bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-contrast liver MRI as an alternative to gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for liver metastasis from colorectal cancer
Authors: Hwang Jeong Ah , Kim Young Kon , Min Ji Hye , Song Kyoung Doo , Sohn Insuk , Ahn Hyeon Seon
Published: August 2018

Background

Liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides reliable diagnostic performance for detecting liver metastasis but is costly and time-consuming.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performance of non-contrast liver MRI to whole MRI using gadoxetic acid for detecting liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Material and Methods

We included 175 patients with histologically confirmed 401 liver metastases and 73 benign liver lesions. A non-contrast MRI (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted images) with or without multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and a whole MRI (gadoxetic acid-enhanced and non-contrast MRI) were analyzed independently by two observers to detect liver metastasis using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

We found no significant differences in Az value (range = 0.914–0.997), sensitivity (range = 95.2–99.6%), specificity (range = 77.3–100%), or positive (range = 92.9–100%) or negative predictive value (range = 87.5–95.7%) between the non-contrast MRI with or without MDCT and the whole MRI for both observers for all lesions as well as lesions ≤1.0 cm and lesions >1.0 cm in size ( P = 0.203–1.000). Combined MDCT and non-contrast MRI led to similar numbers of false-positive diagnosis to the whole MRI (eight for Observers 1 and 4 vs. 3 for Observer 2).

Conclusion

Non-contrast liver MRI may serve as an alternative to gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for detecting and characterizing liver metastasis from CRC, at least in patients with relatively high risk of liver metastasis who underwent MDCT. Non-contrast liver MRI could be beneficial especially for patients with lesions that are already documented as benign but require additional follow-up MRIs.
Topotecan/carboplatin regimen for refractory/recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma in children: Report from the AIEOP Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Compostella Alessia , Affinita Maria Carmen , Casanova Michela , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Scagnellato Angela , Dall’Igna Patrizia , Chiaravalli Stefano , Pierobon Marta , Manzitti Carla , Zanetti Ilaria , Schiavetti Amalia , Sorbara Silvia , Mura Rosella Maria , Ruggiero Antonio , Ferrari Andrea , Bisogno Gianni
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

From 2002 to 2011, the Italian Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee explored a combination of topotecan and carboplatin as a second-line strategy for children with resistant or relapsing rhabdomyosarcoma.

Methods:

Patients received two blocks of topotecan 2 mg/m2 on days 1, 2, and 3, and carboplatin 250 mg/m2 on days 4 and 5, followed by alternating blocks of topotecan–cyclophosphamide and carboplatin–etoposide for a total of six courses with 3-week intervals. Tumor response was assessed after two cycles, and local control was implemented when feasible.

Results:

A total of 38 patients were included in this study: 18/38 had alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), 10/38 had metastatic disease at diagnosis, 8/38 had tumor progression during first-line chemotherapy, 21/38 had locoregional relapses, and 9/38 had distant relapses. Thirty-two patients could be assessed for tumor response to topotecan–carboplatin, and 9 (28%) showed a complete or partial response. Twenty-four patients experienced grade IV hematologic toxicity, while transient grade 1 tubulopathy, grade 3 mucositis, transient grade 2 nephrotoxicity, and a grade 2 decline in cardiac function occurred in one patient each. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 17% and 14%, respectively.

Conclusion:

the prognosis for children with resistant or relapsing RMS remains unsatisfactory. The topotecan–carboplatin regimen was well-tolerated. Though in case of late relapse the response rate was similar to those reported for other regimes, the result achieved remains unsatisfactory. New approaches, possibly including target agents, seem more attractive for future studies.
Making heart-lung machines work in India: Imports, indigenous innovation and the challenge of replicating cardiac surgery in Bombay, 1952-1962
Authors: Jones David S , Sivaramakrishnan Kavita
Published: August 2018

In 1962, surgeons at two hospitals in Bombay used heart-lung machines to perform open-heart surgery. The devices that made this work possible had been developed in Minneapolis in 1955 and commercialized by 1957. However, restrictions on currency exchange and foreign imports made it difficult for surgeons in India to acquire this new technology. The two surgeons, Kersi Dastur and PK Sen, pursued different strategies to acquire the ideas, equipment, and tacit knowledge needed to make open-heart surgery work. While Dastur tapped Parsi networks that linked him to local manufacturing expertise, Sen took advantage of opportunities offered by the Rockefeller Foundation to access international training and medical device companies. Each experienced steep learning curves as they pursued the know-how needed to use the machines successfully in dogs and then patients. The establishment of open-heart surgery in India required the investment of substantial labor and resources. Specific local, national, and transnational interests motivated the efforts. Heart-lung machines, for instance, took on new meanings amid the nationalist politics of independent India: Even as surgeons sought imported machines, they and their allies assigned considerable value to ‘indigenous’ innovation. The confluence of the many interests that made Sen and Dastur’s work possible facilitated the uneasy co-existence of conflicting judgments about the success or failure of this medical innovation.
Encouraging patron adoption of privacy-protection technologies:
Authors: Maceli Monica G.
Published: August 2018

