bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of Signal Transduction and Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling Contributes to Helicobacter-Associated Gastric Epithelial Proliferation and Inflammation
Authors: Ishii Yasuaki , Shibata Wataru , Sugimori Makoto , Kaneta Yoshihiro , Kanno Masatomo , Sato Takeshi , Sue Soichiro , Kameta Eri , Kaneko Hiroaki , Irie Kuniyasu , Sasaki Tomohiko , Kondo Masaaki , Maeda Shin
Published: April 2018

Background/Aim. Although IL-6-mediated activation of the signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis is involved in inflammation and cancer, the role of STAT3 in Helicobacter-associated gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis is unclear. This study investigated the role of STAT3 in gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis and examined the molecular mechanism of Helicobacter-induced gastric phenotypes. Methods. To evaluate the contribution of STAT3 to gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis, we used wild-type (WT) and gastric epithelial conditional Stat3-knockout (Stat3Δgec) mice. Mice were infected with Helicobacter felis and euthanized at 18 months postinfection. Mouse gastric organoids were treated with recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6) or rIL-11 and a JAK inhibitor (JAKi) to assess the role of IL-6/STAT3 signaling in vitro. Results. Inflammation and mucous metaplasia were more severe in WT mice than in Stat3Δgec mice. The epithelial cell proliferation rate and STAT3 activation were increased in WT mice. Application of rIL-6 and rIL-11 induced expression of intestinal metaplasia-associated genes, such as Tff2; this induction was suppressed by JAKi administration. Conclusions. Loss of STAT3 signaling in the gastric mucosa leads to decreased epithelial cell proliferation, atrophy, and metaplasia in the setting of Helicobacter infection. Therefore, activation of STAT3 signaling may play a key role in Helicobacter-associated gastric carcinogenesis.
Small Bowel Obstruction with Perforation Secondary to PillCam
Authors: Pham Toan , Miller Ashley , La Paglia Domenic , Cham Alvin
Published: April 2018

We present a case of a 63-year-old female who presented with small bowel obstruction and perforation secondary to a retained PillCam®. She initially presented with iron-deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin 44 g/L, ferritin 190 mcg/L). After unremarkable upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies and biopsies, she was referred for wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE). Four days afterwards she re-presented with small bowel obstruction and perforation related to the PillCam, which was confirmed on X-ray, on computed topography (CT), and at laparotomy.
CFD Analysis and Electrical Efficiency Improvement of a Hybrid PV/T Panel Cooled by Forced Air Circulation
Authors: Ömeroğlu Gökhan
Published: April 2018

The thermal and electrical efficiency of a custom-designed PV/T panel cooled by forced air circulation was investigated by experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Experiments were carried out with four different array configurations, under constant irradiation of 1100 W/m2 and 3 different air velocities (3.3 m/s, 3.9 m/s, and 4.5 m/s). The heat transfer surface area and forced air circulation are known to positively affect the total heat transfer, and therefore, it is foreseeable that an increased number of fins and higher air velocities will help maintain the electrical efficiency of the panel at higher levels. The main objective of this study is to determine the critical threshold for the abovementioned parameters as well as to show how important parameters, such as fin arrangement and consequent turbulent air flows, are for satisfying the heat removal needs. Highest efficiency was achieved with a 108 pc type 1 arrangement at 12.02% as expected. Nevertheless, while the 108 pc type 2 arrangement could maintain the electrical efficiency at 11.81%, a close level of 11.55% could be obtained with a 54 pc type 2 arrangement. Experimental results are compared with ANSYS Fluent program, and the effect of the number and arrangement of the fins on the efficiency of the panel has been shown.
Geotechnical Properties of Wood Ash‐Based Composite Fine‐Grained Soil
Authors: Nath Bayshakhi Deb , Sarkar Grytan , Siddiqua Sumi , Rokunuzzaman Md. , Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: April 2018

It is observed in Bangladesh that there is an extensive use of wood as a solid biomass for heat and electricity production, which led to increase in the amount of combustion residues known as ash. These ashes are discarded and dumped here and there, resulting in pollution of the environment. It could be managed by using wood ash as a stabilizer of soft clay. It is found that there is an enhancement of the engineering properties of existing soil in stabilized forms particularly unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear strength parameters, workability, and compaction and compressibility characteristics. Therefore, laboratory tests associated with these properties were performed for some selected percentage of wood ash, for example, 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%. Chemical investigation of wood ash depicts that it contains approximately 30% CaO, which directs it to behave like a pozzolanic material. Besides, the test result signifying that the soil could be made lighter with the increase of moisture content, strength, and reduction of compressibility due to the addition of ash content.
The Potentials and Caveats of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapies in the Preterm Infant
Authors: Gronbach Judith , Shahzad Tayyab , Radajewski Sarah , Chao Cho-Ming , Bellusci Saverio , Morty Rory E. , Reicherzer Tobias , Ehrhardt Harald
Published: April 2018

