bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of functional normalisation of tumour vessels following anti-angiogenic therapy in glioblastoma
Authors: Obad Nina , Espedal Heidi , Jirik Radovan , Sakariassen Per Oystein , Brekke Rygh Cecilie , Lund-Johansen Morten , Taxt Torfinn , Niclou Simone P , Bjerkvig Rolf , Keunen Olivier
Published: June 2017

Neo-angiogenesis represents an important factor for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to a growing tumour, and is considered to be one of the main pathodiagnostic features of glioblastomas (GBM). Anti-angiogenic therapy by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blocking agents has been shown to lead to morphological vascular normalisation resulting in a reduction of contrast enhancement as seen by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Yet the functional consequences of this normalisation and its potential for improved delivery of cytotoxic agents to the tumour are not known. The presented study aimed at determining the early physiologic changes following bevacizumab treatment. A time series of perfusion MRI and hypoxia positron emission tomography (PET) scans were acquired during the first week of treatment, in two human GBM xenograft models treated with either high or low doses of bevacizumab. We show that vascular morphology was normalised over the time period investigated, but vascular function was not improved, resulting in poor tumoural blood flow and increased hypoxia.
Taking Costs and Diagnostic Test Accuracy into Account When Designing Prevalence Studies: An Application to Childhood Tuberculosis Prevalence
Authors: Wang Zhuoyu , Dendukuri Nandini , Pai Madhukar , Joseph Lawrence
Published: June 2017

Background. When planning a study to estimate disease prevalence to a pre-specified precision, it is of interest to minimize total testing cost. This is particularly challenging in the absence of a perfect reference test for the disease because different combinations of imperfect tests need to be considered. We illustrate the problem and a solution by designing a study to estimate the prevalence of childhood tuberculosis in a hospital setting. Methods. All possible combinations of 3 commonly used tuberculosis tests, including chest X-ray, tuberculin skin test, and a sputum-based test, either culture or Xpert, are considered. For each of the 11 possible test combinations, 3 Bayesian sample size criteria, including average coverage criterion, average length criterion and modified worst outcome criterion, are used to determine the required sample size and total testing cost, taking into consideration prior knowledge about the accuracy of the tests. Results. In some cases, the required sample sizes and total testing costs were both reduced when more tests were used, whereas, in other examples, lower costs are achieved with fewer tests. Conclusion. Total testing cost should be formally considered when designing a prevalence study.
Masquerading bundle branch block as a presenting manifestation of complete atrioventricular block that caused syncope
Authors: Jiao Zhenyu , Tian Ying , Yang Xinchun , Liu Xingpeng
Published: June 2017

A 59-year-old male patient was admitted with the main complaints of stuffiness and shortness of breath. An ECG from precordial leads on admission showed masquerading bundle branch block. Syncope frequently occurred after admission. During syncope episodes, ECG telemetry showed that the syncope was caused by intermittent complete atrioventricular block, with the longest RR interval lasting for 4.36 s. At the gap of syncope, ECG showed complete right bundle branch block accompanied by alternation of left anterior fascicular block and left posterior fascicular block. The patient was implanted with a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker. Follow-up of 9 months showed no reoccurrence of syncope.
Scarf pin-related hijab syndrome: A new name for an unusual type of foreign body aspiration
Authors: Baram Aram , Kakamad Fahmi H. , Bakir Delan Ahmed
Published: June 2017

Background

Foreign body aspiration refers to the inhalation of an object into the respiratory system and is a serious and potentially fatal event. A distinct group of patients has recently been recognized among Muslim nations. These patients include women who wear headscarves and place the safety pin in their mouth prior to securing the veils, leading to accidental foreign body aspiration. The aim of this study was to analyze the main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with scarf pin aspiration.

Methods

This prospective study involved patients with a history of scarf pin aspiration admitted to a single center during an 18-month period. Their main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed.

Results

In total, 27 patients were included. The needle was extracted by flexible bronchoscopy in 12 (44.4%) patients, rigid bronchoscopy in 13 (48.1%), and thoracotomy in 2 (74%). One patient died during rigid bronchoscopy. All remaining 26 patients were satisfied with the postsurgical outcome at a mean follow-up of 1 week.

