bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining Privatization Failure: The Vice of Sweet Carrots and Hard Sticks
Authors: Zullo Roland
Published: September 2018

Why does contracting underperform in the production of publicly financed goods? Producers for private markets survive through marketism, defined as the strategic exclusion of segments of a community, whereas producers of publicly financed goods are pressured to be inclusive. Inclusivity is achieved through universalism, an operational mode with three requisites: (1) a workforce with lateral competency to respond to contingencies, (2) interfunction asset sharing and coordination, and (3) an environment that protects professional discretion. Universalism and marketism are divergent strategies, and public-private contracts cannot cost-effectively resolve their incongruities.

JEL Classification: L330, H410, P260
Overseas trained teachers (OTTs) in England
Authors: Miller Paul Washington
Published: September 2018

The recruitment of overseas trained teachers (OTTs) in England has seemingly disappeared from the policy radar despite their large numbers, continuing impact on primary and secondary education, and the ongoing second wave of teacher migration that started in 2014. OTTs continue to contribute to stability and continuity of provision in primary and secondary schools. From a qualitative study on ‘A day in the life of an overseas trained teacher’, this article examines (a) strategies used by OTTs to cope in their daily working lives and (b) teaching experience of OTTs in England compared with their teaching experiences in their countries of origin. The findings suggest that whereas all OTTs are ‘surviving and coping’ with the demands of their jobs, they do not appear to be ‘thriving and flourishing’. This is against the background of a racialized education and migration policy context that grants exclusions from undertaking UK Qualified Teacher Status to teachers from White, industrialized countries, but not for OTTs from non-White, non-industrialized countries. Through personal agency and a strong sense of self (or their ‘situated identity’), OTTs navigate complex institutional and regulatory hurdles in order to survive and cope. The article concludes that the education system, school governors and school leaders can do more to ensure all teachers thrive and flourish, and not just some.
Investigation of magnetic field and shielding gas in electro-discharge deposition process
Authors: Muralidharan B , Chelladurai H , Kanmani Subbu S
Published: September 2018

The requirements of microfeature-based systems are essentially increasing due to their usage in every major field. Market needs microproducts with more functionality, information processing ability integrated together with compact size. Electro-discharge deposition process is an emerging nonlithographic, additive process to manufacture high aspect ratio 3D microfeatures. The current research work develops and investigates the application of magnetic field and shielding gas in the electro-discharge deposition process with experimental work and simulation model. Response surface methodology model is developed to perform parametric analysis and to ascertain the significance of introducing magnetic field and shielding gas in an electro-discharge deposition process. Results from atomic force microscope and optical image microscope shows that at higher magnetic field the deposition height increases with reduced width. From the EDAX compositional analysis, it is noted that the presence of shielding gas increases the percentage of copper composition and reduces the carbon and oxygen composition in the deposited material. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of magnetic field and shielding gas significantly improves the deposition process.
Performances and economic analysis of small photovoltaic–electricity energy storage system for residential applications
Authors: Gagliano Antonio , Nocera Francesco , Tina Giuseppe
Published: September 2018

Currently, the need to address the issues arising from the uncontrolled growth of photovoltaic installations, such as intermittence and unpredictability of the generation that cause loss of balance in the grid, becomes unavoidable. Promising solutions for minimizing grid injection are the combination of photovoltaic generation with electricity energy storage and load management, the latter commonly known as Demand Side Management. These strategies together with incentives for self-consumption or energy independence from the network will allow facilitating the integration of the always-increasing generation of renewable energy. In Europe, the usage of residential energy grid-interactive energy storage systems for buffering of surplus photovoltaic generation is becoming a field of growing interest and market activity, as a consequence of the less attractive photovoltaic feed-in-tariffs in the near future and incentives to promote self-consumption. This study aims to evaluate the energy exchange with the grid and the rate of self-consumption of combined photovoltaic–electricity energy storage systems dedicated to residential and small commercial prosumers. More specifically, several combinations of sizes of photovoltaic plant, annual household consumptions and electricity energy storage capacity were evaluated. This analysis aims to identify which arrangement among photovoltaic power, electricity consumption and battery capacity allows reaching the highest ratio of self-sufficiency and consequently minimizing the energy exchanged with the grid. Moreover, the financial analysis of the photovoltaic–electricity energy storage system has been performed for verifying the economic viability of the photovoltaic–electricity energy storage systems under the Italian current market and economic circumstances.
Time-varying H∞ controller design for periodic piecewise vibration systems
Authors: Li Bo , Li Panshuo , Zhang Bin , Liu Yun , Li Junyi
Published: September 2018

