bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probability of Dying in Each of the Competing Risks under Bimorbid Condition
Authors: Singh Kalpana , Biswas Suddhendu
Published: April 2017

The motivation of this study is to explore the respective probability of dying in either of the risks while a person has dual or more competing risks. The problem requires evolution of a model describing the probability of dying in either of risks while a person is exposed to competing risk of two or more diseases. This is obtained by choice of a model which is bivariate negative binomial distribution for obtaining the number of deaths (assuming the deaths occur in the last trial). A Bayesian method has also been used for estimating probability of dying in heart disease and chronic kidney disease in the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and stroke or heart disease with chronic kidney disease. For the analysis of the same we have used CARRS (cardiometabolic risk reduction in south Asia) surveillance data, a multistage cluster random sampling technique.
Path-Loss Channel Models for Receiver Spatial Diversity Systems at 2.4 GHz
Authors: Alwarafy Abdulmalik , Sulyman Ahmed Iyanda , Alsanie Abdulhameed , Alshebeili Saleh A. , Behairy Hatim M.
Published: April 2017

This article proposes receiver spatial diversity propagation path-loss channel models based on real-field measurement campaigns that were conducted in a line-of-site (LOS) and non-LOS (NLOS) indoor laboratory environment at 2.4 GHz. We apply equal gain power combining (EGC), coherent and noncoherent techniques, on the received signal powers. Our empirical data is used to propose spatial diversity propagation path-loss channel models using the log-distance and the floating intercept path-loss models. The proposed models indicate logarithmic-like reduction in the path-loss values as the number of diversity antennas increases. In the proposed spatial diversity empirical path-loss models, the number of diversity antenna elements is directly accounted for, and it is shown that they can accurately estimate the path-loss for any generalized number of receiving antenna elements for a given measurement setup. In particular, the floating intercept-based diversity path-loss model is vital to the 3GPP and WINNER II standards since they are widely utilized in multi-antenna-based communication systems.
Morphometric Analysis of the Clavicles in Chinese Population
Authors: Yang Jesse Chieh-Szu , Lin Kun-Jhih , Wei Hung-Wen , Tsai Cheng-Lun , Lin Kang-Ping , Lee Pei-Yuan
Published: April 2017

The clavicle has a complex geometry that makes plate fixation technically difficult. The current study aims to measure the anatomical parameters of Chinese clavicles as reference for plate design. One hundred clavicles were analyzed. The clavicle bone model was reconstructed by using computed tomography images. The length, diameters, and curvatures of the clavicle were then measured. The female clavicle was shorter, more slender, and less curved in lateral part than the male clavicle. There was a positive relationship between height and clavicle parameters except lateral curve and depth. The measurements of Chinese clavicles were generally smaller than Caucasians. The clavicle curves were correlated with the bone length; thus consideration of the curve variations may be necessary as designing size distribution of clavicle plate.
Mechanical Characterization of PDMS Films for the Optimization of Polymer Based Flexible Capacitive Pressure Microsensors
Authors: Dinh T.-H.-N. , Martincic E. , Dufour-Gergam E. , Joubert P.-Y.
Published: April 2017

This paper reports on the optimization of flexible PDMS-based normal pressure capacitive microsensors dedicated to wearable applications. The operating principle and the fabrication process of such microsensors are presented. Then, the deformations under local pressure of PDMS thin films of thicknesses ranging from 100 μm to 10 mm are studied by means of numerical simulations in order to foresee the sensitivity of the considered microsensors. The study points out that, for a given PDMS type, the sensor form ratio plays a major role in its sensitivity. Indeed, for a given PDMS film, the expected capacitance change under a 10 N load applied on a 1.7 mm radius electrode varies from a few percent to almost 40% according to the initial PDMS film thickness. These observations are validated by experimental characterizations carried out on PDMS film samples of various thicknesses (10 μm to 10 mm) and on actual microsensors. Further computations enable generalized sensor design rules to be highlighted. Considering practical limitations in the fabrication and in the implementation of the actual microsensors, design rules based on computed form ratio optimization lead to the elaboration of flexible pressure microsensors exhibiting a sensitivity which reaches up to10%/N.
On Similarity and Reducing Subspaces of the n-Shift plus Certain Weighted Volterra Operator
Authors: Li Yucheng , Chen Hao , Lan Wenhua
Published: April 2017

Let g(z) be an n-degree polynomial (n≥2). Inspired by Sarason’s result, we introduce the operator T1 defined by the multiplication operator Mg plus the weighted Volterra operator Vg on the Bergman space. We show that the operator T1 is similar to Mg on some Hilbert space Sg2(D). Then for g(z)=zn, by using matrix manipulations, the reducing subspaces of the corresponding operator T2 on the Bergman space are characterized.
Variations in the 3′UTR of theCYP21A2Gene in Heterozygous Females with Hyperandrogenaemia
Authors: Neocleous Vassos , Fanis Pavlos , Toumba Meropi , Phedonos Alexia A. P. , Picolos Michalis , Andreou Elena , Kyriakides Tassos C. , Tanteles George A. , Shammas Christos , Phylactou Leonidas A. , Skordis Nicos
Published: April 2017

