bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Surprisingly Powerful Influence of Drawing on Memory
Authors: Fernandes Myra A. , Wammes Jeffrey D. , Meade Melissa E.
Published: August 2018

The colloquialism “a picture is worth a thousand words” has reverberated through the decades, yet there is very little basic cognitive research assessing the merit of drawing as a mnemonic strategy. In our recent research, we explored whether drawing to-be-learned information enhanced memory and found it to be a reliable, replicable means of boosting performance. Specifically, we have shown this technique can be applied to enhance learning of individual words and pictures as well as textbook definitions. In delineating the mechanism of action, we have shown that gains are greater from drawing than other known mnemonic techniques, such as semantic elaboration, visualization, writing, and even tracing to-be-remembered information. We propose that drawing improves memory by promoting the integration of elaborative, pictorial, and motor codes, facilitating creation of a context-rich representation. Importantly, the simplicity of this strategy means it can be used by people with cognitive impairments to enhance memory, with preliminary findings suggesting measurable gains in performance in both normally aging individuals and patients with dementia.
Exploring Factors That Drive Adoption of Various Categories of M-commerce: An Emerging Market Study
Authors: Pandey Shweta , Chawla Deepak
Published: August 2018

The study examines the factors that drive actual adoption of the four categories of m-commerce, namely content delivery, location-based, transaction-based and entertainment in India. Data was collected from 321 m-commerce users and analysed using structured equation modeling (SEM). The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, perceived risk and perceived enjoyment have varied impact, while social influence has a significant positive impact across the four categories. Further, personal innovativeness (PI) has a significant indirect impact on adoption of all the categories. The study adds on to the extant knowledge on m-commerce adoption in India and provides insights for marketers in devising relevant strategies for adoption of varied m-commerce categories. Further, it provides insights on the role of PI in driving adoption of m-commerce. The results from the study are limited to the Indian context and need to be validated across other contexts such as country and service offers suggesting future research opportunities. Future studies can also explore other m-commerce categories such as government services and telemetry services.
Introducing a Spectrum of Moral Evaluation: Integrating Organizational Stigmatization and Moral Legitimacy
Authors: Hampel Christian , Tracey Paul
Published: August 2018

Audiences frequently change how they evaluate organizations, and these judgments often have a moral basis. For example, audiences may shift their evaluation from stigmatization to legitimacy or vice versa. These radical shifts in audience evaluation can have a major impact on organizations, yet organization theory struggles to account for them. We offer a solution to this problem by proposing a spectrum of moral evaluation that situates key moral judgments relative to each other. Our core argument is that integrating stigmatization and moral legitimacy into a broader spectrum of moral evaluation provides organization theorists with a much-needed toolkit to explore the consequential normative transformations often experienced by contemporary organizations. Specifically, it allows for a graded conception of moral evaluation, connects concepts – stigma and legitimacy – that are often considered in isolation, and offers opportunities for theoretical cross-fertilization.
Rapid Response Measurement: Development of a Faking-Resistant Assessment Method for Personality
Authors: Meade Adam W. , Pappalardo Gabriel , Braddy Phillip W. , Fleenor John W.
Published: August 2018

While rating-scale-based assessments have been shown to be useful for measuring a variety of workplace-relevant constructs, assessment length and response distortion present practical limitations on their use. We describe a new type of measurement method termed rapid response measurement (RRM) in which stimuli are presented on a computer screen one at a time in rapid succession and respondents are asked to quickly provide a dichotomous response. Two personality assessments using RRM were developed and reliability and validity evidence across four independent samples were evaluated. Both RRM assessments showed adequate reliability, even at short test lengths, with acceptable levels of convergent and discriminant validity with traditional survey-based measures. Analyses based on a within-participants design indicated that the RRM was significantly more difficult to fake when instructed than was a survey-based measure of personality. The second RRM was related to several aspects of job performance. While initial results show promise, further research is needed to establish the validity and viability of the RRM for organizational and psychological measurement.
The Bookstore-Café: Emergence of a New Lifestyle as a “Third Place” in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Van Thi , Han Haoying , Sahito Noman , Lam Tram Ngoc
Published: August 2018

This article introduces the Chinese bookstore-café, which indicates a change of lifestyle occurring in the contemporary big cities of China. Based on the concept of “third place,” which was first introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to indicate places that are neither home nor a workplace, we argue that the bookstore-café represents the emergence of a new lifestyle. Oldenburg’s “third place” concept is deployed as a framework to explore the role of the bookstore-café in Hangzhou, China, based on a study conducted at three popular bookstore-cafés in central Hangzhou, to clarify its involvement in urban life. As part of the study, we used the observational method to help determine consumers’ visual behavior and an on-site survey questionnaire to collect data for measuring the qualities of the bookstore-café. The research findings contribute profound insights into the bookstore-café in Chinese urban life and deepen our understanding of Oldenburg’s “third place” concept.
Convergence hypothesis in tourism markets and activities in Taiwan
Authors: Solarin Sakiru Adebola
Published: August 2018

