bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioacoustics characterization of some anatolian endemic and sub-endemic Katydids (Orthoptera; Tettigoniidae; Bradyporinae, Phaneropterinae and Tettigoniinae)
Authors: TAYLAN MEHMET SAİT , MOL ABBAS , SEVGİLİ HASAN , ŞİRİN DENİZ
Published: May 2019

Seventeen endemic and three sub-endemic species belonging to three subfamilies of Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera: Bradyporinae, Phaneropterinae and Tettigoniinae) were sampled during field trips throughout different regions of Anatolia between 2015 and 2018 (except one taxon). Acoustic parameters of these 20 bush-cricket species affiliated to 12 genera (Apholidoptera, Bradyporus, Decticus, Eupholidoptera, Parapholidoptera, Pezodrymadusa, Pholidoptera, Polysarcus, Psorodonotus, Squamiana, Uvarovistia and Yalvaciana) have been described for the first time in this study. Bioacoustical analysis shows that male calling songs are species-specific for the genera Bradyporus, Parapholidoptera, Pholidoptera, Apholidoptera, Uvarovistia and Psorodonotus. However, there are no distinct differences among species of the genus Pezodrymadusa. Moreover, our additional data on genus Eupholidoptera indicate that there are some different song patterns within the genus. The song description of Uvarovistia zebra presented here is the second bioacoustics data on this genus. The acoustical analyses data support the morpho-species hypothesis of Psorodonotus suphani Taylan & Şirin, 2014, which is known from Süphan Mountain (Bitlis province, Eastern part of Turkey) and reject Kaya & Çıplak (2017), which recommended it as synonym to P. caucasicus (Fischer von Waldheim, 1846) (commonly known as a Black Sea Region species).
A Nonlinear Theory of Atmospheric Blocking: A Potential Vorticity Gradient View
Authors: Luo Dehai , Zhang Wenqi , Zhong Linhao , Dai Aiguo
Published: May 2019

In this paper, an extended nonlinear multiscale interaction model of blocking events in the equivalent barotropic atmosphere is used to investigate the effect of a slowly varying zonal wind in the meridional direction on dipole blocking that is regarded as a nonlinear Rossby wave packet. It is shown that the meridional gradient of potential vorticity (PVy=∂PV/∂y) prior to the blocking onset, which is related to the background zonal wind and its nonuniform meridional shear, can significantly affect the lifetime, intensity, and north–south asymmetry of dipole blocking, while the blocking dipole itself is driven by preexisting incident synoptic-scale eddies. The magnitude of the background PVy determines the energy dispersion and nonlinearity of blocking. It is revealed that a small background PVy is a prerequisite for strong and long-lived eddy-driven blocking that behaves as a persistent meandering westerly jet stream, while the blocking establishment further reduces the PVy within the blocking region, resulting in a positive feedback between blocking and PVy. When the core of the background westerly jet shifts from higher to lower latitudes, the blocking shows a northwest–southeast-oriented dipole with a strong anticyclonic anomaly to the northwest and a weak cyclonic anomaly to the southeast as its northern pole moves westward more rapidly and has weaker energy dispersion and stronger nonlinearity than its southern pole because of the smaller PVy in higher latitudes. The opposite is true when the background jet shifts toward higher latitudes. The asymmetry of dipole blocking vanishes when the background jet shows a symmetric double-peak structure. Thus, a small prior PVy is a favorable precursor for the occurrence of long-lived and large-amplitude blocking.
Small-Scale Potential Vorticity in the Upper-Ocean Thermocline
Authors: Lien Ren-Chieh , Sanford Thomas B.
Published: May 2019

Twenty Electromagnetic Autonomous Profiling Explorer (EM-APEX) floats in the upper-ocean thermocline of the summer Sargasso Sea observed the temporal and vertical variations of Ertel potential vorticity (PV) at 7–70-m vertical scale, averaged over O(4–8)-km horizontal scale. PV is dominated by its linear components—vertical vorticity and vortex stretching, each with an rms value of ~0.15f. In the internal wave frequency band, they are coherent and in phase, as expected for linear internal waves. Packets of strong, >0.2f, vertical vorticity and vortex stretching balance closely with a small net rms PV. The PV spectrum peaks at the highest resolvable vertical wavenumber, ~0.1 cpm. The PV frequency spectrum has a red spectral shape, a −1 spectral slope in the internal wave frequency band, and a small peak at the inertial frequency. PV measured at near-inertial frequencies is partially attributed to the non-Lagrangian nature of float measurements. Measurement errors and the vortical mode also contribute to PV in the internal wave frequency band. The vortical mode Burger number, computed using time rates of change of vertical vorticity and vortex stretching, is 0.2–0.4, implying a horizontal kinetic energy to available potential energy ratio of ~0.1. The vortical mode energy frequency spectrum is 1–2 decades less than the observed energy spectrum. Vortical mode energy is likely underestimated because its energy at vertical scales > 70 m was not measured. The vortical mode to total energy ratio increases with vertical wavenumber, implying its importance at small vertical scales.
What Is the Impact of Additional Tropical Observations on a Modern Data Assimilation System?
Authors: Slivinski Laura C. , Compo Gilbert P. , Whitaker Jeffrey S. , Sardeshmukh Prashant D. , Wang Jih-Wang A. , Friedman Kate , McColl Chesley
Published: May 2019

