bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of bi-exponential and mono-exponential models of diffusion-weighted imaging for detecting active sacroiliitis in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Sun Haitao , Liu Kai , Liu Hao , Ji Zongfei , Yan Yan , Jiang Lindi , Zhou Jianjun
Published: July 2017

Background

There has been a growing need for a sensitive and effective imaging method for the differentiation of the activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Purpose

To compare the performances of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)-derived parameters and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for distinguishing AS-activity.

Material and Methods

One hundred patients with AS were divided into active (n = 51) and non-active groups (n = 49) and 21 healthy volunteers were included as control. The ADC, diffusion coefficient ( D), pseudodiffusion coefficient ( D*), and perfusion fraction ( f) were calculated for all groups. Kruskal–Wallis tests and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed for all parameters.

Results

There was good reproducibility of ADC /D and relatively poor reproducibility of D*/f. ADC, D, and f were significantly higher in the active group than in the non-active and control groups (all P < 0.0001, respectively). D* was slightly but significant lower in the active group than in the non-active and control group ( P = 0.0064, 0.0215). There was no significant difference in any parameter between the non-active group and the control group (all P > 0.050). In the ROC analysis, ADC had the largest AUC for distinguishing between the active group and the non-active group (0.988) and between the active and control groups (0.990). Multivariate logistic regression analysis models showed no diagnostic improvement.

Conclusion

ADC provided better diagnostic performance than IVIM-derived parameters in differentiating AS activity. Therefore, a straightforward and effective mono-exponential model of diffusion-weighted imaging may be sufficient for differentiating AS activity in the clinic.
Selective cephalic upregulation of p-ERK, CamKII and p-CREB in response to glyceryl trinitrate infusion
Authors: Ramachandran Roshni , Pedersen Sara Hougaard , Amrutkar Dipak Vasantrao , Petersen Steffen , Jacobsen Julie Mie , Hay-Schmidt Anders , Olesen Jes , Jansen-Olesen Inger
Published: July 2017

Background

A common characteristic of migraine-inducing substances is that they cause headache and no pain in other areas of the body. Few studies have compared pain mechanisms in the trigeminal and spinal systems and, so far, no major differences have been noted. We compared signalling molecules in the trigeminal and spinothalamic system after infusion of the migraine-provoking substance glyceryltrinitrate.

Method

A catheter was placed in the femoral vein of rats and one week later glyceryltrinitrate 4 µg/kg/min was infused for 20 min. Protein expression in the dura mater, trigeminal ganglion, nucleus caudalis, dorsal root ganglion and the dorsal horn of the thoracic spinal cord was analysed at different time points using western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Glyceryltrinitrate caused a threefold increase in expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases at 30 min in the dura mater and nucleus caudalis ( P < 0.05) and at 2 h in the trigeminal ganglion with very few expressions in the dorsal root ganglion. In the nucleus caudalis, expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases and Cam KII increased 2.6-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively, at 2 h after glycerytrinitrate infusion ( P < 0.01). p-CREB/ATF-1 upregulation was observed only at 30 min ( P < 0.05) in the nucleus caudalis. None of these markers showed increased expression in the regions of thoracic spinal cord dorsal horn.

Conclusion

The dura, trigeminal ganglion and nucleus caudalis are activated shortly after glycerytrinitrate infusion with long-lasting expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases observed in the nucleus caudalis. These activations were not observed at the spinal level.
Routine Activities and Criminal Victimization: The Significance of Gendered Spaces
Authors: Savard Dennis M. , Kelley Thomas M. , Merolla David M.
Published: July 2017

Gender is arguably the most prominent correlate of criminal victimization. Few studies, however, examine gender-specific dynamics that might help advance criminology’s understanding of the persistent gender gap in criminal victimization. We attempt to help fill this research void by examining data from the 2012 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) through the lens of routine activity theory to investigate the relationship between “gendered spaces” and criminal victimization. We propose that gendered spaces constructed by people’s routine activities may increase their exposure to motivated offenders, which in turn may increase their risk of victimization. Our findings appear to support our proposition and to shed new light on the nature of the victimization gender gap. The results showed that females were significantly more likely than males to be victimized at each of the three “feminine gendered spaces” (i.e., bank, shopping center, and grocery store). However, the relationship between gendered space and criminal victimization varied by crime type. Females were significantly more likely than males to be robbed at each of the three feminine gendered spaces. For sexual assault and aggravated assault, females were significantly more likely than males to be victimized at a “masculine gendered space” (i.e., bar/nightclub). For simple assault, females were significantly less likely than males to be victimized at two of the three feminine gendered spaces (i.e., bank and shopping center). Our findings appear to highlight the importance of gendered spaces in helping explain the gender gap in criminal victimization and suggest that future researchers should investigate how other gendered spaces formed by people’s routine activities affect their risk of victimization.
Multi-harmonic motions of bearing cage affected by rotor unbalance
Authors: Wen Baogang , Wang Meiling , Zhou Xianwen , Ren Hongjun , Han Qingkai
Published: July 2017

