bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Softened food reduces weight loss in the streptozotocin-induced male mouse model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nørgaard Sisse A , Sand Fredrik W , Sørensen Dorte B , Abelson Klas SP , Søndergaard Henrik
Published: January 2018

The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse is a widely used model of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, it is a well-known issue that this model is challenged by high weight loss, which despite supportive measures often results in high euthanization rates. To overcome these issues, we hypothesized that supplementing STZ-induced diabetic mice with water-softened chow in addition to normal chow would reduce weight loss, lower the need for supportive treatment, and reduce the number of mice reaching the humane endpoint of 20% weight loss. In a 15 week STZ-induced DN study we demonstrated that diabetic male mice receiving softened chow had reduced acute weight loss following STZ treatment ( p = 0.045) and additionally fewer mice were euthanized due to weight loss. By supplementing the diabetic mice with softened chow, no mice reached 20% weight loss whereas 37.5% of the mice without this supplement reached this humane endpoint ( p = 0.0027). Excretion of corticosterone metabolites in faeces was reduced in diabetic mice on softened chow ( p = 0.0007), suggesting lower levels of general stress. Finally, it was demonstrated that the water-softened chow supplement did not significantly affect the induction of key disease parameters, i.e. %HbA1C and albuminuria nor result in abnormal teeth wear. In conclusion, supplementation of softened food is refining the STZ-induced diabetic mouse model significantly by reducing stress, weight loss and the number of animals sacrificed due to humane endpoints, while maintaining the key phenotypes of diabetes and nephropathy.
Early Preparation and Inspiration for STEM Careers: Preliminary Report of the Epidemiology Challenge Randomized Intervention, 2014-2015
Authors: Wilson Robin Taylor , Watson Emma , Kaelin Mark , Huebner Wendy
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Early Preparation and Inspiration for Careers in the Biomedical Sciences (EPIC) is a university–high school partnership for increasing high school student interest and persistence in the biomedical sciences. EPIC includes a year-long, project-based learning intervention, the Think Like an Epidemiologist Challenge (Epi Challenge). We describe the main components of the Epi Challenge and report on short-term changes in scientific literacy and science-related motivations and beliefs.

Methods:

From June 2014 through June 2015, a randomized sample of students with above-median interest in science from 5 high schools in Pennsylvania completed baseline and midyear assessments of scientific self-efficacy, beliefs regarding acquisition of scientific knowledge (personal scientific epistemology), and personal interest in science using 5-point Likert-type scales (with higher scores indicating stronger or more sophisticated beliefs).

Results:

Of 984 students completing baseline assessments, 110 enrolled in the Epi Challenge, and 84 remained at midyear. At midyear, mean scores for scientific self-efficacy (change = 0.26, P < .001) and personal scientific epistemology (change = 0.19, P = .004) increased significantly, but personal interest in science (change = −0.17, P = .06) did not. Increases in personal scientific epistemology were greatest for African American (change = 0.47, P = .005), free/reduced-price lunch (change = 0.35, P = .001), underrepresented minorities in science (change = 0.27, P = .002), and female (change = 0.26, P = .01) students.

Conclusions:

Epi Challenge participation was associated with improvement in high school students’ scientific self-efficacy and sophistication of epistemologic beliefs. Long-term follow-up of this cohort may shed light on whether such changes will be sustained and shape college major and career decisions.
Synthesis and sizing performances of water-soluble polyester based on bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate derived from depolymerized waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabrics
Authors: Lu Jing , Li Mengjuan , Li Yanyan , Li Xiaoqiang , Gao Qiang , Ge Mingqiao
Published: January 2018

This work aimed at effective chemical recycling of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics into water-soluble polyester (WSP). For this, PET fabric waste was depolymerized using excess ethylene glycol (EG) in the presence of zinc acetate as catalyst. The glycolysis product of PET, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) was then used to synthesize WSP by a three-step method, that is, transesterification, esterification and polycondensation. The structures of BHET and WSP were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectra. Sizing performances of WSP were studied, and it was found that the surface tension of WSP size (57 mN/m, 22℃, 0.5% of weight) was lower than common sizes, the viscosity of WSP size was 1–2 mPa·S (95℃, 6% of weight) and the viscosity stability was larger than 90% at this temperature. The mixture of WSP and starch showed stronger adhesion to polyester–cotton roving and polyester roving than onefold starch. K/ S values of fibers before sizing and after desizing showed a slightly difference, which indicated that WSP would not influence the color of yarns when used as the sizing agent.
The World Is Flatter? Examining the Relationship between Cultural Distance and International Tourist Flows
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Hongbo , Li Xiang (Robert)
Published: January 2018

