bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Tumor Study of H6, a 4-Substituted Coumarins Derivative, Loaded Biodegradable Self-Assembly Nano-Micelles In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhu Zejiang , Su Zhengying , Yang Jianhong , Liu Huili , Tang Minghai , Hu Qiaoqiao , Bai Peng , Wen Jiaolin , He Jun , Niu Ting , Chen Lijuan
Published: June 2019

In our previous study, we identified a class of 4-substituted coumarins as a powerful microtubule inhibitors binding to the colchicine site of β-tubulin. H6 showed potent anti-proliferative ability with IC50 values from 7 to 47 nM, and remarkable ability to reduce
tumor growth in several xenograft models including taxol resistant tumor models. However, the extremely hydrophobicity limited its clinical application. In this study, to improve the anticancer activity and reduce the toxicity of H6, we successfully prepared MPEG-PCL with different proportions
and H6-loaded polymeric micelles (H6/MPEG2kPCL2k micelles) by a simple thin-film hydration method. The prepared H6/MPEG-PCL micelles had a drug loading of 3.79 ± 0.001%, an encapsulation efficiency of 98.00 ± 0.41%, a mean particle size of 30.45 ± 0.18nm and a polydispersity
index (PDI) of 0.096 ± 0.009. Computer simulation results revealed a good compatibility of H6 and MPEG2k-PCL2k copolymer. In in vitro release study and pharmacokinetic study showed H6 micelles can release H6 over an extended period. Furthermore, H6 micelles
possessed comparative effect as free H6 in inhibiting cell growth, preventing cell migration, and inducing apoptosis. Mechanism study identified that H6 is a novel reversible microtubule inhibitor. In in vivo studies, H6 micelles exhibited tumor growth inhibition on two pulmonary metastatic
tumor models (B16/F10 and 4T1). Importantly, H6 micelles significantly improved the solubility, reduced the toxicity, extended the half-life of drugs, and augmented the therapeutic window. All these results imply that H6 micelles have great potential for suppression of tumor metastasis.
Using Worked Examples to Improve Student Understanding of Atmospheric Dynamics
Authors: Davenport Casey E.
Published: June 2019

Atmospheric dynamics can represent a significant hurdle for students; the need to successfully apply concepts from calculus and physics, as well as the sometimes counterintuitive nature of fluid flow, combine to produce frustration and suboptimal learning. Additionally, there is often an emphasis on equation derivations and theory, rather than real-world applications. A new approach for teaching atmospheric dynamics, known as worked examples, is discussed herein. This pedagogy resolves identified challenges in a few ways: 1) reducing the cognitive load of students by explicitly demonstrating (via an expert-constructed guide) how mathematics and physics are applied to the atmosphere; 2) utilizing (as much as appropriate) real-world scenarios to demonstrate how equations explain what we observe; and 3) providing opportunities for students to critically examine the scenario, the relevant math and physics, and the underlying theory via a series of self-explanation prompts throughout the example. This study provides detailed information on the creation and implementation of worked examples in the two-semester atmospheric dynamics course sequence at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Comparisons in performance between students who took the course as a traditional lecture and derivation-based course and those who were subject to the worked examples pedagogy identify significant improvements with the new approach, especially for first-semester dynamics. Students also express deep satisfaction with the hands-on, application-based pedagogy.
Summer Climate Change in the Midwest and Great Plains due to Agricultural Development during the Twentieth Century
Authors: Nikiel Catherine A. , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: June 2019

Agricultural development is among the most significant forms of land-use change globally. In central North America it has consisted of cropland expansion in the early 1900s, yield intensification starting in the 1930s, and the development of large irrigated areas beginning in the 1950s. The area of this study encompasses the Midwest and Great Plains of the United States not only because significant agricultural change has occurred here but also because of the significant cooling (warming hole) there in the midcentury. This study investigates the relative contribution of agricultural development and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the observed patterns of regional changes in summer temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration using a long-term twentieth-century reanalysis dataset (CERA-20C) as boundary conditions for simulations with the MIT Regional Climate Model (MRCM). Temperatures in the Great Plains (33°–43°N, 95°–109°W) and the Midwest (38°–48°N, 82°–109°W) would have been significantly higher in the second half of the twentieth century without the influence of agricultural development, largely due to an increase in evaporative cooling. The simulations of precipitation changes reflect a significant influence of global SST teleconnections at decadal time scales. Numerical simulations also demonstrate the competing effects of cropland expansion and yield intensification on shaping the observed pattern of increases in precipitation. Ultimately, a combination of agricultural development and decadal variability of global sea surface temperatures (SST) explains most of the observed variability of summer temperature and precipitation during the twentieth century over central North America.
Colonialism, Land, Ethnicity, and Class: Namibia after the Second National Land Conference
Authors: Melber Henning
Published: June 2019

Since independence in March 1990, the unequal distribution and ownership of land as a leftover of colonial-era dispossession and appropriation has been a major issue of sociopolitical contestation in Namibia. This article summarises the structural colonial legacy and the efforts made towards land reform. Reference points are the country’s first national land reform conference in 1991 and the second national land reform conference in October 2018. The analysis points to the contradictory factors at play, seeking to contextualise land reform in between the colonial legacy of racial discrepancies and ethnicity as well as class, as more contemporary influencing factors.
eHealth Literacy in Otolaryngology Patients
Authors: Bailey Christopher Eric , Kohler William J. , Makary Chadi , Davis Kristin , Sweet Nicholas , Carr Michele
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare eHealth literacy—one’s perception of one’s ability to use the Internet for health care—among otolaryngology patients in 3 geographic settings of the same department.