Threats to our patrons’ privacy have been a long-standing concern in libraries, though our responsibilities were largely bounded by the physical library space. Today, fueled by novel technologies, the landscape is vastly different, with patrons’ privacy threatened by an ever-increasing number of entities. In this complexity, libraries have continued their commitment to privacy, with public libraries now seeking to educate patrons about privacy threats, protective measures, and tools that they might employ. This review of literature seeks to identify challenges to United States public libraries in educating and advocating for patron use of privacy-protection technology tools, drawing from research in a variety of allied fields, while suggesting future research directions. Issues identified include: substantial technology-related knowledge gaps in our patrons, librarians, and library staff; the need to support a vast number of technology tools and techniques; as well as building our understanding of the perspective of the tools’ underlying creators.
Mechanical Analysis of Unconfined Compression Test of Cylinder
Authors: Xiao Jian , Tan Zhiming , Chen Jingliang
Published: August 2018

The unconfined compression test is widely used because of convenient specimen formation, simple experimental process, and low requirement for equipment. In view of the experimental characteristics, the axisymmetric mechanical model of a cylinder with horizontal friction was constructed and its elastic analytic solution was also deduced. The stress and the strain of the cylinder under unconfined compression with different boundary conditions were analyzed by using the analytical solution, and the failure characteristics of the cylinder under unconfined compression were studied and verified by laboratory testing. The results showed that the end restraint effect of the cylinder increased with the decrease of the height-to-diameter ratio and the increase of the Poisson ratio. When the end surface of the cylinder was constrained, the maximum tensile strain appeared in the middle of the cylindrical side; its value increased with the constraint effect, and greater loads were needed to make the same vertical displacement. The compressive strength derived from the current method would be too weak, and the compressive modulus of elasticity would be too great. If the end constraint was large, a small network crack first formed in the middle of the outer side of the cylinder, forming the double-tapered destruction. If the end face was weakly restrained, the cracks descended from the top to the bottom, and the specimens split.
Modeling Shear Viscosity of Asphalt through Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Ding Yongjie , Huang Baoshan , Shu Xiang
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates a quantifiable relationship between the chemical composition and the shear viscosity of the asphalt binder through the nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation. The fix Deform and fix NVT/SLLOD ensembles were used to perform a shear effect on the model. The relationship between the shear viscosity and the microstructure characteristics of the asphalt model was studied. The results indicated that the asphalt model exhibited shear thinning as the strain rate increases. The effects of energy and chemical structure (molecular weight, aromatic carbon and heteroatom percentage) on shear viscosity were studied from the perspective of microstructure. The results showed that the larger fused aromatic ring core caused a nonlinear relationship between viscosity and strain rate. The viscosity of the asphalt model increased with the molecular weight, the percentage of aromatic carbon and heteroatoms. The molecular weight had a greater effect on viscosity than aromatic carbon and heteroatom percentage. Considering energy variations with strain rate and chemical structure, the NEMD method can be used to predict the behavior of the asphalt molecules under shear strain at a certain level.
Eating Attitudes of Women Living With a Vision Impairment
Authors: Page Alexandra , Papps Fiona Ann
Published: August 2018

Internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness and subscription to gender-based discourses are significant predictors of disordered eating attitudes in fully sighted women. Yet, whether these variables predict the disordered eating attitudes of women who are legally blind is underexplored. In the current study, we examined how internalization of White European cultural standards of attractiveness and subscription to gender-based discourses (body surveillance and self-silencing) and body shame predicted the disordered eating attitudes of 80, primarily White, heterosexual, Australian women who are legally blind. Participants completed an online survey comprising existing validated measures of all variables. A path analysis was performed using the Hayes PROCESS approach. As predicted, in women living with vision impairment, body surveillance, self-silencing, and shame fully mediated the relation between internalization of cultural standards of attractiveness and disordered eating attitudes. Results showed that in much the same way as sighted women, women living with vision impairment are susceptible to internalizing harmful messages related to socio-cultural standards of attractiveness. We provide further support for including subscription to gender-based discourses in research on women’s body-image disturbances. Data will be available for other researchers from the author via email. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index
Yoga Education Program for Improving Memory in Older Adults: A Multicity 5-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Pandya Samta P.
Published: August 2018

