bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Landmark-Based Method for Highly Reproducible Measurement of Left Atrial Appendage Volume in Computed Tomography
Authors: Schluchter Andrew , Jan Chelsea , Lowe Katherine , Vigneault Davis M. , Contijoch Francisco , McVeigh Elliot R.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Modern computed tomographic scanning can produce 4-dimensional images of the left atrial appendage (LAA). LAA function and morphology can then be measured, to plan interventions such as occlusion and to evaluate LAA flow for thrombogenic risk analysis. A current problem here is defining a reproducible boundary between the LAA and the left atrium.

Methods:

This study used retrospectively gated 4-dimensional computed tomographic data from 25 implantation and coronary artery imaging patients. In each patient, the LAA ostium was defined at multiple time points during the RR interval. To examine the reproducibility of the definition of the LAA ostium, 3 observers analyzed all time frames in each patient 3 times. Five nonconsecutive time frames from each patient were then compared using intraclass correlation coefficients to quantify the precision of the method across patients. The correlation of LAA volumes for each time frame of each patient was determined across the different observers (interobserver) and within each observer’s own data sets (intraobserver).

Results:

The method was successful in 92% of patients. Two-way random-effect, absolute-agreement, single-measurement intraclass correlation coefficients for interobserver measurements were 0.984, 0.990, and 0.988, with intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.989, 0.989, and 0.995. The intraclass correlation coefficient of all observations was 0.988.

Conclusions:

Classification of the LAA ostium using a stepwise procedure identifying the coumadin ridge and 2 vascular landmarks in ECG-gated computed tomography provides a viable method of establishing a highly reproducible boundary between the atrium and LAA needed to obtain LAA metrics useful for procedure planning and measuring LAA function.
Potassium-Enriched Salt Substitutes as a Means to Lower Blood Pressure
Authors: Greer Raquel C. , Marklund Matti , Anderson Cheryl A.M. , Cobb Laura K. , Dalcin Arlene T. , Henry Megan , Appel Lawrence J.
Published: December 2019

Use of salt substitutes containing potassium chloride is a potential strategy to reduce sodium intake, increase potassium intake, and thereby lower blood pressure and prevent the adverse consequences of high blood pressure. In this review, we describe the rationale for using potassium-enriched salt substitutes, summarize current evidence on the benefits and risks of potassium-enriched salt substitutes and discuss the implications of using potassium-enriched salt substitutes as a strategy to lower blood pressure. A benefit of salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride is the expected reduction in dietary sodium intake at the population level because of reformulation of manufactured foods or replacement of sodium chloride added to food during home cooking or at the dining table. There is empirical evidence that replacement of sodium chloride with potassium-enriched salt substitutes lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure (average net Δ [95% CI] in mm Hg: –5.58 [–7.08 to –4.09] and –2.88 [–3.93 to –1.83], respectively). The risks of potassium-enriched salt substitutes include a possible increased risk of hyperkalemia and its principal adverse consequences: arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, especially in people with conditions that impair potassium excretion such as chronic kidney disease. There is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of potassium-enriched salt substitutes on the occurrence of hyperkalemia. There is a need for additional empirical research on the effect of increasing dietary potassium and potassium-enriched salt substitutes on serum potassium levels and the risk of hyperkalemia, as well as for robust estimation of the population-wide impact of replacing sodium chloride with potassium-enriched salt substitutes.
Cardiovascular Effects of Pharmacological Targeting of Sphingosine Kinase 1
Authors: Józefczuk Ewelina , Nosalski Ryszard , Saju Blessy , Crespo Eva , Szczepaniak Piotr , Guzik Tomasz Jan , Siedlinski Mateusz
Published: December 2019

High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Ang II (angiotensin II), a key pro-hypertensive hormone, mediates target organ consequences such as endothelial dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy. S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate), produced by Sphk1 (sphingosine kinase 1), plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and downstream organ damage, as it controls vascular tone and regulates cardiac remodeling. Accordingly, we aimed to examine if pharmacological inhibition of Sphk1 using selective inhibitor PF543 can represent a useful vasoprotective and cardioprotective anti-hypertensive strategy in vivo. PF543 was administered intraperitoneally throughout a 14-day Ang II-infusion in C57BL6/J male mice. Pharmacological inhibition of Sphk1 improved endothelial function of arteries of hypertensive mice that could be mediated via decrease in eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) phosphorylation at T495. This effect was independent of blood pressure. Importantly, PF543 also reduced cardiac hypertrophy (heart to body weight ratio, 5.6±0.2 versus 6.4±0.1 versus 5.9±0.2 mg/g;
P
<0.05 for Sham, Ang II+placebo, and Ang II+PF543-treated mice, respectively). Mass spectrometry revealed that PF543 elevated cardiac sphingosine, that is, Sphk1 substrate, content in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq indicated a decreased expression of cardiac genes involved in actin/integrin organization, S1pr1 signaling, and tissue remodeling. Indeed, downregulation of Rock1 (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1), Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), PKC (protein kinase C), and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2) level/phosphorylation by PF543 was observed. In summary, pharmacological inhibition of Sphk1 partially protects against Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy and endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, it may represent a promising target for harnessing residual cardiovascular risk in hypertension.
Epigenetic Modifications in T Cells
Authors: Dasinger John Henry , Alsheikh Ammar J. , Abais-Battad Justine M. , Pan Xiaoqing , Fehrenbach Daniel J. , Lund Hayley , Roberts Michelle L. , Cowley Allen W. , Kidambi Srividya , Kotchen Theodore A. , Liu Pengyuan , Liang Mingyu , Mattson David L.
Published: December 2019

