bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IRB as Poetry
Authors: Lahman Maria K. E. , Teman Eric D. , Richard Veronica M.
Published: December 2017

In this series of poems, the authors reflexively explore experiences with the institutional review board (IRB) through the use of various poetic forms, including autoethnographic, literature review, artifact, blackout, typewriter, concrete, cutout, photographic, and collage. Areas of the authors’ individual research lines are with children, adolescents, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally (LGBTQQA+) participants, which are groups federally designated as vulnerable in research. Author experiences with these groups are reflected in the poetry and the perspectives of being reviewed by, reviewers of, and chairs of IRB.
SMARCB1-deficient Tumors of Childhood: A Practical Guide
Authors: Pawel Bruce R
Published: December 2017

The SMARCB1 gene ( INI1, BAF47) is a member of the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, involved in the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. SMARCB1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene, and loss of function of both alleles gives rise to SMARCB1-deficient tumors. The prototypical SMARCB1-deficient tumor is the malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) which was first described in the kidney but also occurs in soft tissue, viscera, and the brain (where it is referred to as atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor or AT/RT). These are overwhelmingly tumors of the very young, and most follow an aggressive and ultimately lethal course. Morphologically, most but not all contain a population of “rhabdoid” cells, which are large cells with abundant cytoplasm, perinuclear spherical inclusions, and eccentric vesicular nuclei with large inclusion-like nucleoli. MRT immunohistochemistry reveals complete loss of SMARCB1 nuclear expression, and molecular analysis confirms biallelic SMARCB1 inactivation in the vast majority. Rare AT/RTs have loss of SMARCA4, another SWI/SNF member, rather than SMARCB1. With the widespread adoption of SMARCB1 immunohistochemistry, an increasing number of SMARCB1-deficient tumors outside of the MRT-AT/RT spectrum have been described. In addition to MRT and AT/RT, pediatric tumors with complete loss of SMARCB1 expression include cribriform neuroepithelial tumor, renal medullary carcinoma, and epithelioid sarcoma. Tumors with variable loss of SMARCB1 expression include subsets of epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, schwannomas arising in schwannomatosis, subsets of chordomas, myoepithelial carcinomas, and sinonasal carcinomas. Variable and reduced expression of SMARCB1 is characteristic of synovial sarcoma. In this review, the historical background, clinical characteristics, morphology, immunohistochemical features, and molecular genetics most germane to these tumors are summarized. In addition, familial occurrence of these tumors (the rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome) is discussed. It is hoped that this review may provide practical guidance to pathologists encountering tumors that have altered expression of SMARCB1.
Static and dynamic incentives for Twitter usage in the European Parliament
Authors: Daniel William T , Obholzer Lukas , Hurka Steffen
Published: December 2017

In this article, we examine the static and dynamic factors that explain the use of the Twitter social media platform by all active Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during the Fall and Winter of 2015–2016. Our analysis demonstrates that MEPs have an incentive to take to Twitter that varies across the European Parliament's (EP) highly segmented legislative calendar, but that MEPs are also affected by more constant differences in their national political parties and electoral systems of origin, as well as by their home constituencies. Our findings contribute to a picture of the EP as a diverse legislature that fosters diverse legislator interests with respect to voter outreach.
In pursuit of power: Competition for majority status and Senate partisanship
Authors: Gelman Jeremy
Published: December 2017

During the 20th century, Congress experienced two main shifts in partisan conflict. Early decades were marked by a substantial decrease in party divisiveness, reaching a nadir by mid-century. Beginning in the 1970s, partisanship has increased to the point that Congress is viewed as “hyper-partisan.” Political scientists have thoroughly examined this more recent shift; however, few studies consider why party divisiveness has fluctuated during the past century and over time more generally. Lee’s recent work contends a main factor that drives legislative partisanship is the majority party’s prospects for retaining control of its chamber. Using data on every Senate roll call vote since 1915 and a novel measure of party competition, I test an extension of Lee’s argument and examine whether partisan voting is associated with insecure majority status. My results indicate that voting coalitions in the Senate become more partisan as the majority’s probability of remaining in power decreases.
Motivation-based behaviour and latent class segmentation of cycling tourists
Authors: Rejón-Guardia Francisco , García-Sastre María Antonia , Alemany-Hormaeche Margarita
Published: December 2017

This article focuses on the identification of the prime motivations for participation in sporting events, and segmentation by latent class analysis in order to identify the profile of cycling tourists with the aim of exploiting new market niches. To this end, data from a sample of 1281 participants in an annual one-day road race held in the Balearic Islands, Spain, were analysed. The findings confirm that familiarity and prestige-related motivations are the key to differentiating individuals in terms of spending, whereas sensory, physiological and security-related motivations distinguish very clearly the length of stay. Segmentation by latent class analysis reveals differences in the age variable, as cycling tourism is predominantly an activity undertaken by middle-aged and older males.
Keeping care connected: e-Consultation program improves access to nephrology care
Authors: Schettini Priscille , Shah Kevin P , O’Leary Colin P , Patel Malhar P , Anderson John B , Cho Alex H , Long Andrea L , Bosworth Hayden B , Cameron C Blake
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Health systems are seeking innovative solutions to improve specialty care access. Electronic consultations (eConsults) allow specialists to provide formal clinical recommendations to primary care providers (PCPs) based on patient chart review, without a face-to-face visit.