This article reports a multicity study on the effect of a yoga education program (YEP) in improving memory and cognitive functions of a nonclinical sample of community-dwelling older adults. Specifically, the intervening personal resources that bolster or hinder YEP effectiveness were examined. Of the original cohort of 918 older adults randomized into intervention and waitlist control groups, 792 remained with the study 5 years later. Results indicated that weekly YEP lessons and self-practice improved participants’ scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test–Third Edition (RBMT-3). Participants from Asian cities, women, Hindus and Buddhists, middle class, highly educated, retired, ever single or widowed, living alone or with children and kin, were more responsive to the YEP. Regular attendance and self-practice were strong moderators of YEP effectiveness, with self-practice having the strongest predictor effect. Some cultural variations and improvisations would lend the YEP a wider application.
Performative politics: South Asian children’s identities and political agency
Authors: Dar Anandini
Published: August 2018

This article explores the cultural, youthful, and embodied acts of subject-making of South Asian immigrant teens growing up in a post 9/11 New York City, wherein they experience Islamophobia in their neighborhoods and schools. I argue that these acts of subject-making, situated in particular sociopolitical contexts, and made evident in multiple in-between sites of an after-school center, street corners, and online forums, can be read as performative politics of youth, and offer insights into the political agency of young people.
Co-production after an urban forest fire: post-disaster reconstruction of an informal settlement in Chile
Authors: Ojeda Lautaro , Bacigalupe Gonzalo , Pino Andrea
Published: August 2018

Disasters are not just the result of extreme natural events but are also affected by complex governance scenarios, social vulnerability, existing infrastructure, and housing reconstruction policies. This paper is an examination of a social housing construction process following destruction by an urban forest fire in an informal settlement in Valparaíso, Chile in 2017. The paper compares this process, in all its complexity, to that following another very destructive fire three years earlier in the same area. Rather than taking the standard hierarchical model of social housing reconstruction that often follows a disaster, this more recent process in Valparaíso, in response to a new 2016 national policy, attempted to make use of co-production, most notably through a collaborative design workshop. This paper examines the entire social housing reconstruction process, focusing in particular detail on this design workshop, and it assesses the degree to which co-production has been successfully introduced into this process.
Odontoameloblastoma with extensive chondroid matrix deposition in a guinea pig
Authors: Wong Hannah E. , Hedley Joanna , Stapleton Nadene , Murphy Brian , Priestnall Simon L.
Published: August 2018

Odontoameloblastomas (previously incorporated within ameloblastic odontomas) are matrix-producing odontogenic mixed tumors and are closely related in histologic appearance to the 2 other types of matrix-producing odontogenic mixed tumors: odontomas and ameloblastic fibro-odontomas. The presence or absence of intralesional, induced non-neoplastic tissue must be accounted for in the diagnosis. Herein we describe a naturally occurring odontoameloblastoma with extensive chondroid cementum deposition in a guinea pig ( Cavia porcellus). Microscopically, the mass featured palisading neoplastic odontogenic epithelium closely apposed to ribbons and rings of a pink dental matrix (dentinoid), alongside extensive sheets and aggregates of chondroid cementum. The final diagnosis was an odontoameloblastoma given the abundance of odontogenic epithelium in association with dentinoid but a paucity of pulp ectomesenchyme. Chondroid cementum is an expected anatomical feature of cavies, and its presence within the odontoameloblastoma was interpreted as a response of the ectomesenchyme of the dental follicle to the described neoplasm. Our case illustrates the inductive capabilities of odontoameloblastomas while highlighting species-specific anatomy that has resulted in a histologic appearance unique to cavies and provides imaging and histologic data to aid diagnosis of these challenging lesions.
Looking for Efficiency: How Online News Structure and Emotional Tone Influence Processing Time and Memory
Authors: DeAngelo Tessa I. , Yegiyan Narine S.
Published: August 2018

The research reported here investigates how news story structure and emotional tone affect news story processing efficiency. Two theoretical frameworks employing the forced-choice paradigm and the free-choice paradigm are used to pose competing hypotheses about how news writing structure (inverted pyramid versus narrative) affects story reading time and memory. Participants browsed a website featuring target news stories. Time spent reading stories and story recall was measured. Participants spent less time reading stories with an inverted pyramid structure yet recalled these stories better than stories in a narrative structure, supporting the free-choice processing framework.
Punishment, globalization and migration control: ‘Get them the hell out of here’
Authors: Bosworth Mary , Franko Katja , Pickering Sharon
Published: August 2018