The SS (Dahl salt sensitive) rat is an established model of hypertension and renal damage that is accompanied with immune system activation in response to a high-salt diet. Investigations into the effects of sodium-independent and dependent components of the diet were shown to affect the disease phenotype with SS/MCW (JrHsdMcwi) rats maintained on a purified diet (AIN-76A) presenting with a more severe phenotype relative to grain-fed SS/CRL (JrHsdMcwiCrl) rats. Since contributions of the immune system, environment, and diet are documented to alter this phenotype, this present study examined the epigenetic profile of T cells isolated from the periphery and the kidney from these colonies. T cells isolated from kidneys of the 2 colonies revealed that transcriptomic and functional differences may contribute to the susceptibility of hypertension and renal damage. In response to high-salt challenge, the methylome of T cells isolated from the kidney of SS/MCW exhibit a significant increase in differentially methylated regions with a preference for hypermethylation compared with the SS/CRL kidney T cells. Circulating T cells exhibited similar methylation profiles between colonies. Utilizing transcriptomic data from T cells isolated from the same animals upon which the DNA methylation analysis was performed, a predominant negative correlation was observed between gene expression and DNA methylation in all groups. Lastly, inhibition of DNA methyltransferases blunted salt-induced hypertension and renal damage in the SS/MCW rats providing a functional role for methylation. This study demonstrated the influence of epigenetic modifications to immune cell function, highlighting the need for further investigations.
Impact of Standing Speed on the Peripheral and Central Hemodynamic Response to Orthostasis
Authors: O’Connor John D. , O’Connell Matthew D. L. , Nolan Hugh , Newman Louise , Knight Silvin P. , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: December 2019

Assessment of the cerebrovascular and cardiovascular response to standing has prognostic value for a range of outcomes in the older adult population. Studies generally attempt to control for standing speed differences by asking participants to stand in a specified time but little is known about the range of transition times observed. This study aimed to characterize how standing speed associates with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular measures following transition from supine to standing. Continuous cerebral oxygenation, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were monitored for 3 minutes after transitioning from supine to standing. An algorithm was used to calculate the time taken to transition from existing Finometer data (from the height correction unit). Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the influence of transition time on each of the signals while adjusting for covariates. Transition time ranged from 2 to 27 s with 17% of participants taking >10 s to stand. Faster transition was associated with a more extreme decrease 10 s after standing but improved recovery at 20 s for cerebral oxygenation and blood pressure. Standing faster was associated with an elevated heart rate on initiation of stand and a quicker recovery 10 to 20 s after standing. The speed of transitioning from supine to standing position is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular response in the early period after standing (<40 s). Care should be taken in the interpretation of findings which may be confounded by standing speed and statistical adjustment for standing time should be applied where appropriate.
Cholesterol Variability and Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Older Adults
Authors: Kalani Rizwan , Bartz Traci M. , Suchy-Dicey Astrid , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Psaty Bruce M. , Leung Lester Y. , Rice Kenneth , Tirschwell David , Longstreth W.T.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Serum cholesterol variability, independent of mean, has been associated with stroke, white matter hyperintensities on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other cardiovascular events. We sought to assess the relationship between total serum cholesterol (TC) variability and cranial MRI findings of subclinical or covert vascular brain injury in a longitudinal, population-based cohort study of older adults.

Methods—

In the Cardiovascular Health Study, we assessed associations between intraindividual TC mean, trend, and variability over ≈5 years with covert brain infarction (CBI) and white matter grade (WMG) on cranial MRI. Mean TC was calculated for each study participant from 4 annual TC measurements between 2 MRI scans. TC trend was calculated as the slope of the linear regression of the TC measurements, and TC variability was calculated as the SD of the residuals from the linear regression. We evaluated the association of intraindividual TC variability with incident CBI and worsening WMG between 2 MRI scans in primary analyses and with prevalent CBI number and WMG on the follow-up MRI scan in secondary analyses.

