bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Aortic Valve Closure Artifact During Outflow Tract Mapping
Authors: Romero Jorge , Ajijola Olujimi , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Tung Roderick
Published: June 2017

Background—

Premature ventricular contractions originating in the left ventricle outflow tract represent a significant subgroup of patients referred for catheter ablation. Mechanical artifacts from aortic valve leaflet motion may be observed during mapping, although the incidence and characteristics have not been reported.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-eight consecutive patients with left ventricle outflow tract premature ventricular contraction were included. Electric signals recorded on the ablation catheter not coincident with atrial or ventricular depolarization were analyzed on the recording system. Correlation with invasive hemodynamic aortic pressure tracings was performed. Additionally, 4 patients with mechanical aortic valves, who underwent scar-related ventricular tachycardia ablation, were analyzed to correlate the timing of the observed artifacts with native aortic valves. Aortic valve artifact was observed while mapping within the coronary cusps in 11 patients (39%; 73% men; age, 41±25 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 49±16%) with high incidence from the left coronary cusp. This artifact was consistently observed with timing coincident with the terminal portion of the T wave. The average interval between the end of the T wave and the aortic valve artifact was 19±37 ms. The duration of the aortic valve artifact was 39±8 ms with amplitude of 0.12±0.07 mV (range, 0.06–0.36 mV).

Conclusions—

In patients referred for left ventricle outflow tract premature ventricular contraction ablation, an aortic valve closure artifact is observed in up to one third of cases during mapping within the aortic cusps. The timing of this artifact correlates with invasive hemodynamics and mechanical aortic valve artifacts. Recognition of this physiological phenomenon is useful when assigning near-field activation.
Ultrasound Markers of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Cognition
Authors: Gardener Hannah , Caunca Michelle R. , Dong Chuanhui , Cheung Ying Kuen , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L. , Rundek Tatjana , Wright Clinton B.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Ultrasound markers of carotid atherosclerosis may be related to cognitive status. We hypothesized that individuals with greater carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque burden would exhibit worse cognition.

Methods—

One thousand one hundred sixty-six stroke-free participants from the NOMAS (Northern Manhattan Study) underwent carotid ultrasound and neuropsychological examination. Among them, 826 underwent a second neuropsychological examination an average of 5 years later. cIMT and plaque were assessed by a standardized B-mode ultrasound imaging and reading protocol. We used multivariable linear regression to examine cIMT, carotid plaque presence, and carotid plaque area as correlates of domain-specific neuropsychological
Z
scores cross-sectionally and over time. We also investigated possible effect modification by
APOE ε4
allele, age, and race/ethnicity.

Results—

Participants had a mean (SD) age of 70 (9) years and were 60% women, 66% Hispanic, 15% white, and 18% black. Those with greater cIMT exhibited worse episodic memory after adjustment for demographics and vascular risk factors (β=−0.60;
P
=0.04).
APOE ε4
carriers with greater cIMT exhibited worse episodic memory (β=−1.31;
P
=0.04), semantic memory (β=−1.45;
P
=0.01), and processing speed (β=−1.21;
P
=0.03). Participants with greater cIMT at baseline did not exhibit significantly greater cognitive decline after adjustment.
APOE ε4
noncarriers with greater cIMT exhibited greater declines in executive function (β=−0.98;
P
=0.06). Carotid plaque burden was not significantly associated with cognition at baseline or over time.

Conclusions—

Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was associated with worse cognition among those at higher risk for Alzheimer disease. Interventions targeting early stages of atherosclerosis may modify cognitive aging.
Long Noncoding RNA H19 Promotes Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Driving Histone Deacetylase 1–Dependent M1 Microglial Polarization
Authors: Wang Jue , Zhao Haiping , Fan Zhibin , Li Guangwen , Ma Qingfeng , Tao Zhen , Wang Rongliang , Feng Juan , Luo Yumin
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Long noncoding RNA H19 is repressed after birth, but can be induced by hypoxia. We aim to investigate the impact on and underlying mechanism of H19 induction after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Circulating H19 levels in stroke patients and mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. H19 siRNA and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) plasmid were used to knock down H19 and overexpress HDAC1, respectively. Microglial polarization and ischemic outcomes were assessed in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and BV2 microglial cells subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation.

