bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enemies of liberty? Nationalism, immigration, and the framing of terrorism in the agenda of the Front National
Authors: Hutchins Rachel D , Halikiopoulou Daphne
Published: August 2019

This paper systematises the framing of the terrorism issue in the programmatic agenda of the Front national (FN) by focusing on nationalism. We argue that the FN's position on terrorism constitutes part of its strategy to justify its anti‐immigrant agenda by offering ideological rather than biological rationalisations for national belonging. To test our argument empirically, we operationalise four categories of nationalism, including ethno‐racial, cultural, political‐civic, and economic, and code official FN materials published in reaction to seven terrorist attacks on French soil during the period 1986–2015. We find that whilst older documents draw on all four categories, Marine Le Pen documents draw almost exclusively on the cultural and political‐civic categories, confirming our argument. Building on the “normalisation” or “de‐demonisation” approach, our nationalism framework presents a distinct theoretical advantage by allowing us to conceptualise the shift in the party's programmatic agenda.
Does international recognition matter? Support for unilateral secession in Catalonia and Scotland
Authors: Muro Diego , Vidal Guillem , Vlaskamp Martijn C
Published: August 2019

How much do the prospects of international recognition of a possible new state affect the domestic support for secession? To answer this research question, we adopted a most similar systems design and conducted a Web‐based survey experiment in Catalonia and Scotland. Respondents were presented with plausible scenarios regarding the international recognition of a hypothetical independent state by other countries and were subsequently asked whether they would support a unilateral declaration of independence. The results show that the prospects of international recognition as a sovereign and independent state influence the degree of support for a unilateral declaration of independence in both cases. This effect was moderated by the intensity of nationalist sentiment and the motivations for independence. Respondents with more outspoken nationalist sentiments were only marginally influenced by these scenarios or treatments. Moreover, participants whose preferences towards secession were driven by ethno‐political motivations were less influenced by international factors than those who wanted an independent state for economic or political reasons.
DAT imaging and myocardial MIBG scintigraphy for Lewy body diseases: A clinical‐neuroimaging study
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Tateno Fuyuki , Aiba Yosuke , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Terada Hitoshi , Inaoka Tsutomu , Nakatsuka Tomoya
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Neuroimaging markers for Lewy body diseases (LBDs) include dopamine transporter (DAT) scanning and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy. It is unknown which marker is more useful for identifying the three major LBD subtypes: Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and the autonomic‐sleep variant. To answer this question, we analyzed clinical‐neuroimaging data of 450 LBD patients.

Methods

This study was a prospective cohort study with a recruiting period of 3.0 years, prospective follow‐up period of 2.0 ± 1.8 years, and visits at least once a year. We recruited 745 referred subjects who had undergone both DAT and MIBG tests, and the inclusion criteria accorded with published criteria of PD, DLB, and the autonomic/sleep variant (at least one of PD/DLB's known early features: orthostatic hypotension, constipation, overactive bladder, and REM sleep behavior disorder [RBD]).

Results

A total of 450 patients fulfilled the criteria. Among the LBD subtypes, the most common was PD (49.3%), followed by DLB (46.4%) and the autonomic/sleep variant (4.2%). DAT and MIBG tests were almost equally abnormal in PD (98.2%, 79.3%, respectively); however, between the two measures, DAT was more frequently abnormal in DLB (82.3%, 56.9%, respectively) and MIBG in the autonomic/sleep variant (57.9%, 94.7%, respectively). Still, these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Between the two neuroimaging tests, the DAT scan tended to parallel brain disease (PD/DLB), while the MIBG test tended to parallel peripheral disease (autonomic/sleep variant).
In search of meaningful work on digital freelancing platforms: the case of design professionals
Authors: Nemkova Ekaterina , Demirel Pelin , Baines Linda
Published: August 2019

Growth of the platform economy has been accompanied by critiques of the fragmented, isolated and precarious nature of the employment it offers. Yet, little is known about how creative freelancers perceive the meaning of work on the platforms. Based on 40 interviews with freelancers, clients, platform owners and industry experts, this paper reveals that most freelancers are concerned about how operating through the platform, and their dependence on it, is undermining the meaningfulness of their work. Freelancers find that the platforms are eroding both the manifest (i.e. monetary) and latent (i.e. non‐monetary) meaning of their work although they are mostly concerned about the latent element of meaning. The analysis reveals that the small group of freelancers who pursue meaningful work and earn a sustainable income on platforms are those with strong entrepreneurial orientation.
Effects of sympathetic modulation in metabolic disease
Authors: Carnagarin Revathy , Lambert Gavin W. , Kiuchi Marcio G. , Nolde Janis M. , Matthews Vance B. , Eikelis Nina , Lambert Elisabeth A. , Schlaich Markus P.
Published: August 2019

