bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Baseline and Longitudinal Change in Endothelial Microparticle Count with Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Green Darren , Skeoch Sarah , Alexander M. Yvonne , Kalra Philip A. , Parker Ben
Published: January 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a unique milieu of vascular pathology, and effective biomarkers of active vascular damage are lacking. A candidate biomarker is the quantification of circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs). This study observed baseline and longitudinal EMP change (δEMP) and established the association of these with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in CKD. Method: An observational study in adults with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). EMPs were quantified by flow cytometry of platelet poor plasma in 2 samples 12 months apart and categorised as EMP if AnnexinV+/CD31+/CD42b- EMPs were compared between primary renal diagnoses, and correlations between EMP/δEMP and other parameters made. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for time to all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events were calculated for log-transformed EMP and δEMP using a Cox proportional hazard model. Results: There were 123 patients (age 63 ± 11 years, systolic blood pressure 135 ± 18 mm Hg, eGFR 32 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m2). The median baseline EMP count was 144/μL (range 10-714/μL). EMPs were numerically the highest in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (253 [41-610]). An increase in urine protein:creatinine ratio was associated with an increase in EMP (co-efficient 0.21, p = 0.02). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality for EMP was 8.20 (1.67-40.2, p = 0.01) and for δEMP was 2.69 (0.04-165, p = 0.64). There was no association between EMP or δEMP and cardiovascular events. Conclusion: Although EMP count was a significant marker of mortality risk, longitudinal change was not. This may reflect disease-specific EMP behaviour and the limitation of EMP as a generalised biomarker in CKD.
Prostacyclin as an Anticoagulant for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Children
Authors: Deep Akash , Zoha Mohammad , Dutta Kukreja Pompa
Published: January 2017

Effective delivery of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) depends on the longevity of the filter and circuit used in the CRRT machine. Safe and effective anticoagulation is crucial for maintaining the patency of these circuits. In children, heparin and citrate are the commonly used anticoagulants but they are limited by serious side effects and thus calls for meticulous monitoring. In conditions where neither of these can be used, prostacyclin can be an effective alternative. Prostacyclin is a platelet inhibitor that can be safely used as an efficient anticoagulant in CRRT. When combined with heparin, it induces a heparin-sparing effect, which can reduce the dosage and side effects of heparin. Furthermore, there is no need for performing time-consuming monitoring tests. Although prostacyclin seems to be an attractive option, there is scanty evidence about its use as an anticoagulant in CRRT in children. We review the evidence and practicalities, and propose a guideline for the use of prostacyclin as an anticoagulant in children requiring CRRT.
Association of Albuminuria and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate with Functional Performance Measures in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wolfgram Dawn F. , Garcia Katelyn , Evans Greg , Zamanian Sara , Tang Rocky , Wiegmann Thomas , Sharma Rajeev , Campbell Ruth , Whittle Jeff ,   for the SPRINT Study Research Group
Published: January 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly common and disproportionately affects older adults. The contribution of kidney disease to the functional impairment noted in the elderly CKD population is unclear. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of a hypertensive cohort of people aged ≥75 years from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial. We evaluated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) as predictors of 3 measures of functional status: EuroQol-5 Dimensional (EQ-5D) score, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) score, and gait speed. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between our independent variables and outcome measures. Results: Our analysis included 2,620 participants, mean age of 79.9 (4.0) years. Unadjusted models showed that lower eGFR level and higher UACR level were associated with lower EQ-5D (p < 0.001 for both) and slower gait speed (p < 0.001 for both) and worse scores on FES (p = 0.032 and p = 0.039). In the fully adjusted models, higher levels of UACR remained significantly associated with lower EQ-5D scores and slower gait speed (p = 0.011 and p = 0.002, respectively). In contrast, level of eGFR was not associated with any functional outcome measures when accounting for covariates. Conclusions: In individuals aged ≥75 years, albuminuria and eGFR were associated with impairments in physical performance and self-reported functional status; however, only the association with albuminuria remained after adjusting for relevant demographics and comorbidities. Evaluation of albuminuria may provide an additional tool for identifying older individuals at risk for functional impairment.
Habitus, gênero de discurso e gênero de atividade: construtos para compreender o trabalho docente
Authors: Anjos Daniela Dias dos
Published: January 2017

Este texto tem por objetivo apresentar um diálogo entre os conceitos de habitus (Bourdieu), gênero de discurso (Bakhtin) e gênero de atividade (Clot), pensando em sua contribuição para a análise do trabalho docente. Os três conceitos versam sobre a tensão dialética entre a dinâmica social e a ação dos agentes/sujeitos/indivíduos. Bourdieu, Bakhtin e Clot dialogam com os autores dos seus respectivos campos do conhecimento e criticam a visão dicotômica dessa relação social/individual. Os autores apontam para um sujeito que age e se constitui a partir de uma história de práticas e de discursos socialmente produzidos. Neste texto indaga-se sobre as possíveis aproximações e as distinções conceituais que possam propiciar um refinamento conceitual e teórico e contribuir para a análise do trabalho docente, atividade profissional que se realiza em meio a uma história de práticas e dizeres já existentes, constituídos por aqueles que vivenciam/vivenciaram a profissão.
Caracterização da atividade laboral de trabalhadores informais em praia de Natal (RN) - Brasil
Authors: Xavier Débora Guerra Pereira , Falcão Jorge Tarcísio Da Rocha , Lima Camila Torres de
Published: January 2017

