicate signs that players were detecting a difference in the pars of the paired games. Specifically, there was no evidence of play migration from the high par game to the low par game. This result provided a valuable addition to the literature, replicating an outcome that refuted a popular operating theory. Moreover, the result was reproduced with considerably expanded differences in pars. Overall, the results supported the ideas that (a) players could not detect the egregious differences in the pars of otherwise identical games and (b) operators may be able recognize material gains in revenues from increasing pars. Both of these outcomes challenged the inveterate wisdom of the industry.
Scale development and psychometric properties of the Cardiac Self-Blame Attributions scale in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Harry Kadie M , Bennett Kymberley K , Marszalek Jacob M , Eways Kalon R , Clark Jillian MR , Smith Andrew J , Waters Marcia , Bergland Dennis , Umhoefer Amanda , Wilson Elizabeth J
Published: July 2018

Patients with cardiovascular disease may attribute their cardiovascular disease to their behaviors (behavioral self-blame) or to their dispositions (characterological self-blame). However, findings are mixed on the effects of behavioral self-blame and characterological self-blame on health outcomes, possibly because there are no validated, multiple-item measures. This study developed and tested an 11-item Cardiac Self-Blame Attributions scale via questionnaire data from 121 patients with cardiovascular disease. Results yielded a two-factor structure that explained 65 percent of the variance, with good reliability and discriminant validity. Findings suggest that the scale is reliable and valid and can be used to understand the cardiac attributions patients create.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Acetabular Retroversion With Acetabuloplasty and Subspine Decompression: A Matched Comparison With Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Treatment for Focal Pincer-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Flores Sergio E. , Chambers Caitlin C. , Borak Kristina R. , Zhang Alan L.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Global acetabular retroversion is classically treated with open reverse periacetabular osteotomy. Given the low morbidity and recent success associated with the arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), there may also be a role for arthroscopic treatment of acetabular retroversion. However, the safety and outcomes after hip arthroscopic surgery for retroversion need further study, and the effect of impingement from the anterior inferior iliac spine (subspine) in patients with retroversion is currently unknown.

Hypothesis:

Arthroscopic treatment for global acetabular retroversion will be safe, and patients will have similar outcomes compared with a matched group undergoing arthroscopic treatment for focal pincer-type FAI.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic global acetabular retroversion were prospectively enrolled and compared with a matched group of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for focal pincer-type FAI. Both groups underwent the same arthroscopic treatment protocol. All patients were administered patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, including the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS) and a Mental Component Summary (MCS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

There were no differences in age, sex, or body mass index between 39 hips treated for global acetabular retroversion and 39 hips treated for focal pincer-type FAI. There were no major or minor complications in either group. Patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for global acetabular retroversion demonstrated similar significant improvements in postoperative PRO scores (scores increased by 17 to 43 points) as patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for focal pincer-type FAI. Patients treated for retroversion who also underwent subspine decompression had greater improvement than patients who did not undergo subspine decompression for the HOOS-Pain (33.7 ± 15.3 vs 22.5 ± 17.6, respectively; P = .046) and HOOS–Quality of Life (49.7 ± 18.8 vs 34.6 ± 22.0, respectively; P = .030) scores.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic treatment for acetabular retroversion is safe and provides significant clinical improvement similar to arthroscopic treatment for pincer-type FAI. Patients with acetabular retroversion who also underwent arthroscopic subspine decompression demonstrated greater improvements in pain and quality of life outcomes than those who underwent arthroscopic treatment without subspine decompression.
Integrative Learning in Award-Winning Student Writing: A Grounded Theory Analysis
Authors: Youngerman Ethan
Published: July 2018

Integrative learning is a cognitive outcome that reveals students making intellectual connections, bringing sources together, and integrating them into one. What are the kinds of sources integrated by students in writing, and what are the categories or forms that characterize those integrations? How are the sources integrated by students in writing, and what are the strategies, habits of mind, or processes that characterize those integrations? I analyzed 32 student essays using grounded theory. Three categories of what students integrate emerged: two sources, multiple sources, and metacognitive sources. Such sources ranged from published texts to personal experiences. How students integrate also fell into three categories: connection, application, and synthesis. Students integrate through connections via equivalencies, contrasts, bridges, and intellectual problems. Applications may apply an idea to the “real world” or one source to another. Synthesis often takes the form of idea, judgment, gathering, and/or implications. A revised empirical definition of integrative learning emerged from the typologies of what and how students integrate.
Using Video-Reflexive Ethnography to Engage Hospital Staff to Improve Dementia Care
Authors: Hung Lillian , Phinney Alison , Chaudhury Habib , Rodney Paddy
Published: July 2018

