bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-Related Potentials for Diagnosing Children and Adults With ADHD
Authors: Gamma Alex , Kara Olga
Published: March 2016

Objective: The diagnosis of ADHD is based on behavioral criteria, which allow for subjective variability and invite criticism regarding the reality of the disorder. In this situation, more objective criteria would be desirable. We review the scientific literature for diagnostic tests based on event-related potentials (ERPs). Method: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria of reporting the sensitivity and specificity of an ERP-based classifier discriminating participants with ADHD from healthy controls. Study quality was rated using the second version of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) system. Results: Overall, study quality was acceptable. The largest biases were lack of representativeness and overfitting. Sensitivities and specificities ranged from 57% to 96%, and 63% to 92%, respectively. However, no two studies used the same diagnostic test. Conclusion: There is a serious lack of coordination in worldwide efforts to find more objective ERP-based criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD. Concerted action is needed.
Management and monitoring of hyperthyroid cats: a survey of Australian veterinarians
Authors: Kopecny Lucy , Higgs Paul , Hibbert Angie , Malik Richard , Harvey Andrea M
Published: March 2016

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate how Australian veterinarians approach management and monitoring of feline hyperthyroidism and compare these results with a similar survey recently performed in the UK.

Methods

An invitation to complete an online survey was sent to veterinarians in all states and territories of Australia. The survey comprised questions relating to management of hyperthyroidism, use of antithyroid drugs vs radioiodine treatment vs surgical thyroidectomy, in addition to demographic information for respondents.

Results

A total of 546 clinicians completed the survey. The most commonly preferred treatments for long-term management of feline hyperthyroidism were antithyroid medications (305/546; 56%) and radioiodine (210/546; 38%), with substantially more respondents selecting radioiodine when cost was removed as a consideration (425/546; 78%). However, most respondents had treated or referred few cases for radioiodine (median 2). Most veterinarians (500/546; 92%) used antithyroid medications either long term or prior to definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism. For medical management, 45% (244/546) of veterinarians used twice-daily carbimazole. Half of respondents (274/546) aimed to maintain the total thyroxine concentration anywhere within the laboratory reference interval in hyperthyroid cats without chronic kidney disease. Blood pressure monitoring was uncommon. Surgical thyroidectomy was rarely performed.

Conclusions and relevance

Radioiodine was more frequently preferred by Australian veterinarians compared with those in the UK, likely associated with greater availability, reduced cost and shorter hospitalisation times in this jurisdiction, although antithyroid medications were the most frequently used treatment modality. Barriers remain to its utilisation, however, including perceived cost, misconceptions with regard to expected success rate and accessibility. Recent changes to recommendations on the management and monitoring of hyperthyroid cats do not appear to have been widely adopted by veterinarians at this time.
Confirmatory field study for the evaluation of ciclosporin at a target dose of 7.0 mg/kg (3.2 mg/lb) in the control of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis
Authors: Roberts Elizabeth S , Speranza Cindy , Friberg Cecilia , Griffin Craig , Steffan Jean , Roycroft Linda , King Stephen
Published: March 2016

Objectives

This study was designed to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of a daily dose of 7.0 mg/kg (3.2 mg/lb) ciclosporin (CsA) in the treatment of feline hypersensitivity dermatitis (HD), as this includes some of the most frequently suspected skin diseases in cats and recent publications have reported the successful use of CsA in the treatment of feline HD.

Methods

In total, 217 cats with feline HD were treated daily for 42 days with a target dose of 7 mg/kg CsA (n = 144) or a placebo control (n = 73) administered either in the food or directly in the mouth following feeding. Clinical and dermatological evaluations were conducted on days 0, 21 and 42, or study exit. Safety was evaluated through physical examinations, clinical pathology and the monitoring of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Administration of CsA at 7.0 mg/kg produced a significant improvement in the total lesion score ( P <0.0001). The average reduction from visit 1 to visit 3 was 65.1% in the CsA group (9.2% for the placebo). In addition, owners assessed 78.3% of the cases in the CsA group as a success. Statistically significant recoveries were also seen in extent of lesions, investigator assessment of overall improvement, and mean improvement in both the investigators’ and owners’ assessment of pruritus. Mild gastrointestinal disorders were the most common AEs but did not require cessation of therapy.

Conclusions and relevance

Results confirm that 7.0 mg/kg CsA dosed daily in food or orally for up to 6 weeks is effective and well tolerated by cats with feline HD.
Idiopathic CD4 T-Cell Lymphocytopenia
Authors: Cheung Loretta , Weinstein Miriam
Published: March 2016

Importance:

Idiopathic CD4 T-cell lymphocytopenia (ICL) is an immunodeficiency disorder that presents with a decrease in CD4+ T cells without evidence of a human immunodeficiency virus infection. It is most commonly diagnosed after a patient presents with an opportunistic infection and can also be associated with malignancies and autoimmune diseases. This case presentation and literature review highlights the common skin findings in patients with ICL, mainly recalcitrant warts, and discusses the treatment options available.