This article considers the future of punishment in a world shaped by competing and reinforcing forces of globalization and nationalism. In it, we call for a wider conversation about the growing interdependence between criminal justice and migration control and of its implications for many of the key concepts and approaches within the field of punishment and society. The article examines the renewed salience of defending borders and drawing boundaries between members and non-members, as well as the shifting focus of penal power from issues of imprisonment and morality, towards questions of immobilization and expulsion from the polity. By doing so, it also addresses the gaps in the existing theories and narratives about penality, which fail to take properly into account the implications of global connectivity, while overlooking enduring matters of racial and class inequity. Finally, the article points out how the progressive destabilization of citizenship and the precarity of membership and belonging are inimically linked to increasingly potent exhortations of penal power that affect us all.
Institutional contradictions and community emergence: An examination of institutional entrepreneurship in the popular music industries context
Authors: Zheng Congcong , Chok Jay I
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the emergence of an elective community in the popular music industries context. The community examined is the fan community of the Grateful Dead band, one of the most profitable and influential bands in the 20th century. The popular music industries (comprising mainly of recording and touring industries) offer divergent organizational models and dynamics, thus providing a ripe context for the institutional entrepreneur (i.e. the band) to explore alternative ways of artistic expression and commercial viability. Unsatisfied with the existing institutions, the band activated their praxis to mobilize fans directly through a mailing list. The community emergence process started when the band established dyadic reciprocity and built trust with the fans through lowering ticket prices and ensuring a quality concert going experience. Next, the fans, taking upon the values of freedom and adventure, started touring with the band in self-organizing groups, forming an independent community. Finally, informal code of conduct and formal rules jointly developed by both maintained order as the community grew. Through an inductive theory-building process, this article identified a process model of community emergence based on institutional contradictions, praxis, reciprocity, shared values, and rule-setting.
Guilt Aversion and Reciprocity in the Performance-Enhancing Drug Game
Authors: Cartwright Edward
Published: August 2018

We revisit the performance-enhancing drug game by applying models of guilt aversion and reciprocity. Both models fit within the framework of psychological game theory in that they allow payoffs to depend on beliefs. We explore the extent to which social norms can help reduce or eliminate doping in sport. With reciprocity, we see that first-order beliefs on the prevalence of doping are key and a norm of clean sport would require a coordinated shift in such beliefs. With guilt aversion, by contrast, second-order beliefs are key and individuals may have an incentive to race clean even if they expect competitors will dope. Our results point to the importance for sports bodies and coaches to manage the beliefs of athletes.
Subverting Administrative Oversight: Campaign Contributions and Nursing
Home Inspections
Authors: Boehmke Frederick J.
Published: August 2018

I study the consequences of interest group campaign contributions for
administrative oversight. Unlike the few previous studies in this area,
however, I study the influence in state bureaucracies and at the level of
individual groups. Specifically, I test whether campaign contributions to
state elected officials influence the outcomes of annual inspections of
skilled nursing facilities in 16 states, leveraging the context of state
politics in two important ways. First, I consider the differing effects of
contributions to the legislative and executive branches. Second, I argue
that legislative capacity for oversight influences the efficacy of
contributions Regression analysis of inspection results with controls for
facility characteristics provides evidence that contributing facilities have
better overall inspection results, with a large reduction in citations for
severe problems. Furthermore, contributions to legislators reduce overall
problems, particularly in less professionalized legislatures, while those to
the governor reduce severe ones.
Moving the Needle on Evaluating Multivariate Screening Accuracy
Authors: Petscher Yaacov , Koon Sharon
Published: August 2018

The assessment of screening accuracy and setting of cut points for a universal screener have traditionally been evaluated using logistic regression analysis. This analytic technique has been frequently used to evaluate the trade-offs in correct classification with misidentification of individuals who are at risk of performing poorly on a later outcome. Although useful statistically, coefficients from a multiple logistic regression can be difficult to explain to practitioners as it pertains to classification decisions. Moreover, classifications based on multivariate assessments are challenging to understand how performance on one assessment compensates for performance on another. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate and compare the use of logistic regression with classification and regression tree (CART) models in the identification of students who are at risk of reading comprehension difficulties. Data consisted of 986 Grade 1 students and 887 Grade 2 students who were administered a screening assessment at the middle of the school year as well as the 10th edition of the Stanford Achievement Test. Results indicated that CART performs comparably with logistic regression and may assist researchers and practitioners in explaining classification rules to parents and educators.
Development of a new traction control system using ant colony optimization
Authors: Jin Liqiang , Ling Mingze , Li Jianhua
Published: August 2018

An advanced traction control system can help limit wheel rotation and enhance vehicle stability. This article presents a new traction control system under complicated situations, including the low slippery road surface and split-µ road surface. First, a 15-degree-of-freedom nonlinear vehicle dynamics simulation model is established. Then, the driving wheel speed is regulated by adjusting the engine torque and the wheel brake pressure. The engine torque regulation is based on a proportional–integral–derivative plus ant colony optimization controller, and the wheel brake pressure regulation is based on a proportional–integral plus ant colony optimization controller. Finally, the proposed strategies are applied to simulation and road tests. Results indicate that the algorithm exhibits high control accuracy and robust performance. Compared with the traditional proportional–integral–derivative controller, the proposed strategies improve vehicle acceleration performance and stability.
Room for communitas: Exploring sociomaterial construction of leadership in liminal and dominant spaces
Authors: Pöyhönen Siiri
Published: August 2018