Tourism policies do not only focus on how to improve arrivals from different tourism markets but also for different tourism activities. However, studies on convergence hypothesis of tourist arrivals, which can provide guidelines on how tourism policies should be conducted, have concentrated on convergence of tourism markets. The main contribution of this study is that in addition to convergence hypothesis in tourism markets, we have considered convergence hypothesis in tourism activities. We focus on Taiwan, and using a recently developed residual augmented least squares unit root test that allows for structural breaks and non-normality, we observe that convergence exists in the 15 major tourism markets and in 4 of the 5 major tourism activities in Taiwan. As a robustness check, we have also used a club convergence approach, and the results provide dominant evidence for club convergence in the tourism sector of Taiwan. The policy implications of the findings are provided within the article.
Tourists’ power perception at an ethnic festival: A qualitative approach
Authors: Wei Jin , Dai Guangquan
Published: August 2018

The aim of this article is to explore tourists’ power perception and its influence on tourists’ feedback at an ethnic festival. Based on a combination of sociology’s mutual gaze theory and psychology’s power theory, a case study and a qualitative research method are employed to conduct the study. Results indicate that the hosts dominate relations with tourists during the process of mutual gaze; additionally, the powerlessness felt by tourists and the unsatisfactory feedback obtained from them are partly attributed to the hosts’ arrangements and control. In management inspiration, hosts should place more emphasis on improving tourists’ sense of power to develop event tourism sustainably.
Understanding animal (ab)use: Green criminological contributions, missed opportunities and a way forward
Authors: Taylor Nik , Fitzgerald Amy
Published: August 2018

While the last two decades have witnessed considerable growth in green criminology, the positioning of nonhuman animals within the field remains unclear and contested. This article provides an analysis of green criminological work—published since the 1998 special issue of Theoretical Criminology—that addresses harms and crime perpetrated against nonhuman animals. We assess trends in the quantity of the work over time and how the treatment of nonhuman animals has unfolded through an analysis of green criminology articles, chapters in edited volumes and monographs. We find that while the amount of consideration given to nonhuman animals by green criminologists has increased dramatically over the years, much of this work has focused on crimes and harms against wild animals (e.g. “wildlife poaching”, “trafficking”), comparatively less attention has been paid to so-called “domesticated animals” or to larger questions of species justice. Based on these findings, we consider how concepts in critical animal studies, ecofeminism and feminist intersectional theories may be utilized in green criminological debates regarding animal (ab)use. With the goal of stimulating further work in this vein, we outline three areas where green criminology has much to offer: (1) researching and exposing meat production and consumption as a form of animal abuse and as a major contributor to global climate change; (2) bridging the divide between environmentalism, animal advocacy and their associated areas of academic study; and (3) refining and reflecting on methodological choices, all with the aim of developing a nonspeciesist green criminology.
Ecocide, genocide, capitalism and colonialism: Consequences for indigenous peoples and glocal ecosystems environments
Authors: Crook Martin , Short Damien , South Nigel
Published: August 2018

Continuing injustices and denial of rights of indigenous peoples are part of the long legacy of colonialism. Parallel processes of exploitation and injustice can be identified in relation to non-human species and/or aspects of the natural environment. International law can address some extreme examples of the crimes and harms of colonialism through the idea and legal definition of genocide, but the intimately related notion of ecocide that applies to nature and the environment is not yet formally accepted within the body of international law. In the context of this special issue reflecting on the development of green criminology, the article argues that the concept of ecocide provides a powerful tool. To illustrate this, the article explores connections between ecocide, genocide, capitalism and colonialism and discusses impacts on indigenous peoples and on local and global (glocal) ecosystems.
Green criminology and native peoples: The treadmill of production and the killing of indigenous environmental activists
Authors: Lynch Michael J , Stretesky Paul B , Long Michael A
Published: August 2018