Setting:

An academic otolaryngology department.

Method:

Patients’ opinions and perceptions of their eHealth literacy were assessed with a validated paper survey administered in the summer of 2017.

Results:

Of 381 asked, 351 people completed the survey, 149 at a university town teaching hospital clinic (group A), 101 at a nearby rural clinic (group B), and 101 at a remote rural clinic (group C). Mean scores were 30.80, 28.97, and 29.03 for groups A, B, and C, respectively. The overall mean was 29.76 ± 5.97. Three surveys reported the minimum score of 8, and 26 reported the maximum score of 40. Results were statistically significantly different among all sites ( P = .001), between groups A and B ( P = .027), and between groups A and C ( P = .0175). Women reported higher eHealth literacy (30.13 ± 6.27) than men (28.87 ± 5.11) ( P = .045). Participant age and role (patient or parent of a patient) were statistically insignificant. Mean scores were similar to those previously reported in other patient populations.

Conclusions:

Otolaryngology patients in a university town had better eHealth literacy than patients in more rural settings, suggesting that online medical resources and access points are less likely to be useful in rural populations.
Preparedness of Instrumental Music Majors Teaching Elementary General Music
Authors: Kuebel Christa R.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this multiple-case study was to examine the career development, choices, and goals of elementary general music teachers who identified as instrumental majors during their undergraduate degree programs. Data collection included a questionnaire, interviews, participant journals, and observation field notes; data were organized using the theoretical framework of social cognitive career theory. Themes are presented in two categories: internal influences (self-efficacy and perceived differences between elementary music and instrumental music) and external influences (economy, undergraduate preparation, and working in elementary general music). Implications regarding the development of self-efficacy and preparation for teaching outside of one’s specialization are discussed.
Use of ductus arteriosus for reconstruction of aortic arch in a neonate
Authors: Mahajan Sachin , Kumar Vikas , Raja Javid , Thingnam Shyam Kumar Singh , Barwad Parag
Published: June 2019

The ductus arteriosus is rarely used for reconstruction of the aortic arch in neonates. A 2-week-old neonate presented with type A interrupted aortic arch with obstructive supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. The ductus arteriosus was used for reconstruction of the aortic arch, and repair of the total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was carried out simultaneously. After 1.5 years of follow-up, there was no ductal narrowing, no gradient in the arch, and a mild gradient across the anastomosis between the common chamber and the left atrium.
Do published patient decision aids for end-of-life care address patients’ decision-making needs? A systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Phillips Georgina , Lifford Kate , Edwards Adrian , Poolman Marlise , Joseph-Williams Natalie
Published: June 2019

Background:

Many decisions are made by patients in their last months of life, creating complex decision-making needs for these individuals. Identifying whether currently existing patient decision aids address the full range of these patient decision-making needs will better inform end-of-life decision support in clinical practice.

Aims and design:

This systematic review aimed to (a) identify the range of patients’ decision-making needs and (b) assess the extent to which patient decision aids address these needs.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL electronic literature databases were searched (January 1990–January 2017), supplemented by hand-searching strategies. Eligible literature reported patient decision-making needs throughout end-of-life decision-making or were evaluations of patient decision aids. Identified decision aid content was mapped onto and assessed against all patient decision-making needs that were deemed ‘addressable’.

Results:

Twenty-two studies described patient needs, and seven end-of-life patient decision aids were identified. Patient needs were categorised, resulting in 48 ‘addressable’ needs. Mapping needs to patient decision aid content showed that 17 patient needs were insufficiently addressed by current patient decision aids. The most substantial gaps included inconsistent acknowledgement, elicitation and documentation of how patient needs varied individually for the level of information provided, the extent patients wanted to participate in decision-making, and the extent they wanted their families and associated healthcare professionals to participate.

