bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difficulty in the Cytodiagnosis of Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma: Survey of 109 Cytologists with a Case Originating from a Minor Salivary Gland
Authors: Kai Keita , Minesaki Akimichi , Suzuki Kumiko , Monji Mikio , Nakamura Mitsuo , Tsugitomi Hisayuki , Kuratomi Yuichiro , Aishima Shinichi
Published: July 2017

Background: Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) of the salivary gland shows morphologic similarities and shares an immunophenotype and characteristic ETV6-NTRK3 translocation with secretory carcinoma of the breast. We present a buccal case of MASC along with a survey-based debate about its cytologic diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Case: FNA of the buccal nodule of a 58-year-old Japanese man was initially performed by 3 cytologists who gave different assessments of the Papanicolaou classification (i.e., class II, III, and V). To investigate the potential for discrepant diagnosis of MASC on a larger scale, we distributed a survey with questions about the cytological diagnosis of the present case to cytologists at other institutions. A total of 109 cytologists completed the survey, providing varying assessments of the Papanicolaou classification: class I/II (14%), class III (53%), and class IV/V (33%). Most of the respondents (72%) could not identify a particular tumor or disease. Even the respondents who identified a particular tumor suggested widely differing diagnoses, from a benign lesion to various malignant tumors. Only 2 respondents correctly identified MASC. Conclusion: Our experience and the results of the survey suggest difficulty in the cytodiagnosis of MASC.
Negative Beliefs about Voices in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder Are Associated with Distress: A Plea for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy?
Authors: Slotema Christina W. , Blom Jan Dirk , Deen Mathijs , Niemantsverdriet Marieke B.A. , van der Gaag Mark , Hoek Hans W. , Sommer Iris E.C.
Published: July 2017

Background: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are experienced by 21-54% of patients diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder (BPD), and ensuing distress is often high. Little is known about the beliefs these patients foster about their voices, and the influence thereof on distress and need for hospitalisation. Methods: In a convenience sample of 38 BPD outpatients with AVH, data were collected with the aid of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS), Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ), Social Comparison Rating Scale (SCRS), and Voice Power Differential Scale (VPDS). Results: The majority of patients with BPD who experience AVH rate their voices as malevolent and omnipotent, and higher in social rank than themselves. Moreover, their resistance against them tends to be high. These parameters correlate positively and significantly with high levels of distress experienced in relation to these AVH. The need for hospitalisation, in turn, is associated with high scores for omnipotence of the voices and distress due to AVH. However, these findings could not be confirmed in regression analyses. Conclusions: As negative beliefs can be altered with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), we expect CBT to be beneficial in the treatment of AVH in BPD patients, whether or not in combination with antipsychotic medication.
Quantitative Low-Dose Computed Tomography of the Lung Parenchyma and Airways for the Differentiation between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Patients
Authors: Chen Huai , Zeng Qing-si , Zhang Min , Chen Rong-chang , Xia Ting-ting , Wang Wei , Xu Xiaoyin , Guan Yubao
Published: July 2017

Background: It is difficult to differentiate between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in clinics; therefore, for diagnostic purposes, imaging-based measurements could be beneficial to differentiate between the two diseases. Objectives: We aim to analyze quantitative measurements of the lung and bronchial parameters that are provided by low-dose computed tomography (CT) to differentiate COPD and asthma from an imaging perspective. Materials and Methods: 69 COPD patients, 52 asthma patients, and 20 healthy subjects were recruited to participate in CT imaging and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Comparative analysis was performed to identify differences between COPD and asthma in CT measurements. PFT measurements enabled validation of the differentiation between COPD and asthma patients. Results: There were significant differences among the COPD, asthma, and healthy control groups. The differences were more significant among the following: inspiratory emphysema index (EI)-950 (%), expiratory lung volume, expiratory mean lung density (MLD), and expiratory EI-950 (%) and EI-850 (%). The COPD group had a significantly higher EI-950 (%) than the asthma group (p = 0.008). There were significant differences among the three groups in lumen area (LA), wall area (WA), total area, and Pi10WA. The asthma group had significantly higher WA%/WV% than both the COPD (p = 0.002) and the control group (p = 0.012). There was high sensitivity in EI-950 (%), EI-850 (%) and expiratory MLD in the parenchyma and high sensitivity in LA and Pi10WA in small airways in the differential diagnosis of COPD and asthma. Conclusion: To aid the diagnosis, CT can provide quantitative measurements to differentiate between COPD and asthma patients.
Targeting Developmental Pathways: The Achilles Heel of Cancer?
Authors: Dempke Wolfram C.M. , Fenchel Klaus , Uciechowski Peter , Chevassut Timothy
Published: July 2017

