bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations on a Ramesside letter: Papyrus Hermitage B-1119*
Authors: Makeeva N.V. , Nikolaev A.N.
Published: December 2017

The article is a publication of P. Hermitage B-1119. The text is a Ramesside letter, possibly from the reign of Ramesses II, written in the north of the country, most probably in Per-Ramesses.
Evaluating the biocompatibility of marine-derived chitosan–collagen polymeric blends for biomedical applications
Authors: Raghavankutty Mahadevan , Jose Geena Mariya , Sulaiman Mohsin , Kurup G Muraleedhara
Published: December 2017

The capability of biomaterials such as chitosan and collagen to support cell growth and proliferation makes them promising candidates in biomedical applications. Chitosan and collagen from marine world have already been proved to be better alternatives to those from terrestrial world. In the current study, chitosan and collagen were isolated from shrimp shell and fish skin, respectively. The polymers were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectra analysis, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance analysis, CHN analysis, and sodium dodedcyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Interpenetrating blends of these polymers were synthesized in the form of films in two different ratios. Glutaraldehyde was used as an additional cross-linker to provide more stability to the blends. The polymeric blends were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and swelling studies. The biocompatibility evaluation included hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility studies. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance analysis of films confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups and molecular interactions of the two polymers in the two blends. Homogenous blending of the two biopolymers in both film compositions was confirmed by the smooth surface images in scanning electron microscopy analysis. The swelling study revealed that both the films can effectively transfer water across it, hence nutrients and waste materials. During hemocompatibility evaluations, no red blood cell aggregation was observed and both the films adsorbed plasma proteins, predominantly albumin, when they made contact with blood. Although one of the films showed slightly higher hemolysis, the value was within the acceptable range. More than 90% viability obtained in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay shows the non-toxic nature of the two films. No sign of morphological changes to L929 cells was seen when they were in direct contact with both films. Live/dead assay using acridine orange/ethidium bromide cocktail showed that the films have not induced apoptosis to the L929 cells, which further asserts their biocompatible nature.
Is Employment Polarisation Inevitable? Occupational Change in Ireland and Switzerland, 1970–2010
Authors: Murphy Emily C , Oesch Daniel
Published: December 2017

The routinisation thesis expects technology to hollow out the middle of the employment structure, leading to a uniform pattern of polarisation across affluent countries. This article argues that occupational change is also shaped by labour supply – particularly education and immigration – and institutions. Polarisation therefore represents just one scenario of occupational change. Our study of Ireland and Switzerland examines long-term change in the employment structure (1970–2010), using census data and an encompassing definition of the labour force. Results show no simple trend of occupational upgrading morphing into polarisation. Occupational upgrading occurred in both countries, with the largest employment gains in high-paid occupations and the largest losses in low-paid ones. Patterns of occupational change largely aligned with the evolution of labour supply, upgrading in the 1990s and 2000s being driven in both countries by higher educated women. Immigration supplied labour for low-end and mid-level jobs in Ireland during the Celtic Tiger era, and for low-paid occupations in Switzerland during the 1980s.
The frequency of kissing as part of sexual activity differs depending on how men meet their male casual sexual partners
Authors: Cornelisse Vincent J , Priest David , Fairley Christopher K , Walker Sandra , Bradshaw Catriona S , Phillips Tiffany , Chow Eric PF
Published: December 2017

Previous studies have shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use smartphone dating applications (apps) are at higher risk of gonorrhoea, but not HIV. We have hypothesised that kissing may be a risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. We measured differences in kissing practices among MSM who use different methods to find male casual sexual partners (CSPs). If MSM who use apps kiss more CSPs, then this may help to explain why these men are at increased risk of gonorrhoea but not HIV. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of MSM attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between March and September 2015. We measured differences in kissing practices among MSM who use different methods to find male casual sexual partners (CSPs). The questionnaire included questions about numbers of CSPs, numbers of CSPs kissed, and how men found CSPs. We surveyed 753 MSM with a median age of 29 years (interquartile range 25–36). Six hundred and one men (79.8%) reported using apps to find CSPs in the last three months. Users of apps had a higher number of CSPs than non-users (5.0 vs. 3.2; p < 0.001). Users of apps kissed a higher number (4.6 vs. 2.2; p < 0.001), and a higher proportion (90.4% vs. 71.0%; p < 0.001) of CSPs compared to non-users. We are currently investigating whether kissing is a significant mode of transmission of gonorrhoea, and if this proves correct then this study suggests that users of apps would particularly benefit from health promotion that addresses this mode of transmission.
“We’re like the sex CPR dummies”: Young women’s understandings of (hetero)sexual pleasure in university accommodation
Authors: Brown Juliana , Schmidt Johanna , Robertson Neville
Published: December 2017