Results—

Among participants who were eligible for the study and free of clinical stroke before the follow-up MRI, 17.9% of 1098 had incident CBI, and 27.8% of 1351 had worsening WMG on the follow-up MRI. Mean, trend, and variability of TC were not associated with these outcomes. TC variability, independent of mean and trend, was significantly associated with the number of CBI (β=0.009 [95% CI, 0.003–0.016]
P
=0.004; N=1604) and was associated with WMG (β, 0.009 [95% CI, −0.0002 to 0.019]
P
=0.055; N=1602) on the follow-up MRI.

Conclusions—

Among older adults, TC variability was not associated with incident CBI or worsening WMG but was associated with the number of prevalent CBI on cranial MRI. More work is needed to validate and to clarify the mechanisms underlying such associations.
Long-Term Outcomes After Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
Authors: Boitet Rosalie , de Gaalon Solène , Duflos Claire , Marin Grégory , Mawet Jérôme , Burcin Cécilia , Roos Caroline , Fiedler Ursula , Bousser Marie-Germaine , Ducros Anne
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to further investigate the long-term outcomes after reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS).

Methods—

A longitudinal follow-up study was conducted in 173 RCVS patients.

Results—

Of the 172 patients who completed a mean follow-up of 9.2±3.3 years, 10 had a recurrent RCVS that was benign in all. Independent predictors of relapse were having a history of migraine and having exercise as a trigger for thunderclap headache during initial RCVS. After new delivery, the rate of postpartum RCVS was 9%.

Conclusions—

Overall, long-term outcome after RCVS is excellent.
End-of-Treatment Intracerebral and Ventricular Hemorrhage Volume Predicts Outcome
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Joyce Evan , Yaghi Shadi , Ansari Safdar , Delic Alen , Taussky Philipp , Alexander Matthew , Tirschwell David , Grandhi Ramesh
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Trials have shown potential clinical benefit for minimally invasive clot evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Prior research showing an association between ICH size and functional outcome did not fully address the spectrum of hematoma volumes seen after clot evacuation.

Methods—

In this secondary analysis of the MISTIE III trial (Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Alteplase for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation III), we included patients randomized to the surgical arm. The primary outcome was good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–3 at 1 year from study enrollment). The primary predictors were the end-of-treatment (EoT) ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage volumes and an end-of-treatment ICH stratification scale called the EoT ICH volume score.

Results—

In 246 patients, the end-of-treatment computed tomography was performed an average of 5 days from onset. For patients with good versus poor outcomes, the mean end-of-treatment ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage volumes were 12.9 versus 18.0 mL (
P
=0.002) and 0.5 versus 2.3 mL (
P
<0.001), respectively. The probability of a good outcome decreased from 73% for EoT ICH volume 3 (<5 mL) to 28% for EoT ICH volume 0 (>20 mL;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

After surgical clot evacuation, both ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage volumes have a strong association with good neurological outcome. The EoT ICH volume score needs independent verification, but such an approach could be used for prognostication and therapeutic planning.
A “Glorious” Dream of Awkward Romance: Humor and Desire in Wang Yun’s (1749-1819) Fanhua meng
Authors: Tan Yanbing
Published: December 2019

Wang Yun’s (1749-1819) Fanhua meng (A Dream of Glory, 1769) is one of the very few extant chuanqi plays written by women in late imperial China. Its female protagonist, who is frustrated by social restrictions placed on women, transforms into a man in a dream. The dream content revolves around the protagonist’s romantic adventures, which feature many awkward and laughable moments. As a fantasy about transgender experience, Fanhua meng has been the subject of critique for its embrace of patriarchal values as well as praise for its reflection on patriarchal depravity. These conflicting views attest to the complexity of Wang Yun’s use of humor in the play. This article explores how and why Wang Yun depicts her protagonist’s journey of desire in a comic mode, and how Wang’s contemporary male readers responded to Wang’s humor. It argues that Wang’s use of humor provides a palatable coating for a provocative reflection on the male privilege of being a desiring subject. As a whole, Wang’s play challenges the vision of worldly success promoted by the long-established and male-dominated chuanqi drama tradition. As a case study, this article draws attention to humor as a mode of self-writing for women writers in late imperial China.
Morphological and molecular data to describe a hybrid population of the Common toad (Bufo bufo) and the Spined toad (Bufo spinosus) in western France
Authors: Trujillo Tania , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Jorge , Arntzen Jan W. , Martínez-Solano Iñigo
Published: December 2019