Heterozygosity forCYP21A2mutations in females is possibly related to increased risk of developing clinical hyperandrogenism. The present study was designed to seek evidence on the phenotype-genotype correlation in female children, adolescents, and women withCYP21A2mutations and variants in the 3′UTR region of the gene. Sixty-six patients out of the 169 were identified as carriers ofCYP21A2mutations. Higher values of stimulated 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels were found in the carriers of the p.Val281Leu mutation compared to the carriers of other mutations (mean: 24.7 nmol/l versus 15.6 nmol/l). The haplotype of the∗52C>T,∗440C>T, and∗443T>C in the 3′UTR was identical in all heterozygous patients with p.Val281Leu and the haplotype of the∗12C>T and∗52C>T was identical in all heterozygous patients with the p.Gln318∗. In conclusion, hyperandrogenaemic females are likely to bear heterozygousCYP21A2mutations. Carriers of the mild p.Val281Leu mutation are at higher risk of developing hyperandrogenism than the carriers of more severe mutations. The identification of variants in the 3′UTR ofCYP21A2in combination with the heterozygous mutation may be associated with the mild form of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and reveal the importance of analyzing theCYP21A2untranslated regions for the appropriate management of this category of patients.
A Fractional Supervision Game Model of Multiple Stakeholders and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Lu Rongwu , Wang Xinhua , Li Dan
Published: April 2017

Considering the popular use of a certain kind of supervision management problem in many fields, we firstly build an ordinary supervision game model of multiple stakeholders. Secondly, a fractional supervision game model is set up and solved based on the theory of fractional calculus and a predictor‐corrector numerical approach. Thirdly, the methods of phase diagram and time series graph were applied to simulate and analyse the dynamic process of the fractional order game model. Results of numerical solutions are given to illustrate our conclusions and referred to the practice.
Commuting Toeplitz and Hankel Operators on Harmonic Dirichlet Spaces
Authors: Ding Qian , Chen Yong , Lu Yufeng
Published: April 2017

On the harmonic Dirichlet space of the unit disk, the commutativity of Toeplitz and Hankel operators is studied. We obtain characterizations of commuting Toeplitz and Hankel operators and essentially commuting (semicommuting) Toeplitz and Hankel operators with general symbols.
GAD1 Upregulation Programs Aggressive Features of Cancer Cell Metabolism in the Brain Metastatic Microenvironment
Authors: Schnepp Patricia M. , Lee Dennis D. , Guldner Ian H. , O'Tighearnaigh Treasa K. , Howe Erin N. , Palakurthi Bhavana , Eckert Kaitlyn E. , Toni Tiffany A. , Ashfeld Brandon L. , Zhang Siyuan
Published: April 2017

The impact of altered amino acid metabolism on cancer progression is not fully understood. We hypothesized that a metabolic transcriptome shift during metastatic evolution is crucial for brain metastasis. Here, we report a powerful impact in this setting caused by epigenetic upregulation of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), a regulator of the GABA neurotransmitter metabolic pathway. In cell-based culture and brain metastasis models, we found that downregulation of the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 induced by the brain microenvironment–derived clusterin resulted in decreased GAD1 promoter methylation and subsequent upregulation of GAD1 expression in brain metastatic tumor cells. In a system to dynamically visualize cellular metabolic responses mediated by GAD1, we monitored the cytosolic NADH:NAD+ equilibrium in tumor cells. Reducing GAD1 in metastatic cells by primary glia cell coculture abolished the capacity of metastatic cells to utilize extracellular glutamine, leading to cytosolic accumulation of NADH and increased oxidative status. Similarly, genetic or pharmacologic disruption of the GABA metabolic pathway decreased the incidence of brain metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our results show how epigenetic changes in GAD1 expression alter local glutamate metabolism in the brain metastatic microenvironment, contributing to a metabolic adaption that facilitates metastasis outgrowth in that setting. Cancer Res; 77(11); 2844–56. ©2017 AACR.
Apelin-13 Protects against Ischemic Blood-Brain Barrier Damage through the Effects of Aquaporin-4
Authors: Chu Heling , Yang Xiaobo , Huang Chuyi , Gao Zidan , Tang Yuping , Dong Qiang
Published: April 2017