In this article, we explore the discourses that affect young women’s experiences of (hetero)sexual pleasure, drawing on data from focus groups with young women and young men who lived within a university residential setting in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Here we focus on the gendered understandings among the participants that prioritise men’s sexual pleasure and largely position women as the means of achieving that pleasure. The young women spoke of multiple barriers to gaining equality during (hetero)sexual experiences, with key issues being the coital imperative and women’s supposed sexual passivity. In challenging these barriers, the young women described various tactics used to resist their subordinate position. However, the women often placed the onus of responsibility for dismantling these barriers on themselves, thus bearing the burden of responsibility for not only young men’s sexual pleasure but also their own.
Current declines of Pecos River (New Mexico, USA) streamflow in a 700-year context
Authors: Harley Grant L , Maxwell Justin T
Published: December 2017

The Pecos River provides an important source of water for New Mexico and Texas, US, and Mexico. Severe and prolonged drought combined with increasing temperatures during the early 21st century boosted attention on water resources and allocation management in the American West. We provide a tree-ring-based streamflow reconstruction for the Pecos River for the period 1310–2013 CE for the overarching purpose of placing the current Pecos River streamflow declines in a multi-century context. Over the past ca. 700 years, dry events ( n = 93) that lasted at least 2 years were more common than wet events ( n = 76), wherein flow was below/above the instrumental mean (61.6 m3 s−1). Although more prolonged droughts occurred during the 15th and 18th centuries, the gage record (1930–2013 CE) captures the full range and variability of flow extremes within the context of the past 700 years. The 11-year drought of 1772–1782 was the highest ranked based on magnitude + intensity below the instrumental mean, slightly edging out the 1415–1425 and 1950–1957 events. The driest events that have occurred from the 14th through the 20th centuries are challenged by flow conditions since the turn of the 21st century. The 2000–2006 and 2011–2013 dry periods ranked 6th and 13th, respectively, though the intensity (−40 m3 s−1 yr−1) of the 2011–2013 event exceeded all higher ranked droughts. The lowest single water-year flow in the reconstruction was shared by years 1904 and 2002, during which the flow of the Pecos River was estimated at 8.1 m3 s−1. Other extreme low-flow years were 1685 (9.5 m3 s−1) and 1579 (9.8 m3 s−1), but are eclipsed by 1904 and 2002 when considering the lower bounds of bootstrapped confidence limits of the reconstruction. Increased flow variability combined with projected increased temperatures and decreased precipitation will likely present new challenges to water resource managers, especially given impending anthropogenic climate change.
Effects of occupational exposure to aluminium on some oxidative stress and DNA damage parameters
Authors: Samir AM , Rashed LA
Published: December 2017

Aim:

The aim of this work was to investigate the relationships between aluminium levels, oxidative status and DNA damage in workers occupationally exposed to aluminium.

Subjects and methods:

This study was conducted in a secondary aluminium smelter. It included 96 male workers occupationally exposed to aluminium fume and dust compared to 96 male nonexposed individuals. Full history and clinical examination were done for all participants. Laboratory investigations in the form of serum aluminium, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and comet assay test were performed.

Results:

Serum aluminium level ranged from 4 to 30 µg/L of median: 10 µg/L; urinary 8-OHdG ranged from 2.7 to 17.2 ng/mg creatinine of median: 7.6 ng/mg creatinine; comet tail length (CTL) ranged from 19.7 to 50.5 µm of median: 45 µm, were statistically significantly increased in the exposed group compared to nonexposed group. In exposed workers, a statistically significant positive correlations were found between serum aluminium level and urinary 8-OHdG ( r = 0.75, p < 0.001); aluminium level and CTL ( r = 0.71, p < 0.001); and urinary 8-OHdG and CTL ( r = 0.71, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between serum aluminium and TAC ( r = −0.76, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Occupational exposure to aluminium in secondary aluminium smelters was related to the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. This may promote the development of adverse health hazards in the exposed workers
Poor Knowledge and Nonuse of Long-Acting/Permanent Methods of Contraceptives in Six Districts in Indonesia
Authors: Titaley Christiana R. , Ariawan Iwan , Damayanti Rita , Ismail Amry , Saputri A. Y. , Yelda Fitra , Soeharno Nugroho , Subarkah  , Harlan Sarah , Wahyuningrum Yunita , Storey Douglas
Published: December 2017

This analysis aimed at examining the association between the level of knowledge about long-acting/permanent methods of contraceptives (LAPM) and nonuse of LAPM among currently married, nonpregnant, and fecund women aged 15 to 49 years intending to limit childbearing. Data were derived from a cross-sectional study in Tuban, Kediri, and Lumajang District (East Java Province) and Lombok Barat, Lombok Timur, and Sumbawa District (Nusa Tenggara Barat Province) in June 2012. Information was obtained from 4323 respondents. Using multivariate logistic regression, we found that women with moderate levels of LAPM knowledge were less likely to use LAPM than women with high levels of knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.51-2.68). Women with low level of LAPM knowledge were less likely to use LAPM than women with high levels of knowledge (aOR = 4.25, 95% CI = 3.37-5.36). Efforts to strengthen counseling services and increased provider knowledge and counselling skills are important to improve women’s knowledge about and use of LAPM.
Socioeconomic Determinants of the Utilization of Antenatal Care and Child Vaccination in India
Authors: Zuhair Mohd , Roy Ram Babu
Published: December 2017