Conclusions

Scarf pin aspiration differs from other types of foreign body aspiration considering the specific population affected, and its management algorithm may thus differ from that of other foreign bodies. The left main bronchus is the most common site of pin impaction. Rigid bronchoscopy is the most commonly performed procedure for successful retrieval.
An Integrative Theoretical Model of Public Support for Ex-Offender Reentry
Authors: Rade Candalyn B. , Desmarais Sarah L. , Burnette Jeni L.
Published: June 2017

Prior research suggests that public and ex-offender characteristics are associated with attitudes toward ex-offenders and support for their reentry; however, research examining reasons for these associations is limited. Research also is limited on the association between attitudes toward ex-offenders generally, and support for their reentry, specifically. Implicit theory offers a new approach to explaining public attitudes through beliefs in the fixed or malleable nature of people (i.e., mindsets). We developed and tested an integrative model applying implicit theory to investigate mechanisms through which beliefs explain support for reentry. Results showed that growth mindsets predicted more positive attitudes toward ex-offenders, which, in turn, predicted greater support for reentry. Belief in a just world, prior contact with an ex-offender, and political orientation were among the covariates of reentry support. Beyond supporting the application of implicit theory in this context, findings suggest that anti-stigma interventions should target growth mindsets to promote community reintegration.
Forming limit diagram generation with reduced experiments and modelling for different grades of automotive sheet steel using CrachLab
Authors: Singh Pundan K , Sarkar Rudra B , Raj Abhishek , Verma Rahul K
Published: June 2017

Forming limit diagram is one of the most commonly used failure criteria for sheet metal forming analysis. Forming limit diagram generation is time-consuming, and therefore, any reduction in the test requirements will be useful for the industry. In this work, a novel method has been proposed to generate such forming limit diagram with significantly reduced experimental efforts. The proposed new method is based on a combination of fewer experiments and the use of CrachLab (developed by MATFEM), which is based on the numerical modelling of tensile instability using Marciniak–Kuczynski method or MK method. The forming limit diagram generated using the new methodology has been compared with the one obtained using the standard procedure (as per ISO 12004-2), and a good correlation has been obtained. The proposed method, which requires significantly less experimental efforts, will be very useful for industries.
Academic libraries in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries and their role in propagating open science
Authors: Siyao Peter Onauphoo , Whong Fidelia M. , Martin-Yeboah Ebenezer , Namamonde Annet
Published: June 2017

The study aims at examining libraries in four Sub-Saharan Africa countries and their role in propagating open science. It also seeks to explore existing open science practices, ascertain the level of participation of academic libraries in open science activities, identify the strategies used in marketing open science platforms and enumerate the challenges hindering the success of open science in the selected countries. The study was guided by the qualitative school of thought where the researcher builds a complex, holistic picture, analyses words, and reports detailed views of informants, and conducts the study in a natural setting. The study employed the multiple case study research design approach to assess how academic libraries in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda promote open science. The findings show that there are few scholarly journals which exist in open access for most African academies in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Though not massively adopted, open access institutional repositories have been used to preserve and publicize the digital contents in some academic institutions in Africa such as theses, dissertations, administrative and heritage materials, conference proceedings as well as pre-prints and post-print of journal articles. The study recommends the intensification of open science advocacy in academic libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa; institutions should ensure that there is a stable electricity supply as well as reliable internet connectivity, introducing regular training on emerging media technologies to the community members and strengthening the libraries consortium in Sub-Saharan Africa as an enabling platform to share intellectual productivity of their member countries.
Profile of gene expression of TLR-signaling pathways in colorectal cancer tissues
Authors: Bednarczyk Martyna , Muc-Wierzgoń Małgorzata , Walkiewicz Katarzyna , Kokot Teresa , Fatyga Edyta , Mazurek Urszula
Published: June 2017

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in transduction of molecular signals in immune process such as induction and regulation of immunity, production of cytokines, and recognition of specific molecular patterns on the surface of microorganisms, but also in cancer development—which was partially proven in previous studies. There is a lack of detailed research on differentiating levels of TLR expression in colorectal cancer at different stages of its advancement, so in our study we want to determine whether there is such a difference of TLRs and TLR-connected protein expression. In this study, 83 samples of colorectal adenocarcinoma (varying clinical degrees) and 40 slices of healthy colon tissue have been analyzed. The delivered material was subjected to homogenization and extraction of total RNA. The isolated RNA was subsequently purified and valued quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantification was performed using a spectrophotometer GeneQuant II. The RNA concentration in the tested samples was determined spectrophotometrically. A qualitative assessment was performed by performing electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. The expression profile of the genes encoding the TLRs was determined using oligonucleotide microarray HG-U133A. To determine the mRNA (messenger RNA), differentiate cancerous tissue from normal colon using PL-Grid Infrastructure. The results were analyzed statistically, taking a significance level P < 0.05. In the study were found three proteins, DUSP2, IFNγ, EIF4A1, associated with TLR system, that differentiate early stages of colorectal cancer of healthy tissue, moreover eleven, inter alia: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which differentiate high stage of cancer of healthy tissues. The results emphasize the role of pathways associated with TLR activation in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. In summary, molecular studies on the development of colorectal cancer will enable the introduction of minimally invasive genetic diagnosis of early forms of cancer. In addition, identification of new signaling pathways can provide the basis for developing new therapeutic methods.
Ethnic Identity, Life Satisfaction, and Depressive Symptoms of Mexican Descent Adolescents: Self-Esteem as a Mediating Mechanism
Authors: Piña-Watson Brandy , Das Mandrila , Molleda Lourdes , Camacho Carla
Published: June 2017