Methods

We implemented a nephrology eConsult pilot program within a large, academic primary care practice to facilitate timely communication between nephrologists and PCPs. We used primary care referral data to compare wait times and completion rates between traditional referrals and eConsults. We surveyed PCPs to assess satisfaction with the program.

Results

For traditional nephrology referrals placed during the study period (July 2016–March 2017), there was a 51-day median appointment wait time and a 40.9% referral completion rate. For eConsults, there was a median nephrologist response time of one day and a 100% completion rate; 67.5% of eConsults did not require a subsequent face-to-face specialty appointment. For eConsults that were converted to an in-person visit, the median wait time and completion rate were 40 days and 73.1%, respectively. Compared to traditional referrals placed during the study period, eConsults converted to in-person visits were more likely to be completed ( p = 0.001). Survey responses revealed that PCPs were highly satisfied with the program and consider the quick turnaround time as the greatest benefit.

Discussion

Our eConsult pilot program reduced nephrology wait times and significantly increased referral completion rates. In large integrated health systems, eConsults have considerable potential to improve access to specialty care, reduce unnecessary appointments, and optimize the patient population being seen by specialists.
Numerical study on the performance of beam-to-concrete-filled steel tube column joint with adapter-bracket
Authors: Chen Shiming , Jiang Junming , Jia Liangjiu
Published: December 2017

An innovative beam-to-column composite joint with adapter-bracket was proposed and its behavior was investigated through finite element analysis. The special adapter-bracket is to facilitate the assembly of the steel box beam and the concrete-filled steel tube column through high-strength blind bolts. In the adapter-bracket, two endplates are welded to the beam and bolted to the column, respectively. First, two finite element models of the bolted extended endplate joint were developed in ABAQUS and validated by available experimental results. Then, based on modified models, parametric analyses were conducted to evaluate the novel joint performance, in terms of the initial stiffness, rotation capacity, moment capacity, failure mode, and joint classification. The variables included flange thickness, endplate thickness, and bolt size. Results demonstrated that the joint behavior was significantly affected by the flange thickness, the endplate-A thickness, and bolt size while slightly influenced by the endplate-B thickness. Additionally, these joints had favorable rotation and moment capacity.
Interference effects of an adjacent tall building with various sizes on local wind forces acting on a tall building
Authors: Kim Wonsul , Tamura Yukio , Yoshida Akihito , Yi Jin-Hak
Published: December 2017

This article focuses on variations of local wind forces along height levels of a tall building due to an adjacent tall building with various height and breadth ratios through huge wind tunnel experiments. It deals with the characteristics of local wind forces including root mean square local wind force coefficients, non-dimensional power spectra, and root coherences along height levels of a tall building with an adjacent tall building in critical locations. It is shown that increases of over 20% in interference factors ( MIFMD, RIFMD, and RIFML) for maximum mean and root mean square base overturning moment coefficients in along- and across-wind directions occur when the adjacent building is close to the principal building. Higher and wider adjacent buildings can cause not only higher mean wind loads but also higher dynamic wind loads in along- and across-wind directions, but the critical locations of an adjacent building with various height and breadth ratios are somewhat different. However, most critical locations of an adjacent building for wind-induced wind loads are within the region ( X/ B, Y/ B) = (1.5, 0–1.5).
Book review: Thorbecke, W. and Hsieh, W., editors, 2013: Industrial Restructuring in Asia: Implications of the Global Economic Crisis
Authors: Panicker Ajay
Published: December 2017

Thorbecke, W. and Hsieh, W., editors, 2013: Industrial Restructuring in Asia: Implications of the Global Economic Crisis. Los Angeles: SAGE, xx + 384 pp. $65 (cloth). ISBN: 978-81-321-0958-7.
Researching mobile practices: participant reflection and audio-recording in Repeat Question Diaries
Authors: Fitt Helen
Published: December 2017

The Repeat Question Diary method involves research participants audio-recording many answers to a single question. This article investigates some of the features of the method that are relevant to the study of mobile practices. Particularly, the method encourages participant reflection and the paper argues that this can facilitate the study of mobile practices through enabling participants to notice and analyse previously taken-for-granted, pre-conscious, or corporeal aspects of their practices. The paper also explores the use of audio-recording in diary research and argues that audio-diaries can facilitate participant expression, particularly of emotions, and can avoid the stifling effects of self-editing in written diaries.
Self-control during adolescence: Examining the stability of low self-control and the effects of parental social controls
Authors: Meinert Julia , Reinecke Jost
Published: December 2017