Geographic distance has been studied extensively as an obstructer of tourism flows, whereas another distance measure, cultural distance (CD), receives less attention in tourism demand research. Using international tourist arrival data between 94 countries for the period 1995–2012, we estimate several Poisson gravity models incorporating a CD measure based on national cultural scores from the World Values Survey (WVS). Our estimation results show a negative and significant effect of CD on international tourist flows, the elasticity of which is –0.158, and the effect appears significantly smaller between countries with historical colonial linkage. Most notably, the tourism-inhibiting effect of CD began a downward trend in 2003. In particular, we find that economic globalization and technology advancement can be used to explain the declining effect of CD. Major conclusions are substantiated in a robustness check using two alternative CD measures.
“It Feels So Good”: Pleasure in Last Sexual Encounter Narratives of Black University Students
Authors: Hargons Candice N. , Mosley Della V. , Meiller Carolyn , Stuck Jennifer , Kirkpatrick Brett , Adams Caroline , Angyal Blanka
Published: January 2018

A sex-positive lens is needed to investigate Black sexuality, which is often depicted through deficit and risk models. Extant sex research leaves an opportunity to understand Black experiences of sexual pleasure untapped. Using narrative inquiry coupled with constructivist grounded theory methods, we examined 18 Black university students’ last sexual encounter narratives. An explication of their disclosure about and meaning making around pleasure is presented. Themes included the following: monitoring mutual pleasure, relegating pleasure to men’s performance, and positioning pleasured possibilities as hope or expectation. Research implications for Black psychology are addressed.
Contingency and responsibility in Confucian political theory
Authors: Kim Sungmoon
Published: January 2018

In this article I investigate the Confucian sense of responsibility from the framework of “moral economy,” understood as a causal relationship between one’s virtue and non-moral goods including political position/success, and “contingency,” the failure of moral economy, and argue that early Confucians’ astute understanding of the contingent nature of the political world enabled them to subscribe to the non-causal sense of responsibility. Contrary to the common argument that Heaven was invoked by the Confucians in order to shield themselves from responsibility for their political failures, I argue that they imposed a more expanded sense of responsibility both on them and on the rulers, largely preoccupied with realpolitik. In their effort to restore moral economy between the ruler’s virtue and his political position in particular, I show Confucians engaged in what I call reverse moral economy, at the heart of which was to constrain the ruler’s arbitrary use of political power.
Up Rising: Rehabilitating J.G. Ballard’s High-Rise with R.D. Laing and Lauren Berlant
Authors: Bradshaw Alan , Brown Stephen
Published: January 2018

High-Rise by J.G. Ballard intriguingly contains a pivotal character named Dr. Robert Laing, surely an allusion to the then influential psychiatric writer, Dr. R.D. Laing. Re-reading Ballard's classic text through the prism of Laing’s theories, with further explication of the role of flat affect via Lauren Berlant, this article presents a new interpretation of a classic text that argues that Ballard ingeniously misdirected his readers into making identifications with precisely the wrong characters and the wrong actions. Re-focusing a subject gaze in accordance with these theoretical analyses, allows for an entirely alternative understanding of the text in which Ballard was more than a pessimistic prophet of inexorable urban breakdown, he foretold societal rehabilitation as well. High-Rise is read as a classic of psychogeography, an established genre which is argued to be of great relevance to the study of society and space. This article therefore engages in a reading of a psychogeographical text via theory implicitly alluded to by the text itself.
Inert gas rebreathing - helpful tool in the management of left ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Reiss Nils , Schmidt Thomas , Mommertz Stephanie , Feldmann Christina , Schmitto Jan Dieter
Published: January 2018

In patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), exercise capacity is a decisive factor regarding the quality of life. When evaluating exercise capacity, precise information about the total cardiac output generated is crucial.

To date, complex measurements using a right-heart catheter were necessary in order to determine total cardiac output. The inert gas rebreathing method facilitates non-invasive, direct and valid measurement of total cardiac output as well as associated parameters, like the difference in arteriovenous oxygen saturation, both at rest and during exercise.

It is the aim of this paper to focus on this conclusive method which is, despite its simplicity and low-risk reproducibility, rarely used within the framework of LVAD patient treatment at the present time. The test protocol used at our hospital is presented to facilitate the implementation of this helpful tool in other interested institutions.
Investigating Gender Differences in Real Estate Trading Sentiments
Authors: Tsai I-Chun
Published: January 2018

This study examined whether a person’s gender influences his or her real estate trading sentiments. Previous studies have suggested that risk aversion, loss aversion, and expectations of probabilities can affect trading sentiments. Thus, this study inferred that a person’s gender can inform these three factors and thus lead to differences in real estate trading preferences between genders. More noticeable expectation adjustment behavior was observed in men than in women. However, no significant expectation errors were observed in both genders. Moreover, this study observed that gender differences in risk aversion were affected by the fear index, whereas gender differences in loss aversion were affected by unemployment rates. Stock market rallies affected only men’s perceptions toward real estate value. Overall, a more noticeable optimism was observed in men, who were significantly influenced by house price changes.