The use of hyper-variable markers across species is often hindered by low cross-species amplification success, a reduced level of polymorphism or a high frequency of null alleles. However, optimizing sets of reliable and informative markers that can be consistently amplified and scored across taxa is key to address questions about patterns of genetic diversity and structure, hybridization and speciation. Here we present 14 newly developed microsatellite markers in the Spined toad (Bufo spinosus), assess their polymorphism in two Iberian populations and test for cross-species amplification in the closely related Common toad (Bufo bufo). We then use the 12 loci co-amplifying in both species to the study of a morphologically intermediate population (Moyaux) from the contact zone in northwest France as well as reference populations of the two species from both sides of the contact zone. Individuals from Moyaux had mtDNA haplotypes of the two species and were identified as hybrids in analyses with software NewHybrids. These results provide solid evidence for ongoing hybridization between B. bufo and B. spinosus, with no apparent restrictions to gene flow.
Feeding ecology of the culpeo in southern Ecuador: wild ungulates being the main prey
Authors: Guntiñas Marta , Lozano Jorge , Cisneros Rodrigo , Narváez Carlos , Armijos Jorge
Published: December 2019

This study details for the first time the food habits of the culpeo or Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in high areas of the Ecuadorian Andes during a complete annual cycle. Our objective was to identify prey species, calculate their contribution to diet and test for temporal variation. In total, 304 Andean fox scats were collected within the Podocarpus National Park (Loja province, southern Ecuador). By analysing the content of scats 413 prey items were identified and classified into eight prey groups. Sub-sequently, the frequency of occurrence (FO) for each prey group was calculated per month together with the relative contribution of estimated consumed biomass (CB). In addition, the Shannon-Wiener’s index was calculated as a measurement of monthly diet diversity. The results show a diet dominated by cervids belonging to the Mazama and Pudu genus (70% FO), followed by small mammals (30% FO), large rodents (12% FO), carnivorous species (10% FO) and lagomorphs (8% FO). There was temporal variation in the consumption of both deer and small mammals. Cervids also provided the major part of the consumed biomass (70% CB), the remaining prey categories each accounted for less than 11% CB. Negative correlations in consumption were observed between cervids and two other groups, rabbits and small mammals. Trophic diversity values fluctuated throughout the year showing a mean of 1.7. The results obtained show a diets very different from those previously reported; deer being the bulk of the diet instead of rodents or other mammals. The consumption of carnivorous species in the area was also high in comparison with other regions. Overall, this study clearly demonstrates that the culpeo is an important top predator in the high-Andean ecosystem.
Two new species, Begonia dinhdui and B. bacmeensis (Begoniaceae), from Vietnam

Authors: PHAM VAN-THE , TRINH NGOC-BON , PHAN KE-LOC , LIN CHE-WEI
Published: December 2019

Two new species, Begonia dinhdui and B. bacmeensis are described from Vietnam. Begonia dinhdui is somewhat similar to B. austrovietnamica C.-I Peng, C.W. Lin, D.D. Nguyen & N.D. Truong, a limestone tuberous species also occurring in southern Vietnam. Both species have a periodically dormant habit and silvery variegated lamina, however, the new species differs in having a rhizomatous (vs. tuberous) rootstock, cymose (vs. racemose) inflorescence and 4-tepaled (vs. 6-tepaled) pistillate flower. Another new species, Begonia bacmeensis most closely resembles B. psilophylla Irmsch. in its stout rhizomatous rootstock, 4-tepaled staminate flower and 5-tepaled pistillate flower, but differs from the latter by having a strongly asymmetrical (vs. subsymmetric), lanceolate to oval-lanceolate (vs. ovate) lamina, tepals of staminate and pistillate flower pale green (vs. pink), ovary lateral wings surface verrucose or echinate (vs. nearly flat). Begonia dinhdui is currently known only from a single locality in Lâm Đồng Province while B. bacmeensis is rather common in Hà Giang Province.
Cybaeus (Araneae: Cybaeidae): the adenes species group of the Californian clade
Authors: BENNETT ROBB , COPLEY CLAUDIA , COPLEY DARREN
Published: December 2019

Species of North American Cybaeus L. Koch (Araneae: Dictynoidea: Cybaeidae) are common moist-forest spiders classified in Holarctic and Californian clades. Here we review the adenes species group of the Californian clade. We recognize nine species: Cybaeus adenes Chamberlin & Ivie, C. amicus Chamberlin & Ivie, C. auburn Bennett spec. nov., C. grizzlyi Schenkel, C. pearcei Bennett spec. nov., C. reducens Chamberlin & Ivie, C. sanbruno Bennett, C. schusteri Bennett spec. nov., and C. torosus Bennett spec. nov. The species of the adenes group have extremely restricted ranges in west central California from Sonoma and Napa Counties south to northern Monterey County and in east central California from Placer and El Dorado Counties. Descriptions, illustrations, range maps, and an identification key are provided for all species.
Paleogene Verrucidae (Cirripedia: Verrucomorpha) of North America, with descriptions of three new species
Authors: PERREAULT RAY T. , BUCKERIDGE JOHN S.
Published: December 2019