Este artigo analisa os modos de organização de uma atividade laboral, especificamente a de vendedor ambulante, situada na economia informal em uma praia urbana do nordeste do Brasil. São analisados resultados de pesquisa de natureza quantitativa e qualitativa, oriundos de questionário e observações de campo, realizados com grupo de sessenta vendedores ambulantes na praia de Ponta Negra (Natal, RN). As informações oriundas dos questionários passaram por análises estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais e foram integradas à análise clínico-interpretativa. Evidenciou-se a construção de um contexto específico para o exercício de sua atividade, caracterizado por necessidade constante de superação de obstáculos, estabelecimento de relações de submissão e diferenciação em coletivos de trabalho e mobilização de diversas competências e habilidades apoiadas em conhecimentos práticos. Conclui-se que a informalidade, para além da precariedade, abarca aspectos comuns ao trabalho formal, o que a sitia como atividade laboral legítima, do ponto de vista psicossocial, permitindo ultrapassar a perspectiva de antinomia entre essas duas modalidades de atividade.
Aposentadoria e trabalho docente: momento de despedidas ou reencontros com o trabalho?
Authors: Jogaib Marta Luiza Montenegro Lana , Muniz Hélder Pordeus
Published: January 2017

Este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar como professores de psicologia aposentados, que optaram por continuar trabalhando na universidade, estão vivenciando esse novo momento da carreira. A partir da perspectiva ergológica e de conceitos da ergonomia da atividade, foram realizadas conversas dialógicas sobre o trabalho com quatro professores de psicologia aposentados numa universidade pública federal, seguindo-se observações sobre algumas reuniões de trabalho. Conclui-se que os professores continuam trabalhando porque usaram a aposentadoria como estratégia para construir outro modo de fazer uso de si no trabalho, com mais autonomia para decidir sobre que tarefas iriam desenvolver e como realizá-las. Vale ressaltar ainda que, para além da necessidade de reconhecimento social ou receio de perdas salariais, esses professores mantiveram-se ligados à atividade docente por conseguirem desenvolver o trabalho em situações nas quais compartilhavam coletivamente valores do bem comum, tornando possível uma boa articulação entre o uso de si por si e por outros.
O trabalho vivo de profissionais que lidam com a morte
Authors: Silva Edil Ferreira da , Lopes Helyssa Luana , Silva Ana Paula Lima da
Published: January 2017

Este artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa realizada no Núcleo de Medicina e Odontologia Legal (NUMOL) de Campina Grande (PB). Objetiva mostrar a atividade de trabalho, evidenciando os fatores de risco e as estratégias de defesa utilizadas para enfrentá-los e subvertê-los. Os pressupostos teóricos e metodológicos se basearam nas abordagens da Ergonomia Situada e da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. Foram feitas 15 observações sistemáticas do trabalho e quatro entrevistas coletivas com as equipes do NUMOL. Identificaram-se os fatores de risco biossanitário, ergonômico, de acidentes e psicológico. Percebeu-se a mobilização dos trabalhadores diante das variabilidades, na cooperação no trabalho e na elaboração de estratégias de defesa. Concluiu-se que os trabalhadores são ativos, usam os saberes de prudência e elaboram estratégias de defesa para se proteger dos riscos e transformar o sofrimento.
As dimensões singular e coletiva em saúde e a integração de serviços de saúde mental e saúde do trabalhador: algumas iniciativas no SUS de Betim (MG)
Authors: Deusdedit Júnior Manoel
Published: January 2017

O presente artigo parte da constatação da existência de uma distância entre os campos da Saúde Mental e da Saúde do Trabalhador e discute como as concepções teóricas que servem de fundamento à atuação dos profissionais ligados a esses campos repercutem na sua lógica de funcionamento. Discute, ainda, como esses aspectos têm dificultado a integração desses serviços para lidar com os problemas de saúde mental e trabalho que chegam aos dispositivos de saúde do município de Betim (MG). A partir de uma pesquisa envolvendo entrevistas com profissionais, participação nas reuniões de equipe e levantamento de dados documentais, foram identificadas algumas ações dos profissionais de um dos Centros de Referência em Saúde Mental e do Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador do município de Betim que podem representar avanços na integração entre esses serviços. Para tanto, propõe-se que a categoria “trabalho” seja considerada como um aspecto importante na superação da dicotomia entre singular e coletivo na saúde, por ser ela importante na compreensão de casos de adoecimento mental e também na condução do tratamento de usuários dos serviços de saúde.
Genome-Wide Prioritization and Transcriptomics Reveal Novel Signatures Associated With Thiazide Diuretics Blood Pressure Response
Authors: Shahin Mohamed H. , Sá Ana C. , Webb Amy , Gong Yan , Langaee Taimour , McDonough Caitrin W. , Riva Alberto , Beitleshees Amber L. , Chapman Arlene B. , Gums John G. , Turner Stephen T. , Boerwinkle Eric , Scherer Steven E. , Sadee Wolfgang , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. , Johnson Julie A.
Published: January 2017

Background—

Thiazide diuretics are among the most commonly prescribed antihypertensives. However, <50% of thiazide-treated patients achieve blood pressure (BP) control. Herein, we used different omics (genomics and transcriptomics) to identify novel biomarkers of thiazide diuretics BP response.