Given the network of satellite and aircraft observations around the globe, do additional in situ observations impact analyses within a global forecast system? Despite the dense observational network at many levels in the tropical troposphere, assimilating additional sounding observations taken in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean during the 2016 El Niño Rapid Response (ENRR) locally improves wind, temperature, and humidity 6-h forecasts using a modern assimilation system. Fields from a 50-km reanalysis that assimilates all available observations, including those taken during the ENRR, are compared with those from an otherwise-identical reanalysis that denies all ENRR observations. These observations reveal a bias in the 200-hPa divergence of the assimilating model during a strong El Niño. While the existing observational network partially corrects this bias, the ENRR observations provide a stronger mean correction in the analysis. Significant improvements in the mean-square fit of the first-guess fields to the assimilated ENRR observations demonstrate that they are valuable within the existing network. The effects of the ENRR observations are pronounced in levels of the troposphere that are sparsely observed, particularly 500–800 hPa. Assimilating ENRR observations has mixed effects on the mean-square difference with nearby non-ENRR observations. Using a similar system but with a higher-resolution forecast model yields comparable results to the lower-resolution system. These findings imply a limited improvement in large-scale forecast variability from additional in situ observations, but significant improvements in local 6-h forecasts.
Cult books revisited: Frank Lake’s Clinical Theology
Authors: Campbell Alastair V.
Published: May 2019

Frank Lake’s Clinical Theology: A Theological and Psychiatric Basis to Clinical Pastoral Care was published in 1966. It is a truly massive tome, consisting of 1,160 pages, a further 21 pages of appendices, 24 figures in the text, and ten separate charts contained in a folder in the rear cover. To understand its significance, this article considers it in the context of the time of its publication, but also with an awareness of the author’s distinctive personality and powerful sense of mission.
No Longer Discrete: Modeling the Dynamics of Social Networks and Continuous Behavior
Authors: Niezink Nynke M. D. , Snijders Tom A. B. , van Duijn Marijtje A. J.
Published: May 2019

The dynamics of individual behavior are related to the dynamics of the social structures in which individuals are embedded. This implies that in order to study social mechanisms such as social selection or peer influence, we need to model the evolution of social networks and the attributes of network actors as interdependent processes. The stochastic actor-oriented model is a statistical approach to study network-attribute coevolution based on longitudinal data. In its standard specification, the coevolving actor attributes are assumed to be measured on an ordinal categorical scale. Continuous variables first need to be discretized to fit into such a modeling framework. This article presents an extension of the stochastic actor-oriented model that does away with this restriction by using a stochastic differential equation to model the evolution of a continuous attribute. We propose a measure for explained variance and give an interpretation of parameter sizes. The proposed method is illustrated by a study of the relationship between friendship, alcohol consumption, and self-esteem among adolescents.
Justice Agents: Discriminated Group Members Are Perceived to be Highly Committed to Social Justice
Authors: Saguy Tamar , Fernández Saulo , Branscombe Nyla R. , Shany Aviv
Published: May 2019

We propose that because members of discriminated (vs. advantaged) groups have a history of dealing with injustice, majority group members expect them to be more committed to social justice. By commitment to social justice, we mean supporting, and caring for, the basic rights of virtually any marginalized group. Studies 1a ( N = 145) and 1b ( N = 120) revealed that members of discriminated (vs. relatively advantaged) groups were seen as having a stronger commitment to social justice. This was explained by participants’ perception of discriminated groups as having a tradition of fighting injustice (Study 2; N = 174). Demonstrating implications of these perceptions, discriminated (relative to advantaged) group members were assigned more justice-related roles in the workplace (Study 3a: N = 120; Study 3b: N = 126; Study 4: N = 133), and their justice-related initiatives were rated more negatively (Study 5: N = 259). Theoretical and practical implications regarding minority–majority relations and minorities’ ability to advance in workplace hierarchies are discussed.
The lack of conditioned place preference, but unaltered stimulatory and ataxic effects of alcohol in mGluR3-KO mice
Authors: Lainiola Mira , Hietala Lana , Linden Anni-Maija , Aitta-aho Teemu
Published: May 2019

Background:

Alcohol use associates with environmental cues that can later reinstate drinking patterns without any alcohol exposure. Alcohol-induced reward, when combined with contextual signals of various sensory modalities in the central synapses of mesolimbic reward circuitries, can lead to the formation of conditioned responses.

Aims:

As the activation of glutamatergic synapses is pivotal in such processes, we aimed to investigate whether the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 3 plays a role in alcohol-induced behaviours including place preference.