Antenatal care and child vaccination services are adopted worldwide to reduce the risk of child mortality, maternal mortality, and burden of infectious diseases. This article examines the effect of socioeconomic factors on the utilization of antenatal care and child vaccination services in India. The generalized linear model has been used along with the Indian National Family Health Survey data for the period 2005-2006. The analysis shows that the health insurance plan has a significant effect on the use of antenatal care but not in the child vaccination. Furthermore, there is inequality in the utilization of antenatal care as well as child vaccination services and it is positively related to the wealth. The study suggests that there is a need to improve the socioeconomic status of the financially weaker section of the society for improving the use of child and maternal care services.
Epithelial Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity: Clinical, Histopathological, and Immunohistochemical Distinction of a Case Report
Authors: Nguyen Sally , Perron Marjorie , Nadeau Sylvie , Odashiro Alexandre Nakao , Corriveau Marie-Noëlle
Published: December 2017

Background. Epithelial myoepithelial carcinomas (EMCs) are rare low-grade salivary gland tumors. Here, we report the case of a 75-year-old man presenting with an oncocytic variant of EMC of the nasal cavity, initially diagnosed as an oncocytoma. Methods. Our patient underwent functional sinus surgery in 2012. On pathology, an oncocytic neoplasm was found in the right nasal cavity, characterized by fragments of uniform bland oncocytic cells with bilayered arrangement of nuclei. Immunohistochemical stains demonstrated biphasic cells: luminal epithelial and basal cell–type myoepithelial cells. The tumor was best diagnosed as an oncocytoma. In 2015, the patient presented with a recurrent right inferior turbinate lesion, compatible with oncocytic EMC. Results. The patient underwent oncological surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy. He had no disease recurrence. Conclusion. Different variants of EMCs exist, such as oncocytic EMC. EMCs should be treated aggressively because they can be locally invasive, recur, and give rise to distant metastases.
The Perceptual Maze Test Revisited: Evaluating the Difficulty of Automatically Generated Mazes
Authors: Loe Bao Sheng , Rust John
Published: December 2017

The Elithorn perceptual maze test is widely used in clinical research and practice. However, there is little evidence of its psychometric properties, and its application is limited by the technical difficulty of developing more mazes. The current research aims to adopt a rigorous approach to evaluate 18 mazes that were automatically generated by a novel R software package. Various item response theory models were employed to examine the difficulty parameters. The findings suggested that the data best fitted the Rasch model. The linear logistic test model revealed meaningful contribution to the sources of maze difficulty. Additionally, the linear logistic test model plus error was considered the most parsimonious model. The Automatic Perceptual Maze Test was moderately correlated with a nonverbal intelligence test. By introducing more mazes to provide adequate information on participants’ ability at all levels, the Automatic Perceptual Maze Test promises future clinical and research utility for the study of cognitive performance.
The Reliability and Validity of the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Cardinale Elise M. , Marsh Abigail A.
Published: December 2017

In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a Limited Prosocial Emotions specifier was added to the conduct disorder diagnostic criteria to designate a subgroup of children who exhibit callous unemotional (CU) traits. The Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) is the only dedicated measure of CU traits and was influential in the development of the Limited Prosocial Emotions specifier. Despite its role in the research and diagnosis of CU traits, some questions have persisted regarding the internal consistency and validity of the ICU and its three subscales: callous, uncaring, and unemotional. Results of a meta-analysis revealed acceptable internal consistency and external validity for total ICU, callous, and uncaring scores, but not unemotional scores. These results support the utility of the total ICU, callous, and uncaring scales, but indicate weaknesses in the scale or construct of unemotionality as it relates to interpersonal callousness, uncaring, and antisociality.
Fundic Gland Polyps in the Pediatric Population: Clinical and Histopathologic Studies
Authors: Coffey Amy , Patel Kalyani , Quintanilla Norma , Kellermayer Richard , Wu Hao
Published: December 2017

We retrospectively studied the clinical and histologic features of pediatric fundic gland polyps (FGPs) in 16 patients. FGPs had an endoscopic prevalence of 0.25% in 8527 pediatric gastric biopsies. Five patients had familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The median age of onset was 17.7 years in FAP and 17.3 years in sporadic patients. All syndromic patients were asymptomatic and FGPs were identified during surveillance for existing or concurrent colon polyps. They did not take antacids. In comparison, all 11 sporadic FGPs were identified during evaluation of symptomatic patients who had taken antacids (median duration 21 months). Syndromic FGPs can be multiple at single endoscopy and were more likely to recur, while sporadic FGPs were often single. None of the sporadic patients had recurrence of FGPs or a subsequent diagnosis of FAP during a median follow-up of 20.5 months. The dilated fundic glands were lined by parietal and chief cells only in a majority (22/41, 53.7%) of syndromic FGPs, while additional tall mucinous lining cells were found in all sporadic FGPs. Syndromic FGPs did not have parietal cell hypertrophy in the background oxyntic mucosa. Nuclear immunopositivity for beta-catenin was essentially absent in all the FGPs. In conclusion, FGPs were rare in pediatric patients. In syndromic patients, FGPs are asymptomatic and did not precede colon polyps. Prolonged antacid intake seems to be associated with development of sporadic FGPs. Cellular components of dilated fundic glands and background parietal cell hypertrophy can be useful features to eliminate concern for syndromic polyposis.
Pediatric Mesenchymal Hamartomas of the Liver can Show Both Foregut and Hindgut Phenotype
Authors: Wu Hao , Ferguson William , Castro Eumenia , Finegold Milton , Patel Kalyani
Published: December 2017