During the development of green criminology, little attention has been paid to how Indigenous/Native Peoples (INP) are victimized by green crime and how they employ environmental activism to resist externally imposed ecological destruction. In the past decade, news services and environmental interest groups have reported on the killing of INP environmental activists who have resisted ecological destruction across the world. Here, we begin to develop a green criminological view of INP victimization and resistance to ecological destruction within the context of the global capitalist treadmill of production, while drawing upon concepts of colonization, imperialism, genocide and ecocide. Our analysis suggests that in the contemporary capitalist world system, expansion of the treadmill of production’s ecological withdrawal process (i.e. the withdrawal of raw materials used in production) not only accelerates ecological disorganization in developing/underdeveloped nations, but may be harmful in nations where INP are dependent on access to nature for survival.
Toughness measurements of a Cr martensitic high alloy steel susceptible to clinking
Authors: Khosla Guy , Balint Daniel , Farrugia Didier , Davies Catrin Mair
Published: August 2018

‘Clinking’ is an audible fracture that occurs during the cool down and reheating of as-cast high alloy materials. When this process occurs, audible fracture can be heard and observed as large transverse cracks that propagate through large slabs. This causes high material losses and major disruption to processing operations. Given the fracture is known to be brittle, this research is aimed at developing a way to predict the onset of clinking through the application of fracture mechanics. Linear elastic and elastic–plastic fracture mechanics were both used to assess the fracture behaviour. The stress state during cool down and reheating was estimated through finite element analysis using a three-dimensional finite element model. Tensile tests were conducted to obtain the stress–strain characteristics to be used in the fracture analysis. Charpy tests were completed to assess the relative toughness dependent on temperature across the temperature range for which the high alloy steel is susceptible to clinking. Four C(T) specimens were tested at a room temperature. Despite showing little ductile crack propagation on the fracture surface, the fractured samples did not meet the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) validity criterion but did meet the [Formula: see text] validity criterion. This allows a minimum [Formula: see text] value of 118 N/mm to be attributed to the onset of unstable fracture. Conversion into a [Formula: see text] gives [Formula: see text], which gives a minimum critical crack length of 138 mm for the onset of brittle fracture. Charpy tests showed a pronounced increase in the energy for fracture between 20 ℃ and 300 ℃ which is in line with practical observations, where the onset of clinking is reduced with a higher reheat temperature.
Bayesian multi-task learning methodology for reconstruction of structural health monitoring data
Authors: Wan Hua-Ping , Ni Yi-Qing
Published: August 2018

Reconstruction of structural health monitoring data is a challenging task, since it involves time series data forecasting especially in the case with a large block of missing data. In this study, we propose a novel methodology for structural health monitoring data recovery in the context of Bayesian multi-task learning with multi-dimensional Gaussian process prior. The proposed methodology stands to model a series of tasks simultaneously rather than modeling each task independently while explicitly encoding the correlations among tasks that can be learnt efficiently from data. The primary advantage of Bayesian multi-task learning for data reconstruction is that it makes more efficient use of the data available and gives rise to enhanced reconstruction capability by making use of the underlying task relatedness. Since the modeling performance of the Gaussian process–based Bayesian approach heavily relies on the selected covariance function, particular focus has been laid on the influences of various kinds of covariance functions including the unblended and composite (hybrid) ones on reconstruction performance. The instrumented Canton Tower of 600 m high is used as a test bed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reconstruction of structural health monitoring data. The traditional Bayesian single-task learning approach is also implemented for comparison purpose. The reconstruction results of the structural health monitoring data show that the proposed Bayesian multi-task learning methodology affords an excellent performance, while the Bayesian single-task learning method is unreliable in certain cases; yet, the selection of covariance function has a significant impact on the reconstruction performance of the proposed methodology. The work presented in this study also gains insight into how to choose an appropriate covariance function for reconstruction of missing structural health monitoring data.
Purity or danger? The establishment of sex trafficking as a social problem in Sweden
Authors: Heber Anita
Published: August 2018

Sex trafficking has become established as one of the most significant (crime) problems in the Western world. This article provides a greater understanding of how the work of certain actors, that is claims-makers, established sex trafficking as a prominent problem on the political and media agendas in Sweden during the 2000s. It can help us understand how certain crimes can achieve the position of social problems. The study analyses political texts and debates, newspaper articles and reports published by the Swedish police. The sex-trafficking discourses that were particularly dominant in the material were: ‘The ideal sex slave Lilya’ (referring to the film Lilya 4-ever), ‘The foreign threat from the East’ and ‘Hidden but well-established organized crime’. By defining sex trafficking as an important problem, with the aid of these three discourses, a large number of claims-makers were given the opportunity to emphasize threatening and racialized discourses about ‘sex slaves’, immigration and organized crime. These discourses on sex trafficking create moral borders between innocence and guilt, between belonging and unbelonging, and between purity and danger.
Blood adiponectin levels are not associated with risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jeon Ja Young , Ha Kyoung Hwa , Han Seung Jin , Kim Hae Jin , Lee Kwan-Woo , Kim Dae Jung
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