Developmental pathways (e.g., Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog, Wnt, and TGF-β/BMP/FGF) are networks of genes that act co-ordinately to establish the body plan, and disruptions of genes in one pathway can have effects in related pathways and may result in serious dysmorphogenesis or cancer. Interestingly, all developmental pathways are highly conserved cell signalling systems present in almost all multicellular organisms. In addition, they have a crucial role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and finally in organ development. Of note, almost all of these pathways promote oncogenesis through synergistic associations with the Hippo signalling pathway, and several lines of evidence have also indicated that these pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin) may be implicated in checkpoint inhibitor resistance (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1). Since Notch inhibition in vivo results in partial loss of its stemness features such as self-renewal, chemoresistance, invasive and migratory potential, and tumorigenesis, these highly conserved developmental pathways are regarded as being critical for regulation of self-renewal in both embryonic and adult stem cells and hence are likely to be implicated in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Many small molecules are currently in preclinical and early clinical development, and only two compounds are approved for treatment of advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma (vismodegib and sonidegib). Furthermore, therapeutic targeting of cancer stem cells using drugs that disrupt activated developmental pathways may also represent an attractive strategy that is potentially relevant to many types of malignancy, notably blood cancers, where the evidence for leukaemia stem cells is well established. Future work will hopefully pave the way for the development of new strategies for targeting these pervasive oncogenic pathways.
Ruptured Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm Secondary to Toxoplasmic Kyrieleis Arteriolitis: A Case Report
Authors: Huang Natalie , Lee W. Andrew , Rivera Sean , Montezuma Sandra R.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: The aim of this report was to describe multimodal ocular imaging findings in a patient who presented with a ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) associated with toxoplasmic Kyrieleis arteriolitis. Methods: We report the case of a 64-year-old man with a history of systemic hypertension and dense amblyopia of the left eye who presented with decreased vision and new floaters in the left eye. Color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were used as diagnostic imaging tools. Results: No signs of hypertensive retinopathy were noted in the right eye. Multiple chorioretinal scars characteristic of previous toxoplasmosis were revealed in the left eye, with one covering most of the macula. Periarterial plaques or Kyrieleis arteriolitis were observed in retinal arteries surrounding the toxoplasmic retinal scars. Multiple RAMs were observed in these vessels, one of which was acutely ruptured. A perivenular plaque associated with a chronic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) was noted along the same arcade at the arteriovenous crossing. Conclusion: RAM formation and BRVO can present as possible long-term complications of toxoplasmic Kyrieleis arteriolitis. This is the first reported case demonstrating an association between toxoplasmic Kyrieleis arteriolitis and RAM formation.
False-Negative Rate of Papanicolaou Testing: A National Survey from the Thai Society of Cytology
Authors: Koonmee Supinda , Bychkov Andrey , Shuangshoti Somruetai , Bhummichitra Kanyaprin , Himakhun Wanwisa , Karalak Anant , Rangdaeng Samreung
Published: July 2017

Objective: To evaluate the performance of Papanicolaou smear screening in Thailand at the national level, and to propose recommendations for continuing quality control. Study Design: This study was conducted by The Thai Society of Cytology and involved 124 laboratories in 76 provinces during 2010-2014. Random sampling suggested recalling of 10% of slides defined as negative at routine screenings (10% random rescreening [R10] model) directly from the reading unit. Results: Out of 330,075 smears covered by the rescreening project throughout its 5-year duration, the rates of abnormal, unsatisfactory, and normal results were 0.63, 1.82, and 97.55%, respectively. Abnormal findings were largely represented by ASC-US (54%) and L-SIL (21%). The average false-negative rate (FNR) measured at the level of L-SIL and higher was 13.8%. Conclusion: The national project was developed to address the accuracy of cervical cancer screening and to promote internal quality assurance based on the R10, on-site surveys, and education. The major output parameters of this study (FNR and number and distribution of abnormal cases on rescreening) improved significantly in the main phase of the project (2012-2014), after revising substantial logistics issues encountered during the first 2 years of this study. This project provided objective measurable evidence related to the quality of cytology-based cervical cancer screening in Thailand.
Exercise Capacity Impairment Can Predict Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Magalhães Clarissa Bentes de Araújo , Nogueira Ingrid Correia , Marinho Liegina Silveira , Daher Elizabeth F. , Garcia José Huygens P. , Viana Cyntia F.G. , de Bruin Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo , Pereira Eanes Delgado Barros
Published: July 2017