Cystic epithelium in mesenchymal hamartoma (MH) is typically biliary type. Mucinous differentiation of the epithelium and increased hepatocellular component may pose a diagnostic challenge. We studied MH in 7 children (6 M, 1 F; age 4 months to 8 years, median 1 year). Resected tumors varied from 3.0 to 17.0 cm. All tumors showed biliary epithelium in the cystic component with strong and diffuse reactivity for CK7 and CK19. Expression of CK20 and CDX2 was additionally seen in 2 tumors, rare/focal in 1, and diffuse with mucinous differentiation in the other. Strong and continuous nuclear reactivity for Sox9 was seen in the cyst epithelium in all 7 tumors including focal staining in mucinous areas. It was also positive in the hepatocellular component. CD56 and vimentin were variably positive in the cystic epithelium of all cases. Alpha-fetoprotein showed patchy weak staining in the hepatocellular component and was negative in the cystic epithelium. Hepar-1 showed focal staining in the cystic epithelium in 4/7 cases and diffuse in the hepatocellular component. Both patients showing CK20 and CDX2 expression had abnormal chromosomal analysis: one with balanced translocation between chromosomes 2 and 19 and other with loss of chromosome Y. Among others, one showed 46,XY,inv(9)(p11q12), one did not grow cells, and the remaining 3 had normal karyotype. Six patients underwent resection and one had liver transplantation. All were alive and well with a median follow-up of 1.5 years. In conclusion, mucinous epithelium can be seen in MH. Expression of Sox9 in the cyst epithelium and hepatocytes suggests a common origin for these components. Expression of vimentin indicates an overlapping epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype. Hepatic MH can show divergent epithelial differentiation including both foregut and hindgut phenotype, which may provide insights into the pathogenesis of this rare neoplasm but does not seem to affect the outcome in this limited series.
What are we downloading for our children? Best-selling children’s apps in four European countries
Authors: Sari Burcu , Takacs Zsofia K , Bus Adriana G
Published: December 2017

The present article provides an overview of the best-selling apps for the age range of 0–8 years under various categories, including ‘Kids’, ‘Books’, ‘Educational games’, ‘Family games’ and ‘Word games’ in the two major application stores (Google Play and iTunes App Store) in four economically diverse European countries: Hungary, Turkey, Greece and the Netherlands. As tablets seem to be a substantial part of children’s leisure activities, and thus apps might play an important role in their development, we conducted a content analysis to highlight two issues: the educational value of the most popular children’s apps and the fine-tuning of apps to the local culture and language of non-English speaking countries. There is a large overlap between the best-selling apps in the four countries; in fact, half of the apps appear among the most popular lists in more than one country. Consequently, most children’s apps do not include any oral language and, if they do, they are not available in the local language. Furthermore, the results show that a substantial part of the apps supported early literacy skills. In the majority of apps teaching literacy, although advertised for the youngest, the focus of instruction was more suited for school-age children.
The Evolutionary Psychology of War: Offense and Defense in the Adapted Mind
Authors: Lopez Anthony C.
Published: December 2017

The study of warfare from an evolutionary perspective has expanded rapidly over the last couple of decades. However, it has tended to focus on the ancestral origins, prevalence, and instruments of war rather than adaptationist analyses of its underlying psychology. I argue that our evolved coalitional psychology may contain a set of distinct evolved heuristics designed specifically for offensive and defensive coalitional aggression. Data from two survey experiments are presented, in which subjects were given scenarios depicting offensive or defensive aggression and were told to make decisions, for example, regarding their willingness to participate in the conflict, their opinions of others who did not choose to participate, and their expectations benefit. The results indicate that humans do indeed distinguish readily between these two domains and that their willingness to participate, as well as their emotional responses toward others, is highly contingent upon this informational cue in adaptively relevant ways. In addition, and consistent with parental investment theory, data reveal a range of sex differences in attitudes toward coalitional aggression in the two conflict domains. Beyond the study of warfare, this project has implications for our understanding of the relationship between individual behavior and group dynamics, as well as for our understanding of the mechanisms by which the psychological framing of political events can lead to important social outcomes.
Radiolabeled Anti-Adenosine Triphosphate Synthase Monoclonal Antibody as a Theragnostic Agent Targeting Angiogenesis
Authors: Park Bok-Nam , Lee Su Jin , Roh Jung Hyun , Lee Kyung-Han , An Young-Sil , Yoon Joon-Kee
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

The potential of a radioiodine-labeled, anti-adenosine triphosphate synthase monoclonal antibody (ATPS mAb) as a theragnostic agent for simultaneous cancer imaging and treatment was evaluated.