In this article, we discuss how video-reflexive ethnography may be useful in engaging staff to improve dementia care in a hospital medical unit. Seven patients with dementia were involved in the production of patient-story videos, and fifty members of staff (nurses, physicians, and allied health practitioners) participated in video-reflexive groups. We identified five substantial themes to describe how video-reflexive groups might contribute to enacting person-centered care for improving dementia care: (a) seeing through patients’ eyes, (b) seeing normal strange and surprised, (c) seeing inside and between, (d) seeing with others inspires actions, and (e) seeing with the team builds a culture of learning. Our findings suggest that video reflexivity is not only useful for staff engagement but also effective in enhancing team capacity to enact person-centered care in the hospital setting.
The Dutch Acute Stroke Audit: Benchmarking acute stroke care in the Netherlands
Authors: Kuhrij Laurien S , Wouters Michel WJM , van den Berg-Vos Renske M , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Nederkoorn Paul J
Published: July 2018

Introduction

In the nationwide Dutch Acute Stroke Audit (DASA), consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) are prospectively registered. Acute stroke care is a rapidly evolving field in which intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) play a crucial role in increasing odds of favourable outcome. The DASA can be used to assess the variation in care between hospitals and develop ‘best practice’ in acute stroke care. Patients and methods: We describe the initiation and design of the DASA as well as the results from 2015 and 2016.

Results

In 2015 and 2016, 55,854 patients with AIS and 7727 patients with ICH were registered in the DASA. Treatment with IVT was administered to 10,637 patients (with an increase of 1.3% in 2016) and 1740 patients underwent IAT (with an increase of 1% in 2016). Median door-to-needle time for IVT and median door-to-groin time for IAT have decreased from 27 to 25 min and 66 to 64 min, respectively. Mortality during admission was 4.9% in patients with AIS, whereas 26% of patients with ICH died. Modified Rankin Scale score at three months was registered in 49% of AIS patients and 45% of ICH patients.

Discussion

During the nationwide DASA, time to treatment is reduced for IVT as well as IAT. With the rapidly evolving treatment of acute stroke care, the DASA can be used to monitor the quality provided on patient- and hospital level.

Conclusion

Increasing completeness of registration of the outcome, in combination with adjustment for patient-related factors, is necessary to define and further improve the quality of the acute stroke care.
Distance metric choice can both reduce and induce collinearity in geographically weighted regression
Authors: Comber Alexis , Chi Khanh , Huy Man Q , Nguyen Quan , Lu Binbin , Phe Hoang H , Harris Paul
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the impact of different distance metrics on collinearity in local regression models such as geographically weighted regression. Using a case study of house price data collected in Hà Nội, Vietnam, and by fully varying both power and rotation parameters to create different Minkowski distances, the analysis shows that local collinearity can be both negatively and positively affected by distance metric choice. The Minkowski distance that maximised collinearity in a geographically weighted regression was approximate to a Manhattan distance with (power =  0.70) with a rotation of 30°, and that which minimised collinearity was parameterised with power  = 0.05 and a rotation of 70°. The results indicate that distance metric choice can provide a useful extra tuning component to address local collinearity issues in spatially varying coefficient modelling and that understanding the interaction of distance metric and collinearity can provide insight into the nature and structure of the data relationships. The discussion considers first, the exploration and selection of different distance metrics to minimise collinearity as an alternative to localised ridge regression, lasso and elastic net approaches. Second, it discusses the how distance metric choice could extend the methods that additionally optimise local model fit (lasso and elastic net) by selecting a distance metric that further helped minimise local collinearity. Third, it identifies the need to investigate the relationship between kernel bandwidth, distance metrics and collinearity as an area of further work.
Genomic and outcome analyses of Ph-like ALL in NCI standard-risk patients: a report from the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Roberts Kathryn G. , Reshmi Shalini C. , Harvey Richard C. , Chen I-Ming , Patel Kinnari , Stonerock Eileen , Jenkins Heather , Dai Yunfeng , Valentine Marc , Gu Zhaohui , Zhao Yaqi , Zhang Jinghui , Payne-Turner Debbie , Devidas Meenakshi , Heerema Nyla A. , Carroll Andrew J. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Borowitz Michael J. , Wood Brent L. , Mattano Leonard A. , Maloney Kelly W. , Carroll William L. , Loh Mignon L. , Willman Cheryl L. , Gastier-Foster Julie M. , Mullighan Charles G. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: July 2018