Background: Apelin-13 has been found to have protective effects on many neurological diseases, including cerebral ischemia. However, whether Apelin-13 acts on blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption following cerebral ischemia is largely unknown. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has a close link with BBB due to the high concentration in astrocyte foot processes and regulation of astrocytes function. Here, we aimed to test Apelin-13′s effects on ischemic BBB injury and examine whether the effects were dependent on AQP4. Methods: We detected the expression of AQP4 induced by Apelin-13 injection at 1, 3, and 7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Meanwhile, we examined the effects of Apelin-13 on neurological function, infarct volume, and BBB disruption owing to cerebral ischemia in wild type mice, and tested whether such effects were AQP4 dependent by using AQP4 knock-out mice. Furthermore, we assessed the possible signal transduction pathways activated by Apelin-13 to regulate AQP4 expression via astrocyte cultures. Results: It was found that Apelin-13 highly increased AQP4 expression as well as reduced neurological scores and infarct volume. Importantly, Apelin-13 played a role of BBB protection in both types of mice by reducing BBB permeability, increased vascular endothelial growth factor, upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and downregulated inducible NOS. In morphology, we demonstrated Apelin-13 suppressed tight junction opening and endothelial cell swelling via electron microscopy detection. Meanwhile, Apelin-13 also alleviated apoptosis of astrocytes and promoted angiogenesis. Interestingly, effects of AQP4 on neurological function and infarct volume varied with time course, while AQP4 elicited protective effects on BBB at all time points. Statistical analysis of 2-way analysis of variance with replication indicated that AQP4 was required for these effects. In addition, Apelin-13 upregulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt as well as AQP4 protein in cultured astrocytes. The latter was inhibited by ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Apelin-13 protects BBB from disruption after cerebral ischemia both morphologically and functionally, which is highly associated with the increased levels of AQP4, possibly through the activation of ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. This study provides double targets to protection of ischemic BBB damage, which can present new insights to drugs development.
Cardiac Changes and Their Association with Fetuin-A and Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mudi Abdullahi , Ntsinjana Hopewell , Dickens Caroline , Levy Cecil , Ballot Daynia
Published: April 2017

Aims: In children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), fetuin-A and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) have been implicated in the mechanism and progression of several cardiac changes. This study aimed to determine the types and rates of cardiac changes in children with CKD and their association with fetuin-A, FGF-23, and other cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study recruited 88 children (5-18 years): 27 CKD I with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 61 with a GFR of <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (29 CKD II-IV, 32 CKD V-dialysis). Each patient had a short demographic and clinical history taken along with a physical examination. Blood was taken and sent for routine tests and for fetuin-A and FGF-23 assay. All patients had an echocardiogram to evaluate cardiac structure and function. Results: The distribution of left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular (LV) mass differed significantly (p < 0.05) across the different CKD groups. Abnormal LAD was seen in 10% of patients; LV hypertrophy (LVH) in 27%; LV systolic dysfunction in 6% and diastolic dysfunction in 1 patient. Fetuin-A was the only independent predictor for abnormal LAD; mean arterial pressure was independently associated with concentric LVH, and age and hypoalbuminemia with eccentric LVH. Overall, the dialysis group had the highest rate of cardiac changes and associated risk factors. Conclusion: Though not common, the importance of left atrial changes in children with CKD is highlighted along with the need to address modifiable CVRFs such as hypertension and hypoalbuminemia.
Contribution of Hormonal Cytology in Girls and Adolescents to Reproductive Health: A Traditional Technique Monitoring Recent Problems
Authors: Dušková Jaroslava , Goldová Barbara , Matiášková Lenka , Beková Alena , Skřenková Jana
Published: April 2017

Objective: To study the contribution of hormonal cytology in contemporary disturbances of fertility. Design: Over a 10-year period (2006-2015), 6,688 vaginal fornix cytologies of 2,350 patients were investigated. For a more detailed analysis, a 3-year period from 2013 to 2015 was chosen. Four hundred and fifty-two patients were investigated, many of them several times and for a period longer than the 3 years analyzed. Results: The main disorders examined and treated via a gentle hormonal medication support and life style corrections by a pediatric gynecologist were: pubertas praecox - thelarche praecox and early menarche; dysfunctional juvenile metrorrhagia; central and peripheral endocrine disorders; eating disorders - anorexia mentalis and bulimia; obesity; excessive sport activities; autoimmune disorders, and others. Normalization of the menstrual cycle was achieved while monitoring progress with a series of hormonal cytologies in a majority of patients. Conclusions: Hormonal cytology is a non-invasive and economical method, illustrating the direct effect of steroid on target cells. It contributes to reproductive health support by: (a) indicating the possible need and type of steroid therapy; (b) monitoring the normalization of cycle disturbances; (c) ruling out or indicating the need for more detailed steroid metabolism investigation. Thus, it represents a basic but valuable means of examination in child and adolescent gynecology.
Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder in Asia
Authors: Fukagawa Masafumi , Komaba Hirotaka
Published: April 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is one of the most common complications in patients with CKD. As CKD-MBD is a systemic syndrome, prevention and management should be aimed at achieving better survival and less risk of cardiovascular events and fractures. Summary: Although target ranges for serum markers of mineral metabolism have been proposed in several global or local guidelines, these were mostly based on data from non-Asian patients. Additionally, there remain differences in medical and social systems as well as in economic status, even among Asian countries and areas. Key Message: Asian CKD patient data needs to be analyzed, published, and shared to establish optimal local strategies for CKD-MBD management.
Frequent pUL27 Variations in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Mirarab Azam , Mohebbi Alireza , Moradi Abdolvahab , Javid Naeme , Vakili Mohammad Ali , Tabarraei Alijan
Published: April 2017