Background: Postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) are common after liver transplantation (LT) and contribute significantly to the related morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this paper was to determine the incidence of PRCs after LT and the value of simple exercise capacity measures as independent predictors of PRCs. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive adults submitted to LT at a University Hospital in Fortaleza Brazil from March 2013 to March 2015. At baseline, exercise capacity was assessed with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the 6-minute step test (6MST), lung function was tested by spirometry, and respiratory muscle strength was measured by maximal respiratory pressure. Additional relevant pre- and intraoperative data were collected through interview and chart review, and their association with the incidence of PRCs was evaluated. Results: The study included 100 subjects, 44% of whom presented at least 1 of the PRCs. In the univariate analysis, poor 6MST and 6MWT results and a longer preoperative cold ischemia time were associated with PRCs. The logistic regression analysis showed that PRCs were less likely to occur when preoperative walking distances were longer: the odds ratio (95% CI) was reduced to 0.589 (0.357-0.971) for each 50 m walked (p = 0.03). Likewise, PRCs were more likely to occur in patients with longer preoperative cold ischemia times: the odds ratio (95% CI) increased to 1.008 (1.002-1.015) for each minute (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The incidence of PRCs is high in LT patients. A prolonged cold ischemia time and preoperative 6MWT results were independent predictors of PRCs in this patient population.
Review of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Dialysis-Based Liver Support Devices for the Use of Nephrologists
Authors: Hamdi Tamim , Palmer Biff F.
Published: July 2017

Acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a manifestation of an underlying severe illness that commonly involves other organ systems. Pulmonary, cardiac, and hepatic failures are the most prevalent. This article provides a simplified review of the technical aspects of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary and liver support devices used in the adult ICU patient, as well as a summary of the most relevant and up-to-date clinical evidence that supports their use.
A Novel Role for MiR-520a-3p in Regulating EGFR Expression in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Rui , Liu Chang , Niu Yahan , Zhang Jianguo , Guo Baoliang , Zhang Chen-Yu , Li Jing , Yang Jie , Chen Xi
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been consistently demonstrated to be involved in colorectal cancer as either tumour oncogenes or tumour suppressors. However, the detailed role of miR-520a-3p in colorectal cancer remains poorly understood. Methods: Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting assays were used to measure miR-520a-3p and EGFR expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the direct targeting of EGFR by miR-520a-3p. Cell migration, apoptosis and cell cycle assays were performed to analyse the biological functions of miR-520a-3p and EGFR in colorectal cancer cells. In vivo experiment was performed to analyse the effects of miR-520a-3p and EGFR on the growth of colorectal cancer xenografts in mice. Results: In this study, we found that miR-520a-3p was most likely to target the EGFR 3’-UTR, which was experimentally validated. In addition, we investigated the biological effects of EGFR inhibition by miR-520a-3p both in vitro and In vivo and found that miR-520a-3p could suppress cell migration, promote apoptosis, lead to colorectal cancer cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and decelerate tumour growth in xenograft mice, potentially by targeting EGFR. Conclusions: This study highlights a tumour suppressor role for miR-520a-3p in colorectal cancer via the regulation of EGFR expression. Thus, miR-520a-3p may be a novel molecular therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Biphasically Modulating the Activity of Carboxypeptidase G2 with Ultrasound
Authors: Ma Wanying , Zhang Ying , Zheng Xueling , Yu Tinghe
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) has been used for cancer prodrug therapy to realize the targeted release of active drugs, but there yet lacks a means to modulate the CPG2 activity. Here ultrasound was used to modulate the CPG2 activity. Methods: The activity of insonated CPG2 was determined, and then underlying biochemical (i.e., monomer, dimer and conformation) and ultrasonic (i.e., heat and cavitation) mechanisms were explored. Results: Ultrasound (1.0 MHz) increased or decreased the enzymatic activity; the activity decreased as zero- or first-order kinetics, depending on the intensity. L1 (10 W/cm2 for 200 s) improved the activity via increasing the specific activity. L2 or L3 (20 W/cm2 for 1200 or 3000 s) decreased the activity via disassembling the dimer, degrading the monomer, inducing glycosylation, transforming conformation and decreasing the specific activity. An increase or a slight decrease of activity attributable to 10 W/cm2 was reversible, but the activity decrease due to 20 W/cm2 was irreversible. The enzymatic modulation was realized via cavitation. Conclusion: Ultrasound can biphasically modulate the CPG2 activity, and can be employed in the CPG2-prodrug therapy to adjust the release and moles of active drugs.
Thermal Preconditioning May Prevent Tendon Adhesion by Up-Regulating HSP72 in Rats
Authors: Tan Yang , Wu Qin-Fen , Wu Qiang , Tan Xin-Ti , Chen Liao-Bin , Wang Xin
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: The study aims to determine the effects of thermal preconditioning on tendon adhesion by regulating the expression of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) in rat models. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were collected and randomly assigned into the thermal preconditioning and control groups. During the 4th and 8th weeks following surgery, 15 rats were sacrificed in each period respectively, and their tendon adhesion was observed and evaluated. Biomechanical testing was performed to measure the tensile strength and gliding distance of tendons. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) was used to observe the morphological structure of the tendons. Immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the HSP72, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1), β-catenin, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM), Tenomodulin and scleraxis protein expressions. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to analyze the correlation between HSP72 expression and tendon adhesion. Results: At the 4th week after surgery, we found no differences in the tendon adhesion scores or mRNA and protein expressions of HSP72 between the thermal preconditioning and control groups. However, after the 8th week after surgery, the thermal preconditioning group had a lower tendon adhesion score and higher mRNA and protein expressions of HSP72 than the control group. During the same period, we found longer gliding distance and higher expression levels of FGF-2, FGFR-1, β-catenin, Tenomodulin and scleraxis, but lower EPCAM expression in the thermal preconditioning group. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that HSP72 mRNA and protein expression levels were negatively correlated with tendon adhesion. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that thermal preconditioning may alleviate tendon adhesions via upregulation of HSP72 expression.
Synergistic Activity of Berberine with Azithromycin against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis of Lung In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Li YongTao , Huang JianRong , Li LanJuan , Liu LinSheng
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of the major opportunistic pathogens which can cause chronic lung infection of cystic fibrosis (CF). The formation of PA biofilm promotes CF development and restricts the antimicrobial efficacies of current antibiotics. Methods: The antimicrobial effects of azithromycin (AZM) and berberine (BER) alone and in combination were evaluated using microdilution method, checkerboard assay, time-kill test, qRT-PCR analysis and absorption method. The treatments of AZM and/or BER were further evaluated in an animal lung infection model via observing survival rate, bacterial burden and histopathology of lung, the levels of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Results: AZM-BER were demonstrated to be synergistic against ten clinical PA isolates as well as the standard reference PA ATCC27853, in which PA03 was the most susceptible isolate to AZM-BER with FICI of 0.13 and chosen for subsequent experiments. The synergism of AZM-BER was further confirmed against PA03 in time-kill test and scanning electron microscope (SEM) at their concentrations showing synergism. In PA03, we found that AZM-BER could significantly attenuate productions of a series of virulence factors including alginate, LasA protease, LasB protease, pyoverdin, pyocyanin, chitinase as well as extracellular DNA, and remarkably inhibit the levels of quorum sensing (QS) molecules and the expressions of lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR at 1/2×MIC, 1×MIC and 2×MIC. In the infection model, the mice survival were increased markedly, the inflammations of infected lungs were improved greatly along with reduced IL-6, IL-8 and ascended IL-10 at 0.8 mg/kg of AZM combined with 3.2 mg/kg of BER. Conclusion: BER might be a promising synergist to enhance the antimicrobial activity of AZM in vitro and in vivo.
Transcatheter Therapy for Mitral Regurgitation Clinical Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Sorajja Paul , Leon Martin B. , Adams David H. , Webb John G. , Farivar R. Saeid
Published: July 2017