We examined whether circulating adiponectin levels are associated with further cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

Between December 2004 and February 2005, 349 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled and followed-up until December 2015. Blood levels of total, middle-molecular weight and high-molecular weight adiponectin were measured at baseline. The primary composite outcome was the occurrence of the following events: cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for unstable angina and heart failure.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 9 years, cardiovascular events occurred in 14% of patients (50/349, 1.9% per year). Median blood levels of total, middle-molecular weight and high-molecular weight adiponectin were 4.8, 3.2 and 1.8 μg/mL, respectively. The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events was not significantly different between the three groups based on total, middle-molecular weight, high-molecular weight or high-molecular weight/total adiponectin. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, blood adiponectin levels were positively associated with an increased number of cardiovascular events, but between tertiles, there was no significant difference.

Conclusion:

This observational cohort study suggested that blood adiponectin levels are not related to further cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Protection from Undesirable Neighbors: The Use of Deed Restrictions in Shaker Heights, Ohio
Authors: Dawson Virginia P.
Published: August 2018

Stringent architectural and building restrictions were put in place as the Van Sweringen Company laid out Shaker Heights, Ohio, an exclusive planned community, incorporated in 1912. In 1925, as African Americans and Jews sought to purchase property there, the company devised and implemented a new restriction that, while containing no overtly discriminatory language, succeeded in achieving the company’s discriminatory objective. The company and, later, the City of Shaker Heights would continue to enforce this restriction well beyond 1948 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled religious and racial covenants unenforceable.
Contemplating Co-Occurring Cultures
Authors: De Santis Joseph P. , Quidley-Rodriguez Narciso , Valdes Beatriz , Alves Steve L. , Provencio-Vasquez Elias
Published: August 2018

Introduction

HIV infection continues to be a serious health concern globally. Of the 1.2 million people with HIV infection in the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for 57% of cases. Hispanic/Latino individuals accounted for 24% of new HIV diagnoses, with male-to-male sexual contact responsible for the majority of cases. A factor in HIV prevention is the sexual decision-making process. The purpose of this study was to describe the process by which sexual decision making occurs among Hispanic MSM.

Method

Utilizing a grounded theory approach, 19 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted from participants ages 25 to 65 years living in South Florida. After consent, participants completed an in-depth interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed to identify categories and subcategories.

Findings

A theory grounded in the data called Contemplating Co-Occurring Cultures (Hispanic, gay, and health cultures) emerged that described the central phenomenon. These co-occurring cultures were the foundation of sexual decision making among participants.

Conclusion

Clinicians providing care to this population should be aware of the complexity of the sexual decision-making process. Awareness of these factors may provide the opportunity for HIV risk reduction strategies developed specifically for Hispanic MSM.
New Evidence for Flower Predation on Three Parasitic Rafflesia Species From Java
Authors: Kusuma Yayan Wahyu C. , Noerwana Ona , Isagi Yuji
Published: August 2018

Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is a genus of parasitic plants that is endemic to Southeast Asia. Many species in this genus are of high conservation concern in many countries due to their rare and threatened status. However, the ecology of Rafflesia species is not yet fully understood, particularly in terms of flower predation. Here, we present new observations of predation on a Rafflesia patma flower bud using a camera-trap study, together with the results of a survey of flower damage in the three Rafflesia species that occur on Java, Indonesia. We found that two small mammals predated a flower bud of R. patma in Pangandaran (West Java, Indonesia), one of which has not previously been identified as a predator of Rafflesia flowers. We also detected wasp infection in Rafflesia rochussenii and predation by another animal on Rafflesia zollingeriana. Overall, flower bud predation by animals damaged up to 10.65% of the surveyed flowers.
Quantitative T2 MRI Mapping and 12-Month Follow-up in a Randomized, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Trial of Bone Marrow Aspiration and Concentration for Osteoarthritis of the Knees
Authors: Shapiro Shane A. , Arthurs Jennifer R. , Heckman Michael G. , Bestic Joseph M. , Kazmerchak Shari E. , Diehl Nancy N. , Zubair Abba C. , O’Connor Mary I.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Bone marrow aspiration and concentration (BMAC) is becoming a more common regenerative therapy for musculoskeletal pathology. In our current pilot study, we studied patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral knee osteoarthritis, compared pain at 12-month follow-up between BMAC-injected and saline-injected knees, and examined cartilage appearance measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 quantitative mapping.

Design

Twenty-five patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral osteoarthritic knee pain were randomized to receive BMAC into one knee and saline placebo into the other. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crests, concentrated in an automated centrifuge, combined with platelet-poor plasma for knee injection, and compared with saline injection into the contralateral knee. Primary outcome measures were T2 MRI cartilage mapping at 6-month and Visual Analog Scale and Osteoarthritis Research Society International Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain scores and radiographs at 12-month follow-up.