This study examines the stability of and change in self-control during adolescence and investigates the reciprocal relationship of self-control and parental social control. German three-wave panel data with two age cohorts (11–13 and 15–17 years, total N = 1423) are analyzed. Latent growth curve and path models are applied to investigate developmental trajectories. Findings suggest (a) no evidence for the relative stability of self-control, (b) parental controls do matter after the formative years, and (c) low self-control influences the perception of parental controls in early adolescence. In sum, results support a dynamic perspective with reciprocal influences of self-control and social control.
Novel Nitinol Stent for Lesions up to 24 cm in the Superficial Femoral and Proximal Popliteal Arteries: 24-Month Results From the TIGRIS Randomized Trial
Authors: Laird John R. , Zeller Thomas , Loewe Christian , Chamberlin Jack , Begg Richard , Schneider Peter A. , Nanjundappa Aravinda , Bunch Frank , Schultz Scott , Harlin Stuart , Lansky Alexandra , Jaff Michael R.
Published: December 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the TIGRIS stent for lesions up to 24 cm in the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries (SFA/PPA). Methods: This prospective, multicenter, randomized study enrolled 274 subjects at 36 sites in the United States and Europe. Subjects were randomly assigned in a 3:1 ratio to treatment with the TIGRIS stent (n=197; mean age 66.7±9.28 years; 141 men) or LifeStent (n=70; mean age 67.9±8.87 years; 49 men). The primary safety endpoint was 30-day freedom from major adverse events (MAE). The primary efficacy endpoint was primary patency at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included target lesion revascularization (TLR) and stent fracture. Clinical success and quality of life were also assessed. Results: Mean lesion length (107.6 vs 117.9 mm, p=0.29), procedure success (99.5% vs 97.1%, p=0.17), and freedom from MAE (99.5% vs 100%, p>0.99) were similar for the TIGRIS and control groups, respectively. Likewise, there was no difference in primary patency at 12 months (60.6% vs 63.2%, p=0.73) or 24 months (56.3% vs 50.2%, p=0.60) or in TLR at the same time points (76.6% vs 80.6%, p=0.49; 70.5% vs 67.2%, p=0.85). There were no differences in the changes in Rutherford category or the ankle/brachial index through 24 months. The rate of stent fracture was lower for TIGRIS compared with LifeStent (0% vs 32.7%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The TIGRIS stent and LifeStent were similarly effective for the treatment of lesions in the SFA and PPA. The high flexibility and zero fracture rate associated with the TIGRIS stent make this device favorable for use in high-flexion arteries.
Comparative performance of flame retardancy, physiological comfort, and durability of cotton textiles treated with alkaline and acidic casein suspension
Authors: Faheem Sajid , Baheti Vijay , Tunak Maros , Wiener Jakub , Militky Jiri
Published: December 2017

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of coating of different concentrations and pH of aqueous casein suspension on thermo-oxidative properties, flame retardant behavior as well as physiological comfort of cotton fabrics. The flame retardant behavior was found to increase with increase in concentration of casein suspension in both alkaline and acidic pH conditions. The burning rate of 2.1 mm/s and 2.4 mm/s was measured for the samples of 150 g/L casein suspensions in acidic and alkaline pH, respectively. Moreover, better thermo-oxidative properties were obtained for the samples of casein suspension prepared in acidic pH than alkaline pH. The 150 g/L casein produced 19% and 28% residue, respectively for alkaline and acidic suspensions at 600℃. Furthermore, the phenomenon of intumescence was largely observed in case of samples coated with acidic casein suspension due to easier release of ammonia from protonated casein. These samples further exhibited relatively better durability against water washing and UV ageing as compared to those treated with alkaline casein suspension, however delivered poor physiological comfort properties due to blockage of fabric porosity by higher viscosity of casein in acidic pH.
Reflections on Commentaries on “Issues in Human–Automation Interaction Modeling”
Authors: Kaber David B.
Published: December 2017

This “reflections” piece identifies major themes emerging from the commentaries in the issue. I discuss how some existing issues with the levels of automation (LOAs) approach may be further resolved as well as how different perspectives can lead to richer human-automation interaction (HAI) model development. The overarching objective here is to offer some reflections and last thoughts on the overall discussion of LOA issues, but of course, there may be some concerns on which some researchers may need to “agree to disagree.” Related to this, there are a few observations in the commentaries that I respond to with points of fact. Lastly, I suggest a set of future research directions based on several methodological recommendations by commentators as well as my own perspective on what is needed in HAI modeling to move forward.
Can tackle height influence tackle gainline success outcomes in elite level rugby union?
Authors: Tierney Gregory J , Simms Ciaran K
Published: December 2017