JEL Classifications: G10, R30
Resistance heating forming process based on carbon fiber veil for continuous glass fiber reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Liu Cong , Li Min , Gu Yizhuo , Gong Yuanming , Liang Jiyong , Wang Shaokai , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: January 2018

This paper successfully developed a resistance heating method based on carbon fiber thin veil for molding continuous glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composite. Electrical resistance, temperature distribution, and heating response of carbon fiber veil were investigated to evaluate its resistance heating behavior. One layer of carbon fiber veil with about 0.1 mm thickness was sandwiched by prepreg stacks with about 2 mm thickness and composite plate was fabricated through resistance heating and forming process. Void content, glass fiber distribution, and thickness of composite plate were obtained to evaluate forming quality. Flexural test was employed for mechanical assessment. The results shows that carbon fiber veil coupled with copper foil is an effective heating element with uniform temperature distribution and quick heating response, and the processing quality of composite plate is comparable to that using oven heating process. The feasibility of secondary resistance heating of composite plate based on carbon fiber veil was also demonstrated and the results indicate that composite plate containing carbon fiber veil can be molded into composite product using resistance self-heating process.
Youth Homelessness: The Impact of Supportive Relationships on Recovery
Authors: Gasior Sara , Forchuk Cheryl , Regan Sandra
Published: January 2018

Background

Homeless youth are the fastest growing sub-group within the homeless population. They face impaired access to health services and are often left unsupported. They lack social and family support or relationships with service providers. Unsupported homeless youth often become homeless adults.

Purpose

To test a model based on Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations, examining the influence of a network of service providers, perceptions of social supports, and family relations on a homeless youth’s perceptions of recovery.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis and used a sample (n = 187) of data collected as part of the original Youth Matters in London study. A cross-sectional design was used to analyze the relationship between variables. Participants were interviewed at 6-month intervals over a 2.5-year period. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used.

Results

Network of service providers, perceived social supports, and perceived family relations explained 21.8% of the variance in homeless youth perceptions of recovery. Perceived social support and family relations were significantly, positively correlated to perceptions of recovery. Network of service providers was not significantly correlated to perceptions of recovery.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that stronger social supports and family relations may contribute to increased perceptions of recovery among homeless youth.
Predatory Publishing: How to Safely Navigate the Waters of Open Access
Authors: Power Helen
Published: January 2018

Open access publishing enables scholarship to be openly accessible to everyone, which has countless benefits. However, the open access movement has opened the door for “predatory publishers” to take advantage of researchers surviving in this publish or perish academic landscape. Predatory journals are becoming increasingly common. Nursing researchers, instructors, and students need to be made aware of the dangers of predatory journals, and they need to know how to identify them. While there are blacklists and whitelists that can be used to aid in decision-making, it is critical to note that these lists can never be entirely up to date. This article incorporates a literature review which provides insights into newer trends in predatory and unethical publishing, including “journal hijacking” and “bogus impact factors”. Extensive criteria for assessing emerging or unknown journals is compiled to aid researchers, students, educators, and the public in evaluating open access publications.
Overcoming Barriers to Transnational Organizing Through Identity Work: Finnish–Estonian Trade Union Cooperation
Authors: Kall Kairit , Lillie Nathan , Sippola Markku , Mankki Laura
Published: January 2018

This article analyses a project by Finnish and Estonian unions to adopt ‘organizing model’ strategies through establishing the transnational ‘Baltic Organising Academy’. Initially aimed at Estonian workplaces, successful campaigns inspired Finnish unions to copy the model in Finland. This cooperation was originally motivated by labour market interdependence between the two countries, and the failure of past social-partnership oriented union strategies in Estonia. The willingness of Finnish and Estonian unions to commit resources to transnational cooperation around an ‘organizing model’ marks a dramatic departure from the unions’ previous strategies. This change was accomplished by transnational activists who have developed and raised support for the adoption of an ‘organizing model’ in the face of structural challenges and ideological opposition by some union officials. The project’s transnational organizing exemplifies one possible solution to union weakness in Eastern Europe, and underlines the importance of ‘identity work’ in building transnational trade union coalitions around organizing.
Effect of exhaust gas recirculation and charge inlet temperature on performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of diesel engine with bael oil blends
Authors: Krishnamoorthi M , Malayalamurthi R
Published: January 2018

The threat of fossil fuel depletion and augmented environmental pollution caused by diesel fleets can be curbed by adopting suitable fuel and engine modifications. In the present work, effects of engine speed (r/min), injection timing, injection pressure and compression ratio on performance and emission characteristics of a compression ignition engine were investigated. The ternary test fuel of 65% diesel + 25% bael oil + 10% diethyl ether has been used, where the tests have been conducted at different charge inlet temperature and exhaust gas recirculation. All the experiments were conducted at the trade-off engine load that is 75% engine load. When the diesel engine operating with 320 K charge inlet temperature, brake thermal efficiency has been improved to 28.6%. Meanwhile reduced emission levels of carbon monoxide (0.025%) and hydrocarbon (12.3 ppm) were observed during the engine operation with 320 K charge inlet temperature and compression ratio of 18:1. The oxides of nitrogen have been reduced to 226 ppm at 16:1 compression ratio with 30% exhaust gas recirculation mode.
Social Health Insurance Difference in Inpatient Expenditure and Service Category in China
Authors: Wang Qing , Shen Jay , Rice Jennifer , Frakes Kaitlyn
Published: January 2018