This article analyzes the sociomaterial construction of plural and hierarchical leadership in liminal and dominant spaces. Combining insights from, first, the emerging body of studies exploring the role of spaces in sociomaterial construction of leadership; second, spatial management and organization research focusing on liminal spaces; and third, Victor Turner’s social structure–anti-structure framework, it is argued that dominant spaces actively participate in a sociomaterial construction of leadership that reflects the social structure of an organization. Liminal spaces as places fostering the experience of communitas, then, actively participate in the sociomaterial construction of plural leadership if collectively used.
The role of Enterobacteria, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in the development of myocardial ischemia with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xiong Yan , Tao Jianhong , Cai Li , Tang Yijia , Li Qiyong
Published: August 2018

This study is to observe the distribution of intestinal flora and the changes of inflammatory factors in elderly patients with myocardial ischemia complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 106 elderly patients with myocardial ischemia complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (complicated group), 106 elderly patients with simple type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetic group), and 106 healthy elderly people (control group) were selected. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h postprandial blood glucose (1hPG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), 3-h postprandial blood glucose (3hPG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in complicated group and the diabetic group were higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The duration of diabetes, FBG, 3hPG, and HbA1c in the complicated group were higher than those in the diabetic group, while the 2hPG was lower than that in the diabetic group ( P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the number of Enterobacteria in the diabetic group and complicated group was increased, while the numbers of Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus were decreased ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared with the diabetic group, the number of Enterobacteria in complicated group was increased, while the numbers of Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus were decreased ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared with control group, the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased in the diabetic group and complicated group, and the lowest in the complicated group. Conversely, the levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 12 (IL-2) increased in the diabetic group and complicated group, and the highest in the complicated group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of diabetes, HbA1c, Enterobacteria, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were the influencing factors of myocardial ischemia complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In conclusion, in the elderly patients with myocardial ischemia complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the number of intestinal probiotics and the level of anti-inflammatory factors decreased, and the number of pathogenic bacteria and the level of inflammatory factors increased. Enterobacteria, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 may play an important role in the development of myocardial ischemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Diagnosing bottlenecks in development-stage field experiments: Troubleshooting and finding opportunities for improvement
Authors: Jaciw Andrew P , Lin Li , Schellinger Adam
Published: August 2018

Randomized trials of social programs yield internally valid estimates of causal impacts on key outcomes. While estimates of gross impact serve as useful summaries, program developers require deeper information to drive improvement efforts, especially when no impact is observed. The first main goal of this work is to present a seven-stage diagnostic method for assessing process bottlenecks in experiments. Designed for programs still in development, the troubleshooting sequence uses mixed methods to assess where in a program’s logic model the process is compromised. It includes post-experimental methods that are built into the design, to account for impact variation and test where effects are intensifying or diminishing. The second main purpose of this work is to demonstrate one such method in detail. The approach tests the relationship between fidelity of program implementation and impact. First, levels of achieved fidelity in the treatment group are modeled in terms of informative baseline covariates. The model is then used to index fidelity in both conditions. Informed only by pre-randomization characteristics of individuals, the model-based fidelity scores are unbiased by endogeneity, and allow assessment of whether impacts on key outcomes vary by levels of fidelity. Results can help program developers focus improvement efforts. We illustrate the seven-step diagnostic process through a randomized trial of the Internet-Based Reading Apprenticeship Improving Science Education (iRAISE) program. Eighty-two high school science teachers and 1468 students were randomly assigned to a literacy program or control. There was no overall impact on achievement. Applying the diagnostic process revealed this was not due to a weak program contrast between conditions, or an inadequate assessment; rather, lower-than-expected impact was likely due to weaker than intended implementation.
Patient Experience in the Transition of Home Parenteral Nutrition Services Between Centers: Evaluation of a Transition Model
Authors: Fletcher Jane , Mumtaz Saqib , Dera Merceline , Cooper Sheldon C
Published: August 2018

Background:

In 2014, Dudley Group of Hospitals (DGH) underwent an organizational change that necessitated closure of their Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) service. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT) transitioned 50 patients from DGH into their HPN service. The transition model included communication with patients, communication between centers (development of an HPN Patient Passport), and rapid follow-up on transition ensuring clinical care continued uninterrupted.

Aim:

Evaluate patient experience and their level of satisfaction with our HPN transition model.

Method:

A 19-point, mixed mode paper-based questionnaire was developed. Questionnaires were posted to 42 surviving patients still receiving HPN.

Results:

Response rate: 67%. Communication with patients: The transition was discussed with them, and they had appropriate contact details during the process—94%. Patients informed of patient transition meetings—97%. Attendance at meetings: DGH 89%, UHBFT 55%. Ongoing care at UHBFT: 86% very satisfied and 11% satisfied. Overall rating of the transition process: 79% very satisfied and 14% satisfied. Friends and Family Test: 82% “extremely likely” and 18% “likely” to recommend our services.