In rugby union, effective defensive play is highly technical and essential for game outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify tackle heights, for given tackle types, that had a greater propensity to result in tackle gainline success for the tackler using match video evidence. The results indicated that tackling the upper legs of the ball carrier had a greater propensity to result in tackler success for both front-on (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 1.34–7.95; p < 0.01) and side-on (OR = 5.31; 95% CI = 2.08–13.6; p < 0.01) arm tackles. For shoulder tackles, tackling at the lower trunk for front-on tackles (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.04-2.79; p = 0.03) and the mid trunk for side-on tackles (OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 1.31–7.37; p < 0.01) had a greater propensity to result in tackler success. For smother tackles, tackling at the mid trunk had a greater propensity to result in tackler success during front-on (OR = 3.49; 95% CI = 1.81–6.74; p < 0.01) and side-on (OR = 5.11; 95% CI = 2.42–10.8; p < 0.01) tackles. The results highlight the importance of tackle height when coaching the tackle. The findings also suggest that technically proficient players can advance to more challenging contact techniques than aiming for the ball carrier’s centre of gravity.
Associations between the combined physical activity environment, socioeconomic status, and obesity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hobbs M , Griffiths C , Green MA , Jordan H , Saunders J , McKenna J
Published: December 2017

Aims:

This study investigates associations between the combined physical activity environment and obesity and explores any sub-group effects by individual-level socioeconomic status.

Methods:

In a large cross-sectional cohort ( n = 22,889) from the Yorkshire Health Study, body mass index was calculated using self-reported height and weight and obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30. The physical activity environment was split into ‘unfavourable physical activity’, ‘moderately favourable physical activity’ and ‘favourable physical activity’ environments. This was based on the count of parks and physical activity facilities within a 2 km radial buffer centred on home addresses. A favourable physical activity environment was defined as having ≥1 physical activity facility and ≥1 park, unfavourable as having no physical activity facility and park and any other combinations defined as moderately favourable. Logistic regression (odds ratios) identified associations with obesity.

Results:

Relative to ‘unfavourable physical activity environments’, individuals within favourable physical activity environments were less likely to be obese (odds ratio = 0.90; 95% confidence interval = 0.82–0.97), and there was no effect for moderately favourable environment. Furthermore, once stratified by education level, this relationship was only present for those of higher education.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide novel UK evidence and is one of the first papers internationally that highlights the importance of considering the interplay of individual-level socioeconomic factors when investigating associations between the physical activity environment and obesity.
Analysis of “Dose Accuracy, Injection Force, and Usability Assessment of a New Half-Unit, Prefilled Insulin Pen”
Authors: Bariya Mallika , Nayberg Irina
Published: December 2017

Half-unit insulin pens (HUPs) offer finer gradation of insulin dosing than their integer-unit counterparts, tackling the inaccuracies of dose rounding that make it difficult for insulin-sensitive populations to achieve tight glycemic control. This article analyzes the first prefilled HUP, the Humalog Junior KwikPen, in the context of other, similar devices and the developing landscape of smart insulin pens. The Junior KwikPen’s suitability for pediatric patients is assessed in reference to a recent study surveying its accuracy and usability under varying conditions intended to simulate real-world use.
Occlusion Detection Time in Insulin Pumps at Two Different Basal Rates
Authors: Freckmann Guido , Kamecke Ulrike , Waldenmaier Delia , Haug Cornelia , Ziegler Ralph
Published: December 2017

Background:

The detection of insulin infusion set (IIS) occlusions is an important feature of insulin pumps with regard to patient safety. However, there are no requirements for a time limit until an alarm has to be triggered after an occlusion occurred. The standard IEC 60601-2-24 is applicable for insulin pumps and describes test settings and procedures to determine occlusion detection time (ODT).

Methods:

In this study, ODT of six different insulin pump models with different IIS (in total 10 different insulin pump systems) was tested for two basal rates (1.0 U/h and 0.1 U/h).

Results:

Differences were seen between the tested pump systems. At a basal rate of 1.0 U/h all insulin pump systems showed an acceptable ODT of less than 5 hours. However, at a basal rate of 0.1 U/h, as often used in children, the median ODT ranged from approximately 4 hours to more than 40 hours. With the lower basal rate, median ODT was longer than 6-8 hours for 9 of the 10 systems.

Conclusions:

Insulin pump users should not blindly rely on occlusion alarms but perform regular glucose monitoring and manufacturers should develop mechanisms that allow an earlier detection at low basal rates.
High Rate of Return to Cycling After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Frank Rachel M. , Ukwuani Gift , Clapp Ian , Chahla Jorge , Nho Shane J.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is most commonly diagnosed in athletes who sustain repetitive flexion and rotational loading to their hip. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a patient’s ability to return to cycling after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Hypothesis:

There is a high rate of return to cycling after hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who had identified themselves as cyclists and had undergone hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative physical examinations, imaging, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sports-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales, and visual analog scale for pain, as well as a cycling-specific questionnaire, were assessed for all patients.