Methods and Results—

Genome-wide analysis included 228 white hypertensives with BP determined at baseline and after 9 weeks of hydrochlorothiazide. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms with
P
<5×10
−
5
were prioritized according to their biological function, using RegulomeDB, haploreg, and Genome-Wide Annotation of Variants. The results from the prioritization approach revealed rs10995 as the most likely functional single-nucleotide polymorphism, among single-nucleotide polymorphisms tested, that has been associated with hydrochlorothiazide BP response. The rs10995
G
-allele was associated with better BP response to hydrochlorothiazide versus noncarriers (Δ systolic BP/Δ diastolic BP: −12.3/−8.2 versus −6.8/−3.5 mm Hg, respectively, Δ systolic BP
P
=3×10
−4
, Δ diastolic BP
P
=5×10
−5
). This association was replicated in independent participants treated with chlorthalidone. In addition, rs10995
G-allele
was associated with increased mRNA expression of
VASP
(vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein). Moreover, baseline expression of the VASP mRNA was significantly higher in 25 good responders to hydrochlorothiazide compared with 25 poor responders (
P
=0.01). This finding was replicated in independent participants treated with chlorthalidone (
P
=0.04). Last, allelic-specific expression analysis revealed a significant but modest imbalance with rs10995 and rs10156, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in high linkage disequilibrium (
r
2
=0.7) with rs10995, which both could contribute to the observed genetic effects by affecting VASP mRNA expression.

Conclusions—

This study highlights the strength of using different omics to identify novel biomarkers of drug response and suggests
VASP
as a potential determinant of thiazide diuretics BP response.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT00246519 and NCT01203852.
The Role of Lucius Vitellius in the Death of Messallina
Authors: Woods David
Published: January 2017

The role of Lucius Vitellius in the events leading to the death of Valeria Messallina, the third wife of the emperor Claudius, in autumn 48adis re-examined. It is argued that the freedman Narcissus delayed his action against Messallina for her dangerous affair with Gaius Silius until he could be sure of the tacit support of Vitellius, where Vitellius had been hoping for a practical opportunity to strike against Messallina ever since she had forced him to play a key part in the trial of his friend Valerius Asiaticus in late 47ad.
Appropriating Islam as a Matrix
Authors: Barylo William
Published: January 2017

Observing and interviewing Muslim volunteers involving themselves in European charities with a strong religious frame reveals that Islam is more than rituals and beliefs but a complex system of ideas providing an original perception of the society, the environment and the individual. Therefore, the terms and categories gravitating around “religion” appear limited when trying to define Islam accurately for social sciences. The way Muslim volunteers practice their Islam is not limited to ritual performance; they try to find practical implementations of the ethics of Islam in areas like banking, charity, consumerism or democracy. These volunteers blur the boundaries of the concepts of “sacred” and “mundane,” thereby redrawing the limits of what is “religious” and what is not. After discussing the limits of the category of “religion” for describing Islam, this article follows French sociologist Edgar Morin’s theory of complex systems, suggesting the study of Islam as a matrix. On a wider perspective it will aim to bridge conceptual gaps in the study of religions, trying to find a more flexible concept that can also apply to other systems of ideas, cultures, beliefs and principles.
“The Happy Side of Babel”
Authors: Burley Mikel
Published: January 2017

Philosophers and other scholars of religion are increasingly recognizing that if philosophy of religion is to remain relevant to the study of religion, its scope must be expanded well beyond the confines of a highly intellectualized and abstract “theism.” Means of engendering this expansion include methodological diversification—drawing upon thickly described accounts of religious life such as those afforded by ethnographies and certain narrative artworks. Focusing on the latter, this article engages with the question of whether works of narrative fiction—literary or cinematic—candophilosophy of religion in ways that illuminate what D.Z. Phillips characterizes as the “radical plurality” of contemporary religion. Closely examining the examples of Dostoevsky’sThe Brothers Karamazovand especially Soyinka’sDeath and the King’s Horseman, my discussion is contextualized within broader debates over whether philosophy’s purpose is to advocate certain religious and moral perspectives or to elucidate those perspectives in more disinterested terms.
Buttering Bread on Both Sides
Authors: Hart Patrick
Published: January 2017

This is a response to Paul Kenny’s “Colloquium Response: More ‘theory as explanation’ anyone?” It argues that both “theory-as-explanation” and “theory-as-critique” are alive and well in the study of religion.
Transcendental Materialism as a Theoretical Orientation to the Study of Religion
Authors: Lynch Thomas
Published: January 2017

Transcendental materialism is a philosophical perspective that uses German Idealism, Marxism, psychoanalysis and natural science to offer a materialist account of subjectivity and culture. This essay compares this philosophical framework with recent work in the study of religion (Manuel Vásquez) and philosophy of religion (Kevin Schilbrack and Thomas A. Lewis). While transcendental materialism has until now been unconcerned with religion, it offers parallels with this recent work. It differs, however, in its specific understanding of the material dimension of the dialectical relationship between abstraction/conceptuality and practice/embodiment.
Toward Smart City Development in Central Asia: A Comparative Assessment
Authors: Irnazarov Farrukh , Kayumova Marina
Published: January 2017

