bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Please. Don’t. Die.”
Authors: Mausz Justin , Snobelen Paul , Tavares Walter
Published: February 2018

Background:

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important determinant of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), yet rates of bystander CPR are highly variable. In an effort to promote bystander CPR, the procedure has been streamlined, and ultrashort teaching modalities have been introduced. CPR has been increasingly reconceptualized as simple, safe, and easy to perform; however, current methods of CPR instruction may not adequately prepare lay rescuers for the various logistical, conceptual, and emotional challenges of resuscitating a victim of cardiac arrest.

Methods and Results:

We adopted a constructivist grounded theory methodology to qualitatively explore bystander CPR and invited lay rescuers who had recently (ie, within 1 week) intervened in an OHCA to participate in semistructured interviews and focus groups. We used constant comparative analysis until theoretical saturation to derive a midrange explanatory theory of bystander CPR. We constructed a 3-stage theoretical model describing a common experiential process for lay rescuer intervention in OHCA: Being called to act is disturbing, causing panic, shock, and disbelief that must ultimately be overcome. Taking action to save the victim is complicated by several misconceptions about cardiac arrest, where victims are mistakenly believed to be choking, and agonal respirations are misinterpreted to mean the victim is alive. Making sense of the experience is challenging, at least in the short term, where lay rescuers have to contend with self-doubt, unanswered questions, and uncomfortable emotional reactions to a traumatic event.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that current CPR training programs may not adequately prepare lay rescuers for the reality of an OHCA and identifies several key knowledge gaps that should be addressed. The long-term psychological consequences of bystander intervention in OHCA remain poorly understood and warrant further study.
Derivation and Validation of an In‐Hospital Mortality Prediction Model Suitable for Profiling Hospital Performance in Heart Failure
Authors: Lagu Tara , Pekow Penelope S. , Stefan Mihaela S. , Shieh Meng‐Shiou , Pack Quinn R. , Kashef Mohammad Amin , Atreya Auras R. , Valania Gregory , Slawsky Mara T. , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: February 2018

Background

Comparing heart failure (
HF
) outcomes across hospitals requires adequate risk adjustment. We aimed to develop and validate a model that can be used to compare quality of
HF
care across hospitals.

Methods and Results

We included patients with
HF
aged ≥18 years admitted to one of 433 hospitals that participated in the Premier Inc Data Warehouse. This model (Premier) contained patient demographics, comorbidities, and acute conditions present on admission, derived from administrative and billing records. In a separate data set derived from electronic health records, we validated the Premier model by comparing hospital risk‐standardized mortality rates calculated with the Premier model to those calculated with a validated clinical model containing laboratory data (LAPS [Laboratory‐Based Acute Physiology Score]). Among the 200 832 admissions in the Premier Inc Data Warehouse, inpatient mortality was 4.0%. The model showed acceptable discrimination in the warehouse data (C statistic 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.76). In the validation data set, both the Premier model and the
LAPS
models showed acceptable discrimination (C statistic: Premier: 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.77];
LAPS:
0.78 [95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.80]). Risk‐standardized mortality rates for both models ranged from 2% to 7%. A linear regression equation describing the association between Premier‐ and
LAPS
‐specific mortality rates revealed a regression line with a slope of 0.71 (
SE
: 0.07). The correlation coefficient of the standardized mortality rates from the 2 models was 0.82.

Conclusions

Compared with a validated model derived from clinical data, an
HF
mortality model derived from administrative data showed highly correlated risk‐standardized mortality rate estimates, suggesting it could be used to identify high‐ and low‐performing hospitals for
HF
care.
Myocardial Ischemia and Mobilization of Circulating Progenitor Cells
Authors: Hammadah Muhammad , Samman Tahhan Ayman , Mheid Ibhar Al , Wilmot Kobina , Ramadan Ronnie , Kindya Bryan R. , Kelli Heval M. , O'Neal Wesley T. , Sandesara Pratik , Sullivan Samaah , Almuwaqqat Zakaria , Obideen Malik , Abdelhadi Naser , Alkhoder Ayman , Pimple Pratik M. , Levantsevych Oleksiy , Mohammed Kareem H. , Weng Lei , Sperling Laurence S. , Shah Amit J. , Sun Yan V. , Pearce Brad D. , Kutner Michael , Ward Laura , Bremner J. Douglas , Kim Jinhee , Waller Edmund K. , Raggi Paolo , Sheps David , Vaccarino Viola , Quyyumi Arshed A.
Published: February 2018

Background

The response of progenitor cells (PCs) to transient myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the
PC
response to exercise‐induced myocardial ischemia (ExMI) and compare it to flow mismatch during pharmacological stress testing.