Results

Constant, intermittent, and overall knee pain remained significantly decreased from baseline at 12-month follow-up (all P ⩽ 0.01), with no apparent difference between BMAC- and saline-treated knees (all P ⩾ 0.54). A similar significant increase from baseline to 12-month follow-up regarding quality of life was observed for both BMAC- and saline-treated knees (all P ⩽ 0.04). T2 quantitative MRI mapping showed no significant changes as a result of treatment.

Conclusions

BMAC is safe to perform and relieves pain from knee arthritis but showed no superiority to saline injection at 12-month follow-up. MRI cartilage sequences failed to show regenerative benefit with single BMAC injection. The mechanisms of action that led to pain relief remain unclear and warrant further studies.
Intra-Articular Delivery of Quercetin Using Thermosensitive Hydrogel Attenuate Cartilage Degradation in an Osteoarthritis Rat Model
Authors: Mok Sze-Wing , Fu Sai-Chuen , Cheuk Yau-Chuk , Chu I-Ming , Chan Kai-Ming , Qin Ling , Yung Shu-Hang , Kevin Ho Ki-Wai
Published: August 2018

Objective

Quercetin (Que), a bioflavonoid, is both anti-inflammatory and antioxidative. Que has been used as an oral supplement for osteoarthritis (OA) with inconsistent findings because of its low bioavailability. We encapsulated Que in a mPEG-polypeptide thermogel to prolong its bioactivity. The efficacy of this formulation was evaluated in a posttraumatic OA rat model.

Design

Methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-l-poly(alanine) (mPEG-PA) polymer was synthesized and characterized in terms of cytotoxicity and release kinetics in vitro. At 12 weeks old, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). At 24 weeks post-operation, rats received either an intra-articular (IA) injection of saline, hydrogel, or hydrogel with Que (50 or 500 μg). Gait analysis was performed at pre-ACLT, pre-treatment, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. At 12 weeks post-treatment, knee joints were collected for histopathological evaluation.

Results

In vitro studies showed that chondrocytes were viable after 72 hours of incubation with mPEG-PA, and the release of Que could be sustained for >28 days. Among all OA rats, the limb idleness index (LII) were significantly increased at 24 weeks post-ACLT. Rats that received hydrogel with Que (50 μg) showed the most reduction in LII at both 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment. The Osteoarthritis Research Society International score of rats received hydrogel with Que (50 μg) was significantly lower than the control group. All rats suffered from low-grade synovitis (Krenn score: 2-4).

Conclusion

This study suggests that a sustained delivery of Que (50 μg) could provide symptom relief and also delay the progression of OA in the knee.
To what extent are members of an online panel willing to share different data types? A conjoint experiment
Authors: Ochoa Carlos , Revilla Melanie
Published: August 2018

Recently, the idea of ‘data fusion’, that is, of combining different types of data, became quite popular because of the advances of new technologies. In particular, several studies started investigating the possibility of combining survey data with other data types in order to get a more complete or accurate picture of the reality and/or to reduce survey burden. One key element, then, is the willingness of people to share different types of data, beyond survey answers. In this article, we investigate to what extent members from an opt-in online panel in Spain are willing to share different types of information that have in general not been studied before in the literature: records of their surrounding sound (audiotracking), information from their email inbox (in different ways, sharing the email credentials, using an email plug-in or redirecting emails, partially or totally), sensorial reactions measured by a wearable device (neuroscience) and public information about them available online. We use a choice-based conjoint analysis in order to study the level of willingness depending on the incentives offered in exchange, and we present the level of willingness by gender and age groups. Overall, we find huge differences in the level of willingness across data types. Increasing the incentives, on the contrary, does not improve the willingness so much, even if there is a positive trend. Some differences are observed across gender and age groups but most of them are not statistically significant.
Thromboprophylaxis in Adults With Atrio-Pulmonary Fontan
Authors: Small Adam J. , Aboulhosn Jamil A. , Lluri Gentian
Published: August 2018

Background:

Although aspirin has been compared to warfarin for thromboembolic prophylaxis in the general Fontan population, little is known about the optimal preventative strategy for the atriopulmonary right atrium–pulmonary artery [RA-PA]) Fontan particularly.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed including adult patients identified in the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center database with a history of RA-PA Fontan and use of either aspirin or warfarin as most recent primary prophylaxis against thromboembolism. Primary outcome was incident thromboembolism, defined as space-occupying lesion on imaging consistent with thrombus within the Fontan or pulmonary arterial circuit. Secondary outcomes were death, transplantation, Fontan conversion, and bleeding requiring either transfusion or invasive intervention. Follow-up was terminated upon achievement of a primary outcome or achievement of a secondary outcome other than bleeding. Kaplan-Meier analysis of freedom from thrombosis was performed.