China successfully achieved universal health insurance coverage in 2011. Previous work on the effects of social health insurance in China has overlooked the association between health insurance and inpatient service category as well as the mechanisms of institutional characteristics. This study seeks to estimate the social health insurance difference in inpatient expenditure and service category. The role of institutional characteristics was also studied. The logistic model was applied to estimate the association of social health insurance and service category. In addition, Heckman Selected Model and generalized linear model were used to examine the association of health insurance and inpatient expenditure. Estimations were done for 4076 individuals older than 45 years using pooled cross-sectional survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study conducted in 2011 and 2013. Patients with health insurance were more likely to spend more and receive more types of inpatient service. This relationship was partially explained by the institutional characteristics. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of enforcing the regulation of referral mechanisms, the tiered copayment requirement to guide people’s care-seeking behavior, and reforming the allocation of limited health resources between different levels of facilities and also between private and public hospitals.
The history of accounting standard setting in an emerging transition economy: The case of Vietnam
Authors: Phan Duc , Joshi Mahesh , Tran-Nam Binh
Published: January 2018

The article aims to examine the history of Vietnam’s accounting practices and standard setting in the context of its transition towards a market-based economy. Vietnam is chosen as a case study because of its unique combination of factors and the accelerated changes occurring in recent years. More specifically, the article has three research objectives: (1) to explore the distinctive stages in the evolution of accounting practices in Vietnam, (2) to explain the institutional pressures that have shaped the evolution of accounting standards in Vietnam and (3) to understand the implications of these historical developments on the changes in Vietnam’s accounting standards. To achieve these research objectives, we employ a theoretical framework that incorporates elements of the institutional theory to the 7Ps model proposed by Carnegie and Napier. This framework analyses the issues under study in terms of the seven dimensions: periods, places, people, practices, propagation, products and profession.
The creation and acceptance of public sector accounting standards in Canada
Authors: Baker Ron , Rennie Morina D
Published: January 2018

This study explores the events leading up to the origination of public sector accounting standards in Canada by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and their adoption by the Government of Canada. We interpret these events from the perspective of institutional theory. We find that a long-standing institutionalized practice of self-developed government accounting policies was disrupted by a series of challenges. An influential actor in this process was the Office of the Auditor General of Canada which first pushed for the creation of independent government accounting standards and then pushed the government toward the implementation of the accounting policies developed by the CICA’s public sector accounting standard-setting body. Two CICA studies served to further disrupt the status quo. We also find evidence of the role played by an inter-organization professional network in defining and labeling problems that ultimately resulted in the change.
Conducting Joint Interviews With Couples: Ethical and Methodological Challenges
Authors: Zarhin Dana
Published: January 2018

Scholars have recently begun to discuss joint interviewing from a methodological perspective, generally presenting a favorable view of this mode of interviewing. In the present article, the author draws on her experiences with interviewing obstructive sleep apnea patients and their partners to shed further light on the methodological and ethical challenges of joint interviews. Specifically, it is shown that joint interviews may become a site in which one partner silences the other and enacts symbolic violence, with the interviewer as unwilling abettor, or alternatively may facilitate passivity. Joint interviewing may therefore prevent researchers from giving an equal voice to both partners, resulting in partial and fragmented data. In addition, the joint approach may generate tension between members of the couple and harm the quality of relationships, thus contravening the researcher’s commitment to non-maleficence. The author points to a few possible solutions and suggests interviewing social partners as an alternative to couples.
Toward a Conceptual and Methodological Shift in Craniofacial Research
Authors: Stock Nicola Marie , Feragen Kristin Billaud , Moss Tim P. , Rumsey Nichola
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To date, research investigating the psychological impact of craniofacial conditions has produced variability across outcomes. The aims of this article were to summarize the challenges that may contribute to this variability, and to offer alternative perspectives and approaches to guide future research and practice.

Design:

A comprehensive evaluation of papers exploring adjustment to congenital craniofacial conditions was conducted. Methodological approaches and underlying conceptual issues were identified and summarized.

Results:

The conceptual limitations identified include inherent challenges pertaining to the multifactorial and fluctuating nature of adjustment, a lack of consensus regarding the primary constituents of a positive outcome, scant use of appropriate models and theories, and a predominant focus on “deficits” over “strengths.” The methodological shortcomings identified include a lack of representative samples, biomedical inclusion/exclusion criteria, inconsistency in measurement, a relative absence of the patient perspective, variability in approaches to data analysis and interpretation, and the failure to draw on knowledge from other disciplines and related fields of health research. Findings are believed to be relevant to all disciplines involved in craniofacial research and practice.