In this article, a kind of time-varying H∞ controller, which could be easily obtained by solving linear matrix inequalities, is proposed to attenuate the vibration of periodic piecewise vibration systems. The Lyapunov function with continuous time-varying Lyapunov matrix is adopted to develop a general condition of H∞ performance index for periodic piecewise vibration systems. An H∞ controller with continuous time-varying controller gain is designed to attenuate the system vibration. A numerical example is used to verify the merit of the proposed controller.
Kinematic and dynamic simulation of an octopod robot controlled by different central pattern generators
Authors: Grzelczyk Dariusz , Szymanowska Olga , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: September 2018

The goal of the study was to perform both kinematic and dynamic simulation of an octopod robot walking on a flat and hard surface. To drive robot legs, different non-linear mechanical oscillators were employed as central pattern generators. Aside from using some well-known oscillators, a new model was proposed. Time series of robot’s kinematic and dynamic locomotion parameters were computed and discussed. Displacement and velocity of the centre of gravity of the robot, ground reaction forces acting on the robot legs, as well as some aspects of energy consumption of a walking robot were analysed to assess the central pattern generators. The obtained kinematic and dynamic parameters showed some advantages of the applied generator. In particular, the gait of the robot was most stable when the robot was driven by the proposed central pattern generator model.
Energy management strategy for a power-split hydraulic hybrid vehicle based on Lagrange multiplier and its modifications
Authors: Du Zhekang , Cheong Kai Loon , Li Perry Y
Published: September 2018

Lagrange multiplier approach is a computationally efficient method for computing optimal energy management strategy for a hydraulic hybrid vehicle under the assumption that the accumulator dynamics can be ignored and only the net use of storage energy is considered. Although it provides a close estimate to the fuel economy compared to that obtained using dynamic programming, the resulting control strategy does not respect the physical limits of the storage capacity of the hydraulic accumulator. Thus, the synthesized control strategy is not feasible for actual driving. This article investigates the basic Lagrange multiplier approach for real-time control and proposes modifications so that the storage capacity is respected. It is shown that the Lagrange multiplier can be interpreted as an equivalent loss factor which turns out to be the marginal loss associated with the discharge of stored energy. The two proposed modifications are as follows: (1) a moving horizon approach and (2) making the Lagrange multiplier a function of the current state of charge. Both methods are successful in maintaining the accumulator state of charge within limits with modest effect on fuel economy (3%–5% lower).
Diagnostic value of Tei index for acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting to emergency department with ischemic chest pain and correlation with Hs-troponin
Authors: Ucar Aslı Bahar , Unal Akoglu Ebru , Cimilli Ozturk Tuba , Eyinc Yalman , Ak Rohat , Demir Hasan , Ilgezdi Zeynep Demet , Onur Ozge
Published: September 2018

Background:

Acute myocardial infarction is one of the most common causes of mortality in developed countries, and high-sensitive troponin test usually becomes positive within 3 h from the onset of symptoms. Myocardial perfusion index (Tei index) is a parameter measured during the echocardiographic examination.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of the Tei index for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department and to evaluate the correlation between the Tei index and Hs-Troponin value.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 129 cases were evaluated, and patients were divided into two groups according to their final diagnosis as “acute myocardial infarction (non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction)” and “non-acute myocardial infarction” groups. Baseline and third-hour Hs-Troponin levels and Tei index values were determined, and their correlation was analyzed.

Results:

A total of 84 cases were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction), 84.5% had positive Tei index results at the time of admission while the remaining 45 patients were diagnosed as non-acute myocardial infarction and only 48.9% of them had positive Tei index. The diagnostic value of the Tei index and Hs-troponin were calculated as 79.8% and 60%; 67.9% and 60%, respectively. Also, we found that a 0.02 or more increase in the Tei index value has a 97.6 sensitivity and 97.5 specificity for the diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. A weak correlation was found between the Tei index and Hs-Troponin values in the acute myocardial infarction group (r = 0.425) and a negative correlation in non-acute myocardial infarction patients at presentation.

Conclusion:

It is suggested that the use of Tei index might be used as a supportive measure for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, and the deterioration of Tei index seems to be more significant than Hs-Troponin especially in ruling out acute myocardial infarction.
Comparison of the reliability of scoring systems in the light of histopathological results in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Unal Ozdemir Zehra , Ozdemir Hakan , Sunamak Oguzhan , Akyuz Cebrail , Torun Mehmet
Published: September 2018

Background:

Acute appendicitis is a very common surgical emergency. Early and correct diagnosis and early intervention are necessary to prevent complications. It is often diagnosed on clinical signs and a certain ratio of negative appendectomy is acceptable. For early and accurate diagnosis, various scoring systems such as Alvarado, Ohmann, Eskelinen and more recently Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) have been developed.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness and accuracy of scoring systems.

