bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Self-Rated Physical Health After Moving Into Permanent Supportive Housing
Authors: Rhoades Harmony , Wenzel Suzanne L. , Henwood Benjamin F.
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Homelessness is associated with poor health outcomes and heightened risk of premature mortality. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a key solution for ending homelessness, but there is insufficient evidence of a relationship between PSH and improvements in physical health. Self-rated health—a consistent predictor of mortality—is a meaningful approach to understanding health improvements in PSH.

Design:

Longitudinal, observational design with interviews at baseline, 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months (with 91% retention at 12-months).

Setting:

Permanent supportive housing in Los Angeles, CA.

Subjects:

Four hundred twenty-one adults moving into PSH (baseline interview prior to/within 5 days of housing).

Measures:

Three self-rated health assessments: general health status, and limitations to physical and social activity because of health problems.

Results:

Generalized Estimating Equations (controlling for demographics and important health covariates; n = 420) found self-rated general health status improved between baseline and 3-months (coef: 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.24) and persisted at 12-months (coef: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05-0.27). Improvements in limitations to physical or social activity because of health problems started at 6-months posthousing (physical: coef: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12-0.39; social: coef: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.32) and persisted through 12-months (physical: coef: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.01-0.27; social: coef: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.02-0.29).

Conclusions:

Despite limitations associated with observational study design, these findings provide further evidence that PSH may improve health among those with homelessness histories.
Cancer-Related Fatigue: Perception of Effort or Task Failure?
Authors: Fernandez Carlos , Firdous Shagufta , Jehangir Waqas , Behm Bertrand , Mehta Zankhana , Berger Andrea , Davis Mellar
Published: May 2019

Context:

Patient’s rating of perceived effort (RPE) is used to assess central fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is believed to be of central origin. The increased RPE with a motor task, such as the Finger-Tapping Test (FTT), can easily be measured in the clinical setting.

Objectives:

To correlate the FTT, RPE and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) rated fatigue severity in patients with cancer.

Methods:

Subjective fatigue was assessed in adult patients with cancer by the BFI. Participants performed a modified FTT with the index finger of the dominant hand: 15 seconds × 2, 30 seconds × 2, and 60 seconds × 2 with 1 minute of rest between each time trial. Rating of perceived effort at the end of task was measured by the Borg 10 scale.

Exclusions:

Brain metastasis, history of brain radiation, Parkinson disease, Huntington Chorea, multiple sclerosis, delirium, and depression. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to describe the relationships between BFI, FTT, and Borg 10 scale.

Results:

Thirty patients participated. Mean age was 56.2. Sixteen were females (53.3%). The mean BFI mean was 4.1, median 4.4. Tapping rate did not correlate with fatigue severity. The RPE correlated with the mean BFI: r s 0.438, P = .0155. These correlations persisted after adjustment for age.

Conclusion:

An increased RPE in the absence of task failure suggests that the origin of CRF is central. The performance of an FTT with RPE helps to improve our understanding of fatigue in the clinical setting.
Science, Values, and Science Communication: Competencies for Pushing Beyond the Deficit Model
Authors: Seethaler Sherry , Evans John H. , Gere Cathy , Rajagopalan Ramya M.
Published: May 2019

The deficit (knowledge transmission) model of science communication is widespread and resistant to change, highlighting the limited influence of science communication research on practice. We argue that scholar–practitioner partnerships are key to operationalizing science communication scholarship. To demonstrate, we present a transformative product of one such partnership: a set of ethics and values competencies to foster effective communication with diverse audiences about scientific research and its implications. The 10 competencies, focused on acknowledging values, understanding complexities of decision making, strategies to deal with uncertainty, and diversifying expertise and authority, provide a guiding framework for re-envisioning science communication professional development.
The 2015 and 2016 U.S. Homicide Rate Increases in Context
Authors: McDowall David
Published: May 2019

The U.S. homicide rate increases of 2015-2016 occurred within a longer recorded history of trend variations. This article examines the place of the 2 years within this history and considers if they were unusual. An analysis of more than five decades of panel data finds that 2015 and 2016 were, in fact, somewhat unusual, but not far outside the normal range of variation. The analysis also provides no evidence that changes like those in 2015-2016 can predict future trends. As a more general matter, this article argues for increased attention to the typical characteristics of crime rate changes.
Anatomy of the Homicide Rise
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard , Fox James Alan
Published: May 2019