In North America, Paleogene Verrucidae are rarely encountered. Only a single named species has been previously discussed by Zullo & Baum (1979), who provisionally assigned a Palaeocene form from North Carolina to Verruca rocana Steinmann, 1921. Eocene deposits in Washington State (USA) have now yielded two new species from intertidal to shallow water environments: Verruca gailgoedertae sp. nov. from the middle Eocene Crescent/McIntosh transition zone, and Verruca sorrellae sp. nov. from the upper Eocene to lowest Oligocene Gries Ranch and basal Lincoln Creek formations. Both species are characterized by punctate shell plates, and are placed in the lineage of Verruca stroemia (O.F. Müller, 1776). In Alabama, marls from the upper Yazoo Formation (Pachuta and Shubuta Members) have yielded Verruca alabamensis sp. nov., an uncommon deeper water form associated with abundant brachiopods and phosphate deposition. This last species shows no development of punctae and is not related to the lineage that leads directly to Verruca stroemia.
The Contribution of Rain Gauges in the Calibration of the IMERG Product: Results from the First Validation over Spain
Authors: Tapiador Francisco J. , Navarro Andrés , García-Ortega Eduardo , Merino Andrés , Sánchez José Luis , Marcos Cecilia , Kummerow Christian
Published: December 2019

After 5 years in orbit, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission has produced enough quality-controlled data to allow the first validation of their precipitation estimates over Spain. High-quality gauge data from the meteorological network of the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) are used here to validate Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) level 3 estimates of surface precipitation. While aggregated values compare notably well, some differences are found in specific locations. The research investigates the sources of these discrepancies, which are found to be primarily related to the underestimation of orographic precipitation in the IMERG satellite products, as well as to the number of available gauges in the GPCC gauges used for calibrating IMERG. It is shown that IMERG provides suboptimal performance in poorly instrumented areas but that the estimate improves greatly when at least one rain gauge is available for the calibration process. A main, generally applicable conclusion from this research is that the IMERG satellite-derived estimates of precipitation are more useful (r2 > 0.80) for hydrology than interpolated fields of rain gauge measurements when at least one gauge is available for calibrating the satellite product. If no rain gauges were used, the results are still useful but with decreased mean performance (r2 ≈ 0.65). Such figures, however, are greatly improved if no coastal areas are included in the comparison. Removing them is a minor issue in terms of hydrologic impacts, as most rivers in Spain have their sources far from the coast.
CASA Prediction System over Dallas–Fort Worth Urban Network: Blending of Nowcasting and High-Resolution Numerical Weather Prediction Model
Authors: Radhakrishnan Chandrasekar , Chandrasekar V.
Published: December 2019

This study targeted improving Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere’s (CASA) 6-h lead time predictive ability by blending the radar-based nowcast with the NWP model over the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) urban radar network. This study also depicts the recent updates in CASA’s real-time reflectivity nowcast system by assessing nine precipitation cases over the DFW urban region. CASA’s nowcast framework displayed better primer outcomes than the WRF Model forecast for the lead time of 1 h and 30 min. After that time, the predictive ability of the nowcast framework began decreasing compared to the WRF Model. To broaden CASA’s predictive system lead time to 6 h, the WRF Model forecasts were blended with Dynamic and Adaptive Radar Tracking of Storms (DARTS) nowcast. The HRRR model analysis was used as initial and boundary conditions in the WRF Model. The high-resolution dual-pol radar observations were assimilated into the WRF Model through the 3DVAR data assimilation technique. Three kinds of blending strategies were used and the results were compared: 1) hyperbolic tangent curve (HTW), 2) critical success index (CSIW), and 3) salient cross dissolve (Sal CD). The sensitivity studies were conducted to decide desirable parameters in the blending techniques. The outcomes proved that blending enhanced the prediction skills. Also, the overall performance of blending relies on the accuracy of the WRF forecast. Even though blending results are mixed, the HTW-based technique performed better than the other two techniques.
Biological variation in serum bone turnover markers
Authors: Wang Shuo , Mu Runqing , Zhang Xin , Yun Ke , Shang Hong , Zhao Min
Published: December 2019

Background

Serum total N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP) and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) are used as reference analytes of bone turnover in clinical application. Biological variation is important for clinical application of these biomarkers. However, the biological variation data of these biomarkers are not consistent. The present study determined biological variations of total P1NP and CTX and their confidence intervals in China using electrochemiluminescence.

Methods

We collected samples from 25 healthy individuals (17 women and 8 men, ranging from 22 to 49 years of age) at weekly intervals for six weeks. Samples were analysed in a single run in duplicate. Biological variations and their related parameters, such as reference change value and index of individuality (II) were calculated. The results were compared with individual studies in the EFLM database.