Key Points

The prevalence of Ph-like ALL is lower in children with NCI SR ALL compared with HR ALL. Ph-like ALL in SR patients harbors few targetable kinase fusions and has improved outcome compared with HR Ph-like ALL.
Circulating microRNAs in the early prediction of disease recurrence in primary breast cancer
Authors: Papadaki Chara , Stratigos Michalis , Markakis Georgios , Spiliotaki Maria , Mastrostamatis Georgios , Nikolaou Christoforos , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Agelaki Sofia
Published: July 2018

Background

In primary breast cancer metastases frequently arise from a state of dormancy that may persist for extended periods of time. We investigated the efficacy of plasma micro-RNA (miR)-21, miR-23b, miR-190, miR-200b and miR-200c, related to dormancy and metastasis, to predict the outcome of patients with early breast cancer.

Methods

miRNAs were evaluated by RT-qPCR in plasma obtained before adjuvant chemotherapy. miRNA expression, classified as high or low according to median values, correlated with relapse and survival. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine miRNA sensitivity and specificity.

Results

miR-21 (p < 0.001), miR-23b (p = 0.028) and miR-200c (p < 0.001) expression were higher and miR-190 was lower (p = 0.013) in relapsed (n = 49), compared to non-relapsed patients (n = 84). Interestingly, miR-190 was lower (p = 0.0032) in patients with early relapse (at < 3 years; n = 23) compared to those without early relapse (n = 110). On the other hand, miR-21 and miR-200c were higher (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively) in patients with late relapse (relapse at ≥ 5 years; n = 20) as compared to non-relapsed patients. High miR-200c was associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.005) and high miR-21 with both shorter DFS and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.033, respectively) compared to low expression. ROC curve analysis revealed that miR-21, miR-23b, miR-190 and miR-200c discriminated relapsed from non-relapsed patients. A combination of of miR-21, miR-23b and miR-190 showed higher sensitivity and specificity in ROC analyses compared to each miRNA alone; accuracy was further improved by adding lymph node infiltration and tumor grade to the panel of three miRs (AUC 0.873). Furthermore, the combination of miR-200c, lymph node infiltration, tumor grade and estrogen receptor predicted late relapse (AUC 0.890).

Conclusions

Circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed among relapsed and non-relapsed patients with early breast cancer and predict recurrence many years before its clinical detection. Our results suggest that miRNAs represent potential circulating biomarkers in early breast cancer.
Aeromagnetic and spectral expressions of rare earth element deposits in Gallinas Mountains area, Central New Mexico, USA
Authors: Li Mo , Zhou Xiaobing , Gammons Christopher H. , Khalil Mohamed , Speece Marvin
Published: July 2018

The Gallinas Mountains, located at the junction of Lincoln and Torrance Counties, New Mexico, USA, are a series of alkaline volcanic rocks intruded into Permian sedimentary rocks. The Gallinas Mountains area hosts fluorite and copper as veins containing bastnäsite, whereas deposits of iron skarns and iron replacement are in the area as well. These deposits produce iron. In this study, the multispectral band-ratio method is used for surface mineral recognition, whereas 2D subsurface structure inversion modeling was applied to explore the depth extent of the magnetic ore distribution from aeromagnetic data. Bastnäsite has higher magnetic susceptibility (0.009 SI) than the host rocks and surrounding sedimentary rock. The bastnäsite and iron oxides (magnetite + hematite) can contribute to a positive aeromagnetic anomaly. Results indicate that (1) the positive magnetic anomaly observed at Gallinas Mountains area can be accounted for by a mixture of bastnäsite and iron oxides at a depth of approximately 400 m and a thickness of approximately 13–15 m. The surface of this area is dominated by the hydrothermal alteration associated with iron oxides over the trachyte intrusions as detected by Landsat 8 band-ratio imaging.
Rationale and Design of the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study
Authors: Mangat Pam K. , Halabi Susan , Bruinooge Suanna S. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Alva Ajjai , Janeway Katherine A. , Stella Philip J. , Voest Emile , Yost Kathleen J. , Perlmutter Jane , Pinto Navin , Kim Edward S. , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Case reports and small prospective trials suggest that administering targeted therapies to patients with advanced cancer and an identified genomic target may be associated with clinical benefit. The Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) study, a phase II prospective, nonrandomized, multibasket pragmatic clinical trial, aims to identify signals of drug activity when US Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs are matched to prespecified genomic targets in patients with advanced cancer, outside of approved indications.