Conclusion:

The transition model used was successful, with the majority of patients “very satisfied” with how the transition was managed and their ongoing care. Effective communication with patients and between the 2 centers was the key to success. To our knowledge, this is the first report of transition of care for HPN patients. It is proposed that this model may be used by other centers to plan for future HPN service transitions where necessary.
An Analysis of Innovation in Oil and Gas Projects
Authors: Rahimi Matt , Kenworthy Thomas P. , Balakrishnan Jaydeep
Published: August 2018

We examine the effects of predictors from the firm, project, and individual levels on innovative behavior within oil and gas projects. The theory and propositions tested in this study stem from extant work on (1) innovation in poor performance conditions and (2) the availability of slack resources. The research findings revealed that innovative behaviors were present regardless of size, type, and project performance level. Further, it appears that the relationship between slack and innovation depends on when the innovation is introduced (i.e., when project performance is ahead of, or behind, a plan). Finally, the existence of innovation in (1) under-performing projects did not appear to exert any influence on project outcome, and (2) over-performing projects appeared to exert a negative influence on project outcome.
Nicholas Terpstra, Religious Refugees in the Early Modern World: An Alternative History of the Reformation
Authors: Gaganakis Costas
Published: August 2018

Review of Nicholas Terpstra, Religious Refugees in the Early Modern World: An Alternative History of the Reformation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015), 348 pp.
In vitro study of the efficacy of Solanum nigrum against Leishmania major
Authors: Mutoro Christine N. , Kinyua Johnson K. , Ng'ang'a Joseph K. , Kariuki Daniel W. , Ingonga Johnstone M. , Anjili Christopher O.
Published: August 2018

Leishmania parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) are obligate intracellular parasites of macrophages that causes visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases. Currently, there is inadequate therapeutic interventions to manage this endemic tropical disease, transmitted mainly by phlebotomine sandflies hence there is need to develop affordable and effective therapeutic measures. This study determined the in vitro efficacy of Solanum nigrum methanolic and aqueous plant extracts on Leishmania major parasites.  Cytotoxic effects of the extracts were determined using vero cells and reported as percentage viability of the cells. The promastigote parasites of Leishmania major were cultured and grown for 3 days in different concentrations of extracts to determine the MIC and IC50 values. The in vitro antileishmanial efficacy was done on macrophages infected with L. major amastigote parasites and then treated with extracts in varying concentrations. The study revealed that all the test extracts had lower toxicity than control drugs, pentostam (IC50= 0.0 92 mg/ml) and amphotericin B (IC50=0.049 mg/ml).  The extracts tended to show a dose dependent cytotoxic effect which corresponded to high vero cells viability as their concentration increased.  Methanolic extract of S. nigrum from Kisii seemed to be more efficacious in vitro since it knocked out the promastigotes at a lower MIC level (0.5 mg/ml) when compared to all other extracts whose effective MIC level was ≥ 1 mg/ml. High concentrations of the test extracts and control drugs resulted to low infectivity and multiplication of L. major amastigotes. Findings from this study demonstrate that S. nigrum extracts have potential antileishmanial activities however; further investigation needs to be done on pure compound isolation, in vivo assays and clinical trials so as to use the promising compounds as effective antileishmanial agents.
Developing new health technologies for neglected diseases: a pipeline portfolio review and cost model
Authors: Young Ruth , Bekele Tewodros , Gunn Alexander , Chapman Nick , Chowdhary Vipul , Corrigan Kelsey , Dahora Lindsay , Martinez Sebastián , Permar Sallie , Persson Johan , Rodriguez Bill , Schäferhoff Marco , Schulman Kevin , Singh Tulika , Terry Robert F , Yamey Gavin
Published: August 2018

Background: Funding for neglected disease product development fell from 2009-2015, other than a brief injection of Ebola funding. One impediment to mobilizing resources is a lack of information on product candidates, the estimated costs to move them through the pipeline, and the likelihood of specific launches. This study aimed to help fill these information gaps.

Methods: We conducted a pipeline portfolio review to identify current candidates for 35 neglected diseases. Using an adapted version of the Portfolio to Impact financial modelling tool, we estimated the costs to move these candidates through the pipeline over the next decade and the likely launches. Since the current pipeline is unlikely to yield several critical products, we estimated the costs to develop a set of priority “missing” products.