Results—

Circulating H19 levels were significantly higher in stroke patients compared with healthy controls, indicating high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, plasma H19 levels showed a positive correlation with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. After middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice, H19 levels increased in plasma, white blood cells, and brain. Intracerebroventricular injection of H19 siRNA reduced infarct volume and brain edema, decreased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels in brain tissue and plasma, and increased plasma interleukin-10 concentrations 24 hours poststroke. Additionally, H19 knockdown attenuated brain tissue loss and neurological deficits 14 days poststroke. BV2 cell-based experiments showed that H19 knockdown blocked oxygen–glucose deprivation–driven M1 microglial polarization, decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-α and CD11b, and increased the expression of Arg-1 and CD206. Furthermore, H19 knockdown reversed oxygen–glucose deprivation–induced upregulation of HDAC1 and downregulation of acetyl-histone H3 and acetyl-histone H4. In contrast, HDAC1 overexpression negated the effects of H19 knockdown.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that H19 promotes neuroinflammation by driving HDAC1-dependent M1 microglial polarization, suggesting a novel H19-based diagnosis and therapy for ischemic stroke.
Practice-Based Research in the Creative Arts: Foundations and Futures from the Front Line
Authors: Candy Linda , Edmonds Ernest
Published: June 2017

This article explores the subject of practice-based research, its application in the creative arts and its role in generating new forms of knowledge in the context of the PhD. Our aim is to provide more clarity about the nature of practice-based research, the approach we advocate and how it contributes to new knowledge that can be shared and scrutinized in a form that is both accessible and rich in its representation of the full scope of creative arts research. We draw on examples spanning over 35 years of experience in supervising interdisciplinary PhD research programs in the arts, design and digital media.
How the Electoral Policy of the Russian State Predetermined the Results of the 2016 State Duma Elections
Authors: Kynev Alexander
Published: June 2017

The article analyses how the electoral policy of the Russian state predetermined the results of the 2016 State Duma elections. The factors leading to this predictability are described in detail. These were a combination of the introduction of a mixed electoral system, with the party of power winning in more than 90% of majoritarian districts in regional elections; gerrymandering during the establishment of electoral districts; changes to the system by which voters outside the borders of the Russian Federation were allocated to electoral districts; the change of election date (moving it to September) and the consequent reduced turnout in the cities more prone to protest votes; “rigged campaigns” and the systemic opposition’s unreadiness for serious disputation; new bans and restrictions on political competition, resulting parties and candidates capable of genuinely opposing the regime being denied access to the elections; a push among protest voters to boycott the election, de facto supported by the regime’s campaign managers; and weak campaigns by the democratic parties.
Intervention as Virtue, Obligation and Moral Duty
Authors: Reshetnikov Anatoly
Published: June 2017

During its 2008 intervention in Georgia, Russia justified its actions by appealing to its responsibility to protect compatriots, civilians and soldiers. At the international level, such justification was refuted on both legal and normative grounds. However, during the Crimean crisis of 2014, Russia yet again resorted to the same kind of rhetoric, even though the Crimean case provided even less grounds for making such justification convincing for the international audience. I argue that Russia’s rhetorical choices, instead of being a mere smokescreen for the Kremlin’s realpolitik, are symptomatic. They stem from the tensions in Russia’s political identity. Out of three semantic clusters in Russia’s responsibility discourse, only one – responsibility as moral duty – enjoyed overwhelming support among its main target audience (domestic population). I suggest that the continued references to its legal and international systemic responsibilities, puzzling for international audience, were epiphenomenal to Russia’s successful appeals to its moral duties at home.
Review of East Palaearctic species of Sympycnus Loew, 1857, with a key to species
Authors: NEGROBOV OLEG P. , GRICHANOV IGOR YA. , SELIVANOVA OLGA V.
Published: June 2017

Four new species of Sympycnus Loew, 1857, S. ferganicus sp. nov., S. leleji sp. nov., S. stackelbergi sp. nov. and S. yakutensis sp. nov. from Russia (Yakutia), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are described. Sympycnus convergens Negrobov, 1973 and S. urgaicus Negrobov, 1973 are placed in synonymy with S. changaicus Negrobov (syn. nov.). Lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for Sympycnus simplicipes Becker, 1908. A checklist of the East Palaearctic species of the genus is compiled and a key to males of the 14 species is provided. Five species groups are defined. New data on the distribution of known species are presented. The known distribution of East Palaearctic Sympycnus species is briefly discussed.
Global Relationships between Cropland Intensification and Summer Temperature Extremes over the Last 50 Years
Authors: Mueller Nathaniel D. , Rhines Andrew , Butler Ethan E. , Ray Deepak K. , Siebert Stefan , Holbrook N. Michele , Huybers Peter
Published: June 2017