Observations:

The patient described is the youngest reported with ICL presenting with isolated cutaneous findings of recalcitrant warts and psoriasis. Many treatment options were tried for the warts, with the most significant response to acitretin.

Conclusions and Relevance:

This case highlights the importance of considering underlying immunodeficiency in patients with recalcitrant warts as well as developing treatment plans. Such patients require close follow-up by both dermatology and immunology to monitor for the development of other diseases related to ICL.
Religion and reducing prejudice
Authors: Burch-Brown Joanna , Baker William
Published: March 2016

Drawing on findings from the study of prejudice and prejudice reduction, we identify a number of mechanisms through which religious communities may influence the intergroup attitudes of their members. We hypothesize that religious participation could in principle either reduce or promote prejudice with respect to any given target group. A religious community’s influence on intergroup attitudes will depend upon the specific beliefs, attitudes, and practices found within the community, as well as on interactions between the religious community and the larger social environment in which it is embedded. Basing our proposals on findings from the literature on prejudice formation and prejudice reduction allows us to outline useful directions for future studies of religion and prejudice.
Licence to chill
Authors: Lockley Andrew
Published: March 2016

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) has been suggested as a technique to counteract some of the changes expected as a result of Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW).1 It has been suggested2 that SRM could be carried out by commercially motivated actors. This process has been envisaged as using the Voluntary Carbon Offset (VCO) market as a mechanism for monetising the SRM process, due to the secondary effects of SRM on the carbon cycle.3 Current VCO customers are typically businesses: those looking to be ‘carbon neutral’ or reselling offsets alongside high-carbon goods and services (for example, airlines). Other potential VCO customers include states, or philanthropists. In this short scoping paper we provide a broad overview the issues of regulation and legitimacy, as may be applicable to the activities of future commercial SRM actors. We discuss the need for a two-pronged regulatory approach, encompassing first legal and corporate regulation and second, scientific and technical regulation. In conclusion, we identify differing regulatory requirements, according to whether the intended effect on the climate system of the SRM industry, or of individual firms, can be regarded as de minimis. We additionally suggest the use of a two-tier marketplace structure in order to ensure regulatory demands can be efficiently and transparently enacted.
High frequency vibration analysis of ball bearings under radial loads
Authors: Zhao Yang , Dong Guihua , Liu Heng , Wang Fengtao , Li Meng , Jing Minqing
Published: March 2016

The paper investigates the role of radial load and rotating speed on the high frequency vibration of a deep groove ball bearing. Firstly, a bearing dynamic model with 6-DOF balls was established, considering the interactions between balls, races and the cage. The dynamic model was solved by fourth order varying steps Runge-Kutta integration. The frequency spectrums of dynamic response of races were analyzed with yule-walker and FFT. Secondly, a verification experiment was done with different radial loads and speeds. Finally, compared with the numerical and experimental results, the similar trend of the high frequency vibration was emerged. Higher vibration frequencies result with increasing bearing load; higher vibration amplitude cause by more quickly rotating speed. That is because the nature frequencies of the races are excited by the contact and shock between balls and races when balls leave from the non-load to the load zone. The frequency spectrums were also affected by the interaction between the balls and cage.
Consumers or witnesses? Holocaust tourists and the problem of authenticity
Authors: Reynolds Daniel
Published: March 2016

Each year, millions of people from around the world visit former extermination camps, ghetto memorials, and other museums and monuments dedicated to the remembrance of the Holocaust. Constituting a vast population of so-called “dark tourists,” these travelers are frequently characterized by researchers as consumers of macabre spectacles, susceptible to sensationalized and inauthentic representations of historical events. But does Holocaust tourism automatically position its participants as naïve consumers of a commodified version of history? Based on field research conducted at numerous sites of Holocaust remembrance, this article considers how Holocaust tourists exercise agency, especially through the practice of photography. Through such agency, tourists to Holocaust memorial sites become active producers of historical knowledge as they generate their own representations of historical trauma. Ultimately, Holocaust tourists reflect on the authentic and inauthentic dimensions of their experiences, hold tourist sites accountable for the representations on display, and become stewards of collective memory.
A Memory Advantage for Property
Authors: DeScioli Peter , Rosa Nicole M. , Gutchess Angela H.
Published: March 2016

People's access to resources depends on their status as the owner of particular items. To respect property, people need to remember who owns which objects. We test the hypothesis that people possess enhanced memory for ownership relations compared to unrelated objects. Participants viewed a sequence of 10 person-object pairs before completing a surprise associative memory test in which they matched each person with the previously paired object. We varied the description of the person-object pairs in the instructions. Across three experiments, participants showed better recall when the person was described as the owner of the object compared to being unrelated. Furthermore, memory for property was better than a physical relation (bumping), whereas it did not differ from mental relations (wanting and thinking). These patterns were observed both for memory of items (Experiments 1 and 2) and perceptual details (Experiment 3). We discuss implications for how people remember other people's property.
Laying a smoke screen: Ambiguity and neutralization as strategic responses to intra-institutional complexity
Authors: Meyer Renate E. , Höllerer Markus A.
Published: March 2016