Increasing urbanization triggered by population growth creates additional challenges in city planning, prompting governments and municipalities to search for innovative approaches. Smart city initiatives have proven efficient solutions for emerging urban challenges in many developed countries. Smart cities aim to improve living conditions, make more efficient use of physical infrastructure, and promote environmental sustainability. Cities in Central Asia face many urban challenges, including deteriorating and aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, inadequate waste management systems, and pollution. Sustainable urban management strategies are needed to address these challenges as well as to improve citizens’ quality of life and welfare in the longer term. This article assesses the potential for introduction of smart city projects in six major cities of Central Asia (Almaty, Astana, Ashgabat, Bishkek, Dushanbe, and Tashkent), and suggests an integrative framework for subsequent analysis of smart city development in this region.
A new diagnostic character in the roots of the genus Grammosciadium DC. (Apiaceae)
Authors: ULUSOY FATMA , KARAKAYA MUHAMMET ALİ , MAVİ İDMAN DUDU ÖZLEM , BANİ BARIŞ
Published: January 2017

This study focuses on the root anatomical characteristics of the taxa of the genus Grammosciadium. Samples collected from plants gathered in 41 different localities in Turkey were studied. The results show that the general structure of the roots includes protective tissue (periderm), cortex and vascular tissue respectively from the outermost layer. The roots of G. subg. Grammosciadium include regularly arranged fibres within the protective tissue. Moreover, the existence, arrangement and density of the polyhedral sclereids just under the phellogen of the roots of G. subg. Caropodium reveal as remarkable characters. Among them, the density of all these sclerenchymatous layers is a diagnostic character for the taxa of the genus. This study remarks the importance of root anatomical characters in taxonomy of Grammosciadium.
Effects of the South Asian Monsoon Intraseasonal Modes on Genesis of Low Pressure Systems over Bangladesh
Authors: Hatsuzuka Daisuke , Fujinami Hatsuki
Published: January 2017

The quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBW) is a dominant intraseasonal mode in summer rainfall over Bangladesh. Active phases of the QBW are often accompanied by low pressure systems (LPSs) such as vortex-type lows. This study investigated the effects of two intraseasonal modes, the QBW and the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO), on the genesis of LPSs over Bangladesh during 29 summer monsoon seasons. Daily lag composites of convection and low-level atmospheric circulation were constructed for active-phase cases with LPSs (LPS case) and without LPSs (non-LPS case) based on rainfall in the QBW over Bangladesh. In the QBW mode, a westward propagation of an anticyclonic anomaly from the western Pacific to the Bay of Bengal (BoB) is common in both cases. However, the anticyclonic center in the LPS case is located slightly to the east of that in the non-LPS case, which results in stronger cyclonic vorticity over and around Bangladesh. In contrast, the BSISO mode shows an opposite phase between the two cases: a cyclonic (anticyclonic) anomaly propagating northward from the equator to the BoB in the LPS case (non-LPS case). In the LPS case, the cyclonic anomaly in the BSISO mode enhances the westerly (easterly) flow over the BoB (Bangladesh) in the active phase, resulting in the enhancement of cyclonic vorticity over the northern BoB and Bangladesh, in cooperation with the QBW mode. These results suggest that both the QBW and BSISO modes have significant influence on the environmental conditions for LPS genesis over Bangladesh.
On the Leeuwin Current System and Its Linkage to Zonal Flows in the South Indian Ocean as Inferred from a Gridded Hydrography
Authors: Furue Ryo , Guerreiro Kévin , Phillips Helen E. , McCreary Julian P. , Bindoff Nathaniel L.
Published: January 2017

The Leeuwin Current System (LCS) along the coast of Western Australia consists of the poleward-flowing Leeuwin Current (LC), the equatorward-flowing Leeuwin Undercurrent (LUC), and neighboring flows in the south Indian Ocean (SIO). Using geostrophic currents obtained from a highly resolved (⅛°) hydrographic climatology [CSIRO Atlas of Regional Seas (CARS)], this study describes the spatial structure and annual variability of the LC, LUC, and SIO zonal currents, estimates their transports, and identifies linkages among them. In CARS, the LC is supplied partly by water from the tropics (an annual mean of 0.3 Sv; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) but mostly by shallow (200 m) eastward flows in the SIO (4.7 Sv), and it loses water by downwelling across the bottom of this layer (3.4 Sv). The downwelling is so strong that, despite the large SIO inflow, the horizontal transport of the LC does not much increase to the south (from 0.3 Sv at 22°S to 1.5 Sv at 34°S). This LC transport is significantly smaller than previously reported. The LUC is supplied by water from south of Australia (0.2 Sv), by eastward inflow from the SIO south of 28°S (1.6 Sv), and by the downwelling from the LC (1.6 Sv) and in response strengthens northward, reaching a maximum near 28°S (3.4 Sv). North of 28°S it loses water by outflow into subsurface westward flow (−3.6 Sv between 28° and 22°S) and despite an additional downwelling from the LC (1.9 Sv), it decreases to the north (1.7 Sv at 22°S). The seasonality of the LUC is described for the first time.
Severely impaired activity of lipoprotein lipase Arg243His is partially ameliorated by emulsifying phospholipids inin vitrotriolein hydrolysis analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Takashi , Murano Takeyoshi , Tatsuno Ichiro , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Suzuki Toru , Sawada Shojiro , Katagiri Hideki , Shirai Kohji , Schneider Wolfgang J , Bujo Hideaki
Published: January 2017