Objective: Drug-resistant isolates of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) have led to the development of new anti-HCMV drugs. Maribavir (MBV) is a novel inhibitor of the HCMV viral kinase. Resistance to MBV is mapped to gene UL27, a viral nuclear protein. In this study, we investigated UL27 polymorphisms in MBV-naive HIV-positive and HCMV congenitally infected clinical samples. Methods: DNA was extracted from 20 CMV-positive HIV (9/20) and congenitally infected (11/20) patients and used for UL27 polymerase chain reaction amplification. Sanger sequencing and multiple sequence alignment of products was performed. Results: K90 was the most prevalent polymorphism in both HIV-positive and congenitally infected patients. Polymorphisms Q54, D123, and R107 (10%) were seen in more than one sample. There were significantly more polymorphisms in the HIV-positive samples (p = 0.038). Conclusion: HCMV pUL27 is highly variable in adult immunocompromised HIV-positive patients.
The Genotyping Resistance Profile of the Pol Gene Detected in Blood of Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Men Is Durably Archived in the Gut Whatever the Time of Initiation of cART
Authors: Depincé Anne Emmanuelle , Dussert Elodie , Vergnon-Miszczycha Delphine , Keita Abdelaye , Pillet Sylvie , Botelho-Nevers Elisabeth , Frésard Anne , Gagneux-Brunon Amandine , Lucht Frédéric R. , Roblin Xavier , Pozzetto Bruno , Paul Stéphane , Bourlet Thomas
Published: April 2017

Objective: To evaluate the mutational patterns on the pol gene of the main HIV-1 strain archived in cell genome of 10 chronically infected men according to their clinical and therapeutic history. The genotyping resistance profiles were compared between the first blood plasma available at the time of HIV diagnosis and rectal biopsies and PBMC sampled 1-5 years after the initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods: HIV-1 RNA and cell-associated HIV-1 DNA were quantified by Abbott Real-Time HIV-1 and Generic HIV® DNA cell (Biocentric) assays. The mutations in protease and reverse transcriptase genes were assessed by the Trugene® assay (Siemens). The C2V3 region was amplified to determine the viral tropism. Results: In 9 patients, slight or no differences were observed between the 3 resistance profiles. Those mostly detected were related to the resistance to nucleos(t)ide (D67N, L210W, T215A, T69D) and nonnucleoside (K103N, V106I, V179I) inhibitors. In 1 rilpivirine-treated patient, the M230I mutation was detected in PBMC. No change of viral tropism was observed between samples. Conclusion: These data suggest that resistance mutations harbored by the main HIV strain in plasma at the time of diagnosis are durably archived in DNA cells whatever the delay between infection and initiation of therapy in patients well controlled by cART.
Choice of Stent for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Saphenous Vein Grafts
Authors: Iqbal Javaid , Kwok Chun Shing , Kontopantelis Evangelos , de Belder Mark A. , Ludman Peter F. , Large Adrian , Butler Rob , Gamal Amr , Kinnaird Tim , Zaman Azfar , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: April 2017

Background—

There are limited data on comparison of contemporary drug-eluting stent (DES) platforms, previous generation DES, and bare-metal stents (BMS) for percutaneous coronary intervention in saphenous vein grafts (SVG). We aimed to assess clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention to SVG in patients receiving bare-metal stents (BMS), first-generation DES, and newer generation DES in a large unselected national data set from the BCIS (British Cardiovascular Intervention Society).

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention to SVG in the United Kingdom from January 2006 to December 2013 were divided into 3 groups according to stent use: BMS, first-generation DES, and newer generation DES group. Study outcomes included in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality. Patients (n=15 003) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention to SVG in England and Wales during the study period. Of these, 38% received BMS, 15% received first-generation DES, and 47% received second-generation DES. The rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were significantly lower in patients treated with second-generation DES (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.68;
P
<0.001), but not with first-generation DES, compared with BMS-treated patients. Similarly, 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.59;
P
<0.001) and 1-year mortality (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.71;
P
<0.001) were lower in patients treated with second-generation DES, but not with first-generation DES, compared with the patients treated with BMS.

Conclusions—

Patients receiving second-generation DES for the treatment SVG disease have lower rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality, compared with those receiving BMS.
Statin Eligibility and Outpatient Care Prior to ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Miedema Michael D. , Garberich Ross F. , Schnaidt Lucas J. , Peterson Erin , Strauss Craig , Sharkey Scott , Knickelbine Thomas , Newell Marc C. , Henry Timothy D.
Published: April 2017