Preponderance of proinflammatory signals is a characteristic feature of all acute and resulting long-term morbidities of the preterm infant. The proinflammatory actions are best characterized for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) which is the chronic lung disease of the preterm infant with lifelong restrictions of pulmonary function and severe consequences for psychomotor development and quality of life. Besides BPD, the immature brain, eye, and gut are also exposed to inflammatory injuries provoked by infection, mechanical ventilation, and oxygen toxicity. Despite the tremendous progress in the understanding of disease pathologies, therapeutic interventions with proven efficiency remain restricted to a few drug therapies with restricted therapeutic benefit, partially considerable side effects, and missing option of applicability to the inflamed brain. The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)—also known as mesenchymal stem cells—has attracted much attention during the recent years due to their anti-inflammatory activities and their secretion of growth and development-promoting factors. Based on a molecular understanding, this review summarizes the positive actions of exogenous umbilical cord-derived MSCs on the immature lung and brain and the therapeutic potential of reprogramming resident MSCs. The pathomechanistic understanding of MSC actions from the animal model is complemented by the promising results from the first phase I clinical trials testing allogenic MSC transplantation from umbilical cord blood. Despite all the enthusiasm towards this new therapeutic option, the caveats and outstanding issues have to be critically evaluated before a broad introduction of MSC-based therapies.
A Survey of How to Use Blockchain to Secure Internet of Things and the Stalker Attack
Authors: Jesus Emanuel Ferreira , Chicarino Vanessa R. L. , de Albuquerque Célio V. N. , Rocha Antônio A. de A.
Published: April 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly a reality today. Nevertheless, some key challenges still need to be given particular attention so that IoT solutions further support the growing demand for connected devices and the services offered. Due to the potential relevance and sensitivity of services, IoT solutions should address the security and privacy concerns surrounding these devices and the data they collect, generate, and process. Recently, the Blockchain technology has gained much attention in IoT solutions. Its primary usage scenarios are in the financial domain, where Blockchain creates a promising applications world and can be leveraged to solve security and privacy issues. However, this emerging technology has a great potential in the most diverse technological areas and can significantly help achieve the Internet of Things view in different aspects, increasing the capacity of decentralization, facilitating interactions, enabling new transaction models, and allowing autonomous coordination of the devices. The paper goal is to provide the concepts about the structure and operation of Blockchain and, mainly, analyze how the use of this technology can be used to provide security and privacy in IoT. Finally, we present the stalker, which is a selfish miner variant that has the objective of preventing a node to publish its blocks on the main chain.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Cortactin and Focal Adhesion Kinase Predicts Recurrence Risk and Laryngeal Cancer Risk Beyond Histologic Grading
Authors: Villaronga M. Ángeles , Hermida-Prado Francisco , Granda-Díaz Rocío , Menéndez Sofía T. , Álvarez-Teijeiro Saúl , Quer Miquel , Vilaseca Isabel , Allonca Eva , Garzón-Arango Marta , Sanz-Moreno Victoria , Astudillo Aurora , Rodrigo Juan P. , García-Pedrero Juana M.
Published: April 2018

Background: Cortactin (CTTN) and the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are two major candidate genes to, respectively, drive 11q13- and 8q24-associated aggressive behavior in various cancers. Recent evidence uncovered their clinical relevance in early stages of tumorigenesis as promising biomarkers for cancer risk assessment.

Methods: Using a multicenter validation study, CTTN and FAK expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a cohort of 109 patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions, and correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and laryngeal cancer risk. The pathophysiologic role of CTTN and FAK was further investigated using functional studies in cellular models.

Results: Positive CTTN and FAK expression (scores 2 and 3) was detected in 49 (41%) and 35 (32%) laryngeal dysplasias, respectively. Univariate Cox analysis showed that CTTN and FAK expression but not histologic grading was significantly associated with both recurrence risk and laryngeal cancer risk. Patients carrying strong CTTN- or FAK-expressing lesions (score 3) experienced the highest laryngeal cancer incidence (log-rank P < 0.001). In multivariate stepwise analysis, FAK expression [HR = 13.91; 95% CI, 4.82–40.15; P < 0.001] and alcohol consumption (HR = 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–4.20; P = 0.014) were significant independent predictors of laryngeal cancer development. Targeting FAK by either RNAi or pharmacologic inhibitors effectively blocked cell growth, colony formation, and invasion into 3D collagen matrices.

Conclusions: CTTN and FAK emerge as powerful predictors of laryngeal cancer risk and recurrence risk beyond histologic grading.