Results: We found 685 neglected disease product candidates as of August 31, 2017; 538 candidates met inclusion criteria for input into the model. It would cost about $16.3 billion (range $13.4-19.8B) to move these candidates through the pipeline, with three-quarters of the costs incurred in the first 5 years, resulting in about 128 (89-160) expected product launches.  Based on the current pipeline, there would be few launches of complex new chemical entities; launches of highly efficacious HIV, tuberculosis, or malaria vaccines would be unlikely. Estimated additional costs to launch one of each of 18 key missing products are $13.6B assuming lowest product complexity or $21.8B assuming highest complexity ($8.1B-36.6B). Over the next 5 years, total estimated costs to move current candidates through the pipeline and develop these 18 missing products would be around $4.5B (low complexity missing products) or $5.8B/year (high complexity missing products).

Conclusions: Since current annual global spending on product development is about $3B, this study suggests the annual funding gap over the next 5 years is at least $1.5-2.8B.
Characterizing mutations in and genetic interactions of RGG-motif translation repressor Sbp1
Authors: Bhatter Nupur , Iyyappan Rajan , Rajyaguru Purusharth I
Published: August 2018

Background: Mechanisms of mRNA fate decisions play an important role in determining if a given mRNA will be translated, stored or degraded upon arrival to cytoplasm. Sbp1 is an important RGG-motif containing protein that is implicated in mRNA fate decisions since it can affect mRNA decapping and translation. Sbp1 represses translation by binding eIF4G1 through its RGG-motif and activates decapping when overexpressed. In order to understand the amino acids important for translation repression activity of Sbp1 we performed mutational analysis of Sbp1 combined with assessing its genetic interaction with another RGG-motif protein Scd6. We created two classes of point mutations a) in aromatic residues of the RGG-motif and b) in residues reported to be phosphorylated.

Method: Sequence alignment was performed to identify aromatic residues to be mutated based on conservation. Site-directed mutagenesis approach was used to create several point mutations in Sbp1 expressed under galactose-inducible promoter. The mutants were tested for their ability to cause growth defect upon overexpression. The ability of Sbp1 to affect repression activity of other decapping activators was tested using the same growth assay.

Results: Mutation of several aromatic residues in the RGG-motif of Sbp1 led to a weak rescue phenotype. However the phospho-mimetic mutants of Sbp1 did not lead to any kind of growth defect rescue. Deletion of another eIF4G1-binding RGG-motif protein Scd6 does not affect ability of Sbp1 to cause growth defect. On the other hand absence of Sbp1 does not affect ability of Dhh1 and Pat1 to repress translation.

Conclusion: Based on our growth assay analysis we conclude that mutated aromatic residues contribute marginally to repression activity of Sbp1 whereas phospho-mimetic mutants do not alter ability of Sbp1 to cause growth defect. Interestingly Scd6 does not affect ability of Sbp1 to repress translation, which in turn does not affect Dhh1 and Pat1.
Effect of enamel pretreatment on the fluoride remineralization of artificial white spot lesions
Authors: Araújo Diana Ferreira Gadelha , Lucena Fernanda Sandes de , Freitas Maria Cristina Carvalho de Almendra , Nunes Larissa Vasconcellos , Velo Marília Mattar de Amoedo Campos , Magalhães Ana Carolina , Wang Linda
Published: August 2018

Objective: The topical fluoride application is the main strategy to remineralize white spots lesions (WSL). It is assumed that increasing its retention in the surface can favor remineralization. Therefore, previous treatments of the enamel surface are purposed to optimize its efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization capacity of the fluoride without and with the pre-treatment of the enamel with phosphoric acid and aluminum nitrate and then, the enamel acid-resistance after new acid challenge. Material and Methods: Twenty-four enamel bovine blocks were obtained and selected by means of initial surface microhardness (SMH) measurements. In sequence, WSL were artificially inducted by DE-RE cycling and randomized in two groups according to the enamel pretreatment to be tested (n=12): F (1.23% fluoride gel - APF- 4min) and P-Al-F (37% phosphoric acid- 30s + 0.05M aluminum nitrate 1min + APF- 4min). After then, a new acid challenge was equally performed. Additional SMH assessments were performed in each step. The values were processed and the percentage of SH loss (%SHL) was obtained. Data were statically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results: There was no difference between evaluated protocols. For both groups, a significant difference among the steps of study was detected: it was observed a decrease of %SHL after the treatment and increase of %SHL after the new acid challenge. Conclusion: Enamel pretreatment with phosphoric acid associated with aluminum nitrate promoted similar protective effect compared to fluoride itself on the remineralization of artificial WSL, partially recovering the surface hardness. After new challenge, they also offered partial resistance.KeywordsDental caries; Dental enamel; Fluoride; Tooth remineralization.
Expression of BMP II by human osteoblasts cultivated on dense or porous titanium
Authors: Gagliardi Carolina Fedel , Vasconcellos Luana Marotta Reis de , Cairo Carlos Alberto Alves , Rabelo Sylvia Bicalho , Prado Renata Falchete do
Published: August 2018