Conversion of native ecosystems to cropland and the use of irrigation are considered dominant pathways through which agricultural land-use change alters regional climate. Recent research proposes that increases in cropland productivity, or intensification, also influences climate through increasing evapotranspiration. Increases in evapotranspiration are expected to have the greatest temperature influence on extremely hot summer days with high vapor pressure deficits. Here, the generalizability and importance of such relationships are assessed by examining historical land-use and climate trends in seven regions across the globe, each containing a major temperate or subtropical cropping area. Trends in summer high-temperature extremes are sequentially compared against trends in cropland area, area equipped for irrigation, precipitation, and summer cropping intensity. Trends in temperature extremes are estimated using quantile regression of weather station observations, and land-use data are from agricultural inventories and remote sensing. Intensification is the best predictor of trends in extreme temperatures among the factors that are considered and is generally associated with trends that are 0.2°–0.4°C decade−1 cooler than in adjacent regions. Neither cropland area nor precipitation trends are systematically associated with extreme temperature trends across regions, although high temperatures are suppressed over those portions of central North America and East Asia experiencing growth in irrigation. Both the temperature trends associated with intensification and increased irrigation can be understood as a consequence of increased latent cooling. These results underscore that the weather experienced by crops is not entirely external but also depends on agricultural practices.
Calculating Dropwindsonde Location and Time from TEMP-DROP Messages for Accurate Assimilation and Analysis
Authors: Aberson Sim D. , Sellwood Kathryn J. , Leighton Paul A.
Published: June 2017

Current practice is to transmit dropwindsonde data from aircraft using the TEMP-DROP format, which provides only the release location and time with 0.1° latitude × 0.1° longitude (about 11 km) and 1-h resolutions, respectively. The current dropwindsonde has a fall speed of approximately 15 m s−1, so the instrument will be advected faster horizontally than it will descend if the wind speed exceeds this value. Where wind speeds are greatest, such as in tropical cyclones, this will introduce large errors in the location of the observations, especially near the surface. A technique to calculate the correct time and location of each observation in the TEMP-DROP message is introduced. The mean differences between the calculated and reported locations are about 0.5 km for distance and 15 s for time, or <1% of the error size for distance and <10% for time.
An experimental and numerical investigation on the low velocity impact response of thermoplastic hybrid composites
Authors: Bandaru Aswani Kumar , Patel Shivdayal , Ahmad Suhail , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: June 2017

This paper presented an experimental and numerical investigation on the low velocity impact response of thermoplastic hybrid composites reinforced with Kevlar/basalt fabrics. Two hybrid and one Kevlar homogeneous composite laminates were manufactured with polypropylene as a resin. In the hybrid composites, one hybrid composite (H-1) was manufactured with alternate stacking of four layers of basalt and four layers of Kevlar and the second hybrid composite (H-2) was manufactured with four Kevlar layers on front face and four basalt layers on back face. Low velocity impact tests were performed using a drop-weight impact equipment at three different energies (25 J, 50 J and 75 J). Among the two hybrid composites H-1 hybrid composite exhibited 15.58–20.79% and 13.47–20.47% improvement in the peak force and energy absorption, respectively, than the H-2 hybrid composite. The peak force and energy absorption of Kevlar homogeneous composite was also improved by 10.07–14.37% and 5.38–11.29%, respectively, due to hybridization. A three dimensional (3D) dynamic finite element software, Abaqus/Explicit, was implemented to simulate the experimental results of low velocity impact tests. A user-defined material subroutine (VUMAT) based on Chang-Chang linear-orthotropic damage model was implemented into the finite element code. The predictions from numerical simulation were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
Simulation and validation of disbond growth in co-cured composite skin–stringer specimens using cohesive elements
Authors: Masood S Nadeem , Viswamurthy SR , Singh Arun Kumar , Muthukumar M , Gaddikeri Kotresh M
Published: June 2017

Separation of skin and stringer is likely to be a failure mode in co-cured composites stiffened panels where there is considerable out-of-plane deformation. Such deformations are possible when a stiffened skin structure is loaded in compression/shear beyond buckling or in structures which contain a disbond/delamination at the skin–stringer interface. Prediction of damage initiation and progressive growth in numerical simulations require parameters such as interface fracture toughness which have to be obtained through specimen tests. Since interface toughness is generally mode dependent, this study deals with the design and testing of three different configuration of blade stiffened co-cured composite skin–stringer specimens under mode-I and mode-II dominated loading. Finite element numerical models are developed using three-dimensional cohesive elements to predict the disbond growth under mode-I and mode-II dominated loading. The work also addresses the complexities in the convergence of numerical simulations that arise due to cohesive elements. A systematic way to obtain the best values for cohesive element parameters while finding a balance between accuracy of the results, computation time and numerical stability is presented. The present cohesive element modelling and analysis methodology successfully predicted the disbond growth in skin–stringer specimen and can be used to predict disbond/delamination onset or growth in composite stiffened structures subjected to high bending.
Fatigue life and damage tolerance of postbuckled composite stiffened structures with indentation damage
Authors: Dávila Carlos G , Bisagni Chiara
Published: June 2017