Impact: Our work supports the applicability of IHC CTTN and FAK as complementary markers for risk stratification in patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 805–13. ©2018 AACR.
Respiratory Management of Extremely Preterm Infants: An International Survey
Authors: Beltempo Marc , Isayama Tetsuya , Vento Máximo , Lui Kei , Kusuda Satoshi , Lehtonen Liisa , Sjörs Gunnar , Håkansson Stellan , Adams Mark , Noguchi  Akihiko , Reichman Brian , Darlow Brian A. , Morisaki Naho , Bassler Dirk , Pratesi Simone , Lee Shoo K. , Lodha Abhay , Modi Neena , Helenius Kjell , Shah Prakesh S. ,   on behalf of the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes of Neonates
Published: April 2018

Background: There are significant international variations in chronic lung disease rates among very preterm infants yet there is little data on international variations in respiratory strategies. Objective: To evaluate practice variations in the respiratory management of extremely preterm infants born at < 29 weeks’ gestational age (GA) among 10 neonatal networks participating in the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes (iNeo) of Neonates collaboration. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to the representatives of 390 neonatal intensive care units from Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Illinois (USA), Israel, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Tuscany (Italy). Responses were based on practices in 2015. Results: Overall, 321 of the 390 units responded (82%). The majority of units within networks (40–92%) mechanically ventilate infants born at 23–24 weeks’ GA on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 30–39% oxygen in respiratory distress within 48 h after birth, but the proportion of units that offer mechanical ventilation for infants born at 25–26 weeks’ GA at similar settings varied significantly (20–85% of units within networks). The most common respiratory strategy for infants born at 27–28 weeks’ GA on CPAP with 30–39% oxygen with respiratory distress within 48 h after birth used by units also varied significantly among networks: mechanical ventilation (0–60%), CPAP (3–82%), intubation and surfactant administration with immediate extubation (0–75%), and less invasive surfactant administration (0–68%). Conclusions: There are marked variations but also similarities in respiratory management of extremely preterm infants between networks. Further collaboration and exploration is needed to better understand the association of these variations in practice with pulmonary outcomes.
Classification of Uniparental Isodisomy Patterns That Cause Autosomal Recessive Disorders: Proposed Mechanisms of Different Proportions and Parental Origin in Each Pattern
Authors: Niida Yo , Ozaki Mamoru , Shimizu Masaki , Ueno Kazuyuki , Tanaka Tomomi
Published: April 2018

Patients with autosomal recessive (AR) disorders are usually born to parents both of whom are heterozygous carriers of the disease. However, in some instances only one of the parents is a carrier and a mutation is segregated to the patient through uniparental isodisomy (UPiD). Recently, an increasing number of such case reports has been published, and it has become clear that there are several different UPiD patterns that cause AR disorders. In this article, we report 3 remarkable patients with different patterns of UPiD. We then review 85 cases collected in the literature. We realized that they can be classified into 3 patterns: UPiD of the whole chromosome, segmental UPiD with uniparental heterodisomy (UPhD), and segmental UPiD caused by post-zygotic mitotic recombination (MiRe). Whole chromosomal UPiD accounted for the majority of cases, with paternal origin accounting for approximately twice as many cases as maternal origin. Most cases of segmental UPiD with UPhD were of maternal origin, with a dominancy of nondisjunction in meiosis I, while segmental UPiD through MiRe is the smallest pattern with equal parental origin. These differences in proportion and parental origin in each pattern can be explained by considering nondisjunction during oogenesis as the starting point and UPiD as subsequent events.
Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation After Initial Long-Term Ablation Success
Authors: Shah Shailee , Barakat Amr F. , Saliba Walid I. , Abdur Rehman Karim , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Rickard John , Bassiouny Mohamed , Baranowski Bryan , Tchou Patrick , Bhargava Mandeep , Chung Mina , Dresing Thomas , Callahan Thomas , Cantillon Daniel , Kanj Mohamed , Lindsay Bruce D. , Wazni Oussama M. , Hussein Ayman A.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Atrial fibrillation recurrence after initial long-term success of catheter ablation has been described, yet not well studied. We assessed the electrophysiological findings and outcomes of repeat ablation procedures in this setting.

Methods and Results:

Between 2000 and 2015, 10 378 patients underwent atrial fibrillation ablation and were enrolled in a prospectively maintained data registry. From this registry, we included all 137 consecutive patients who had initial long-term success, defined as freedom from recurrent arrhythmia for >36 months off antiarrhythmics, then underwent repeat ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation. The median arrhythmia-free period that defined long-term success was 52 months (41–68 months). In redo ablations, reconnection along at least one of the pulmonary veins (PVs) was found in 111 (81%) patients. Reconnection along a left superior, left inferior, right superior, and right inferior PV was found in 64%, 62%, 50%, and 54% of patients, respectively, and were reisolated. Additional non-PV ablations were performed in 127 (92.7%) patients: posterior wall (46%), septal to right PVs (49%), superior vena cava (35%), roof lines (52%), and cavotricuspid isthmus (33%). After a median follow-up of 17 months (5–36.9 months), 103 patients (75%) were arrhythmia free (79 off antiarrhythmics, 24 on antiarrhythmics).