After declining for over two decades, homicides in the United States rose sharply in 2015 and 2016. We dissect the homicide rise by characteristics of the victims, offenders, and incidents and devote special attention to the similarities and differences in homicide growth by race. The results indicate that the upturn was demographically and geographically pervasive and encompassed multiple event circumstances. Regardless of whether the 2014 to 2016 homicide spike was a short-run aberration in the long-term crime drop or augurs an extended increase in lethal violence, it should be explained. We offer some general directions for explanatory research on the homicide rise.
Factors associated with outcome after successful radiological intervention in arteriovenous fistulas: A retrospective cohort
Authors: Manou-Stathopoulou Sotiria , Robinson Emily J , Harvey John Julian , Karunanithy Narayan , Calder Francis , Robson Michael G
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Arteriovenous fistulas are the best form of vascular access for haemodialysis. A radiological balloon angioplasty is the standard treatment for a clinically relevant stenosis, but the recurrence rate is high. Data on factors associated with recurrence are limited.

Methods:

A single centre, retrospective analysis was performed for 124 consecutive patients who had successful interventions for dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae, to examine factors associated with post-intervention patency. Follow-up was at least 1 year for all patients. Variables associated with primary and cumulative patency were pre-specified and assessed using both un-adjusted (univariate) and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Analysis was repeated for a subgroup of 80 patients with a single lesion only in order to examine the potential effects of stenotic lesion characteristics on patency.

Results:

Factors found to have a significant association with poorer outcomes (less time to loss of patency) included thrombosis at the time of intervention and a history of previous intervention. Fistula age (log days) was significantly associated with better outcomes (greater time to loss of patency). Non-white ethnicity, lesion length, and patient age were also significantly associated with accelerated loss of patency.

Discussion:

The factors we have identified as linked to poor outcome may help to identify patients in whom a balloon angioplasty is unlikely to provide a durable outcome. This may prompt exploring alternative treatment or dialysis options at an early stage.
Comparison of Bone Mineral Densitometry at 2 Sites Versus 3 Sites in Patients Suspicious for Osteoporosis
Authors: Azami Ahad , Anari Hasan , Iranparvar Manouchehr , Azizi Amin , Habibzadeh Afshin
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

In this study, we aim to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) results of 2 standard sites with 3 sites including wrist in diagnosing osteoporosis.

Methods:

We evaluated the BMD results of 1272 individuals referred for suspected osteoporosis between 2012 and 2015. Those individuals were included with BMD at lumbar spine, femur neck, and wrist. Bone mineral density was measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) device. Bone mineral density and T score were measured for all 3 sites.

Results:

There was significant correlation between wrist T score with hip T score ( r = 0.606, P < .001) and lumbar T score ( r = 0.527, P < .001). With BMD of 2 sites, patients had osteopenia in 46.3% and osteoporosis in 23.7%, while by adding wrist T-BMD, subjects had osteopenia in 46.6% and osteoporosis in 33%. Between BMD at 2 sites and 3 sites, there was concordance in 81.9%, minor discordance in 17.6%, and major discordance in 0.5%.

Conclusions:

We observed discordance between BMD measurements of 2 sites and 3 sites, with latter detecting more cases with osteoporosis. In fact, measurement of T scores of wrist along with lumbar and femur neck improves the diagnosis.
Buddhist evaluation: Applying a Buddhist world view to the Most Significant Change Technique
Authors: Dinh Kathryn , Worth Heather , Haire Bridget
Published: May 2019

Culturally responsive evaluation recognises the existence of diverse ontologies and epistemologies or understandings of existence and ways that people know, reason and perceive the world respectively. Its exponents argue that these should be reflected in evaluation practice. Buddhism has a significant global influence today, particularly in some countries in South East and East Asia, where it is practised by a large majority of the population. In this article, we suggest an applied approach to culturally responsive evaluation by first analysing the ontologies and epistemologies underpinning Buddhism and the Most Significant Change technique, a participatory method for monitoring and evaluation that involves the collection of stories of significant change. We then identify where these converge and diverge. Finally, we suggest practical ways in which the Most Significant Change technique could be adapted to enhance its compatibility with a Buddhist world view.
In and out of control: Portraying older women in contemporary Finnish comedy films
Authors: Varjakoski Hanna
Published: May 2019

This article analyzes representations of older women in contemporary Finnish film. It focuses on comedies since traditionally the genre has granted older female characters more visibility and offered a space where stereotypes can be dissolved, alternatives imagined and the conventional contested. The article sets out to investigate what kinds of representational spaces the figures of an elderly mother with dementia, a ‘bag lady’, an older female warrior and a mature woman ‘gone wild’ open up in the films Playing Solo (2007), The Garbage Prince (2011), Off the Map (2014) and Off Key (2014). The article proposes that the cultural legacy of designating Finnish women as ‘strong’ shapes the portrayals of older women in contemporary film, yet asks whether it is possible for an older female character to be transgressive and counterstereotypical without recourse to humor. I will demonstrate that older women who are ‘too’ non-conforming, rebellious or independent need to be somehow regulated and deflated. They are placed at the very margins of cultural womanhood and society, rendered as cognitively impaired, portrayed in a humorous vein and figured as being ‘out of control’. Consequently, these practices support what is understood as being socially and culturally (un)acceptable for older women. By investigating non-Hollywood and non-Anglophone films, this article adds to existing studies on representations of older women by analyzing the ways in which global and local influences conflate in them.
Relinquishing control in focus groups: the use of activities in feminist research with young people to improve moderator performance
Authors: Walters Rosie
Published: May 2019