Methods and Results

A total of 356 patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent 99mTc‐sestamibi myocardial perfusion imaging during exercise (69%) or pharmacological stress (31%).
CD
34
+
and
CD
34
+
/chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 4
PC
s were enumerated by flow cytometry. Change in
PC
count was compared between patients with and without myocardial ischemia using linear regression models. Vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal‐derived factor‐1α were quantified. Mean age was 63±9 years; 76% were men. The incidence of Ex
MI
was 31% and 41% during exercise and pharmacological stress testing, respectively. Patients with Ex
MI
had a significant decrease in
CD
34
+
/chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 4 (−18%,
P
=0.01) after stress that was inversely correlated with the magnitude of ischemia (
r
=−0.19,
P
=0.003). In contrast, patients without Ex
MI
had an increase in
CD
34
+
/chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 4 (14.7%,
P
=0.02), and those undergoing pharmacological stress had no change. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels increased (15%,
P
<0.001) in all patients undergoing exercise stress testing regardless of ischemia. However, the change in stromal‐derived factor‐1α level correlated inversely with the change in
PC
counts in those with Ex
MI
(
P
=0.03), suggesting a greater decrease in
PC
s in those with a greater change in stromal‐derived factor‐1α level with exercise.

Conclusions

Ex
MI
is associated with a significant decrease in circulating levels of
CD
34
+
/chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 4
PC
s, likely attributable, at least in part, to stromal‐derived factor‐1α–mediated homing of
PC
s to the ischemic myocardium. The physiologic consequences of this uptake of
PC
s and their therapeutic implications need further investigation.
An appendage-bearing coelomycete Pseudotruncatella arezzoensis gen. and sp. nov. (Amphisphaeriales genera incertae sedis) from Italy, with notes on Monochaetinula
Authors: PERERA REKHANI H. , MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S.N. , HYDE KEVIN D. , BHAT D. JAYARAMA , CAMPORESI ERIO , JONES E.B. GARETH , SENANAYAKE INDUNIL C. , AL-SADI ABDULLAH M. , SAICHANA NATSARAN , LIU JIAN-KUI , LIU ZUO-YI
Published: February 2018

A Truncatella-like coelomycete fungus was isolated from dead branches of Cytisus and Helichrysum species from Arezzo Province, Italy. DNA sequence analyses of a combined LSU, ITS and SSU dataset indicated a close phylogenetic affinity of our isolate to Hyponectria buxi (Hyponectriaceae). Herein we describe it as a new genus with Pseudotruncatella arezzoensis sp. nov. However it cannot be referred to an appropriate familial position and therefore we refer it to Amphisphaeriales genera incertae sedis. Pseudotruncatella is characterized by holoblastic, annellidic, conidiogenous cells; 3-septate, fusiform to clavate conidia with 3 apical appendages, dark brown median cells and hyaline apical and basal cells. Neotruncatella is relegated to synonymy of Monochaetinula.
Clarification of the taxonomic identity of the Himalayan species Thalictrum neurocarpum (Ranunculaceae), with the reduction of T. austrotibeticum to its synonymy
Authors: YUAN QIONG , REN CHEN , YANG QIN-ER
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate that Thalictrum neurocarpum (Ranunculaceae) is a distinctive species and readily distinguishable from T. reniforme by floral characters. We reduce T. austrotibeticum, recently described from southern Xizang (Tibet), China, to the synonymy of T. neurocarpum.
Camellia psilocarpa (Theaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China, based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: SHI XIANGGANG , LI WEIXI , WU HAIDAN , GUO WUXIA , YE CHUANGXING , LIAO WENBO , HUANG YELIN
Published: February 2018

A new species, Camellia psilocarpa (Theaceae), from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to C. magnocarpa, from which it differs by having ovate-oblong leaves with apex caudate or long acuminate, bracteoles and sepals 10-12, grayish white velutinous outside, and especially smaller fruit. The morphological evidence shows that the new species is a member of Camellia sect. Camellia. Additionally, a molecular and phylogenetic analysis using two chloroplast DNA markers also gave support to its taxonomic position.
Postoperative Antibiotics Following Cochlear Implantation: Are They Necessary?
Authors: Almosnino Galit , Zeitler Daniel M. , Schwartz Seth R.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Evaluate whether prophylactic antibiotics administered following cochlear implant (CI) surgery impact short-term infection rates.

Design:

Retrospective, concurrent, case-control.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

All patients (range, 9 months-91 years) undergoing cochlear implantation between 2013 and 2017 (n = 188).

Intervention(s):

Starting in 2015, one surgeon stopped prescribing postoperative antibiotics after CI surgery. We compared infection rates in a control group that received antibiotics in the 18 months prior to this change (n = 95) to the cohort of patients that did not receive postoperative antibiotics (n = 49). In a second analysis, 44 patients that underwent CI surgery concurrently from a second surgeon and were prescribed postoperative antibiotics were compared to the 49 patients who did not receive postoperative antibiotics.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Postoperative infection rates in the perioperative period (0-30 days) following cochlear implantation.