Sympathetic overdrive contributes to the derangement of glucose metabolism evident in clinical conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and others. Targeting the sympathetic nervous system directly therefore appears as an attractive therapeutic approach to restore impaired glucose metabolism. Indeed, lifestyle interventions, including healthier diets and exercise, have been shown to exert their beneficial effects at least in part by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity. Pharmacologic inhibition of exaggerated central sympathetic outflow has also been demonstrated to beneficially impact on body weight and glucose and lipid metabolism. More recently, catheter‐based renal denervation, an intervention applied predominantly to lower elevated blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, revealed salutary effects on glucose metabolism. Here, we review the mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of targeting the sympathetic nervous system directly and discuss how these approaches may best be embedded in routine clinical practice.
A systematic review to determine the impact of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on dental implant osseointegration
Authors: Dave M. , Patel N.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used over the counter analgesics for the management of post‐operative pain following dental surgery, including dental implant placement. NSAIDs work through inhibition of the cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) enzyme, in particular the isoform COX‐2. COX‐2 has been shown to induce new bone formation with upregulation of COX‐2 demonstrated following bony fractures. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if NSAID use affects bone healing and osseointegration following dental implant placement.

Methods

Electronic databases (Medline and Embase) were searched in addition to hand searches from reference lists of selected papers. Only randomised control trials were included in this review.

Results

Three studies were included and data provided on bone healing and osseointegration following dental implant surgery (with and without NSAID use) were analysed. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (2.0) were used to assess risk of bias. Two randomised control trials were conducted on animal subjects and one on human participants. One animal study reported significantly reduced bone healing around dental implants following the use of prolonged subcutaneous NSAIDs. No other studies reported any significant findings. There was considerable heterogeneity between included studies.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence exploring the relationship of NSAIDs and dental implant osseointegration and bone healing to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is required in this area.
Prevention of ventricular fibrillation through de‐networking of the Purkinje system
Authors: Imnadze Guram , Zerm Thomas
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Sudden cardiac death from ventricular fibrillation (VF) remains a major health problem worldwide. Currently, there are limited treatment options available to patients who suffer from episodes of VF. Because Purkinje fibers have been implicated as a source of initiation of VF, we are presenting the first paper of a series highlighting the promising results of substrate modulation through “De‐Networking” of the Purkinje system preventing VF in patients without an alternative ablation strategy.

Methods and Results

We studied 10 consecutive patients (two female) all but one implanted with an ICD with documented VF or fast polymorphic Ventricular tachycardia (VT) (five patients without history of structural heart disease, two with ischemic cardiomyopathy, one with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, one with dilated cardiomyopathy, and one with aortic valve disease). After 3D electroanatomical mapping, the left bundle branch (LBB) and left ventricular Purkinje potentials were annotated creating a virtual triangle with the apex formed by the distal LBB and the base by the most distal Purkinje potentials. Linear radiofrequency catheter ablation at the base of the triangle was performed, followed by ablation within the virtual triangle sparing the LBB and both fascicles (“de‐networking”). All patients were treated without complications. During 1‐year follow‐up, only 2/10(20%) patients experienced recurrence in form of a single episode of polymorphic VT/VF.

Conclusion

Catheter ablation of VF through “de‐networking” of the Purkinje system in patients without overt arrhythmia substrate or trigger appears safe and effective and will require further study in a larger patient cohort.
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: Pediatric case series and literature review
Authors: Oberlin Kate E. , Rahnama‐Moghadam Sahand , Alomari Ahmed K. , Haggstrom Anita N.
Published: August 2019

Background

Pediatric Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is an uncommon disease that can be difficult to diagnose. This case series and literature review highlights the clinical features of pediatric DRESS and underscores the differential diagnoses, culprit medications, and need for clinical follow‐up to detect associated autoimmune sequelae.

Objective

To describe the clinical and laboratory features of pediatric DRESS, identify associated culprit medications, and discuss the natural history of disease.

Methods

Ten cases of pediatric DRESS were identified in the electronic medical record by searching the inpatient dermatology consultation list at Indiana University between 2013 and 2018. Clinical and laboratory data were collected including demographics, differential diagnoses, culprit medications, resolution of disease, and autoimmune sequelae.

Results

Pediatric patients with DRESS presented at a mean age of 11.5 years and demonstrated a mean time from drug initiation to onset of symptoms of 4 weeks. The most common inciting drugs included antibiotics (62.5%) followed by antiepileptics (37.5%). Rash and transaminitis resolved by 3 weeks, and 20% of patients, all female, developed autoimmune sequelae including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and an undifferentiated connective tissue disorder and occurred at an average of 14.5 weeks after diagnosis.

Limitations

This was a small retrospective study of an uncommon clinical diagnosis at a single institution.