Severe mitral regurgitation is a common and complex disease that is associated with an adverse prognosis. For decades, surgical treatment has been the standard of care. Recently, multiple technologies for transcatheter mitral therapy have emerged, with the potential for both repair and replacement in patients with native mitral regurgitation. Transcatheter mitral technologies have potential as solutions for unmet clinical needs. Further rigorous clinical studies are needed to determine their efficacy and safety, as well as the appropriate patient candidates. These evaluations will help to define the role of transcatheter mitral therapy as a potentially exciting new strategy to improve the lives of patients with mitral regurgitation.
Effect of Pregnancy on Ventricular and Aortic Dimensions in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Cauldwell Matthew , Quail Michael A. , Smith Gillian S. , Heng Ee Ling , Ghonim Sarah , Uebing Anselm , Swan Lorna , Li Wei , Patel Roshni R. , Pennell Dudley J. , Steer Philip J. , Johnson Mark R. , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Babu‐Narayan Sonya V.
Published: July 2017

Background

The aim was to assess whether cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy in women with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (
TOF
) adversely affects hemodynamic stability, in particular with respect to right ventricular (
RV
) dilatation, pulmonary regurgitation, or aortic root dilatation.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with repaired
TOF
with paired cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans before and after their first pregnancy (baseline
RV
end systolic volume index 49 mL/m
2
and
RV
end diastolic volume index 118 mL/m
2
) matched with a comparison group of nulliparous women with
TOF
. Cases were matched for age at baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance scan, time between follow‐up of cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans,
QRS
duration,
RV
ejection fraction, and indexed
RV
end systolic and diastolic volume at baseline. Effect of pregnancy and time on parameters was assessed using mixed‐effects modelling. Nineteen women with repaired
TOF
who had completed their first pregnancy were identified and matched with 38 nulliparous women. We observed no deleterious effects of pregnancy on
RV
volumes, aortic dimensions, or exercise data. There was an effect of pregnancy observed in both left ventricular end diastolic volume and left ventricular stroke volume, consistent with a sustained small increase in left ventricular stroke volume attributed to pregnancy (53–55 mL/m
2
).