Background

The impact of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines on statin eligibility in individuals otherwise destined to experience cardiovascular disease (CVD) events is unclear.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a prospective cohort of consecutive ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients from a regional STEMI system with data on patient demographics, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, CVD risk factors, medication use, and outpatient visits over the 2 years prior to STEMI. We determined pre‐STEMI eligibility according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and the prior Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel guidelines. Our sample included 1062 patients with a mean age of 63.7 (13.0) years (72.5% male), and 761 (71.7%) did not have known CVD prior to STEMI. Only 62.5% and 19.3% of individuals with and without prior CVD were taking a statin before STEMI, respectively. In individuals not taking a statin, median (interquartile range) low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in those with and without known CVD were low (108 [83, 138]  mg/dL and 110 [87, 133] mg/dL). For individuals not taking a statin, only 38.7% were statin eligible by ATP III guidelines. Conversely, 79.0% would have been statin eligible according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. Less than half of individuals with (49.2%) and without (41.1%) prior CVD had seen a primary care provider during the 2 years prior to STEMI.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of STEMI patients, application of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines more than doubled pre‐STEMI statin eligibility compared with Third Report of the Adult Treatment Panel guidelines. However, access to and utilization of health care, a necessity for guideline implementation, was suboptimal prior to STEMI.
Vascular Anatomy Predicts the Risk of Cerebral Ischemia in Patients Randomized to Carotid Stenting Versus Endarterectomy
Authors: Müller Mandy D. , Ahlhelm Frank J. , von Hessling Alexander , Doig David , Nederkoorn Paul J. , Macdonald Sumaira , Lyrer Philippe A. , van der Lugt Aad , Hendrikse Jeroen , Stippich Christoph , van der Worp H. Bart , Richards Toby , Brown Martin M. , Engelter Stefan T. , Bonati Leo H.
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

Complex vascular anatomy might increase the risk of procedural stroke during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Randomized controlled trial evidence that vascular anatomy should inform the choice between CAS and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been lacking.

Methods—

One-hundred eighty-four patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis who were randomly assigned to CAS or CEA in the ICSS (International Carotid Stenting Study) underwent magnetic resonance (n=126) or computed tomographic angiography (n=58) at baseline and brain magnetic resonance imaging before and after treatment. We investigated the association between aortic arch configuration, angles of supra-aortic arteries, degree, length of stenosis, and plaque ulceration with the presence of ≥1 new ischemic brain lesion on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI+) after treatment.

Results—

Forty-nine of 97 patients in the CAS group (51%) and 14 of 87 in the CEA group (16%) were DWI+ (odds ratio [OR], 6.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9–12.4;
P
<0.001). In the CAS group, aortic arch configuration type 2/3 (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1–7.1;
P
=0.027) and the degree of the largest internal carotid artery angle (≥60° versus <60°; OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.7–10.1;
P
=0.002) were both associated with DWI+, also after correction for age. No predictors for DWI+ were identified in the CEA group. The DWI+ risk in CAS increased further over CEA if the largest internal carotid artery angle was ≥60° (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 4.1–34.1) than if it was <60° (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2–9.8; interaction
P
=0.035).

Conclusions—

Complex configuration of the aortic arch and internal carotid artery tortuosity increase the risk of cerebral ischemia during CAS, but not during CEA. Vascular anatomy should be taken into account when selecting patients for stenting.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN25337470
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN25337470.
Neoliberalism and Capital Accumulation: Media Framing of Resistance and the Global Culture of Fear
Authors: Artz Lee
Published: April 2017

As neoliberal globalization dramatically increases global inequality, popular resistance erupts in most every nation. Transnational leaders, nation-state politicians, and their accommodating media often frame resistance to fit the rubric of terrorism in an attempt to win mass consent for coercion against rebellious groups. This article presents the example of the Tuareg independence movement in Northern Mali as a case study of how commercial media framing contributes to a culture of fear and thereby legitimizes military intervention against democratic social movements.
Imagining Global Nonviolence
Authors: Wahlrab Amentahru
Published: April 2017

This article interprets the globalization of nonviolence and nonviolent resistance through the lens of Manfred B. Steger’s concept of the “global imaginary.” It argues that the globalization of nonviolence and the global imaginary are mutually reinforcing processes. Nonviolent protests are driven by local issues and are, thus, context specific and local but, as in the case of the Arab uprisings, as they spread through themenaand beyond, the uprisings provided historically linked examples of a growing global consciousness, a “global” we.
Life in Public Spaces: A Theater of the Streets, Social Exclusion, and a Safe Zone in Shanghai
Authors: Orum Anthony M. , Li Jialin Camille
Published: April 2017

This article reports on fieldwork in Shanghai during 2007 and 2008. Orum was a Fulbright Scholar at the time teaching at Fudan University, and doing research on the topic of public space. Along with his students he examined how public spaces were used in several parts in Shanghai, plus they interviewed a number of recent migrants who worked as vendors on the streets and formed part of the informal economy. The article outlines the theoretical importance of public spaces in general, and then provides an interpretation of how those spaces are used both for a “theater of the streets” and a “safe zone” for political discussion.
Another Eye to Inspect the Cultural Revolution in China
Authors: Li Xianyue
Published: April 2017

My article is divided into four parts. In the first part I lay out briefly the historical context of the Cultural Revolution. In the second part, I examine the concept of “cultural revolution” as it appears in classical Marxism and as understood by Mao Zedong. In part three, through digging out some positive values present in the Cultural Revolution, I attempt to show that the 1960s was not merely negation. And in part four I consider some of the effects of the Cultural Revolution, which may be relevant today, not only for China but for our “depoliticized,” ecologically-threatened world.
Technonationalism and the 1905 Chinese Boycott of us Goods
Authors: McDougall James I.
Published: April 2017