Conclusion:

Patient decision-making needs are broad and varied. Currently developed patient decision aids are insufficiently addressing patient decision-making needs. Improving future end-of-life patient decision aid content through five key suggestions could improve patient-focused decision-making support at the end of life.
A cost comparison of regional citrate versus low-dose systemic heparin anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Dissanayake Chathuri U , Bharat Chrianna I , Roberts Brigit L , Anstey Matthew HR
Published: June 2019

We compared the cost of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in critically ill patients using two different anticoagulation strategies: regional citrate and low-dose systemic heparin in a single-centre, prospective observational study in an adult Australian tertiary intensive care unit (ICU). All patients receiving CRRT between October 2015 and May 2016 were included in the study. Costs were modelled using the number of filter sets, number of dialysis bags, amount of citrate, heparin and calcium replacement required, and cost of monitoring the anticoagulation. The primary outcome was cost associated with CRRT per patient per day. The secondary outcome was efficacy of CRRT. In total, 66 patients were commenced on dialysis that required anticoagulation. Twenty-four patients were commenced on regional citrate anticoagulation and 42 patients commenced on systemic low-dose heparin anticoagulation. Median filter life, though not statistically significant, was longer in the citrate group by 7.7 hours ( P=0.152), however the median cost of anticoagulation was AUD$317.91 higher in the citrate than the heparin group per patient per day ( P=0.0020). While regional citrate anticoagulation may prolong filter life, it is also more expensive than low-dose systemic heparin. Choice of anticoagulation in CRRT should include cost as one of the variables that clinicians consider.
Risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and mortality in patients with migraine receiving prophylactic treatments: An observational cohort study
Authors: Hoffman Veena , Xue Fei , Ezzy Stephen M , Yusuf Akeem , Green Edward , Eisele Osa , Kurth Tobias , Seeger John D
Published: June 2019

Introduction

This study quantified risks of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and mortality events among patients with migraine receiving prophylaxis.

Methods

Patients with migraine aged 18–65 years were identified from 2010 through 2015 within a United States administrative claims database. Topiramate initiators during follow-up were propensity score-matched separately to anticonvulsant, cardiovascular treatment, antidepressant, and other prophylactic treatment initiators. Incident outcomes were identified, and hazard ratios were calculated comparing outcome occurrence among topiramate initiators relative to each comparator. A case-control analysis was nested within the full migraine cohort, and odds ratios quantified the association between outcomes and use or non-use of individual prophylactic treatments (anticonvulsants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, beta blockers, antihypertensives, tricyclic antidepressants, and other prophylactic treatments).

Results

The cohort included 119,243 patients with migraine. The matched topiramate initiators had a lower mortality risk versus antidepressant (hazard ratio: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.83) and anticonvulsant initiators (hazard ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.84). In the case-control analysis, increased risks of several outcomes were observed with all prophylactic treatments relative to non-use of that treatment (odds ratios range from 1.54 to 7.90, and 95% CIs exclude 1.0) except for topiramate and calcium channel blockers.

Conclusions

Although increased risks for several outcomes were observed with certain prophylactic treatments, the treatments other than topiramate likely represent markers for outcome risk factors that developed or progressed after cohort entry, rather than being a direct effect of the treatments. Factors including migraine severity, frequency, and other treatment indications should be considered in future migraine prophylactic treatment safety assessments.
“Having a Child Meant I had a Real Life”: Reproductive Coercion and Childbearing Motivations Among Young Black Men Living in Baltimore
Authors: Alexander Kamila A. , Arrington Sanders Renata , Grace Karen Trister , Thorpe Roland J. , Doro Elizabeth , Bowleg Lisa
Published: June 2019

Despite disproportionate health outcome disparities experienced by Black women, reproductive coercion (RC), a range of behaviors to promote unwanted pregnancy and childbearing motivations among poor young Black men are underexamined in current empirical literature. We aimed to describe perceptions of RC behaviors and childbearing motivations among poor young Black men in Baltimore City. We recruited a convenience sample of young Black men aged 18 to 25 ( N = 25). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and demographic surveys. Thematic analysis was guided by Miller’s Traits-Desires-Intentions-Behaviors (TDIB) framework. According to survey data ( N = 23), mean age was 22 (2.1). Majority of participants reported sexual relationships with one person (74%; n = 17), almost half (48%; n = 12) were biological fathers, and six (26%) participants reported using RC toward an intimate partner; three (13%) reported experiencing RC behaviors from a female partner. According to qualitative interviews ( N = 25), participants described perceived women-partner motivations for RC as entrapment. Childbearing motivations were influenced by (a) legacies and bonding and (b) escaping/correcting the past. Childbearing desires included (a) love feelings and intimacy and (b) good father. Childbearing intentions included (a) resistance to medical interventions and (b) preparation. Perceptions of RC and childbearing motivations reflected desires from participants to fulfill cultural expectations for conventional masculinity and enhance personal dreams for fatherhood. Although some perceptions and behavior patterns aligned with previous studies, RC was relatively rare in this sample. Findings demonstrated nuanced antithesis to stereotypical notions of young Black men and fatherhood. Provision of reproductive care for young men and their sexual partners should include discussions about RC, pregnancy motivations, and healthy sexual communication strategies.
Step It Up! Prioritization of Community Supports for Walking Among US Adults
Authors: Hyde Eric T. , Omura John D. , Watson Kathleen B. , Fulton Janet E. , Carlson Susan A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities ( Call to Action) presents goals and supporting strategies to promote walking. We assessed the presence and prioritization of 4 community supports for walking related to the goals of the Call to Action from the perspective of US adults.