Our research contributes to knowledge on strategic organizational responses by addressing a specific type of institutional complexity that has, to date, been rather neglected in scholarly inquiry: conflicting institutional demands that arise within the same institutional order. We suggest referring to such type of complexity as “intra-institutional”—as opposed to “inter-institutional.” Empirically, we examine the consecutive spread of two management concepts—shareholder value and corporate social responsibility—among Austrian listed corporations around the turn of the millennium. Our work presents evidence that in institutionally complex situations, the concepts used by organizations to respond to competing demands and belief systems are interlinked and coupled through multiwave diffusion. We point to the open, chameleon-like character of some concepts that makes them particularly attractive for discursive adoption in such situations and conclude that organizations regularly respond to institutional complexity by resorting to discursive neutralization techniques and strategically producing ambiguity.
Capillary discourses, fissure points, and tacitly confessing the self: Foucault’s later work and educational research
Authors: Worthman Christopher , Troiano Beverly
Published: March 2016

This article draws on Foucault’s later work to consider in an exploratory but specific way how that work can inform educational research. It introduces the concepts of capillary discourses and fissure points to show, by way of example, how a regime of truth such as neoliberalism shapes lifelong learning theory, the pedagogy of individualized, self-directed learning in a lifelong learning program, and ultimately a participant’s identity. Capillary discourses facilitate the flow of beliefs and procedures associated with specific regimes of truth. However, because of these discourses’ permeability, discursive flow can break down to reveal fissure points or opportunities for resistance, which can lead to what Foucault called eventalization. Through an analysis of participant interviews and program materials, we identified how fissure points created opportunities for resistance that could offer ways to begin to account for power relation dynamics, including symmetries and contradictions of practice, and to begin to think about the nature of interaction and what it means for participants.
Chronic respiratory diseases and quality of life in elderly nursing home residents
Authors: Carreiro-Martins Pedro , Gomes-Belo Joana , Papoila Ana Luísa , Caires Iolanda , Palmeiro Teresa , Gaspar-Marques João , Leiria-Pinto Paula , Mendes Ana Sofia , Paulo-Teixeira João , Botelho Maria Amália , Neuparth Nuno
Published: March 2016

Few studies have assessed the quality of life (QOL) related to chronic respiratory diseases in the elderly. In the framework of the geriatric study on the health effects of air quality in elderly care centers (GERIA) study, a questionnaire was completed by elderly subjects from 53 selected nursing homes. It included various sections in order to assess respiratory complaints, QOL (World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF), and the cognitive and depression status. The outcome variables were the presence of a score lower than 50 (<50) in each of the WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health). Chronic bronchitis, frequent cough, current wheezing, asthma, and allergic rhinitis were considered as potential risk factors. The surveyed sample was ( n = 887) 79% female, with a mean age of 84 years (SD: 7 years). In the multivariable analysis, a score of <50 in the physical domain was associated with wheezing in the previous 12 months (odds ratio (OR): 2.03, confidence interval (CI): 1.25–3.31) and asthma (OR: 1.95, CI: 1.12–3.38). The psychological domain was related with a frequent cough (OR: 1.43, CI: 0.95–2.91). A score of <50 in the environmental domain was associated with chronic bronchitis (OR: 2.89, CI: 1.34–6.23) and emphysema (OR: 3.89, CI: 1.27–11.88). In view of these findings, the presence of respiratory diseases seems to be an important risk factor for a low QOL among elderly nursing home residents.
Recovery From a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Brice Alejandro E. , Brice Roanne G. , Wallace Sarah E.
Published: March 2016

Subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs) are a serious medical emergency, as 30% to 50% of all SAHs can result in death. Personal accounts and case studies are an important aspect of evidence-based practice. This first article of two presents a review of AB’s (patient) condition immediately following an SAH in the intensive care and immediately post discharge, that is, Days 1 through 22. An SAH shares many similarities with other neurological traumas such as a cerebral vascular accident, meningitis, and/or traumatic brain injury. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in medical settings have worked with patients and families with these types of disorders. Therefore, SLPs should be well equipped to assist with SAH issues from their existing knowledge and experiences.
A numerical and experimental study of oblique impact of ultra-high pressure abrasive water jet
Authors: Kang Can , Liu Haixia , Li Xiuge , Zhou Ya , Cheng Xiaonong
Published: March 2016