Conclusions:

PV reconnection is the most common electrophysiological finding in patients with atrial fibrillation recurrence after long-term success, but with lower rates than what had been reported for early recurrences. In our experience, repeat ablations in this setting involve complex ablation approaches to reisolate the PVs and modify the atrial substrate and are associated with good success rates.
Mortality and Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Stratification Using the Noninvasive Combination of Wide QRS Duration and Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Marume Kyohei , Noguchi Teruo , Tateishi Emi , Morita Yoshiaki , Kamakura Tsukasa , Ishibashi Kohei , Noda Takashi , Miura Hiroyuki , Nishimura Kunihiro , Nakai Michikazu , Yamada Naoaki , Tsujita Kenichi , Anzai Toshihisa , Kusano Kengo , Ogawa Hisao , Yasuda Satoshi
Published: April 2018

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of QRS duration ≥120 ms (wide QRS duration [wQRS]) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a precise prognostic indicator for dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results:

We investigated the association between the combination of LGE plus wQRS and the primary end point (all-cause death) and a composite of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or aborted SCD in 531 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We also analyzed the association between the combination of LGE and wQRS and these end points among patients with a class I indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. We divided study patients into 3 groups according to LGE status and QRS duration: 2 negative indices (LGE negative and narrow QRS), 1 positive index (LGE positive or wQRS), or 2 positive indices (LGE positive and wQRS), and followed them for 3.8 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified 2 positive indices as a significant predictor of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 4.29 [1.19–15.47];
P
=0.026). Among 317 patients with a class I indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator, the 5-year event rate of SCD or aborted SCD was the lowest in the 2 negative indices group (1.4%). With propensity score–matching cohorts, the 2 negative indices group had a significantly lower event rate of SCD or aborted SCD than the other 2 groups (hazard ratio, 0.12 [0.01–0.97];
P
=0.046).

Conclusions:

The combination of LGE and wQRS provides additional prognostic stratification compared with LGE status alone and might improve the appropriate use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Cardiac Rotational Mechanics As a Predictor of Myocardial Recovery in Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Chronic Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Bonios Michael J. , Koliopoulou Antigone , Wever-Pinzon Omar , Taleb Iosif , Stehlik Josef , Xu Weining , Wever-Pinzon James , Catino Anna , Kfoury Abdallah G. , Horne Benjamin D. , Nativi-Nicolau Jose , Adamopoulos Stamatis N. , Fang James C. , Selzman Craig H. , Bax Jeroen J. , Drakos Stavros G.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Impaired qualitative and quantitative left ventricular (LV) rotational mechanics predict cardiac remodeling progression and prognosis after myocardial infarction. We investigated whether cardiac rotational mechanics can predict cardiac recovery in chronic advanced cardiomyopathy patients.

Methods and Results:

Sixty-three patients with advanced and chronic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing implantation of LV assist device (LVAD) were prospectively investigated using speckle tracking echocardiography. Acute heart failure patients were prospectively excluded. We evaluated LV rotational mechanics (apical and basal LV twist, LV torsion) and deformational mechanics (circumferential and longitudinal strain) before LVAD implantation. Cardiac recovery post-LVAD implantation was defined as (1) final resulting LV ejection fraction ≥40%, (2) relative LV ejection fraction increase ≥50%, (iii) relative LV end-systolic volume decrease ≥50% (all 3 required). Twelve patients fulfilled the criteria for cardiac recovery (Rec Group). The Rec Group had significantly less impaired pre-LVAD peak LV torsion compared with the Non-Rec Group. Notably, both groups had similarly reduced pre-LVAD LV ejection fraction. By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, pre-LVAD peak LV torsion of 0.35 degrees/cm had a 92% sensitivity and a 73% specificity in predicting cardiac recovery. Peak LV torsion before LVAD implantation was found to be an independent predictor of cardiac recovery after LVAD implantation (odds ratio, 0.65 per 0.1 degrees/cm [0.49–0.87];
P
=0.014).

Conclusions:

LV rotational mechanics seem to be useful in selecting patients prone to cardiac recovery after mechanical unloading induced by LVADs. Future studies should investigate the utility of these markers in predicting durable cardiac recovery after the explantation of the cardiac assist device.
Examining the Use of a Social Media Campaign to Increase Engagement for the American Heart Association 2017 Resuscitation Science Symposium
Authors: Leary Marion , McGovern Shaun , Dainty Katie N. , Doshi Ankur A. , Blewer Audrey L. , Kurz Michael C. , Rittenberger Jon C. , Hazinski Mary Fran , Reynolds Joshua C.
Published: April 2018

Background

The Resuscitation Science Symposium (Re
SS
) is the dedicated international forum for resuscitation science at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions. In an attempt to increase curated content and social media presence during Re
SS
2017, the
Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA)
coordinated an inaugural social media campaign.

Methods and Results

Before Re
SS
, 8 resuscitation science professionals were recruited from a convenience sample of attendees at Re
SS
2017. Each blogger was assigned to either a morning or an afternoon session, responsible for “live tweeting” with the associated hashtags #Re
SS
17 and #
AHA
17. Twitter analytics from the 8 bloggers were collected from November 10 to 13, 2017. The primary outcome was Twitter impressions. Secondary outcomes included Twitter engagement and Twitter engagement rate. In total, 8 bloggers (63% male) generated 591 tweets that garnered 261 050 impressions, 8013 engagements, 928 retweets, 1653 likes, 292 hashtag clicks, and a median engagement rate of 2.4%. Total engagement, likes, and hashtag clicks were highest on day 2; total impressions were highest on day 3, and retweets were highest on day 4. Total impressions were highly correlated with the total number of tweets (
r
=0.87;
P
=0.005) and baseline number of Twitter followers for each blogger (
r
=0.78;
P
=0.02).