Conclusions

Women with repaired
TOF
and with mild‐to‐moderate
RV
dilatation considering pregnancy can be reassured that pregnancy is unlikely to cause deterioration in their cardiovascular status. We recommend that women are routinely assessed and followed up before and after pregnancy and that prepregnancy counseling is tailored to their individual clinical status.
Thromboembolic Risk, Bleeding Outcomes and Effect of Different Antithrombotic Strategies in Very Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Sub‐Analysis From the PREFER in AF (
PRE
vention o
F
Thromboembolic Events–
E
uropean
R
egistry in
A
trial
F
ibrillation)
Authors: Patti Giuseppe , Lucerna Markus , Pecen Ladislav , Siller‐Matula Jolanta M. , Cavallari Ilaria , Kirchhof Paulus , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: July 2017

Background

Increasing age predisposes to both thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation; therefore, balancing risks and benefits of antithrombotic strategies in older populations is crucial. We investigated 1‐year outcome with different antithrombotic approaches in very elderly atrial fibrillation patients (age ≥85 years) compared with younger patients.

Methods and Results

We accessed individual patients’ data from the prospective PREFER in AF (PREvention oF thromboembolic events‐European Registry in Atrial Fibrillation), compared outcomes with and without oral anticoagulation (
OAC
), and estimated weighed net clinical benefit in different age groups. A total of 6412 patients, 505 of whom were aged ≥85 years, were analyzed. In patients aged <85 years, the incidence of thromboembolic events was 2.8%/year without
OAC
versus 2.3%/year with
OAC
(0.5% absolute reduction); in patients aged ≥85 years, it was 6.3%/year versus 4.3%/year (2% absolute reduction). In very elderly patients, the risk of major bleeding was higher than in younger patients, but similar in patients on
OAC
and in those on antiplatelet therapy or without antithrombotic treatment (4.0%/year versus 4.2%/year;
P
=0.77).
OAC
was overall associated with weighted net clinical benefit, assigning weights to nonfatal events according to their prognostic implication for subsequent death (−2.19%;
CI
, −4.23%, −0.15%;
P
=0.036). We found a significant gradient of this benefit as a function of age, with the oldest patients deriving the highest benefit.

Conclusions

Because the risk of stroke increases with age more than the risk of bleeding, the absolute benefit of
OAC
is highest in very elderly patients, where it, by far, outweighs the risk of bleeding, with the greatest net clinical benefit in such patients.
Dog “Meat” Consumption in China
Authors: Li Peter J. , Sun Jiang , Yu Dezhi
Published: July 2017

The consumption of dog “meat” is dividing the Chinese society into two camps. Is dog eating part of the mainstream food culture or is it a declining practice? With the help of a survey of 1,265 respondents in Yanji and Dalian, the study confirms different rates of acceptance regarding dog eating among the respondents by age, ethnicity, education, rural-urban residence status, and profession. Contrary to the belief that urbanization weakens traditional behaviors, our study found that Yanji, with its high urbanization rate, considers dog “meat” consumption to be acceptable. The local subculture appeared to be a strong intervening factor. Unlike Korean vegetable side dishes, dog “meat” is not a mainstream food choice in Yanji. The eating habit may continue for a long time if it is not banned. However, the decline of the eating habit seems irreversible.
The Militarization of a Society: The Example of Transcaucasia in the Early Iron Age
Authors: Castelluccia Manuel
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present paper is to analyze the particular political and social process which began in the lands south of the main Caucasus range at the end of the Late Bronze Age and continued and strengthened during the following Iron Age. This process was characterized by the marked militarization of the society, which involved many related aspects, not just the political system but also social life and organization. The following pages will be dedicated to an analysis of some well-defined aspects, such as the organization of the human landscape, architecture, funerary customs, arts, politics and economy. Emphasis will be placed on how these were affected by this process of militarization and the main features of the latter will be described.
Submesoscale Dynamics in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Part III: Lagrangian Implications
Authors: Choi Jun , Bracco Annalisa , Barkan Roy , Shchepetkin Alexander F. , McWilliams James C. , Molemaker Jeroen M.
Published: July 2017

Four numerical simulations are used to characterize the impact of submesoscale circulations on surface Lagrangian statistics in the northern Gulf of Mexico over 2 months, February and August, representative of winter and summer. The role of resolution and riverine forcing is explored focusing on surface waters in regions where the water column is deeper than 50 m. Whenever submesoscale circulations are present, the probability density functions (PDFs) of dynamical quantities such as vorticity and horizontal velocity divergence for Eulerian and Lagrangian fields differ, with particles preferentially mapping areas of elevated negative divergence and positive vorticity. The stronger the submesoscale circulations are, the more skewed the Lagrangian distributions become, with greater differences between Eulerian and Lagrangian PDFs. In winter, Lagrangian distributions are modestly impacted by the presence of the riverine outflow, while increasing the model resolution from submesoscale permitting to submesoscale resolving has a more profound impact. In summer, the presence of riverine-induced buoyancy gradients is the key to the development of submesoscale circulations and different Eulerian and Lagrangian PDFs. Finite-size Lyapunov exponents (FSLEs) are used to characterize lateral mixing rates. Whenever submesoscale circulations are resolved and riverine outflow is included, FSLEs slopes are broadly consistent with local stirring. Simulated slopes are close to −0.5 and support a velocity field where the ageostrophic and frontogenetic components contribute stirring at scales between about 5 and 7 times the model resolution and 100 km. The robustness of Lagrangian statistics is further discussed in terms of their spatial and temporal variability and of the number of particles available.
The Motherhood Wage Penalty by Work Conditions: How Do Occupational Characteristics Hinder or Empower Mothers?
Authors: Yu Wei-hsin , Kuo Janet Chen-Lan
Published: July 2017