Results:

None of the 49 cases and none of the 95 historic controls or 44 concurrent controls experienced postoperative infection.

Conclusions:

In this sample, postoperative antibiotics following cochlear implantation did not impact perioperative infection rates. Unnecessary antibiotics can lead to increased resistance, allergic sequelae, and unnecessary costs while having little effect on reducing infection rates. This pilot study should encourage surgeons to reevaluate standard practice around antibiotic use after CI surgery.
Culture, Economics, and Antitrust
Authors: Foer Albert Allen
Published: February 2018

What role do cultural dimensions of cooperation and competition play in economic life? Taking a multidisciplinary perspective, this essay uses the example of the concept of trust to consider some implications for competition policy. The author suggests that the field of competition policy is at core about the authoritative allocation of categories of economic activity along a spectrum with individualism and competition at one end and collectivism and cooperation at the other. The allocation is a function of the state, made on the basis of a variety of imprecise inputs—cultural, political, historic, economic, and institutional—and not merely neoclassical economic theory. Sensitivity to the cultural aspects of competition and cooperation places constraints on overly optimistic expectations for global harmonization of antitrust enforcement.
So Much to Do Before I Sleep: Investigating Adolescent-Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Sleep
Authors: Gaarde Jenna , Hoyt Lindsay T. , Ozer Emily J. , Maslowsky Julie , Deardorff Julianna , Kyauk Christine K.
Published: February 2018

Adolescent sleep deprivation is a pressing public health issue in the United States as well as other countries. The contexts of adolescents’ lives are changing rapidly, but little is known about the factors that adolescents themselves believe affect their sleep. This study uses a social-ecological framework to investigate multiple levels of perceived influence on sleep patterns of urban adolescents. Data were drawn from interviews and surveys conducted in three California public high schools. Most participants identified homework as their primary barrier to sleep, particularly those engaged in procrastinating, multitasking, or those with extracurricular demands. Results indicate that the home context has important implications for adolescent sleep, including noise, household rules, and perceived parent values. These findings identify important areas for future research and intervention, particularly regarding the roles of parents.
Strategies to Combat Bullying: Parental Responses to Bullies, Bystanders, and Victims
Authors: Stives Kristen L. , May David C. , Pilkinton Melinda , Bethel Cindy L. , Eakin Deborah K.
Published: February 2018

Despite numerous studies on the topic of bullying, there remains a dearth of information on how parents respond to bullying and the extent to which they are aware of their child’s bullying experiences. Using qualitative data from 54 parents in a southeastern state, we explore advice that parents give their children about how to respond when their child is a bullying victim and a bystander in a bullying incident and how fearful parents are of their child being a victim of bullying and reasons behind their fear. Findings demonstrate that parental messages about responding to bullying victimization and intervening on behalf of other bully victims generally mirror those provided by schools as part of their bullying prevention efforts. However, misunderstandings about bullying and bullying responses among parents limit the effectiveness of the strategies they suggest for their children. Implications for bullying prevention programs and research are also discussed.
Beyond Eurocentrism
Authors: Kerner Ina
Published: February 2018

Over the last few years, the idea that we live in a globalized world has significantly gained ground. Across various disciplines, this had led to severe critiques not only of methodological nationalism, but also of methodological Eurocentrism. But what does it mean to leave Eurocentrism behind? What kind of theorizing can and should we engage in when we attempt to provincialize, decenter, or even decolonize our thinking? This article distinguishes, presents, and critically discusses four trajectories beyond Eurocentrism in political and social theory: enlarging the canon, inter-contextual dialogue, taking the impacts of European colonialism and imperialism into account, as well as shifts in theoretical agenda setting. It argues that if political and social theory truly attempts to transcend methodological Eurocentrism, it must not only bring in non-Western thought, but must also critically address both discursive and institutional aspects of global power relations.
“People don’t understand what goes on in here”: A consensual qualitative research analysis of inmate-caregiver perspectives on prison-based end-of-life care
Authors: Depner Rachel M , Grant Pei C , Byrwa David J , Breier Jennifer M , Lodi-Smith Jennifer , Luczkiewicz Debra L , Kerr Christopher W
Published: February 2018

Background:

The age demographic of the incarcerated is quickly shifting from young to old. Correctional facilities are responsible for navigating inmate access to healthcare; currently, there is no standardization for access to end-of-life care. There is growing research support for prison-based end-of-life care programs that incorporate inmate peer caregivers as a way to meet the needs of the elderly and dying who are incarcerated.

Aim:

This project aims to (a) describe a prison-based end-of-life program utilizing inmate peer caregivers, (b) identify inmate-caregiver motivations for participation, and (c) analyze the role of building trust and meaningful relationships within the correctional end-of-life care setting.

Design:

A total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with inmate-caregivers. Data were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methodology.