An investigation of the abrasive water jet with an emphasis on the oblique impact of abrasive particles on the target plate is performed. Ultra-high jet pressure necessitates a close examination of the phenomena featured by small spatial and temporal scales. The effect of oblique impact is assessed from both numerical and practical aspects. Numerical simulation, implemented using the commercial code LS-DYNA, allows a detailed inspection of transient stress wave propagation inside the target plate. And impact experiments facilitate a qualitative description of resultant footprints of oblique water jet. Different incident angles of abrasive particles are adopted and a comparison is thereby unfolded. The results indicate that rebound, embedding, and penetration of single abrasive particle are three representative final operation states. Adjacent to the abrasive particle, the response of the target plate to oblique impact is reflected by von Mises stress distribution and plate deformation as well. Oblique impact arouses non-symmetrical stress wave distributions and distinct unbalanced node displacements at the two sides of the abrasive particle. As for the target plate, global surface morphology is in accordance with predicted effects. The most favorable surface roughness is not associated with vertical impact, and it hinges upon the selection of standoff distance. Furthermore, variation of surface roughness with incident angle is not monotonous.
Springback prediction of three-dimensional variable curvature tube bending
Authors: Zhang Shen , Wu Jianjun
Published: March 2016

The springback phenomenon of tube bending occurs consequentially after unloading, which will affect the manufacturing accuracy and processing efficiency of the tubular products. In this article, the bending and springback processes of minor-diameter thick-walled tube are simulated by ABAQUS to reveal the springback laws. The springback prediction of three-dimensional variable curvature bent tube is projected on each discrete osculating and rectifying plane, and then the three-dimensional problem can be transformed into two dimensions. The mathematic relationship of the radius before and after springback in the plane is built by approximate pure bending springback experiments. The springback on such planes is transformed into three dimensions. The tube axes are merged by first-order geometric (G1) continuity and then compensated with the modified function according to the axis complexity, so as to establish mathematic analytic model for springback prediction of three-dimensional variable curvature tube bending. Finally, the feasibility, reliability, and accuracy of the model are verified by finite element method and experiments.
Research on collision-preventing decisions of oncoming vehicles
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Wang Ligang , Liu Huan
Published: March 2016

An emergency collision-preventing model is proposed for two vehicles driving from opposite directions. To study the impact of drivers’ strategies on traffic safety in this model, the relevant knowledge of game theory has been introduced. Based on the drivers’ strategies and payoff of every strategy, a game tree and a payoff matrix have been constructed. Mathematical method is applied to identify the pure-strategy Nash equilibrium and the mixed strategies Nash equilibrium. The occurrence probability of accidents under the Nash equilibrium is discussed here. The results suggest that under the pure-strategy Nash equilibrium, one driver must swerve. Furthermore, the probability of keeping original route is greater when drivers adopt the mixed strategies Nash equilibrium. The results presented in this article will provide some reference for drivers under similar conditions.
The first treatise in comparative education rediscovered
Authors: Lenhart Volker
Published: March 2016

The Latin essay “ De re Scholastica Anglica cum Germanica Comparata” (English and German school education compared) published in 1795–1798 by the Freiberg/Saxony grammar school principal Friedrich August Hecht is the first treatise in comparative education. The rediscovery of the text, its earlier mentioning in the history of comparative education, its main content, e.g. comparison of English Public Schools to German urban grammar schools, detailed textbook comparison, and interpretation, e.g. idea of transnationality vs. concept of the national character, are described. The social-historical situation of the beginning of comparative education is analyzed.
Incidence, characterization, and clinical impact analysis of peginterferon beta1a immunogenicity in patients with multiple sclerosis in the ADVANCE trial
Authors: White Joleen T. , Newsome Scott D. , Kieseier Bernd C. , Bermel Robert A. , Cui Yue , Seddighzadeh Ali , Hung Serena , Crossman Mary , Subramanyam Meena
Published: March 2016

Background:

Efficacy of interferon beta in multiple sclerosis (MS) can be dampened in patients who develop neutralizing antidrug antibodies (NAbs). Peginterferon beta1a is an interferon conjugated with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. Pegylation increases a drug’s half life and exposure, and may also reduce immunogenicity.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and impact of immunogenicity to peginterferon beta1a over 2 years in patients with MS.

Methods:

Patients with relapsing–remitting MS ( N = 1512) were randomized to subcutaneous peginterferon beta1a 125 μg every 2 or 4 weeks, or placebo, for 1 year; patients in the placebo group were rerandomized to active treatment in year 2. The incidence and titers of binding antibodies (BAbs) and NAbs to interferon and antibodies to PEG (anti-PEG) were assessed in analytically validated assays. The clinical impact of immunogenicity on relapse and magnetic resonance imaging endpoints was evaluated.

Results:

Over 2 years, 6%, less than 1%, and 7% of patients developed anti-interferon BAbs, NAbs, and anti-PEG antibodies, respectively. There was no discernible clinically meaningful effect of antibody status on the pharmacodynamic, efficacy, or safety parameters evaluated, although these analyses were limited by the low incidence of treatment-emergent antibodies.