Conclusions:

Existing literature remains markedly affected by a range of conceptual and methodological challenges, despite these challenges being identified 25 years ago. The present article proposes that a shift in the way we conceptualize and study craniofacial conditions is needed, in order to construct a comprehensive understanding of adjustment to craniofacial conditions, and to address the key unanswered questions important to all stakeholders.
Quantifying Pediatric Facial Palsy:
Authors: Chang Brian L. , Wilson Anthony J. , Samra Fares , Konieczny Tami , Percec Ivona , Lanning Melissa , Friedman Christopher , Jackson Oksana
Published: January 2018

Objective:

This study introduces digital image correlation (DIC) as a novel technology to objectively quantify pediatric facial symmetry.

Design:

Descriptive cohort study of patients’ facial symmetry as measured by DIC.

Setting:

Academic tertiary care hospital.

Patients:

9 of 12 identified facial palsy and 13 of 26 identified control subjects participated.

Interventions:

DIC was used to quantify facial strain and symmetry as patients made the 5 standard Sunnybrook facial expressions. Each subject was evaluated according to the Sunnybrook scale by 4 evaluators, 3 plastic surgeons, and 1 occupational therapist.

Main Outcome Measure:

The percentage asymmetry values were calculated and compared between the facial palsy and control groups using both DIC and Sunnybrook.

Results:

Using DIC, facial palsy subjects had 32.99% asymmetry compared with 14.84% in controls ( P < .01). Using Sunnybrook, facial palsy subjects had 24.11% asymmetry compared to 3.87% in controls ( P < .01). The 2 metrics were positively correlated ( P < .01). There was significant variability among the Sunnybrook evaluators ( P = .02).

Conclusions:

DIC is a novel technique of objectively quantifying facial motion of the animated face. As surgical and medical approaches toward facial palsy expand, it is essential to have a means to compare results and improve patient outcomes.
Treatment Persistence Among Insured Patients Newly Starting Buprenorphine/Naloxone for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Shcherbakova Natalia , Tereso Gary , Spain Jacqueline , Roose Robert J.
Published: January 2018

Background: Persistence with medication-assisted therapy among patients with opioid use disorder has been associated with reduced likelihood of illicit opioid use. Objective: We aimed to describe treatment persistence and identify factors associated with 1-year persistence among insured patients newly initiating buprenorphine-containing pharmacotherapy. Methods: The retrospective observational cohort included employer-sponsored and managed Medicaid patients newly started on buprenorphine-containing therapy between June 30, 2010, and January 1, 2015. Persistence was measured as both a continuous and dichotomous variable (proportion of patients persistent for 1 year). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with 1-year persistence. Results: A total of 302 patients met inclusion criteria. The median [range] number of treatment episodes was 1 [1-4]. Mean number of days on therapy during the first episode was 206 (SD = 152) days, with 40.4% (n = 122) of patients persisting for 1 year. Presence of concomitant fills of prescription opioid analgesics (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.12-0.51), being in care of an addiction specialist (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.21-0.76), and Medicaid insurance coverage (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.13-0.84) were significantly and negatively associated with 1-year persistence. There was also a strong inverse relationship between persistence and inpatient hospitalization (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.12-0.76). Conclusions: Several health care delivery and use variables were significantly associated with nonpersistence. Concomitant use of prescription opioids is the most easily modifiable risk factor that health care providers and policy makers may act on to improve treatment continuation.
A Toxicological Evaluation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a Green Algae
Authors: Murbach Timothy S. , Glávits Róbert , Endres John R. , Hirka Gábor , Vértesi Adél , Béres Erzsébet , Szakonyiné Ilona Pasics
Published: January 2018

There is a current worldwide interest in developing novel sustainable nonanimal nutritional sources, and one such source is the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the only green algae that has been studied as a model organism for many biological processes ranging from photosynthesis to flagellar movement. However, its potential as a safe nutritional source for use in various foods has not been thoroughly investigated. To assess the safety of C reinhardtii for use as a nutritional human food ingredient, in accordance with internationally accepted standards, the genotoxic potential and repeated-dose oral toxicity of the dried C reinhardtii (THN 6) algal biomass was investigated. The following studies were conducted: (1) a bacterial reverse mutation test, (2) an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, (3) an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test, and (4) a 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats. No evidence of mutagenicity or genotoxic activity was observed in the first 3 tests under the applied test systems. In the 28-day study, male and female Hsd.Han Wistar rats were exposed to daily doses of 0, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg bw by gavage. Following 28 days of continuous exposure, no mortality or treatment-related adverse effects were observed and no target organs were identified. Therefore, a no observed adverse effect level was concluded as 4,000 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested.
Manually Steerable Catheter With Improved Agility
Authors: Tangen Geir Arne , Manstad-Hulaas Frode , Nypan Erik , Brekken Reidar
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

A prototype steerable catheter was designed for endovascular procedures. This technical pilot study reports the initial experience using the catheter for cannulation of visceral arteries.