Background

We investigated the in vitro effects of various phospholipids as emulsifiers on the hydrolysing activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) Arg243His against triolein as substrate. LPL Arg243His, identified in a patient with hyperchylomicronaemia, displays severely diminished activity for triolein when emulsified with Triton X-100.

Methods

Lipolytic activities of plasma obtained by heparin injection from a homozygous patient with LPL Arg243His were analysed using triolein emulsified with phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), or Triton X-100 as substrates.

Results

The hydrolysing activities of the patient’s plasma for triolein emulsified with PC, PE, PS, PI, LPC and Triton X-100 were 9.22 ± 1.06  μmol/ml/h/ngLPL, 2.94 ± 1.60  μmol/ml/h/ng LPL, 3.72 ± 1.63  μmol/ml/h/ng LPL, 3.40 ± 1.20  μmol/ml/h/ngLPL, 3.72 ± 1.96  μmol/ml/h/ngLPL and 7.80 ± 4.48  μmol/ml/h/ng LPL, respectively. Thus, the specific activities of the patient’s LPL determined with triolein emulsified with PC were significantly higher than those with PE, PS, PI or LPC as emulsifiers. Relative to the activities of normal plasma measured with PC, PE, PS, PI and LPC as emulsifiers, the mutant’s activities were 49.1 ± 5.2%, 44.1 ± 5.7%, 31.7 ± 12.6%, 19.2 ± 6.9% and 23.8 ± 11.3%, respectively. Using PC, PE, PS, PI and LPC as emulsifiers, the mutant’s activities for triolein-lipolysis relative to normal were significantly increased in comparison to the relative activity measured with the classical emulsifier, Triton X-100 (12.9 ± 6.7%).

Conclusions

Impaired triolein hydrolysis by LPL Arg243His was partially ameliorated by triolein emulsification with phospholipids. The in vitro analysis of triolein hydrolysis using various phospholipid emulsifiers may be useful for the further understanding of impaired LPL function.
Sex segregation by field of study and the influence of labor markets: Evidence from 39 countries
Authors: Moorhouse Elizabeth A
Published: January 2017

Data from 39 countries for the years 2008–2011 are used to explore how features of a country’s labor market influence sex segregation by field of study in higher education. A new feature of this empirical study is the use of the system generalized method of moments (system-GMM) to analyze these relationships. Two new labor market variables are included in this study: a measure of a country’s economic protections for women and the national unemployment rate. After controlling for the level of economic development and characteristics of each country’s tertiary system, the results indicate that labor market variables have an important impact on sex segregation by field of study. All else equal, countries that protect women’s economic rights are associated with lower levels of sex segregation by field. Although the finding is less robust, the empirical evidence also supports that countries with higher unemployment rates experience lower levels of sex segregation.
Can civilian attitudes predict insurgent violence? Ideology and insurgent tactical choice in civil war
Authors: Hirose Kentaro , Imai Kosuke , Lyall Jason
Published: January 2017

Are civilian attitudes a useful predictor of patterns of violence in civil wars? A prominent debate has emerged among scholars and practitioners about the importance of winning civilian ‘hearts and minds’ for influencing their wartime behavior. We argue that such efforts may have a dark side: insurgents can use pro-counterinsurgent attitudes as cues to select their targets and tactics. We conduct an original survey experiment in 204 Afghan villages and establish a positive association between pro-International Security Assistance Force attitudes and future Taliban attacks. We extend our analysis to 14,606 non-surveyed villages and demonstrate that our measure of civilian attitudes improves out-of-sample predictive performance by 20–30% over a standard forecasting model. The results are especially strong for Taliban attacks with improvised explosive devices. These improvements in predictive power remain even after adjusting for possible confounders, including past violence, military bases, and development aid.
Technical efficiency of wheat farmers and options for minimizing yield gaps in Afghanistan
Authors: Tavva Srinivas , Aw-Hassan Aden , Rizvi Javed , Saharawat Yashpal Singh
Published: January 2017

Afghanistan is a net importer of wheat which is the staple food in the country. In order to improve the levels of food sufficiency, prevailing large yield gaps in wheat need to be reduced. This study assessed the reasons/factors influencing low wheat productivity and/or large yield gaps in different production systems in five major wheat-producing provinces in Afghanistan using a stochastic frontier production function model. The results indicated that the mean technical efficiency of wheat farmers was 0.67, and there was clear scope to improve wheat production by 33% in the short run with the same level of inputs. The potential yield gap could be reduced if adoption of good agricultural practices such as the use of improved wheat varieties with recommended seed rates was promoted through more effective transfer of technologies (training and extension) in the target provinces. Such efforts would help improve domestic wheat production and reduce dependency on wheat imports.
Relative Climate Index and Its Effect on Seasonal Tourism Demand
Authors: Li Hengyun , Goh Carey , Hung Kam , Chen Jason Li
Published: January 2017