The present study investigates the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of gender in the relationship between ethnic identity components (i.e., exploration, resolution, affirmation) and depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Participants were 294 Mexican descent adolescents (55.4% female) ages 14 to 18 years ( M = 15.27 years; SD = 1.00 years). A mediated multigroup path analysis was conducted. The final model indicated that self-esteem is a potential mediator between ethnic identity affirmation and resolution with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction due to significant indirect relationships. The full model achieved acceptable model fit. Ethnic identity exploration was not significantly related to self-esteem, and no gender differences were present in the model. This study helps those working with Mexican descent youth come to a better understanding of self-esteem as a potential mechanism through which ethnic identity is related to psychological functioning (i.e., life satisfaction and depressive symptoms). Implications for practice and suggestions for future directions are discussed.
Reduced Effective Emotion Regulation in Night Owls
Authors: Watts Alexandra L. , Norbury Ray
Published: June 2017

Previous research has demonstrated a clear link between late chronotype and depression. The vulnerability factors underpinning this link, however, are unclear. Here the relationship between two specific emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, and chronotype was investigated using multiple regression. Two hundred and forty participants (age range 18-80, 189 females) completed validated self-report questionnaires assaying chronotype, neuroticism, depressive symptomatology, sleep quality, and emotion regulation. Eveningness was associated with increased expressive suppression, and morningness was associated with increased cognitive reappraisal after controlling for age, gender, depressive symptomatology, neuroticism, and sleep quality. Trait expressive suppression and reduced cognitive reappraisal are known to increase depression risk. Our results suggest that eveningness is associated with impaired emotion regulation, which may confer risk for future depression. These findings suggest modifiable markers that could be therapeutically targeted to prevent the onset of depression in late chronotype individuals.
African Caribbean Migration
Authors: Hackett V. C. Rhonda
Published: June 2017

This article seeks to examine the concept of the better life in the context of African Caribbean migration to Canada with the aim of contributing toward a more complicated and nuanced understanding of the intersection of transnational migration and decolonizing approaches in social work. Within this examination, I contend that migration by African Caribbeans is a form of resistance to the ongoing evisceration of their life chances and choices as a result of colonization. The movement of African Caribbean people is tied to a legacy of centuries of resistance to European exploitation, extortion, and extraction of resources enacted through regimes of slavery, colonization, and globalization. This article briefly explores the history of social work values in what is now known as Canada, as it relates to understanding how social work is positioned in relation to African Caribbean migration to Canada through a decolonizing lens and draws on recent findings from research with African Caribbean participants in the city of Toronto, Ontario, to critically deconstruct the concept of a better life. This deconstruction is necessary to supporting decolonizing understandings of the contemporary social conditions endured by African Caribbean peoples in Canada and to transforming relations between social work and African Caribbean peoples.
Older Military Veteran Care: Many Still Believe They Are Forgotten
Authors: Young Cathy , Conard Patricia L. , Armstrong Myrna L. , Lacy Darlene
Published: June 2017

Background: Almost 44% of our nation’s 23 million men and women veterans are 65 years of age or older. Most are proud of their service, yet many believe their services for our country were forgotten, especially those in combat between 1950 and 1975. Purpose: Further information to ultimately assist their holistic well-being will be important for nursing practice as countless older veterans are beginning to obtain more care within civilian facilities. Using the Korean War (1950-1953) as a backdrop to illustrate the interconnectiveness of older veteran physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns that can occur from a military deployment, the major purposes of this article are to provide a brief historical snapshot of that war and discuss prior-era military environmental situations that now are producing the lingering effects from their combat exposure. Design: Relevant literature about the Korean War and Veterans was compiled. Findings: Some of these health risks for both the Korean men and women veterans are cold exposure, neurologic, and posttraumatic stress disorder concerns, as well as the need for hepatitis C and suicide assessments. Conclusions: To ultimately improve their bio-psycho-socio-spiritual well-being, prompt identification of the older military veteran, their lingering combat effects, and reminiscing will be important.
Contemporary Employer Interest Representation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gooberman Leon , Hauptmeier Marco , Heery Edmund
Published: June 2017