Design:

Cross-sectional web-based survey.

Setting:

US adults.

Participants:

A total of 4043 respondents.

Measures:

SummerStyles 2016 survey assessing the reported presence and prioritization of 4 community supports for walking.

Analysis:

Estimated prevalence of the presence of supports overall and by demographic characteristics, and prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios of their prioritization.

Results:

The most commonly reported community supports for walking were access to walkable locations (46.5%) and safe streets (29.2%), followed by walking groups (12.9%) and promotional campaigns (9.6%). Access to walkable locations (60.0%) and safe streets (50.6%) were most often prioritized by respondents, followed by promotional campaigns (23.6%) and walking groups (18.8%). Many differences in prioritization by demographic characteristics remained significant after adjusting for presence and other demographic characteristics, such as increased prioritization of all supports with older age groups.

Conclusions:

Presence and prioritization of community supports for walking varied widely by type of support and by demographic characteristics. Opportunities exist to improve access and public sentiment related to these supports to promote walking in the United States.
Indo-Fijian women and sportive activity: A critical race feminism approach
Authors: Sugden Jack Thomas , Kanemasu Yoko , Adair Daryl
Published: June 2019

There are no reliable statistics about female participation in Fijian sport, yet it is well known by locals (though not widely understood) that engagement in sportive activities is rare among Indo-Fijian girls and women. This paper is the first attempt to explore how and why that is so. That said, there is an important caveat: we are not insisting that sportive activities are an inherent good. Indeed, for some cultural groups, Western-invented competitive sport may be of no interest; similarly, tangential forms of human movement, such as recreational pursuits like cycling or gym sessions, may be just as uninspiring. In that sense, the main thrust of our inquiry is the sportive experiences of Indo-Fijian female athletes, yet we have also sought feedback from those charged with the responsibility of managing sportive programmes. These combined perspectives are intended to provide a preliminary entree into the much larger – hitherto unexplored – question of what attitudes, opportunities and constraints are associated with sportive activities for Indo-Fijian girls and women. The paper adopts a critical race feminism framework: the goal was to accentuate females of colour (in this case Indo-Fijian women) by hearing their voices and, with their permission, reporting what they had to say. The paper nonetheless provides an adaptation to critical race feminism theory: it also engaged with individuals – whether women or men – charged with the responsibility of managing sportive activities. In that sense, we were interested in individual agency and experience on the part of athletic Indo-Fijian women, but also wanted to understand how (or if) local sport administrators understood ethnic diversity among female athletes, including – in our case – the involvement (or otherwise) of Indo-Fijian females.
Molecular Characterization and Gene Expression of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 in Tor tambroides Exposed to Temperature Stress
Authors: Do Thinh Dinh , Thi Mai Nguyen , Duy Khoa Tran Nguyen , Abol-Munafi Ambok Bolong , Liew Hon Jung , Kim Chang-Bae , Wong Li Lian
Published: June 2019

Temperature is an abiotic factor that affects various biological and physiological processes in fish. Temperature stress is known to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that subsequently cause oxidative stress. Fish is known to evolve a system of antioxidant enzymes to reduce ROS toxicology. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family consists of key enzymes that protect fish from oxidative stress. In this study, full-length GPx1 cDNA (GenBank accession no. KY984468) of Tor tambroides was cloned and characterized by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The 899-base-pair (bp) GPx1 cDNA includes a 576-bp open reading frame encoding for 191 amino acids, plus 28 bp of 5′-untranslated region (UTR) and 295 bp of 3′-UTR. Homology analysis revealed that GPx1 of T tambroides (Tor-GPx1) shared high similarity with GPx1 sequences of other fish species. The phylogenetic construction based on the amino acid sequence showed that Tor-GPx1 formed a clade with GPx1 sequences of various fish species. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to assess the levels of GPx1 gene expression in the liver and muscle of T tambroides under thermal stress. The results indicated that GPx1 gene expression was down-regulated under decreased temperature. However, there was no significant difference between GPx1 gene expression in fish exposed to high temperature and control. Our study provides the first data regarding GPx gene expression in T tambroides under thermal stress.
Is it Selection or Socialization? Disentangling Peer Influences on Heavy Drinking and Marijuana Use Among Adolescents Whose Parents Received Brief Interventions
Authors: Becker Sara J , Marceau Kristine , Hernandez Lynn , Spirito Anthony
Published: June 2019