The fatigue life and damage tolerance of composite stiffened panels with indentation damage are investigated experimentally using single-stringer compression specimens. The indentation damage was induced to one of the two flanges of the stringer of every panel. The advantages of indentation compared to impact are the simplicity of application, less dependence on boundary conditions, better controllability, and repeatability of the imparted damage. The tests were conducted using advanced instrumentation, including digital image correlation, passive thermography, and in situ ultrasonic scanning. Specimens with initial indentation damage ranging between 32 and 56 mm in length were tested quasi-statically and in fatigue, and the effects of cyclic load amplitude and damage size were studied. A means of comparison of the damage propagation rates and collapse loads based on a stress intensity measure and the Paris law is proposed. The stress intensity measure provides the means to compare the collapse loads of specimens with different damage types and damage sizes, while the Paris law is used to compare the damage propagation rates in specimens subjected to different cyclic loads. This approach enables a comparison of different tests and the potential identification of the effects that influence the fatigue lives and damage tolerance of postbuckled structures with defects.
Advanced properties of composites of recycled high-density polyethylene and microfibers of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Cestari Sibele Piedade , Albitres Gerson Alberto Valencia , Mendes Luis C , Altstädt Volker , Gabriel Jair Braga , Avila Gabriel Carvalho Bertassone , Silveira Ivan de Sousa dos Santos
Published: June 2017

Aiming to systematically convert post-consumer plastics in building materials, we compounded recycled high-density polyethylene and sugarcane bagasse. We ranged the polymer/filler ratio from 100/0 to 60/40, and assessed the properties using optical microscopy, water absorption test, adhesion by tape test, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamic-mechanical analysis, and wide-angle X-ray diffractometry. The optical microscopy of the triturated bagasse showed the reduced and heterogeneous fiber sizes. The absorption and adhesion test showed that the polymer more heavily filled with bagasse can better absorb and anchor paint with organic solvent base. The dynamic-mechanical analysis and wide-angle X-ray diffractometry led us to believe that the bagasse fibers somehow structured the amorphous region amongst the crystallized lamellae of the polymeric matrix. We concluded that these composites have interesting properties to produce building materials.
Measuring Well-Being in Israel and Palestine: The Subjective Well-Being Assessment Scale
Authors: Veronese Guido , Pepe Alessandro , Dagdouke Jamal , Addimando Loredana , Yagi Shaher
Published: June 2017

This work presents the psychometric properties of the Subjective Well-Being Assessment Scale in a sample of 423 participants composed of Israeli Arabs and Palestinians from the West Bank/Gaza Strip. Psychometric assessment of the instrument was based on confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent and discriminant validity of Subjective Well-Being Assessment Scale were also tested via administration of the General Health Questionnaire and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. The results suggest that Subjective Well-Being Assessment Scale is valid, reliable, and solid from a psychometric point of view and provides an accurate assessment of respondents’ well-being. The questionnaire is therefore recommended for practical use in the psychological and health-care fields, whether locally or in international contexts with migrants and refugees from Arabic-speaking countries.
Ignoring a Multilevel Structure in Mixture Item Response Models: Impact on Parameter Recovery and Model Selection
Authors: Lee Woo-yeol , Cho Sun-Joo , Sterba Sonya K.
Published: June 2017

The current study investigated the consequences of ignoring a multilevel structure for a mixture item response model to show when a multilevel mixture item response model is needed. Study 1 focused on examining the consequence of ignoring dependency for within-level latent classes. Simulation conditions that may affect model selection and parameter recovery in the context of a multilevel data structure were manipulated: class-specific ICC, cluster size, and number of clusters. The accuracy of model selection (based on information criteria) and quality of parameter recovery were used to evaluate the impact of ignoring a multilevel structure. Simulation results indicated that, for the range of class-specific ICCs examined here (.1 to .3), mixture item response models which ignored a higher level nesting structure resulted in less accurate estimates and standard errors ( SEs) of item discrimination parameters when the number of clusters was larger than 24 and the cluster size was larger than six. Class-varying ICCs can have compensatory effects on bias. Also, the results suggested that a mixture item response model which ignored multilevel structure was not selected over the multilevel mixture item response model based on Bayesian information criterion (BIC) if the number of clusters and cluster size was at least 50, respectively. In Study 2, the consequences of unnecessarily fitting a multilevel mixture item response model to single-level data were examined. Reassuringly, in the context of single-level data, a multilevel mixture item response model was not selected by BIC, and its use would not distort the within-level item parameter estimates or SEs when the cluster size was at least 20. Based on these findings, it is concluded that, for class-specific ICC conditions examined here, a multilevel mixture item response model is recommended over a single-level item response model for a clustered dataset having cluster size [Formula: see text] and the number of clusters [Formula: see text].
Confucian Heritage Culture, parental differential treatment of siblings and music learning: A hermeneutic analysis of a musical family
Authors: Fung Annabella S. K.
Published: June 2017