Conclusions

Pediatric DRESS was most commonly caused by antibiotics which are being increasingly recognized in the literature as the predominant culprit medications. The development of autoimmune sequelae is a notable consequence that can present weeks after illness and may preferentially affect female patients.
Pancreatic fat necrosis in a 10‐year‐old girl: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Boyd Alan S. , Wester Anne C.
Published: August 2019

We report here a case of a young girl with pancreatitis and pancreatic fat necrosis (PFN). This condition is rare in the pediatric age group, and its etiopathogenesis is different from disease in adults. Whereas PFN in adults typically results from pancreatitis secondary to pancreatic duct obstruction, alcohol abuse, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, in children it appears to arise in a setting of systemic disease, often involving a genetic disorder.
“Coexistence Ceasefire” in Mindanao
Authors: Åkebo Malin
Published: August 2019

In the peace and conflict literature, a ceasefire is often conceived as an event or an outcome of an armed conflict. In this paper, I argue that we can gain a better understanding of ceasefires by approaching them as dynamic processes of change and by exploring patterns of interactions and changing relationships in the context of ceasefire. I use this approach in a case study of the ceasefire between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao. I suggest that the Mindanao ceasefire can be conceptualized as a form of “coexistence ceasefire,” and I trace the development of the particular ceasefire structure and interactions to features of the armed conflict, including its territorial dimension and the presence of multiple sources of violence. The paper contributes a new and more nuanced way of studying ceasefires that provides a better understanding of their characteristics and dynamics and of how they shape and in turn are shaped by the broader conflict landscape.
Right‐Wing Ideology as a Predictor of Collective Action: A Test Across Four Political Issue Domains
Authors: Choma Becky , Hodson Gordon , Jagayat Arvin , Hoffarth Mark R.
Published: August 2019

Despite a vast literature documenting motivations for collective action, the role of sociopolitical ideologies, including right‐wing ideologies, in predicting collective action is underresearched. Literature on right‐wing ideological beliefs suggests that those higher in right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) or social dominance orientation (SDO) hold specific attitudes or endorse specific policies, in part, because of factors such as perceived fear‐based threat or empathy. In the present research, structural equation modeling (SEM) was run on pooled data from a diverse Canadian university sample and two American adult samples (total N = 1,469). Participants completed measures of RWA, SDO, fear‐based threat, empathy, and domain‐specific collective action. Results showed that RWA and SDO both related positively to collective action targeting societal moral breakdown but negatively to collective action aimed at equalizing race relations or fighting climate change. Whereas the indirect effects of right‐wing ideologies via fear‐based threat or empathy were significant in all four domains for SDO, the indirect effect of RWA was only significant in the climate change domain. Implications are discussed.
Deleterious effects of probe‐related versus irrelevant targets on the “CIT effect” in the P300‐ and RT‐based three‐stimulus protocol for detection of concealed information
Authors: Olson Joseph , Rosenfeld J. Peter , Perrault Ella
Published: August 2019

Two groups of participants committed the same mock crime in which one of two items, a watch or a ring, was removed from a drawer and concealed. One group, the crime‐familiar group next experienced a three‐stimulus protocol (3SP), a Concealed Information Test (CIT), in which they were tested on the stolen (probe) item presented in a random series of five irrelevant (unseen) stimuli from the same jewelry category. A left‐hand button press, meaning “I don't recognize” was to follow each of these six items. A right‐hand press (“I do recognize”) was to follow the one other presented item, the target item, which in the case of the crime‐familiar group was the other, not‐stolen item in the drawer at the mock crime scene. For the other crime‐unfamiliar group, the target was a sixth unseen irrelevant item as in the original P300 CIT. In terms of P300 latency and reaction time (RT), crime‐familiar participants processed all stimuli faster than crime‐unfamiliar participants. The CIT effects (probe‐minus‐irrelevant differences) for crime‐familiar group members were inferior to those of crime‐unfamiliar group members for RT and P300 amplitude measures. Thus, familiar targets negatively impact the 3SP.
Moving forward: Bronchiectasis and chronic suppurative lung disease in children and adults in the 21st century
Authors: Hill Adam T. , Chang Anne B.
Published: August 2019

Find the whole series here
Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on mortality: A large national cohort study
Authors: Park Hye Yun , Kang Danbee , Lee Hyun , Shin Sun Hye , Kang Minwoong , Kong Sunga , Rhee Chin Kook , Cho Juhee , Yoo Kwang Ha
Published: August 2019

Background and objective

The global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing and COPD patients are at higher risk for all‐cause mortality. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COPD on specific‐cause mortality using national data.

Methods

This was nationwide retrospective cohort study of 340, 767 adults aged 40–84 years who lacked COPD diagnosis at baseline between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2013. Incident COPD was defined by reference to COPD claim codes and prescription of COPD medication at least twice annually. Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) for each cause of death in the COPD group was compared to that of the non‐COPD group, with other causes of death accounted as the competing risk.

Results

All‐cause mortality was higher in the COPD (2,978 per 100, 000 person‐years) than the non‐COPD group (629 per 100, 000 person‐years) and adjusted HR was 1.41 (95% CI = 1.32, 1.50). The association was particularly strong for chronic lower airway disease (adjusted sub‐HR = 9.67; 95% CI = 7.21, 12.96) and lung cancer (adjusted sub‐HR = 3.16; 95% CI = 2.68, 3.71), and the association was stronger in those aged <60 years.