Results:

A total of 58 patients (62% female; mean age, 30.0 ± 7.1 years; mean body mass index, 23.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were included. Prior to surgery, patients averaged 30 ± 42 miles per week (range, 2-300 miles). Fifty-five patients (95%) were forced to discontinue cycling at an average of 7.5 ± 6.2 months prior to surgery due to hip pain. Fifty-six patients (97%) returned to cycling at an average of 4.5 ± 2.5 months after surgery, with 33 (59%) returning to a better level of cycling and 23 (41%) to the same cycling level. Postoperatively, there was no difference in the average number of miles patients completed per week compared with preoperative values ( P = 0.08). At a mean follow-up of 31.14 ± 0.71 months (range, 24-48 months), all patients experienced significant improvements in mHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SS PROs (all P < 0.0001), with an overall satisfaction rate of 91% ± 13%.

Conclusion:

Recreational and competitive cyclists return to cycling 97% of the time after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with most of these patients returning at an average of 4.5 months after surgery. This information is helpful in counseling patients on their expectations with regard to returning to cycling after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Clinical Relevance:

Cyclists return to sport 97% of the time at an average of 4.5 months after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.
Novel therapies and current clinical progress in hemophilia A
Authors: Balkaransingh Pauline , Young Guy
Published: December 2017

The evolution of hemophilia treatment and care is a fascinating one but has been fraught with many challenges at every turn. Over the last 50 years or so patients with hemophilia and providers have witnessed great advances in the treatment of this disease. With these advances, there has been a dramatic decrease in the mortality and morbidity associated with hemophilia. Even with the remarkable advancements in treatment, however, new and old challenges continue to plague the hemophilia community. The cost of factor replacement and the frequency of infusions, especially in patients with severe hemophilia on prophylaxis, remains a significant challenge for this population. Other challenges include obtaining reliable venous access, especially in younger patients, and the development of neutralizing alloantibodies (inhibitors). The development of extended half-life products, a bispecific antibody which mimics the coagulation function of factor VIII (FVIII) and inhibition of anticoagulation proteins such as antithrombin with antibodies, aptamers or RNA interference technology have offered novel therapeutic approaches to overcome some of these existing challenges. Additionally, ongoing gene therapy research offers a way to possibly cure hemophilia. These novel treatment tools in conjunction with the establishment of an increasing number of comprehensive hemophilia centers and worldwide advocacy efforts have continued to push the progress of hemophilia care to new frontiers. This review highlights and summarizes these novel therapeutic approaches and the current clinical progress of hemophilia A.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Religious (Dis)Affiliation and Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: May Matthew
Published: December 2017

Religious affiliation is generally associated with better mental health. The nonreligious, however, currently constitute one of the fastest-growing religious categories in the United States. Since most of the nonreligious were raised in religious homes, their growth raises important questions about the mental health of those who consider dropping out of religion. In this article, I use longitudinal data from the Portraits of American Life Study to examine the impact of religious affiliation on mental health. Specifically, I compare individuals who dropped out of religion (leavers) with individuals who considered dropping out (stayers) and individuals who are more consistent in their religious (stable affiliates) and nonreligious (stable Nones) affiliations. I find that stayers experience more depressive symptoms than any other group and that they experience a greater increase in depressive symptoms over time. My findings are consistent with identity theories in sociology, and they provide evidence that a strong religious or secular identity is an important contributor to mental health.
Brokering Ties and Inequality: How White Real Estate Agents Recreate Advantage and Exclusion in Urban Housing Markets
Authors: Korver-Glenn Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

The real estate brokerage industry has long perpetuated overt discrimination against minority housing consumers, but we know little about how it may reproduce inequality through less overt means. In this article, I highlight real estate agents’ (REAs) reliance on social networks as key to how this “new inequality” happens. Specifically, I investigate the contextual factors that enable white agents to maintain predominantly white networks and how disparate-impact consequences for minority home buyers and sellers emerge when white agents deploy their networks in ordinary housing situations. My examination relies on one year of ethnographic research with 10 REAs and 49 in-depth interviews with REAs, home buyers, and home sellers in the Houston housing market. I begin my analysis by documenting agents’ racially stratified networks. I then unpack how agent pay structure and status as market gatekeepers supported the persistence of white agents’ white networks and constrained minority agents’ business opportunities. Finally, I show how white agents’ reliance on white networks came together with other widely shared practices to negatively affect minority home buyers and sellers, excluding them from for-sale homes and competitive customer service. I conclude by discussing the implications of my findings for mitigating housing market inequality.
The Gendered Discourse of Work-Family Balance in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Williams Christine L.
Published: December 2017