Mothers are shown to receive lower wages than childless women across industrial countries. Although research on mothers’ wage disadvantage has noted that the extent of this disadvantage is not universal among mothers, it has paid relatively little attention to how the structural characteristics of jobs moderate the price women pay for motherhood. Using data from 16 waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth that began in 1997, we examine how the pay gap between mothers and non-mothers varies by occupational characteristics. Deriving hypotheses from three prominent explanations for the motherhood wage penalty—stressing work-family conflict and job performance, compensating differentials, and employer discrimination, respectively—we test whether this penalty changes with an occupation’s exposure to hazardous conditions, schedule regularity, required on-the-job training, competitiveness, level of autonomy, and emphasis on teamwork. Results from fixed-effects models show that the wage reduction for each child is less in occupations with greater autonomy and lower teamwork requirements. Moreover, mothers encounter a smaller penalty when their occupations impose less competitive pressure. On the whole, these findings are consistent with the model focusing on job strain and work-family conflict, adding evidence to the importance of improving job conditions to alleviate work-family conflict.
Does Diversity Pay? A Replication of Herring (2009)
Authors: Stojmenovska Dragana , Bol Thijs , Leopold Thomas
Published: July 2017

In an influential article published in the American Sociological Review in 2009, Herring finds that diverse workforces are beneficial for business. His analysis supports seven out of eight hypotheses on the positive effects of gender and racial diversity on sales revenue, number of customers, perceived relative market share, and perceived relative profitability. This comment points out that Herring’s analysis contains two errors. First, missing codes on the outcome variables are treated as substantive codes. Second, two control variables—company size and establishment size—are highly skewed, and this skew obscures their positive associations with the predictor and outcome variables. We replicate Herring’s analysis correcting for both errors. The findings support only one of the original eight hypotheses, suggesting that diversity is nonconsequential, rather than beneficial, to business success.
Safety of Radial Access for Primary Percutaneous Intervention in Patients With ST-Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results From a Low-Volume Center
Authors: Tsurumaki Yoshimasa , Haraguchi Yumiko , Nakamura Tomohiro
Published: July 2017

Radial access for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is recommended in high-volume experienced centers. This study investigated whether radial access for pPCI is safe even in a low-volume center. We performed radial access for pPCI in 171 patients. Major adverse cardiac events (total death, myocardial infarction, stroke) rate was 1.2%. The overall incidence of bleeding complications was 2.4%; there was no vascular complication at the access site. In patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI, the results of radial access in a low-volume center were acceptable. These findings support the safety of radial access in patients with STEMI.
Main Characteristics of Vietnam–China Trade Relations, 2000–15
Authors: Binh Ngo Xuan
Published: July 2017

Entering the 21st century, trade relations between Vietnam and China have grown strongly, making positive contributions to the economic development of the two countries. However, the relationship in the period 2000–15 also witnessed a number of thorny issues such as a serious trade imbalance against Vietnam, the ‘North to South’ nature in the import and export structure of the two countries, Vietnam’s growing dependence on bilateral trade with China, and so on. These issues have affected negatively Vietnam’s economy. Based on data analysis, the author identifies the key characteristics of trade relations between Vietnam and China and highlights possible solutions for Vietnam to move its trade relations with China in a more balanced direction.
China’s Strategic Adjustments
Authors: Thuan Nguyen Quang
Published: July 2017

After the eighteenth Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, China adjusted its diplomatic strategy and transformed its pattern of economic development. This has had and will continue to have both a positive and a negative impact on the international financial institutions and the regional and global economy. The ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) strategy, combined with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the internationalisation of the yuan, is the main focus, and exerts a strong impact on the existing international financial institutions as well as the economic relations between China and many other countries in the world. It has attracted many developed and developing countries to join the AIIB. It also has made many emerging economies become closely linked to China. Moreover, it contributes to the emergence of many ‘asymmetric’ pairs of economic relations between China and its neighbours. China is now connected with Europe through an overland route as well as through the boosting of economic, trade and investment ties between Asia and Europe. Furthermore, while Europe has been concerned about China’s unfair competition and the dependence on Chinese investment, ASEAN has increasingly deepened the mutual economic dependence between itself and Beijing. A negative outcome of this is the rising economic dependence on China of quite a few ASEAN member states, including Vietnam.
Social-Normative Expectations Mediates School Climate’s Association With Academic Achievement in Latino Middle School Students
Authors: Bell Perry J. , White Gwyne W. , Hatchimonji Danielle R. , Stepney Cesalie T. , Linsky Arielle V. , Vaid Esha , Elias Maurice J.
Published: July 2017