This phenomenological study focuses on the effect of parenting rooted in Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) on music learning of four American-born Chinese siblings from the same family. It investigates parental differential treatment (PDT) and sibling interactions on the musical development of the participants raised by musician parents. Participants’ music practice habits and their learning and performing opportunities can further account for their music identity formation. Hermeneutic inquiries explore how individuals make sense of their experiences. Data consisted of six semi-structured interviews conducted among this family and their email correspondences, and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four overarching themes emerged from the family narratives: parenting rooted in CHC-inspired music learning in this family; parental musicianship and continuous support, combined with kin role modelling and siblings’ sound practice habit positively facilitated their successful music learning; optimal learning and performing opportunities were highly beneficial in the siblings’ music learning process; and sibling relationships affected by PDT did not have long-term aversive effects on their learning or wellbeing. The findings show that PDT occurs among CHC families and children need to have a safe environment to thrive. Scholars and health practitioners should acquire intercultural knowledge to effectively work with families of diverse cultures.
Nutrition Support for Critically Ill Patients With Cancer
Authors: Lach Kristen , Peterson Sarah J.
Published: June 2017

Oncology patients often experience the classic signs of malnutrition—weight loss as well as fat and muscle wasting, which have been associated with poor tolerance to treatment and increased morbidity and mortality. Nutrition status may be an important factor in determining tolerance to treatment and outcomes associated with it. Thus, identification of those with preexisting malnutrition or who are at risk for developing malnutrition is crucial not only at time of cancer diagnosis but also throughout the treatment course so that nutrition interventions may be implemented to prevent development or worsening of malnutrition in this high‐risk population. These patients often have extremely complicated hospital courses due to the aggressive nature of the disease and treatment, leading to intensive care unit admission and periods of critical illness. Critical illness is associated with catabolism, extreme stress on the body, and a state of systemic inflammation. During critical illness, it is important to provide adequate nutrition to prevent further break down of lean muscle mass and oxidative cellular injury and to regulate favorable immune responses. The purpose of this review is to discuss the importance of nutrition screening and assessment for the critically ill patient with cancer; to appropriately identify those at risk for, or who have developed, malnutrition; and to provide appropriate interventions to optimize nutrition status. This review also discusses the complications and difficulties associated with feeding this patient population and offers nutrition support recommendations.
Epidemiology of Obesity and Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Authors: Shettar Vignesh , Patel Sarang , Kidambi Srividya
Published: June 2017

Prevalence of obesity and its related morbidity have increased to alarming levels in adults and children in the United States and globally. Weight loss results in improvement of much of the obesity‐related morbidity. Lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and behavioral therapy form the crux of weight management. However, many individuals need additional assistance (pharmacologic or surgical) to initiate or sustain weight loss. Pharmacologic therapy consists of a number of agents that work by decreasing appetite, gastric emptying, or nutrient absorption or by increasing satiety. Five classes of drug are currently approved for adults, including sympathomimetics (with and without an antiepileptic agent topiramate), gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors, serotonin agonists, glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonists, and antidepressant/opioid antagonist combination. Pharmacologic options for children with obesity are minimal (lipase inhibitor orlistat is the only approved medication for children aged >12 years); however, all adult medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for children aged >16 years old. While side effect profiles of these medications are far superior to older medications, their use is limited by lack of long‐term cardiovascular safety data, costs of medications and variable insurance coverages, and the need for continued usage for sustainable benefits. Weight loss medications may induce complacence, on part of both the patient and the provider, regarding lifestyle modifications, without which the drug therapy is almost certain to be of minimal benefit. Several novel drugs are in the pipeline targeting brown fat, energy expenditure, appetite suppression, and satiety.
Comparison of Histological and Proliferation Features of Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Intraoral Location: 36 Cases
Authors: Mestrinho Lisa A. , Pissarra Hugo , Carvalho Sandra , Peleteiro Maria C. , Gawor Jerzy , Niza Maria M. R. E.
Published: June 2017

Grade and labeling indices for immunohistochemical tumor proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated in 36 cases of canine oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) based upon intraoral location. Grade was significantly associated with location ( P = .035). Grade II tumors were most frequently diagnosed. Grade I tumors were identified in the gingiva and the buccal mucosa, and grade III tumors were seen in the gingiva and the tonsillar region. Animals with tumors arising from the tonsils and of the tongue tended to be older ( P = .007), and those in the former group were more likely to have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis ( P = .001). Mean expression of PCNA and Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) for all tumors were 62.54% and 50.70%, respectively, and there was a statistical significant association between the 2 variables ( R = .70; P < .001). Proliferation index was not associated with any of the intraoral locations evaluated, but higher PCNA PI was significantly associated with grade ( P = .031). Ki-67 PI was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis, especially for OSCC of gingival location ( P = .028). The results obtained in this study are preliminary but clinically relevant, since they provide information that can explain differences in biologic behavior among intraoral locations and contribute to more accurate tumor staging to support the choice for different treatment strategies available for OSCC.
A comparative study of subgroup identification methods for differential treatment effect: Performance metrics and recommendations
Authors: Alemayehu Demissie , Chen Yang , Markatou Marianthi
Published: June 2017