Methods:

The metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 3 knockout (mGluR3-KO) mouse line was used to study alcohol-induced place preference, locomotor activating and ataxic effects, limited access alcohol drinking, and preference for sucrose and saccharin.

Results:

Alcohol-induced horizontal locomotor stimulation and reduced rearing behaviour remained unchanged in the mGluR3-KO mice. However, alcohol-induced place conditioning in an unbiased paradigm setup was lacking in the mGluR3-KO mice, but clearly present in wildtype mice. Locomotor activity was not different between the mGluR3-KO and wildtype mice during the acquisition and expression trials. Alcohol consumption, studied through the ‘drinking in the dark’ model, remained unchanged in the mGluR3-KO mice, although low consumption in both wildtype and knockout mice hampers interpretation. The mGluR3-KO mice also showed normal sucrose and saccharin preference.

Conclusions:

These studies indicate a role for metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 3 in the conditioned contextual alcohol responses, but not in stimulatory, and ataxic alcohol effects.
Development, technical validation, and clinical application of a multigene panel for hereditary gastrointestinal cancer and polyposis
Authors: Ricci Maria Teresa , Volorio Sara , Signoroni Stefano , Mariani Paolo , Mariette Frederique , Sardella Domenico , Pensotti Valeria , Vitellaro Marco
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Recent advances in technology and research are rapidly changing the diagnostic approach to hereditary gastrointestinal cancer (HGIC) syndromes. Although the practice of clinical genetics is currently transitioning from targeted criteria-based testing to multigene panels, important challenges remain to be addressed. The aim of this study was to develop and technically validate the performance of a multigene panel for HGIC.

Methods:

CGT-colon-G14 is an amplicon-based panel designed to detect single nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions in 14 well-established or presumed high-penetrance genes involved in HGIC. The assay parameters tested were sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and inter-run and intra-run reproducibility. Performance and clinical impact were determined using 48 samples of patients with suspected HGIC/polyposis previously tested with the targeted approach.

Results:

The CGT-colon-G14 panel showed 99.99% accuracy and 100% inter- and intra-run reproducibility. Moreover, panel testing detected 1 actionable pathogenic variant and 16 variants with uncertain clinical impact that were missed by the conventional approach because they were located in genes not previously analyzed.

Conclusion:

Introduction of the CGT-colon-G14 panel into the clinic could provide a higher diagnostic yield than a step-wise approach; however, results may not always be straightforward without the implementation of new genetic counseling models.
Exploratory Modeling and Analysis for Transportation: An Approach and Support Tool - TMIP-EMAT
Authors: Milkovits Martin , Copperman Rachel , Newman Jeffrey , Lemp Jason , Rossi Thomas , Sun Sarah
Published: May 2019

Traditionally, travel forecasting models have been used to provide single point predictions. That is, a single future scenario is developed and the model is applied to that scenario. This approach, however, ignores the deep uncertainty that exists in future land use, demographic, and transportation systems inputs, not to mention the uncertainty that exists in the model itself. More importantly, transportation policy decisions made on the basis of such model outputs may be misguided and ineffective. This paper demonstrates and motivates the use of travel forecasting models in an exploratory manner that accounts for the inherent uncertainties of the future. Specifically, this paper describes the user workflow for a new planning and modeling tool: the Travel Model Improvement Program Exploratory Modeling and Analysis Tool (TMIP-EMAT) that has been developed to facilitate the use of exploratory techniques with travel forecasting models. Examples from the proof of concept deployment using the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council regional travel demand model are included. The goal of the longer term study is to provide TMIP-EMAT for state and regional transportation planning agencies to assess how technological innovations will affect traffic and transit demand on major corridors 20 to 30 years down the road. The tool will illuminate interactions between transportation supply and demand on urban surface transportation systems (especially at the corridor level) through exploratory modeling and simulation, and facilitate insights into potential, possible, plausible, probable or preferred futures.
Application and Evaluation of Micro-Cracking on Cement-Stabilized Bases at Field Projects in Louisiana
Authors: Intaj Ferdous , Liu Yilong , Wu Zhong
Published: May 2019

Cement stabilized soil bases have been used in flexible pavements in Louisiana for years. Soil cement has an excellent load carrying capacity and durability, but is also well-known for developing shrinkage cracks, which can reflect through asphalt concrete surfaces and accelerate the deterioration of asphalt pavements. Micro-cracking is a special reflective cracking mitigation technique used in cement-stabilized base construction. The objectives of the research were to determine the effectiveness and performance of micro-cracking on soil-cement pavements. Micro-cracking was applied on field projects, based on the experience of a previous micro-cracking research project at the Pavement Research Facility of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Two pavement sites were selected for the field pavement rehabilitation projects, LA 1003 and LA 599, to test the micro-cracking technique. In-situ tests were conducted and pavement performance was monitored for both sites. It was found that an 8.5-in. micro-cracked soil cement pavement showed a similar or better early performance as compared to a non-micro-cracked soil cement pavement with regards to the overall cracking performance. On the other hand, more cracks were found on the micro-cracked test sections than the control sections when micro-cracking was applied on a 12-in. cement treated soil base in Louisiana. Analysis of the structural numbers did not show a significant difference between the control and micro-cracked sections. Further monitoring is recommended for both of the field projects.
Expanding the Castle: Explaining Stand Your Ground Legislation in American States, 2005–2012
Authors: Ferraro Vincent , Ghatak Saran
Published: May 2019