Methods

Patients eligible to participate in TAPUR are age ≥ 12 years and have advanced measurable or evaluable solid tumors, multiple myeloma, or B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Eligible participants are matched to any of the 16 US Food and Drug Administration–approved study drugs based on protocol-specified genomic inclusion and exclusion criteria. Genomic profiling from any Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–certified, College of American Pathologists–accredited laboratory is acceptable. The treating physician selects the treatment from the available study therapies or consults with the TAPUR Molecular Tumor Board. Participants are placed into multiple parallel cohorts defined by tumor type, genomic alteration, and drug. The primary study end point within each cohort is objective response or stable disease of at least 16 weeks duration. Secondary end points include safety, progression-free survival, and overall survival.

Results

More than 1,000 participants have thus far been registered, and more than 800 have been treated with a TAPUR study drug. Two study cohorts have permanently closed to enrollment because of lack of antitumor activity, and 12 have expanded to the second stage of enrollment after promising preliminary activity.

Conclusion

The TAPUR study will describe the efficacy and toxicity of the targeted drugs used outside of their approved indications when matched to a somatic genomic variant.
Age and Sex Are Critical Factors in Ischemic Stroke Pathology
Authors: Roy-O’Reilly Meaghan , McCullough Louise D
Published: July 2018

Ischemic stroke is a devastating brain injury resulting in high mortality and substantial loss of function. Understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke risk, mortality, and functional loss is critical to the development of new therapies. Age and sex have a complex and interactive effect on ischemic stroke risk and pathophysiology. Aging is the strongest nonmodifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke, and aged stroke patients have higher mortality and morbidity and poorer functional recovery than their young counterparts. Importantly, patient age modifies the influence of patient sex in ischemic stroke. Early in life, the burden of ischemic stroke is higher in men, but stroke becomes more common and debilitating for women in elderly populations. The profound effects of sex and age on clinical ischemic stroke are mirrored in the results of experimental in vivo and in vitro studies. Here, we review current knowledge on the influence of age and sex in the incidence, mortality, and functional outcome of ischemic stroke in clinical populations. We also discuss the experimental evidence for sex and age differences in stroke pathophysiology and how a better understanding of these biological variables can improve clinical care and enhance development of novel therapies.
Celiac Plexus Block as a Predictor of Surgical Outcome for Sympathetically Mediated Abdominal Pain in a Case of Suspected Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Fritz David A. , Turner Suzanne , Hardy David M. , Meiler Steffen E. , Martin Dan C. , Dua Anterpreet
Published: July 2018

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), also known as celiac artery compression syndrome, is an uncommon condition classically characterized by chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and abdominal bruit. Chronic mesenteric ischemia caused by intermittent compression of the celiac artery by the MAL provokes upper abdominal pain that is sympathetically mediated via the celiac plexus. Because it is a diagnosis of exclusion, diagnosis of MALS in the clinical setting is typically challenging. We present an atypical case which highlights the utility of celiac plexus block as both an assistant diagnostic tool and a predictor of surgical outcomes for suspected MALS.
Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome After Decompressive Craniectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Fawley Nicholas , Udeh Chiedozie
Published: July 2018

Sinking skin flap syndrome is a rare complication of decompressive craniectomy characterized by a sunken skin flap, neurological deterioration, and paradoxical herniation of the brain. An absent cranium allows for external compression via atmospheric pressure, causing alterations in cerebral blood flow, cerebral spinal fluid flow, and glucose metabolism, which ultimately leads to cortical dysfunction. This case report describes a patient with relatively early onset of variable neurological symptoms and imaging correlation, leading to a diagnosis and definitive therapeutic intervention with cranioplasty. Prompt recognition is critical to avoid potentially devastating neurological outcomes in this rare, but underreported condition.
Nonoperating Room Anesthesia Tardiness
Authors: Sarraf Elie , Breidenstein Max W. , Carslon Rachel E. , O’Donnell Stephen E. , Tsai Mitchell H.
Published: July 2018