Subgroup identification with differential treatment effects serves as an important step towards precision medicine, as it provides evidence regarding how individuals with specific characteristics respond to a given treatment. This knowledge not only supports the tailoring of treatment strategies but also prompts the development of new treatments. This manuscript provides a brief overview of the issues associated with the methodologies aimed at identifying subgroups with differential treatment effects, and studies in depth the operational characteristics of five data-driven methods that have appeared recently in the literature. The performance of the methods under study to identify correctly the covariates affecting treatment effects is evaluated via simulation and under various conditions. Two clinical trial data sets are also used to illustrate the application of these methods. Discussion and recommendations pertaining to the use of these methods are provided, with emphasis on the relative performance of the methods under the conditions studied.
Parenting Practices and Children’s Physical Activity: An Integrative Review
Authors: Hutchens Amy , Lee Rebecca E.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this integrative review was to analyze the state of science concerning the influence of parenting practices on children’s physical activity (PA) levels. A total of 38 studies met the inclusion criteria after full-text review. The body of research is limited in experimental designs with only three studies measuring the influence of the intervention on parenting practices. Seven of the 30 quantitative studies (23.3%) found significant associations between parental role modeling of PA and children’s PA levels. Seven of the eight (87.5%) qualitative studies identified parental role modeling of PA as important in promoting children’s PA. Sixteen of the 30 (53.3%) quantitative studies found that parental support of PA was significantly associated with children’s PA. Five of the eight (62.5%) qualitative studies identified logistic support as supporting PA in children. The science could be expanded by the development of randomized controlled trials aimed at this area.
Latent Profile Analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in a Sample With a History of Recurrent Depression
Authors: Gu Jenny , Karl Anke , Baer Ruth , Strauss Clara , Barnhofer Thorsten , Crane Catherine
Published: June 2017

Extending previous research, we applied latent profile analysis in a sample of adults with a history of recurrent depression to identify subgroups with distinct response profiles on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and understand how these relate to psychological functioning. The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples to first examine the optimal number of latent profiles (test sample; n = 343) and then validate the identified solution (validation sample; n = 340). In both test and validation samples, a four-profile solution was revealed where two profiles mapped broadly onto those previously identified in nonclinical samples: “high mindfulness” and “nonjudgmentally aware.” Two additional subgroups, “moderate mindfulness” and “very low mindfulness,” were observed. “High mindfulness” was associated with the most adaptive psychological functioning and “very low mindfulness” with the least adaptive. In most people with recurrent depression, mindfulness skills are expressed evenly across different domains. However, in a small minority a meaningful and replicable uneven profile indicating nonjudgmental awareness is observable. Current findings require replication and future research should examine the extent to which profiles change from periods of wellness to illness in people with recurrent depression and how profiles are influenced by exposure to mindfulness-based intervention.
Remote Ischemic Conditioning
Authors: Garratt Kirk N. , Leschinsky Boris
Published: June 2017

Although remote ischemic conditioning promises significant benefit to patients with a variety of acute and chronic illnesses, development of automated, clinically applicable devices has been slow. At least 3 small companies have launched efforts to develop useful tools intended for sale in European and North American markets. The market challenges and opportunities linked to the development of a cost-effective, reliable, and clinically effective device for the application of remote ischemic conditioning are presented in this article.
Exercise-Induced Cardioprotection and the Therapeutic Potential of RIPC
Authors: Quindry John C.
Published: June 2017

In the search for innovative solutions to treat ischemic heart disease, recent basic science and clinical approaches have focused on remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC). Remote ischemic preconditioning involves short intervals of limb blood flow occlusion by the application of a blood pressure cuff inflated to a suprasystolic pressure. The promise of RIPC in the development of new cardioprotective therapies is founded on the premise that it is cost-effective, technically simple, and overcomes many logistical and biochemical hurdles associated with other ischemic preconditioning approaches. However, RIPC as a research subarea is still in its infancy and clinical applications for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease remain elusive. The thesis of the current review is that observational and mechanistic similarities between exercise-induced preconditioning and RIPC may reveal novel therapeutic links to cardioprotection. While reductionist understanding of the exercised heart is still in the formative stages, available mechanistic knowledge of exercise-induced cardioprotection is juxtaposed to RIPC and potential implications discussed. In total, additional research is needed in order to fully appreciate the mechanistic and translative connections between exercise and RIPC. Nonetheless, existing rationale are strong and suggest that RIPC approaches may be helpful in the development and application to pharmacologic interventions in those with ischemic heart disease.
Feminisation of success or successful femininities? Disentangling ‘new femininities’ under neoliberal conditions
Authors: Gerodetti Natalia , McNaught-Davis Martha
Published: June 2017