This article explores ways of understanding the globalization of nationalism in the twentieth century as a condition of technology from the perspective of Heidegger’s “Question Concerning Technology,” and offers the reporting in the Shantou newspaper,Lingdong Daily, as a case study of how discourses of nationalism were localized during the 1905 Chinese boycott ofusgoods. The 1905 boycott was one of the events linked to modern Chinese nationalism that increased political grassroots networks, and sustained successive revolutions. In order to argue that this rise of Chinese nationalism was the globalization of a technological condition, I examine the representation of technology, cognitive mapping, and shame.
Sovereignty, Property and the Russian Revolution
Authors: Bílková Veronika
Published: April 2017

The article introduces two traditions of conceptualizing the relationship between sovereignty and property which have been present in legal and political doctrine and in international law. One tradition sees the two concepts as separated, the other as interrelated. The article then shows that the Soviet approach to sovereignty and property, which manifested itself in certain measures adopted after the 1917 Russian Revolution (the abolition of private property, the repudiation of tsarist debts) and which was largely informed by the ideology of Marxism-Leninism, falls under the second tradition. Finally, the article discusses how the Soviet approach to sovereignty and property sought to affect international law and to what extent it has managed, or failed, to do so.
Trans-Pacific Cultural Connections
Authors: Fu Poshek
Published: April 2017

The University of Illinois has one of the largest international student populations from China in the United States. An u.s.-based journalist recently headlined it as the “University of China at Illinois” and the sobriquet has caught fire in China. Actually, the university has a long history of connection and engagement with China that stretches back to 1908–1909, at a time when the United States was not yet a significant global power in the Pacific. This essay looks at the dreams, hopes, and problems in this long history in the changing context of u.s.-China relations, which involved using American education to shape the hearts and minds of young Chinese before the idea of “soft power” became popular.
Flabelleforma, the correct name for Precambrian Mucorites Herman non Lindau
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: April 2017

The fossil generic name Flabelleforma Herman 1989 is resurrected to replace the later homonym, Mucorites Herman 1979, used for unique Precambrian hyphal fungi-like microorganisms (Bacillariobiota), which is preoccupied by Mucorites Meschinelli ex Lindau 1900. The generic name Mucorites Meschinelli 1898, proposed for putative mycelial remains from the Lower Carboniferous (Visean) deposits of Esnost (France), was not validly published due to the lack of a separate generic description; the name was validated by Lindau in 1900.
Eriocaulon parvicephalum (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, India
Authors: DARSHETKAR ASHWINI M. , DATAR MANDAR N. , TAMHANKAR SHUBHADA , CHOUDHARY RITESH KUMAR
Published: April 2017

Eriocaulon parvicephalum, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from Western Ghats of India, is described and illustrated. The new species is closely allied with E. palghatense but differs in having acuminate spathe lobes, eglandular petals in the male flower, and two rectangular seed coat appendages per cell. Phylogenetic analyses using the ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA, and psbA–trnH and trnL–F intergenic spacer regions of chloroplast DNA support the status of E. parvicephalum as a new species.
Description of a new group of species of Edessa (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Edessinae)
Authors: NASCIMENTO DARIANE AMORIM DO , MENDONÇA MARIA THAYANE DA SILVA , FERNANDES JOSE ANTONIO MARIN
Published: April 2017

The new group of species viridula is proposed to five new species: Edessa viridula sp. n., Edessa exigusternata sp. n., Edessa angusticlada sp. n., Edessa rugulata sp. n. and Edessa eucnema sp. n. based on 58 specimens examined. Descriptions of the group and species are provided. Illustrations of the species along with metasternal process and male and female genitalia are provided; an identification key and distributional map are presented.
Description of a new species of Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka
Authors: BATUWITA SUDESH , UDUGAMPALA SAMPATH
Published: April 2017

A new species of Cnemaspis Strauch is described from Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka. This new species had been previously confused with Cnemaspis podihuna Deraniyagala. Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. closely resembles C. podihuna and C. molligodai Wickramasinghe & Munindradasa. Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. differs from C. podihuna by having 7–8 (versus 3–6) unpored scales in each side of the precloacal-femoral pores row, lacking (versus having) an internasal scale, body (axilla to groin) relatively long 47.7–48.3 (versus 38.1–38.7)% of SVL and dorsum dark brown (versus bright yellow). Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. also distinguished from C. molligodai by having 4 (versus 5) precloacal pores, 5–6 (versus 7–9) femoral pores on each side, precloacal pores not in an inverted V-shaped arrangement (versus in inverted V-shaped arrangement), lacking (versus having) a distinct black marking on nape and a black lateral stripe begins behind eye extends laterally beyond the origin of forearm (versus not extending beyond the origin of forearm). Additionally, Cnemaspis kandambyi sp. nov. and C. molligodai show discrete distribution: former restricted to Knuckles Range and the latter confined to Lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. We confirm that, no type material of Cnemaspis podihuna survive in the current collection of the National Museum of Sri Lanka.
A review of the Barsine obsoleta species-group with description of a new species from Vietnam (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL
Published: April 2017