U.S. corporations have been slow to adopt family-friendly workplace accommodations, despite decades of research demonstrating their value. Some hope that the millennial generation will spur corporate change because, compared with older generations of workers, young people purportedly strive for more balanced lifestyles and gender equality in their relationships. This study examines the experiences of early career scientists and engineers employed by a major oil and gas corporation that has not implemented family-friendly accommodations, asking whether these highly trained workers seek work-family balance and whether they parlay these desires into requests for accommodation from their employer. Interviews reveal a gendered discourse of work-family balance at this firm: mothers and prospective mothers describe intense work-family conflict, but they blame themselves and not their employer. A number of men, in contrast, express satisfaction with their work-family balance, yet their narratives reveal that their achievement of balance depends on a traditional gender division of labor in the home. Some men and women seek alternative forms of balance that do not involve family; if thwarted from pursuing this goal, they are inclined to exit the company. These discourses of balance reflect neoliberal assumptions, reproduce gender inequality, and suggest the need for an alternative to the voluntary approach to promoting work-family policies.
Splenic Syndrome in a Young Man at High Altitude with Undetected Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Fernando CHKA , Mendis S , Upasena AP , Costa YJ , Williams HS , Moratuwagama D
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Splenic syndrome is a rare presentation of sickle cell disease. It is important to rule out this possibility when an ethnically vulnerable patient presents with an acute abdominal symptoms in a background of precipitating events.

Case Report:

A 26-year-old man who developed a severe abdominal pain at high altitude, found to have a tender splenomegaly. However, further inquiry revealed he is from an area where sickle cell disease is prevalent. Screening for sickle cell disease was positive. Radiological investigations confirmed a massive splenic infarction keeping with a diagnosis of splenic syndrome. Patient was managed conservatively.

Conclusion:

Sickle cell trait is considered a benign carrier state. However, rarely they can present with life-threatening conditions. Therefore, a high degree of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis of these specific entities to avoid increased morbidity and mortality of these patients.
Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (Nora Lesion)
Authors: Zhang Zach , Purgina Bibianna , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2017

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, also known as Nora lesion, is a rare benign surface lesion of the bone commonly affecting the hands and feet. It has an aggressive local growth pattern and high rate of recurrence post-excision. The authors report a case of recurred Nora lesion involving thumb metacarpal neck. En bloc resection with immediate reconstruction using distal radius bone graft was provided as a treatment with no clinical or radiological recurrence at 2-year follow-up.
Oxidative stress biomarkers and asthma characteristics in adults of the EGEA study
Authors: Andrianjafimasy Miora , Zerimech Farid , Akiki Zeina , Huyvaert Helene , Le Moual Nicole , Siroux Valérie , Matran Régis , Dumas Orianne , Nadif Rachel
Published: December 2017

Asthma is an oxidative stress related disease, but associations with asthma outcomes are poorly studied in adults. We aimed to study the associations between several biomarkers related to oxidative stress and various asthma outcomes.

Cross-sectional analyses were conducted in 1388 adults (mean age 43 years, 44% with asthma) from the Epidemiological Study of the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA2). Three blood antioxidant enzyme activities (biomarkers of response to oxidative stress) and exhaled breath condensate 8-isoprostanes and plasma fluorescent oxidation products (FlOPs) levels (two biomarkers of damage) were measured. Associations between biomarkers and 1) ever asthma and 2) asthma attacks, asthma control and lung function in participants with asthma were evaluated using regression models adjusted for age, sex and smoking.

Biomarkers of response were unrelated to asthma outcomes. Higher 8-isoprostane levels were significantly associated with ever asthma (odds ratio for one interquartile range increase 1.28 (95% CI 1.06–1.67). Among participants with asthma, 8-isoprostane levels were negatively associated with adult-onset asthma (0.63, 0.41–0.97) and FlOPs levels were positively associated with asthma attacks (1.33, 1.07–1.65), poor asthma control (1.30, 1.02–1.66) and poor lung function (1.34, 1.04–1.74).

Our results suggest that 8-isoprostanes are involved in childhood-onset asthma and FlOPs are linked to asthma expression.
Phoyunnanin E inhibits migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells via suppression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and integrin αv and integrin β3
Authors: Petpiroon Nareerat , Sritularak Boonchoo , Chanvorachote Pithi
Published: December 2017

Background

The conversion of the epithelial phenotype of cancer cells into cells with a mesenchymal phenotype-so-called epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-has been shown to enhance the capacity of the cells to disseminate throughout the body. EMT is therefore becoming a potential target for anti-cancer drug discovery. Here, we showed that phoyunnanin E, a compound isolated from Dendrobium venustum, possesses anti-migration activity and addressed its mechanism of action.

Methods

The cytotoxic and proliferative effects of phoyunnanin E on human non-small cell lung cancer-derived H460, H292, and A549 cells and human keratinocyte HaCaT cells were investigated by MTT assay. The effect of phoyunnanin E on EMT was evaluated by determining the colony formation and EMT markers. The migration and invasion of H460, H292, A549 and HaCaT cells was evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay, respectively. EMT markers, integrins and migration-associated proteins were examined by western blot analysis.