Although studies have analyzed the effects of “stand your ground” (SYG) laws on violent crime, the question of why states are more likely to take measures to allow gun violence (albeit in self-defense) in the public sphere remains understudied in the literature. Using a fixed-effects event-history analysis of a panel of longitudinal state-level data for the period 2005–2012, we expand upon recent research by testing three competing perspectives on the adoption of SYG laws: group threat, political partisanship, and crime. Despite rhetorical framing of SYG laws as a means of self-defense from predatory criminals by gun-rights organizations, we find no effect of crime on the passage of SYG laws. Nor do we find evidence for group threat. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed. Instead, results support the political partisanship view, providing further evidence of the politicization of gun policy in the contemporary United States.
The Role of Information and Communication Technology in End-of-Life Planning Among a Sample of Canadian LGBT Older Adults
Authors: Mock Steven E. , Walker Earl P. , Humble Áine M. , de Vries Brian , Gutman Gloria , Gahagan Jacqueline , Chamberland Line , Aubert Patrick , Fast Janet
Published: May 2019

To better understand the role of technology in later-life planning among older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) adults, we conducted focus groups to explore factors linked to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Twenty focus groups were facilitated across Canada with 93 participants aged 55 to 89. Constant comparative analysis yielded four categories: (a) fear, (b) individual benefits, (d) social elements, and (d) contextual elements. Fear related to technology and fear of end-of-life planning. Individual benefits referred to technology as a platform for developing LGBT identities and as a source of information for later-life planning. Social elements were establishment and maintenance of personal relationships and social support networks. Contextual elements referred to physical and situational barriers to technology use that limited access and usability. These findings can inform technological practice and services to enhance later-life planning.
Job Security Rule Changes and Employee Organizational Commitment
Authors: Hur Hyunkang , Perry James L.
Published: May 2019

This study assesses the impact of different job security rules on federal employees’ organizational commitment by looking at the effects of changes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) precipitated by MaxHR, introduced to DHS in 2005. The 2005 job security rule changes, as part of the “reformed” personnel system of the new DHS, reduced employee job security, which in turn weakened organizational commitment. The study found subsequent repeal of the job security rules in 2007 boosted organizational commitment among DHS workers by as much as 10 percentage points. Taken together, the results of difference-in-differences (DID) analysis for the new job security rules in the period 2005-2006 and subsequent repeal of the job security rules in the period 2007-2010 suggest that employees’ commitment to DHS was more favorable after the repeal of the job security rules than prior to the 2005 reforms.
Cumulative Effect of Visual Impairment, Multimorbidity, and Frailty on Intrinsic Capacity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Ho Vanda W. T. , Chen Cynthia , Merchant Reshma Aziz
Published: May 2019

Objectives: We aim to determine the prevalence of vision impairment (VI) and its cumulative impact on multimorbidity, frailty, physical and cognitive function, and quality of life. Method: In all, 780 community-dwelling older adults were interviewed for demographic data and a one-off physical activity screening. Covariate measurements include vision via Snellen chart, multimorbidity, five-item FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, & Loss of Weight) scale and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Outcome variables taken were Barthel Index, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D). Results: In all, 426 (54.6%) were female, mean age was 71.3 ± 0.2 years; 240 (30.8%) had VI. The interaction between VI, multimorbidity, and frailty significantly impacts grip strength, TUG, quality of life, and IADL. Discussion: Our study is the first to look at the interaction of VI, multimorbidity, frailty, and its combined impact on key domains of intrinsic capacity. Our results further support vision screening to enable aging in place and highlight importance of screening for frailty and cognition in those with VI.
Doing ‘Deep Big History’: Race, landscape and the humanity of H J Fleure (1877–1969)
Authors: Rees Amanda
Published: May 2019

This article argues that current programmes in the human sciences which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to history need to be wary of treating the knowledge of the natural sciences as being independent of social influence. Such efforts to do ‘Big History’, ‘Deep History’ or co-evolutionary history themselves have a past, and this article suggests that potential practitioners could benefit from considering that historical context. To that end, it explores the career of Herbert John Fleure, a scholar whose career defied disciplinary classification, but who was concerned to understand how the human past and present could be understood as they combined in the physical and social context of their production, and what they implied for the possibility of a human future. It concludes by arguing that Fleure’s major lesson for modern researchers is his confrontation of the contingent nature and political consequences of his conclusions.
The ambivalence of detail – documenting wiretapped phone conversations by the State Security Service of the former German Democratic Republic
Authors: Galanova Olga
Published: May 2019