Results:

Twenty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Thirteen (50%) received aspirin as most recent primary prophylaxis and 13 (50%) received warfarin. Tricuspid atresia was the most common underlying diagnosis (42%), followed by double-inlet left ventricle (38%). Median age at Fontan operation was 8.2 years; median age at prophylaxis initiation was 25.9 years. After six years, the aspirin group had 50% ± 35% freedom from thrombosis and the warfarin group 92% ± 8% ( P = .15). Incidences of secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of long-term Fontan survivors with RA-PA Fontan, the risk of thromboembolic complications is high, especially in those taking aspirin rather than warfarin. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Aortic Arch Homograft Reconstruction of Nonconfluent Pulmonary Arteries During Extracardiac Fontan
Authors: Sughimoto Koichi , Sanatani Shubhayan , Gandhi Sanjiv K.
Published: August 2018

Reconstruction of nonconfluent pulmonary arteries during Fontan completion is a challenging technical issue. In this case report, we describe the use of an aortic homograft, including the aortic arch, to complete a Fontan and reconstruct the pulmonary artery confluence in a child with discontinuous pulmonary arteries and bilateral superior caval veins who had undergone bilateral unidirectional Glenn palliation. The configuration of the aortic homograft was ideal to ensure laminar flow from the inferior vena cava to both pulmonary arteries and in maintaining durable elastance posterior to the native aorta.
Pockets of Excellence: Teacher Beliefs and Behaviors That Lead to High Student Achievement at Low Achieving Schools
Authors: Schmid Regula
Published: August 2018

This qualitative multiple case study examined the beliefs and behaviors of three teachers who worked at former Reading First Schools and whose student population consistently scored 10% above state average on the California Standards Test (CST) in English language arts. Test scores of all teachers who taught under the Reading First initiative at 29 schools in a county in Southern California were considered. Consent to participate was secured for three teachers who met the study’s selection criteria. To identify the behaviors and beliefs of these teachers, the researcher conducted classroom observations and interviews with the teachers and their principals. The information gathered was coded and triangulated, and then reported by themes. The findings revealed that participating teachers believed that all students could and would learn, and that student learning was a direct reflection of their teaching. They also believed that for learning to take place, teachers engaged in their own professional learning and provided appropriate instruction. Professional learning included collaborating with colleagues and analyzing student data. Appropriate instruction included behaviors that engaged students in learning activities and provided a positive class climate. The findings of this study will contribute to teachers’ and school principals’ understanding of behaviors and beliefs of effective teachers. The study findings might also inform professional development for teachers and identify areas in which more research would be beneficial to the field of education in general and the teaching profession in particular.
What Majority-minority Society? A Critical Analysis of the Census Bureau’s Projections of America’s Demographic Future
Authors: Alba Richard
Published: August 2018

On the basis of demographic projections by the U.S. Census Bureau, many Americans believe that their society will transition soon to a majority-minority one. The author analyzes the latest version of the projections and finds that the pivotal group is made up of individuals who come from mixed minority-white family backgrounds. It is projected to grow very rapidly in coming decades, and Census Bureau classification practices mean that most of its members are counted as minority. Without this classification, however, the emergence of a majority-minority society by 2060 is far from certain. Moreover, the evidence we possess about the characteristics, social affiliations, and identities of mixed individuals contradicts this Census Bureau practice, except for partly black individuals, who suffer from high levels of racism. Taking into account the ambiguous social locations of most mixed minority-white persons, the author suggests that, even should a majority-minority society appear, it will not look like we presently imagine it.
Neighborhood Structure, Community Social Organization, and Residential Mobility
Authors: Sharp Gregory , Warner Cody
Published: August 2018

This article expands on classic models of residential mobility by investigating how neighborhood features influence mobility thoughts and actual mobility, with a particular focus on the role of neighborhood disorder and several indicators of community social organization. Using longitudinal data from the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, the authors find that actual mobility is more susceptible to neighborhood structural conditions than are mobility thoughts. Specifically, neighborhood physical disorder and residential turnover affect the likelihood of moving, and disorder operates through the extent that residents are socially isolated and fearful in their neighborhoods. Mobility thoughts are directly affected by resident perceptions of social cohesion, but a lack of local kinship ties and social engagement within the neighborhood increases the chances of moving. For both mobility outcomes, being satisfied with one’s neighborhood is a strong deterrent to thinking about moving as well as relocating to a new neighborhood.
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms associated with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis
Authors: Biesbroek J Matthijs , Rutgers Dirk R , van Gulik Sander , Frijns Catherina JM
Published: August 2018