This study attempted to disentangle the effects of peer selection and socialization on heavy drinking and marijuana use among adolescents whose parents received 2 distinct brief interventions (BIs). It also examined whether the two BI models—Family Check-Up and Psychoeducation—had differential effects on peer processes. Parents were randomized to BI conditions and their adolescents (61% male, age 12-19 years) completed self-report measures of days of heavy drinking, days of marijuana use, and perceived peer substance involvement at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Separate cross-lagged panel models revealed evidence of selection and socialization for both heavy drinking and marijuana over the first 6 months and evidence of only selection over the subsequent 6 months. Consistent with prior studies, a less robust pattern of peer processes was found when simultaneously controlling for both heavy drinking and marijuana. Results highlight the need to examine multiple substances simultaneously and suggest that the BIs may have had protective effects on peer influences over time.
History-writing in Turkey through securitization discourses and gendered narratives
Authors: Bezirgan-Tanış Bengi
Published: June 2019

Since the official history-writing is a defining aspect for the formation and consolidation of nation-states, it is crucial to explore the attempts to legitimize particular discourses regarding historical atrocities. The selective representations of the past, in this regard, contradict counter-memories and propagate hegemonic patterns of remembrance and/or forgetting of past crimes. This article accordingly addresses how the representations of counter-memories as threats to national security and the silencing of gender-specific experiences and remembrances by sanctioned historical narratives become manifest in the history-making of the Turkish nation-state. By focusing on the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide as two cases of crimes against humanity, it is intended to discuss the shifting positions and roles that the Turkish state adopts in the remembering and forgetting of historical offences. The article argues that through prioritizing national security and national interests, the securitization of memory reconstructs collective traumas of distinct ethnic and religious groups on the basis of a nation-state’s perceived internal and external threats. It also claims that the competing voices of women and their distinct experiences and patterns of remembrance and forgetting past atrocities are suppressed for the sake of the preservation of national security. By incorporating the issue of gender into the debate on the securitization of memory, this article elucidates the mismatch between positions of femininity and masculinity within the official national historiography of the Turkish state.
Prediction and prevention of hypoglycaemic events in type-1 diabetic patients using machine learning
Authors: Vehí Josep , Contreras Iván , Oviedo Silvia , Biagi Lyvia , Bertachi Arthur
Published: June 2019

Tight blood glucose control reduces the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, this is very difficult due to the large intra-individual variability and other factors that affect glycaemic control. The main limiting factor to achieve strict control of glucose levels in patients on intensive insulin therapy is the risk of severe hypoglycaemia. Therefore, hypoglycaemia is the main safety problem in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients suffering from this disease. Decision support tools based on machine learning methods have become a viable way to enhance patient safety by anticipating adverse glycaemic events. This study proposes the application of four machine learning algorithms to tackle the problem of safety in diabetes management: (1) grammatical evolution for the mid-term continuous prediction of blood glucose levels, (2) support vector machines to predict hypoglycaemic events during postprandial periods, (3) artificial neural networks to predict hypoglycaemic episodes overnight, and (4) data mining to profile diabetes management scenarios. The proposal consists of the combination of prediction and classification capabilities of the implemented approaches. The resulting system significantly reduces the number of episodes of hypoglycaemia, improving safety and providing patients with greater confidence in decision-making.
Time to change the paradigm? A mixed method study of the preferred and potential features of an asthma self-management app
Authors: Hui Chi Yan , Walton Robert , McKinstry Brian , Pinnock Hilary
Published: June 2019

We explored the potential of asthma apps to support self-management and identified preferred features that enable users to live with asthma. We recruited patients from five UK practices and social media; observed their usage of our app, administered a questionnaire and interviewed a purposive sample of patients and professionals to explore preferred features. Thematic analysis of interview was synthesised with quantitative data. A total of 111 patients used our app for 3 months. We interviewed 15 patients and 16 professionals. Participants were interested in a broad range of self-management support strategies, including action plans, monitoring with feedback, allergy/weather warnings and tailor-made running coaching. Professionals wanted to integrate patients’ logs with practice records, though were concerned about data overload and risk of patient dependency. We propose a paradigm shift - from apps developed to provide features that are easy to implement technologically, to an approach in which apps are designed to deliver theoretically grounded preferred components.
Development and optimization of a resonance-based mechanical dynamic absorber structure for multiple frequencies
Authors: Yoon Gil Ho , Choi Hyunggyu , So Hongyun
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a new dynamic absorber attenuating the vibrations at three resonance frequencies simultaneously. The dynamic vibration responses of mechanical systems with dynamic absorbers are mainly influenced by how close the eigenfrequencies of the installed dynamic absorbers are to the eigenfrequencies of the hosting structure. To suppress structural vibration at single target frequency, it is enough to install a single mass tuned dynamic absorber whose eigenfrequency is tuned to the excitation frequency. To suppress structural vibrations at multiple frequencies, multiple dynamic absorbers whose eigenfrequencies are tuned differently can be installed. Inevitably this approach increases the total weight of the dynamic absorbers and the manufacturing cost. To overcome the limitation and to attenuate vibrations over a wide range of frequencies, a new dynamic absorber without a damper tuned for multiple frequencies was presented in this research. The present dynamic absorber consists of a mass and two arm-beams connected to a hosting structure. By changing the geometric dimensions, it is possible to precisely tune the eigenfrequencies of the dynamic absorbers to those of hosting structure. The present study also adopts an optimization process to tune the geometric parameters based on the numerical optimization algorithm. With several numerical examples and an experiment, the validity of the present dynamic absorber is presented.
Reflecting on the research encounter for people in the early stages of dementia: Lessons from an embedded qualitative study
Authors: Abendstern Michele , Davies Karen , Poland Fiona , Chester Helen , Clarkson Paul , Hughes Jane , Sutcliffe Caroline , Challis David
Published: June 2019