Conclusion

In this large national cohort, COPD patients were at a statistically significant higher risk for all‐cause mortality than those without COPD. They were more likely to die from chronic lower airway disease, lung cancer and pneumonia than subjects without COPD. The impact of COPD on specific mortalities was stronger in younger subjects.
Acute exacerbations of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Brown Kevin K. , Johkoh Takeshi , Kataoka Kensuke , Fukuoka Junya , Kimura Tomoki , Matsuda Toshiaki , Yokoyama Toshiki , Fukihara Jun , Ando Masahiko , Tanaka Tomonori , Hashimoto Naozumi , Sakamoto Koji , Hasegawa Yoshinori
Published: August 2019

Background and objective

Acute exacerbation (AE) is a severe complication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE‐IPF). In 2016, an international working group revised its definition and diagnostic criteria; however, few studies have assessed the frequency and prognosis of AE in patients with other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (FILD).

Methods

We used data from 1019 consecutive interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients initially evaluated between January 2008 and July 2015. All subject diagnoses were made by multidisciplinary discussion in December 2018. ILD was categorized as IPF (n = 462) and other FILD which included non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 22), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n = 29), connective tissue disease‐associated ILD (n = 205) and unclassifiable ILD (n = 209). Using the 2016 definition of AE‐IPF, we identified all subjects with an AE.

Results

During the observational period, 193 patients experienced a first AE (AE‐FILD n = 69, AE‐IPF n = 124). The time to first AE was significantly longer in FILD than IPF (log‐rank test, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potentially influential confounders, FILD remained a significant predictor of longer time to first AE compared with IPF (hazard ratio: 0.453; 95% CI: 0.317–0.647, P = 0.006). In a multivariate Cox proportional analysis, baseline disease severity was closely associated with the incidence of AE‐ILD. Even after adjustment for other clinical variables, AE had a negative impact on overall survival. AE‐FILD and AE‐IPF showed similar poor short‐term outcomes.

Conclusion

All forms of ILD are at risk of AE and have a similar outcome to AE‐IPF.
PARTIAL PRIVATIZATION UNDER ASYMMETRIC MULTI‐MARKET COMPETITION
Authors: Kawasaki Akio , Naito Tohru
Published: August 2019

Under the assumption that a public firm provides goods or services to two markets and that a private firm provides goods or services to one market only, this study examines whether public firms should be privatized. It also investigates how the production quantity of a private firm changes when its degree of privatization increases. We find that when the market share of a duopoly market is large (small), partial privatization (nationalization) is socially preferable. We also find that the quantity produced by the private firm does not always increase along with the degree of privatization.
#BlackLivesMatter: Innovative Black Resistance
Authors: Nummi Jozie , Jennings Carly , Feagin Joe
Published: August 2019

Since 2013, extrajudicial police killings of black people have captured the attention of U.S. and international media, substantially because of the work of leaders in the Black Lives Matter (#BLM) movement. #BLM is simultaneously a group of localized organizations and a broad online social movement. In this article, we examine the #BLM movement in detail, with particular emphasis on the following aspects of the movement: (1) its innovative organizational practices and social media use; (2) its accent on black perspectives (counterframing) of systemic racial oppression, heteronormativity, and capitalism; and (3) its broad emphasis on oppressed Americans, including black women and LGBTQ people. We also situate the #BLM movement within the surrounding system of racial oppression, including the historical role of racialized policing in maintaining social control of blacks. We detail the long tradition of black social movements, especially black feminist organizing, against systemic racial oppression. In doing so, we intend to contribute social movement theorizing that more fully considers powerful counterframed perspectives of black activists in U.S. social movements. Although the #BLM movement reflects black feminism and past civil rights movement struggles, it is a uniquely twenty‐first‐century social movement that uses new technologies for innovative social protest.
Effect of standard clinical procedures on blood glucose concentration in clinically healthy horses
Authors: Hansen Sanni , Stephansen Mia G. , Fjeldborg Julie , van Galen Gaby
Published: August 2019

Background

Blood glucose concentrations fluctuate with stress, but little is known on how it is influenced by clinical procedures. The objective was to investigate the effect of clinical procedures on blood glucose concentration in healthy horses.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, experimental study. Seven hospital‐owned research horses were included in the study. A total of 4 horses were sampled either during a control sedation trial or during 3 different student workshops (prepurchase, oral, and rectal examination—the latter 2 with sedation). Blood samples were taken every 15 minutes and glucose concentration in whole blood was measured immediately with a previously validated handheld glucometer until normalization after the end of the workshops. No food was provided during sampling periods.

Key Findings

All measured blood glucose concentrations remained within reference interval. A significant increase in blood glucose concentration between baseline and peak was found during sedation (P = 0.005) and the oral workshop (P = 0.031). A decrease was found during prepurchase examination (P = 0.006; before exercising). Peak glucose concentration values between the sedation trial and both the oral (P = 0.065) and rectal workshop (P = 0.709) were not statistically different. Glucose measurements returned to baseline 1 hour after completion of the workshops.