Methods:

Adenosine triphosphate synthase monoclonal antibody was labeled with radioiodine, then radiotracer uptake was measured in 6 different cancer cell lines. In vivo biodistribution was evaluated 24 and 48 hours after intravenous injection of 125I-ATPS mAb into MKN-45 tumor-bearing mice (n = 3). For radioimmunotherapy, 18.5 MBq 131I-ATPS mAb (n = 7), isotype immunoglobulin G (IgG) (n = 6), and vehicle (n = 6) were injected into MKN-45 tumor-bearing mice for 4 weeks, and tumor volume and percentage of tumor growth inhibition (TGI) were compared each week.

Results:

MKN-45 cells showed the highest in vitro cellular binding after 4 hours (0.00324 ± 0.00013%/μg), which was significantly inhibited by unlabeled ATPS mAb at concentrations of greater than 0.4 μM. The in vitro retention rate of 125I-ATPS mAb in MKN-45 cells was 64.1% ± 1.0% at 60 minutes. The highest tumor uptake of 125I-ATPS mAb in MKN-45 tumor-bearing mice was achieved 24 hours after injection (6.26% ± 0.47% injected dose [ID]/g), whereas tumor to muscle and tumor to blood ratios peaked at 48 hours. The 24-hour tumor uptake decreased to 3.43% ± 0.85% ID/g by blocking with unlabeled ATPS mAb. After 4 weeks of treatment, mice receiving 131I-ATPS mAb had significantly smaller tumors (679.4 ± 232.3 mm3) compared with control (1687.6 ± 420.4 mm3, P = .0431) and IgG-treated mice (2870.2 ± 484.1 mm3, P = .0010). The percentage of TGI of 131I-ATPS mAb was greater than 50% during the entire study period (range: 53.7%-75.9%).

Conclusion:

The specific binding and antitumor effects of radioiodinated ATPS mAb were confirmed in in vitro and in vivo models of stomach cancer.
Safety and Outcomes of Ipsilateral Antegrade Angioplasty for Femoropopliteal Disease
Authors: Cragg James , Lowry Danielle , Hopkins Jonathan , Parker David , Kay Mark , Duddy Martin , Tiwari Alok
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

Previous reports have suggested higher periprocedural complications after ipsilateral antegrade femoral arterial access (AA). We looked at a contemporary series comparing complication rates between AA and contralateral retrograde femoral arterial access (RA) for femoropopliteal angioplasty.

Method:

A prospective review of all cases between 2010 and 2015 in a United Kingdom tertiary vascular center. Demographical and procedural data were obtained for those undergoing percutaneous femoropopliteal angioplasty. The primary outcome looked at periprocedural complications including retroperitoneal hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, hematoma requiring transfusion, arteriovenous fistulation, and surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes included contrast and radiation doses in addition to procedural failure leading to major amputation.

Results:

A total of 556 (66% male) patients underwent femoropopliteal angioplasty, 461 (82%) via AA. Groups were of comparable age, sex, comorbidity, and symptomatology. AA patients had a lower body mass index, 26 versus 29 ( P = .005). No significant difference was seen in periprocedural (15.8% AA vs 11.6% RA; P = 0.292) or access site complications (3.7% AA vs 1.1% RA; P = 0.186). There was less need for a closure device, 40.3% AA vs 73% RA ( P < .01), less contrast, 94 mL AA: 114 mL RA ( P < .001), and less radiation, 3487 cGy cm2 AA: 9697 cGy cm2 RA ( P < .001). Arterial access was also associated with greater technical success of 83.8%: 73.3% RA ( P = .002).

Conclusions:

Arterial access is associated with higher technical success and reduced contrast/radiation doses with no significant difference in complications compared to RA contrary to previous reports.
The Association of Perioperative Glycemic Control With Postoperative Surgical Site Infection Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Werner Brian C. , Teran Victor A. , Cancienne Jourdan , Deal D. Nicole
Published: December 2017

Background: The primary goal of the study was to evaluate the association of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in diabetic patients with the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following open carpal tunnel release (CTR). Our secondary objective was to calculate an HbA1c level in diabetic patients that predicted SSI after open CTR. Methods: A national private-payer insurance database was queried for patients who underwent open CTR using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 64721. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures were excluded. Diabetic patients who had their HbA1c level checked within 3 months of surgery were stratified into 6 mutually exclusive groups based on HbA1c levels in 1.0 mg/dL increments from <6.0 to >10 mg/dL. The incidence of SSI was determined for each group by either a diagnosis or procedure for SSI within 1 year using CPT and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine an HbA1c level above which the risk of postoperative SSI was significantly increased. Results: 7958 diabetic patients who underwent open CTR and had an HbA1c recorded within 3 months of surgery were assessed. The incidence of SSI within 1 year was associated with HbA1c levels. The inflection point of the ROC curve corresponded to an HbA1c level between 7 and 8 mg/dL. Conclusions: Increased HbA1c levels are associated with increased SSI rates in diabetic patients undergoing open CTR. A perioperative HbA1c between 7 and 8 mg/dL could serve as a threshold for an increased risk of SSI following open CTR.
Impact of onset-to-groin puncture time within three hours on functional outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy for acute large-vessel occlusion
Authors: Ota Takahiro , Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Koizumi Satoshi , Saito Tomonari , Ueda Masayuki , Saito Nobuhito
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke with acute large-vessel occlusion (ALVO) has established benefits, and rapid treatment is vital for mechanical thrombectomy in ALVO. Time from onset of stroke to groin puncture (OTP) is a practical and useful clinical marker, and OTP should be shortened to obtain the maximum benefit of thrombectomy.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of early treatment of anterior circulation stroke within three hours after symptom onset and to evaluate the role of OTP in determining outcomes after endovascular therapy.