The motion of bearing cage in the rotor system displays very complicated behavior affected by rotor unbalance. In order to gain an insight into the complex cage motions due to rotor unbalance, a scaled rotor test rig is designed and developed that is made to be dynamically similar to the actual rotor system in aero-engines. Eddy transducers are used to measure the cage motions and monitor the rotor vibrations. Based on the test rig, a dynamic model of its rotor system with four degrees-of-freedom is developed to determine the reaction forces due to rotor unbalance, which are introduced as boundary conditions for the bearing dynamic analysis. And then, a three degrees-of-freedom dynamic model of bearing cage taking the obtained reaction forces into account is also proposed. Finally, the experiment and simulation of the cage motions are carried out and compared at different rotating speeds and rotor unbalances. The experimental results of the cage motions agree with the theoretical predictions and reveal that the cage motions generally contain the multiple harmonic components, such as the cage rotating frequency and its multi-frequency, the inner ring rotating frequency, and also some combination frequencies due to rotor unbalance. The amplitudes of the inner ring rotating frequency and combination frequencies of the cage motions increase with the increment of the rotor unbalance values. Besides, the trajectories of cage are affected by the rotor unbalances.
Dexamethasone ameliorates H2S-induced acute lung injury by increasing claudin-5 expression via the PI3K pathway
Authors: Geng P , Ma T , Xing J , Jiang L , Sun H , Zhu B , Zhang H , Xiao H , Wang J , Zhang J
Published: July 2017

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major outcome of exposure to high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Dexamethasone (DXM) has been used to treat ALI. However, the mechanisms involved in H2S-induced ALI and the protective mechanisms of DXM in treating ALI are still nebulous. To explore the mechanisms involved, we evaluated the role of claudin-5 in the protective effect of DXM against H2S-induced ALI. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to H2S to establish the ALI model. In parallel with the animal model, a cell model was also established by incubating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with NaHS. Lung hematoxylin–eosin staining, electron microscope assay, and wet/dry ratio were used to identify whether the ALI was successfully induced by H2S, and changes in claudin-5 expression were detected in both rats and HUVECs. Our results revealed that claudin-5 was markedly decreased after H2S exposure and that DXM significantly attenuated the H2S-induced downregulation of claudin-5 in both rats and HUVECs. In the animal experiment, p-Akt and p-FoxO1 presented a similar tendency as claudin-5, but their levels decreased 6 h prior to the levels of claudin-5. In a further investigation, the DXM-induced protective effect on ALI and rescue effect on downregulation of claudin-5 were both blocked by LY294002. The current study demonstrated that claudin-5 was involved in the development of H2S-induced ALI and that DXM exerted protective effects through increasing claudin-5 expression by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. Therefore, claudin-5 might represent a novel pharmacological target for treating ALI induced by H2S and other hazardous gases.
When Legions Thunder Past: The Second World War and India’s Northeastern Frontier
Authors: Guyot-Réchard Bérénice
Published: July 2017

Between 1942 and 1945, the Patkai mountains of Assam and Manipur became India’s front line against Japan. This article charts the concatenation of political, cultural, and socio-economic transformations that the Second World War caused in a region that colonial authorities had tried to cordon off. The conflict had push-and-pull effects on the Patkai, intensifying direct state penetration yet reviving long-standing transregional ties with Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia. When ‘national’ borders appeared with Burma and India’s independence two years later, the effect was jarring. As such, the war was a watershed in the postcolonial evolution of northeastern India and northwestern Burma.
Weighing obligations to home care workers and Medicaid recipients
Authors: Treacy Paul C , MacKay Douglas
Published: July 2017

In June 2016, a US Department of Labor rule extending minimum wage and overtime pay protections to home care workers such as certified nursing assistants and home health aides survived its final legal challenge and became effective. However, Medicaid officials in certain states reported that during the intervening decades when these protections were not in place, their states had developed a range of innovative services and programs providing home care to people with disabilities—services and programs that would be at risk if workers were newly owed minimum wage and overtime pay. In this article, we examine whether the Department of Labor was right to extend these wage protections to home care workers even at the risk of a reduction in these home care services to people with disabilities. We argue that it was right to do so. Home care workers are entitled to these protections, and, although it is permissible under certain conditions for government to infringe workers’ occupational rights and entitlements, these conditions are not satisfied in this case.
A new strain-gradient theory for an isotropic plastically deformed polycrystalline solid body
Authors: Borokinni AS , Akinola AP , Layeni OP , Fadodun OO
Published: July 2017