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) State Security Service (Stasi) had to archive vast amounts of data about the everyday lives of GDR citizens. Simplifications and reductions are common features of record-keeping in every institution and there was considerable variation in how detailed the Stasi records of wiretapped phone conversations were. The special focus of this study is the detail that shapes phone records into powerful objects of knowledge among other documentary genres of the Stasi archive. The article describes, in the context of suspicion, how decisions were made about the level of detail in the records given the information overflow, and which communicative and institutional tasks were solved using the different levels of detail in the textualization. Records fulfilled the function of (subjective) information selection for the creation of such categories as ‘strange’, ‘dangerous’, ‘suspicious’ and ‘guilty’. Objectifying practices were necessary to legitimize the records as objective proof of suspicion. The ‘subjective–objective’ relationship turns from a dichotomy to a co-presence within one record and serves to legitimize the record as evidence.
Neoliberal trajectories in mining: Comparing Malmfälten and the Pilbara
Authors: Ellem Bradon , Sandström Johan , Persson Curt
Published: May 2019

We compare the iron ore sectors and mining regions of Malmfälten in Sweden and the Pilbara in Australia. Both are physically isolated and the product is economically vital, but we find differences in industrial relations which accord with what would be expected in coordinated and liberal market economies. A closer examination, attentive to history and geography and in which changes in institutional form and function are highlighted, reveals, however, that these differences are more apparent than real, and that there is a common neoliberal trajectory. This analysis also suggests that changes in these sites at times drive transformations in national industrial relations.
Observations on the connection between glacial phases, natural catastrophes and economic trends of the last millennium in Italy
Authors: Bragato Pier Luigi , Holzhauser Hanspeter
Published: May 2019

Humanity has often faced critical phases determined by climate changes combined with other natural catastrophes that implied significant socio-economic consequences. In this article, we present an observational study on the possible systematic connection between these factors for the specific case of Italy, comparing the occurrence of pandemics, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions with the glacial history of the last millennium. We have found that the natural catastrophes concentrate in the periods of ice expansion in Europe, whereas the phenomena are in attenuation in the current phase of global warming. Such a behavior has influenced the economy of the country: in fact, a comparison with a reconstruction of the per capita Gross Domestic Product since 1310 shows that the periods of maximum economic expansion occurred during the deglaciation phases. This study has confirmed the general connection of the climate with a number of Earth processes and the difficulty to foresee its changes. Furthermore, the extension of the analysis at the world level for the last 2500 years has evidenced that different types of pandemics (plague, cholera and influenza) almost exclusively spread during the phases of glacial expansion.
Outcomes in different ethnic groups of New Zealand patients with screen-detected vs. non-screen-detected breast cancer
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Jacobson Gregory , Seneviratne Sanjeewa , Scott Nina , Sarfati Diana , Elwood Mark , Campbell Ian
Published: May 2019

Objective

To compare characteristics and survival of New Zealand European, Māori, and Pacific women with screen-detected vs. non-screen-detected breast cancer.

Methods

Women aged 45–69 diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 2005 and May 2013 were identified from the Waikato and Auckland Breast Cancer Registries. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were described by detection mode and ethnicity. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the five-year breast cancer-specific survival of women with stage I–III breast cancer by ethnicity and detection mode.

Results

Women with screen-detected cancers were older, had smaller tumours, fewer stage IV (0.8% vs. 7.6%), fewer high grade (16.8% vs. 39.0%), and fewer lymph node positive diseases (26.3% vs. 51.5%) than women with non-screen-detected cancers. There were more Luminal A (70.0% vs. 54.0%), fewer human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive non-Luminal (4.4% vs. 8.8%), and fewer triple negative cases (7.0% vs. 13.8%) in screen-detected than non-screen-detected cancers. If not screen detected, 22.7% of breast cancers in Pacific women were stage IV compared with 2.4% if screen detected. If not screen detected, the five-year breast cancer-specific survival was 91.1% for New Zealand European women, 84.2% for Māori women, and 80.2% for Pacific women (p-value <0.001). For screen-detected breast cancer, survival between different ethnic groups was similar.

Conclusions

Breast cancers detected through screening are diagnosed at an earlier stage and have a greater proportion of subtypes, with better outcome. Variations in survival for Māori and Pacific women are only found in women with non-screen-detected breast cancer.
The effects of cardiac arrest recognition by dispatcher on Smart Advanced Life Support
Authors: Lee Choung Ah , Kim Gi Woon , Kim Yu Jin , Moon Hyung Jun , Park Yong Jin , Lee Kyoung Mi , Woo Jae Hyug , Jeong Won Jung , Choi Il Kug , Choi Han Joo , Choi Hyuk Joong
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of cardiac arrest recognition by emergency medical dispatch on the pre-hospital advanced cardiac life support and to investigate the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Method:

This study was conducted to evaluate the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients over 18 years of age, excluding trauma and poisoning patients, from 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2016. We investigated whether it was a cardiac-arrest recognition at dispatch. We compared the pre-hospital return of spontaneous circulation, the rate of survival admission and discharge, good neurological outcome, and also analyzed the time of securing vein, time of first epinephrine administration, and arrival time of paramedics.