Methods

Consecutive patients with acute stroke due to major artery (internal carotid or middle cerebral arteries) occlusion who underwent endovascular recanalization between March 2014 and January 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were stratified by OTP into three categories: 0–≤3 h, >3–≤6 h, and >6 h. The primary outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 (good outcome).

Results

Data were analyzed from 100 patients (mean age, 76.6 years; mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 17). Groin puncture occurred within 0–≤3 h in 51 patients, >3–≤6 h in 28, and >6 h in 21. Median OTP in each group was 126 min (range, 57–168 min), 238 min (range, 186–360 min) and 728 min (range, 365–1492 min), respectively. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, category of OTP represented an independent predictor of patient outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.93; p = 0.029).

Conclusions

OTP is a prehospital and in-hospital workflow-based indicator. In this single-center study, OTP was found to independently affect functional outcomes after endovascular stroke treatment.
The Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Preventing Inpatient Hypoglycemia in General Wards: The Glucose Telemetry System
Authors: Spanakis Elias K. , Levitt David L. , Siddiqui Tariq , Singh Lakshmi G. , Pinault Lillian , Sorkin John , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Fink Jeffrey C.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Few studies have examined the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in the general wards. The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether CGM readings can be successfully transmitted from the bedside to a central monitoring device in the nursing station, and whether a glucose telemetry system can prevent hypoglycemic events.

Methods:

We present pilot data on 5 consecutive insulin treated general medicine patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) whose glucose values were observed with CGM (DEXCOM) and the results were transmitted to a central nursing station monitoring system using DEXCOM Follow and Share 2 software. CGM alarms were set-up at glucose <85 mg/dl.

Results:

Duration of CGM observation was 4.0 ± 1.6 days (mean ± SD). During CGM, the overall time spent within blood glucose (BG) target of 70-179 mg/dl was 64.68 ± 15% (mean ± SD), on hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dl) was 0.30% ± 0.39, and time spent on hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dl) was 35.02% ± 15.5. Two patients had 3 actions of prevention of potential hypoglycemia (CGM BG <70 mg/dl for >20 minutes) captured by alarm. No patients had CGM glucose value <54 mg/dl.

Conclusions:

This pilot study indicates that the use of CGM values in hospitalized patients can be successfully transmitted to a monitoring device in the nursing station, improving patient surveillance in insulin treated patients with diabetes.
The Association Between Cognitive Performance and Speech-in-Noise Perception for Adult Listeners: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dryden Adam , Allen Harriet A. , Henshaw Helen , Heinrich Antje
Published: December 2017

Published studies assessing the association between cognitive performance and speech-in-noise (SiN) perception examine different aspects of each, test different listeners, and often report quite variable associations. By examining the published evidence base using a systematic approach, we aim to identify robust patterns across studies and highlight any remaining gaps in knowledge. We limit our assessment to adult unaided listeners with audiometric profiles ranging from normal hearing to moderate hearing loss. A total of 253 articles were independently assessed by two researchers, with 25 meeting the criteria for inclusion. Included articles assessed cognitive measures of attention, memory, executive function, IQ, and processing speed. SiN measures varied by target (phonemes or syllables, words, and sentences) and masker type (unmodulated noise, modulated noise, >2-talker babble, and ≤2-talker babble. The overall association between cognitive performance and SiN perception was r = .31. For component cognitive domains, the association with (pooled) SiN perception was as follows: processing speed ( r = .39), inhibitory control ( r = .34), working memory ( r = .28), episodic memory ( r = .26), and crystallized IQ ( r = .18). Similar associations were shown for the different speech target and masker types. This review suggests a general association of r≈.3 between cognitive performance and speech perception, although some variability in association appeared to exist depending on cognitive domain and SiN target or masker assessed. Where assessed, degree of unaided hearing loss did not play a major moderating role. We identify a number of cognitive performance and SiN perception combinations that have not been tested and whose future investigation would enable further fine-grained analyses of these relationships.
Rethinking the Catalytic Role of Private Sector for Inclusive Growth
Authors: Zulkhibri Muhamed
Published: December 2017