This study considers strain-gradient plasticity theory in the context of small deformations for an isotropic solid body with a view to investigating the distortion effects associated with the divergence of plastic strain through the Burgers tensor. The principle of virtual power is employed and the constraint of irrotationality is imposed on the plastic component of the gradient of the displacement vector. It is obtained that the gradient, curl, and divergence of the plastic strain in the body are mutually related. This relation establishes the existence of work done through the divergence of plastic strain as distinct from the work done through the gradient of the plastic strain. Consequently, a polycrystalline solid body undergoing distortion associated with the divergence of plastic strain exhibits new internal microstresses; and the obtained model, consisting of the microforce balance, constitutive relations, and plastic flow rule, extends the known Gurtin–Anand model in a natural fashion. Furthermore, in the governing flow rule, it is revealed that the internal microstresses associated with the divergence of plastic strain act as opposing agents to the internal microstresses associated with the gradient of the plastic strain via the length scales Q, L, and the gradient of the divergence of the plastic strain. This work shows the distortion effects associated with the divergence of plastic strain which the Gurtin–Anand strain-gradient plasticity theory in literature does not apprehend.
Multimodal characterization of gray matter alterations in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Liu Yaou , Jiang Xueyan , Butzkueven Helmut , Duan Yunyun , Huang Jing , Ren Zhuoqiong , Dong Huiqing , Shi Fu-Dong , Barkhof Frederik , Li Kuncheng , Wang Jinhui
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To investigate structural and functional alterations of gray matter (GM) and examine their clinical relevance in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.

Methods:

A total of 35 NMO and 36 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. Cortical lesions were investigated by double inversion recovery technique. Five voxel-wise MRI measurements were obtained for each participant in the GM including gray matter volume (GMV), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and weighted functional connectivity strength (wFCS). Between-group differences, cross-modality relationships, and MRI-clinical correlations were examined.

Results:

No cortical lesions were found in NMO. Compared to HC, NMO patients exhibited significantly decreased GMV in deep GM and cortical regions involving visual function and cognition. Diffusion GM abnormalities were widespread in the patients. Decreased ALFF and wFCS were observed in the patients in sensorimotor, visual, cognition, and cerebellar sites. GM structural alterations were correlated with cognitive but not physical disability scores of the patients.

Conclusion:

Despite the lack of focal cortical lesions, patients with NMO exhibit both structural and functional alterations of GM in cerebrum and cerebellum that predominantly involve deep GM, visual, motor, and cognitive regions. GM alterations are associated with cognitive impairment but not physical disability.
Bullies and blackouts: Examining the participatory culture of online book reviewing
Authors: Moody Stephanie
Published: July 2017

This article examines online book reviewing practices through Henry Jenkins’s notion of ‘participatory culture’ and illustrates the power dynamics and market pressures that shape this participation. While the individuals featured in this article participate in shared affinity spaces around a passion for reading and writing books, they also participate in a publishing industry increasingly reliant on reviews and ratings. I argue that the sabotaging and bullying of authors and reviewers, and the power dynamics reinforced through these tactics, risk being occluded by scholarship that emphasizes the literacy practices fostered through participatory culture over the content and social actions reproduced through them. My analysis of book reviewing practices demonstrates the need to critique the positive imagery evoked by terms like ‘participatory’, ‘affinity’, ‘online community’, ‘shared goals’, and ‘collective knowledge’ and to examine these terms within their specific discursive and economic conditions.
Policy-making ‘front’ and ‘back’ stage: Assessing the implications for effectiveness and democracy
Authors: Ayres Sarah , Sandford Mark , Coombes Tessa
Published: July 2017

The aim of this article is to examine the complex interrelationship between ‘front’ and ‘back’ stage policy-making. ‘Front stage’ describes the activities of visible and accountable office holders in elected bodies, constrained by established bureaucratic rules. ‘Back stage’ describes the world of unseen decision-making where public officials are less constrained by formal rules and public scrutiny. Drawing on a recent case study of English devolution in the United Kingdom, this article examines how front and back stage policy-making shape one another and the impact this can have on policy effectiveness and democratic accountability. Findings reveal that policy-makers need to think more explicitly about the interplay between front and back stage activities. In the context of English devolution, the transition from back to front stage has been flawed. Central government’s purposeful strategy of informal negotiations with very few formal objectives has resulted in low stakeholder buy-in, which has mitigated against the potential effectiveness of back stage decision-making.
Images of the “other”
Authors: Mercer Danielle , Paludi Mariana I , Mills Albert J , Mills Jean Helms
Published: July 2017