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms (SUNA) is a rare form of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. SUNA is frequently associated with a trigeminal neurovascular conflict and rarely occurs secondary to other intracranial pathology. We report a patient with SUNA that was associated with ipsilateral meningeal inflammation caused by idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP). During the 9-year follow-up, she experienced multiple episodes of SUNA, most of which occurred during exacerbations of the pachymeningitis. This is the third case of SUNA associated with HP reported in the literature. Based on this observation, we suggest that in patients presenting with SUNA, besides dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the trigeminal nerve, gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI should be performed to rule out HP.
Long-term efficacy and effectiveness of a behavioural and community-based exercise intervention (Urban Training) to increase physical activity in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Arbillaga-Etxarri Ane , Gimeno-Santos Elena , Barberan-Garcia Anael , Balcells Eva , Benet Marta , Borrell Eulàlia , Celorrio Nuria , Delgado Anna , Jané Carme , Marin Alicia , Martín-Cantera Carlos , Monteagudo Mónica , Montellà Nuria , Muñoz Laura , Ortega Pilar , Rodríguez Diego A. , Rodríguez-Roisin Robert , Simonet Pere , Torán-Monserrat Pere , Torrent-Pallicer Jaume , Vall-Casas Pere , Vilaró Jordi , Garcia-Aymerich Judith
Published: August 2018

There is a need to increase and maintain physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed 12-month efficacy and effectiveness of the Urban Training intervention on physical activity in COPD patients.

This randomised controlled trial (NCT01897298) allocated 407 COPD patients from primary and hospital settings 1:1 to usual care (n=205) or Urban Training (n=202). Urban Training consisted of a baseline motivational interview, advice to walk on urban trails designed for COPD patients in outdoor public spaces and other optional components for feedback, motivation, information and support (pedometer, calendar, physical activity brochure, website, phone text messages, walking groups and a phone number). The primary outcome was 12-month change in steps·day−1 measured by accelerometer.

Efficacy analysis (with per-protocol analysis set, n=233 classified as adherent to the assigned intervention) showed adjusted (95% CI) 12-month difference +957 (184–1731) steps·day−1 between Urban Training and usual care. Effectiveness analysis (with intention-to-treat analysis set, n=280 patients completing the study at 12 months including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients) showed no differences between groups. Leg muscle pain during walks was more frequently reported in Urban Training than usual care, without differences in any of the other adverse events.

Urban Training, combining behavioural strategies with unsupervised outdoor walking, was efficacious in increasing physical activity after 12 months in COPD patients, with few safety concerns. However, it was ineffective in the full population including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients.
Transcriptome profiling reveals the complexity of pirfenidone effects in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Gungl Anna , Wilhelm Jochen , Marsh Leigh M. , Thekkekara Puthenparampil Helene , Sinn Katharina , Didiasova Miroslava , Klepetko Walter , Kosanovic Djuro , Schermuly Ralph T. , Wujak Lukasz , Weiss Benjamin , Schaefer Liliana , Schneider Marc , Kreuter Michael , Olschewski Andrea , Seeger Werner , Olschewski Horst , Wygrecka Malgorzata
Published: August 2018

Despite the beneficial effects of pirfenidone in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), it remains unclear if lung fibroblasts (FB) are the main therapeutic target.

To resolve this question, we employed a comparative transcriptomic approach and analysed lung homogenates (LH) and FB derived from IPF patients treated with or without pirfenidone.

In FB, pirfenidone therapy predominantly affected growth and cell division pathways, indicating a major cellular metabolic shift. In LH samples, pirfenidone treatment was mostly associated with inflammation-related processes. In FB and LH, regulated genes were over-represented in the Gene Ontology node “extracellular matrix”. We identified lower expression of cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) in both LH and FB from pirfenidone-treated IPF patients. Plasma levels of CEMIP were elevated in IPF patients compared to healthy controls and decreased after 7 months of pirfenidone treatment. CEMIP expression in FB was downregulated in a glioma-associated oncogene homologue-dependent manner and CEMIP silencing in IPF FB reduced collagen production and attenuated cell proliferation and migration.

Cumulatively, our approach indicates that pirfenidone exerts beneficial effectsviaits action on multiple pathways in both FB and other pulmonary cells, through its ability to control extracellular matrix architecture and inflammatory reactions.
Continuous positive airway pressure effect on visual acuity in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: West Sophie D. , Prudon Benjamin , Hughes Joan , Gupta Rajen , Mohammed Seid B. , Gerry Stephen , Stradling John R. ,   for the ROSA trial investigators
Published: August 2018

We sought to establish whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) improved visual acuity.