Materials and methods:

The patients who attended emergency department and operated with acute appendicitis pre-diagnosis were evaluated retrospectively. Alvarado, Ohmann, Eskelinen, and RIPASA scores were calculated and compared with histopathologic results by reviewing the patient files.

Results:

A total of 76 patients (44 males and 32 females) were included in the study. The mean age was 33.8 ± 13.2 years. Of which, 59 patients (77.6%) were diagnosed to have acute appendicitis on histopathological examination. The mean leukocyte count was 13.9 ± 3.7 × 103μL. Sensitivity and specificity of Alvarado, Ohmann, Eskelinen, and RIPASA were 36%–82%; 58%–71%; 36%–8%, and 68%–71%, respectively. Cut-off values were 8, 14, 55.63, and 10, respectively. RIPASA had the highest accuracy. The cut-off value of leukocyte counts was 13,900 × 103/μL. Sensitivity and specificity were 64% and 88%, respectively; positive predictive value was 95%. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the area under the curve was found to be 74%.

Conclusion:

The RIPASA scoring system is a more reliable scoring system than Ohmann, Eskelinen, and Alvarado scoring systems. In cases of suspected acute appendicitis, it may be useful to evaluate patients with RIPASA score in emergency departments by general practitioners, where there is no general surgeon. Thus, patients can be guided in a timely manner to reduce the complications that may arise from delays. The cut-off value of 13,900 × 103/μL is an important marker for the presence of acute appendicitis.
A new paradigm for mental-health quality and safety: are we ready?
Authors: Short Brooke , Marr Carrie , Wright Murray
Published: September 2018

Objective:

Development of a Mental Health Quality and Safety Framework with co-designed priority areas for improvement.

Method:

A qualitative and inductive approach was utilised, including a literature search, consultations with staff and focus groups with consumers and carers.

Results:

Thematic analysis resulted in 32 categories, grouped into seven key themes. Combined with the evidence base, these were distilled into component parts of the Framework.

Conclusions:

A change in strategy and culture is required, balancing a traditionally centralised top-down approach to health care governance and improvement, with a complementary localised bottom-up model that embeds improvement science principles involving frontline staff, consumers and carers. This Framework, that centres on patient safety and quality improvement, in combination with a corresponding cultural change, can enhance clinical outcomes, service efficiency, staff morale and staff retention rates.
Factors That Determine the Prothrombin Time in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Rivaroxaban
Authors: Huang Jen-Hung , Lin Yung-Kuo , Chung Cheng-Chih , Hsieh Ming-Hsiung , Chiu Wan-Chun , Chen Yi-Jen
Published: September 2018

Rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, is widely used to reduce the chance of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). It is not clear why the prothrombin time (PT) of the international normalized ratio (INR) fails to correlate with treatment using rivaroxaban in patients with AF. In this study, patient characteristics, the rivaroxaban dosage, AF type, drug history, biochemical properties, and hematological profiles were assessed in patients treated with rivaroxaban. In 69 patients with AF receiving rivaroxaban, 27 (39.1%) patients had a normal INR (≤1.1, group 1), 27 (39.1%) patients had a slightly prolonged INR (1.1∼1.5, group 2), and 15 (21.7%) patients had a significantly prolonged INR (>1.5, group 3). Group 1 patients had a higher incidence of a stroke history than did patients in group 2 ( P = .026) and group 3 ( P = .032). We scored patients with a persistent AF pattern (1 point), paroxysmal AF pattern (0 point), renal function (ie, the creatinine clearance rate in mL/min/1.73 m2 of >60 as 0 points, of 30∼60 as 1 point, and of <30 as 2 points), and no history of stroke (1 point), and we found that group 3 had a higher score than groups 2 or 1 (2.9 ± 0.8, 2.4 ± 0.7, and 2 ± 0.7, respectively; P < .05). There were similar incidences of bleeding, stroke, and unexpected hospitalizations among the 3 groups. The PT of the INR is determined by multiple variables in patients with AF receiving rivaroxaban. Rivaroxaban-treated patients with AF having different INR values may have similar clinical outcomes.
Shifting the Perfectionistic Mindset: Moving to Mindful Excellence
Authors: Mofield Emily L. , Parker Peters Megan
Published: September 2018

This article explores some of the common causes and solutions to perfectionism in gifted children. We highlight practical implications from studies examining perfectionism in gifted students, including how implicit theories of intelligence (e.g., mindset) relate to perfectionism. Specific strategies are shared to guide gifted children toward a mindful pursuit of excellence in which they are self-aware of how their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs about ability influence their behaviors in achieving a high standard.
Implementation of a scalable, performance portable shallow water equation solver using radial basis function-generated finite difference methods
Authors: Elliott Samuel , Kumar Raghu Raj Prasanna , Flyer Natasha , Ta Tuan , Loft Richard
Published: September 2018