Many Latino students miss opportunities to develop their full potential in U.S. schools. Increasing attention is being paid to the malleable, nonacademic, factors that can affect student learning. The current study sought to evaluate the impact of school climate on Language Arts grade for Latino students in a large, low-income, urban middle school. In addition, the novel construct of Social-Normative Expectations, student perceptions of school-wide norms about achievement expectations for their peers, was explored in relation to school climate and academic achievement. The study sample reflected 513 Latino students, Grades 7 and 8. A mediation model found that approximately 30% of the variance in final Language Arts grades was accounted for by the predictors, including control variables ( R2 = .299). A distinctive mediation effect was also found, whereby the impact of school climate was associated with an approximately .6 points lower final grade mediated through the indirect pathway of Social-Normative Expectations ( b = −0.064, SE = 0.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.104, −0.028]). Implications of these findings are discussed.
Il dibattito intorno al volgare antico tra Leonardo Bruni e Flavio Biondo sullo sfondo della cognizione linguistica di Dante
Authors: Schöntag Roger
Published: July 2017

La nozione linguistica “latino volgare” e l’idea della diversificazione interna del latino risale a un dibattito nell’anticamera di papa Eugenio IV nel 1435. Leonardo Bruni e Flavio Biondo esposero le loro convinzioni sul latino nell’antichità romana in due brevi trattati.

L’obiettivo del presente saggio è di ritrarre la discussione tra Bruni e Biondo e di esporre in quale maniera gli umanisti attingono alla teoria dantesca, anche se i due eruditi probabilmente non hanno avuto conoscenza diretta del trattato De vulgari eloquentia ( DVE), scritto che rappresenta, considerando il latino, un punto di vista tipicamente medievale ( grammatica vs. vulgare, ars vs. natura). La nuova idea, il latino come lingua viva che cambia e si modifica, emerge in questo contesto storico.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Knowledge and Practices in the Management of Congenital Syphilis by Pediatricians in Public Maternity Hospitals in Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Raquel Rodrigues , Niquini Roberta Pereira , Bastos Francisco Inácio , Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira
Published: July 2017

The study aimed to assess conformity with Brazil’s standard protocol for diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the management of congenital syphilis by pediatricians in public maternity hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 with 41 pediatricians working in all the public maternity hospitals in Teresina, the capital of Piauí State, Northeast Brazil, through self-completed questionnaires. The study assessed the conformity of knowledge and practices according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health protocols. The study has made evident low access to training courses (54%) and insufficient knowledge of the case definition of congenital syphilis (42%) and rapid tests for syphilis (39%). Flaws were observed in the diagnostic workup and treatment of newborns. Requesting VDRL (88%) and correct treatment of neurosyphilis (88%) were the practices that showed the highest conformity with standard protocols. Low conformity with protocols leads to missed opportunities for identifying and adequately treating congenital syphilis. Based on the barriers identified in the study, better access to diagnostic and treatment protocols, improved recording on prenatal cards and hospital patient charts, availability of tests and medicines, and educational work with pregnant women should be urgently implemented, aiming to reverse the currently inadequate management of congenital syphilis and to curb its spread.
What makes public sector innovations survive? An exploratory study of the influence of feedback, accountability and learning
Authors: van Acker Wouter , Bouckaert Geert
Published: July 2017

The question whether public sector innovations last, and what determines their chances of survival, remains a gap in the public management literature. This exploratory study focuses on the winners and nominees of public sector innovation awards in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia and the UK. Through a survey covering 220 cases, it examines whether feedback loops, accountability mechanisms and learning processes (FAL) can explain the survival of public sector innovations. The conclusion is that a culture of feedback, accountability and learning seems to be positively linked with the survival of innovations.