Tardiness in the operating room has been shown to decline in the day as a result of operational decisions on the day of surgery. This article studies nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA) tardiness at the University of Vermont Medical Center in cases performed in the 2015 calendar year. Tardiness was measured by subtracting actual start times from extracted scheduled start times for each NORA services line. On average, tardiness in NORA sites increased as the day progressed, with the exception of diagnostic radiology. This is likely due to limited tactical and operational opportunities to improve workflow.
Left Subclavian Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Under Combined Interscalene and Pectoralis Nerve Blocks: A Case Series
Authors: Block Michael , Pitchon Darsi N. , Schwenk Eric S. , Ruggiero Nicholas , Entwistle John , Goldhammer Jordan E.
Published: July 2018

The treatment for aortic stenosis is evolving rapidly with new developments in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). While the procedure was initially performed under general anesthesia with invasive monitoring and transesophageal echocardiography, recent trends have shifted toward less invasive strategies. Transfemoral TAVRs are frequently performed under sedation; however, TAVRs using alternative access sites, such as the subclavian artery, are typically performed under general anesthesia. This case series describes 3 patients who underwent subclavian TAVR under combined pectoralis and interscalene blocks. All patients tolerated the procedure without complication, requiring no airway manipulation and minimal postoperative analgesia.
Adaptive sonar call timing supports target tracking in echolocating bats
Authors: Kothari Ninad B. , Wohlgemuth Melville J. , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: July 2018

Echolocating bats dynamically adapt the features of their sonar calls as they approach obstacles and track targets. As insectivorous bats forage, they increase sonar call rate with decreasing prey distance, and often embedded in bat insect approach sequences are clusters of sonar sounds, termed sonar sound groups (SSGs). The bat's production of SSGs has been observed in both field and laboratory conditions, and is hypothesized to sharpen spatiotemporal sonar resolution. When insectivorous bats hunt insects, they may encounter erratically moving prey, which increases the demands on the bat's sonar imaging system. Here, we studied the bat's adaptive vocal behavior in an experimentally controlled insect tracking task, allowing us to manipulate the predictability of target trajectories and measure the prevalence of SSGs. With this system, we trained bats to remain stationary on a platform and track a moving prey item, whose trajectory was programmed either to approach the bat, or to move back and forth, before arriving at the bat. We manipulated target motion predictability by varying the order in which different target trajectories were presented to the bats. During all trials, we recorded the bat's sonar calls and later analyzed the incidence of SSG production during the different target tracking conditions. Our results demonstrate that bats increase the production of SSGs when target unpredictability increases, and decrease the production of SSGs when target motion predictability increases. Further, bats produce the same number of sonar vocalizations irrespective of the target motion predictability, indicating that the animal's temporal clustering of sonar call sequences to produce SSGs is purposeful, and therefore involves sensorimotor planning.
Know Your Heart: Rationale, design and conduct of a cross-sectional study of cardiovascular structure, function and risk factors in 4500 men and women aged 35-69 years from two Russian cities, 2015-18
Authors: Cook Sarah , Malyutina Sofia , Kudryavtsev Alexander V , Averina Maria , Bobrova Natalia , Boytsov Sergey , Brage Soren , Clark Taane G. , Diez Benavente Ernest , Eggen Anne Elise , Hopstock Laila A , Hughes Alun , Johansen Heidi , Kholmatova Kamila , Kichigina Anastasiya , Kontsevaya Anna , Kornev Michael , Leong Darryl , Magnus Per , Mathiesen Ellisiv , McKee Martin , Morgan Katy , Nilssen Odd , Plakhov Ilya , Quint Jennifer K , Rapala Alicja , Ryabikov Andrey , Saburova Lyudmila , Schirmer Henrik , Shapkina Marina , Shiekh Suhail , Shkolnikov Vladimir M , Stylidis Michael , Voevoda Michael , Westgate Kate , Leon David A
Published: July 2018