This article explores the relationship between Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and Latin America to understand the role of Western multinational corporations in the historical processes of postcoloniality—that is, the representation of the non-Western “other” to Western audiences. Informed by postcoloniality and the use of a critical hermeneutics method, we draw on 64 years of archived materials from the Pan American World Airways Collection 341, housed at the Otto Richter Library at the University of Miami, as well as numerous histories of the airline. Our findings show how Pan Am gained a powerful position, both politically and economically, which facilitated its ability to construct influential images of Latin American employees, citizens, and the idea of Latin America. Although Pan Am ceased operations in 1991, its years of dominance in South America had the capability to contribute and provide insights into our understanding of the continued postcolonial processes and the idea of (North) “Americanism.” More importantly, our article demonstrates how using a postcolonial framework can assist organizational and business scholars to better understand the role that historical patterns play in organizations still today. We hope that using alternative methodologies and theories such as postcolonialism to examine contemporary management culture, we will better be able to understand how history has been “written” in an effort to lessen “Western” ideologies and include diverse epistemological perspectives.
Flexural behavior of composites reinforced with innovative 3D integrated weft-knitted spacer fabrics
Authors: Azadian Mohammad , Hasani Hossein , Shokrieh Mahmoud Mehrdad
Published: July 2017

This paper undertakes to study the flexural behavior of 3D integrated weft-knitted spacer composites, under three-point bending. The integrated-knitted spacer fabrics were produced with various cross-sectional shapes on a computerized flat-knitting machine utilizing electrical grade glass (E-glass) fibers. The sandwich composites were manufactured by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding using unsaturated polyester resin. Continuing the process, hand lay-up method was used to reinforce the face sheets of fabricated sandwich structure with glass woven fabrics. Bending performance of the produced composites was compared with polyurethane foam core sandwich composites. The results revealed that the cross-sectional shape has significant effect on the bending performance of the 3D integrated weft-knitted spacer composites. Also, the spacer reinforced composite with V-shape cross-section has the highest bending stiffness than composites with U-shape cross-section as well as polyurethane foam core sandwich composite. The failure modes of 3D integrated weft-knitted spacer composites include: core shear failure, compression failure of upper face sheet and tensile failure of lower face sheet.
Division at the Water’s Edge: The Polarization of Foreign Policy
Authors: Jeong Gyung-Ho , Quirk Paul J.
Published: July 2017

Severe party conflict, not a high-minded suspension of politics, now prevails “at the water’s edge.” Democrats and Republicans fight pitched battles over foreign affairs. But are the two parties polarized in their substantive preferences on foreign policy, or mainly jockeying for partisan advantage? Are they polarized on foreign policy less sharply than on domestic policy? What are the sources of party polarization over foreign policy? Using a new measure of senatorial foreign-policy preferences from 1945-2010, we explore party polarization over foreign policy. We find that foreign-policy preferences have had varying relationships with party politics and general ideology. Since the 1960s, however, the parties have become increasingly polarized on foreign policy. Using a multilevel analysis, we show that foreign-policy polarization has developed in response to partisan electoral rivalry, foreign-policy events, and general ideological polarization. The analysis indicates an increasing influence of domestic politics on foreign policy.
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Qualitative Research With Children and Youth Through Sustaining Mindful Presence
Authors: Woodgate Roberta L. , Tennent Pauline , Zurba Melanie
Published: July 2017

This article explores ethical challenges in qualitative research by bringing forward examples from the literature and from IN•GAUGE®, a research program spanning over 15 years and focusing on the significance of multiple perspectives and the value of gauging the health needs of young people and their families. In addition to exploring the ethical challenges in working with children and youth in research, we make the case that ethical considerations need to extend beyond research ethics boards protocols and present “sustaining mindful presence” as a conceptual frame practical guide for working through ethical challenges in qualitative research. We contend that greater participation of research subjects, including children and youth, is the way forward for developing more holistic and effective approaches to ethics within research institutions.
Hidden in Plain View
Authors: Sanders Jackie , Munford Robyn
Published: July 2017

This article elaborates upon a model used to engage marginalized young people in a longitudinal study of youth transitions. The model PARTH elaborates upon a set of principles that were successfully used to engage marginalized young people in a 6-year project. PARTH principles focus researcher attention on the ways they think about and relate to young people and they support researchers to empowerment and the exercise of personal agency by young people. The model was instrumental in achieving high retention rates that exceeded 89% across the 6-year study.
Ceremonies of Relationship
Authors: Bird-Naytowhow Kelley , Hatala Andrew R. , Pearl Tamara , Judge Andrew , Sjoblom Erynne
Published: July 2017

Indigenous communities from around the world, and particularly marginalized youth from within these communities, have not always been adequately included and valued as potential collaborators in various research processes. Instead, research has relegated Indigenous youth to subjects where adults, operating primarily from Western knowledge positions and assumptions, remain the experts. Given the role of research in informing programs and policies, the ways research meaningfully engages and includes Indigenous youth are of key concern. This article presents experiences gained throughout the duration of a study that sought to identify the knowledge, resources, and capabilities required to support the health, resilience, and well-being of Indigenous youth within an urban Canadian context. In particular, this article focuses on methods and approaches of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems throughout the research process and how this can in turn foster meaningful and transformative engagements with Indigenous youth. We argue for the importance and value of traditional cultural practices and knowledge systems and what we call ceremonies of relationships, existent within Indigenous communities around the world, and how their integration in research processes can support constructive and meaningful engagements with Indigenous youth research collaborators.
Initiating conversations and opening doors
Authors: Hollingworth Liz , Olsen Dorian , Asikin-Garmager Asih , Winn Kathleen M
Published: July 2017