Technique:

The 7F catheter was manually steerable with operator control handle for bending and rotation of the tip. The maximum bending angle was approximately 90° and full 360° rotation of the tip was supported. The study involved 1 pig with 4 designated target arteries: the left and right renal arteries, the superior mesenteric artery, and the celiac trunk. Fluoroscopy with 3-dimensional (3D) overlay showing the ostia from preoperative computed tomography angiography was used for image guidance. The cannulation was considered successful if the guidewire was placed well inside the target artery. In addition to evaluating cannulation success, procedure time and associated radiation doses were recorded. The procedure was performed twice with 2 different operators.

Conclusions:

Both operators successfully reached all 4 target arteries, demonstrating the feasibility of the steerable catheter for endovascular cannulation of visceral arteries. No contrast medium was used, and median radiation dose was 4.5 mGy per cannulation. An average of approximately 2 minutes was used per cannulation. This study motivates further testing in a more comprehensive study to evaluate reproducibility in several animals and with inclusion of more operators. Further development by integrating the new catheter tool in a navigation system is also an interesting next step, combining fine control of catheter tip movements and 3D image guidance without ionizing radiation.
Frailty modelling for multitype recurrent events in clinical trials
Authors: Brown Paul M , Ezekowitz Justin A
Published: January 2018

Recurrent event outcomes are ubiquitous among clinical trial data which encourages a conventional approach to analysis. Yet a common feature of these data has received less attention, that is, survival times often comprise multiple types of events that may imply a disparity in cost and disease severity. Typically, we neglect this feature of the data by combining event-types or analyzing each type separately, thus ignoring any interdependence among them. This practice may reflect a dearth of readily available methods and software that more appropriately acknowledge the true data structure. We provide a review of the literature on multitype recurrent events and frailty modelling which reflects a renewed interest in the topic over the past decade and the emergence of software for estimation. Thus, a review of available methods seems timely, if not overdue.
Initial Validation of the Social Emotional Distress Survey–Secondary to Support Complete Mental Health Screening
Authors: Dowdy Erin , Furlong Michael J. , Nylund-Gibson Karen , Moore Stephanie , Moffa Kathryn
Published: January 2018

Contemporary mental health assessment conceptualizations focus on both well-being and distress. This study presents initial validation information for the Social Emotional Distress Survey–Secondary (SEDS-S), which was designed for school-based complete mental health screening that employs brief self-report measures of well-being and distress. The SEDS-S structure was investigated using two independent samples of U.S. high school students ( N = 3,780). Findings from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested a one-factor model of distress with good model fit. Path analyses revealed significant positive relations of the SEDS-S distress factor with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a significant negative relation with life satisfaction and strengths scores. Future research directions and use in school-based screening applications are discussed.
Comparison of Single-Port Versus Standard Multiport Left Lateral Liver Sectionectomy
Authors: Struecker Benjamin , Haber Philipp , Öllinger Robert , Bahra Marcus , Pascher Andreas , Pratschke Johann , Schmelzle Moritz
Published: January 2018

It remains unclear if single incision laparoscopic liver surgery is superior to standard multiport resections and in what regard patients might benefit from this approach. We retrospectively analyzed the course of all patients undergoing laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy at our center between 2009 and 2017. In total, 11 single incision and 31 multiport left lateral sectionectomies were performed at our center between July 2009 and May 2017. Six patients were excluded due to multivisceral resections. Indications included adenoma (n = 7 vs n = 2), focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 4 vs n = 3), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 4 vs n = 4), colorectal liver metastasis (n = 4 vs n = 0), noncolorectal metastasis (n = 2 vs n = 1), hemangioma (n = 3 vs n = 0), abscess (n = 1 vs n = 0), and cysts (n = 1 vs n = 0). Length of operation was significantly shorter in the single incision group (206 vs 137 minutes, P = .003). One complication was observed in the single incision group (grade IIIb, n = 1) while 3 patients in the multiport group suffered from postoperative complications (grade II, n = 1; grade IIIa, n = 2), resulting in a morbidity rate of 12.5% and 11.5%, respectively. No mortality was observed in both groups. Length of hospital stay did not significantly differ in both groups (median 7 vs 7 days, P = .513). The single incision approach is safe and has become the standard approach for the left lateral sectionectomy at our center. Shorter operation times technique might well be due to the easy retrieval of the liver specimen via the umbilical incision with no need for a Pfannenstiel incision.
Does Experiential Avoidance Mediate the Relationship Between Gender Role Conflict and Psychological Distress?
Authors: Spendelow Jason S. , Joubert H. Eli
Published: January 2018