Conclusion

In this inaugural social media campaign for the 2017 American Heart Association Re
SS
, the degree of online engagement with this content by end users was quite good when evaluated by social media standards. Benchmarks for end‐user interactions in the scientific community are undefined and will require further study.
Methods for Assessment of Memory Reactivation
Authors: Liu Shizhao , Grosmark Andres D. , Chen Zhe
Published: April 2018

It has been suggested that reactivation of previously acquired experiences or stored information in declarative memories in the hippocampus and neocortex contributes to memory consolidation and learning. Understanding memory consolidation depends crucially on the development of robust statistical methods for assessing memory reactivation. To date, several statistical methods have seen established for assessing memory reactivation based on bursts of ensemble neural spike activity during offline states. Using population-decoding methods, we propose a new statistical metric, the weighted distance correlation, to assess hippocampal memory reactivation (i.e., spatial memory replay) during quiet wakefulness and slow-wave sleep. The new metric can be combined with an unsupervised population decoding analysis, which is invariant to latent state labeling and allows us to detect statistical dependency beyond linearity in memory traces. We validate the new metric using two rat hippocampal recordings in spatial navigation tasks. Our proposed analysis framework may have a broader impact on assessing memory reactivations in other brain regions under different behavioral tasks.
The Assessment and Management Practices of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: Results of a Nationwide Survey of Critical Care Pharmacists
Authors: Dyal Susanne , MacLaren Robert
Published: April 2018

Background: Alcohol withdrawal occurs commonly but diagnosis and therapies have not been described. Objective: To characterize practices regarding the assessment and treatment of acute severe alcohol withdrawal and describe perceived barriers to therapies. Methods: A random sample of 500 US-based critical care pharmacists received the pretested, electronically distributed questionnaire. Results: 94 (20%) of 471 eligible recipients responded with diverse representation. Manifestations of alcohol withdrawal that were commonly rated as severe were seizures (91.3%), not oriented to person/place/date (84.1%), delusions (73.8%), diastolic blood pressure >110 mmHg (51.7%), inconsolable agitation (50.7%), and tachycardia (50.7%). Scoring tools were considered highly effective for assessing severity by 43 respondents (45.8%). Management protocols existed in 86 (90.5%) institutions. Sixty-eight (72.3%) respondents indicated protocols were used often/routinely for initial management but only 23 (24.5%) for adjunctive therapies (p<0.0001). Agents employed for initial and adjunctive management were benzodiazepines (92.6% and 61.7%, respectively, p<0.0001), clonidine (29.8% and 34%, respectively), haloperidol (26.6% and 33%, respectively), and barbiturates (20.2% and 24.5%, respectively). Adjunctive agents were most commonly added to reduce dosages of benzodiazepines (antipsychotics, barbiturates, alpha-2 agonists), prevent respiratory depression (alpha-2 agonists), prevent or treat autonomic symptoms (alpha-2 agonists), and prevent or treat agitation/delusions (antipsychotics, barbiturates, alpha-2 agonists). Agents with common barriers to use were dexmedetomidine (bradycardia, hypotension, cost), propofol (hypotension, tracheal intubation required), and ketamine (lack of supportive data). Conclusion: Assessment and management strategies of acute severe alcohol withdrawal vary considerably. Benzodiazepines are the mainstay of treatment. Other agents are commonly used to prevent complications from benzodiazepines or treat agitation/delusions.
Job tasks and the comparative structure of income and employment: Routine task intensity and offshorability for the LIS*
Authors: Mahutga Matthew C , Curran Michaela , Roberts Anthony
Published: April 2018

Comparative sociologists have long considered occupations to be a key source of inequality. However, data constraints make comparative research on two of the more important contemporary drivers of occupational stratification – globalization and technological change – relatively scarce. This article introduces a new dataset on occupational ‘routine task intensity’ (RTI) and ‘offshorability’ (OFFS) for use with the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). To produce these data, we recoded 23 country-specific occupational schemes (74 LIS country-years) to the two-digit ISCO-88 scheme. When combined with the handful of LIS countries already reporting their occupations in ISCO-88, we produce individual level RTI and OFFS scores for 38 LIS countries and 160 LIS country-years. To assess the validity of these recodes, we compare average labor-income ratios predicted by recoded ISCO-88 occupational categories to those predicted by reported ISCO-88 occupational categories within countries that transitioned from country-specific to ISCO-88 codes over time. To assess the utility of these RTI and OFFS scores and advance the literature on income polarization, we analyze their association with work hours and labor incomes in the global North and South. Both covariates correlate with work hours in ways that are consistent with previous research and additional theoretical considerations. Moreover, we show that both RTI and OFFS contribute to income polarization directly in the North, but not in the South. This article generates a public good data infrastructure that will be of use to a wide variety of social scientists, and brings new evidence to bear on the question of income polarization in rich democracies.
The mandate and work of ICRP Committee 2 on doses from radiation exposure
Authors: Harrison J.D.
Published: April 2018