Results:

A total of 3695 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients occurred during the study period, and 1468 patients were included in the study. Resuscitation rate by caller was significantly higher in the recognition group. The arrival interval between the first and second emergency service unit was shorter as 5.1 min on average, and the connection rate of paramedics and physicians before the arrival was 32.3%, which was significantly higher than that of the unrecognized group. The mean time required to first epinephrine administration was 13.1 min, which was significantly faster in the recognition group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in patients with good neurological outcome, and rather the rate of return of spontaneous circulation and survival discharge was significantly higher in the non-recognition group.

Conclusion:

Although the recognition of cardiac arrest at dispatch does not directly affect survival rate and good neurological outcome, the activation of pre-hospital advanced cardiac life support and the shortening the time of epinephrine administration can increase pre-hospital return of spontaneous circulation. Therefore, effort to increase recognition by dispatcher is needed.
Some of the Best Things Happen on Friday Afternoons: A Conversation with Vern Jones
Authors: Teagarden James , Zabel Robert H. , Kaff Marilyn
Published: May 2019

Dr. Vern Jones shares his reflections on a career that focused on providing avenues for encouragement for youth and teachers who daily face challenges. His career is marked by an unflagging work ethic regardless of the role in which he was placed. Vern’s work in enhancing the field of classroom management has resulted in approaches that have improved the daily classroom experiences for numerous teachers and students. Vern shares his reflection on his past experiences and his perspective on where the field is headed.
Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Peroneal Tendon Sheath Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: Fram Brianna R. , Rogero Ryan , Fuchs Daniel , Shakked Rachel J. , Raikin Steven M. , Pedowitz David I.
Published: May 2019

Background:

The treatment of symptomatic peroneal tendinopathy and tears traditionally begins with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, activity modification, physical therapy, and immobilization, with surgery typically reserved for those failing nonoperative treatment. Ultrasound-(US)-guided peroneal tendon sheath (PTS) corticosteroid injection is an additional nonoperative modality, but limited data exist on its safety and efficacy. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical outcomes following US-guided PTS corticosteroid injection for chronic tendinopathy or tears.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified patients who had undergone US-guided PTS corticosteroid injection for pain due to peroneal tendinopathy, tears, or subluxation at our institution from 2012 to 2018. Underlying diagnosis was based on clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, and/or intraoperative findings, when available. Medical record data were supplemented by e-mail or telephone follow-up. Collected information included patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, workers’ compensation status, prior surgeries about the foot and ankle, duration of symptoms prior to injection, perceived improvement in pain following injection and its duration, number of injections, progression to surgery, and any adverse outcomes of injection. We identified 96 patients (109 injections). Thirty-seven (38.5%) had previous foot and ankle surgery, with 17 (17.7%) having surgery specifically on the peroneal tendons.

Results:

Twenty-four of 96 (25%) progressed to have surgery on their peroneal tendons following injection. Following injection, 38/87 (43.7%) of patients reported 0-1 weeks of pain relief, 11/87 (12.6%) 2-6 weeks, 6/87 (6.9%) 7-12 weeks, and 32/87 (36.8%) greater than 12 weeks. Preinjection duration of symptoms was associated with postinjection duration of pain relief ( P=.036). There were 2 reported complications (1.8%): 1 case of self-limited sural nerve irritation and 1 of peroneus longus tear progression.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates US-guided PTS corticosteroid injection was safe and relatively effective in patients with symptomatic peroneal tendon tears or tendinopathy, including those who had undergone prior surgery, and may be considered in a comprehensive protocol of nonoperative management.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Lung Cancer Survival in Lithuania: Changes by Histology, Age, and Sex From 2003-2007 to 2008-2012
Authors: Gedvilaitė Vaida , Danila Edvardas , Cicėnas Saulius , Smailytė Giedrė
Published: May 2019