Significance

No impact of different clinical procedures on the blood glucose concentration over the effects of sedation was found. It is advisable to wait 1 hour after a procedure to measure blood for glucose concentration in horses.
A mechanistic evaluation of the angiogenic properties of a dehydrated amnion chorion membrane in vitro and in vivo
Authors: McQuilling John P. , Burnette Miranda , Kimmerling Kelly A. , Kammer MaryRose , Mowry Katie C.
Published: August 2019

Angiogenesis is essential for the successful repair of tissues; however, in many chronic conditions, angiogenesis is inhibited. Placental tissues have been shown to illicit an angiogenic response both in vitro and in vivo, and the angiogenic properties of these tissues likely contribute to observed clinical outcomes. Although there is some work describing the angiogenic effects of these tissues, comparatively little has been done to determine the possible mechanisms responsible for this effect. The purpose of this study was to conduct a thorough evaluation of a commercially available dehydrated amnion chorion membrane to better understand how these tissues may promote angiogenesis. The proteomic content of this tissue was evaluated using a high throughput proteomic microarray, and then the effects of these grafts were evaluated in vivo using subcutaneous gelfoam sponge implants containing conditioned media (CM) from the graft. Human microvascular endothelial cells were then used to determine how released factors effect migration, proliferation, gene expression, and protein production in vitro. Finally, to elucidate potential signaling‐pathways through which tissue‐derived factors act to induce pro‐angiogenetic phenotypes in endothelial cells in vitro, we performed a global analysis of both serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase activity. Kinomic and proteomic data were then combined to generate protein–protein interaction networks that enabled the identification of multiple growth factors and cytokines with both pro‐ and anti‐angiogenetic properties. In vivo, the addition of CM resulted in increased CD31 and αSMA staining and increases in pro‐angiogenic gene expression. In vitro, CM resulted in significant increases in endothelial proliferation, migration, and the expression of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta‐3. Integrated kinomic analysis implicated ERK1/2 signaling as the primary pathway activated following culture of endothelial cells with dehydrated amnion/chorion membrane (dACM) CM. In conclusion, dACM grafts triggered pro‐angiogenic responses both in vitro and in vivo that are likely at least partially mediated by ERK1/2 signaling.
DNA Splicing Systems with at Most Two Cutting Sites of a Non-Palindromic Restriction Enzyme
Authors: Ismail Nurul Izzaty , Heng Fong Wan , Sarmin Nor Haniza
Published: August 2019

The modelling of splicing systems is simulated by the process of cleaving and recombining DNA molecules with the presence of a ligase and restriction enzymes which are biologically called as endodeoxyribonucleases.  The molecules resulting from DNA splicing systems are known as splicing languages. Palindrome is a sequence of strings that reads the same forward and backward.  Research on generalisations of splicing languages in DNA splicing system involving palindromic sequences for restriction enzymes has been done previously. In this research, the splicing languages resulting from DNA splicing systems with one non-palindromic restriction enzyme are determined using the notation from Head splicing system.  The generalisations of splicing languages for DNA splicing systems involving one and two non-overlapping cutting sites of one non-palindromic restriction enzyme are presented in the first and second theorems, respectively, which are proved using direct and induction methods.  The result from the first theorem shows a trivial string which is the initial DNA molecule; while the second theorem determines a splicing language consisting of a set of resulting DNA molecules from the respective DNA splicing system.
A Modified Model-Selection Criteria in a Generalised Estimating Equation for Latent Class Regression Models
Authors: Purnomo Jerry Dwi Trijoyo , Chen Chih-Rung , Huang Guan-Hua
Published: August 2019

In recent years, generalised estimating equations (GEEs) have played an important role in many fields of research, such as biomedicine. In this paper, we use GEEs for latent class regression (LCR) with covariate effects on underlying and measured variables. However, there are only a few model-selection criteria in GEEs. The widely known Akaike information criterion (AIC) cannot be used directly, since AIC is a full likelihood-based model, whereas GEEs are nonlikelihood based. Hence, we propose a modification to AIC in GEEs for (LCR) models, where the likelihood is replaced by quasi-likelihood, and a proper adjustment is made by giving a penalty term. The data of the modified hospital elder life program (mHELP) project are used to illustrate our method.
Hartmann and Reynolds Numbers Effects in the Newtonian Blood Flow of a Bifurcated Artery with an Overlapping Stenosis
Authors: Zain Norliza Mohd , Ismail Zuhaila
Published: August 2019

Abstract Blood flow through a bifurcated artery with the presence of an overlapping stenosis located at parent’s arterial lumen under the action of a uniform external magnetic field is studied in this paper. Blood is treated as an electrically conducting fluid which exhibits the Magnetohydrodynamics principle and it is characterized by a Newtonian fluid model. The governing equations are discretized using a stabilization technique of finite element known as Galerkin least-squares. The maximum velocity and pressure drop evaluated in this present study are compared with the results found in previous literature and COMSOL Multiphysics. The solutions found in a satisfactory agreement, thus verify the source code is working properly. The effects of dimensionless parameters of Hartmann and Reynolds numbers in the fluid’s velocity and pressure are examined in details with further scientific discussions.
Postoperative handover among nurses in an orthopedic surgical setting in Myanmar: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Tun Khin Sanda , Wai Khin San , Yin Yin , Thein May Khin
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this project was to improve the postoperative handover practice within the local context of an orthopedic surgical setting by implementing best practice.