Objective: To quantified the expression of the morphogenetic bone protein II (BMP II) produced by human cells with osteoblast differentiation, after cultured over dense or porous samples of pure titanium grade II. Material and methods: The samples were produced by powder metallurgy technique. Mesenquimal steam cells isolated from alveolar bone of healthy donors were stimulated to differentiate, assuming an osteoblastic phenotype, by supplemented medium and plated over the samples. The experimental groups were: control, dense titanium, titanium of higher porosity and titanium of lower porosity. After 7 and 14 days, the RNA was extracted. The cDNA was prepared and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used in real time, using the constitutive gene Beta-Actin to relative quantification. The pore morphology and interconnection were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: Total porosity (obtained after apply dimensions and density formulas) and  surface porosity (SEM) presented significant differences among the groups. For the group of total porosity of 33.79%, the superficial porosity was 32.5% (± 7.74%) and for the group of 41.79%, the superficial porosity was 37.4% (± 7.95%), significantly lower. The expression of BMP II was similar in all groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that the powder metallurgy has a reduced ability to standardize the porosity in the samples and that the porosity does not interfere in the cellular response of BMP II production, an important inducer of osteoblastic differentiation. KeywordsPorous titanium; BMP II; Cell culture; PCR.
‘Good, deserving immigrants’ join the Tea Party: How South Carolina policy excludes Latinx and undocumented immigrants from educational opportunity and social mobility
Authors: Rodriguez Sophia
Published: August 2018

This timely article engages in a content analysis of South Carolina state policies that exclude resources from (un)documented Latinx immigrants. This research explores how state policy enacts tropes of deservingness and constructs notions of good immigrants in order to exclude Latinx immigrants from educational opportunity and social mobility. Drawing on a content analysis of 67 policy documents from the state’s legislative database from 2003-2017, the analysis revealed examples of explicit and implicit exclusion. The main findings related to these forms of explicit and implicit exclusion, highlighting how policy discourse constructs notions of good immigrants in state policy and policy enactments restrict resources. As Latinx populations reconfigure the landscape of the U.S. South, states like South Carolina continue to embed racist, discriminatory language and actions into enacted and proposed policies. This has severe implications for undocumented children and families and their access to public and social resources.
Considerations About Traditions Influential in the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā
Authors: Rastelli Marion
Published: August 2018

The Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā, probably compiled in South India in the twelfth/thirteenth century, is one of the most interesting texts of the Vaiṣṇava Pāñcarātra tradition. Its most important deity is Sudarśana, the anthropomorphic discus of Viṣṇu, who is ritually worshipped by personal priests (purohita, purodhas) for the sake of the king. In contrast to other Pāñcarātra Saṃhitās, the Ahirbudhnyasaṃhitā contains extensive theological and cosmological chapters. It also shows traces of several other religious traditions. The paper is mainly devoted to this second characteristic and presents examples of influences from two sides, namely, from Śaivas on one hand and Atharvavedins on the other, and tries to give a possible explanation for their presence.
Towards a Methodology for Applying the paribhāṣās in the Kauśikasūtra (II)
Authors: Rotaru Julieta
Published: August 2018

The Kauśikasūtra has three sets of general rules, the first two (1.1–8 cum 1.9–23) consecutively opening up the sūtra-text, having an application to the adjoining context, and the third one (7.1–9.7) being seemingly prescribed for the rest of the work. The understanding of the Kauśikasūtra draws hugely on ascertaining the right meaning of these paribhāṣās. The general rule 8.10 is an interesting example of such crux filologorum, wherein, regardless the emendation, the enouncement apparently bears little meaning and the paribhāṣā, as a whole, seems inapplicable. The paper discusses sixteen cases whereto the paribhāṣā 8.10 might be applied, starting from the instances thus indicated by the two commentators, Dārila and Keśava. In subsidiary, another subject is elucidated, the set of rites called manthāntāni karmāṇi, which, although there is no paribhāṣā regulating their function, they are prescribed by the sequence of rites 11.11–11.15, and are to be applied in the specified context. This is an example of the efforts done by the subsequent redactor(s) of the Kauśikasūtra, who have added general rules to elucidate the concise and obscure sūtra-text: an unspecified general rule (11.11ff) inserted in the adjoining context, and a specified, but redundant general rule (8.10) employed in the appropriate section, with little care for the consistency of the editorial work.
A General Overview
Authors: Pelissero Alberto
Published: August 2018

This paper is a brief survey on the concept of paribhāṣā throughout the whole Indian textual tradition. The contribute displays in a general way what is well developed by other articles of the volume. The most striking feature of this overview is that it highlights some issues concerning the translation of the word paribhāṣā as well as the general definitions formulated across Indian literary history. Possible alternative translations of the term paribhāṣā, from the history of ideas’ perspective, are as follows: meta-rule, hermeneutic rule, interpretative rule. The paper hints at the very core of the problem, namely the multi-tasking function of the paribhāṣā.