Psychological inflexibility or experiential avoidance (EA) is an important construct in the understanding of psychological distress. Both EA and many forms of masculinity can be characterized by inflexibility in men’s responses to negative intrapersonal experiences. The current cross-sectional, community-based study investigated whether experiential avoidance mediated the relationship between gender role conflict (GRC) and psychological distress (PD). A total of 120 men ( M = 35.63, SD = 12.22) completed an online questionnaire measuring key study variables. Results indicated that experiential avoidance significantly mediated the relationship between each of the four recognized patterns of GRC and PD. These findings suggest that EA may be a potential mechanism through which GRC is associated with PD.
Transbrachioradialis Approach to the Radial Tunnel: An Anatomic Study of 5 Potential Compression Sites
Authors: Ummel Jason R. , Coury John G. , Lum Zachary C. , Trzeciak Marc A.
Published: January 2018

Background: Recent anatomic studies have failed to demonstrate a single utilitarian approach to intraoperative identification and surgical release of all 5 potential sites of posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) compression in the radial tunnel. This study examines if a single incision brachioradialis-splitting approach without the use of additional anatomic windows is capable of adequately exposing the entire length of the radial tunnel, including all 5 sites of PIN compression to allow for adequate release. Methods: Ten fresh frozen cadaver forearms (6 female, 4 male) were dissected utilizing a curvilinear 7 cm incision over the brachioradialis. The muscle belly was split via simple blunt retraction, exposing the radial tunnel. The PIN was identified and mobilized at 5 compression sites: radiocapitellar joint (RCJ), radial recurrent vessels (Leash of Henry), fibrous medioproximal edge of extensor carpe radialis brevis, arcade of Frohse, and distal edge of supinator. Results: The PIN was identified and effectively released in all specimens without difficulty from this single approach. All 5 sites of compression were visible and accessible through the brachioradialis-split approach. Specifically, there was no difficulty in identifying and releasing the PIN at the distal edge of supinator. Conclusions: Radial tunnel syndrome is defined as PIN compression within the radial tunnel spanning from the fibrous RCJ to the distal edge of the supinator. A single brachioradialis-splitting approach is adequate for complete visualization and release of all compression sites of the radial tunnel. Utilizing this technique allows for surgical access and ease as well as minimizing necessity for additional windows or multiple incisions.
Association between bullying and pediatric psychiatric hospitalizations
Authors: Leader Hadassa , Singh Jasmine , Ghaffar Ayesha , de Silva Cheryl
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Bullying is a serious public health issue. We sought to demonstrate an association between bullying victimization and hospital admissions for acute psychiatric problems. We described the demographics and types of bullying in a sample of hospitalized patients in Staten Island, NY, and compared bullying victimization scores with psychiatric versus medical admissions.

Methods:

Patients in grades 3–12 were recruited from the Staten Island University Hospital Inpatient Pediatrics unit and emergency department. Patients completed the validated Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBQ) was analyzed to formulate a report of bullying in our sample as well as a sub-score measurement of bullying victimization. Pediatric residents simultaneously documented whether the subject was a medical versus an in-patient psychiatry admission. Statistical analysis was performed to look for an association between the victimization sub-score and a psychiatric indication for admission.

Results:

A total of 185 surveys were analyzed. Peak bullying occurred in 7th and 8th grades. Demographics and types of bullying in our sample were described. A strong association between bullying victimization and hospitalization for in-patient psychiatry was demonstrated. Association between bullying victimization and suicidal ideation, psychiatry, and social work consults was also shown. Concern for an association between hospitalization for psychogenic illness and bullying victimization was also raised.

Conclusions:

There is a significant association between bullying victimization and psychiatric hospital admissions. This raises the specter of the serious consequences of bullying as it is the first study to prospectively link hospital admissions to bullying. Studies using a valid measure of psychogenic illness to look for an association with bullying victimization are needed.
Collision tumor consisting of a colorectal adenocarcinoma and dissemination of a gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Miyamoto Ryoichi , Kikuchi Kazunori , Uchida Atsushi , Ozawa Masayoshi , Kemmochi Akira , Sano Naoki , Tadano Sosuke , Inagawa Satoshi , Adachi Shinya , Yamamoto Masayoshi
Published: January 2018

Background:

Collision tumors, composed of histologically distinct tumor types, are rare entities, especially in the colorectum, and corresponding evidence-based clinical management or treatment strategies are poorly defined. This is the first report of a collision tumor composed of two histologically distinct adenocarcinomas.

Case presentation:

A 78-year-old male showed severe anemia and a 10% body weight loss over 1 month. Preoperative examination revealed T3N1M0 stage IIIA gastric cancer and T3N0M0 stage IIA rectal cancer. Distal gastrectomy and rectectomy with regional lymph node dissection were performed. Immunohistochemistry revealed two distinct adenocarcinomas with gland duct structures – a colorectal adenocarcinoma and a disseminated gastric adenocarcinoma – that had collided to form an invasive tumor on the serosal surface of the anterior rectum wall.