Setting/participants:

All inmate-caregivers currently participating in the end-of-life peer care program at Briarcliff Correctional Facility were given the opportunity to participate. All participants were male, over the age of 18, and also incarcerated at Briarcliff Correctional Facility, a maximum security, state-level correctional facility.

Results:

In total, five over-arching and distinct domains emerged; this manuscript focuses on the following three: (a) program description, (b) motivation, and (c) connections with others.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that inmate-caregivers believe they provide a unique and necessary adaptation to prison-based end-of-life care resulting in multilevel benefits. These additional perceived benefits go beyond a marginalized group gaining access to patient-centered end-of-life care and include potential inmate-caregiver rehabilitation, correctional medical staff feeling supported, and correctional facilities meeting end-of-life care mandates. Additional research is imperative to work toward greater standardization of and access to end-of-life care for the incarcerated.
Long-term depression induced by endogenous cannabinoids produces neuroprotection via astroglial CB1R after stroke in rodents
Authors: Wang Feng , Han Jing , Higashimori Haruki , Wang Jingyi , Liu Jingjing , Tong Li , Yang Yongjie , Dong Hailong , Zhang Xia , Xiong Lize
Published: February 2018

Ischemia not only activates cell death pathways but also triggers endogenous protective mechanisms. However, it is largely unknown what is the essence of the endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms induced by preconditioning. In this study we demonstrated that systemic injection of JZL195, a selective inhibitor of eCB clearance enzymes, induces in vivo long-term depression at CA3-CA1 synapses and at PrL-NAc synapses produces neuroprotection. JZL195-elicited long-term depression is blocked by AM281, the antagonist of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) and is abolished in mice lacking cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) in astroglial cells, but is conserved in mice lacking CB1R in glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons. Blocking the glutamate NMDA receptor and the synaptic trafficking of glutamate AMPA receptor abolishes both long-term depression and neuroprotection induced by JZL195. Mice lacking CB1R in astroglia show decreased neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. Thus, an acute elevation of extracellular eCB following eCB clearance inhibition results in neuroprotection through long-term depression induction after sequential activation of astroglial CB1R and postsynaptic glutamate receptors.
It’s not what you sing, it’s how you sing it: How the emotional valence of vocal timbre influences listeners’ emotional perception of words
Authors: Spreadborough Kristal L. , Anton-Mendez Ines
Published: February 2018

Here we present an investigation into whether vocal timbre impacts on emotional perception of sung words, and whether this effect is intersubjective. That is, does vocal timbre influence the processing of emotion in words, and does it do so in a similar way across listeners? If so, this could help overcome the lack of appropriate analytical techniques for vocal timbre analysis in popular music by approaching such analysis from the perspective of vocal timbres emotive content and how this emotive content impacts emotional perception of sung words (lyrics), specifically in popular, lyric-based, vocal songs. The results of a reception test on emotional word perception according to timbre valence show that participants are significantly less accurate in identifying the emotional valence of words when they are sung with a vocal timbre that has an incongruent emotional valence and, for sad words, they are also slower in arriving at a correct identification of the word’s emotional valence when sung with an emotionally incongruent timbre. This supports the hypothesis that timbre conveys emotional meaning and that the experience of vocal timbre may be intersubjective.
A Genesis of Street Communality: With Special Reference to the Political Culture of Street Violence in Nairobi
Authors: Motoji Matsuda
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study is to elucidate the genesis of communality in the urban street. Although in the modern world cities have long been seen as research laboratories, in today's context of globalization they are becoming more radical and dynamic; they are becoming experimental theatres of social change. Since the end of the twentieth century, the political and economic reorganization of the world order is producing dramatic changes in various societies throughout the globe. This is bringing about changes which tend to standardize society and atomize individual subjects. These changes are seemingly connected, but they do exist alone, separately. In this complex situation, we are confronted with the fundamental question, how can people construct communality transcending differences among them? The present study looks for an answer to this question, paying special attention to collective violence in the urban street, where ‘emergent but real’ norms are constructed among the rioters and the communality genesis mechanism is activated. In order to make a case for this urban communality, the analysis focuses on events in the streets of Nairobi at the time of the Second Liberation of 1990s and during the Post-Election Violence of 2007–2008. People with different political and religious affiliation and ethnic identity were involved in violent urban riots. They were originally strangers, but they generated new social order and norms. In the street, they constructed and shared a provisional communality, which was emergent and fluid but also real and firm.
Plasticity of Light-induced Concurrent Glutamatergic and GABAergic Quantal Events in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Cheng Juan , Huang Xu , Liang Yue , Xue Tian , Wang Liecheng , Bao Jin
Published: February 2018

Neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) exhibit circadian variation in their neuronal activities. Here, we show that their input synapses undergo daily regulation. We discovered daily variation in the frequencies, but not the peak amplitudes, of miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) for both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. In addition, the changes in the frequencies of mPSCs from glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses were antiphasic: An increase in the glutamatergic mPSC frequency and a decrease in the GABAergic mPSC frequency co-occurred during the dark phase of the light-dark cycle. Through optogenetic stimulation of presynaptic glutamatergic axonal terminals, we demonstrated that the elicited quantal size glutamatergic PSC could evoke action potentials in postsynaptic SCN neurons with higher probability during the light phase than during the dark phase. To investigate whether the intrinsic clock or the light-dark cycle mediates the daily rhythm of input synapses, we examined the mPSCs under light masking and skeleton photoperiod schemes. A prolonged light pulse (3 h) at the beginning of the subjective night suppressed the changes in mPSCs frequencies for both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses; under the skeleton photoperiod, no significant differences were observed in mPSCs frequencies between the subjective day and night. Furthermore, we discovered that the plasticity of these concurrent quantal events occurred primarily in vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons. This work provides evidence for light-dependent synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic and GABAergic input synapses of ventral SCN neurons. This concurrent synaptic plasticity could serve as one mechanism for regulating the responsiveness of SCN neurons to the wide range of light input over the day and night.
The Median Employee to CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure Requirement
Authors: Bloom Robert
Published: February 2018

In recent years, especially in national political campaigns, there has been much discussion about who is in the top 1% of American wealth, how they landed in this category, and what special income tax provisions perpetuate their status. As a reaction to this debate in this category, the Dodd Frank Act and the Consumer Protection Act of 2010 have mandated disclosure by publicly registered companies to disclose the median employee to CEO pay ratio. The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued specific guidance on this requirement. That is the subject of this article.
Attract voters or appease activists? Opposition parties’ dilemma and party policy change
Authors: So Florence
Published: February 2018

Why do mainstream opposition parties sometimes fail to adopt policy positions that are attractive to the wider electorate? In this paper, I construct a game-theoretic model between the party leader, the party’s MPs, and the party organization to illustrate how opposition parties’ platform adjustments depend on the party leader’s risk assessment of being deposed and MPs’ re-election incentives. The model predicts that a party leader is most likely to adhere to the activists’ position when MPs’ re-election probabilities depend greatly on activists’ campaign effort, and when MPs’ benefits of re-election are high. Platform adjustments are only possible when the reverse is true. These results have important implications on electoral competitiveness and strategies of parties in majoritarian versus proportional electoral systems. Namely, I expect that opposition parties in majoritarian systems are less able to adjust their platforms than those in proportional systems.
Histologic processing artifacts and inter-pathologist variation in measurement of inked margins of canine mast cell tumors
Authors: Kiser Patti K. , Löhr Christiane V. , Meritet Danielle , Spagnoli Sean T. , Milovancev Milan , Russell Duncan S.
Published: February 2018

Although quantitative assessment of margins is recommended for describing excision of cutaneous malignancies, there is poor understanding of limitations associated with this technique. We described and quantified histologic artifacts in inked margins and determined the association between artifacts and variance in histologic tumor-free margin (HTFM) measurements based on a novel grading scheme applied to 50 sections of normal canine skin and 56 radial margins taken from 15 different canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). Three broad categories of artifact were 1) tissue deformation at inked edges, 2) ink-associated artifacts, and 3) sectioning-associated artifacts. The most common artifacts in MCT margins were ink-associated artifacts, specifically ink absent from an edge (mean prevalence: 50%) and inappropriate ink coloring (mean: 45%). The prevalence of other artifacts in MCT skin was 4–50%. In MCT margins, frequency-adjusted kappa statistics found fair or better inter-rater reliability for 9 of 10 artifacts; intra-rater reliability was moderate or better in 9 of 10 artifacts. Digital HTFM measurements by 5 blinded pathologists had a median standard deviation (SD) of 1.9 mm (interquartile range: 0.8–3.6 mm; range: 0–6.2 mm). Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated good inter-pathologist reliability in HTFM measurement (κ = 0.81). Spearman rank correlation coefficients found negligible correlation between artifacts and HTFM SDs ( r ≤ 0.3). These data confirm that although histologic artifacts commonly occur in inked margin specimens, artifacts are not meaningfully associated with variation in HTFM measurements. Investigators can use the grading scheme presented herein to identify artifacts associated with tissue processing.
Pound of Flesh? Debt Contract Strictness and Family Firms
Authors: Hillier David , Martínez Beatriz , Patel Pankaj C. , Pindado Julio , Requejo Ignacio
Published: February 2018