This article explores the possibility for researchers to embrace the unpredictability of focus groups by using activities as a stimulus for conversation. Reflecting on a recent study with young women in Bristol exploring their perceptions of celebrity feminists, it argues that using writing and drawing activities forces the researcher to relinquish control, and their role as questioner and as expert, to the participants. Furthermore, by analysing the ways in which I frequently became uncomfortable at the consequences of this loss of control, trying to regain it and failing, I argue that the activities forced me to fully commit to the feminist ideals of research that I subscribed to, particularly redressing the hierarchical relationships in research settings. Finally, the article discusses the implications of these findings in feminist research, and the need more broadly to reflect on how methodological decisions impact on researchers’ own performances in focus groups.
Long-Term Results of Bilateral Lung Transplantation in Patients With End-Stage Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Salman Jawad , Ius Fabio , Sommer Wiebke , Siemeni Thierry , Fleissner Felix , Alhadidi Hani , Kugler Christiane , Avsar Murat , Haverich Axel , Warnecke Gregor , Tudorache Igor , Kuhn Christian
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease in women, leading to progressive deterioration of lung function and respiratory failure. We describe the outcome of patients with end-stage LAM who underwent lung transplantation at our center.

Materials and Methods:

The records of patients with LAM transplanted at our institution between February 1997 and May 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Morbidity and mortality were analyzed, and actuarial survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. The cumulative survival of transplant patients with LAM at our center was compared with survival after transplantation due to different diseases at our center and the results of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Quality of life was assessed by a patient self-report at the end of the first postoperative year.

Results:

During the study period, 25 patients underwent lung transplantation for LAM. All patients were women with a mean age of 50 (9) years. Thirteen patients (52%) had undergone previous thoracotomy. All patients (100%) received bilateral lung transplantation. One (4%) case of in-hospital mortality occurred and 9 (36%) late deaths. Two (8%) cases of late death were due to chronic lung allograft dysfunction. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 92%, 84%, and 76%, respectively. Quality-of-life ratings were above the normal in all eight 36-Item Short Form Health Survey subscales 1 year after transplantation.

Conclusions:

Lung transplantation offers a valuable therapy for patients with end-stage pulmonary LAM.
TMA-93 for Diagnosing Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Comparison With the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test
Authors: Rodrigo-Herrero Silvia , Carnero-Pardo Cristóbal , Méndez-Barrio Carlota , De Miguel-Tristancho Miguel , Graciani-Cantisán Eugenia , Sánchez-Arjona María Bernal , Maillet Didier , Jiménez-Hernández María Dolores , Franco-Macías Emilio
Published: May 2019

Background:

TMA-93 examines binding by images, an advantage for the less educated individuals.

Aim:

To compare the discriminative validity of TMA-93 against the picture version of Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) to distinguish patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) from normal controls (NCs) without excluding less educated individuals.

Methods:

Design:

Phase I diagnostic evaluation study.

Participants:

A total of 30 patients with aMCI and 30 NCs matched for sociodemographics variables.

Statistical Analysis:

The diagnostic accuracy for each test was calculated by conducting receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Hanley and McNeil method was used to compare diagnostic accuracy of different tests on the same sample.

Results:

Up to 41.7% of the sample had less than a first grade of education. Both tests showed excellent diagnostic accuracy. The comparisons did not show significant differences.

Conclusions:

TMA-93 is so accurate as FCSRT to differentiate aMCI from controls including less educated individuals. The test could be considered as a choice in this sociodemographic context.
Update of Arthropod Containment Guidelines
Authors: Fontes Benjamin
Published: May 2019

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene’s American Committee of Medical Entomology has released their updated edition (Version 3.2) of the Arthropod Containment Guidelines. The Guidelines were written to provide pertinent risk assessment and risk management information for the safe handling and rearing of arthropods used in research. The format of the Guidelines is like the outline used in the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. Four Arthropod Containment Levels (ACLs) are described, with increasing requirements for safety and security from ACL-1 to ACL-4. Each containment level provides information on standard practices, including standard and special practices, storage, labeling, monitoring and trapping escaped arthropods, training, medical surveillance, safety equipment, and facility design.
Chronotypology: A Comparative Method for Analyzing Game Time
Authors: Jayemanne Darshana
Published: May 2019