Results

Within-subject and between-subject biological variations were 8.0% and 32.5% for total P1NP and 11.4% and 38.7% for CTX, respectively. The index of individuality for total P1NP and CTX was 0.25 and 0.30, while the reference change value for P1NP values and CTX was 22.4% and 31.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

No difference was found in weekly biological variation of bone turnover markers between men and premenopausal women. Compared with daily and monthly variation, the present study based on weekly variation provided additional support for clinical application.
Empirical Evaluation of Veterans’ Perceived Nonconcordance With Providers Regarding Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Authors: Phillips L. Alison , McAndrew Lisa M.
Published: December 2019

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common among veterans and are difficult to treat. Optimal treatment entails continued care from providers, yet this care may be influenced negatively by nonconcordance between veterans’ and providers’ views of MUS. We surveyed 243 veterans with MUS and evaluated the degree of nonconcordance perceived by veterans and their primary care providers regarding their MUS, as well as the effect of perceived nonconcordance on treatment behaviors and outcomes. Approximately 20% of veterans in our sample perceived nonconcordance with their provider regarding their MUS. In turn, perceived nonconcordance predicted important outcomes of interest, particularly veterans’ satisfaction with their provider. Perceived concordance with primary care doctors may be required for sufficient adherence to MUS treatment recommendations, such as seeking and maintaining psychological counseling. We discuss future research directions for counseling psychologists.
Injustice in the Justice System: Reforming Inequities for True “Justice for All”
Authors: Varghese Femina P. , Israel Tania , Seymour Guy , Becker Herbst Rachel , Suarez Lauren G. , Hargons Candice
Published: December 2019

True justice is equitable. Counseling psychologists, through their skills, knowledge, and values, can be a powerful force in reforming a system that oppresses marginalized groups to one that is just. In this paper, we focus on three major aspects of the justice system: laws and the courts, law enforcement, and detention and corrections, and we further describe injustice in these three areas. We then use critical race theory and counseling psychology perspectives to develop a framework to provide counseling psychologists with practical strategies to transform inequities. Such strategies include advocating to change unjust laws, filling the research gap for effective and humane practices, developing evidence-based programs, and providing leadership and training.
MANOVA: A Procedure Whose Time Has Passed?
Authors: Huang Francis L.
Published: December 2019

Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is a statistical procedure commonly used in fields such as education and psychology. However, MANOVA’s popularity may actually be for the wrong reasons. The large majority of published research using MANOVA focus on univariate research questions rather than on the multivariate questions that MANOVA is said to specifically address. Given the more complicated and limited nature of interpreting MANOVA effects (which researchers may not actually be interested in given the actual post hoc strategies employed) and that various flexible and well-known statistical alternatives are available, I suggest that researchers consult these better known, robust, and flexible procedures instead, given the proper match with the research question of interest. Just because a researcher has multiple dependent variables of interest does not mean that a MANOVA should be used at all.
Culturally Polite Communication: Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Localization Strategy
Authors: Li Dongmei , Kreuzbauer Robert , Chiu Chi-yue , Keh Hean Tat
Published: December 2019

Although global brands entering local markets often use localized communication (i.e., incorporation of local cultural elements in their marketing communications), the fundamental question of when and why the local community would react favorably to this strategy is still not fully answered. This research draws on the communication accommodation theory to address this question. Results from four studies show that local consumers evaluate a global brand less positively when it incorporates high-symbolic (vs. low-symbolic) local cultural elements in its marketing communication. Notably, the positive effect of culturally polite communication on consumers’ evaluations of a global brand occurs only in the local market, but not when the communication occurs in another market. Moreover, localization efforts by a global brand result in a strong localness perception, which has a positive effect on brand evaluation. Indeed, a strong localness perception of the global brand could even overshadow the need for culturally polite communication.
Unequal votes, unequal violence: Malapportionment and election violence in India
Authors: Daxecker Ursula
Published: December 2019

Elections held outside of advanced, industrialized democracies can turn violent because elites use coercion to demobilize political opponents. The literature has established that closely contested elections are associated with more violence. I depart from this emphasis on competitiveness by highlighting how institutional biases in electoral systems, in particular uneven apportionment, affect incentives for violence. Malapportionment refers to a discrepancy between the share of legislative seats and the share of population, violating the ‘one person, one vote’ principle. Drawing on recent work on malapportionment establishing that overrepresented districts are targeted with clientelist strategies, are more homogenous, and are biased in favor of district-level incumbent parties, I argue that overrepresented districts present fewer incentives for using violence. In contrast, elites in well-apportioned or underrepresented districts exert less control over electoral outcomes because such districts have more heterogenous voter preferences, raising incumbent and opposition demands to employ violence. I examine the effects of malapportionment on violence using constituency-level elections data and new, disaggregated, and geocoded event data on the incidence of election violence in India. Results from six parliamentary elections from 1991 to 2009 show that electoral violence is less prevalent in overrepresented constituencies, and that violence increases in equally apportioned and moderately underrepresented districts. The analysis establishes additional observable implications of the argument for district voter homogeneity and incumbent victory, accounts for confounders such as urbanization and state-level partisanship, and validates measures of election violence. The findings illustrate that institutional biases shape incentives for electoral violence.
Rehabilitation Programs for Incarcerated Drug Offenders in Malaysia: Experience-Based Perspectives on Reintegration and Recidivism
Authors: Cheah Phaik Kin , Unnithan N. Prabha , Raran Annie Margaret Sandela
Published: December 2019