Conclusion:

The treatment effect of peginterferon beta1a in patients with relapsing–remitting MS is not expected to be attenuated by immunogenicity.
Immunoadsorption versus plasma exchange versus combination for treatment of myasthenic deterioration
Authors: Schneider-Gold Christiane , Krenzer Marco , Klinker Erdmute , Mansouri-Thalegani Behrouz , Müllges Wolfgang , Toyka Klaus V. , Gold Ralf
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

The goal of this study was to analyze safety and assess the efficacy of standard plasma exchange (PE) compared with immunoadsorption (IA) alone, or an alternating combination of both in deteriorating myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods:

A total of 72 patients with MG who had received PE procedures for treatment of severe deterioration were retrospectively analyzed. They received either five cycles of PE (1–1.5 plasma volumes), or five cycles of IA in line with plasma separation, or a sequential alternating procedure of one cycle of PE followed by two cycles of IA, which was repeated once or more if needed.

Results:

A total of 19 patients received PE, 24 patients IA, and 29 the alternating combination therapy. All groups were equally distributed by sex and mean MG score before treatment. The number of treatment cycles and days on therapy did not differ between the groups. Mean MG scores at discharge were 3.0 (PE), 1.8 (IA) and 1.6 (combination) ( p = 0.028 for combination versus PE). Inpatient time was 30.7 days (PE), 22.3 days (IA) and 20.0 days in combination therapy ( p < 0.05 for combination versus PE). Side effects such as allergic reactions or hypocoagulability were significantly more frequent in the PE group (37% in PE versus 4% in IA and 3.6% in the alternating combination, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Semiselective IA in combination with PE, and to a lesser extent IA alone, was associated with a shorter hospital stay and more pronounced reduction of the MG score than PE.
Experimental investigation of combustion instabilities in lean swirl-stabilized partially-premixed flames in single- and multiple-burner setup
Authors: Kraus Christian , Harth Stefan , Bockhorn Henning
Published: March 2016

In the present work, combustion instabilities of a modular combustor are investigated. The combustor operates with partially premixed, swirl-stabilized flames and can be operated in single- and different multiple-burner setups. The design parameters of the combustor prevent large-scale flame–flame interactions in the multiple-burner arrangements. The objective is to investigate how the interaction of the swirl jets affects the thermoacoustic stability of the combustor. Results of measurements of pressure oscillations and high-speed OH*-chemiluminescence imaging for the single-burner setup and two multiple-burner setups are discussed. Additionally, results of investigations with different flame characteristics are presented. These are achieved by varying the ratio of the mass flow rates through the swirlers of the double-concentric swirl nozzle. Several unstable modes with high pressure amplitudes are observed in the single-burner setup as well as in the multiple-burner setups. Numerical studies of the acoustic behavior of the combustor setups were performed that indicate that the different geometries show similar acoustic behaviors. The results lead to the conclusion that the interaction of the swirl jets in the multiple-burner setups affects the thermoacoustic response spectrum of the flame even in the absence of large-scale flame–flame interactions. Based on the findings in earlier studies, it is concluded that the differences in the flame response characteristics are induced by the reduction of the swirl intensity in the multiple-burner arrangements, which is caused by the exchange of momentum between the adjacent swirl jets.
Federal Tax Law Trumps Indian Canon
Authors: Johnson Marilyn F. , Johnson Mark S.
Published: March 2016

On November 27, 2001, the Supreme Court ruled in Chickasaw v. United States that Native American gaming (NAG) firms are subject to federal excise and occupational taxes. Prior to the decision, these firms had been exempt from all federal taxation. We hypothesize that Chickasaw improves the competitive position of publicly traded gaming firms and their suppliers by leveling the playing field for publicly traded firms. Consistent with this argument, we find that the stock prices of publicly traded gaming firms and their suppliers reacted positively to the announcement of the Chickasaw Supreme Court and Tenth Circuit decisions. We also hypothesize that Nevada casinos are relatively insulated from competition because they offer a unique experience that is not easily replicated by NAG firms. Consistent with this argument, we find smaller stock price reactions for firms with Nevada operations.
Emerging from the shadows? Perceptions, problems and potential consensus on the functional and civic roles of public affairs practice
Authors: Davidson Scott , Rowe Oliver
Published: March 2016

In the context of public concern and negative media portrayals in regard to the civic impact of the public relations specialism of public affairs and lobbying, this article seeks to theorise normative roles in democracies alongside benchmarking the self-perception of practitioners against those of opinion forming elites. The article also explores how practitioners interpret their roles and locates a consensus in regard to their functional and civic contributions. A potential research agenda for testing the validity of these claims of a positive civic contribution is discussed. The article analyses the results of quantitative surveys of a representative sample of British members of parliament, and 722 UK opinion formers, plus 260 interviews with opinion formers in Washington DC. The results were complemented by a Delphi survey of UK public affairs practitioners that sought to identify and test areas of consensus in regard to both organisational and civic functions. The research finds that lobbying is perceived as legitimate by elites, but there are concerns over the quality of the information subsidy that is provided. Practitioners share an understanding with the public relations literature of their functional roles, and believe they make a social contribution by assisting policy-making, connecting society to politicians and as facilitators of participation and civic dialogue. This research will potentially be less applicable to the relationship between public affairs and society in other regions of the world, or in authoritarian states with low levels of interest group pluralism.
The establishment of facts in public discourse: Actor-Network-Theory as a methodological approach in PR-research
Authors: Schölzel Hagen , Nothhaft Howard
Published: March 2016