While past work finds support for both higher and lower cost of debt among family firms, whether lower shareholder–creditor agency conflicts in family firms translate into greater ex-ante contracting efficiency (i.e., lower debt contract strictness) remains unexplored. Drawing on a shareholder–creditor agency framework and costly contracting theory, creditors, expecting firm value maximization rather than shareholder value maximization from family firms, may offer less strict debt contracts to increase contracting efficiency. We find in a sample of 716 publicly traded U.S. firms (2001–2010) that family firms have less strict debt contracts, which are even less strict when family firms have higher asset tangibility. Although increases in R&D investments could lead to more pronounced shareholder–creditor agency conflicts, given family firms' preferences for lower risk and growth, debt contract strictness among family firms is not positively associated with higher R&D intensity.
Decay of solutions for a one-dimensional porous elasticity system with memory: the case of non-equal wave speeds
Authors: Feng Baowei , Yin Mingyang
Published: February 2018

In previous work, Apalara considered a one-dimensional porous elasticity system with memory and established a general decay of energy for the system in the case of equal-speed wave propagations. In this paper, we extend the result to the case of non-equal wave speeds, which is more realistic from the physics point of view.
Cultural politics and the role of the action learning facilitator: Analysing the negotiation of critical action learning in the Pakistani MBA through a Bourdieusian lens
Authors: Mughal Farooq , Gatrell Caroline , Stead Valerie
Published: February 2018

This empirical study contributes to critical action learning research by theorizing the role of an action learning facilitator from a cultural perspective. Our article adds to critical action learning by conceptualizing the dynamics of facilitation in managing interpersonal politics within action learning sets. Employing Bourdieu’s notion of habitus as a theoretical lens, we explore both participant and facilitator accounts of action learning at three Pakistani business schools, shedding light on the culturally influenced social practices that shape their learning interactions. Through a critical interpretation of our data, we illuminate the challenges of facilitation by revealing how deeply ingrained power relations, within the context of gender and asymmetric relationships, influence participants’ ability to organize reflection. We contribute to critical action learning by theorizing the critical role of facilitator mediation in managing interpersonal and intra-group relations within the Pakistani MBA context, outlining the implications for the dynamics and facilitation of action learning.
Diagnostic accuracy of the postexercise ankle–brachial index for detecting peripheral artery disease in suspected claudicants with and without diabetes
Authors: Tehan Peta Ellen , Barwick Alex Louise , Sebastian Mathew , Chuter Vivienne Helaine
Published: February 2018

The postexercise ankle–brachial index (ABI) is recommended in patients with normal resting ABI when peripheral artery disease (PAD) is suspected. The aims of this study were to determine the comparative diagnostic accuracy of the resting and postexercise ABI for detecting PAD, and, the effect of the presence of diabetes on these. Three methods of interpretation currently in use were also investigated: a reduction in postexercise ABI by >20% compared to resting ABI, an ABI value of ≤0.90 postexercise, or a reduction in systolic ankle pressure of >30 mmHg postexercise. This retrospective study used colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) as the reference standard. In 278 limbs (whole group), the resting ABI had an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71, with the postexercise ABI yielding a similar diagnostic accuracy of AUC 0.72. In the non-diabetes group ( n=171), the resting ABI had an overall AUC of 0.74 and the postexercise ABI had a similar AUC of 0.76. In the diabetes group ( n=107), overall accuracy was reduced compared to the non-diabetes group, with the resting ABI having an overall AUC of 0.65 and the postexercise ABI yielding a similar accuracy with an AUC of 0.64. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the postexercise ABI for diagnosing PAD was not greatly improved compared to resting ABI. Given the lower overall diagnostic accuracy in the diabetes group, both the resting and the postexercise ABI results in diabetes populations should be interpreted with caution. There is a risk of undiagnosed disease if relying on these results alone to determine lower limb vascular status.
Water infiltration impact on tensile strength and breaking strain of architectural fabrics
Authors: Asadi Hastia , Uhlemann Jörg , Stranghöner Natalie
Published: February 2018

Architectural fabrics consist of woven base cloth protected by a coating on both sides. Corrosive liquids or vapours may diffuse through the matrix material and corrosion effects on fibres may lead to substantial reduction in mechanical properties. Tensile strength is of most importance for the safety of a structure and strain properties govern its serviceability. Wetting is one of the main environmental impacts. Due to rain, condensation or snow melting cycles, the membrane gets wet. If the fabric under the coating gets wet and to which amount depends on the condition of the covering coating over the lifetime of the architectural structure and on the wicking properties of the fabric material. Water penetration influences the fabric’s properties. How and to what extent is the field of investigations of this article. The influence of water on the tensile strength and the breaking strain of two common architectural fabrics, polyester (PES)/ polyvinylchloride (PVC) and glass/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are investigated. Virgin and aged materials are examined.
Usage and performance of bellwether polls for election forecasting
Authors: Wilson Elizabeth J , Paleologos David A
Published: February 2018