This study explores lived experiences of repeat drug offenders in Malaysia, their reasons for recidivating, and related shortcomings in prison rehabilitation programs. We categorize the prisoners’ descriptions and interpretations of their experiences after participating in rehabilitation programming. We are able, as a result, to shed light on these offenders’ perspectives on the treatment efforts in which they were involved.
Stressed Out: Predictors of Depression Among Jail Officers and Deputies
Authors: Jaegers Lisa A. , Matthieu Monica M. , Werth Paul , Ahmad Syed Omar , Barnidge Ellen , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: December 2019

Prevalence and predictors of depression, a debilitating medical illness, are unknown among officers working in jails. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with jail officers at four facilities, utilizing age, ethnicity, gender, musculoskeletal back disorder, global physical health and mental health, and psychological well-being as predictor variables. Descriptive analyses detailed prevalence, and hierarchical regression models identified depression predictors. The prevalence of depression among jail officers was high and strongly influenced by job burnout over and above other health indicators. Mitigation of workplace stressors and identification of targeted interventions are needed to reduce risks for depression among jail officers.
Microaggressions and Macroaggressions Across Time: The Longitudinal Construction of Inequality in Schools
Authors: Compton-Lilly Catherine
Published: December 2019

This article reveals inequity as a longitudinal construction involving the cumulation of micro/macroaggressions for children who live in high-poverty communities and attend poorly funded schools. Drawing on critical race theory and empirical research that documents forms of micro/macroaggression, a longitudinal analysis is used to identify forms of micro/macroaggression encountered in elementary school, middle school, and high school. A set of mega-aggressions that were particularly severe and had devastating effects on students’ academic outcomes are identified and explored as mega-aggressions. The article concludes by exploring the cumulation of micro/macroaggressions across one student’s school trajectory.
Touristification, transnational gentrification and urban change in Lisbon: The neighbourhood of Alfama
Authors: Sequera Jorge , Nofre Jordi
Published: December 2019

The Great Recession (2008–2014) and the consequent crises in both the national financial and production systems have led the Portuguese administration to adopt tourism and urban rehabilitation as new pivotal sectors to overcome the critical crisis-derived impacts on the economy and society. Moreover, both national and local administrations have deployed a range of legislative initiatives to attract transnational real estate investment and new high-income residents to the country, including generous tax benefits and residency permits for large foreign investors. This is of greater relevance in the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon city centre, as in the case of Alfama, which has recently been transformed into one of the most important urban hotspots in the country for both local and transnational real estate investors. By focusing on this historic quarter of Lisbon, this paper examines how processes of gentrification and studentification occurring in the area since the late 1990s and early 2000s have been disrupted by recent processes of touristification and Airbnbisation in Alfama, transforming the entire neighbourhood into an ‘outdoor hotel’. The paper concludes by suggesting that, while urban touristification appears today as a new reproduction mechanism of glocal financial capital, the Airbnbisation of former lower-class central urban areas of post-recession southern European cities emerges as the newest, most aggressive form of urban accumulation by dispossession and spatial displacement against the working and middle-lower classes (both locals and migrants) of the ‘tourist city’.
Rigour and rigour mortis? Planning, calculative rationality, and forces of stability and change
Authors: White Iain
Published: December 2019

A defining feature of planning is that it is informed by sound evidence. An ever more diverse range of decision support tools is available to help achieve this, a trend that is set to accelerate along with the rise of Big Data and Smart Cities. At the same time, planning is frequently requested to improve the urban and environmental outcomes it helps deliver. This research draws upon intellectual resources from Science and Technology Studies, and empirical data from actors across the science–policy–practice interface, to analyse critically issues connected to the design, application and wider effects of calculative practices within planning. It finds that these practices selectively open up or foreclose discourses and play important political roles relating to ordering complexity and mitigating professional risk. They are also revealed as underpinning a stability and certainty within decision making that not only maintains the power of established calculative agencies but also serves to replicate an ideology of urban form that is in tension with more normative calls for change. More broadly, the findings help unsettle the planner and planning policy as the key agent able to change planning outcomes, which is instead revealed as more contingent on the political, institutional and professional culture, and the ways human and non-human objects align and combine to create internal stability when there are external calls for change.
Unravelling the role of green entrepreneurs in urban sustainability transitions: A case study of China’s Solar City
Authors: Yu Zhen , Gibbs David
Published: December 2019