The paper argues that private firms play a vital role in enhancing inclusive growth prospects as investors, employers and creators of new and upgraded productive potential. Private sector activity matters for inclusive development as well as its quality, sustainability and inclusiveness. In most countries, the private sector is a major component of national income and the major employer and creator of jobs. The analysis suggests that private firms have the capacity to enhance inclusive growth prospects, given their ability to create new and higher value productive capacity. The capability of firms to launch new export products and raise product quality generates higher profitability and productive potential with spill over benefits to other firms and industries. However, private sector activity per se does not automatically result in equality of opportunity across individuals and firms. It has been very thoughtful to many countries to facilitate various actors to come together in public-private collaboration to build ‘Inclusive Business Models’ based on inclusive markets.
The oncogenic membrane protein LMP1 sequesters TRAF3 in B-cell lymphoma cells to produce functional TRAF3 deficiency
Authors: Bangalore-Prakash Pradeep , Stunz Laura L. , Mambetsariev Nurbek , Whillock Amy L. , Hostager Bruce S. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: December 2017

Key Points

Expression of the Epstein-Barr virus–encoded oncoprotein LMP1 leads to sequestration of TRAF3 in B-lymphoma cells. This sequestration inhibits TRAF3-negative regulation of prosurvival membrane, cytoplasmic, and nuclear signaling events in the B cell.
A Framework for Post-Earthquake Response Planning in Emerging Seismic Regions: An Oklahoma Case Study
Authors: Harvey P. S. , Heinrich S. K. , Muraleetharan K. K.
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a framework for establishing post-earthquake response protocols in regions facing emerging seismic hazards through a case study of Oklahoma bridges. First, it establishes the need for new attenuation models for the Oklahoma area because of the poor fit of current attenuation models. Then, two methods are established to inspect bridges after an earthquake: smart inspection radii and ShakeCast. The smart radii use a modified version of the Campbell (2003) attenuation model to determine seismic demand and a trigger S1 value to represent bridge capacity. This trigger S1 value is validated by calculating slight HAZUS fragility curves for past earthquakes. ShakeCast is an online resource from USGS that uses real-time ground motion data (i.e., a ShakeMap) as seismic demand and modified HAZUS fragility curves to represent bridge capacity. Because of better-informed data on the ground shaking levels, ShakeCast recommends significantly fewer inspections than inspection radii, translating to cost savings for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Equivalent Energy Design Procedure for Earthquake Resilient Fused Structures
Authors: Yang T. Y. , Tung Dorian P. , Li Yuanjie
Published: December 2017

It has been observed in recent earthquakes worldwide that even countries with modern building codes suffer significant structural damages because earthquake energy is dissipated through inelastic deformation of structural components. Unrecoverable damages and prolonged downtime can be minimized using earthquake resilient structures, where earthquake energy is dissipated using specially designed and detailed structural fuses. Fuses are decoupled from gravity system and can be replaced efficiently. Earthquake-resilient fused structures cannot be routinely designed unless there is a simple design procedure. This paper presents an equivalent energy design procedure (EEDP) for the seismic design of fused structures. EEDP allows designers to select different performance objectives at different earthquake shaking intensities. EEDP also allows engineers to select structural members to achieve the desired structural period, strength, and deformation with simple hand calculations without iterations. This practical and efficient design procedure is illustrated via an earthquake resilient fused truss moment frame (FTMF). The nonlinear dynamic analysis result shows that the prototype FTMF can have controlled failure mechanism and drifts selected by the engineer at multiple earthquake shaking intensities.
Poder na Administração, Administração Pública, Contabilidade e Turismo
Authors: Nascimento Raimunda Letícia do , Lima Teresa Cristina Aguiar , Cabral Augusto Cézar De Aquino , Dos Santos Sandra Maria
Published: December 2017

Esse artigo tem como objetivo geral analisar a produção científica brasileira sobre poder na área de Administração, Administração Pública, Contabilidade e Turismo. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, utilizando o método de pesquisa bibliométrico. Os artigos analisados foram localizados na base de dados Scientific Periodicals Electronic Library (SPELL). Observou-se movimentos de ascensão e declínio das publicações no período estudado (2006 a 2016). Os temas mais abordados foram relações, redes e conhecimento. As pesquisas são empíricas, de abordagem qualitativa, de natureza descritiva, predominando o procedimento estudo de caso, o método de coleta entrevista e a análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se, também, que o setor mais estudado são as instituições de ensino superior e o perfil de autoria é de dois autores por artigo, sendo doutores da região sudeste.
E-commerce: privacidade, segurança e qualidade das informações como preditores da confiança
Authors: Eckert Alex , Dal Bó Giancarlo , Milan Gabriel Sperandio , Eberle Luciene
Published: December 2017

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as relações entre os construtos privacidade, segurança e qualidade das informações dos sites de compras on-line como preditores da confiança depositada no referido site. Para atingir este objetivo, inicialmente, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura sobre estes construtos, propondo um modelo teórico a ser testado e validado. Na sequência, foi realizada uma survey com uma amostra de 410 consumidores que já haviam realizado compras no ambiente on-line. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando a técnica da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Os resultados indicam que a privacidade, a segurança e a qualidade das informações dos sites de compras on-line influenciam de forma significativa na confiança depositada no site de compras on-line. Além disso, verificou-se que 68,4% da confiança é explicada pelos referidos preditores, o que evidencia um bom poder de explicação para este construto.
Experimental investigation of high-temperature 40H steel blank cooling
Authors: Макаров С. , Makarov S. , Чекмышев К. , Chekmyshev K.
Published: December 2017