Focusing on employers’ organizations in the United Kingdom, this article contributes to the literature on employer interest representation by advancing three interrelated arguments, which reflect how the methods, structure and interests of employer representation have evolved. First, the primary method of collective interest representation has shifted from collective bargaining, nowadays only pursued by a minority of employers’ organizations, to political representation, now the most frequent form of collective interest representation. Second, the structure of employer interest representation has evolved and is fragmented between a small number of large, general employers’ organizations, a large majority of sectoral employers’ organizations, regional interest representation in the devolved nations, which has become more important, and a new type of employer body, the employer forum, which focuses on corporate social responsibility. Third, the shift in collective interest representation is complemented by a broadening of individual interest representation, with employers’ organizations having developed a wide range of services.
Deceleration of sliding motorcycles (mainly scooters) in accident reconstructions
Authors: Cialdai Carlo , Vangi Dario , Virga Antonio
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an analysis of the situation in which a two-wheeler (i.e. a motorcycle, where the term motorcycles includes scooters) falls over to the side and then successively slides; this typically occurs in road accidents involving this type of vehicle. Knowing the deceleration rate of the sliding phase allows the kinetic energy dissipated and the speed of the motorcycle just before the fall to the ground to be calculated. These parameters are very important in the analysis and reconstruction of accidents. The work presented in this paper was developed in two experimental test sessions on fully faired motorcycles which are mainly of the scooter type and widely used in urban areas. In the first session, sliding tests were carried out, with the speed in the range 10–50 km/h, on three different types of road surface. Analysis of the evidence allowed the dissipative main phases of motion of the motorcycle (the impact with the ground, the rebounds and the stabilized swiping) to be identified and some factors affecting the phenomenon to be studied. The coefficient of average deceleration was calculated using two typical equations. The second test session consisted of drag tests. In these tests, the motorcycle, which had previously laid on its side, was dragged for a few metres at a constant speed of about 20 km/h, while the drag force was measured. A comparison of the results obtained in these tests with those obtained in the sliding tests yielded very good agreement in the coefficients of deceleration.
Landmark cure rate models with time-dependent covariates
Authors: Shi Haolun , Yin Guosheng
Published: June 2017

We propose a class of landmark cure rate models by incorporating time-dependent covariates. The landmark approach enables us to obtain dynamic predictions of a patient’s survival probabilities as new clinical information emerges during the follow-up time. The proposed method extends the landmark model for failure time data with a possible cure fraction. We specify a series of landmark time points, and for each of time point, we construct a landmark data set consisting of only those at-risk individuals at the landmark time. The time-dependent covariates can be fixed at the values evaluated at the landmark time point. Through landmarking, our framework accommodates the Cox proportional hazards model, accelerated failure time model and censored quantile regression model in the presence of a cure proportion. We conduct simulation studies to assess the estimation accuracy of the proposed method, and illustrate it with data from a heart transplant study.
Book Review: Clayton M. Christensen, Taddy Hall, Karen Dillon and David S. Duncan, Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation and Customer Choice
Authors: Satheesh Kumar T.N.
Published: June 2017

Clayton M. Christensen, Taddy Hall, Karen Dillon and David S. Duncan, Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation and Customer Choice. New York: Harper Business, 2016, 266 pp., ₹599.00 (hardback). ISBN: 978-0-06-243561-3
Exploring the effect of tempo changes on violinists’ body movements
Authors: Coorevits Esther , Moelants Dirk , Maes Pieter-Jan , Leman Marc
Published: June 2017

In expressive music performance, tempo is known to be a fundamental parameter. In this article, we explored effects of changes in musical tempo on performers’ movement articulations. Eight duos (piano – violin) played two pieces at a predefined tempo, after which this start tempo was gradually increased and decreased. Throughout the different performances, we measured acceleration of the violinists’ head and right wrist, together with the downward force applied by their body to the ground surface. We calculated periodicities in downward force using fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyses and tested whether differences occurred across different tempi. Also, we clustered acceleration and force patterns across different tempi using self-organizing maps (SOMs) and k-means clustering. The results show that a continuous change in performance tempo leads to distinct “performance states” with characteristic bodily behavior in terms of periodic body movement and co-articulated gestures, which supports theories of tempo-variant motor control.
“You Get What You Get”? Learner Agency in the Early Childhood Music Classroom
Authors: Koops Lisa Huisman
Published: June 2017

In this article, I suggest that providing opportunities for agency (student choice or control) in the early childhood classroom could enhance student learning. One important way that young children demonstrate agency is through expressing color preference. I encourage teachers to look for opportunities to give children choices and control in the classroom, including selecting colors of classroom props or leading a conducting activity.
The Professional Work of “Unprofessional” Tweets
Authors: Walls Douglas M.
Published: June 2017