In this article, we describe and analyze the computational performance of a parallel shallow water equation (SWE) solver for atmospheric simulation using radial basis function-finite difference (RBF-FD) methods. The inherent “meshless” nature of RBF-FD methods provides significant numerical benefits over standard pseudospectral and traditional FD methods, but there are many challenges in terms of their performance and parallel implementation, due to RBF-FDs use of relatively large halos and unstructured indexing. With the use of reverse Cuthill–McKee node ordering and tiled transposition of the state variable matrices and RBF-FD differentiation matrices, these challenges were overcome. The RBF-FD solver was implemented for the SWE on the rotating sphere using message passing interface plus OpenMP/OpenACC to demonstrate scalability and performance portability on the three currently dominant high performance computing (HPC) architectures, namely, Intel Xeon multicore, Intel Xeon Phi manycore, and NVIDIA graphics processing unit systems.
Heat-Related Training and Educational Material Needs among Oil Spill Cleanup Responders
Authors: Jacklitsch Brenda L , King Keith A , Vidourek Rebecca A , Merianos Ashley L
Published: September 2018

Heat-related illness (HRI), injury, and death among oil spill cleanup responders can be prevented through training and educational materials. This study assessed heat-related training and educational materials currently used and desired by oil spill cleanup responders. A needs assessment was completed by 65 oil spill cleanup responders regarding their occupational heat-related experiences and training needs. Oil spill cleanup responders reported participating on average in 37 oil spill cleanup activities per year. Most reported experiencing additional HRI risk factors, such as high temperatures and humidity and wearing personal protective equipment and clothing ensembles, respirators, and personal flotation devices. Many reported experiencing symptoms of HRI (profuse sweating, headache, weakness, decreased urine output, high body temperatures) and experiencing heat exhaustion. Although multiple prevention controls were reported, only 1 in 4 reported using an acclimatization plan. The most common training delivery method and education received included just-in-time training and printed materials. The most desirable future training delivery methods and education products were smartphone or tablet applications, printed materials, and online training. Findings from this study may be beneficial to safety and health professionals and health educators, particularly those interested in developing heat stress training and educational materials for oil spill cleanup responders.
Integrating knowledge in the face of epistemic uncertainty: Dialogically drawing distinctions
Authors: Mengis Jeanne , Nicolini Davide , Swan Jacky
Published: September 2018

In this article, we contribute to a processual understanding of knowledge integration in interdisciplinary collaboration by foregrounding the role of dialogue in dealing with epistemic uncertainty. Drawing on an ethnographic study of collaboration among scientists involved in developing a highly novel bioreactor, we suggest that knowledge integration is not a homogeneous process but requires switching between different knowledge integration practices over time. This is particularly notable in the case of ‘epistemic breakdowns’ – deeply unsettling events where hitherto-held understandings of the nature of problems appear unworkable. In such cases, it is not sufficient to deal solely with coordination issues; collaborators need to find ways to address generative knowledge integration processes and to venture, collectively, into the unknown. We demonstrate how this generative quest of knowledge integration is achieved through a dialogical process of drawing and testing new distinctions that allows actors to gradually handle the epistemic uncertainty they face.
The complexity, tensions and struggles in developing learning communities throughout a Sport Education season
Authors: Luguetti Carla , Lopes Priscila , Sobrinho Diego Rodrigues de Souza , Carbinatto Michele Viviene , MacPhail Ann
Published: September 2018

Several studies demonstrate that Sport Education (SE) supports the development of an authentic sport experience. However, the ‘messiness’ attached to the reality of effectively enacting SE is less prominent in the literature. The aim of this study is therefore to capture the complexity, tensions and struggles (for both lecturers and undergraduate students) of delivering and experiencing an authentic Artistic Gymnastics (AG) SE season within learning communities. Action research framed this 13-week study. Participants included 33 undergraduate students, four lecturers (one experienced in SE and three experienced in AG) at a university in Brazil and a professor with expertise in teaching and researching SE who was contacted regularly throughout the SE season. Data were collected weekly and included: (a) weekly collaborative lecture group meetings after each class; (b) student reflective diaries; (c) lead lecturer weekly observations collected as field notes; (d) Facebook posts; and (e) student focus groups. Data analysis involved inductive process and constant comparison. Results conveyed: (a) the relationship of trust and interdependence between the lecturers who implemented SE; (b) how students created a safe environment that allowed them to overcome fear; and (c) how lecturers and students negotiated the different levels of students’ engagement during the season and the associated feeling of frustration. Lecturers and students developed into two separate communities of learners. Future studies should continue to examine the effectiveness of a community of learners within the SE context and specifically encourage lecturers and students to work together as one learning community, learning from, and with, each other.
Can the Experience of Participatory Development Help Think Critically about ‘Patient and Public Involvement’ in UK Healthcare?
Authors: Mosse David
Published: September 2018