Points for practitioners

It is one thing to innovate, but it is another to make innovations last. A culture of feedback information, learning processes to interpret this feedback information, and a culture of accountability seem to improve the chances of innovations to stand the test of time. Instruments to measure innovation’s performance on its own do not seem to affect innovation’s survival chances.
E-public procurement: Which factors determine its acceptance by small- to medium-sized enterprises and large companies in Belgium?
Authors: Alomar Mohamad Amin , de Visscher Christian
Published: July 2017

The dematerialisation of public procurement (hereinafter, e-procurement) is one of the most innovative public management initiatives in Europe today. However, according to European statistics, the acceptance of this new public procurement technique by private companies remains very limited. Furthermore, despite the existence of an abundant literature dealing with the acceptance of technology, for example, in the field of e-commerce, very few studies have addressed the field of e-procurement. The aim of this article is to analyse the latter by making a distinction between the acceptance determinants of e-procurement by small- to medium-sized enterprises, on the one hand, and by large companies, on the other. Based on several theories on the acceptance of innovation in general, and on the acceptance of technology in particular – the Technology Acceptance Model, the Innovation Diffusion Theory and the model of Iacovou et al. – we developed a model and tested it on a sample of firms. The results of the survey, covering 695 small- to medium-sized enterprises and 126 large companies in Belgium, have enabled us to identify four main factors that can account for about 33.4% of the total variability in the acceptance of e-procurement by small- to medium-sized enterprises. In addition, we have identified two factors that could account for around 28.5% of the total variability of e-procurement acceptance by large firms.

Points for practitioners

Our study was able to account for about 33.4% of the total variability of e-procurement acceptance by small- to medium-sized enterprises and 28.5% by large companies. Identifying the determinants of this acceptance by distinguishing between small- to medium-sized enterprises and large companies can help decision-makers at the political and administrative level to develop a more effective action plan to promote the adoption of this new procurement technology, and thus to make the most of the benefits expected from it.
Person–job fit matters in parastatal institutions: Testing the mediating effect of person–job fit in the relationship between talent management and employee outcomes
Authors: Mensah James Kwame , Bawole Justice Nyigmah
Published: July 2017

This article responds to recent calls for research examining the mechanisms through which talent management affects talented employee outcomes. Drawing insights from attraction–selection–attrition and ability, motivation and opportunity theories, the article examines one such mechanism, person–job fit, through which talent management influences talented employees’ affective commitment and quit intentions in parastatal institutions in Ghana. A sample of 232 talent pool members was used to test a partial mediation model using structural equation modelling. Our findings suggest that talent management has not only a direct effect, but also an indirect effect, on talented employee outcomes of affective commitment and quit intention via person–job fit. Implications of these finding are discussed.

Points for practitioners

Human resource practitioners can attempt to increase affective commitment and reduce quit intentions by seeking to match job tasks with talented employees’ knowledge, skills and abilities while, at the same time, addressing their needs by the supplies that emanate from their jobs using talent management practices. Human resource professionals can choose to assess the person–job fit of talented employees during the pre-selection phase to their talent pool. Human resource practitioners can achieve the person–job fit of current talent pool members by using job design and career planning, as well as career progression. For human resource professionals concerned with the retention of talented employees and increasing their commitment, attention to creating person–job fit through talent management practices may be useful in reducing employee intentions to leave and maintaining high commitment.
Rescue, red tape, child abduction, illicit adoptions, and discourse: Intercountry adoption attitudes in Spain
Authors: San Román Beatriz , Rotabi Karen S
Published: July 2017

Evidence of child abduction for intercountry adoption challenges our notions of altruism. The history of illicit adoptions and child abduction is presented with specific emphasis on Guatemala as a case example. Drawing on data produced in an ethnographic research, the analysis searches to elucidate how those involved in intercountry adoption in Spain (mainly adoptive and prospective adoptive parents) deal with signs of fraud and corruption. The results point out how these discourses usually dismiss the failures of the system and revolve around the idea of rescue. The rights of birth families – and even their mere existence – are usually absent in the discussion.
Harm, opportunity, optimism: Young people’s negotiation of precarious circumstances
Authors: Munford Robyn , Sanders Jackie
Published: July 2017

Drawing on data from a longitudinal study of young people’s transitions to adulthood, this article explores the experiences of young people who face high levels of adversity. These young people had experienced challenging circumstances from an early age (exposure to harm and to impoverished social and material conditions). This article draws on the qualitative phase of the study. Young people and a trusted other, nominated by the young person, participated in three annual qualitative interviews. The article explores experiences in two domains: education and employment. It concludes with a discussion of the implications for practice with young people who face adversity.
‘Travelling is a Pleasure …’ Leisure Control, Tourism and Images of the Other in the Iberian Fascist Dictatorships
Authors: Lanero Táboas Daniel
Published: July 2017

This article examines the relationship between Francoism and the Portuguese Estado Novo in the context of state control of workers’ leisure time. The two Iberian Fascist dictatorships reacted to the international political isolation they were experiencing by seeking to strengthen their mutual ties during a period extending from the end of the Second World War until the mid-1950s. In the sphere of leisure, this was accomplished by means of two social tourism programmes: hosting workers from the neighbouring country in state holiday centres, and organizing trips in order to get to know the monuments and culture of the other country. These trips and vacations were used by the Franco Regime and the Estado Novo as a means of political and ideological indoctrination of workers. They were also intended to improve the perception of the national identity among the visitors, thus projecting a certain national image abroad.