This article examines the tactical online rhetorical choices of a young African American professional communicator, Gina. Drawing on situated analysis to show how Gina engaged with her African American Hush Harbor (AAHH) of young professionals online, the author argues that Gina used Twitter to maintain professional network ties in her AAHH community while resisting organizational discourses of surveillance. The author further argues that analyzing particular choices in boundaryless career situations allows us to see important nontask-based professional writing activity.
The Microorganisms on Nurses’ and Health Care Workers’ Uniforms in the Intensive Care Units
Authors: Abu Radwan Maha , Ahmad Muayyad
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to identify the types of microorganisms present on uniforms of nurses, physicians, respiratory therapist, students, and housekeepers in intensive care units (ICUs). A convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants ( N = 115) who work at military hospital in Jordan. Environmental cultures ( N = 305) were taken from the participants who were nurses, physicians, students, respiratory therapists, and housekeepers. The number of participating nurses was 58 (50.43%). There were 24 types of microorganisms found on the participants’ uniforms. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found 59 times (61.3%) on the three areas of uniform culture. High level of contamination was found among all the participants, and it was the highest in physicians (85%) followed by nurse (79.3%) (χ2 = 24.87, p < .001). None of the participants’ characteristics have correlated significantly with the uniform contamination. High percentages of uniform’s contamination among all those who work in the ICUs were found.
Development and Validation of the Self-Awareness of Falls in Elderly Scale Among Elderly Inpatients
Authors: Shyu Meei-Ling , Huang Hui-Chuan , Wu Mei-Jung , Chang Hsiu-Ju
Published: June 2017

The objectives of this study were to develop the Self-Awareness of Falls in Elderly (SAFE) scale and test its reliability and validity among elderly inpatients. A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling were used to test the validity and reliability of the SAFE scale. Explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis yielded an acceptable goodness of model fit, confirming the 21 items in the SAFE scale that were distributed among four factors: awareness of activity safety and environment, awareness of physical functions, awareness of medication, and awareness of cognitive behavior. The values of interrater reliability and Cronbach’s alpha were at least .70, indicating that reliability of the SAFE scale was acceptable. The SAFE scale is the first instrument to measure self-awareness of fall risk among high-risk groups. Further management and fall prevention can then be designed to reduce the incidence of falls among elderly people in clinical care.
“Power From Within” and Masculine Language: Does New Age Language Work at Work?
Authors: Zaidman Nurit , Janson Annick , Keshet Yael
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the use, by women, of New Age spirituality (NAS) language in the workplace. Quantitative and qualitative data collected in New Zealand and Israel show that women reported using NAS language more than men, and that NAS language are generally silenced. Results show that if not calculated correctly, women’s use of NAS can lead to the loss of social capital and cultural capital in the workplace. In addition, women use NAS language as a set of ideas that shape the way they behave, as a form of “power from within,” and as “spiritual capital.” The article draws out some implications for theory on language and power in the workplace, by showing that silenced languages may remain alive within people, directing responses and actions, and for feminist research, by suggesting that women’s spirituality should be considered as a factor in explaining the interpretation and negotiation of workplace challenges, by women.
Translating Guidelines Into Practice: Interpreting the 2016 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on the Role of Non-Statin Therapies for LDL-Cholesterol Lowering in the Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Waite Laura H. , Phan Yvonne L. , Spinler Sarah A.
Published: June 2017

Objective: In 2016, the American College of Cardiology released a decision pathway, based on expert consensus, to guide use of non-statin agents in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. The purpose of this article is to assist practitioners, health systems and managed care entities with interpreting this consensus statement in order to simplify implementation of the recommendations into patient care. Methods: Major themes from the consensus statement are briefly summarized and explained. Drug therapy recommendations are condensed into a single algorithm, while tables correlate each recommended regimen with the appropriate patient population from both a patient-level and systems-level perspective. Finally, a patient case with evidence-based decision support is explored. Results: These tools allow practitioners to make appropriate patient-specific decisions about the use of non-statin pharmacotherapy and enable health systems and managed care entities to more readily identify guideline-appropriate use of these agents upon review of patient profiles or prescribing patterns. Conclusion: This article provides resources for healthcare providers that facilitate uptake of these recommendations into clinical practice.
Bioabsorbable Fixation Screw for Proximal Interphalangeal Arthrodesis of Lesser Toe Deformities
Authors: Wendelstein Jascha Armin , Goger Peter , Bock Peter , Schuh Reinhard , Doz Priv , Trnka Hans-Jörg
Published: June 2017

Background:

Although standard fixation of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) arthrodesis by K-wire is relatively inexpensive and well established, it does have some drawbacks, making newer fixation devices interesting. The aim of this study was to clinically and radiologically assess the operative correction of the lesser toe deformation in the form of a PIP arthrodesis using a bioabsorbable 2.7-mm fixation screw.

Methods:

From January 2011 until October 2013, 34 patients underwent a PIP arthrodesis using the TRIM-IT (Arthrex) 2.7-mm fixation screw and were contacted for this retrospective cohort study. At an average of 3.3 years after the operation, 24 patients and 26 toes were evaluated clinically, radiologically, through pedobarography, and a patient-satisfaction survey.