This study proposes a relative climate index based on the push and pull theory to assess the effects of relative climate variability on seasonal tourism demand. The relative climate index measures the climatic comfort of a destination relative to that of the tourist origin. Using the proposed approach, the effects of the relative climate comfort on seasonal tourism demand are empirically tested based on a quarterly panel data set of visitor arrivals from Hong Kong to 13 major Chinese cities. The intra-annual seasonality and interannual variability are both tested in the model. The results indicate that the intra-annual relative climate positively influences tourism demand in Mainland regions, where the climate is significantly different from that of Hong Kong.
A Population-Based Survey to Determine Association of Perceived Social Support and Self-Efficacy With Self-Care Among Elderly With Diabetes Mellitus (Kerman City, Iran)
Authors: Borhaninejad Vahidreza , Shati Mohsen , Bhalla Devender , Iranpour Abedin , Fadayevatan Reza
Published: January 2017

This survey examined association between social support and self-efficacy with self-care in elderly with diabetes. A total of 374 subjects were identified in Kerman city, Iran who responded to questionnaires on self-care, social support, and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed by using SPSS. Along with customary descriptive statistics, we also determined group difference for self-care, and Pearson correlation, and prediction value of various variables by using hierarchical multiple regression. And 67.37% of subjects were classified as poor adherence to self-care; 55.9% patients reportedly had good foot care habits, while 68.4% patients were not taking adequate physical activity. There was a significant correlation between self-care with social support and self-efficacy. Independent variables accounted for 44.3% of the variance in self-care. Diabetes care programs should aim to implement (a) weekly free-of-cost mass physical activity programs, (b) mass education adapted for gender- and age-based needs, and (c) informal social cohesion and companionship among general public.
Implementation of radio frequency identification middleware with database
Authors: Chen Bocheng , Mak Andy , Lin Fengqun , Yuan Bo , Liu Wenhuang , Wang Hongyang
Published: January 2017

This paper introduces the principle of a radio frequency identification (RFID) middleware, including its characteristics, problems and implementation in relation to Electronic Product Code (EPC). The targeted users are small and medium-sized domestic enterprises (SMEs), who need flexible and convenient solutions. This paper provides a framework and construction solutions of this simple RFID middleware, and discusses EPC concepts, solutions and advantages. It has been found that the best solution is to construct a simple and convenient platform and continuously add new common reader adapters based on the actual needs and extend special applications, which will become the basic functions of the RFID middleware, so that SMEs can conveniently use and extend these functions according to their needs. This study shows that the simple RFID middleware is suitable for SMEs to use and the open source can be easily applied to make a platform based on the RFID middleware.
Design of an integrated control system to enhance vehicle roll and lateral dynamics
Authors: Rahimi Shahab , Naraghi Mahyar
Published: January 2017

Besides lateral instability, one major threat to all ground vehicles, especially SUVs, is the danger of rollover during cornering. A coordination strategy based on fuzzy logic has been devised to coordinate the sub-controls; namely, active steering, active differential, active brake and a novel active roll control system. Independent study of each sub-control as well as an analysis of their inter-relationship has been carried out. The coordination strategy is supposed to resolve the conflict among control targets – which are sideslip regulation, yaw rate tracking, lateral acceleration tracking and roll motion control – all of which are to be done while maintaining the driver’s desired longitudinal acceleration. Thus, a compromise must be reached. Vehicle sideslip angle and yaw rate were considered to be the criteria for lateral stability; and a combination of roll angle, roll rate and lateral load transfer was selected as the criterion for roll stability. The results of simulations on two SUV models in CarSim software indicate that the integrated controller can successfully restore vehicles’ stability in critical condition.
Clawback Provision of SOX, Financial Misstatements, and CEO Compensation Contracts
Authors: Natarajan Ramachandran , Zheng Kenneth
Published: January 2017

Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (hereafter, SOX), commonly known as the clawback provision, entitles the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to sue the CEO and CFO in an attempt to recover their incentive compensation based on misstated financial reports. Although a stream of literature investigates the effects of voluntary firm-initiated clawback provisions, this study explores the effects of the mandatory SOX clawback provision on the likelihood of financial misstatements and CEO compensation. We find a significant decrease in the association between CEO in-the-money option value and the likelihood of a financial misstatement surrounding SOX, suggesting the SOX clawback provision has been effective in reducing financial misstatements arising from CEO in-the-money stock options. To examine the effects of the SOX clawback provision on CEO compensation, we identify a set of misstatement firms with a high restatement likelihood where the CEOs are most likely concerned with the impact of the SOX clawback provision on their compensation. We find that compared with control firms, these misstatement firms with a high restatement likelihood where the CEO is the chair of the board exhibit an increase in CEO salaries between the pre- and post-SOX periods, suggesting that in the post-SOX period, powerful CEOs are able to receive higher salaries which are not subject to the SOX clawback provision.
Celebrating 40 Years of the Midwest Nursing Research Society
Authors: Hershberger Patricia E. , Wynd Christine A. , Glass Laurie K. , O’Connell Karen M. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J. , Bergstrom Nancy , Lusk Sally Lechlitner
Published: January 2017