This article critically examines what might be titled the feminisation of success that is ascribed to optimistic characterisations of new constructions of femininity for young women in the UK, particularly in relation to classed positions. In order to do this it is necessary to understand the complex relationship between feminism, post-feminism, neoliberalism and femininities, especially since the millennium. Young women have been positioned as the beneficiaries of successful social and political change which, together with ideas of individualism and reflexive constructions of identity, almost mandate young women to embody success. The article seeks to examine and assess the discursive constructions of ‘successful femininities’ in relation to their normative limitations and asks in particular whether the putative existence of ‘new femininities’ is attainable for all young women. With the impact of over a decade of neoliberal policies and austerity measures being felt by many, it is argued that the discourses of ‘successful femininities’ work to obscure the recalibrated inequalities that have been forged by neoliberal conditions.
“It’s not my business”: Exploring heteronormativity in young people’s discourses about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues and their implications for youth health and wellbeing
Authors: Ng Cara KY , Haines-Saah Rebecca J , Knight Rodney E , Shoveller Jean A , Johnson Joy L
Published: June 2017

In Canada, the issue of creating safe and inclusive school environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students has been in the spotlight. Several researchers and advocates have pointed out the positive effects of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-positive policy frameworks on the health and wellbeing of all young people. In this article, we take a critical approach to analyzing narrative findings from qualitative interviews conducted with youth in three communities in British Columbia, Canada: “the North,” Vancouver, and Abbotsford. Using a Foucauldian Discourse Analytic Approach and Butler’s concept of Citationality, our analysis suggested that although explicit homophobia was largely absent from youth discussions, young people discursively constructed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities and “communities” in ways that reified heteronormativity. Youth made references to sociopolitical discourses of libertarianism and liberalism and to homonormative stereotypes regarding gay masculinity. A few young people also alluded to egalitarian, queer-positive discourses, which appeared to interrogate structures of heteronormativity. Since studies suggest a connection between the existence of institutional supports for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students in schools and their mental and physical wellbeing, we conclude by considering the limitations and possibilities of these sociopolitical discourses in the struggle for sexual and gender equity, and how they might help frame future health-related, anti-homophobia policy frameworks in educational settings.
Advances in social movement theory since the global financial crisis
Authors: Nulman Eugene , Schlembach Raphael
Published: June 2017

The social movement literature in Western Europe and North America has oriented much of its theoretical work towards micro-, meso-, and macro-level examinations of its subject of study but has rarely integrated these levels of analysis. This review article broadly documents the leading theoretical perspectives on social movements, while highlighting the contributions made in recent years with regard to the wave of protests across the globe – typified by the Occupy Movement and the ‘Arab Spring’ – and grievances that are relatively novel in qualitative or quantitative form such as austerity, precarity, and a sense of democratic deficiency. While these novel social processes have invigorated the specialized arena of ‘social movement studies’ and generated a resurgence of work on social movements beyond the field, this article argues for the need to interconnect levels of analysis in order to develop a more insightful account of contemporary contentious politics.
Sociologizing with Randall Collins
Authors: van der Zeeuw Alex , Keesman Laura , Weenink Don
Published: June 2017

In the interview in this article, Randall Collins discusses various aspects of his oeuvre. First, he considers why interaction rituals (IRs) in religion are special emotional transformers. This is followed by a discussion of IRs in the digital age and the symbolic and economic power that is required to orchestrate IRs in politics and revolutions. Then comes a discussion of social scientific research into violence, in the past and more recently. The interview continues with a reflection on the notion of attention space, a concept which Collins has applied in analyses of violent interactions and the intellectual struggles between philosophers. Finally, the article considers the state of the art of sociology and its future prospects, evaluating its potential for rapid discovery and its position on the abstraction-reflexivity continuum. As the interview demonstrates Collins’s insightful sociological craftsmanship, it provides social scientists with a strong and optimistic lead in how to do social theory.
Validation of a modified Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology classification for mechanical eye injuries
Authors: Shah Mehul , Shah Shreya , Agrawal Rupesh , Patel Kashyap
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Criticisms have been levelled at the widely accepted Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) classification of mechanical ocular trauma, as it is not specific enough. Alternative modifications to the BETT have been proposed and this study aimed to assess these newer classifications.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of all patients presenting to the outpatient department between January 2005 and December 2014, who were examined and categorised based on the BETT. Cases which did not comply with the BETT system were placed in additional categories, and documented for each type of injury.