This multiple case study examined the role of four US state-recognized high-quality principals in the implementation of change initiatives in their Midwestern schools. Participants were selected based on nomination by the state department of education and district superintendents. The research question guiding the study was: how do principals promote positive school culture to support the implementation of change initiatives? Specifically, the study explored how principals engage staff to create a positive learning environment and how their influence on organizational culture changes classroom practice. Organizational culture and change theories served as the lenses for analysis. Three salient leadership practices of successful principals emerged during data analysis: great principals manage the implementation of multiple initiatives by (1) empowering teachers by cultivating trust, (2) knowing their staff well, and (3) engaging in explicit and purposeful communication.
Single nucleotide polymorphism in the COL11A2 gene associated with lowered heat pain sensitivity in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: David Ho Kwo Wei , Wallace Margaret R , Sibille Kimberly T , Bartley Emily J , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel , Glover Toni L , King Christopher D , Goodin Burel R , Addison Adriana , Edberg Jeffrey C , Herbert Matthew S , Bulls Hailey W , Staud Roland , Bradley Laurence A , Fillingim Roger B
Published: July 2017

Pain is one of the most prominent symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, there is often discordance between the pain experienced by individuals with osteoarthritis and the degree of articular pathology. This suggests that individual differences, including genetic variability in the central processing of nociceptive stimuli, may impact the presentation of osteoarthritis. Here, we show that the single nucleotide polymorphism rs16868943 in the collagen gene COL11A2 is significantly associated with lowered heat pain tolerance on the arm in participants with knee osteoarthritis ( P = 1.21 × 10−6, P = 0.0053 after Bonferroni correction, beta = −3.42). A total of 161 knee osteoarthritis participants were included and evaluated for heat, punctate and pressure pain sensitivity of the affected knee and the ipsilateral arm. Each participant was genotyped for 4392 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes implicated in pain perception, inflammation and mood and tested for association with pain sensitivity. The minor A allele of single nucleotide polymorphism rs16868943 was significantly associated with lower arm heat pain tolerance after correction for age, gender, race, and study site. This single nucleotide polymorphism was also nominally associated with other measures of heat pain sensitivity, including lowered knee heat pain tolerance ( P = 1.14 × 10−5, P = 0.05 after Bonferroni correction), lowered arm heat pain threshold ( P = 0.0039, uncorrected) and lowered knee heat pain threshold ( P = 0.003, uncorrected). Addition of genotypes from 91 participants without knee pain produced a significant interaction between knee osteoarthritis status and the rs16868943 single nucleotide polymorphism in heat pain tolerance ( P = 1.71 × 10−5), such that rs16868943 was not associated with heat pain tolerance in participants without knee pain ( P = 0.12, beta = 1.3). This is the first study to show genetic association with heat pain tolerance in individuals with osteoarthritis. The association is specific to participants who have already developed knee osteoarthritis, suggesting that the COL11A2 gene, which has previously been associated with familial osteoarthritis, may play a role in pain sensitization after the development of osteoarthritis.
Immune system involvement in specific pain conditions
Authors: Totsch Stacie K , Sorge Robert E
Published: July 2017

Chronic pain is a significant problem worldwide and is the most common disability in the United States. It is well known that the immune system plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of many chronic pain conditions. The involvement of the immune system can be through the release of autoantibodies, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, or via cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators (i.e. substance P, histamine, bradykinin, tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and prostaglandins). Immune cells, such as T cells, B cells and their antibodies, and microglia are clearly key players in immune-related pain. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the immune system involvement in pain and to outline how it relates to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and diabetic neuropathy. The immune system plays a major role in many debilitating chronic pain conditions and we believe that animal models of disease and their treatments should be more directly focused on these interactions.
Nurse, martyr, propaganda tool: The reporting of Edith Cavell in British newspapers 1915–1920
Authors: Hodgson Guy Richard
Published: July 2017

Edith Cavell’s death by a German firing squad in 1915 proved to be a significant moment for First World War propaganda. News of the British nurse’s death caused a torrent of outrage in Britain and around the world, inspired thousands of Allied troops to enlist and helped sway US opinion against Germany. Newspapers, as the principal source of communication between the government and the people, were essential in relaying this message and this article studies the roles played by the Daily Mail, the Manchester Guardian and the Daily Express. The results show the newspapers were eager participants as Britain sought to stiffen public hostility towards Germany and justify the suffering on the Western Front and at home. This article also examines the immediate post-war period as the newspapers changed from persuaders to reflectors of public opinion.
Moral Character Impression Formation Depends on the Valence Homogeneity of the Context
Authors: Lammers Joris , Gast Anne , Unkelbach Christian , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: July 2017