Gathering meaningful data from people with dementia presents challenges to researchers involved in both qualitative and quantitative studies. Careful planning and implementation are required, including skilful and sympathetic management by the researcher who must pay attention to the cognitive challenges experienced by the person with dementia. These challenges are particularly evident when conducting structured interviews using standardised measures. This paper presents the findings of an embedded qualitative study undertaken within a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. The novel method involves nesting a qualitative analysis within a quantitative study by recording incidental conversation during structured interviews, requiring no additional data collection. The method shone a light on the formal interview process itself, something rarely revealed outside the interview setting. It provided a unique insight into the challenges posed by research participation for people in early-stage dementia. Analysis revealed three main themes relating to dementia as a condition and to the research design. First, people with dementia contributed very few conversational comments during the structured interviews. Second, the context of the interview, that is: managing the conversational interchange, responding to direct and often sensitive questions and making decisions about day-to day-feelings and experiences was difficult for participants to manage. Third, people in early stage dementia struggled with the content of the structured interviews due to their linguistic and cognitive demands. The findings raise questions about how people with dementia are included in research and the methods employed to gather accurate data with minimal inconvenience and stress for research participants.
Exploring Research-Methods Blogs in Psychology: Who Posts What About Whom, and With What Effect?
Authors: Nicolas Gandalf , Bai Xuechunzi , Fiske Susan T.
Published: June 2019

During the methods crisis in psychology and other sciences, much discussion developed online in forums such as blogs and other social media. Hence, this increasingly popular channel of scientific discussion itself needs to be explored to inform current controversies, record the historical moment, improve methods communication, and address equity issues. Who posts what about whom, and with what effect? Does a particular generation or gender contribute more than another? Do blogs focus narrowly on methods, or do they cover a range of issues? How do they discuss individual researchers, and how do readers respond? What are some impacts? Web-scraping and text-analysis techniques provide a snapshot characterizing 41 current research-methods blogs in psychology. Bloggers mostly represented psychology’s traditional leaderships’ demographic categories: primarily male, mid- to late career, associated with American institutions, White, and with established citation counts. As methods blogs, their posts mainly concern statistics, replication (particularly statistical power), and research findings. The few posts that mentioned individual researchers substantially focused on replication issues; they received more views, social-media impact, comments, and citations. Male individual researchers were mentioned much more often than female researchers. Further data can inform perspectives about these new channels of scientific communication, with the shared aim of improving scientific practices.
Geopolitics of ports: Factoring Iran in India’s counterbalancing strategy for “Sino-Pak Axis”
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Singh Bawa
Published: June 2019

The article offers an assessment of Iran’s role in India’s foreign policy calculations vis-à-vis Sino-Pak axis. The changing geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics in the post-Cold War era have brought about new possibilities and opportunities in the Eurasian space. Given the geographical conditions and re-emergence of geopolitical competition, regional connectivity through ports has taken a pivotal position in bilateral and multilateral engagements. Therefore, the port geopolitics has become a buzzword in the regional connectivity. India has many geopolitical, geostrategic and geo-economic interests in the Eurasian region. However, the potential has not been realized yet due to the lack of geographical connectivity. In the backdrop of emerging Sino-Pak axis, their moves and countermoves have been limiting India’s multilateral interests including the connectivity across the Eurasian region. In these matrices, Iran’s Chabahar Port due to its strategic location has become a crucial enabler for India. However, Iran has offered investment opportunities even to China and Pakistan in the same project. The existing enmities/competition between India and China-Pakistan has made it difficult for New Delhi to convert the proposed project of Chabahar Port into reality. Against this background, the article would try to give answers to these questions; what are the regional dynamics regarding the Sino-Pak axis to block India’s connectivity with the Eurasian region? And how Iran’s Chabahar Port can be a helping factor in India’s counterbalancing strategy for Sino-Pak axis?
The impact of globalisation on gift systems: An exploratory study of Senegalese migration
Authors: Remy Eric , Ndione Louis César
Published: June 2019

This article highlights the impact of globalisation on gift systems. It is based on a multisited ethnography of traditional Soninke migration in France. Using Mauss’ seminal work as a starting point, the gift register can be used to highlight: (1) the embedding of gift in a total prestation system, (2) changes in the traditional forms of gift and the emergence of a new, hybrid form of gift as a result of Westernisation and (3) the resurgence of identity-related tensions at the individual and collective level as a consequence of the changes in gift forms.
Fine-grained Implicit Memory for Key and Tempo
Authors: Schellenberg E. Glenn , Weiss Michael W. , Peng Chen , Alam Shayan
Published: June 2019