The Barsine obsoleta species-group is reviewed. A new species, Barsine fossi Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. is described from Vietnam. A new combination is established: Barsine obsoleta (Reich, 1937), comb. nov. The neotype is designated for Miltochrista gratiosa f. obsoleta Reich, 1937. Diagnoses for B. obsoleta and B. callorufa Wu et al., 2013 are given. Adults, male and female genitalia of the species reviewed and externally close species are illustrated.
Simultaneous Ensemble Postprocessing for Multiple Lead Times with Standardized Anomalies
Authors: Dabernig Markus , Mayr Georg J. , Messner Jakob W. , Zeileis Achim
Published: April 2017

Separate statistical models are typically fit for each forecasting lead time to postprocess numerical weather prediction (NWP) ensemble forecasts. Using standardized anomalies of both NWP values and observations eliminates most of the lead-time-specific characteristics so that several lead times can be forecast simultaneously. Standardized anomalies are formed by subtracting a climatological mean and dividing by the climatological standard deviation. Simultaneously postprocessing forecasts between +12 and +120 h increases forecast coherence between lead times, yields a temporal resolution as high as the observation interval (e.g., up to 10 min), and speeds up computation times while achieving a forecast skill comparable to the conventional method.
Heterosexism and LGB Positive Identity: Roles of Coping and Personal Growth Initiative
Authors: Szymanski Dawn M. , Mikorski Renee , Carretta Rachel F.
Published: April 2017

To combat the prevailing deficit and dysfunction paradigm, scholars have called for research focusing on LGB individuals from a positive psychology perspective. Thus, we examined the mediating roles of coping with discrimination via resistance and education/advocacy in the relations between heterosexist discrimination and positive LGB identity among 356 LGB persons. We also examined the potential moderating role of personal growth initiative between (a) heterosexist discrimination and five positive LGB identity dimensions, (b) heterosexist discrimination and engagement coping, and (c) engagement coping and the LGB identity dimensions. Findings revealed that coping with discrimination via education/advocacy mediated the relationships between heterosexist discrimination and belonging to the LGB community, commitment to social justice, self-awareness, authenticity, and relationship intimacy links. We also found coping via education/advocacy predicted both commitment to social justice and self-awareness for LGB persons with low and high personal growth initiative, with stronger relations for those with low personal growth initiative.
Researching migrants’ diverse social relationships: From ethnic to cosmopolitan sociability?
Authors: Moroşanu Laura
Published: April 2017

This article critically examines ‘everyday’ cosmopolitanist approaches to migrants’ social relationships to call for a more nuanced understanding of how ethnicity may inform cosmopolitan ties and aspirations. Research on migrants’ everyday cosmopolitanism tends to either focus on individuals’ engagement with ethnic difference, or highlight commonalities that unite people across ethnic boundaries, treating ethnicity as a coexisting form of identity or solidarity. This article challenges this divide, proposing a framework for a more systematic examination of how ethnicity may facilitate, fragment or fade in cosmopolitan encounters or aspirations, starting from migrants’ perspective. Using examples from empirical research with Romanians in London, and other studies of everyday cosmopolitanism, the analysis illustrates the multiple ways in which ethnicity may shape the development and management of cosmopolitan ties, beyond the celebration of ethnic difference or recognition of persisting ethnic identities that predominate in extant research. Furthermore, it problematises the notion of ‘rooted’ cosmopolitanism, exposing some of the difficulties to achieve this in practice. Whilst expanding our understanding of ethnicity within cosmopolitan sociability, the article thus calls for further reflection on how different participants imagine and negotiate cosmopolitan ventures, ethnic difference and boundaries, instead of assuming, as often done, that they can simply reconcile them.
Plugging in through clothing: How children’s clothes influence perception and affective practices in day care
Authors: Paju Elina
Published: April 2017

The article examines children’s clothes in the practices of everyday life in day care. The data for the article are drawn from an ethnography of three- to seven-year-old children’s day care groups in a day care centre intended for children of shift-working parents in southern Finland. Rather than focusing on the relations between identity, representation and clothing, the article examines what clothes do in the everyday practices of day care. Clothes are seen, first, as mediating perception, and, second, as taking part in and maintaining affective everyday practices. The effects of wearing clothes are analysed using the concept of plug-ins by Latour and that of affordances proposed by Gibson. The plug-ins detect the ways in which objects transmit selfhood, while affordances describe the relation between body and environment in perception. Through the analysis of everyday practices of wearing clothing, clothes are seen as connectors. They enhance, diminish or expand possibilities for perception, action and affective practices in which children engage, thereby altering the children’s ways of being. The article proposes that the wearing of clothing plays a role in constituting selfhood outside of mere representations.
Towards a decolonial approach in Latin American theology
Authors: Arce-Valentín Reinerio
Published: April 2017

I would like to contrast some of the premises proposed by the so-called postcolonial approach with what some Latin-Americans scholars identify as “epistemological Decolonization.” Colonialism is not something of the past; it has new forms. That is the challenge of the Latin American Theology. I wish to show how Moltmann's critique of and dialog with Latin-American Theology help us in the process of elaborating more clearly a “decolonial epistemology.” At the same time, I wish to show how Latin American liberation theology resonates with many of the insights that the decolonial approach offers. I argue that since its inception Latin American theology has displayed a decolonizing content and impetus, which becomes clearer in our present global climate.
Troubling Whiteness: Music education and the “messiness” of equity work
Authors: Hess Juliet
Published: April 2017