Introduction:

Clinical handover is a communicative process where the responsibility of patient care is transferred through the exchange of patient information between the care providers. Postoperative handover is an important phase of perioperative care that presents challenges to handover personnel due to transitions in care throughout the perioperative period and the inability of surgical patients to participate in their own care. This paper reports on the best practice implementation project conducted in the field of postoperative handover among nurses in a 500-bed orthopedic surgical setting in Myanmar in 2017.

Methods:

The project used the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and the Getting Research into Practice audit tool to conduct a baseline audit and two follow-up audits. A total of 120 postoperative handovers were observed and data were collected. Education sessions and a series of discussion and engagement efforts were employed to increase the compliance with evidence-based postoperative handover practice.

Results:

Baseline audit showed low compliance in audit criteria 3, 5 and 6, whereas varying compliance was observed in criteria 1, 2 and 4. Improvement was seen with five criteria in follow-up audits except for criterion 1. Compliance with criterion 1 was inconclusive because staff attendance at postoperative handovers varied, depending on patients’ different handover needs. Nurses attendance, however, improved through engagement efforts and education sessions.

Conclusion:

We were able to make significant improvements in the underperforming areas related to postoperative patient handover. This project confirms that an SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) checklist has been implemented to navigate and document every postoperative handover at the main operating theater; the handover process at the intensive care unit complies with the COLD (Connect, Observe, Listen, Delegate) process; and attendance of handovers by nurses has increased. It is recommended that regular audits be conducted to sustain the change and improve where required.
Contribution of adenosine and ATP to the carotid body chemosensory activity in ageing
Authors: Sacramento Joana F. , Olea Elena , Ribeiro Maria J. , Prieto‐Lloret Jesus , Melo Bernardete F. , Gonzalez Constancio , Martins Fatima O. , Monteiro Emilia C. , Conde Silvia V.
Published: August 2019

Key points

Adenosine and ATP are excitatory neurotransmitters involved in the carotid body (CB) response to hypoxia.

During ageing the CB exhibits a decline in its functionality, demonstrated by decreased hypoxic responses.

In aged rats (20–24 months old) there is a decrease in: basal and hypoxic release of adenosine and ATP from the CB; expression of adenosine and ATP receptors in the petrosal ganglion; carotid sinus nerve (CSN) activity in response to hypoxia; and ventilatory responses to ischaemic hypoxia. There is also an increase in SNAP25, ENT1 and CD73 expression.

It is concluded that, although CSN activity and ventilatory responses to hypoxia decrease with age, adjustments in purinergic metabolism in the CB in aged animals are present aiming to maintain the contribution of adenosine and ATP.

The possible significance of the findings in the context of ageing and in CB‐associated pathologies is considered.

During ageing the carotid body (CB) exhibits a decline in its functionality. Here we investigated the effect of ageing on functional CB characteristics as well as the contribution of adenosine and ATP to CB chemosensory activity. Experiments were performed in 3‐month‐old and 20‐ to 24‐month‐old male Wistar rats. Ageing decreased: the number of tyrosine hydroxylase immune‐positive cells, but not type II cells or nestin‐positive cells in the CB; the expression of P2X2 and A2A receptors in the petrosal ganglion; and the basal and hypoxic release of adenosine and ATP from the CB. Ageing increased ecto‐nucleotidase (CD73) immune‐positive cells and the expression of synaptosome associated protein 25 (SNAP25) and equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) in the CB. Additionally, ageing did not modify basal carotid sinus nerve (CSN) activity or the activity in response to hypercapnia, but decreased CSN activity in hypoxia. The contribution of adenosine and ATP to stimuli‐evoked CSN chemosensory activity in aged animals followed the same pattern of 3‐month‐old animals. Bilateral common carotid occlusions during 5, 10 and 15 s increased ventilation proportionally to the duration of ischaemia, an effect decreased by ageing. ATP contributed around 50% to ischaemic‐ventilatory responses in young and aged rats; the contribution of adenosine was dependent on the intensity of ischaemia, being maximal in ischaemias of 5 s (50%) and much smaller in 15 s ischaemias. Our results demonstrate that both ATP and adenosine contribute to CB chemosensory activity in ageing. Though CB responses to hypoxia, but not to hypercapnia, decrease with age, the relative contribution of both ATP and adenosine for CB activity is maintained.
Reciprocity principle and relative accelerations in the theory of relativity
Authors: Rashidi Reza , Ahmadi Fatemeh
Published: August 2019