People quickly form impressions about moral character; for example, if people learn that someone cheated, they form a negative impression about that person’s character and expect that person to cheat in the future. Four studies show that the formation of such moral character impressions depends on the degree of valence homogeneity in the target’s context. We argue that this is the case because the degree of homogeneity in the context (the evaluative ecology) informs perceivers about the reliability of signals. Experiments 1 and 2 found that people form less strong impressions about moral character when a person’s behavior occurred in a heterogeneous context, that is, if unrelated positive and negative context information cooccurred. Experiment 3 demonstrated that nonmoral valence homogeneity produces similar effects. In Experiment 4, this effect also influenced strategic decisions in economic games. Together, these studies demonstrate the evaluative ecology plays a critical role in shaping moral character impressions.
Liars, Damned Liars, and Zealots
Authors: Mueller Allison B. , Skitka Linda J.
Published: July 2017

This research explored people’s reactions to targets who “went too far” to support noble causes. We hypothesized that observers’ moral mandates would shape their perceptions of others’ advocacy, even when that advocacy was transgressive, that is, when it used norm-violating means (i.e., lying) to achieve a preferred end. Observers were expected to accept others’ advocacy, independent of its credibility, to a greater extent when it bolstered their strong (vs. weak) moral mandate. Conversely, observers with strong (vs. weak) moral conviction for the cause were expected to condemn others’ advocacy—independent of its credibility—to a greater degree when it represented progress for moral opponents. Results supported these predictions. When evaluating a target in a persuasive communication setting, people’s judgments were uniquely shaped by the degree to which the target bolstered or undermined a cherished moral mandate.
Novice Readers: The Role of Focused, Selective, Distributed and Alternating Attention at the First Year of the Academic Curriculum
Authors: Commodari Elena
Published: July 2017

The ability to read depends on different cognitive skills. This study investigated the role of the main components of attention (selective attention, focused attention, distributed attention, and alternating attention) on the different dimensions of reading skills in novice readers. Participants were 288 Italian children, who attended the first year of primary school. Attention and reading skills (reading “comprehension,” “accuracy,” and “speed”) were measured. Different components of attention influence each dimension of reading. Moreover, both the correctness and rapidity at which attention operates play a pivotal role in learning to read. Interestingly, selective attention is involved in all dimensions of reading. These findings may have educational and practical relevance. The early assessment of attention might favor the development of new strategies of intervention in dyslexic children and in children at risk of developing learning difficulties.
Effect of Viewing Angle on Volume Perceptions for Paired Tumblers
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Lee Yi-Chien , Lee Tzu-Yu , Chen Meng-Zhen
Published: July 2017

This study examined how tumbler characteristics influenced the perception of volume at different viewing angles. Three tumbler characteristics were individually examined, namely, shape, size, and elongation. At four viewing angles (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°), 50 participants poured a certain amount of liquid (150 or 200 mL) into a designated tumbler according to their perception. Results showed that tumbler size and elongation influenced volume perception. At viewing angles of 0° and 30°, the participants poured more liquid into short-wide tumblers than into tall-slender tumblers. At viewing angles of 60° and 90°, the results were opposite. The reason may be that the change of viewing angle made the participant’s sight cues from the container diameter more visible than those from the container height. Similar results were obtained for the pair of small and large tumblers. However, no effect of viewing angle on tumblers with different geometric shapes was observed. The contradictory results in comparison with those of previous studies may be related to viewing angle; in addition, the effect of viewing angle was also influenced by the characteristics of tumblers.
Femoral Arteriovenous Grafts for Hemodialysis: Retrospective Comparison With Upper Extremity Grafts and Fistulas
Authors: Dumaine Chance , Espino-Hernandez Gabriela , Romann Alexandra , Luscombe Rick , Kiaii Mercedeh
Published: July 2017

Background:

Femoral arteriovenous grafts are rarely used to provide vascular access for dialysis patients. This is likely due, in part, to historically high rates of graft loss from infection and thrombosis. However, for selected patients who have exhausted all access options in the upper extremity, femoral grafts can provide additional sites for access creation and may be preferred over central venous catheters.

Objective:

We sought to demonstrate that femoral grafts can provide a reliable and safe alternative to central venous catheters for selected patients.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective review in Vancouver, Canada, from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2012, was conducted. All patients with new arteriovenous access (grafts and fistulas) created during the study period were included in the study population and followed for a minimum of 2 years. Comparisons of patency (primary, secondary, and functional) and complications (infectious and noninfectious) were made between the different access types.