This article discusses actor-network theory (ANT) as an approach in empirical public relations research. It is foremost a methodological reflection, but uses a case study to illustrate key points. The case, published as a full study elsewhere, revolved around the plagiarisms in the PhD-dissertation of former German Defence Minister zu Guttenberg and places special emphasis on the work of anonymous ‘plagiarism hunters’ organized in a so-called ‘swarm’. Here, the events that led to the minister’s resignation are discussed with an explicit reference to ANT and especially Bruno Latour’s approach. This article discusses the research questions inspired by the approach as well as observations leading to a new understanding of publics as actor-networks. It thus contributes to rare theoretical discussions of ANT’s relevance for public relations research.
The Starbucks Race Together Initiative: Analyzing a public relations campaign with critical race theory
Authors: Logan Nneka
Published: March 2016

In response to a series of race-related incidents in the United States in 2014, Starbucks launched the Race Together Initiative, a multifaceted public relations campaign designed to spark a national dialogue on race. The campaign generated a great deal of discussion in the public sphere including some praise and much criticism. This article uses critical race theory as a theoretical lens to analyze the Race Together campaign as well as reactions to it in the news media and on Twitter. The purpose of this article is to use critical race theory to enrich understandings of the Race Together campaign as well as to explore the implications of corporate public relations campaigns that attempt to address sensitive social issues such as race.
Online Health Information Seeking Pattern Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Authors: Obasola Oluwaseun I. , Agunbiade Ojo Melvin
Published: March 2016

Based on a cross-sectional design, this study investigates online health seeking and its possible influence on decision making among 400 university undergraduates in Nigeria. From the results, it was found that daily Internet use was on the average (33.7%), and use was constrained by the poor power supply, the high cost of the Internet access, and poor delivery of services. Health information sought covers nutrition, fitness/exercise, HIV/AIDS, malaria, sore throat, mental health, menstrual pain, and sexual/reproductive health. The majority (72.7%) who perceived available health information as accurate and dependable had an opportunity to seek similar information on their health conditions from different online sources. A high proportion (202) claimed that they consulted a physician after that, just a few (54) of the respondents consulted a traditional healer, and a few others relied on self-medication (10%) or asked friends for suggestions (11%). Thus, there is a need to provide reliable Internet connection and enlighten the Nigerian youth on criteria for assessing quality online health information.
A Randomized Trial of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Mentoring Program
Authors: Sowers Jo-Ann , Powers Laurie , Schmidt Jessica , Keller Thomas E. , Turner Alison , Salazar Amy , Swank Paul R.
Published: March 2016

Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The purpose of this study was to experimentally evaluate the impact of a STEM mentor intervention and differences between students matched with mentors with or without disabilities on career planning outcomes. An independent groups × repeated measures design was used. Significant differences were found between mentored and nonmentored students for measures of STEM-related knowledge, engagement, confidence, and general career planning confidence, but not for STEM-related and disability-related self-efficacy. Significant differences were not found between students assigned to mentors with or without disabilities. This study contributes to research that demonstrates the positive impact of mentoring on career planning for students with disabilities, including those related to STEM.
PowerPoint Slides as Speaking Notes
Authors: Hertz Brigitte , Kerkhof Peter , van Woerkum Cees
Published: March 2016

PowerPoint presentations are often criticized for the excessive use of text on the slides. In a study of 97 academic scholars, we found that presenters indeed used substantially more text than is advised. Speaking anxiety was found to be related to the time spent on preparing and rehearsing, and time spent on rehearsing is related to the number of words on the slides. Anxious presenters appear to use PowerPoint slides as speaking notes. Presenters should be trained to overcome their speaking anxiety by means other than the abundant use of words on their slides.
Relative Value and Customer Choice in Loan Decisions: An Application of the Wallet Allocation Rule
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Keiningham Timothy L. , Buoye Alexander , Ball Joan
Published: March 2016

Purpose – This research applies the Wallet Allocation Rule (WAR) to provide marketing scholars and practitioners with a deeper understanding of the key drivers of loan selection and to estimate the relative value borrowers place on various attributes when selecting a loan provider among competitors.

Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 642 credit union (CU) members from nine geographically dispersed USA CUs was conducted. WAR analysis was conducted to measure the relative value customers place on the selected variables within and across the financial institutions that were part of the borrowers’ consideration sets.

Findings – WAR analysis revealed stark differences in the value of factors in the selection of a bank or a credit union for first mortgages, suggesting that WAR analysis is a useful tool for understanding the relative value of various attributes in the selection of one loan provider over another.