We randomly assigned 131 eligible patients aged 30–85 years from 23 UK centres with significant DMO causing visual impairment (LogMAR letters identified ≥39 and ≤78, score 0.92–0.14) plus severe OSA on screening to either usual ophthalmology care (n=67) or usual ophthalmology care plus CPAP (n=64) for 12 months.

Mean age of participants was 64 years, 73% male, mean body mass index 35.0 kg·m−2. Mean 4% oxygen desaturation index was 36 events·h−1. There was no significant difference in the visual acuity at 12 months between the CPAP group and the control group (mean LogMAR 0.33 (95% CI 0.29–0.37)versus0.31 (95% CI 0.27–0.35); p=0.39), and no significant correlation between change in LogMAR and average CPAP use. The median±sd(range) daily CPAP use was 3.33±2.25 (0–7.93) h at 3 months, 3.19±2.54 (0–8.07) h at 6 months and 3.21±2.70 (0–7.98) h at 12 months.

CPAP therapy for OSA did not improve visual acuity in people with type 2 diabetes and DMO compared with usual care alone over 12 months.
Shot repetition: An alternative seismic blending code in marine acquisition
Authors: Wu Sixue , Blacquière Gerrit , Adriaan van Groenestijn Gert-Jan
Published: August 2018

In blended seismic acquisition, or simultaneous source seismic acquisition, source encoding is essential at the acquisition stage to allow for separation of the blended sources at the processing stage. In land seismic surveys, the vibroseis sources may be encoded with near-orthogonal sweeps for blending. In marine seismic surveys, the sweep type of source encoding is difficult because the main source type in marine seismic exploration is the air-gun array, which has an impulsive character. Another issue in marine streamer seismic data acquisition is that the spatial source sampling is generally coarse. This hinders the deblending performance of algorithms based on the random time delay blending code that inherently requires a dense source sampling because they exploit the signal coherency in the common-receiver domain. We have developed an alternative source code called shot repetition that exploits the impulsive character of the marine seismic source in blending. This source code consists of repeated spikes of ones and can be realized physically by activating a broadband impulsive source more than once at (nearly) the same location. Optimization of the shot-repetition type of blending code was done to improve the deblending performance. As a result of using shot repetition, the deblending process can be carried out in individual shot gathers. Therefore, our method has no need for a regular dense source sampling: It can cope with irregular sparse source sampling; it can help with real-time data quality control. In addition, the use of shot repetition is beneficial for reducing the background noise in the deblended data. We determine the feasibility of our method on numerical examples.
Beneficial Intervertebral Disc and Muscle Adaptations in High-Volume Road Cyclists
Authors: BELAVY DANIEL L. , QUITTNER MATTHEW , RIDGERS NICOLA D. , LING YUAN , CONNELL DAVID , TRUDEL GUY , RANTALAINEN TIMO
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Cycling is widely practiced as a mode of transportation, a leisurely pursuit, and a competitive sport. Approximately half of cyclists experience low back pain. Yet, there has been limited study of spine tissue adaptations due to cycling.

Methods

To investigate potential risk factors for spinal pain, we compared 18 high-volume cyclists (>150 km·wk−1 for ≥5 yr) to 18 height-matched nonsporting referents. Participants had no history of spinal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify intervertebral disc (IVD) morphology and hydration, and psoas, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and multifidus muscle size and fat content. Endurance of trunk muscles (flexors and extensors) was measured, and physical activity levels were assessed objectively using accelerometry.

Results

Cyclists’ IVD showed prolonged T2 time (+10.0% ± 17.3%; P = 0.021), implying better IVD hydration and glycosaminoglycan content, compared with referents. Lower thoracic and upper lumbar IVD T2 time were longer in cyclists (P ≤ 0.029) but not at the lower lumbar spine. T2 time differences were larger in the nucleus pulposus compared with the annulus fibrosus. Cyclists showed larger psoas muscles with less fat content compared with referents. Cyclists also exhibited longer isometric trunk endurance times (P ≤ 0.036) and higher physical activity levels (osteogenic index, P = 0.038).

Conclusion

Despite previous studies reporting higher than average prevalence of back pain in cyclists, the high-volume road cyclists in our cohort showed no anatomical or functional deficiency in spinal structures. By contrast, we found evidence for beneficial adaptations to the IVD and psoas muscles in high-volume cyclists compared with referents. These data support the notion that cycling is not detrimental to the spine, rather, by contrast, may be associated with beneficial changes at the spine.