Russia has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the world. The International Project on Cardiovascular Disease in Russia (IPCDR) was set up to understand the reasons for this. A substantial component of this study was the Know Your Heart Study devoted to characterising the nature and causes of cardiovascular disease in Russia by conducting large cross-sectional surveys in two Russian cities Novosibirsk and Arkhangelsk. The study population was 4542 men and women aged 35-69 years recruited from the general population. Fieldwork took place between 2015-18. There were two study components: 1) a baseline interview to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, usually conducted at home, and 2) a comprehensive health check at a primary care clinic which included detailed examination of the cardiovascular system. In this paper we describe in detail the rationale for, design and conduct of these studies.
The Gosport inquiry and the principle of double effect
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: July 2018

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, restates the requirements of the principle of double effect that seeks to ensure that patients in intractable pain receive the analgesia they require to manage it
We are teaching 35,300 more pupils with 4,000 fewer teachers
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: July 2018

The time is now – action demanded on workload and pay as pupil numbers continue to rise and teacher numbers continue to fall
Aiming for the top…
Authors: Webb Helen
Published: July 2018

Supporting and challenging more able students and students with high prior attainment is essential. With a focus on science – but with some ideas that all subjects can adapt – Helen Webb offers a range of strategies
Electrical conductivity for seed vigor test in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Authors: FATONAH KHODRATIEN , SULIANSYAH IRFAN , ROZEN NALWIDA
Published: July 2018

Fatonah K, Suliansyah I, Rozen N. 2017. Electrical conductivity for seed vigor test in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Cell Biol Dev 1: 6-12. The objectives of this study were to obtain electrical conductivity test method for seed vigor test in sorghum, to recognize relationship between electrical conductivity test and potassium leakage, and to recognize relationship between electrical conductivity test and other variable on seed vigor. This study have two step experiments. The objective of Experiment I was to determine accurate combinations of water volume and amount seed of the electrical conductivity test for seed vigor test in sorghum. Completely Randomized Design of 15 seed lots with 3 replications were used to determine electrical conductivity method with different vigor. Experiment II were to test electrical conductivity method of 21 seed lots of sorghum without accelerated aging test and 21 seed lots of sorghum were given accelerated aging test. Completely Randomized Design of 21 seed lots with 3 replications were used in Experiment II. The variable were observed : standard germination, field emergence, speed of germination, first count, conductivity, potassium leakage and eight combination conductivity method of water volume (50, 100, 150 and 200 ml) and amount of seed sorghum (50 and 75 seed count). The result of this experiments showed that electrical conductivity test method with 150 ml water volume and 75 seed count was accurate and suitable for sorghum seed vigor test; electrical conductivity test showed positive correlation with potassium leakage;and electrical conductivity test can be used for seed vigor test in sorghum and provided the potential of physiological seed were shown through : standard germination test, field emergence test, first count test and speed of germination with negative correlation.
Isolasi Kandungan Senyawa Kimia dari Pakis Simpei (Cibotium barometz) serta Uji Bioaktivitas Antioksidan, Uji Toksisitas (BSLT) dan Antidiabetes
Authors: Hartati Sri , Rugayah Rugayah , Praptosuwiryo Titien Ng
Published: July 2018

Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm. (Cibotiaceae) merupakan salah satu jenistumbuhan paku pohon komoditi ekspor yang memiliki nilai ekonomi tinggikarena kandungan kimianya yang dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan obattradisional maupun modern. Penelitian ini ditujukan pada isolasi kandungankimia dan evaluasi anti oksidan, antidiabetes dan toksisitas ekstrak rimpangdan bulu C. barometz terhadap larva udang Arthemia salina L. (BSLT). Hasiluji antiokoksidan ekstrak metanol bulu dan rimpang serta hasil fraksionasidengan menggunakan metoda radical scavenger DPPH (Diphenyl PicrylHidrazyl), bahwa fraksi etil asetat dan butanol menunjukkan aktivitasberturut-turut dengan IC50 27,53 dan 46,24 ppm dan ekstrak metanol rimpangdan ekstrak metanol bulu dinyatakan kurang aktif dengan IC50 183,43 dan126,10 ppm. Hasil uji toksisitas dengan metoda Brine Shrimp Lethality Test(BSLT) dinyatakan tidak toksik dan hasil uji anti diabetes dengan metoda α-glukosidase juga tidak aktif. Hasil isolasi senyawa kimia ekstrak rimpang danbulu C. barometz dengan metoda kromatografi kolom gravitasi dandiidentifikasi berdasarkan data-data spektra IR dan RMI proton dan karbonserta LC-MS, ekstrak n-heksana rimpang dan ekstrak metanol bulu C.barometz, diperoleh senyawa metil dodekanoat (A), ß-sitosterol (B), ß-sitosterol-O- glukopiranosida (C) dan 2,3,4,5,6-pentahidroksi sikloheksanasam karboksilat (D).
Optimasi Proses Perlakuan Awal NaOH Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit untuk menjadi Bioetanol
Authors: Muryanto Muryanto , Sudiyani Yanni , Abimanyu Haznan
Published: July 2018