The practical implementation of the International Commission on Radiological Protection’s (ICRP) system of radiological protection requires the availability of appropriate methodology and data. Over many years, ICRP Committee 2 has provided sets of dose coefficients to allow users to evaluate equivalent and effective doses for radiation exposures of workers and members of the public. The methodology being applied in the calculation of doses is state-of-the-art in terms of the biokinetic models used to describe the behaviour of inhaled and ingested radionuclides, and the dosimetric models used to model radiation transport for external and internal exposures. This overview provides an outline of recent work and future plans, including publications on dose coefficients for adults, children, and in-utero exposures, with new dosimetric phantoms in each case. For the first time, ICRP will publish dose coefficients for intakes of radon isotopes calculated using dosimetric models. Committee 2 is also working with Committee 3 on dose coefficients for radiopharmaceuticals, and leading a cross-committee initiative to provide advice on the use of effective dose. The remit of Committee 2 has now been widened to include all data requirements for the assessment of doses to humans and non-human biota.
Outcome of the European initiative for radiation protection research and future perspectives
Authors: Repussard J.
Published: April 2018

In 2009, the European Commission published the report of the high-level expert group that had been mandated to consider the scientific challenges posed by the issues of low dose effects of ionising radiation, and to formulate proposals for research policy evolution in this field at European level. This report formulated a first draft of a strategic research agenda. International scientific cooperation and an integrated approach are essential for the further development and enhancement of the international framework of radiation protection. This paper reflects on the results which have been gained through this integration approach: strategic research agendas have been established, policies and action plans have been developed for infrastructures and training education, several ambitious research projects have been launched, and a first draft of a European ‘joint road map’ for radiation protection research will be published. Reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead, this paper also presents the initiatives that the five European research platforms (MELODI: low dose research; ALLIANCE: radioecology; EURADOS: dosimetry; NERIS: emergency preparedness; EURAMED: radiation protection in medical applications) have jointly presented to the European Commission and Euratom member states to further enhance radiation protection research.
The chair leg and the stadium
Authors: Reuss Gabriella
Published: April 2018

To contribute to the colourful palette of Europe’s noteworthy contemporary Shakespeares, this article analyses the unique approach to Shakespeare of the Hungarian director László Bagossy through case studies of two productions, The Tempest (2012) and Hamlet (2014). Bagossy’s Shakespearean productions peeled method acting off from Shakespeare for good and effectively demonstrated how a change in performance traditions (distancing, operatic, realist) can initiate a novel handling and reading of the familiar classics.
Presence of vestibular symptoms and related disability in migraine with and without aura and chronic migraine
Authors: Carvalho Gabriela F , Vianna-Bell Flávia Heck , Florencio Lidiane L , Pinheiro Carina F , Dach Fabiola , Bigal Marcelo E , Bevilaqua-Grossi Debora
Published: April 2018

Objective

To assess the presence and handicap due to vestibular symptoms in three subgroups of patients with migraine and controls.

Methods

Women between 18–55 years old were diagnosed by headache specialists and stratified as migraine with aura (n = 60), migraine without aura (n = 60), chronic migraine (n = 60) and controls (n = 60). Information regarding demographics, headache and vestibular symptoms were collected in this cross-sectional study. The self-perceived handicap related to vestibular symptoms was assessed through the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire.

Results

A total of 85% of women with migraine with aura and chronic migraine had vestibular symptoms contrasted to 70% of the migraine without aura group ( p < 0.05), and 12% of the control group reported symptoms ( p < 0.0001). Patients with migraine exhibited greater Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores than controls ( p < 0.001); and migraine with aura and chronic migraine groups reached greater scores than migraine without aura ( p < 0.01). Presence of migraine is associated with a greater risk of vestibular symptoms (migraine without aura: 5.20, migraine with aura: 6.60, chronic migraine:6.20, p < 0.0003) and with a greater risk of moderate-to-severe handicap (migraine without aura: 20.0, migraine with aura: 40.0, chronic migraine: 40.0, p < 0.0003). The presence of aura and greater migraine frequency adds to the risk of any handicap (migraine with aura: 1.9, chronic migraine: 1.7, p < 0.04) and to the risk of moderate-to-severe handicap (migraine with aura: 2.0, chronic migraine: 2.0, p < 0.0003). Migraine aura, intensity and frequency predict 36% of the dizziness handicap.

Conclusion

The prevalence of vestibular symptoms is increased in migraine during and between headache attacks, particularly in migraine with aura and chronic migraine along with an increased handicap due to those symptoms. Vestibular symptoms among subgroups of migraine should be considered when evaluating the functional impact of migraine.
Encounters With Health-Care Providers and Advance Directive Completion by Older Adults
Authors: Koss Catheryn
Published: April 2018

Background:

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) requires hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, and hospice providers to offer new patients information about advance directives. There is little evidence regarding whether encounters with these health-care providers prompt advance directive completion by patients.