The expansion of spaces for ‘patient and public involvement’ in health systems in the UK is a relatively recent phenomenon, and yet ‘participation’ as a principle for planned interventions in international development is well established as a field of practice and controversy. Development workers and scholars have passed through moments of enchantment and disenchantment with the idea that the true source of innovation, expertise, and workable (and sustainable) solutions is to be found not in the professionals but in communities of experience. Making ‘local knowledge’ the basis of interventions has proved unexpectedly problematic. How could incommensurable forms of knowing, across steep gradients of power be bridged? This article describes a decade-long experiment in participatory development in a remote Adivasi (tribal) region of western India in order to suggest the relevance of this experience for the very different context of patient and public involvement in healthcare settings. In particular, it highlights some general points about knowledge practices at the interface, and the human tendency to adjust, mirror, mimic, loop, and in other ways make the ‘patient–professional’ interface itself hard to navigate. The article suggests that self-reflective insight into these social processes is necessary for effective ‘engagement’ by professional and lay actors alike.
Tax Rates and Tax Evasion
Authors: Weerasekera Harini
Published: September 2018

The study empirically examines the relationship between tax rates and tax evasion for Sri Lanka. This is examined in the context of border tax evasion, where I test for the presence of evasion via the ‘evasion gap’: the discrepancy between exports to Sri Lanka (as reported by Sri Lanka’s trade partners) and imports by Sri Lanka (as reported by Sri Lanka) for products imported by Sri Lanka from its top seven import partners in 2014. The study focuses on two forms of border tax evasion: underreporting and mislabelling. In addition, the study estimates the effect of a policy to bring selected value-added tax (VAT)-exempt products into the VAT net, on the evasion gap. Results from OLS estimation suggest that both forms of evasion are present. The difference-in-difference results of the impact of the policy change on the evasion gap are insignificant, but require post-treatment data to arrive at a more concrete conclusion.

JEL: H200, H260
Determinants of Financial Stress of Indian Banks
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Shrivastava Arvind , Singh D. P. , Kumar Purnendu
Published: September 2018

The study examines factors influencing non-performing loans (NPLs) for Indian banks. The analysis contributes by including restructured advances also in addition to standard measures of asset quality that provides comprehensive picture of pressure on banks’ balance sheet. Moreover, Bayesian technique with multivariate t-distributed prior is applied for robust estimation. Utilizing quarterly dataset from 2005 to 2015, strong persistence of bad assets is clearly evident. Bank-specific characteristics such as growth of advances, profitability and net interest margin are significant determinants. Among macro-factors, high growth rate is having retarding impact on bad assets. Moreover, ownership effect is having differential behaviour with state-owned banks being most vulnerable.

JEL: G21, C11, C23
On the readability of leaders in boundary labeling
Authors: Barth Lukas , Gemsa Andreas , Niedermann Benjamin , Nöllenburg Martin
Published: September 2018

External labeling deals with annotating features in images with labels that are placed outside of the image and are connected by curves (so-called leaders) to the corresponding features. While external labeling has been extensively investigated from a perspective of automatization, the research on its readability has been neglected. In this article, we present the first formal user study on the readability of leader types in boundary labeling, a special variant of external labeling that considers rectangular image contours. We consider the four most studied leader types (straight, L-shaped, diagonal, and S-shaped) with respect to their performance, that is, whether and how fast a viewer can assign a feature to its label and vice versa. We give a detailed analysis of the results regarding the readability of the four models and discuss their aesthetic qualities based on the users’ preference judgments and interviews. As a consequence of our experiment, we can generally recommend L-shaped leaders as the best compromise between measured task performance and subjective preference ratings, while straight and diagonal leaders received mixed ratings in the two measures. S-shaped leaders are generally not recommended from a practical point of view.
Black box modeling of a turboshaft gas turbine engine fuel control unit based on neural NARX
Authors: Salehi Amin , Montazeri-Gh Morteza
Published: September 2018

