bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Constraint Loading on the Lower Limb Muscle Forces in Weightless Treadmill Exercise
Authors: Guo Ning , Fan Xingyu , Wu Yuting , Li Zhili , Liu Shujuan , Wang Linjie , Yao Jie , Li Yinghui
Published: April 2018

Long exposure to the microgravity will lead to muscle atrophy and bone loss. Treadmill exercise could mitigate the musculoskeletal decline. But muscle atrophy remains inevitable. The constraint loading applied on astronauts could affect the muscle force and its atrophy severity. However, the quantitative correlation between constraint loading mode and muscle forces remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the influence of constraint loading mode on the lower limb muscle forces in weightless treadmill exercise. The muscle forces in the full gait cycle were calculated with the inverse dynamic model of human musculoskeletal system. The calculated muscle forces at gravity were validated with the EMG data. Muscle forces increased at weightlessness compared with those at the earth’s gravity. The increasing percentage from high to low is as follows: biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, soleus, vastus, and rectus femoris, which was in agreement with the muscle atrophy observed in astronauts. The constraint loading mode had an impact on the muscle forces in treadmill exercise and thus could be manipulated to enhance the effect of the muscle training in spaceflight. The findings could provide biomechanical basis for the optimization of treadmill constraint system and training program and improve the countermeasure efficiency in spaceflight.
Renormalization Group Equation for Tsallis Statistics
Authors: Deppman Airton
Published: April 2018

The nonextensive statistics proposed by Tsallis has found wide applicability, being present even in the description of experimental data from high energy collisions. A system with a fractal structure in its energy-momentum space, named thermofractal, was shown to be described thermodynamically by the nonextensive statistics. Due to the many common features between thermofractals and Hagedorn’s fireballs, this system offers the possibility of investigating the origins of nonextensivity in hadronic physics and in QCD. In this regard, the investigation of the scaling properties of thermofractals through the renormalization group equation, known as Callan–Symanzik equation, can be an interesting approach.
Using Deep Learning to Predict Complex Systems: A Case Study in Wind Farm Generation
Authors: Torres J. M. , Aguilar R. M.
Published: April 2018

Making every component of an electrical system work in unison is being made more challenging by the increasing number of renewable energies used, the electrical output of which is difficult to determine beforehand. In Spain, the daily electricity market opens with a 12‐hour lead time, where the supply and demand expected for the following 24 hours are presented. When estimating the generation, energy sources like nuclear are highly stable, while peaking power plants can be run as necessary. Renewable energies, however, which should eventually replace peakers insofar as possible, are reliant on meteorological conditions. In this paper we propose using different deep‐learning techniques and architectures to solve the problem of predicting wind generation in order to participate in the daily market, by making predictions 12 and 36 hours in advance. We develop and compare various estimators based on feedforward, convolutional, and recurrent neural networks. These estimators were trained and validated with data from a wind farm located on the island of Tenerife. We show that the best candidates for each type are more precise than the reference estimator and the polynomial regression currently used at the wind farm. We also conduct a sensitivity analysis to determine which estimator type is most robust to perturbations. An analysis of our findings shows that the most accurate and robust estimators are those based on feedforward neural networks with a SELU activation function and convolutional neural networks.
Adoptive Immunotherapy Using PRAME-Specific T Cells in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Orlando Domenico , Miele Evelina , De Angelis Biagio , Guercio Marika , Boffa Iolanda , Sinibaldi Matilde , Po Agnese , Caruana Ignazio , Abballe Luana , Carai Andrea , Caruso Simona , Camera Antonio , Moseley Annemarie , Hagedoorn Renate S. , Heemskerk Mirjam H.M. , Giangaspero Felice , Mastronuzzi Angela , Ferretti Elisabetta , Locatelli Franco , Quintarelli Concetta
Published: April 2018

Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant childhood brain tumor with a high morbidity. Identification of new therapeutic targets would be instrumental in improving patient outcomes. We evaluated the expression of the tumor-associated antigen PRAME in biopsies from 60 patients with medulloblastoma. PRAME expression was detectable in 82% of tissues independent of molecular and histopathologic subgroups. High PRAME expression also correlated with worse overall survival. We next investigated the relevance of PRAME as a target for immunotherapy. Medulloblastoma cells were targeted using genetically modified T cells with a PRAME-specific TCR (SLL TCR T cells). SLL TCR T cells efficiently killed medulloblastoma HLA-A*02+ DAOY cells as well as primary HLA-A*02+ medulloblastoma cells. Moreover, SLL TCR T cells controlled tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of medulloblastoma. To prevent unexpected T-cell–related toxicity, an inducible caspase-9 (iC9) gene was introduced in frame with the SLL TCR; this safety switch triggered prompt elimination of genetically modified T cells. Altogether, these data indicate that T cells genetically modified with a high-affinity, PRAME-specific TCR and iC9 may represent a promising innovative approach for treating patients with HLA-A*02+ medulloblastoma.

Significance: These findings identify PRAME as a medulloblastoma tumor-associated antigen that can be targeted using genetically modified T cells. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3337–49. ©2018 AACR.
Efficacy and Safety of Pazopanib for Recurrent or Metastatic Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Ebata Takahiro , Shimoi Tatsunori , Bun Seiko , Miyake Mototaka , Yoshida Akihiko , Shimomura Akihiko , Noguchi Emi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Chikako , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Narita Yoshitaka , Tamura Kenji
Published: April 2018

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of pazopanib for recurrent or metastatic solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) in first- and second-line settings. Methods: Patients histologically diagnosed with SFT at our hospital who received pazopanib monotherapy for inoperable disease between January 2013 and November 2016 were eligible. We retrospectively investigated treatment outcomes according to the treatment lines and assessed adverse events. Results: Nine patients were eligible. The median age was 67 years (range 42–81), and 6 patients (66.7%) were male. Four patients (50%) received pazopanib as second-line treatment. According to the RECIST and Choi criteria, the respective response rates were 0 and 50%, while the respective disease control rates were 88.9 and 75%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 months (95% confidence interval 3.2–8.8). Treatment line and high frequency of mitosis were not predictive of PFS (p = 0.67, 0.92). Two patients (22.2%) experienced elevated liver enzymes of grade 3 or higher. Conclusion: Pazopanib is an effective treatment option for recurrent or metastatic SFT in first- and second-line settings. Liver injury is a major adverse event and adequate treatment withdrawal and dose reduction should be considered when necessary.
Commentary on the “Evidence- and Consensus-Based (S3) Guidelines for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis” Published by the International League of Dermatological Societies in Cooperation with the European Dermatology Forum
Authors: Diepgen Thomas L. , Kresken Joachim , Krutmann Jean , Merk Hans F. , Senger Erik , Surber Christian , Szeimies Rolf-Markus ,   GD Task Force "Licht.Hautkrebs.Prävention" of the Society for Dermopharmacy
Published: April 2018

In 2015, the International League of Dermatological Societies and the European Dermatology Forum published a guideline for the treatment of actinic keratosis, which is classified as an evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline. From the point of view of the GD Task Force “Licht.Hautkrebs.Prävention,” an interdisciplinary expert panel of the Society for Dermopharmacy for the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, this guideline reveals strengths and weaknesses but, in summary, does not meet the claim for an evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline.
Effect of Fluid Intake on Hydration Status and Skin Barrier Characteristics in Geriatric Patients: An Explorative Study
Authors: Akdeniz Merve , Boeing Heiner , Müller-Werdan Ursula , Aykac Volkan , Steffen Annika , Schell Mareike , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike , Kottner Jan
Published: April 2018