Results:

Using the PLLA screw for fixation, 84.6% showed bony union of the arthrodesis, and 84.6% were satisfied. Mean AOFAS score was 82.7 points and thus regarded as good. The mean VAS score was 1.3/10. Overall, 73.1% of the toes showed good alignment, and 7.7% had a painless recurrence of deformity and were still satisfied with the intervention. In addition, 34.6% had floating toes, but only 4.2% without Weil osteotomy or encroachment. Further, 3.8% were advised to undergo a revision because of severe misalignment.

Conclusion:

The 2.7-mm bioabsorbable fixation screw yielded results that were comparable to other fixation devices for PIP fusion fixation regarding success rate, revisions, and patient acceptance.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Burdens of Access
Authors: Hazée Simon , Delcourt Cécile , Van Vaerenbergh Yves
Published: June 2017

Access-based services (ABS), which grant customers limited access to goods without any transfer of ownership, are unique technology-based service innovations requiring the substantial involvement and collaboration of customers without employees’ supervision. Although ABS offer several potential advantages, convincing customers to use them remains challenging. Combining 56 in-depth interviews with supplementary literature, the authors address this challenge by proposing an integrative framework that reflects the (1) barriers that prevent customers from using ABS and (2) practices in which customers engage to attenuate those barriers. The complex, multidimensional barriers relate not only to the service and technology features but also to other customers. Customers can engage in different practices to attenuate perceived barriers and create value, namely, “to distance,” “to manage,” “to elaborate,” “to control,” and “to relate.” Yet, they regard these barrier-attenuating practices as necessary sacrifices to use ABS. Complementing suggestions that customers adopt and use ABS to escape the burdens of ownership, the current research reveals that customers actually may confront several “burdens of access.” This research suggests managers who wish to reduce rejection of their innovation could not only overcome customers’ perceived barriers but also facilitate and reduce the number of practices in which customers engage to attenuate those barriers themselves.
RapaNet: A Web Tool for the Co-Expression Analysis of Brassica rapa Genes
Authors: Kim Jiye , Jun Kyong Mi , Kim Joung Sug , Chae Songhwa , Pahk Yoon-Mok , Lee Tae-Ho , Sohn Soo-In , Lee Soo In , Lim Myung-Ho , Kim Chang-Kug , Hur Yoonkang , Nahm Baek Hie , Kim Yeon-Ki
Published: June 2017

Accumulated microarray data are used for assessing gene function by providing statistical values for co-expressed genes; however, only a limited number of Web tools are available for analyzing the co-expression of genes of Brassica rapa. We have developed a Web tool called RapaNet ( http://bioinfo.mju.ac.kr/arraynet/brassica300k/query/ ), which is based on a data set of 143 B rapa microarrays compiled from various organs and at different developmental stages during exposure to biotic or abiotic stress. RapaNet visualizes correlated gene expression information via correlational networks and phylogenetic trees using Pearson correlation coefficient ( r). In addition, RapaNet provides hierarchical clustering diagrams, scatterplots of log ratio intensities, related pathway maps, and cis-element lists of promoter regions. To ascertain the functionality of RapaNet, the correlated genes encoding ribosomal protein (L7Ae), photosystem II protein D1 (psbA), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in glucosinolate biosynthesis (CYP79F1) were retrieved from RapaNet and compared with their Arabidopsis homologues. An analysis of the co-expressed genes revealed their shared and unique features.
Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study Auxiliary Findings on 2007-Compliant Diesel Engines: A Comparison With Diesel Exhaust Genotoxicity Effects Prior to 2007
Authors: Hallberg Lance M , Ward Jonathan B , Wickliffe Jeffrey K , Ameredes Bill T
Published: June 2017

Since its beginning, more than 117 years ago, the compression-ignition engine, or diesel engine, has grown to become a critically important part of industry and transportation. Public concerns over the health effects from diesel emissions have driven the growth of regulatory development, implementation, and technological advances in emission controls. In 2001, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board issued new diesel fuel and emission standards for heavy-duty engines. To meet these stringent standards, manufacturers used new emission after-treatment technology, and modified fuel formulations, to bring about reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen oxides within the exhaust. To illustrate the impact of that technological transition, a brief overview of pre-2007 diesel engine exhaust biomarkers of genotoxicity and health-related concerns is provided, to set the context for the results of our research findings, as part of the Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study (ACES), in which the effects of a 2007-compliant diesel engine were examined. In agreement with ACES findings reported in other tissues, we observed a lack of measurable 2007-compliant diesel treatment–associated DNA damage, in lung tissue (comet assay), blood serum (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] assay), and hippocampus (lipid peroxidation assay), across diesel exhaust exposure levels. A time-dependent assessment of 8-OHdG and lipid peroxidation also suggested no differences in responses across diesel exhaust exposure levels more than 24 months of exposure. These results indicated that the 2007-compliant diesel engine reduced measurable reactive oxygen species–associated tissue derangements and suggested that the 2007 standards–based mitigation approaches were effective.
“The Form of a City”: Pasolini and the Poetic Ecology of the Sign
Authors: Matthey Laurent , Cantoreggi Nicola
Published: June 2017