Turboshaft gas turbine engine is one of the main components in most marine vehicle propulsion systems. The most important part of the turboshaft engines, which has direct impact on the performance of the engine and, as a result, on the performance of the propulsion system and the vehicle, is the engine fuel control system which requires much attention and precise design. The proper design of the fuel control system requires accurate modeling of the fuel system components, such as fuel control unit. Fuel control unit is an electrohydraulic fuel flow control system, which consists of a pump and control valves, which controls the fuel flow to the combustion chamber based on the electronic control unit command. Because of the physical laws governing the hydraulic systems, fuel control unit exhibits purely nonlinear behavior and also for some behavior caused by hysteresis and friction in valves and internal components of the pump, modeling of the fuel control unit is complicated. Therefore, in this article, black box modeling approach based on neural Nonlinear Autoregressive Model with Exogenous Input (NARX) structure is employed to accurately model the fuel control unit. For this, at first a test bench including hydraulic system, sensors, and data acquisition system are designed and constructed to measure and record data from the fuel control unit inputs and outputs. The training as well as validation data were generated using amplitude-modulated pseudorandom binary signal as an excitation signal. Then, the identified model is evaluated with both validation data and different test data. Results show that the obtained model follows the real system with good accuracy and demonstrate the effectiveness of the NARX structure to model the fuel control unit. This model can be used for fuel controller designing or model-in-the-loop/hardware-in-the-loop simulation/test of controller in future works.
Impact of diabetes type on treatment and outcome of patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Richter Lars , Freisinger Eva , Lüders Florian , Gebauer Katrin , Meyborg Matthias , Malyar Nasser M
Published: September 2018

Background:

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications such as peripheral artery disease is increasing worldwide. We aimed to explore the distinct impact of type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus on treatment and on short- and long-term outcome in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of anonymized data of hospitalized patients covered by a large German health insurance. Assessment of patient’s characteristics (comorbidities, complications, etc.) and outcome using multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results:

Among 41,702 patients with peripheral artery disease, 339 (0.8%) had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 13,151 (31.5%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus had more comorbidities and complications than patients without diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.001). Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients exhibited the highest risk for limb amputation at 4-year follow-up (44.6% vs 35.1%, p < 0.001), while type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had higher mortality than type 1 diabetes mellitus (43.6% vs 31.0%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Although the fraction of type 1 diabetes mellitus among patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus is low, it represents a subset of patients being at particular high risk for limb amputation. Research focused on elaborating the determinants of limb amputation and mortality in peripheral artery disease patients with diabetes mellitus is warranted to improve the poor prognosis of these patients.
Correlation Between Various Definition of Superficial Venous Reflux and Clinical Presentation of Venous Disease
Authors: Farid Mehrdad Mac , Fernandez Bernardo , Udvari-Nagi Szilvia , Kacham Suresh , Cross Tracey Mountjoy , Catapano Melissa , Rodriguez Lisa
Published: September 2018

There have been various ways of reporting venous reflux in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Some vascular laboratories tend to describe venous reflux with categorical presence of reflux and some use grading method by measuring duration of venous reflux in seconds. The primary objective of study is to find out which method of describing venous incompetency in superficial venous system at great saphenous veins (GSV) and saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) would best correlate with clinical presentation of venous disease using CEAP (clinical manifestation, etiologic factors, anatomic distribution, pathophysiologic dysfunction) classification.
Total Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Functional Study of 28 MOOVIS Prostheses
Authors: Dreant Nicolas , Poumellec Marie-Anne
Published: September 2018

Background: Trapeziometacarpal prostheses have been used for more than 50 years in the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint arthritis. Even though this technique is more expensive than trapeziectomy, it has many advantages such as faster convalescence with better patient comfort and improved strength and range of motion. The aim of this study was to report the early functional results of a patient cohort treated with a dual mobility thumb carpometacarpal joint prosthesis. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to assess the functional results of 25 patients treated for trapeziometacarpal advanced osteoarthritis (Eaton and Littler stage III) with 28 MOOVIS prostheses. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pain, range of motion, and pinch and grip strength. The average follow-up time was 27.5 months. Results: The mean pain score measured by a visual analog scale was 8 preoperatively and 1 postoperatively. The mean preoperative Kapandji opposition score was 7 and counter-opposition score was 1; postoperative scores were 10 and 4, respectively. The grip strength improved after the surgery and the results were compared separately between dominant and nondominant sides. Final functional results were good: the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire score was 12, and the mean Michigan Hand Outcomes score was 87%. Conclusions: Total joint arthroplasty with a dual mobility prosthesis appears to be a satisfactory solution in our series. The absence of prosthesis instability encourages us to recommend this technique for the treatment of advanced trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis for people having an activity without too many manual constraints.
The performance of Remicade®-optimized quantification assays in the assessment of Flixabi® levels
Authors: Magro F. , Rocha C. , Vieira A. I. , Sousa H. T. , Rosa I. , Lopes S. , Carvalho J. , Dias C. C. , Afonso J.
Published: September 2018

Background:

The advent of Remicade® biosimilars, Remsima®, Inflectra® and, more recently, Flixabi®, has brought along the potential to decrease the costs associated with this therapy, therefore increasing its access to a larger group of patients. However, and in order to assure a soft transition, one must make sure the assays and algorithms previously developed and optimized for Remicade perform equally well with its biosimilars. This study aimed to: (a) validate the utilization of Remicade-optimized therapeutic drug monitoring assays for the quantification of Flixabi; and (b) determine the existence of Remicade, Remsima and Flixabi cross-immunogenicity.