Results

Phoyunnanin E at the concentrations of 5 and 10 μM, which are non-toxic to H460, H292, A549 and HaCaT cells showed good potential to inhibit the migratory activity of three types of human lung cancer cells. The anti-migration effect of phoyunnanin E was shown to relate to the suppressed EMT phenotypes, including growth in anchorage-independent condition, cell motility, and EMT-specific protein markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, slug, and snail). In addition to EMT suppression, we found that phoyunnanin E treatment with 5 and 10 μM could decrease the cellular level of integrin αv and integrin β3, these integrins are frequently up-regulated in highly metastatic tumor cells. We further characterized the regulatory proteins in cell migration and found that the cells treated with phoyunnanin E exhibited a significantly lower level of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and phosphorylated ATP-dependent tyrosine kinase (p-AKT), and their downstream effectors (including Ras-related C3 botulinum (Rac-GTP); Cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42); and Ras homolog gene family, member A (Rho-GTP)) in comparison to those of the non-treated control.

Conclusions

We have determined for the first time that phoyunnanin E could inhibit the motility of lung cancer cells via the suppression of EMT and metastasis-related integrins. This new information could support further development of this compound for anti-metastasis approaches.
Selective data extension for full-waveform inversion: An efficient solution for cycle skipping
Authors: Wu Zedong , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: December 2017

Standard full-waveform inversion (FWI) attempts to minimize the difference between observed and modeled data. However, this difference is obviously sensitive to the amplitude of observed data, which leads to difficulties because we often do not process data in absolute units and because we usually do not consider density variations, elastic effects, or more complicated physical phenomena. Global correlation methods can remove the amplitude influence for each trace and thus can mitigate such difficulties in some sense. However, this approach still suffers from the well-known cycle-skipping problem, leading to a flat objective function when observed and modeled data are not correlated well enough. We optimize based on maximizing not only the zero-lag global correlation but also time or space lags of the modeled data to circumvent the half-cycle limit. We use a weighting function that is maximum value at zero lag and decays away from zero lag to balance the role of the lags. The resulting objective function is less sensitive to the choice of the maximum lag allowed and has a wider region of convergence compared with standard FWI. Furthermore, we develop a selective function, which passes to the gradient calculation only positive correlations, to mitigate cycle skipping. Finally, the resulting algorithm has better convergence behavior than conventional methods. Application to the Marmousi model indicates that this method converges starting with a linearly increasing velocity model, even with data free of frequencies less than 3.5 Hz. Application to the SEG2014 data set demonstrates the potential of our method.
A tour of Marchenko redatuming: Focusing the subsurface wavefield
Authors: Cui Tianci , Vasconcelos Ivan , Manen Dirk-Jan van , Wapenaar Kees
Published: December 2017

Marchenko redatuming can retrieve the impulse response to a subsurface virtual source from the single-sided surface reflection data with limited knowledge of the medium. We illustrate the concepts and practical aspects of Marchenko redatuming on a simple 1D acoustic lossless medium in which the coupled Marchenko equations are exact. Defined in a truncated version of the actual medium, the Marchenko focusing functions focus the wavefields at the virtual source location and are responsible for the subsequent retrieval of the downgoing and upgoing components of the medium's impulse response. In real seismic exploration, where we have no access to the truncated medium, we solve the coupled Marchenko equations by iterative substitution, relying on the causality relations between the focusing functions and the desired Green's functions along with an initial estimate of the downgoing focusing function. We show that the amplitude accuracy of the initial focusing function influences that of the retrieved Green's functions. During each iteration, propagating an updated focusing function into the actual medium can be approximated by explicit convolution with the broadband reflection seismic data after appropriate processing, which acts as a proxy for the true medium's reflection response.
Memorial
Authors: Wren Easton
Published: December 2017

Lawrence C. Wood passed away 10 November 2017, after a short illness. He graduated from Stanford with a BS in geophysics in 1959, an MS in geophysics from the same university in 1960, and a PhD in geophysics from the University of Utah in 1966.
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: December 2017

The following is an excerpt from Episode 24 of SEG's Seismic Soundoff podcast. In this episode, Andrew Geary speaks with Vladimir Grechka and Werner M. Heigl about their new book, Microseismic Monitoring, available for purchase at https://seg.org/shop . Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast .
Total Knee Arthroplasty Revision in a Patient With End-Stage Heart Failure With a Left Ventricular Assist Device Using Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Case Report
Authors: Kim James K. , Nguyen Van
Published: December 2017

We report the successful use of peripheral nerve blocks for provision of surgical anesthesia for knee surgery in a patient who had end-stage heart failure, who was supported by a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device, and who was anticoagulated. We discuss the anesthetic implications involved in the care of patients being anticoagulated and on left ventricular assist device.
Mms19 is a mitotic gene that permits Cdk7 to be fully active as a Cdk-activating kinase
Authors: Nag Rishita Narendra , Niggli Selina , Sousa-Guimarães Sofia , Vazquez-Pianzola Paula , Suter Beat
Published: December 2017