Listeners remember the pitch level (key) and tempo of musical recordings they have heard multiple times. They also have long-term implicit memory for the key and tempo of novel melodies heard for the first time in the laboratory. In previous research, however, the stimulus melodies were simple and repetitive and the changes in key or tempo were large. Here, we tested the limits of implicit memory for the key and tempo of more complex stimulus melodies. Musically trained and untrained listeners heard 12 novel melodies during an exposure phase and 24 (12 old, 12 new) during a subsequent test (recognition) phase. From exposure to test, half of the melodies were transposed up or down (changed in key) (Experiment 1), or sped up or slowed down (Experiment 2), but to varying degrees. Musically trained listeners displayed enhanced recognition, but transposing or changing the tempo of the melodies reduced performance similarly for all listeners. The effect of the key change did not wane as the transposition was reduced from 6 semitones to 1, but recognition in general was worse as the pitch range of the stimulus melodies increased. The magnitude of the tempo change had a very small effect on response patterns, but Bayesian analyses indicated that the observed data were more likely without considering magnitude. The results suggest that musically trained and untrained listeners have implicit memory for key and tempo that is remarkably fine-grained, even for melodies that are heard for the first time in the laboratory, such that small changes in either feature make a melody less recognizable.
MRI Radiological Predictors of Requiring Microscopic Lumbar Discectomy After Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Varlotta Christopher G. , Ge David H. , Stekas Nicholas , Frangella Nicholas J. , Manning Jordan H. , Steinmetz Leah , Vasquez-Montes Dennis , Errico Thomas J. , Bendo John A. , Kim Yong H. , Stieber Jonathan R. , Varlotta Gerard , Fischer Charla R. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Passias Peter G. , Buckland Aaron J.
Published: June 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To investigate radiological differences in lumbar disc herniations (herniated nucleus pulposus [HNP]) between patients receiving microscopic lumbar discectomy (MLD) and nonoperative patients.

Methods:

Patients with primary treatment for an HNP at a single academic institution between November 2012 to March 2017 were divided into MLD and nonoperative treatment groups. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), axial HNP area; axial canal area; HNP canal compromise; HNP cephalad/caudal migration and HNP MRI signal (black, gray, or mixed) were measured. T test and chi-square analyses compared differences in the groups, binary logistic regression analysis determined odds ratios (ORs), and decision tree analysis compared the cutoff values for risk factors.

Results:

A total of 285 patients (78 MLD, 207 nonoperative) were included. Risk factors for MLD treatment included larger axial HNP area ( P < .01, OR = 1.01), caudal migration, and migration magnitude ( P < .05, OR = 1.90; P < .01, OR = 1.14), and gray HNP MRI signal ( P < .01, OR = 5.42). Cutoff values for risks included axial HNP area (70.52 mm2, OR = 2.66, P < .01), HNP canal compromise (20.0%, OR = 3.29, P < .01), and cephalad/caudal migration (6.8 mm, OR = 2.43, P < .01). MLD risk for those with gray HNP MRI signal (67.6% alone) increased when combined with axial HNP area >70.52 mm2 (75.5%, P = .01) and HNP canal compromise >20.0% (71.1%, P = .05) cutoffs. MLD risk in patients with cephalad/caudal migration >6.8 mm (40.5% alone) increased when combined with axial HNP area and HNP canal compromise (52.4%, 50%; P < .01).

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent MLD treatment had significantly different axial HNP area, frequency of caudal migration, magnitude of cephalad/caudal migration, and disc herniation MRI signal compared to patients with nonoperative treatment.
Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Implications of Surgical Management
Authors: Boyer Robin , Sidhu Ramanjeet , Ghandforoush Aslan , Win Theingi , Heidari Arash
Published: June 2019

Persistent left superior vena cava is the most common congenital anomaly of thoracic venous return, which results when the left anterior cardinal vein fails to regress. A 41-year-old African American male with a history of an unspecified childhood cardiac murmur presented to the emergency department with congestive heart failure exacerbation revealing an incidental finding of a persistent left superior vena cava. Ultimately, he required implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement and cardiac transplantation assessment. In the setting of advanced device placement or cardiac transplantation, a persistent left superior vena cava warrants several important clinical considerations at a center capable of addressing the possibility of a right-sided approach and transplantation irregularities.
Teaching Graduate Students to Evaluate Public Health Programs Through Community-Based Learning
Authors: Joly Brenda M.
Published: June 2019

Public health professionals are increasingly called on to demonstrate program evaluation skills, a core competency for the field. Learning opportunities that are connected to community organizations with identified evaluation needs give students meaningful opportunities to build and test new skills. When thoughtfully implemented, community-based learning benefits both the student and the community, yet there are several important considerations for designing a course that incorporates this feature. This article describes one approach for teaching graduate public health students how to conceptualize and write a comprehensive program evaluation plan for a community agency, based on the needs, priorities, and capacity of that agency. Lessons learned and recommendations for adopting this model are discussed.
Assessment of Ophthalmology Residency Programs in Saudi Arabia: A Trainee-Based Survey
Authors: AlEnezi Saad H , Alfawaz Abdullah M , Al Owaifeer Adi Mohammed , Althiabi Saad M , Tabbara Khalid F
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To assess the satisfaction and competency of Saudi ophthalmology residents and compare their performance against International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) standards.