Lung cancer is the most common cancer-related death worldwide. The aim of this study is to describe the most recent survival rates by sex, age group, extent of disease, and histology of lung cancer in Lithuania. The study is based on the Lithuanian Cancer Registry database. The analysis included patients with primary invasive lung cancer diagnosed in 1998 to 2012 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision C33 and C34). Patients were followed up with respect to vital status until December 31, 2012. Five-year relative survival estimates were calculated using period analysis. Relative survival was calculated as the ratio of the observed survival of patients with cancer and the expected survival of the underlying general population. In our study, the overall 5-year relative survival was low but increased slightly (10.7%) from 2003–2007 to 2008–2012. Positive changes in survival were evident in both sexes, in almost all age groups and for all histological groups and disease stages. Adenocarcinoma relative survival increased from 6.7% in 2003–2007 to 12.8% in 2008–2012 and squamous cell carcinoma increased from 7.4% in 2003–2007 to 11.1% in 2008–2012. Patients with small-cell carcinoma had the worst survival (2.9% in 2003-2007 and 3.6% in 2008–2012). The majority of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed with advanced disease. The number of new cases of advanced lung cancer increased from 35.1% to 37.8%. Despite low overall survival, there were positive changes in survival in both sexes, in almost all age groups, and for all histological groups and disease stages. The survival rate of patients with lung cancer in Lithuania is similar to that in other European countries.
Getting Gig Workers to Do More by Doing Good: Field Experimental Evidence From Online Platform Labor Marketplaces
Authors: Burbano Vanessa C.
Published: May 2019

This article describes randomized field experiments implemented on two online labor market platforms examining the effect of employer charitable giving on a source of human capital that is becoming increasingly important to firms: the “gig” worker. It provides support that a message about charitable giving increases gig workers’ willingness to complete extra work, and that prosocially oriented gig workers are most responsive. A process experiment reveals that sharing information about charitable giving increases how close workers feel to their gig employer, and that the effect is greater if workers previously felt distant from (as opposed to already felt close to) their employer. This article provides insight into gig workers’ nonpecuniary motivation, explores heterogeneity in this type of workers’ responsiveness to charitable giving and illustrates how online platform labor markets can be used as a setting to implement field experiments examining effects of employer-level characteristics on gig worker behavior.
In the interest of the public good: Texas pre-kindergarten compulsory law
Authors: López Omar S
Published: May 2019

In Texas, public-funded pre-kindergarten is important because it provides the most vulnerable children with the opportunity to develop school readiness, so they can learn core competencies in kindergarten relevant to academic readiness for first grade. The Texas Legislature was back in session in spring 2019 and, not surprisingly, a bill was filed requiring all Texas school districts to offer free all-day preschool programs for students meeting certain criteria—in the interest of the public good. In this colloquium, the author seeks to bring attention to the problem of pre-kindergarten attendance—an issue that the Legislature needs to address before funding the expansion of pre-kindergarten from half-day to full-day programs. In so doing, the author’s intention is to inspire discourse among the early childhood global community of educators, researchers, and policymakers regarding pre-kindergarten compulsory policy and practice, and thereby inform current thinking and guide further study on this important issue.
Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are associated with reduced cognition in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Groeneveld Onno N , van den Berg Esther , Johansen Odd Erik , Schnaidt Sven , Hermansson Karin , Zinman Bernard , Espeland Mark A , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive dysfunction, but the mechanisms are unknown. We assessed the relationships of biomarkers of oxidation, endothelial function and inflammation with cognition in participants of the CAROLINA® trial (CARdiovascular Outcome Trial of LINAgliptin Versus Glimepiride in Type 2 Diabetes).

Methods:

Baseline circulating biomarkers of oxidation (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α), endothelial function (asymmetric dimethylarginine, endothelin-1) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α), based on linear regression, were related to cognition on five domains, as measured with an automated battery.

Results:

In 37 patients (mean age 66.7 ± 8.7 years, median HbA1c 6.9%/52 mmol/mol), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α was associated with reduced mental flexibility and attention (standardised regression coefficients −0.47, −0.34), whereas asymmetric dimethylarginine was associated with reduced psychomotor speed and attention (standardised regression coefficients −0.39, −0.34). No significant associations were observed between biomarkers of inflammation and cognition.

Conclusion:

Elevated biomarkers of oxidation and endothelial function are associated and may play a role in reduced psychomotor speed, mental flexibility and attention in type 2 diabetes.
Role of High Physical Fitness in Deterioration of Male Sexual Function in Japanese Adult Men
Authors: Kumagai Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Toru , Myoenzono Kanae , Kosaki Keisei , Akazawa Nobuhiko , Tanahashi Koichiro , Tagawa Kaname , Zempo-Miyaki Asako , Maeda Seiji
Published: May 2019

Male sexual function is regulated by vascular function and impaired vascular function is closely related with erectile dysfunction (ED). Vascular functions are positively influenced by physical fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and flexibility). The detailed associations between physical fitness and male sexual function remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to clarify the influence of physical fitness on male sexual function. In 177 adult men, peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), handgrip strength (HGS), and sit and reach were measured as indices of physical fitness. Arterial stiffness and erectile function were assessed by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF5) questionnaire, respectively. IIEF5 score was significantly correlated with VO2 peak ( rs = 0.52), HGS ( rs = 0.37), and cfPWV ( rs = −0.44); and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that VO2 peak, HGS, and cfPWV were significantly associated with IIEF5 score after considering confounders. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that the cutoff values for predicting ED were 29.0 ml/min/kg for VO2 peak and 39.3 kg for HGS. The IIEF5 score was the highest in the subjects with the values of both VO2 peak and HGS were higher than their respective cutoff values, while the IIEF5 score was the lowest in the subjects with the values of both VO2 peak and HGS were lower than their respective cutoff values. These results suggest that the maintenance of high aerobic capacity and muscular strength may offset deterioration of male sexual function.
Investigation on elastic compound buckling of latticed columns considering eccentricity and geometric imperfections
Authors: Li Yinqi , Cheng Wenming , Wang Bin , Ren Yangzhi
Published: May 2019