This article examines the potential contributions of Pasolinian anthropology to urban studies. Pasolinian anthropology aims to articulate a historical moment (i.e., the acceleration of the second industrial revolution in Italy between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s) with environmental and urban transformations. The authors sketch a portrait of Pasolini as a primitive theoretician who supported that which would become known as landscape urbanism. The authors mainly consult Pasolini’s journalistic writings published in two anthologies ( Lettere luterane, Scritti corsari) and an incomplete pedagogical manual ( Gennariello). The authors also refer to four of his documentary films ( Comizi d’amore, Appunti per un film sull’India, Appunti per un Orestiade Africana, and Pasolini e la forma della città) and tangentially to two of his novels ( Racconti romani and Petrolio) as well as to his correspondence and poems (particularly Gramsci’s Ashes).
Plasma neurofilament light chain levels in patients with MS switching from injectable therapies to fingolimod
Authors: Piehl Fredrik , Kockum Ingrid , Khademi Mohsen , Blennow Kaj , Lycke Jan , Zetterberg Henrik , Olsson Tomas
Published: June 2017

Background:

Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) marker of neuroaxonal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To determine the correlation of NFL in CSF and serum/plasma, and in plasma after switching from injectable MS therapies to fingolimod.

Methods:

A first cohort consisted of MS patients ( n = 39) and neurological disease controls ( n = 27) where CSF and plasma/serum had been collected for diagnostic purposes. A second cohort ( n = 243) consisted of patients from a post-marketing study of fingolimod. NFL was determined with Single Molecule Array (Simoa™) technology (detection threshold 1.95 pg/mL).

Results:

Mean NFL pg/mL (standard deviation ( SD)) was 341 (267) and 1475 (2358) in CSF and 8.2 (3.58) and 17.0 (16.94) in serum from controls and MS, respectively. CSF/serum and plasma/serum levels were highly correlated ( n  = 66, rho  = 0.672, p  < 0.0001 and n  = 16, rho  = 0.684, p  = 0.009, respectively). In patients starting fingolimod ( n = 243), mean NFL pg/mL ( SD) in plasma was reduced between baseline (20.4 (10.7)) and at 12 months (13.5 (7.3), p < 3 × 10−6), and levels remained stable at 24 months (13.2 (6.2)).

Conclusion:

NFL in serum and CSF are highly correlated and plasma NFL levels decrease after switching to highly effective MS therapy. Blood NFL measurement can be considered as a biomarker for MS therapy response.
Fronto-striatal network activation leads to less fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dobryakova Ekaterina , Hulst Hanneke E , Spirou Angela , Chiaravalloti Nancy D , Genova Helen M , Wylie Glenn R , DeLuca John
Published: June 2017

Background:

The fronto-striatal network has been implicated in both fatigue, a common multiple sclerosis (MS) symptom, and goal attainment, which has been shown to reduce fatigue in healthy individuals.

Objectives:

To investigate whether stimulation of the fronto-striatal network through goal attainment (potential monetary gain) leads to fatigue reduction in MS and healthy control (HC) participants.

Methods:

In all, 14 healthy and 19 MS participants performed a gambling task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were presented with an opportunity to receive monetary reward during the outcome condition of the task but not during the no outcome condition. Self-reported fatigue measures were obtained after each condition and outside of the scanner. Structural alterations were also examined.

Results:

A significant decrease in fatigue was observed after the outcome condition compared to the no outcome condition in both groups. Significantly greater activation was observed in the ventral striatum in association with the outcome condition compared to the no outcome condition in both groups. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex showed significantly greater activation during the no outcome condition compared to the outcome condition with greater difference between conditions in the HC group.

Conclusion:

This is the first functional neuroimaging study showing that stimulation of the fronto-striatal network through goal attainment leads to decreased on-task fatigue in MS and healthy participants.
Social inhibition and emotional distress in patients with coronary artery disease: The Type D personality construct
Authors: Timmermans Ivy , Versteeg Henneke , Duijndam Stefanie , Graafmans Corine , Polak Peter , Denollet Johan
Published: June 2017

We examined the validity of the social inhibition component of Type D, its distinctiveness from negative affectivity, and value regarding emotional distress as measured with the DS14 in 173 coronary artery disease patients. In dimensional analysis, social inhibition and negative affectivity emerged as distinct traits. Analysis of continuous negative affectivity and social inhibition measures showed main effects for several emotional and inhibition markers and an interaction effect for social anxiety. Categorical analysis indicated that Type D patients reported more depression, negative mood, social anxiety, and less positive mood. Social inhibition is not a redundant trait, but has additional conceptual value.
Free movement of workers in the EU and occupational pensions
Authors: Sol Marion Del , Rocca Marco
Published: June 2017