Results:

Thirteen patients with femoral grafts were compared with 22 patients with arm grafts and 384 patients with fistulas. Femoral grafts had higher rates of thrombosis (46% with a thrombotic event) and a higher requirement for interventions (1.3 angioplasties and 0.12 thrombolytic procedures per patient per year). However, compared with arm grafts, femoral grafts had superior secondary and functional patency. No difference in patency was seen when comparing femoral grafts with upper extremity fistulas. Only 2 patients with femoral grafts required antibiotics for infection, and no grafts were lost to infection.

Conclusions:

For patients with limited access options remaining, femoral grafts may provide an additional form of vascular access before resorting to catheter use. Our study shows that with appropriate patient selection, femoral grafts have low infection rates and patency that is comparable with other access types.
Novel characteristics identified in two cases of feline cowpox virus infection
Authors: Breheny Craig R , Fox Victoria , Tamborini Alice , O’Halloran Conor , Robertson Elise , Cazzini Paola , Birn-Jeffery Daniela , Henkin Julia , Schwarz Tobias , Scase Tim , Powell Roger , Gunn-Moore Danièlle
Published: July 2017

Case series summary

This case series discusses novel characteristics identified in two cases of cowpox. One presented with upper airway signs, and was identified to have a focal laryngeal lesion. The other had central neurological signs at the terminal stages, with intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies identified within the cerebral hemispheres on histopathology.

Relevance and novel information

Currently, cowpox would be an unlikely consideration in patients with neurological signs or upper respiratory noise. These cases both document novel presentations of cowpox infection, which clinicians should be aware of and consider as differential diagnoses in patients with these atypical presentations.
Dual-energy computed tomography angiography: virtual calcified plaque subtraction in a vascular phantom
Authors: Jin Kwang Nam , Chung Jin Wook , Park Eun-Ah , Lee Whal
Published: July 2017

Background

Material decomposition of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) enables subtraction of calcified plaque.

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of lumen area measurement in calcified plaque by subtraction of DECT and to determine the effect of contrast material concentration, lumen diameter, density, and thickness of calcified plaque for the measurement.

Material and Methods

Vessel phantoms were made with six lumen diameters (5.7, 4.9, 3.9, 3.0, 1.9, and 1.3 mm) and six types of calcified plaques with three densities and two thicknesses were attached. CT scans were performed with three contrast material concentrations (62, 111, and 170 mg iodine/mL). Lumen area discrepancy (AD) was calculated by subtracting the measured lumen area from a reference value. The lumen area underestimation percentage (AU), defined as (AD/reference value) × 100, was calculated. General linear model analysis was used to test the effect of variables for log-transformed AU (ln_AU).

Results

The AD and AU was calculated to be 6.1 ± 4.8 mm2 and 69.8 ± 29.4%, respectively. Ln_AU was significantly affected by contrast material concentration ( P < 0.001), calcium density ( P = 0.001), plaque thickness ( P = 0.010), and lumen diameter ( P < 0.001). Ln_AU was significantly higher in 62 mg iodine/mL than in 111 or 170 mg iodine/mL ( P < 0.001 for both). Ln_AU was significantly lower at a lumen diameter of 5.7 mm than 3.9 mm ( P = 0.001) or 3.0 ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Calcified plaque subtraction in DECT substantially underestimates measurements of lumen area. Higher enhancement in larger vessels ensures more accurate subtraction of calcified plaque.
Incidence of Sports-Related Concussion Among NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Athletes
Authors: Brook Emily M. , Kroshus Emily , Hu Caroline H. , Gedman Marissa , Collins Jamie E. , Matzkin Elizabeth G.
Published: July 2017

Background:

There are limited data on the incidence of concussion and concussion symptom nondisclosure among collegiate women’s ice hockey athletes.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of sports-related concussion (SRC) in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s ice hockey athletes.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

An anonymous online survey was completed by 459 NCAA women’s ice hockey athletes. Players reported diagnosed concussions as well as incidents where they experienced an impact or blow to the head followed by symptoms associated with a concussion; reports spanned the duration of the 2014-2015 season and throughout players’ organized hockey career.

Results:

About half (n = 219, 47.7%) of respondents reported at least 1 diagnosed concussion over the duration of their entire organized ice hockey career. A total of 13.3% (n = 61) of respondents reported a diagnosed concussion during the 2014-2015 season. The incidence rate was 1.18 (95% CI, 0.92-1.51) per 1000 athlete-exposures to a game or practice and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.45-0.74) per 1000 hours of ice time. One-third (34.2%, n = 157) of players reported at least 1 impact where they experienced concussion-like symptoms during the 2014-2015 season; 82.8% of these players reported that they continued to play after at least 1 of these impacts, and 66.8% of players reported at least 1 impact where they never disclosed any symptoms.