Objective:

To examine whether encounters with various types of health-care providers were associated with higher odds of completing advance directives by older patients.

Method:

Logistic regression using longitudinal data from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Participants were 3752 US adults aged 65 and older who reported not possessing advance directives in 2012. Advance directive was defined as a living will and/or durable power of attorney for health care. Four binary variables measured whether participants had spent at least 1 night in a hospital, underwent outpatient surgery, received home health or hospice care, or spent at least one night in a nursing home between 2012 and 2014.

Results:

Older adults who received hospital, nursing home, or home health/hospice care were more likely to complete advance directives. Outpatient surgery was not associated with advance directive completion.

Conclusions:

Older adults with no advance directive in 2012 who encountered health-care providers covered by the PSDA were more likely to have advance directives by 2014. The exception was outpatient surgery which is frequently provided in freestanding surgery centers not subject to PSDA mandates. It may be time to consider amending the PSDA to cover freestanding surgery centers.
Multiplier–Accelerator Interaction in the Presence of an Underground Economy and Taxation
Authors: Soldatos Gerasimos T.
Published: April 2018

This article introduces the underground economy into a standard multiplier-accelerator model with linear progressive income taxation. The main results are that this introduction increases the instability of the overall economy towards chaos, that tax policy plays a critical role in preserving stability even if in the sense of a uniform cycle and that the operation of the accelerator may be countering the negative effect of tax evasion on tax revenue.

JEL Classification: O17, E32, H24
The politics of difference: posting my ‘vote’ on marriage equality
Authors: Mazel Odette
Published: April 2018

This article provides an insight into the author’s lived experience of the postal survey on same-sex marriage and the passing of the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth). It is a reflection on the emotional and intellectual tensions the journey provoked – for a member of the queer community, a mother, daughter, feminist and scholar.
Rural Postpartum Women With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Kramlich Debra , Kronk Rebecca , Marcellus Lenora , Colbert Alison , Jakub Karen
Published: April 2018

The incidence of perinatal opioid use and neonatal withdrawal continues to rise rapidly in the face of the growing opioid addiction epidemic in the United States, with rural areas more severely affected. Despite decades of research and development of practice guidelines, maternal and neonatal outcomes have not improved substantially. This focused ethnography sought to understand the experience of accessing care necessary for substance use disorder recovery, pregnancy, and parenting. Personal accounts of 13 rural women, supplemented by participant observation and media artifacts, uncovered three domains with underlying themes: challenges of getting treatment and care (service availability, distance/geographic location, transportation, provider collaboration/coordination, physical and emotional safety), opportunities to bond (proximity, information), and importance of relationships (respect, empathy, familiarity, inclusion, interactions with care providers). Findings highlight the need for providers and policy makers to reduce barriers to treatment and care related to logistics, stigma, judgment, and lack of understanding of perinatal addiction.
Increasing Warehouse Productivity With an Ergonomic Handheld Scanner
Authors: Nair Chandra , Tsiopanos Konstantinos , Martin Richard , Marshall Graham
Published: April 2018

Rugged handheld scanners, known in the industry as rugged mobile computers, are used for critical warehouse operations, such as receiving, order picking, and put-away. The form of rugged scanners has not fundamentally changed since it was introduced to replace pen and clipboard. Warehouses have extracted the maximum available efficiency increases available through today’s handheld rugged scanners, but new operational challenges require new ways to further increase productivity and accuracy. The “line of sight” rugged handheld scanner concept described in this article is designed to enhance the user’s efficiency by eliminating non-value-added wrist motions.
Television in Australia: capitals, tastes, practices and platforms
Authors: Bennett Tony , Gayo Modesto , Rowe David
Published: April 2018

This article discusses the findings of a national survey of the social organisation of television viewing practices in contemporary Australia. These questions are addressed through multiple correspondence analyses of the aspects of television practices and tastes covered in the survey. These go beyond channel and genre preferences to include a sample of Australian and overseas produced television programmes and of 10 Australian TV personalities. The differential distribution of tastes across Australian and overseas programmes also throws significant light on different investments in the national culture across different social groups. The survey data also includes evidence regarding viewing platform and device preferences. In concluding, the article reviews the evidence of a cluster analysis, registering the effects of major changes within the television field in Australia, including the decline of free-to-air and ‘linear’ viewing, the rise of streaming services and the erosion of brand loyalty as it relates to television channels.
Music, social learning and senses in university pedagogy: An intersection between art and academe
Authors: Jensen Julie B
Published: April 2018

Integration of music in an academic university teaching setting is an example of how artistic practice and competences have potentials to resonate beyond the immediate discipline. The article explores music activities as contributing to learning environments for university students, creating shared experiences in groups of diverse learners with different needs. The music activities are discussed in light of challenges in today's university concerning student diversity. Two empirical examples of experiments with music in university teaching at a Danish university are presented. Empirical data were collected by means of qualitative research methods (teaching logs and qualitative surveys) and analysed in a socio-cultural learning perspective. The first empirical example presents music as supporting students relate to each other in the classroom. The second example describes how music may support students' sensory awareness when practising qualitative research like fieldwork. Both examples imply interdisciplinary potentials of putting music into play in university pedagogy.
Effects of Game Pitch Count and Body Mass Index on Pitching Biomechanics in 9- to 10-Year-Old Baseball Athletes
Authors: Darke Jim D. , Dandekar Eshan M. , Aguinaldo Arnel L. , Hazelwood Scott J. , Klisch Stephen M.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Pitching while fatigued and body composition may increase the injury risk in youth and adult pitchers. However, the relationships between game pitch count, biomechanics, and body composition have not been reported for a study group restricted to 9- to 10-year-old athletes.