This article presents a methodology called “chronotypology” which aims to facilitate literary studies approaches to video games by conceptualizing game temporality. The method develops a comparative approach to how video games structure temporal experience, yielding an efficient set of terms—“diachrony,” “synchrony,” and “unstable signifier”—through which to analyze gaming’s “heterochronia” or temporal complexity. This method also yields an approach to the contentious topic of video game narrative which may particularly recommend it to literary scholars with an interest in the form. Along with some examples from conventional games, a close reading of the “reality-inspired” game Bury Me, My Love will serve to demonstrate the use of a chronotypological approach.
Prediction on soil-ground vibration induced by high-speed moving train based on artificial neural network model
Authors: Fang Lei , Yao Jinbao , Xia He
Published: May 2019

Vibration prediction plays a vital role in the environmental assessment of new railway lines and the vibration analysis of new buildings near railway lines. We use theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field experiment, which can help predict vibration with high accuracy. These methods have their own advantages, but are time-consuming or costlier. This article outlines a fast, high-accuracy prediction method combining the advantages of numerical simulation, experiment, and artificial neural network. The method takes artificial neural network as one of the supervised machine learnings, and it is founded upon a fully validated three-dimensional finite element model. First, establish a three-dimensional finite element model using ANSYS software and generate series of samples by changing field conditions. Then, create an artificial neural network and train it by the samples obtained from FEM and experiment. Finally, use the artificial neural network that has been trained to predict the level of vibration on certain conditions. The result states that the predicted method can control the maximum error below 6.41% and the average error below 2.29% when it is used to predict acceleration vibration level. An advantage of this method is that it spends zero time on predicting vibration level. A key benefit from this decreased prediction time is that it potentially reduces the detailed vibration analyses required for a new train line so that it can reduce project costs. In addition, it could also consider the effect of soil parameters.
Scheduling overnight trains for improving both last and first train services in an urban subway network
Authors: Wang Yuqiang , Wei Yuguang , Zhang Qi , Shi Hua , Shang Pan
Published: May 2019

In most urban subway networks, passengers may make a transfer at night or in the early morning to arrive at their destinations. Given that passengers may confronted with transfer failure at night or long waiting in the morning, scheduling overnight trains is beneficial to both the last and first train services in the urban metro network, in particular, to minimize the number of failed transfer passengers in the last train service and the transfer waiting time for the first train service. Then, we formulate the overnight train scheduling problem as a mixed integer linear programming model based on a well-designed time-discretized space–time network. To handle large-scale applications, we decompose the proposed model into two space–time path-searching sub-problems and a semi-assignment problem through Lagrangian relaxation–based decomposition and solution framework. Finally, we adopt Beijing Subway Network as a practical case study. The results show that both the number of failed transfer passengers for last train service and the passenger transfer waiting time for first train service decrease significantly if the operators can schedule the overnight trains in Beijing Subway Network according to the optimization results of the proposed model.
Kinematics uncertainty analysis of mine bolter manipulator based on Chebyshev interval algorithms
Authors: Zhang Jun , Huang Qing-xue , Meng Wenjun , Yu Xiangdong , Meng Guoying , Ma Lifeng
Published: May 2019

A mine bolter is a fast, safe and economical support equipment, in which the manipulator is the key component for its parallel operation. In this study, the kinematics of mine bolter manipulator is selected as the research object. Aiming at the problem of the dynamic system response estimation of positive solution matrix with uncertain parameters, an interval estimation analysis method based on Chebyshev polynomial is proposed. The response envelope interval of the forward kinematics solution matrix of the manipulator with uncertain parameters is investigated using three types of surrogate models: scanning method, tensor product and collocation method. The feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are proved by a prototype test. The study of response interval with uncertain parameters has become a new method for predicting the spatial trajectory tracking and location of the manipulator to ensure that its prediction error is minimal.
Multimodal MRI characteristics of the glioblastoma infiltration beyond contrast enhancement
Authors: Yan Jiun-Lin , Li Chao , Boonzaier Natalie R. , Fountain Daniel M. , Larkin Timothy J. , Matys Tomasz , van der Hoorn Anouk , Price Stephen J.
Published: May 2019