Methods:

Healthy donors’ sera spiked with Remicade, Remsima and Flixabi were quantified using three different Remicade-quantification assays, and the reactivity of anti-Remicade and anti-Remsima sera to Remicade and to its biosimilars was assessed.

Results:

The results show that all tested Remicade-infliximab-optimized assays measure Flixabi as accurately as they measure Remicade and Remsima: the intraclass correlation coefficients between theoretical and measured concentrations varied from 0.920 to 0.990. Moreover, the interassay agreement values for the same compounds were high (intraclass correlation coefficients varied from 0.936 to 0.995). Finally, the anti-Remicade and anti-Remsima sera reacted to the different drugs in a similar fashion.

Conclusions:

The tested assays can be used to monitor Flixabi levels. Moreover, Remicade, Remsima and Flixabi were shown to have a high cross-immunogenicity, which supports their high similarity but prevents their switching in nonresponders with antidrug antibodies.
Individual Variability in Simultaneous Contrast for Color and Brightness: Small Sample Factor Analyses Reveal Separate Induction Processes for Short and Long Flashes
Authors: Kaneko Sae , Murakami Ikuya , Kuriki Ichiro , Peterzell David H.
Published: September 2018

In classic simultaneous color contrast and simultaneous brightness contrast, the color or brightness of a stimulus appears to shift toward the complementary (opposite) color or brightness of its surrounding region. Kaneko and colleagues proposed that simultaneous contrast involves separate “fast” and “slow” mechanisms, with stronger induction effects for fast than slow. Support for the model came from a diverse series of experiments showing that induction by surrounds varying in luminance or color was stronger for brief than long presentation times (10–40 vs. 80–640 ms). Here, to further examine possible underlying processes, we reanalyzed 12 separate small data sets from these studies using correlational and factor analytic techniques. For each analysis, a principal component analysis of induction strength revealed two factors, with one Varimax-rotated factor accounting for brief and one for long durations. In simultaneous brightness experiments, separate factor pairs were obtained for luminance increments and decrements. Despite being based on small sample sizes, the two-factor consistency among 12 analyses would not be expected by chance. The results are consistent with separate fast and slow processes mediating simultaneous contrast for brief and long flashes.
American Public Policy and Full Employment: The Imperative of Martin Luther King’s Political Economy in the 21st Century
Authors: Sommers Jeffrey , Hegland Rachel , Delices Patrick
Published: September 2018

Martin Luther King gave no small deliberation to questions of economic policy. Policy and political economy debates have come full circle the past 50 years, returning precisely to the ideas King envisioned as necessary for creating a just and well-performing economy. Following King’s death, the “neoclassical consensus” reversed much of the economic thought of the classical economists (including 19th-century heterodox thinkers, such as the German Historical School, for example, Friedrich List; and the American School, for example, Simon Patten), Keynesians, and public intellectuals like King. Today, however, some economists such as Paul Krugman have signaled that important intellectual contributions have emerged from nonspecialists, who nonetheless possess great insight into economic thought. This article argues that King, while a nonspecialist, displayed great insights into the working of economies in ways possessing resonance for contemporary economic and public policy debates on employment, inequality, and even tempering political extremism of the type that marred the international order in the 1930s and of which we are seeing hints of today.
The Family Way: Manhood and Dabangai in the Making of a Dynasty in Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Satendra
Published: September 2018