Results

A total of 4721 eyes suffered mechanical injuries and 1060 (22.4%) could not be classified with BETT, including 368 globe injuries (7%) associated with orbital/ocular adnexa injury; 692 eyes (14.6%) with ocular surface foreign body (OSFB) or ocular wall foreign body (IWFB). There were 77 eyes (1.6%) with contusion, 9 eyes (0.19%) with lamellar laceration-associated OSFB or OWFB, 29 eyes (0.6%) with globe rupture-associated OSFB, OWFB or intraocular foreign body (IOFB) and 60 eyes (1.4%) with laceration-associated OSFB or OWFB.

Conclusion

The BETT needs modification to be fully applicable to the wide range of ocular trauma seen across the world.
Exploring mentors’ perceptions of mentees and the mentoring relationship in a multicultural service-learning context
Authors: Lee Jenny J , Bell Lydia F , Shaulskiy Stephanie Levitt
Published: June 2017

This study examined undergraduate students’ approaches to service learning based on their perceptions as mentors. As part of a university multicultural service-learning program, mentors met regularly with assigned mentees in low-income middle schools to promote college participation. Based on an analysis of mentors’ written reflections about their mentees and the mentoring relationship, the major findings were (1) adverse approaches beyond the literature on the philanthropic and civic approaches to service and (2) corresponding patterns between these approaches and depictions of the mentees and the mentoring relationships. Overall, these findings demonstrated that civic and philanthropic approach services are not dualistic or comprehensive categories but can be expanded to further identify and improve service-learning approaches.
No significant impact of Foxf1 siRNA treatment in acute and chronic CCl4liver injury
Authors: Abshagen Kerstin , Rotberg Tobias , Genz Berit , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: June 2017

Chronic liver injury of any etiology is the main trigger of fibrogenic responses and thought to be mediated by hepatic stellate cells. Herein, activating transcription factors like forkhead box f1 are described to stimulate pro-fibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells. By using a liver-specific siRNA delivery system (DBTC), we evaluated whether forkhead box f1 siRNA treatment exhibit beneficial effects in murine models of acute and chronic CCl4-induced liver injury. Systemic administration of DBTC-forkhead box f1 siRNA in mice was only sufficient to silence forkhead box f1 in acute CCl4model, but was not able to attenuate liver injury as measured by liver enzymes and necrotic liver cell area. Therapeutic treatment of mice with DBTC-forkhead box f1 siRNA upon chronic CCl4exposition failed to inhibit forkhead box f1 expression and hence lacked to diminish hepatic stellate cells activation or fibrosis development. As a conclusion, DBTC-forkhead box f1 siRNA reduced forkhead box f1 expression in a model of acute but not chronic toxic liver injury and showed no positive effects in either of these mice models.

Impact statement

As liver fibrosis is a worldwide health problem, antifibrotic therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Therefore, further developments of new technologies including validation in different experimental models of liver disease are essential. Since activation of hepatic stellate cells is a key event upon liver injury, the activating transcription factor forkhead box f1 (Foxf1) represents a potential target gene. Previously, we evaluated Foxf1 silencing by a liver-specific siRNA delivery system (DBTC), exerting beneficial effects in cholestasis. The present study was designed to confirm the therapeutic potential of Foxf1 siRNA in models of acute and chronic CCl4-induced liver injury. DBTC-Foxf1 siRNA was only sufficient to silence Foxf1 in acute CCl4model and did not ameliorate liver injury or fibrogenesis. This underlines the significance of the experimental model used. Each model displays specific characteristics in the pathogenic nature, time course and severity of fibrosis and the optimal time point for starting a therapy.
Frogs, Ponds, and Culture
Authors: Wu Kaidi , Garcia Stephen M. , Kopelman Shirli
Published: June 2017

Would you rather be the big frog in a small pond or the small frog in a big pond? In three studies, we demonstrate that the entry preference depends on culture. Study 1 found a higher big pond preference for East Asian, versus European American, students. Studies 2A and 2B replicated this big pond preference in behavioral intent across educational and organizational settings for Chinese, as compared to United States, working adults. Study 3 demonstrated cultural variation in frog–pond decisions was not explained by comparison processes that characterize postentry self-regard but rather by concerns for prestige. Together, findings highlight how a cultural lens informs psychological processes that shape entry decision-making.
Role of diffusion-weighted imaging in skull base lesions: A pictorial review
Authors: Soni Neetu , Gupta Nishant , Kumar Yogesh , Mangla Manisha , Mangla Rajiv
Published: June 2017

Skull base lesions can be related to wide number of pathologies including infections, benign and malignant tumors. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation between these entities is important for prompt and appropriate treatment. However, computed tomography and routine magnetic resonance imaging techniques only provide information on the extent of the lesions, with limited ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. Diffusion-weighted imaging can help in many such situations by providing additional information, including help in differentiating benign from malignant lesions, so that appropriate treatment can be initiated. In this review article, we illustrate the imaging findings of the spectrum of skull base lesions, emphasizing the role of diffusion-weighted imaging in this domain.