It is proved that in the theory of relativity, the magnitudes of the relative accelerations of two observers with respect to each other can be unequal. The breaking of a reciprocal relationship between the accelerations is a property of special relativity, which seems not to have been mentioned previously, even though it is in contrast with the prediction of Newtonian physics. As an application of this result, we determine the acceleration of a freely falling particle with respect to a locally static observer in the Schwarzschild space-time and show that this acceleration, unlike the prediction of Newtonian physics, depends on the initial value of the velocity of the freely falling particle. It is worthwhile to emphasize that this result is not a consequence of the well-known behavior of special relativity, which makes the measured acceleration of an object differ from one inertial frame to another.
Magnetic Aharonov-Bohm effects and the quantum phase shift: A heuristic interpretation
Authors: Kasunic Keith J.
Published: August 2019

In the well-known Aharonov-Bohm and Ehrenberg-Siday effects, the diffraction envelope of an electron is not affected by Lorentz forces in a region of zero magnetic field; instead, a phase difference—created by the magnetic vector potential—shifts the constructive- and destructive-interference fringe positions when electron wavefunctions are overlapped. This shift in fringe positions has been previously derived as resulting from potential-induced phase differences, without being clear on the physical mechanism behind it. In this paper, we show that the de Broglie wavelength of the electron is changed locally by its interaction with the vector potential. The vector potential thus acts as a quantum “phase plate,” changing the phase difference between interfering electron wavefunctions in a non-dispersive, gauge-invariant manner.
Determination of aerodynamic drag coefficients using a drop test with a wireless accelerometer and its application to model rockets
Authors: Pettersson Fors Simon , Nord Carl
Published: August 2019

The use of drag coefficients to quantify the drag force on objects moving through air is a key concept in aerodynamics. However, gaining access to a wind tunnel, the conventionally used apparatus with which to measure drag coefficients, can be difficult for students and educators at the undergraduate level. Several methods have been proposed as alternatives to the wind tunnel, but these often suffer from experimental complexity. In this paper, we propose a straightforward method using a wireless accelerometer to eliminate several common drawbacks of previous methods, enabling a simpler and direct analysis of drag. Here, we describe the method and its validation along with an application to model rockets as a possible undergraduate laboratory experiment. We also discuss an inconsistency regarding the drag coefficient of a typical model rocket and use it as an example of not taking published results at face value.
Effects of Relative Size and Homogeneity of Sports Fan Community on Potential Fans’ Support Intentions
Authors: Asada Akira , Ko Yong Jae , Jang Wonseok (Eric)
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the current study was to examine how two key characteristics of sports fan communities—relative size and homogeneity (behavioral similarity among fans)—influence potential fans’ perceptions and intentions to support the team. Study 1 showed that relative size and homogeneity created a two-way interaction effect on potential fans’ support intentions, such that the low-homogeneity fan community resulted in greater support intentions in the minority condition, whereas the high-homogeneity fan community resulted in greater support intentions in the majority condition. Study 2 revealed a boundary condition of this interaction effect: The interaction effect disappeared when potential fans had extremely low levels of involvement with watching the sport. Study 3 showed that potential fans’ perceptions regarding similarity to fans and social pressure mediated the effect of relative size on their support intentions.
Aeromonas
Isolates from Fish and Patients in Tainan City, Taiwan: Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics
Authors: Wu Chi-Jung , Ko Wen-Chien , Lee Nan-Yao , Su Shu-Li , Li Chia-Wen , Li Ming-Chi , Chen Yi-Wei , Su Yu-Cheng , Shu Cing-Ying , Lin Yu-Tzu , Chen Po-Lin
Published: August 2019

Aeromonas
species can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals upon exposure to virulent pathogens in the environment, but the characteristics of environmental
Aeromonas
species remain unclear. Our study showed that several pathogenic
Aeromonas
species possessing virulence traits and antimicrobial resistance similar to those of
Aeromonas
isolates causing clinical diseases were present in fish intended for human consumption in Tainan City, Taiwan.
The
msaABCR
Operon Regulates the Response to Oxidative Stress in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pandey Shanti , Sahukhal Gyan S. , Elasri Mohamed O.
Published: August 2019

This study shows the involvement of the
msaABCR
operon in resisting oxidative stress by
Staphylococcus aureus
generated under
in vitro
and
ex vivo
conditions. We show that MsaB regulates the expression and production of a carotenoid pigment, staphyloxanthin, which is a potent antioxidant in
S. aureus
. We also demonstrate that MsaB regulates the
ohr
gene, which is involved in defending against oxidative stress generated by organic hydroperoxides. This study highlights the importance of
msaABCR
in the survival of
S. aureus
in the presence of various environmental stimuli that mainly exert oxidative stress. The findings from this study indicate the possibility that
msaABCR
is involved in the persistence of staphylococcal infections and therefore could be a potential antimicrobial target to overcome recalcitrant staphylococcal infections.
Comparison of Three Adenovirus Quantitative PCR Assays with ATCC Reference Strains and Clinical Samples
Authors: Starr Kimberly , Greninger Alexander L. , Makhsous Negar , Jerome Keith R. , Cook Linda
Published: August 2019