Bioetanol dari bahan baku limbah lignoselulosa menjadi energi alternatifyang mulai dikembangkan. Perlakuan awal merupakan tahap awal dariproses konversi lignoselulosa menjadi bioetanol. Perlakuan awal kimiaNaOH dilakukan dengan memasukkan TKKS berukuran 3 mm dan larutanNaOH 10 % pada reaktor bersuhu sedang dan tekanan 4 bar. Pada penelitianakan diketahui pengaruh suhu dan waktu proses pada perlakuan awal TKKS.Variasi suhu proses dimulai dari suhu 140, 150 dan 160 ˚C, sedangkan variasiwaktu proses dimulai dari 20, 30 dan 40 menit. Hasil perolehan biomassatertinggi didapatkan pada proses perlakuan awal dengan suhu 140 ˚C, 20menit sebesar 42,83 % (basis berat kering), delignifikasi tertinggi pada suhu160 ˚C, 40 menit yaitu sebesar 86,92 %. Namun kondisi optimal perlakuanawal TKKS untuk menghasilkan bioetanol tertinggi diperoleh pada suhu 150˚C, 30 menit yaitu perolehan biomassa sebesar 35,97 %, delignifikasi sebesar76,74 % dan yield etanol terhadap TKKS awal sebesar 15.17 % (b/b).
Sintesis Selulosa Suksinat dalam Cairan Ion 1-Butil-3-Metilimidazolium Klorida ([BMIM]CL) dengan Metode Microwave Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS) dan Penentuan Derajat Substitusinya
Authors: Sudiarti Tety , Wahyuningrum D , Bundjali B , Arcana I M
Published: July 2018

Selulosa merupakan polimer alam yang sangat melimpah dan digunakansecara luas sebagai bahan mentah untuk berbagai aplikasi industri sepertifiber, kertas, membran, cat dll. Modifikasi selulosa dengan anhidrida suksinatmerupakan salah satu cara untuk memberikan nilai tambah pada selulosatersebut. Untuk meningkatkan kemampuan melarutkan dan efisiensimodifikasi selulosa, digunakan cairan ion 1-butil-3-metilimidazolium klorida([BMIM]Cl) sebagai pelarut. Metode microwave assisted organic synthesis(MAOS) dipilih karena dapat mempercepat laju reaksi, meningkatkan yielddan mengurangi produk samping. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mensintesisselulosa suksinat dalam [BMIM]Cl dengan metode MAOS serta menentukanfaktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi derajat substitusi (DS) selulosa suksinatyang dihasilkan. Selulosa dilarutkan dalam [BMIM]Cl dengan berbagaiperbandingan dan direaksikan dengan anhidrida suksinat pada perbandinganselulosa:anhidrida suksinat = 1:10 menggunakan reaktor microwave padaberbagai kondisi reaksi (waktu, suhu, daya iradiasi microwave). Berdasarkanpengukuran spektrum FTIR terhadap produk diperoleh bahwa selulosasuksinat berhasil disintesis yang ditandai dengan munculnya puncak barupada bilangan gelombang 1722,43–1726,29 cm-1 yang merupakan pitaserapan untuk C=O ester dengan derajat substitusi pada rentang 0,66 – 1,33.Kondisi pelarutan dan kondisi reaksi mempengaruhi derajat substitusiselulosa suksinat yang dihasilkan. Makin banyak [BMIM]Cl yang digunakan,makin tinggi derajat substitusi selulosa suksinat yang dihasilkan.Keywords : cellulose succinate, ionic liquid, [BMIM]Cl, MAOS method, degree of substitution