Originality/value –This research provides a significant contribution to both the service literature and the scientific literature in general by providing a user-friendly and scientifically tested analysis tool to measure relative value distances of ranked data and providing additional evidence for the usefulness of WAR analysis to better understand relative customer satisfaction and its implications for consumer behavior and service marketing.
Phase 2 study of idelalisib and entospletinib: pneumonitis limits combination therapy in relapsed refractory CLL and NHL
Authors: Barr Paul M. , Saylors Gene B. , Spurgeon Stephen E. , Cheson Bruce D. , Greenwald Daniel R. , O’Brien Susan M. , Liem Andre K. D. , Mclntyre Rosemary E. , Joshi Adarsh , Abella-Dominicis Esteban , Hawkins Michael J. , Reddy Anita , Di Paolo Julie , Lee Hank , He Joyce , Hu Jing , Dreiling Lyndah K. , Friedberg Jonathan W.
Published: March 2016

Key Points

Concomitant PI3Kδ and SYK inhibition resulted in treatment-emergent pneumonitis, necessitating early study termination. Initial trials of novel combinations should use conservative designs that are focused on safety.
Linoleic acid-derived lipid mediators increase in a female-dominated subphenotype of COPD
Authors: Balgoma David , Yang Mingxing , Sjödin Marcus , Snowden Stuart , Karimi Reza , Levänen Bettina , Merikallio Heta , Kaarteenaho Riitta , Palmberg Lena , Larsson Kjell , Erle David J. , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Dahlén Barbro , Sköld C. Magnus , Wheelock Åsa M. , Wheelock Craig E.
Published: March 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality; however, the role of inflammatory mediators in its pathobiology remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gender in COPD on lipid mediator levels.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were obtained from healthy never-smokers, smokers and COPD patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage I–II/A–B) (n=114). 94 lipid mediators derived from the cytochrome-P450, lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenase pathways were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Multivariate modelling identified a 9-lipid panel in BALF that classified female smokers with COPD from healthy female smokers (p=6×10−6). No differences were observed for the corresponding male population (p=1.0). These findings were replicated in an independent cohort with 92% accuracy (p=0.005). The strongest drivers were the cytochrome P450-derived epoxide products of linoleic acid (leukotoxins) and their corresponding soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)-derived products (leukotoxin-diols). These species correlated with lung function (r=0.87; p=0.0009) and mRNA levels of enzymes putatively involved in their biosynthesis (r=0.96; p=0.003). Leukotoxin levels correlated with goblet cell abundance (r=0.72; p=0.028).

These findings suggest a mechanism by which goblet cell-associated cytochrome-P450 and sEH activity produce elevated leukotoxin-diol levels, which play a putative role in the clinical manifestations of COPD in a female-dominated disease sub-phenotype.
Follow-up of pulmonary right-to-left shunt in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Vorselaars Veronique M.M. , Velthuis Sebastiaan , Snijder Repke J. , Westermann Cornelis J.J. , Vos Jan A. , Mager Johannes J. , Post Martijn C.
Published: March 2016

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are associated with severe neurological complications in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Transthoracic contrast echocardiography (TTCE) is recommended for screening of pulmonary right-to-left shunts (RLS). Although growth of PAVMs is shown in two small studies, no studies on follow-up with TTCE exist.

All HHT patients underwent a second TTCE 5 years after initial screening. Patients with a history of PAVM embolisation were excluded. Pulmonary RLS grade on TTCE after 5 years was compared to the grade at screening.

200 patients (53.5% female, mean±sdage at screening 44.7±14.1 years) were included. Increase in RLS grade occurred in 36 (18%) patients, of whom six (17%) underwent embolisation. The change in grade between screening and follow-up was not more than one grade. Of patients with nontreatable pulmonary RLS at screening (n=113), 14 (12.4%) underwent embolisation. In patients without pulmonary RLS at initial screening (n=87), no treatable PAVMs developed during follow-up.

Within 5 years, no treatable PAVMs developed in HHT patients without pulmonary RLS at initial screening. Increase in pulmonary RLS grade occurred in 18% of patients, and never increased by more than one grade. Of patients with nontreatable pulmonary RLS at initial screening, 12% underwent embolisation.
Enhanced monocyte migration to CXCR3 and CCR5 chemokines in COPD
Authors: Costa Claudia , Traves Suzanne L. , Tudhope Susan J. , Fenwick Peter S. , Belchamber Kylie B.R. , Russell Richard E.K. , Barnes Peter J. , Donnelly Louise E.
Published: March 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients exhibit chronic inflammation, both in the lung parenchyma and the airways, which is characterised by an increased infiltration of macrophages and T-lymphocytes, particularly CD8+cells. Both cell types can express chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR)3 and C-C chemokine receptor 5 and the relevant chemokines for these receptors are elevated in COPD. The aim of this study was to compare chemotactic responses of lymphocytes and monocytes of nonsmokers, smokers and COPD patients towards CXCR3 ligands and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)5.

Migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, monocytes and lymphocytes from nonsmokers, smokers and COPD patients toward CXCR3 chemokines and CCL5 was analysed using chemotaxis assays.

There was increased migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from COPD patients towards all chemokines studied when compared with nonsmokers and smokers. Both lymphocytes and monocytes contributed to this enhanced response, which was not explained by increased receptor expression. However, isolated lymphocytes failed to migrate and isolated monocytes from COPD patients lost their enhanced migratory capacity.

Both monocytes and lymphocytes cooperate to enhance migration towards CXCR3 chemokines and CCL5. This may contribute to increased numbers of macrophages and T-cells in the lungs of COPD patients, and inhibition of recruitment using selective antagonists might be a treatment to reduce the inflammatory response in COPD.
Illumina error profiles: resolving fine-scale variation in metagenomic sequencing data
Authors: Schirmer Melanie , D’Amore Rosalinda , Ijaz Umer Z. , Hall Neil , Quince Christopher
Published: March 2016

Background

Illumina’s sequencing platforms are currently the most utilised sequencing systems worldwide. The technology has rapidly evolved over recent years and provides high throughput at low costs with increasing read-lengths and true paired-end reads. However, data from any sequencing technology contains noise and our understanding of the peculiarities and sequencing errors encountered in Illumina data has lagged behind this rapid development.

Results

We conducted a systematic investigation of errors and biases in Illumina data based on the largest collection of in vitro metagenomic data sets to date. We evaluated the Genome Analyzer II, HiSeq and MiSeq and tested state-of-the-art low input library preparation methods. Analysing in vitro metagenomic sequencing data allowed us to determine biases directly associated with the actual sequencing process. The position- and nucleotide-specific analysis revealed a substantial bias related to motifs (3mers preceding errors) ending in “GG”. On average the top three motifs were linked to 16 % of all substitution errors. Furthermore, a preferential incorporation of ddGTPs was recorded. We hypothesise that all of these biases are related to the engineered polymerase and ddNTPs which are intrinsic to any sequencing-by-synthesis method. We show that quality-score-based error removal strategies can on average remove 69 % of the substitution errors - however, the motif-bias remains.

Conclusion

Single-nucleotide polymorphism changes in bacterial genomes can cause significant changes in phenotype, including antibiotic resistance and virulence, detecting them within metagenomes is therefore vital. Current error removal techniques are not designed to target the peculiarities encountered in Illumina sequencing data and other sequencing-by-synthesis methods, causing biases to persist and potentially affect any conclusions drawn from the data. In order to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches we need to be able to identify systematic sequencing errors and distinguish these errors from true genetic variation.
Moderate hyperoxic versus near-physiological oxygen targets during and after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Smit Bob , Smulders Yvo M. , de Waard Monique C. , Boer Christa , Vonk Alexander B. A. , Veerhoek Dennis , Kamminga Suzanne , de Grooth Harm-Jan S. , García-Vallejo Juan J. , Musters Rene J. P. , Girbes Armand R. J. , Oudemans - van Straaten Heleen M. , Spoelstra - de Man Angelique M. E.
Published: March 2016

Background

The safety of perioperative hyperoxia is currently unclear. Previous studies in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery suggest reduced myocardial damage when avoiding extreme perioperative hyperoxia (>400 mmHg). In this study we investigated whether an oxygenation strategy from moderate hyperoxia to a near-physiological oxygen tension reduces myocardial damage and improves haemodynamics, organ dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Methods

This was a single-blind, single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Fifty patients were randomised to a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) target of 200–220 mmHg during cardiopulmonary bypass and 130–150 mmHg during intensive care unit (ICU) admission (control group) versus lower targets of 130–150 mmHg during cardiopulmonary bypass and 80–100 mmHg at the ICU (conservative group). Primary outcome was myocardial injury (CK-MB and Troponin-T) at ICU admission and 2, 6 and 12 hours thereafter.

Results

Weighted PaO2during cardiopulmonary bypass was 220 mmHg (interquartile range (IQR) 211–233) vs. 157 (151–162) in the control and conservative group, respectively (P < 0.0001). During ICU admission, weighted PaO2was 107 mmHg (86–141) vs. 90 (84–98) (P = 0.03), respectively. Area under the curve of CK-MB was median 23.5 μg/L/h (IQR 18.4–28.1) vs. 21.5 (15.8–26.6) (P = 0.35) and 0.30 μg/L/h (0.25–0.44) vs. 0.39 (0.24–0.43) (P = 0.81) for Troponin-T. Cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index, creatinine, lactate and F2-isoprostane levels were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Compared to moderate hyperoxia, a near-physiological oxygen strategy does not reduce myocardial damage in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Conservative oxygen administration was not associated with increased lactate levels or hypoxic events.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial RegistryNTR4375, registered on 30 January 2014