This paper aims to understand the role of green entrepreneurs in urban sustainability transitions. We propose an analytical framework combining transition approaches and green entrepreneurship from a relational lens. It includes four processes: emergence of green entrepreneurs, multi-scalar interest coordination, empowering through anchoring, and struggling with the regime at the urban scale. This framework is illustrated through an empirical analysis of the role of green entrepreneurs in the development of the solar water heater industry in China’s Solar City. The analysis unravels how the local institutional contexts and multi-scalar relations empowered local green entrepreneurs to become system builders for urban transitions.
The Research on the Outpatient Cost Adjustment Framework of the Urban Workers in a Southern China City During 2013 to 2015
Authors: Wang Na , Liu Ruiming , Lu Jinglin , Quan Peng , Mao Zongfu
Published: December 2019

Based on a large amount of data, the study aimed to analyze all expenses of outpatients in a southern China city from 2013 to 2015. It draws a conclusion that the total cost of outpatient has increased in the past 3 years, and various cost indexes either increased or decreased in different ways. Drug costs and treatment fees are the main influencing factors for the change in total outpatient cost. The structural change from 2013 to 2015 was 70.15%. Drug costs, laboratory fees, and inspection fees are the main indexes that account for the increasing total outpatient costs. This study puts emphasis on the cost of human resources, which eliminates the phenomenon of “Yi Yao Yang Yi” (support medical cost with medicine) and “Yi Xie Yang Yi” (support medical cost with medical device). This study also focuses on the balance of outpatient cost, as well as the compensation function of medical insurance, which encourages multiple participation and coordinated adjustment.
Pracademics in Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration accredited programs: Insights from a survey of program faculty members
Authors: Mosier Samantha L , Opp Susan M
Published: December 2019

This article examines current and previous practitioner experiences of faculty in Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration accredited programs. Using original survey data, this study demonstrates that a majority of Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration program faculty members have prior or current practitioner experiences. However, prior practitioner experiences among younger faculty is significantly lower when compared to older faculty. Faculty report far less current engagement and, of those who do have active engagement roles, most are participating in short-term activities and in non-profit roles. Evaluation credit may be one dynamic to understanding a lack of engaged service activity. A majority of respondents engaging in outside service are from research-focused, doctoral-granting institutions, where it is more likely positive credit is received. Collectively, the results demonstrate that, for the most part, faculty members do have practical experience that can influence their teaching and research functions; however, current incentive and promotion structures may not actively support service engagement activities for modern faculty.
Unions and Democracy
Authors: Nussbaum Karen
Published: December 2019

Unions are recognized for building a strong middle class. But the importance of unions to maintaining a strong democracy is less understood. This article explores the connection between the decline of unions and the rise of the right; provides examples of the effect of union member engagement in political engagement; and makes the case that changes in policy and new organizing can restore the crucial role of unions in civic life.
Multi-laboratory Validation Study of the Vitrigel-Eye Irritancy Test Method as an Alternative to In Vivo Eye Irritation Testing
Authors: Kojima Hajime , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Sozu Takashi , Kleinstreuer Nicole , Chae-Hyung Lim , Chen Wannhsin , Watanabe Mika , Fukuda Takayuki , Yamashita Kunihiko , Takezawa Toshiaki
Published: December 2019

Collagen vitrigel membranes (CVMs) comprising high-density collagen fibrils equivalent to in vivo connective tissues have been widely used in cell culture applications. A human corneal epithelium (hCE) model was previously developed by the Takezawa group, by culturing HCE-T cells (derived from hCE cells) on a CVM scaffold in a chamber that provided an air–liquid interface culture system. This hCE model was used to establish a new test method, known as the Vitrigel-Eye Irritancy Test (Vitrigel-EIT) method, which can be used to estimate the ocular irritation potential of test chemicals by analysing relative changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) over time. The current study was conducted in order to assess the reliability and relevance of the Vitrigel-EIT method at three participating laboratories by determining the method’s within-laboratory reproducibility and between-laboratory reproducibility, as well as its capacity for distinguishing non-irritants from irritants in a bottom-up approach. The initial test sample size was found to be too low to evaluate the predictive capacity of the test method, and so it was evaluated with additional in-house data for a total of 93 test chemicals. The results showed 80–100% within-laboratory reproducibility and an excellent between-laboratory reproducibility that met the acceptance criteria of 80%. However, the method’s predictive capacity for distinguishing non-irritants (test chemicals not requiring classification and labelling for eye irritation or serious eye damage, i.e. United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) No Category) from irritants (GHS Categories 1 and 2) in a bottom-up approach was unacceptable because of false negative rates as high as 16.7%. After considerable review of the data with a view to using the method for regulatory purposes, it was determined that a more defined applicability domain, excluding test chemical solutions with a pH of 5 or less and solid test chemicals, improved the false negative rate to 4.2%. These results suggested that, within this carefully defined applicability domain, the Vitrigel-EIT method could be a useful alternative for distinguishing test chemicals that are ocular non-irritants from those that are irritants as part of a bottom-up approach.