A non-traditional methodology of polling in small areas, called bellwethers, improves the accuracy of forecasts drawn from a large area. Bellwether areas are small government units (such as cities or counties) which exhibit voting patterns close to actual election outcomes in the larger areas of which they are a part (such as states). The bellwether methodology of one polling organization is described in detail using data from the 2012 US Senate election in Massachusetts. An overview of the performance of the bellwether methodology is provided. In use at Suffolk University Political Research Center since 2003, bellwethers combined with state polls correctly forecast election outcomes in 97% of trials where a clear winner could be determined (i.e., no ties). The contribution of this work is to offer an open-source methodology for improving accuracy in election forecasting.
Assessing referral and practice patterns of patients with chronic cough referred for behavioral cough suppression therapy
Authors: Slovarp Laurie , Loomis Bridget Kathleen , Glaspey Amy
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this exploratory research was to describe current referral and practice patterns for behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) throughout the United States, and to assess the need for improving the efficiency of BCST referral patterns. In study I, 126 speech-language pathologists, who treat patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC) in the United States, completed a survey about referral patterns, cough duration, and patient frustration level. In study II, 36 adults with RCC referred for BCST completed a four-part survey about cough symptoms and treatment. The survey included the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) before and after BCST. Study I revealed significant patient frustration about the treatment process and the wait-time for BCST. Participants in study II reported average cough duration of over 2 years before BCST. Twenty-seven of 31 participants in study II improved by at least 1.3 on the LCQ, indicating a clinically significant improvement in 87% of patients. This study suggests that the current management model for CC may be unduly time-consuming, and expensive for patients with CC who are successfully treated with BCST. Practitioners are encouraged to consider BCST earlier in the treatment process.
A line segment extraction algorithm using laser data based on seeded region growing
Authors: Gao Haiming , Zhang Xuebo , Fang Yongchun , Yuan Jing
Published: February 2018

This article presents a novel line segment extraction algorithm using two-dimensional (2D) laser data, which is composed of four main procedures: seed-segment detection, region growing, overlap region processing, and endpoint generation. Different from existing approaches, the proposed algorithm borrows the idea of seeded region growing in the field of image processing, which is more efficient with more precise endpoints of the extracted line segments. Comparative experimental results with respect to the well-known Split-and-Merge algorithm are presented to show superior performance of the proposed approach in terms of efficiency, correctness, and precision, using real 2D data taken from our hallway and laboratory.
Advanced imaging techniques for small bowel Crohn’s disease: what does the future hold?
Authors: Pita Inês , Magro Fernando
Published: February 2018

Treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) is intrinsically reliant on imaging techniques, due to the preponderance of small bowel disease and its transmural pattern of inflammation. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most widely employed imaging methods and have excellent diagnostic accuracy in most instances. Some limitations persist, perhaps the most clinically relevant being the distinction between inflammatory and fibrotic strictures. In this regard, several methodologies have recently been tested in animal models and human patients, namely US strain elastography, shear wave elastography, contrast-enhanced US, magnetization transfer MRI and contrast dynamics in standard MRI. Technical advances in each of the imaging methods may expand their indications. The addition of oral contrast to abdominal US appears to substantially improve its diagnostic capabilities compared to standard US. Ionizing dose-reduction methods in CT can decrease concern about cumulative radiation exposure in CD patients and diffusion-weighted MRI may reduce the need for gadolinium contrast. Clinical indexes of disease activity and severity are also increasingly relying on imaging scores, such as the recently developed Lémann Index. In this review we summarize some of the recent advances in small bowel CD imaging and how they might affect clinical practice in the near future.
Business, soft power, and whitewashing: Three themes in the US media coverage of “The Great Wall” film
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqun
Published: February 2018

Applying the grounded theory approach, this study identified three major themes– business, soft power, and whitewashing–in the US media coverage of “The Great Wall” film, which is the biggest co-production between Hollywood and China in history. It also discussed the interconnections among the three themes and the implications of these interconnections. The connection between business and soft power revealed China’s strategy of enhancing its soft power through business collaborations with Hollywood. The connections between whitewashing and business, and between whitewashing and soft power, suggested the dialectical dynamics among them. This complex dynamics would influence the soft power of both China and the United States.
The Role of BMI in Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Akinleye Sheriff D. , Garofolo Garret , Culbertson Maya Deza , Homel Peter , Erez Orry
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Obesity is an oft-cited cause of surgical morbidity and many institutions require extensive supplementary screening for obese patients prior to surgical intervention. However, in the elderly patients, obesity has been described as a protective factor. This article set out to examine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes and morbidity after hip fracture surgery.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients undergoing 1 of 4 surgical procedures to manage hip fracture between 2008 and 2012. Patient demographics, BMI, and known factors that lead to poor surgical outcomes were included as putative predictors for complications that included infectious, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and neurovascular events. Using χ2 tests, 30-day postoperative complication rates were compared between 4 patient groups stratified by BMI as low weight (BMI < 20), normal (BMI = 20-30), obese (BMI = 30-40), and morbidly obese (BMI > 40).