Conclusion:

This extremely rare case of a collision tumor supports that precise immunohistochemical identification of all tumor components is needed for guiding decisions affecting overall prognosis, adjuvant treatment and survival.
Thai AEC Engineer Readiness: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Kraisuth Duangporn , Panjakajornsak Vinai
Published: January 2018

At the start of 2016, the 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) entered a new era. With it, came the decade-old start of the implementation of the 2005 mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) on engineering services, and the free flow of skilled labor (FFSL). Although created with noble intentions, actual specifications and qualifications for an individual’s foreign employment heavily restricts its actual implementation. This study, therefore, conducted a confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL 9.1 software of 278 engineers selected from a population of 1,211 Thai Federation of Industries companies to investigate how need, gap, and competency affect readiness. From the analysis, need was shown to have the highest effect on readiness, whereas competency also had a direct effect on readiness. Finally, the research determined that less than 1% of the surveyed engineers were certified as ASEAN engineers, which is a precondition for registration for work as an engineer in another ASEAN country, and that cultural awareness of other member nations was perceived as the weakest link in an individual’s engineer readiness perception.
Replicability and Generalizability of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Networks: A Cross-Cultural Multisite Study of PTSD Symptoms in Four Trauma Patient Samples
Authors: Fried Eiko I. , Eidhof Marloes B. , Palic Sabina , Costantini Giulio , Huisman-van Dijk Hilde M. , Bockting Claudi L. H. , Engelhard Iris , Armour Cherie , Nielsen Anni B. S. , Karstoft Karen-Inge
Published: January 2018

The growing literature conceptualizing mental disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as networks of interacting symptoms faces three key challenges. Prior studies predominantly used (a) small samples with low power for precise estimation, (b) nonclinical samples, and (c) single samples. This renders network structures in clinical data, and the extent to which networks replicate across data sets, unknown. To overcome these limitations, the present cross-cultural multisite study estimated regularized partial correlation networks of 16 PTSD symptoms across four data sets of traumatized patients receiving treatment for PTSD (total N = 2,782). Despite differences in culture, trauma type, and severity of the samples, considerable similarities emerged, with moderate to high correlations between symptom profiles (0.43–0.82), network structures (0.62–0.74), and centrality estimates (0.63–0.75). We discuss the importance of future replicability efforts to improve clinical psychological science and provide code, model output, and correlation matrices to make the results of this article fully reproducible.
Unemployment, Trust in Government, and Satisfaction with Democracy: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bauer Paul C.
Published: January 2018

Evidence suggests that unemployment negatively affects various aspects of individuals’ lives. The author investigates whether unemployment changes individuals’ political evaluations in the form of trust in government and satisfaction with democracy. While most research in this area operates on the macro level, the author provides individual-level evidence. In doing so, the author investigates the assumed causal link with panel data from Switzerland and the Netherlands. In addition, the author studies the impact on life satisfaction, a “control outcome,” known to be affected by unemployment. Although there is strong evidence that changes in employment status do affect life satisfaction, effects on trust in government and satisfaction with democracy seem mostly absent or negligible in size.
Networked cities and steering states: Urban policy circulations and the reshaping of State–cities relationships in France
Authors: Béal Vincent , Epstein Renaud , Pinson Gilles
Published: January 2018

This article focuses on the circulation of urban policy “models” and its influence on the reshaping of relationships between State and cities in France. It suggests that the increasing mobility of practices and knowledge between cities cannot be explained solely by the intensification of horizontal exchanges involving city halls throughout Europe. It also relies on the restructuring of the State and the transformation of its intervention in urban policymaking processes. By considering the Programme National de Rénovation Urbaine and the Plan Ville Durable, the article highlights the emergence of a new model of State–cities relationships characterized by the tracking of local “exemplary” initiatives, and by their certification and diffusion by the central State itself. This new model of relationships allows the State to strengthen its capacity to steer urban policies at a distance, without actually challenging the rise in power of French cities.
Preclinical efficacy of daratumumab in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bride Karen L. , Vincent Tiffaney L. , Im Soo-Yeon , Aplenc Richard , Barrett David M. , Carroll William L. , Carson Robin , Dai Yunfeng , Devidas Meenakshi , Dunsmore Kimberly P. , Fuller Tori , Glisovic-Aplenc Tina , Horton Terzah M. , Hunger Stephen P. , Loh Mignon L. , Maude Shannon L. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Winter Stuart S. , Grupp Stephan A. , Hermiston Michelle L. , Wood Brent L. , Teachey David T.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

Daratumumab is effective against T-ALL in human xenograft models. CD38 is a novel target with broad potential in the treatment of T-ALL.