The results of the full-scale experiment obtained at high-temperature 40H steel blank cooling with a flow of sub-cooled water are shown. To carry out experiments there is designed and assembled a device for a visual observation and fulfillment complex measurements of blank surface temperatures. For the 40H steel blank with a diameter of 24 mm, by the initial temperature of 800ºC, moving in a cooling area at a speed of m/s the experimental measurements of a surface temperature at cooling with a water flow at a speed of m/s are carried out. The initial water temperature is 20ºC. The measurements of a blank surface temperature were performed with the aid of a thermal imager of NEC TH9100 Pro WRI (Japan) type. There was not observed an intensive bleb steam formation in the flow of strong sub-cooled water. In the water flow at the blank border insignificant steam areas were observed which were carried away at once with a water flow. Changes of a typical temperature in a blank cooled with a water flow according to a time period are shown.
Air-petrol burners use for solid stone mining and processing
Authors: Поветкин Виталий , Povetkin Vitaliy , Букаева Амина , Bukaeva Amina , Хандожко Александр , Khandozhko Alexandr
Published: December 2017

The development stages of thermo-jet burners with the intensifiers of fuel component combustion are described. Investigations for obtaining a detonation phenomenon in a free jet of burners at fuel component combustion are shown. The design peculiarities in developments of air-petrol thermo-tools allowing the intensification of the processes of fuel component combustion are shown.
Science intensive technology with ultrasound use at hard-to-reach surface refinement in complex parts
Authors: Сарсенгалиев Айдос , Sarsengaliyev Idos , Бекренёв Николай , Bekrenyov Nikolay
Published: December 2017

A technical problem in assurance of life in parts of fuel equipment and a system of natural gas transportation is analyzed taking into account their pollution in the course of manufacturing and operation. An outlook in decontamination by a method of ultrasonic refinement is shown.

There is offered and proved experimentally a method for ultrasonic refinement efficiency increase up to 10 times for the surfaces mentioned above by means of imparting ultrasonic oscillations to a product directly in the area of pollution detec-tions.
Important Adjustments to the Law on the Payment System
Authors: Смирнов Е. , Smirnov E.
Published: December 2017

In 2017, taking into account the need of the national payment services market to further improve payment instruments, the Russian Parliament made signifi cant adjustments to the current Federal Law of June 27, 2011, No. 161-FZ «On the National Payment System».
The Interdependence of CEO Personal Characteristics and Amount of Investment in Environmental CSR Projects
Authors: Пономарева Татьяна , Ponomareva Tatyana , Куимова Александра , Kuimova Aleksandra
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, humanity faces a serious issue of creating conditions for sustainable development. Businesses as a integral part of society in which they exist and operate, may potentially play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Their contribution to sustainable development can be made through support and empowerment of ecosystems. As CEO is an intermedium between a company and the society, his characteristics may significantly influence company’s strategic decisions and therefore, its level of involvement in ensuring sustainability. In this paper, we analyze the presence of interdependence between CEO personal characteristics and amounts of investments in ecological CSR projects. We consider the level of company’s ecological investments as a measure for the level of its ecological responsibility. We run a multiple regression on a sample of 44 Russian companies, who publish information on ecological projects implementation in non-financial reports. Despite a number of substantial limitations, we managed to reveal the connection with some of professional activity and education characteristics of CEOs. We also controlled for company size and industry parameters. The most notable result is a reverse interrelation between CEO tenure (in years) and the level of investments in ecological CSR projects. This may be due to the fact that less experienced directors seek to reinforce their business reputation and accumulate social capital.
Organización de la actividad escolar en un paciente pediátrico con alteración en el sistema ejecutivo
Authors: Jiménez-Jiménez Sebastián , Filipa Marques Daniela
Published: December 2017

Este artículo muestra el impacto de la intervención neuropsicológica infantil en la organización de la actividad escolar en un caso con alteración en el sistema ejecutivo. El desarrollo de este sistema cognitivo ha mostrado que al afectarse tiene implicaciones en el aprendizaje escolar. Este reporte de caso trata de una niña de 8 años con alteración en el funcionamiento ejecutivo y fallas en lectoescritura. Se aplicaron la Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil Breve, Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil ENI, Escala de Inteligencia WISC-IV y la Batería Neuropsicológica de Funciones Ejecutivas BANFE. La evaluación evidenció debilidades en dominios de control inhibitorio y planeación cognitiva. Se diseñó y aplicó un programa de intervención neuropsicológica orientado a la corrección de esos aspectos. Se realizaron 12 sesiones de 45 minutos y un análisis comparativo de resultados pre y post intervención. Los resultados mostraron mejoría tanto en el funcionamiento ejecutivo como en actividades escolares, en comparación con la evaluación inicial. Se concluye que la intervención enfocada en la dirección y organización de la actividad cognitiva del sistema ejecutivo beneficia el aprendizaje de  la lectoescritura.