Adenoviruses (AdV) have been associated with a variety of human diseases and are recognized as causing significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised or transplant patients. Quantification of AdV DNA in plasma is notoriously difficult due to the genetic diversity of the 71 different serotypes identified to date. There is no World Health Organization standard available to harmonize quantitative data, so results between labs vary widely.
Automated Detection of Streptococcus pyogenes Pharyngitis by Use of Colorex Strep A CHROMagar and WASPLab Artificial Intelligence Chromogenic Detection Module Software
Authors: Van Tam T. , Mata Kenneth , Dien Bard Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Colorex Strep A agar (CHROMagar, Paris, France) was evaluated with PhenoMATRIX chromogenic detection module (CDM) software (Copan Diagnostics Inc., Murrieta, CA) to detect group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) from throat specimens. The software results were compared to those of manual plate image reading. In addition, GAS PCR testing was performed on all specimens.
How Thermophilic Gram-Positive Organisms Perform Extracellular Electron Transfer: Characterization of the Cell Surface Terminal Reductase OcwA
Authors: Costa N. L. , Hermann B. , Fourmond V. , Faustino M. M. , Teixeira M. , Einsle O. , Paquete C. M. , Louro R. O.
Published: August 2019

Thermophilic Gram-positive organisms were recently shown to be a promising class of organisms to be used in bioelectrochemical systems for the production of electrical energy. These organisms present a thick peptidoglycan layer that was thought to preclude them to perform extracellular electron transfer (i.e., exchange catabolic electrons with solid electron acceptors outside the cell). In this paper, we describe the structure and functional mechanisms of the multiheme cytochrome OcwA, the terminal reductase of the Gram-positive bacterium
Thermincola potens
JR found at the cell surface of this organism. The results presented here show that this protein can take the role of a respiratory “Swiss Army knife,” allowing this organism to grow in environments with soluble and insoluble substrates. Moreover, it is shown that it is unrelated to terminal reductases found at the cell surface of other electroactive organisms. Instead, OcwA is similar to terminal reductases of soluble electron acceptors. Our data reveal that terminal oxidoreductases of soluble and insoluble substrates are evolutionarily related, providing novel insights into the evolutionary pathway of multiheme cytochromes.
Anaerobic Degradation of Non-Methane Alkanes by “
Candidatus
Methanoliparia” in Hydrocarbon Seeps of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Laso-Pérez Rafael , Hahn Cedric , van Vliet Daan M. , Tegetmeyer Halina E. , Schubotz Florence , Smit Nadine T. , Pape Thomas , Sahling Heiko , Bohrmann Gerhard , Boetius Antje , Knittel Katrin , Wegener Gunter
Published: August 2019

Oil-rich sediments from the Gulf of Mexico were found to contain diverse alkane-degrading groups of archaea. The symbiotic, consortium-forming “
Candidatus
Argoarchaeum” and “
Candidatus
Syntrophoarchaeum” are likely responsible for the degradation of ethane and short-chain alkanes, with the help of sulfate-reducing bacteria. “
Ca.
Methanoliparia” occurs as single cells associated with oil droplets. These archaea encode two phylogenetically different methyl-coenzyme M reductases that may allow this organism to thrive as a methanogen on a substrate of long-chain alkanes. Based on a library survey, we show that “
Ca. Methanoliparia
” is frequently detected in oil reservoirs and may be a key agent in the transformation of long-chain alkanes to methane. Our findings provide evidence for the important and diverse roles of archaea in alkane-rich marine habitats and support the notion of a significant functional versatility of the methyl coenzyme M reductase.
Human Cytomegalovirus US28 Ligand Binding Activity Is Required for Latency in CD34
+
Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and Humanized NSG Mice
Authors: Crawford Lindsey B. , Caposio Patrizia , Kreklywich Craig , Pham Andrew H. , Hancock Meaghan H. , Jones Taylor A. , Smith Patricia P. , Yurochko Andrew D. , Nelson Jay A. , Streblow Daniel N.
Published: August 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can establish latency following infection of CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), and reactivation from latency is a significant cause of viral disease and accelerated graft failure in bone marrow and solid-organ transplant patients. The precise molecular mechanisms of HCMV infection in HPCs are not well defined; however, select viral gene products are known to regulate aspects of latency and reactivation. The HCMV-encoded chemokine receptor US28, which binds multiple CC chemokines as well as CX
3
CR1, is expressed both during latent and lytic phases of the virus life cycle and plays a role in latency and reactivation. However, the specific timing of US28 expression and the role of ligand binding in these processes are not well defined. In this report, we determined that US28 is required for reactivation but not for maintaining latency. However, when present during latency, US28 ligand binding activity is critical to maintaining the virus in a quiescent state. We attribute the regulation of both latency and reactivation to the role of US28 in promoting myeloid lineage cell differentiation. These data highlight the dynamic and multifunctional nature of US28 during HCMV latency and reactivation.