Hypothesis:

During a simulated game with 9- to 10-year-old athletes, (1) participants will experience biomechanical signs of fatigue, and (2) shoulder and elbow kinetics will correlate with body mass index (BMI).

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Thirteen 9- to 10-year-old youth baseball players pitched a simulated game (75 pitches). Range of motion and muscular output tests were conducted before and after the simulated game to quantify fatigue. Kinematic parameters at foot contact, maximum external rotation, and maximum internal rotation velocity (MIRV), as well as maximum shoulder and elbow kinetics between foot contact and MIRV were compared at pitches 1-5, 34-38, and 71-75. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to test the first hypothesis, and linear regressions were used to test the second hypothesis.

Results:

MIRV increased from pitches 1-5 to 71-75 ( P = .007), and head flexion at MIRV decreased from pitches 1-5 to 34-38 ( P = .022). Maximum shoulder horizontal adduction, external rotation, and internal rotation torques increased from pitches 34-38 to 71-75 ( P = .031, .023, and .021, respectively). Shoulder compression force increased from pitches 1-5 to 71-75 ( P = .011). Correlations of joint torque/force with BMI were found at every pitch period: for example, shoulder internal rotation ( R2 = 0.93, P < .001) and elbow varus ( R2 = 0.57, P = .003) torques at pitches 1-5.

Conclusion:

Several results differed from those of previous studies with adult pitchers: (1) pitch speed remained steady, (2) shoulder MIRV increased, and (3) shoulder kinetics increased during a simulated game. The strong correlations between joint kinetics and BMI reinforce previous findings that select body composition measures may be correlated with pitching arm joint kinetics for youth baseball pitchers.

Clinical Relevance:

The results improve our understanding of pitching biomechanics for 9- to 10-year-old baseball pitchers and may be used in future studies to improve evidence-based injury prevention guidelines.
Selection of morphological features of pollen grains for chosen tree taxa
Authors: Kubik-Komar Agnieszka , Kubera Elżbieta , Piotrowska-Weryszko Krystyna
Published: April 2018

The basis of aerobiological studies is to monitor airborne pollen concentrations and pollen season timing. This task is performed by appropriately trained staff and is difficult and time consuming.

The goal of this research is to select morphological characteristics of grains that are the most discriminative for distinguishing between birch, hazel and alder taxa and are easy to determine automatically from microscope images. This selection is based on the split attributes of the J4.8 classification trees built for different subsets of features. Determining the discriminative features by this method, we provide specific rules for distinguishing between individual taxa, at the same time obtaining a high percentage of correct classification.

The most discriminative among the 13 morphological characteristics studied are the following: number of pores, maximum axis, minimum axis, axes difference, maximum oncus width, number of lateral pores. The classification result of the tree based on this subset is better than the one built on the whole feature set and it is almost 94%. Therefore, selection of attributes before tree building is recommended.

The classification results for the features easiest to obtain from the image, i.e. maximum axis, minimum axis, axes difference, and number of lateral pores, are only 2.09 pp lower than those obtained for the complete set, but 3.23 pp lower than the results obtained for the selected most discriminating attributes only .
Performance Limitations in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tucker Wesley J. , Beaudry Rhys I. , Samuel T. Jake , Nelson Michael D. , Halle Martin , Baggish Aaron L. , Haykowsky Mark J.
Published: April 2018

We hypothesize that the reduced peak aerobic power (peak V˙O2) after heart transplantation is due to impaired cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function, and its improvement with short-term (≤1 yr) exercise training is primarily due to favorable skeletal muscle adaptations. Furthermore, the increased peak V˙O2 with long-term (>2 yr) training is primarily mediated by cardiac (sympathetic) reinnervation.
Landscape, season and identity in Ghost Story for Christmas
Authors: Johnston Derek
Published: April 2018

The BBC Ghost Story for Christmas (1971–78, 2005–06, 2015) used the English landscape in which it was set to engage with a series of associations of national identity and to enhance the feeling of isolation experienced by the protagonists. This was further enhanced by the representation of the seasons within these productions, which typically emphasized an autumnal landscape. This suggested a liminal period, neither summer nor winter, and one that presented environments of rustling vegetation and trees through which supernatural figures may be glimpsed or heard approaching. While Ghost Story for Christmas is by no means alone in using these environments and associations, the importance of their presentation of landscape to their identity has been recognized by reviewers, with the presentation itself emphasizing the narratives’ disruption of any sense of naturalness and certainty to narratives of human, English history and thus identity.