At the elementary level, White, female music teachers largely populate music education. In the diverse schools of Toronto in Canada, teachers navigate their White subjectivities in a range of ways. My research examines the discourses, philosophies, and practices of four White, female elementary music educators who have striven to challenge dominant paradigms of music education. Their practices include critically engaging issues of social justice, studying a broad range of musics, and emphasizing contextualization. In many ways, these teachers interrupt the Eurocentric paradigm of music education to explore other possibilities with students. However, equity work is messy, and there were also moments that unsettled these teachers’ active equity agendas. This article describes both the subversions and the reinscriptions in a way that might be instructive to music education.
Placement of central venous port catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters in the routine clinical setting of a radiology department: analysis of costs and intervention duration learning curve
Authors: Rotzinger Roman , Gebauer Bernhard , Schnapauff Dirk , Streitparth Florian , Wieners Gero , Grieser Christian , Freyhardt Patrick , Hamm Bernd , Maurer Martin H
Published: April 2017

Background

Placement of central venous port catheters (CVPS) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) is an integral component of state-of-the-art patient care. In the era of increasing cost awareness, it is desirable to have more information to comprehensively assess both procedures.

Purpose

To perform a retrospective analysis of interventional radiologic implantation of CVPS and PICC lines in a large patient population including a cost analysis of both methods as well as an investigation the learning curve in terms of the interventions’ durations.

Material and Methods

All CVPS and PICC line related interventions performed in an interventional radiology department during a three-year period from January 2011 to December 2013 were examined. Documented patient data included sex, venous access site, and indication for CVPS or PICC placement. A cost analysis including intervention times was performed based on the prorated costs of equipment use, staff costs, and expenditures for disposables. The decrease in intervention duration in the course of time conformed to the learning curve.

Results

In total, 2987 interventions were performed by 16 radiologists: 1777 CVPS and 791 PICC lines. An average implantation took 22.5 ± 0.6 min (CVPS) and 10.1 ± 0.9 min (PICC lines). For CVPS, this average time was achieved by seven radiologists newly learning the procedures after performing 20 CVPS implantations. Total costs per implantation were €242 (CVPS) and €201 (PICC lines).

Conclusion

Interventional radiologic implantations of CVPS and PICC lines are well-established procedures, easy to learn by residents, and can be implanted at low costs.
Conservation biopolitics and the sustainability episteme
Authors: Srinivasan Krithika
Published: April 2017

This paper develops the idea of the sustainability episteme for the critical analysis of contemporary wildlife conservation. It takes forward recent work in conservation and more-than-human geographies that questions the biopolitical emphasis in conservation on protecting collectivities such as species. Drawing on empirical research on turtle conservation in India and on Foucault’s writings, it inspects how these animals and their wellbeing come to be conceptualized and pursued in contexts marked by tensions between human-centred socio-economic goals and concern for non-human life. Specifically, the paper theorizes the concept of the sustainability episteme to argue that biopolitical ontologies of the collectivity enable win-win conservation that addresses incompatible normative goals. Building on these arguments, it discusses the political function of dominant conservation ontologies with reference to the global trajectories of conservation. In problematizing the taken-for-granted dominance of ontologies of the collectivity, the aim is to open up opportunities for life-forms that otherwise remain outside the bounds of conservationist care.
Prevalence, Mortality, and Health Care Use among Patients with Cluster B Personality Disorders Clinically Diagnosed in Quebec: A Provincial Cohort Study, 2001-2012
Authors: Cailhol Lionel , Pelletier Éric , Rochette Louis , Laporte Lise , David Pierre , Villeneuve Évens , Paris Joel , Lesage Alain
Published: April 2017

Background:

Cluster B personality disorders (PDs) are prevalent mental health conditions in the general population (1%-6% depending on the subtype and study). Affected patients are known to be heavier users of both mental and medical health care systems than patients with other clinical conditions such as depression.

Methods:

Several rates were estimated using data from the integrated monitoring system for chronic diseases in the province of Quebec, Canada. It provides a profile of annual and period prevalence rates, mortality rates, and years of lost life as well as health care utilisation rates for Quebec residents. All Quebec residents are covered by a universal publicly managed care health plan. It is estimated that the monitoring system includes 99% of Quebec’s 8 million inhabitants.

Results:

Quebec residents aged 14 years and older were included in the study. The lifetime prevalence of cluster B PDs was 2.6%. The mean years of lost life expectancy were 13 for men and 9 for women compared to the provincial population. The 3 most important causes of death are suicide (20.4%), cardiovascular diseases (19.1%), and cancers (18.6%). In 2011 to 2012, 78% had consulted a general practitioner and 62% a psychiatrist, 44% were admitted to an emergency department, and 22% were hospitalised.

Conclusions:

Considering mortality, cluster B personality disorder is a severe condition, is highly prevalent in the population, and is associated with heavy health care services utilisation, especially in emergency settings.