The European Union appears to be promoting at the same time both cross-national mobility of workers and an increased role for occupational pensions. There is, however, a potential tension between these two objectives because workers risk losing (some of) their pension rights under an occupational scheme as a consequence of their mobility. After long negotiations, the EU has addressed this issue through a minimum standards Directive. Shortly before the adoption of this Directive, the Court of Justice also delivered an important decision in the same field, in the case of Casteels v British Airways. By analysing the resulting legal framework for safeguarding pension rights under occupational schemes in the context of workers’ mobility, we argue that the application of the case law developed by the Court of Justice in the field of free movement of workers has the potential to offer superior protection compared to the Directive. We also highlight the fact that the present legal framework seems to afford a much fuller protection to the intra-company cross-national mobility of workers employed by multinational companies, while also seemingly favouring mobility for highly specialised workers.
The silent pension pillar implosion
Authors: Stevens Yves
Published: June 2017

This article discusses recent trends in occupational pension policy and identifies the rise of a second policy wave directed towards greater individualisation in occupational pension plans. It is clear that, at a global level, governments and regulatory offices are promoting the so-called third pillar as a valuable pension option and that freedom of choice of the individual is a key element in this process. This individualisation reflects the decreasing involvement of employers in occupational plans and the increasing attentiveness of governments towards individual retirement schemes. We ask whether the so-called first and third pillar are pushing the second pillar away and whether there is a silent pension pillar implosion.

In the article, we describe and analyse recent legislative and regulatory initiatives in six European countries to locate the individualisation process. We also propose a new paradigm for pension policy makers in which the so-called pension pillars are abandoned and replaced by an integrated pension vision leading to a balanced target income in retirement. In this integrated vision, there is a legal link between all forms of pension in a given country. This link is reflected in social and fiscal law.
Feminist articulations, social literacies, and ubiquitous mobile technology use in Kenya
Authors: Sanya Brenda N , Odero Phantus W
Published: June 2017

This article examines the changes occurring in learning and literacy in the age of ubiquitous mobile phone use. Focusing on rural Kenyan women’s use of mobile phone technologies in civic education programs, mobile banking, and to contact family members, the article explores how these women’s use of mobile phones, based on their everyday needs, has facilitated the development of a literacy. The women learned to read on their phones to receive money, civic education information, and to communicate with their family members. In this process, these women, who self-identified and are also nationally classified as illiterate, developed a relevant social literacy through active use of text-based mobile phone applications.
Perspective of αvβ6-Integrin Imaging for Clinical Management of Pancreatic Carcinoma and Its Precursor Lesions
Authors: Steiger Katja , Schlitter Anna-Melissa , Weichert Wilko , Esposito Irene , Wester Hans-Jürgen , Notni Johannes
Published: June 2017

ß6-integrin immunohistochemistry analysis of a large number of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, 383 primary tumors, 7 lymph node, and 8 distant metastases) and 34 pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) specimens revealed a high prevalence of αvß6-integrin expression in PDAC primaries (88%) and in almost all metastases, as well as in PanIN (57%). These findings underscore the high potential of a novel αvß6-integrin targeting positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical, Ga-68-Avebehexin, for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
In Vivo PET Imaging of the Activated Immune Environment in a Small Animal Model of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Franc Benjamin L. , Goth Sam , MacKenzie John , Li Xiaojuan , Blecha Joseph , Lam Tina , Jivan Salma , Hawkins Randall A. , VanBrocklin Henry
Published: June 2017

Background:

Evolving immune-mediated therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit from an improved understanding of the complex role that T-cell activation plays in RA. This study assessed the potential of fluorine-18-labeled 9-β-d-arabinofuranosylguanine ([18F]F-AraG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to report immune activation in vivo in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) small animal model.

Methods:

Using positron emission tomography–computed tomography imaging, uptake of [18F]F-AraG in the paws of mice affected by arthritis at 6 (acute) and 20 (chronic) days following AIA induction in a single paw was assessed and compared to uptake in contralateral control paws. Fractions of T cells and B cells demonstrating markers of activation at the 2 time points were determined by flow cytometry.

Results:

Differential uptake of [18F]F-AraG was demonstrated on imaging of the affected joint when compared to control at both acute and chronic time points with corresponding changes in markers of T-cell activation observed on flow cytometry.

Conclusion:

[18F]F-AraG may serve as an imaging biomarker of T-cell activation in inflammatory arthritis. Further development of this technique is warranted and could offer a tool to explore the temporal link between activated T cells and RA as well as to monitor immune-mediated therapies for RA in clinical trials.