Results:

A total of 15 108 patients underwent surgery for hip fracture over the examined 5-year period. Of these, 18% were low weight (BMI < 20), 67% were normal weight (BMI = 20-30), 13% were obese (BMI = 30-40), and 2% were morbidly obese (BMI > 40). The low-weight and morbidly obese patients had both the highest mortality rates and the lowest superficial infection rates. There was a significant increase in blood transfusion rates that decreased linearly with increasing BMI. Deep surgical site infection and renal failure increased linearly with increasing BMI, however, these outcomes were confounded by comorbidities.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that patients at either extreme of the BMI spectrum, rather than solely the obese, are at greatest risk of major adverse events following hip fracture surgery. This runs contrary to the notion that obese hip fracture patients automatically require additional preoperative screening and perioperative services, as currently implemented in many institutions.
Radiological Fusion Criteria of Postoperative Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oshina Masahito , Oshima Yasushi , Tanaka Sakae , Riew K. Daniel
Published: February 2018

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Objectives:

Diagnosis of pseudarthrosis after anterior cervical fusion is difficult, and often depends on the surgeon’s subjective assessment because recommended radiographic criteria are lacking. This review evaluated the available evidence for confirming fusion after anterior cervical surgery.

Methods:

Articles describing assessment of anterior cervical fusion were retrieved from MEDLINE and SCOPUS. The assessment methods and fusion rates at 1 and 2 years were evaluated to identify reliable radiographical criteria.

Results:

Ten fusion criteria were described. The 4 most common were presence of bridging trabecular bone between the endplates, absence of a radiolucent gap between the graft and endplate, absence of or minimal motion between adjacent vertebral bodies on flexion-extension radiographs, and absence of or minimal motion between the spinous processes on flexion-extension radiographs. The mean fusion rates were 90.2% at 1 year and 94.7% at 2 years. The fusion rate at 2 years had significant independence ( P = .048).

Conclusions:

The most common fusion criteria, bridging trabecular bone between the endplates and absence of a radiolucent gap between the graft and endplate, are subjective. We recommend using <1 mm of motion between spinous processes on extension and flexion to confirm fusion.
Bureaucratic characteristics and citizen trust in civil service in OECD member nations
Authors: Choi SeoYoun
Published: February 2018

Do various bureaucratic characteristics explain different levels of public trust in civil service? While studies have suggested various desirable traits for public administration in democratic societies, including political responsiveness, representativeness, and professionalism, their possible linkages to public evaluations of government bureaucracies are insufficiently investigated. This article examines how such attributes are related to citizens’ evaluations of civil service using a multilevel analysis across 18 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member nations. The bureaucratic characteristics are measured using data from the Quality of Government (QoG) Expert Survey and the OECD statistics. The survey data from the 2004 International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) are used to capture individual perceptions of public administration. The empirical results show that levels of citizens’ trust in bureaucracies is higher when an impartial and gender representative public administration exists. The findings contribute to our understanding of the correlates of public trust in government agencies, as well as consequences of emphasizing different bureaucratic traits across nations.
Exploring Transformative Usability in the Business and Professional Writing Classroom
Authors: Nielsen Danielle
Published: February 2018

This article addresses the importance of teaching transformative usability and accessibility concepts through the lens of disability studies in general business and professional communication courses. It argues that when students learn to analyze audiences, include diverse users, and foresee accessibility before the final draft because they practice user-centered design, their documents become more accessible for all users and situations. It presents a four-unit course plan that integrates disability studies and usability, including legal requirements. The unit plan advocates considering disability and diverse users and uses at the beginning of the design process.
The impact of insulin pump therapy to oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Xing-Guang , Zhang Yan-Qi , Cheng Qian-Peng , Cao Yi , Sun Jian-Min , Lv Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2018

Background

The oxidative stress resulting from increased production of ROS plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic complications. We aim to explore the relationships between oxidative stress, diabetic nephropathy (DN) and short-term insulin pump intensive therapy (insulin therapy).

Methods

Levels of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were estimated before and after 2 weeks of insulin therapy in normal group (NC) and type 2 diabetic (DM) with normal albuminuria (NA), microalbuminuria (MA) and clinical albuminuria (CA).

Results

In DM group, levels of 8-OHdG and 3-NT were higher than those in NC group (P < 0.05); GSH and SOD were lower (P < 0.05). And their levels changed with urine albumin–creatinine ratio (P < 0.05). After insulin therapy, these derangements were significantly ameliorated and the changes in NA and MA groups were more significant than CA group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed glycated hemoglobin, the course of disease, the HOME-IR and fasting plasma glucose were positively correlated with 8-OHdG and 3-NT, but negatively correlated with GSH and SOD.

Conclusions

The oxidative stress gradually increased with the magnitude of DN, and insulin pump intensive therapy can significantly ameliorate the derangements in the early stage of DN.

Trial registration NCT03174821