Our inability to identify the invasive margin of glioblastomas hampers attempts to achieve local control. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been implemented clinically to delineate the margin of the tumor infiltration, its derived anisotropic (q) values can extend beyond the contrast-enhanced area and correlates closely with the tumor. However, its correlation with tumor infiltration shown on multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy1 (MRS) and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be investigated. In this study, we aimed to show tissue characteristics of the q-defined peritumoral invasion on MRS and perfusion MRI. Patients with a primary glioblastoma were included ( n = 51). Four regions of interest were analyzed; the contrast-enhanced lesion, peritumoral abnormal q region, peritumoral normal q region, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter. MRS, including choline (Cho)/creatinine (Cr), Cho/N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and NAA/Cr ratios, and the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) were analyzed. Our results showed an increase in the Cho/NAA ( p = 0.0346) and Cho/Cr ( p = 0.0219) ratios in the peritumoral abnormal q region, suggestive of tumor invasion. The rCBV was marginally elevated ( p = 0.0798). Furthermore, the size of the abnormal q regions was correlated with survival; patients with larger abnormal q regions showed better progression-free survival (median 287 versus 53 days, p = 0.001) and overall survival (median 464 versus 274 days, p = 0.006) than those with smaller peritumoral abnormal q regions of interest. These results support how the DTI q abnormal area identifies tumor activity beyond the contrast-enhanced area, especially correlating with MRS.
Towards rail-related multimodal freight exchange platforms: Exploring regulatory topics at EU level
Authors: Jain Anuradha , Bruckmann Dirk , van der Heijden Rob E.C.M. , Marchau Vincent A.W.J.
Published: May 2019

The use of online road freight transport exchanges (FTEs) in the EU-28 countries is widespread today, indicating a strong level of competition. Some exchanges attempt to distinguish themselves by developing new services, for example, warehousing services for logistics industries. In contrast, rail FTEs show a very low rate of success. Given the European Union policy goal on modal shift from road to rail and inland waterways for the next decade, there is a need to explore possibilities for improvement. This article, therefore, aims at specifying regulatory-, market-, technical- and operational success factors for implementing rail-based multimodal FTEs. It does so by exploring the success factors from established road FTEs and other successful network industries (energy and passenger transport) by performing a comparative analysis on the respective online exchanges. The theory on capability maturity development is applied, which assumes that actors engaged in a transition process steadily grow in terms of their capability to deal with various issues rising from the required transition goals. Based on the theory, a literature review and interviews, an initial capability maturity model (CMM) for FTEs is developed. Finally, learnings are summarized for the proposed multimodal FTE regarding rail and the regulatory topics for freight transport to serve as input for creating a generic CMM for online exchanges in subsequent steps of this research project. Similar research on maturity assessment of practices in online exchanges related to network industries could not be found.
Bevacizumab in metastatic small-bowel adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vergara John Paulo , Sacdalan Danielle Benedict Leoncio , Amurao-Amante Madelaine , Sacdalan Dennis Lee
Published: May 2019

Cancers of the small bowel could account for less than 5% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. Of these tumors, adenocarcinomas were the major histologic subtype and generally carried a poor prognosis. High expression of vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) could be seen in small bowel adenocarcinomas. A systematic review was conducted here to determine if bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized antibody against VEGF, could offer clinical benefit among patients with metastatic small bowel adenocarcinoma when combined with chemotherapy. A search for relevant published and unpublished studies was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISRCTN registry. Information on study design, methods, intervention, and outcomes were extracted from selected eligible studies. Methodological quality was then assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. There was a significant improvement in mean overall survival with the addition of bevacizumab with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone. The use of bevacizumab with chemotherapy, likewise improved progression-free survival and objective response rate compared to chemotherapy alone. Continued use of bevacizumab beyond first progression also appeared to show benefit. The conduct of prospective controlled studies by consortia to offset the rarity of small bowel adenocarcinomas could further elucidate the efficacy of bevacizumab in the treatment of this disease.
An evaluation of the potential impact of standardised assessments on the promotion of pupil autonomy in Scottish education, from the perspective of Dearden’s view of autonomy
Authors: Steel Jill
Published: May 2019

Scotland is experiencing a period of radical educational transformation in the effort to raise attainment. Dearden argued for the promotion of autonomy in 1975 at another time of sweeping educational change. The principle of autonomy is firmly entrenched in Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence and seen as key to ensuring pupils develop a broad range of skills and capacities, and consequently fulfil their potential. However, while Scotland used to rank highly in international standings, it has plummeted to average in recent years, resulting in the introduction of the National Improvement Framework in attempts to address this worrying decline. Standardised assessments have been launched as part of the National Improvement Framework but have sparked a raft of criticism in the media and considerable debate in parliament. While the Scottish Government responded to concerns in a review document, this article assesses the issues from an entirely different standpoint. Utilising Dearden’s perspective on autonomy, this article examines how commensurate standardised assessments are with Scotland’s educational policy on autonomy. I contend there is little justification for the negative view of standardised assessments in principle, arguing that standardised assessments can promote autonomy rather than diminish it, on the proviso that conditions for applying standardised assessments are fully understood and resourced.
A comparative study of the Confucius Institute in the United Kingdom and the British Council in China
Authors: Cai Liexu
Published: May 2019