The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) recently held its 40th annual conference and celebrated four decades of nursing research in the Midwest. MNRS continues to be one of the largest nursing research societies in the United States. Over the years, a vast majority of programmatic initiatives included education and tangible support for novice and experienced nurse researchers. In this article, the background for development of MNRS is reviewed with examination of driving forces that led to its creation. Three past presidents, Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, the first President of MNRS (1980-1981); Dr. Nancy Bergstrom, the eighth President (1993-1995); and Dr. Sally Lusk, the 14th President (2005-2007), discuss challenges, opportunities, and the exceptional progress made toward fostering excellence in nursing research for the Midwest and contributing to nursing science on a national and global scale. Lessons from the past as well as opportunities for the future are addressed.
Expression of Lysyl Oxidase Predictive of Distant Metastasis of Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Lee Yoon Se , Park Yangsoon , Kwon Minsu , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate the prognostic significance of lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression in laryngeal cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review and histologic analysis.

Setting

Tertiary referral academic center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients (N = 100) underwent surgical treatment for laryngeal cancer and had tissue specimens available. Immunohistochemical staining for LOX was performed on laryngeal cancer tissue microarrays, and the proportion and intensity of staining were evaluated. Patients with LOX scores ≤6 were classified into the low LOX group, while those with scores >6 were classified into the high LOX group. We analyzed the correlation between LOX expression and clinical factors as well as prognosis.

Results

LOX was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of tumor cells. Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that the high LOX group had worse overall survival and recurrence‐free survival rates than the low LOX group (P <. 05). LOX expression exhibited marginally significant correlation with lymph node metastasis. In the Cox regression analysis, LOX expression and lymph node metastasis were significant factors correlated with overall survival rate (odds ratio [OR] = 3.92, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.35‐11.37, P =. 012; OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 0.93‐1.43, P =. 024, respectively). LOX expression was related to distant metastasis free survival rate (OR = 7.72, 95% CI: 1.02‐19.18, P =. 048).

Conclusion

A high expression level of LOX is associated with lymph node and distant metastasis as well as poor prognosis among patients with laryngeal cancer.
Clinical Evidence Supporting US Food and Drug Administration Approval of Otolaryngologic Prescription Drug Indications, 2005‐2014
Authors: Rathi Vinay K. , Wang Bo , Ross Joseph S. , Downing Nicholas S. , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves indications for prescription drugs based on premarket pivotal clinical studies designed to demonstrate safety and efficacy. We characterized the pivotal studies supporting FDA approval of otolaryngologic prescription drug indications.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Publicly available FDA documents.

Subjects

Recently approved (2005‐2014) prescription drug indications for conditions treated by otolaryngologists or their multidisciplinary teams. Drugs could be authorized for treatment of otolaryngologic disease upon initial approval (original indications) or thereafter via supplemental applications (supplemental indications).

Methods

Pivotal studies were categorized by enrollment, randomization, blinding, comparator type, and primary endpoint.

Results

Between 2005 and 2014, the FDA approved 48 otolaryngologic prescription drug indications based on 64 pivotal studies, including 21 original indications (19 drugs, 31 studies) and 27 supplemental indications (18 drugs, 33 studies). Median enrollment was 299 patients (interquartile range, 198‐613) for original indications and 197 patients (interquartile range, 64‐442) for supplemental indications. Most indications were supported by ≥1 randomized study (original: 20/21 [95%], supplemental: 21/27 [78%]) and ≥1 double‐blinded study (original: 14/21 [67%], supplemental: 17/27 [63%]). About half of original indications (9/21 [43%]) and one‐quarter of supplemental indications (7/27 [26%]) were supported by ≥1 active‐controlled study. Nearly half (original: 8/21 [38%], supplemental: 14/27 [52%]) of all indications were approved based exclusively on studies using surrogate markers as primary endpoints.

Conclusion

The quality of clinical evidence supporting FDA approval of otolaryngologic prescription drug indications varied widely. Otolaryngologists should consider limitations in premarket evidence when helping patients make informed treatment decisions about newly approved drugs.
Change of coagulation after NovoSeven® use for bleeding during cardiac surgery
Authors: Tomita Emi , Takase Hajime , Tajima Keiichi , Suematsu Yoshihiro
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Recombinant activated factor VII has been used for the treatment of hemophilia, factor VII deficiency, and Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia. Off-label uses have recently been increasing, and there are reports that recombinant activated factor VII is effective for the treatment of excessive bleeding during or after cardiovascular surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the effectiveness of recombinant activated factor VII and its influence on the coagulation system as a treatment for uncontrollable bleeding during cardiovascular surgery.

Methods

Between April 2009 and May 2015, recombinant activated factor VII was used to treat uncontrollable bleeding during cardiovascular surgery in 17 patients at our hospital. The indications for recombinant activated factor VII administration were critical uncontrollable bleeding during surgery and normal platelet and fibrinogen levels.