Only looking at the Congress Party can obscure the fact that political dynasties, in different forms and degrees, exist in a number of political parties in India. There are many examples of political families ruling the roost across the states but digging deeper shows us that the malaise goes to the village level as well. Therefore, to completely examine the extent to which Indian politics is dynastic, this article investigates strategies and networks of a local political dynasty in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh (UP). It explores how a family, by getting elected its sons into the local political bodies, becomes a powerful political dynasty over a period of time and how entry of this dynasty into the Indian political system is assisted by political parties and caste associations. Furthermore, this article shows the ways in which popular notions of leadership and manhood play important role in the making of a dynast along with the importance of dynastic ties for the marginalized rather than privileged groups.
Ultrastructural Characterization of Flashing Mitochondria
Authors: Rosselin Manon , Nunes-Hasler Paula , Demaurex Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Mitochondria undergo spontaneous transient elevations in matrix pH associated with drops in mitochondrial membrane potential. These mitopHlashes require a functional respiratory chain and the profusion protein optic atrophy 1, but their mechanistic basis is unclear. To gain insight on the origin of these dynamic events, we resolved the ultrastructure of flashing mitochondria by correlative light and electron microscopy. HeLa cells expressing the matrix-targeted pH probe mitoSypHer were screened for mitopHlashes and fixed immediately after the occurrence of a flashing event. The cells were then processed for imaging by serial block face scanning electron microscopy using a focused ion beam to generate ∼1,200 slices of 10 nm thickness from a 28 µm × 15 µm cellular volume. Correlation of live/fixed fluorescence and electron microscopy images allowed the unambiguous identification of flashing and nonflashing mitochondria. Three-dimensional reconstruction and surface mapping revealed that each tomogram contained two flashing mitochondria of unequal sizes, one being much larger than the average mitochondrial volume. Flashing mitochondria were 10-fold larger than silent mitochondria but with a surface to volume ratio and a cristae volume similar to nonflashing mitochondria. Flashing mitochondria were connected by tubular structures, formed more membrane contact sites, and a constriction was observed at a junction between a flashing mitochondrion and a nonflashing mitochondrion. These data indicate that flashing mitochondria are structurally preserved and bioenergetically competent but form numerous membrane contact sites and are connected by tubular structures, consistent with our earlier suggestion that mitopHlashes might be triggered by the opening of fusion pores between contiguous mitochondria.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long noncoding RNA MLK7-AS1 promotes ovarian
cancer cells progression by modulating miR-375/YAP1 axis
Authors: Yan Huan , Li Hong , Li Pengyun , Li Xia , Lin Jianjian , Zhu Linlin , Silva Maria A. , Wang Xiaofang , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhan
Published: September 2018

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been reported to be abnormally
expressed in human ovarian cancer and associated with the proliferation and
metastasis of cancer cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the
role and the underlying mechanisms of LncRNA MAP3K20 antisense RNA 1 (MLK7-AS1)
in ovarian cancer.

Methods

The expression level of MLK7-AS1 was investigated in human ovarian
cancer tissues and cell lines. The effects of MLK7-AS1 knockdown on ovarian
cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were evaluated in
vitro using MTT, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, transwell assays
and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the in vivo effects were determined using the
immunodeficient NSG female mice. Luciferase reporter assays were employed to
identify interactions among MLK7-AS1 and its target genes.

Results

In the current study, MLK7-AS1 was specifically upregulated in
ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of MLK7-AS1 inhibited the
ability of cell migration, invasion, proliferation, colony formation and wound
healing, whereas promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. By using online tools and
mechanistic analysis, we demonstrated that MLK7-AS1 could directly bind to
miR-375 and downregulate its expression. Besides, MLK7-AS1 reversed the
inhibitory effect of miR-375 on the growth of ovarian cancer cells, which might
be involved in the upregulation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression.
Moreover, knockdown MLK7-AS1 expression inhibited primary tumor growth in ovary
and metastatic tumors in multiple peritoneal organs including liver and spleen
in vivo, which were partly abolished by miR-375 inhibition. Mechanically, we
found that MLK7-AS1 modulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
process by interacting with miR-375/YAP1 both in vivo and vitro, which promoted
the expression of Slug.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study showed for the first time that MLK7-AS1
interacted with miR-375 to promote proliferation, metastasis, and EMT process in
ovarian cancer cells through upregulating YAP1.
Charcot neuroarthropathy patient education among podiatrists in Scotland: a modified Delphi approach
Authors: Bullen Benjamin , Young Matthew , McArdle Carla , Ellis Mairghread
Published: September 2018

Background

This evaluation sought to determine current Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) diabetes patient education practices among Scottish National Health Service (NHS) and academic podiatrists and evaluate novel visual tools and develop expert consensus for future practice.

Methods

Questionnaires collected mixed qualitative and quantitative responses, analysed concurrently within a convergence coding matrix. Delphi methodology permitted member‐checking and agreement of consensus over two rounds.

Results

Fourteen participants (16.28%) completed a Round One questionnaire, leading to the generation of four themes; Experience; Person‐Centred Care and the Content and Context of CN patient education. Seven consensus statements were subsequently developed and six achieved over 80% agreement among 16 participants (18.60%) with a Round Two questionnaire. Respondents agreed CN patient education should be considered for all ‘At‐risk’ individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Verbal metaphors, including the ‘rocker‐bottom’ foot, soft or brittle bones, collapsing, walking on honeycomb and a shattering lightbulb were frequently employed. Visual tools, including visual metaphors and The Charcot Foot Thermometer, were positively evaluated and made available online.

Conclusions

Key findings included respondent's belief that CN education should be considered for all individuals with DPN and the frequent use of simile, analogy and metaphor in CN education. The concept of ‘remission’ proved controversial due to its potential for misinterpretation.