Methods:

A cross-sectional web-based survey of senior ophthalmology residents (postgraduate years [PGY] 3-4) and recent graduates (from 2010 to 2015) assessed various aspects of training. The questionnaire was sent to the participants and was divided into 3 main domains: demographics, training program evaluation, and preparedness for board exams and clinical practice.

Results:

Out of the 145 invitees, 120 (82.8%) responded. Fifty percent of respondents reported an overall satisfaction with the program. Adequate clinical exposure was reported in most subspecialties except refraction and low vision rehabilitation with inadequate exposure reported by 55.8% and 95.8%, respectively. Surgical exposure was reported as adequate for phacoemulsification (58.3%) and strabismus surgery (68.3%) only. Eighty-nine percent of respondents reported performing less than 80 cases of phacoemulsification. Of the respondents who had graduated, most (89.7%) passed the final board exam at the first attempt. There were 73.5% of respondents who reported that residency training prepared them well for the board exam. Ongoing clinical and call duties were reported as having a negative impact on exam performance.

Conclusions:

Saudi ophthalmology residents demonstrate a high level of clinical competency. However, additional efforts should aim at improving surgical training to increase the level of satisfaction among residents and improve the quality of training to meet international standards.
Outcomes of haploidentical vs matched sibling transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission
Authors: Rashidi Armin , Hamadani Mehdi , Zhang Mei-Jie , Wang Hai-Lin , Abdel-Azim Hisham , Aljurf Mahmoud , Assal Amer , Bajel Ashish , Bashey Asad , Battiwalla Minoo , Beitinjaneh Amer M. , Bejanyan Nelli , Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Bolaños-Meade Javier , Byrne Michael , Cahn Jean-Yves , Cairo Mitchell , Ciurea Stefan , Copelan Edward , Cutler Corey , Daly Andrew , Diaz Miguel-Angel , Farhadfar Nosha , Gale Robert P. , Ganguly Siddhartha , Grunwald Michael R. , Hahn Theresa , Hashmi Shahrukh , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Holland H. Kent , Hossain Nasheed , Kanakry Christopher G. , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Khera Nandita , Koc Yener , Lazarus Hillard M. , Lee Jong-Wook , Maertens Johan , Martino Rodrigo , McGuirk Joseph , Munker Reinhold , Murthy Hemant S. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Nathan Sunita , Nishihori Taiga , Palmisiano Neil , Patel Sagar , Pidala Joseph , Olin Rebecca , Olsson Richard F. , Oran Betul , Ringden Olov , Rizzieri David , Rowe Jacob , Savoie Mary Lynn , Schultz Kirk R. , Seo Sachiko , Shaffer Brian C. , Singh Anurag , Solh Melhem , Stockerl-Goldstein Keith , Verdonck Leo F. , Wagner John , Waller Edmund K. , De Lima Marcos , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Litzow Mark , Weisdorf Dan , Romee Rizwan , Saber Wael
Published: June 2019

HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT) using posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) has improved donor availability. However, a matched sibling donor (MSD) is still considered the optimal donor. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database, we compared outcomes after Haplo-HCT vs MSD in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1). Data from 1205 adult CR1 AML patients (2008-2015) were analyzed. A total of 336 patients underwent PT-Cy–based Haplo-HCT and 869 underwent MSD using calcineurin inhibitor–based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The Haplo-HCT group included more reduced-intensity conditioning (65% vs 30%) and bone marrow grafts (62% vs 7%), consistent with current practice. In multivariable analysis, Haplo-HCT and MSD groups were not different with regard to overall survival (P = .15), leukemia-free survival (P = .50), nonrelapse mortality (P = .16), relapse (P = .90), or grade II-IV acute GVHD (P = .98). However, the Haplo-HCT group had a significantly lower rate of chronic GVHD (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.48; P < .001). Results of subgroup analyses by conditioning intensity and graft source suggested that the reduced incidence of chronic GVHD in Haplo-HCT is not limited to a specific graft source or conditioning intensity. Center effect and minimal residual disease–donor type interaction were not predictors of outcome. Our results indicate a lower rate of chronic GVHD after PT-Cy–based Haplo-HCT vs MSD using calcineurin inhibitor–based GVHD prophylaxis, but similar other outcomes, in patients with AML in CR1. Haplo-HCT is a viable alternative to MSD in these patients.