Since the first Confucius Institute was set up by the Chinese government for the promotion of Chinese language and culture overseas in 2004, the development of Confucius Institutes has become exponentially increasing. Currently, there are 29 Confucius Institutes in the United Kingdom among over 500 Confucius Institutes abroad; meanwhile, the activities of the British Council in China also became popular as one of the central paradigms for educational communication between China and the United Kingdom. Although there have been several studies on Confucius Institutes and British Council, respectively, little research exists about them from the international comparative perspective, with regard to both of them being cultural institutes abroad and the establishment of Confucius Institutes benefitting from the United Kingdom’s experience in promoting its national languages and culture. This article aims to discover the general similarities and differences between Confucius Institutes and the British Council in three aspects: the organisation structures and culture diffusion models, the language teaching and learning resources and activities, and the cooperation that the two institutes have with the other organisations.
Revascularisation in older adult patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: effect and impact on 6-month mortality
Authors: Bardaji Alfredo , Barrabés José A , Ribera Aida , Bueno Héctor , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Marrugat Jaume , Oristrell Gerard , Ferreira-González Ignacio
Published: May 2019

Although revascularisation in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) is associated with better outcomes, its impact in older adult patients is unclear. This is a retrospective analyses of three national NSTEACS registries conducted during the past decade in Spain. Patients aged 75 years and older were included: DESCARTES (DES; year 2002; n=534), MASCARA (MAS; 2005; n=1736) and DIOCLES (DIO; 2012; n=593). The adjusted association between revascularisation and total (inhospital and 6-month) mortality was estimated by two-stage meta-analysis (pooled effect across the three registries with inverse-variability weights) and one-stage meta-analysis (multilevel model with random effects across studies). The impact of revascularisation was assessed comparing the observed and the expected mortality based on a logistic regression model in the pooled database. Although revascularisation was associated with a lower risk of mortality in meta-analyses (two-stage: odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.67; one-stage: odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.81) and the revascularisation rate increased steadily from 2002 (DES 14.2%) to 2012 (DIO 43.7%), its impact was not patent across registries, probably because this increase was concentrated in low and medium-risk GRACE strata (tertile 1, 2 and 3: MAS 59%, 20% and 6%; DIO 64%, 39% and 19%, respectively). In conclusion, a consistent increase of revascularisation in NSTEACS in older adults was not followed by a decrease in mortality at 6 months, probably because the impact of this strategy is limited to the higher risk population, the stratum with the lowest revascularisation rate in real life.
Racial bias in legal language
Authors: Rice Douglas , Rhodes Jesse H. , Nteta Tatishe
Published: May 2019

Although racial bias in the law is widely recognized, it remains unclear how these biases are in entrenched in the language of the law, judicial opinions. In this article, we build on recent research introducing an approach to measuring the presence of implicit racial bias in large-scale corpora. Utilizing an original dataset of more than one million appellate court opinions from US state and federal courts, we estimate word embeddings for the more than 400,000 most common words found in legal opinions. In a series of analyses, we find strong and consistent evidence of implicit racial bias, as African-American names are more frequently associated with unpleasant or negative concepts, whereas European-American names are more frequently associated with pleasant or positive concepts. The results have stark implications for work on the neutrality of the legal system as well as for our understanding of the entrenchment of bias through the law.
Autologous Patch Angioplasty of a Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm and Coronary Stenosis in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Ganta Srujan , Kavarana Minoo
Published: May 2019

We describe our management of a 2-year-old patient with Kawasaki disease with a giant proximal right coronary artery (RCA) aneurysm and a >99% RCA ostial stenosis. After median sternotomy and cardioplegic arrest of the heart, we opened the aorta and cut into the RCA ostium past the stenosis and giant aneurysm. The RCA was reconstructed with an autologous pericardial patch. Cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times of 84 minutes and 114 minutes, respectively, were required. Our approach avoids mammary harvesting and grafting in such small patients while successfully treating ischemia and hopefully prevents further aneurysmal dilation over time.
Perfusion Study Helps in the Management of the Intraseptal Course of an Anomalous Coronary Artery
Authors: Agati Salvatore , Secinaro Aurelio , Caldaroni Federica , Calvaruso Davide , Manuri Lucia , Gitto Placido , Ferro Giuseppe , Anderson Robert , Vouhè Pascal R. , Zanai Rosanna , Campanella Ivana
Published: May 2019

Anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite aortic sinus of Valsalva can present in various ways, ranging from a benign and incidental finding to sudden cardiac death. The variant with an intraseptal subpulmonary course (sometimes referred to as intraconal), is widely perceived to carry a low risk of ischemia and has been considered to be a benign variant, not requiring surgical treatment. In one of our recent patients, however, nuclear scintigraphy highlighted a myocardial perfusion deficit in the territory supplied by the allegedly benign anomalous coronary artery, prompting the need for a more aggressive surgical approach.
Epicardial Echocardiography in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Stern Kenan W. D. , Emani Sitaram M. , Peek Giles J. , Geva Tal , Kutty Shelby
Published: May 2019

Epicardial echocardiography (e-echo) is a useful approach to intraoperative imaging for the smallest patients and in those with contraindications to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The e-echo has additional advantages that include improved visualization of anterior and vascular structures and three-dimensional capabilities. In this review, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of e-echo versus TEE for pediatric and congenital heart surgery with the goal of enhancing the utility and feasibility of the former among congenital heart surgeons. We also review the technique for performance of an e-echo and provide demonstrations of the images obtained for select lesions.
Pinpointing Mechanisms of a Mechanistic Treatment: Dissociable Roles for Overt and Covert Attentional Processes in Acute and Long-Term Outcomes Following Attention-Bias Modification
Authors: Price Rebecca B. , Woody Mary L. , Panny Benjamin , Siegle Greg J.
Published: May 2019

Biased patterns of attention toward threat are implicated as key mechanisms in anxiety that can be modified through automated intervention (attention-bias modification; ABM). Intervention refinement and personalized dissemination efforts are substantially hindered by gaps in understanding the precise attentional components that underlie ABM’s effects on symptoms—particularly with respect to longer-term outcomes. Seventy adults with transdiagnostic anxiety were randomized to receive eight sessions of active ABM ( n = 49) or sham training ( n = 21). Reaction time and eye-tracking data, collected at baseline, posttraining, and 1-month follow-up, dissociated multiple core attentional processes spanning overt and covert processes of engagement and disengagement. Self-reported symptoms were collected out to 1-year follow-up. Covert disengagement bias was specifically reduced by ABM, unlike all other indices. Overt disengagement bias at baseline predicted acute post-ABM outcomes, whereas covert engagement bias was nonspecifically predictive of symptom trajectories out to 1-year follow-up. Results suggest unique and dissociable roles for each discrete mechanism.
Ureteroureteral anastomosis for endometriosis involving the ureter: Case series and literature review
Authors: Goggins Emily R , Wong Marron , Lindsey Alexis , Einarsson Jon I , Cohen Sarah L
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to review operative management of endometriosis involving the ureter.

Materials and methods:

Retrospective case series of three patients undergoing resection of ureteral endometriosis with ureteroureterostomy for endometriosis involving the ureter by minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons between 2007 and 2018 at a large academic medical center in the Northeastern United States. A literature review was conducted to find cases with a similar approach.

Results:

Three cases of ureteral endometriosis surgically managed at our institution with ureteroureteral anastomosis were identified. Ureteral endometriosis was identified preoperatively by hydroureteronephrosis on imaging. Intrinsic ureteral endometriosis was confirmed by pathology in two cases; extrinsic endometriosis was grossly visualized in one case. Operative times ranged from 300 to 387 min. Estimated blood loss ranged from 150 to 250 mL. There were no intraoperative complications. A total of 151 cases with a similar approach were described in the literature. Recurrence of obstructive uropathy occurred in 11 cases.

Conclusion:

Ureteral endometriosis is a rare complication with several management options. Ureterectomy with ureteroureterostomy has been described in the literature and in three cases at our institution with low complication rates and rare stricture formation. This technique can be successful in the management of ureteral endometriosis and warrants further investigation.
“We Count What Matters”: Students’ Color-Blind “Merit-Based” Logic and the Reproduction of Inequality in a College Admissions Activity
Authors: Matthew Ervin (Maliq) , Gast Melanie Jones , Broscoe Molly
Published: May 2019

The authors introduce a college admissions simulation activity that facilitates discussions of affirmative action and racial disparities in the seemingly objective college admissions process. In this activity, students serve as mock admissions committees in small groups. On the basis of activity sheets collected from multiple courses across several institutions, the authors disclose quantitative patterns in students’ applicant choices and qualitative themes reflecting students’ decision making processes. The authors discuss how this activity and subsequent class discussion help students to recognize and think through meritocratic assumptions and color-blind practices that reproduce racial inequality.
Person-Centered Dementia Care in China: A Bilingual Literature Review
Authors: Wang Jing , Wu Bei , Bowers Barbara J. , Lepore Michael J. , Ding Ding , McConnell Eleanor S. , Corazzini Kirsten N.
Published: May 2019