This article investigates the elastic compound buckling behavior of latticed columns with three lacing systems under two boundary conditions. Valid numerical method named SEM, that conducts buckling analysis using strain energy of bars and potential energy of chords, was built to address flexural, torsional, and flexural–torsional buckling loads along with their overall and local buckling deformations. Eurocode 3 and finite element software ABAQUS were used to validate the auxiliary of SEM. Through the research on X-lacing, E-lacing, and K-lacing latticed columns under two boundary conditions, the rigidity of bars was found to exceed a threshold value affecting the linear buckling load. When the cross-sectional area of lacing bars tends to 0 or threshold value, Eurocode 3 guidelines were imprecise in forecasting the linear buckling load. Eccentricity and geometric imperfections would decrease the buckling capacity of built-up columns substantially. The K-lacing columns respond more sensitively on local imperfections than the X-lacing and E-lacing columns under simply supported condition. However, for the columns under cantilever state, local imperfections have no significant impact for the three lacing columns. In addition, the numerical results of nonlinear buckling load and equilibrium path from SEM considering geometric imperfections are close to the output of finite element method, validating the accuracy of SEM.
Democracy, free association and boundary delimitation: The cases of Catalonia and Tabarnia
Authors: Graíño Ferrer Guillermo , Kühn Adriaan Ph V
Published: May 2019

This article aims to illustrate the confusion within today’s secessionist movements regarding the liberal and the nationalist arguments for legitimising secession. To do so, the liberal theory of secession – understood as an approach primarily based on consent – is examined, its limitations highlighted and its contradictions with nationalism stated. We then use the case of the fictional Tabarnia region to show how problematic the use of liberal arguments by secessionist nationalism is. Although until now only a virtual region, Tabarnia exemplifies how nationalist arguments reappear in the defence of Catalan independence when its supporters claim to only propose arguments of free association.
Evaluation of a health trainer–led service for people with knee, hip and back pain
Authors: Hurley MV , Semple A , Sibley F , Walker A
Published: May 2019

Aims:

Chronic knee, hip and back pain is extremely prevalent. Management guidelines emphasise maintaining physical activity and healthy weight to reduce pain and improve physical and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, few people receive support to make lifestyle changes. We evaluated whether a health trainer—led ‘joint pain advice’ (JPA) service delivering person-centred lifestyle coaching was feasible, acceptable and effective for people with knee, hip and back pain.

Methods:

Feasibility of delivering a JPA service was assessed by documenting whether the health trainers could deliver JPA and its uptake. Nine health trainers delivered JPA. Participants were offered up to four appointments. At each appointment, health trainers gave people information about their condition, co-developed care plans, suggested self-management strategies and used behavioural change techniques (motivational interviewing, goal-setting and action planning) to increase physical activity and reduce body weight. Pain, function, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) were collected at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months. Focus groups captured people’s opinions of the service’s effectiveness, acceptability and usefulness.

Results:

Of the 105 people who enquired about JPA, 85 (81%) used the service, after which their physical activity and function improved, and pain, use of analgesia and BMI decreased. They felt more knowledgeable and better motivated to adopt and maintain healthier behaviours. They attributed these improvements to the JPA service, because of its better consultations and collaborative holistic approach. Only a minority attended all four appointments because they felt they received sufficient advice from the initial appointments. The health trainers gained knowledge and skills to support clients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Conclusions:

Using a holistic, patient-centred approach, health trainers can deliver lifestyle advice to people with chronic knee, hip or back pain safely, effectively and efficiently. The service was popular with recipients and health trainers, and helped people adopt healthier lifestyles that lead to reduced pain and other clinical improvements.
Exploring Extended Kinship in Twenty-First-Century China: A Conceptual Case Study
Authors: Guo Man , Herrmann-Pillath Carsten
Published: May 2019

Many observers of contemporary China notice the revival of the so-called traditional culture. This includes the public presence of rituals and artefacts that relate with traditional kinship, such as ancestral halls. This article explores a case in Shenzhen, the Huang lineage and the larger surname group. A methodological issue looms large: What exactly was the “tradition” that is perceived as reviving? The field of historical studies on Chinese kinship is a highly contested domain, especially regarding the nature and role of lineages. Therefore, we designed our article as a “conceptual case study”: we reflect upon the state of our knowledge about Chinese kinship in the traditional sense, develop a tentative conceptual framework, and apply this on our case. Central issues include the relationship between descent as constructed and performed via kinship rituals and patterns of cooperation among members of a lineage and the wider surname group.