Results

Blood loss significantly decreased in every case after recombinant activated factor VII administration ( p < 0.05). No adverse thromboembolic events were encountered. The prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrin degradation product and D-dimer levels decreased significantly after recombinant activated factor VII administration. One day later, all blood coagulation test values were almost within the normal ranges.

Conclusions

Recombinant activated factor VII has a strong hemostatic action, but it is necessary to exclude surgical bleeding to exhibit the hemostatic effect. Administration that does not comply with the indications for recombinant activated factor VII may lead to serious complications such as thromboembolism. In properly selected patients, recombinant activated factor VII is an effective agent for the treatment of uncontrollable bleeding during cardiovascular surgery.
Wellbeing at the edges of ownership
Authors: Smith Susan J , Cigdem Melek , Ong Rachel , Wood Gavin
Published: January 2017

The test of a well-functioning housing system is the wellbeing of its occupants. It may therefore seem encouraging that in jurisdictions dominated by mortgage-backed home ownership, owner-occupiers traditionally report better physical and mental health than renters. During the 2000s, however, in an era of financial crisis, wellbeing at the edges of ownership came under strain. Using data from two national panel surveys – the survey of Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia, and the British Household Panel Survey (with its successor, Understanding Society) – we track the wellbeing of households who sustained one or more spells of home ownership in the decade to 2010. We estimate log-log regression models of mental wellbeing for each country, documenting (with an appropriate range of controls) the effects of both tenure transitions (between ownership and renting) and some associated financial transactions (anchored on mortgage debt). We find: a wellbeing premium associated with outright ownership and a debt-effect among mortgagors; a wellbeing deficit among those who drop out of owner-occupation, with partial recovery where exit is enduring; and for leavers especially, a wellbeing cost to equity borrowing. Cross-national differences have an institutional explanation, but similarities relating to the character and regulation of mortgage markets are more striking.
Infratrochlear neuralgia: A prospective series of seven patients treated with infratrochlear nerve blocks
Authors: Villar-Quiles Rocío-Nur , García-Moreno Héctor , Mayo Diego , Gutiérrez-Viedma Álvaro , Ramos María-Isabel , Casas-Limón Javier , Cuadrado María-Luz
Published: January 2017

Background

Infratrochlear neuralgia is a recently described painful cranial neuropathy that causes pain in the internal angle of the orbit and the medial upper eyelid, the upper bridge of the nose and/or the lacrimal caruncle. We aim to present seven new cases of infratrochlear neuralgia treated with anaesthetic nerve blocks.

Methods

Over an 18-month period, we prospectively identified seven cases of infratrochlear neuralgia among the patients attending the Headache Unit in a tertiary hospital. Anaesthetic blocks were performed by injecting 0.5 cc of bupivacaine 0.5% at the emergence of the nerve above the internal canthus.

Results

All patients were women, and the mean age was 49.1 years (standard deviation, 17.9). The pain appeared at the internal angle of the orbit and/or the medial upper eyelid in six cases, and the whole territory of the infratrochlear nerve in one case. Six patients had continuous pain and one had episodes lasting 8–24 hours. All patients showed sensory disturbances within the painful area and tenderness upon palpation of the infratrochlear nerve. Nerve blocks resulted in complete and long-lasting relief in four patients and short-lasting relief in the other three patients.

Conclusions

Infratrochlear neuralgia should be considered among the neuralgic causes of orbital and periorbital pain. Anaesthetic blocks may assist clinicians in the diagnosis and may also be an effective therapy.
Endoscopic Versus Open Excision of Os Trigonum for the Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome in an Athletic Population: A Randomized Controlled Study With 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Georgiannos Dimitrios , Bisbinas Ilias
Published: January 2017

Background:

Open surgical excision of the os trigonum has been the traditional treatment for posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS). However, the endoscopic excision has recently become quite popular.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of our study was to compare the results of endoscopic versus open excision of a symptomatic os trigonum for the treatment of PAIS in an athletic population. It was hypothesized that the endoscopic technique would be superior to the open technique regarding functional outcomes, pain, and time to return to training and the previous sports level.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

From 2008 to 2011, 52 athletes underwent a symptomatic os trigonum excision; 26 athletes had an open procedure (group A) and 26 had an endoscopic procedure (group B). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and the Visual Analog Score–Foot and Ankle (VAS-FA) were obtained, and the time to return to training and to previous sports level was recorded.

Results:

Patients in group B appeared to have significant improvement of AOFAS hindfoot score compared with those in group A ( P < .05), whereas no statistical significance was found for the postoperative VAS-FA scores between the 2 groups. The mean ± SD time to return to training was 9.58 ± 3.98 weeks for group A and 4.58 ± 1.47 weeks for group B ( P < .001). The time to return to previous sports level was 11.54 ± 3.89 weeks for group A and 7.12 ± 2.25 weeks for group B ( P < .001). The overall complication rate was 23% for group A (6 cases) and 3.8% for group B (1 case).

Conclusion:

Both the open procedure and the endoscopic approach yielded acceptable outcomes in terms of function and pain. However, complication rates were remarkably lower with endoscopic treatment, and the time to return to full activities was much shorter. Endoscopic excision of the os trigonum is a safe and effective treatment option for athletes who require early return to their previous sports level.