We conducted a bilingual literature review of the existing studies focusing on person-centered dementia care in China. We synthesized key findings from included articles according to three overarching themes: Chinese cultural relevance of person-centered care (PCC), perceived needs for PCC for older adults in China, implementation and measurement of PCC in China, and person-centered dementia care model. We also drew on frameworks, theories, and other contents from the examined articles to develop a person-centered dementia care model with specific relevance to China. The model is a good starting point to help us operationalize globally relevant core principles of PCC in the specific sociocultural context of China. The framework will be informed by more empirical studies and evolve with the ongoing operationalization of PCC. Although PCC is a new concept and has not been vigorously or systematically studied in China, it is attracting increasing attention from Chinese researchers. More empirical studies are needed to link PCC to measurable outcomes, enrich the framework for applying PCC, and construct assessment and evaluation systems to facilitate the provision of PCC across countries and cultures. Global consortia and collaborations with multidisciplinary expertise to develop a PCC common data infrastructure that is internationally relevant for data sharing and comparison are needed.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence Competencies in Effective Teaching and Teacher’s Performance in Higher Education
Authors: Kaur Irameet , Shri Charu , Mital K. M.
Published: May 2019

The relevance of emotions in teaching is now a widely studied aspect, although contemplation on how the teachers are able to realize, regulate and control their emotions is being deliberated upon. The article attempts to understand the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) in higher education teachers and how it can be incorporated in effective teaching as emotional intelligence competencies (EIC) for superior performance. The technique of structural equation modelling (SEM) has been applied to validate and propose a model for EI-based teaching competencies and their relation with the core competencies. It was statistically proven that EIC have a strong impact on attitude of teachers which in turns contribute highest towards superior performance. The study contributes towards research in the field of EI in teaching and suggests that institutes should give critical importance to enhancement of EIC and accordingly implement suitable training programmes for ensuring effective teaching and superior performance.
Defective Endoplasmic Reticulum–Mitochondria Connection Is a Hallmark of Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Delprat Benjamin , Rieusset Jennifer , Delettre Cécile
Published: May 2019

Interactions between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are key components of essential cellular functions. Indeed, these membrane appositions are necessary for proper Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria, to regulate lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammation. We report that the ER protein WFS1 interacts with the neuronal calcium sensor protein NCS1 to regulate mitochondria associated-ER membrane formation. Mutations in the WFS1 gene are associated with Wolfram syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative disease. We demonstrated that human WFS1-deficient cells lack NCS1 and fail to tether ER and mitochondria, resulting in a decrease in Ca2+ transfer and mitochondrial respiration. Interestingly, we showed that NCS1 overexpression in WFS1-deficient cells restored ER–mitochondria interactions and calcium exchange. Our results suggest that WFS1 regulates ER tethering to mitochondria through NCS1 and that restoration of NCS1 expression could be a therapeutic tool for restoring calcium signaling at the mitochondria associated-ER membrane interface and mitochondrial function in Wolfram syndrome.
Experimental investigation of abrasive assisted hybrid EDM of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Bains Preetkanwal Singh , Mahajan Rewat , Sidhu Sarabjeet Singh , Kaur Sandeep
Published: May 2019

Hybrid electric discharge machining (EDM) has been a promising technique for improving overall machining efficiency for hard-to-cut material. This, to some extent, has been related to the conventional EDM being incompetent for mass production owing to low material removal and reduced surface quality. Hence, the powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) hybridized with abrasive jet machining (AJM) has been carried out. The tool wear rate (TWR), material removal rate (MRR) and surface finish study of titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) have been investigated. This hybrid EDM has been performed with and without abrasive jet flushing for evaluation of various eminent responses, namely MRR, TWR and SR, taking into account the input process parameters. Copper electrodes with variable inner hole diameter were used for machining of workpiece in SiCp mixed dielectric fluid. The experiments were planned and analyzed using Taguchi approach. This machining route revealed an appreciable enhancement in MRR when coupled with abrasive jet flushing and enhanced surface finish at the same time. The tool wear was significantly affected by peak current and use of SiC particulates in dielectric. In abrasive mixed flushing technique, an increase in tool erosion was spotted. Moreover, hole size, pulse-off and abrasive mixed dielectric proved to be influential in declining the surface finish of the finished component. The SEM analysis of Ti-6Al-4V samples put forward that pulse-on duration, current and type of dielectric fluid exhibited a vital influence on the topology and microstructure of machined surfaced along with their interactions.