Mms19 encodes a cytosolic iron-sulphur assembly component. We found that Drosophila Mms19 is also essential for mitotic divisions and for the proliferation of diploid cells. Reduced Mms19 activity causes severe mitotic defects in spindle dynamics and chromosome segregation, and loss of zygotic Mms19 prevents the formation of imaginal discs. The lack of mitotic tissue in Mms19P/P larvae can be rescued by overexpression of the Cdk-activating kinase (CAK) complex, an activator of mitotic Cdk1, suggesting that Mms19 functions in mitosis to allow CAK (Cdk7/Cyclin H/Mat1) to become fully active as a Cdk1-activating kinase. When bound to Xpd and TFIIH, the CAK subunit Cdk7 phosphorylates transcriptional targets and not cell cycle Cdks. In contrast, free CAK phosphorylates and activates Cdk1. Physical and genetic interaction studies between Mms19 and Xpd suggest that their interaction prevents Xpd from binding to the CAK complex. Xpd bound to Mms19 therefore frees CAK complexes, allowing them to phosphorylate Cdk1 and facilitating progression to metaphase. The structural basis for the competitive interaction with Xpd seems to be the binding of Mms19, core TFIIH and CAK to neighbouring or overlapping regions of Xpd.
TheDrosophila Retgene functions in the stomatogastric nervous system with the Maverick TGFβ ligand and theGfrlco-receptor
Authors: Myers Logan , Perera Hiran , Alvarado Michael G. , Kidd Thomas
Published: December 2017

The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is critical for the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), acting as a receptor for Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) via GFR co-receptors. Drosophila has a well-conserved RET homologue (Ret) that has been proposed to function independently of the Gfr-like co-receptor (Gfrl). We find that Ret is required for development of the stomatogastric (enteric) nervous system (SNS) in both embryos and larvae, and its loss results in feeding defects. Live imaging analysis suggests that peristaltic waves are initiated but not propagated in mutant midguts. Examination of axons innervating the midgut reveals increased branching but the area covered by the branches is decreased. This phenotype can be rescued by Ret expression. Additionally, Gfrl shares the same ENS and feeding defects, suggesting that Ret and Gfrl might function together to respond to a ligand. We identified the TGFβ family member Maverick (Mav) as a ligand for Gfrl and a Mav chromosomal deficiency displayed similar embryonic ENS defects. Our results suggest that the Ret and Gfrl families co-evolved before the separation of invertebrate and vertebrate lineages.
Curcumin and derivatives function through protein phosphatase 2A and presenilin orthologues in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Cocorocchio Marco , Baldwin Amy J. , Stewart Balint , Kim Lou , Harwood Adrian J. , Thompson Christopher R. L. , Andrews Paul L. R. , Williams Robin S. B.
Published: December 2017

Natural compounds often have complex molecular structures and unknown molecular targets. These characteristics make them difficult to analyse using a classical pharmacological approach. Curcumin, the main curcuminoid of turmeric, is a complex molecule possessing wide-ranging biological activities, cellular mechanisms and roles in potential therapeutic treatment, including Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Here, we investigate the physiological effects and molecular targets of curcumin in Dictyostelium discoideum. We show that curcumin exerts acute effects on cell behaviour, reduces cell growth and slows multicellular development. We employed a range of structurally related compounds to show the distinct role of different structural groups in curcumin's effects on cell behaviour, growth and development, highlighting active moieties in cell function, and showing that these cellular effects are unrelated to the well-known antioxidant activity of curcumin. Molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of curcumin and one synthetic analogue (EF24) were then investigated to identify a curcumin-resistant mutant lacking the protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit (PsrA) and an EF24-resistant mutant lacking the presenilin 1 orthologue (PsenB). Using in silico docking analysis, we then showed that curcumin might function through direct binding to a key regulatory region of PsrA. These findings reveal novel cellular and molecular mechanisms for the function of curcumin and related compounds.
Magnificent magpie colours by feathers with layers of hollow melanosomes
Authors: Stavenga Doekele G. , Leertouwer Hein L. , Wilts Bodo D.
Published: December 2017

The blue secondary and purple-to-green tail feathers of magpies are structurally coloured due to stacks of hollow, air-containing melanosomes embedded in the keratin matrix of the barbules. We investigated the feathers’ spectral and spatial reflection characteristics by applying (micro)spectrophotometry and imaging scatterometry. To interpret the spectral data, we performed optical modelling, applying the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method as well as an effective media approach, treating the melanosome stacks as multilayers with effective refractive indices dependent on the component media. The differently coloured magpie feathers are realised by adjusting the melanosome size, with the diameter of the melanosomes as well as their hollowness being the most sensitive parameters that influence the appearance of the feathers.