Conclusion:

There is a high incidence of SRC in collegiate women’s ice hockey and a concerning level of symptom nondisclosure. Additional research is needed to understand the causes of concussion and reasons for the lack of symptom disclosure, including factors specific to female athletes and contextual issues specific to women’s collegiate ice hockey.
A Retrospective Analysis of Concurrent Pathology in ACL-Reconstructed Knees of Elite Alpine Ski Racers
Authors: Jordan Matthew J. , Doyle-Baker Patricia , Heard Mark , Aagaard Per , Herzog Walter
Published: July 2017

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the most frequent injury in alpine ski racing, and there is a high prevalence of ACL reinjury. Limited data exist on the concurrent pathology with primary ACL tears in elite alpine ski racers and the magnitude of injury progression after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Purpose:

To evaluate (1) the involvement of intra-articular and multiligament pathologies at the time of primary ACLR, (2) the subsequent progression in meniscal/chondral injuries, and (3) the occurrence of ACL reinjury in elite alpine ski racers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Primary ACLR operative reports (n = 28) were obtained for 32 elite alpine ski racers along with the reports of 20 operative procedures that occurred subsequent to primary ACLR. Operative reports were evaluated to identify the presence/location of multiligament injury, meniscal tears, and chondral lesions.

Results:

At the time of primary ACLR, a majority of knees (82%; 23/28) demonstrated concurrent injury compared with isolated ACL tears; 32% of knees sustained multiligament injuries (9/28), and 8 involved the ipsilateral medial collateral ligament (MCL). Of the ACL-injured knees, 54% had chondral lesions, of which 73% were sustained in the lateral knee compartment, and 82% of meniscal tears (14/17) were complex in nature. Bilateral ACL tears were seen in 22% of the participants, and 28% underwent ACL revision. In the case of ACL revision or future meniscal/chondral surgery, 60% of meniscal tears and 80% of chondral lesions had worsened since the time of primary ACLR.

Conclusion:

Concurrent injury was common in this group of elite ski racers. Primary ACL tears were typically accompanied by lateral compartment chondral lesions and complex meniscal tears that worsened over time. ACL/MCL tears were the most common multiligament injury pattern.
Initiating a Standardized Regional Referral and Counter-Referral System in Guatemala: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Kapoor Rupa , Avendaño Leslie , Sandoval Maria Antonieta , Cruz Andrea T. , Sampayo Esther M. , Soto Miguel A. , Camp Elizabeth A. , Crouse Heather L.
Published: July 2017

Background:Few data exist for referral processes in resource-limited settings. We utilized mixed-methods to evaluate the impact of a standardized algorithm and training module developed for locally identified needs in referral/counter-referral procedures between primary health centers (PHCs) and a Guatemalan referral hospital. Methods: PHC personnel and hospital physicians participated in surveys and focus groups pre-implementation and 3, 6, and 12 months post-implementation to evaluate providers’ experience with the system. Referred patient records were reviewed to evaluate system effectiveness. Results: A total of 111 initial focus group participants included 96 (86.5%) from PHCs and 15 from the hospital. Of these participants, 53 PHC physicians and nurses and 15 hospital physicians initially completed written surveys. Convenience samples participated in follow-up. Eighteen focus groups achieved thematic saturation. Four themes emerged: effective communication; provision of timely, quality patient care with adequate resources; educational opportunities; and development of empowerment and relationships. Pre- and post-implementation surveys demonstrated significant improvement at the PHCs ( P < .001) and the hospital ( P = .02). Chart review included 435 referrals, 98 (22.5%) pre-implementation and 337 (77.5%) post-implementation. There was a trend toward an increased percentage of appropriately referred patients requiring medical intervention (30% vs 40%, P = .08) and of patients requiring intervention who received it prior to transport (55% vs 73%, P = .06). Conclusions: Standardizing a referral/counter-referral system improved communication, education, and trust across different levels of pediatric health care delivery. This model may be used for extension throughout Guatemala or be modified for use in other countries. Mixed-methods research design can evaluate complex systems in resource-limited settings.
How I monitor long-term and late effects after blood or marrow transplantation
Authors: Bhatia Smita , Armenian Saro H. , Landier Wendy
Published: July 2017

Blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) is used with curative intent for hematologic malignancies. Conditional on surviving the first 2 years after BMT, 5-year survival generally exceeds 70%. However, the cumulative therapeutic exposures lead to premature onset of chronic health conditions, such that the 15-year cumulative incidence of severe or life-threatening chronic health conditions exceeds 40%, resulting in premature mortality. The high burden of morbidity, coupled with a long latency between BMT and the development of chronic health conditions necessitates life-long risk-based monitoring of the BMT survivors. The issues of how and when to screen BMT survivors for therapy-related complications and exacerbation of preexisting conditions are important and largely unanswered questions. For BMT survivors, screening recommendations must incorporate risks associated with pre-BMT therapy as well as risks related to transplant conditioning and graft-versus-host disease. Here, we describe our approach to monitoring BMT survivors for risk-based screening and early detection of key late-occurring or long-term complications using patient scenarios to illustrate our discussion.