Background/Aim: Inadequate fluid intake is assumed to be a trigger of water-loss dehydration, which is a major health risk in aged and geriatric populations. Thus, there is a need to search for easy to use diagnostic tests to identify dehydration. Our overall aim was to investigate whether skin barrier parameters could be used for predicting fluid intake and/or hydration status in geriatric patients. Methods: An explorative observational comparative study was conducted in a geriatric hospital including patients aged 65 years and older. We measured 3-day fluid intake, skin barrier parameters, Overall Dry Skin Score, serum osmolality, cognitive and functional health, and medications. Results: Forty patients were included (mean age 78.45 years and 65% women) with a mean fluid intake of 1,747 mL/day. 20% of the patients were dehydrated and 22.5% had an impending dehydration according to serum osmolality. Multivariate analysis suggested that skin surface pH and epidermal hydration at the face were associated with fluid intake. Serum osmolality was associated with epidermal hydration at the leg and skin surface pH at the face. Fluid intake was not correlated with serum osmolality. Diuretics were associated with high serum osmolality. Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients were diagnosed as being dehydrated according to osmolality, which is the current reference standard. However, there was no association with fluid intake, questioning the clinical relevance of this measure. Results indicate that single skin barrier parameters are poor markers for fluid intake or osmolality. Epidermal hydration might play a role but most probably in combination with other tests.
LVIS Jr Device for Y-Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Samaniego Edgar A. , Mendez Aldo A. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Kalousek Vladimir , Guerrero Waldo R. , Dandapat Sudeepta , Dabus Guilherme , Linfante Italo , Hassan Ameer E. , Drofa Alexander , Kouznetsov Evgueni , Leedahl David , Hasan David , Maud Alberto , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose: Complex wide-neck intracranial aneurysms are challenging to treat. We report a multicenter experience using the LVIS Jr stent for “Y-stent”-assisted coiling embolization of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. Methods: Seven centers provided retrospective data on patients who underwent Y-stenting. Technical complications, immediate posttreatment angiographic results, clinical outcomes, and imaging follow-up were assessed. Results: Thirty patients/aneurysms were treated: 15 basilar tip, 8 middle cerebral artery, 4 anterior communicating artery, 1 pericallosal, and 2 posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms. The mean aneurysm size was 11 mm and the mean dome-to-neck ratio was 1.3 mm. Twenty-four aneurysms were unruptured and treated electively, and 6 were acutely ruptured. Fifty-eight LVIS Jr stents were successfully deployed without any technical issue. One pro­cedural and transient in-stent thrombosis resolved with the intravenous infusion of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Five periprocedural complications (within 30 days) occurred: 2 periprocedural neurological complications (1 small temporal stroke that presented with transient aphasia and 1 posterior cerebral artery infarct) and 3 nonneurological periprocedural complications (2 retroperitoneal hematomas, and 1 patient developed a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy). One permanent complication (3.3%) directly related to Y-stenting was reported in the patient who suffered the posterior cerebral artery infarct. Immediate complete obliteration (Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification [RROC] I–II) was achieved in 26 cases (89.6%). Twenty-four patients had clinical and imaging follow-up (mean 5.2 months). Complete angiographic occlusion (RROC I–II) was observed in 23 patients (96%). A good functional outcome with a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 was achieved in 26 cases. Conclusions: In this multicenter case series, Y-stent-assisted coiling of wide-neck aneurysms with the LVIS Jr device was feasible and relatively safe. Follow-up imaging demonstrated very low recanalization rates.
Renoprotective Postoperative Monitoring: What Is the Best Method for Computing Renal Perfusion Pressure? An Observational, Prospective, Multicentre Study
Authors: Kopitko Csaba , Medve Laszlo , Gondos Tibor
Published: April 2018

Background: Low mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a well-known risk factor for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), but probably it is not the sole hemodynamic parameter that can influence the development of renal failure. There are data in cardiac patients supporting the role of renal venous congestion in the development of AKI. The aim of our study was to determine a combination of factors best predicting the development of AKI. Methods: Data were collected prospectively for adult patients admitted after major abdominal surgery to 9 Hungarian intensive care units. Hemodynamic and laboratory parameters were compared in patients with AKI vs. no-AKI at the time of admission. Renal perfusion was computed by different methods from hemodynamic measurements involving MAP, central venous pressure (CVP), intraabdominal pressure (IAP), and mean airway pressures (Pmean). Twelve different, clinically interpretable equations were tested. Statistical evaluation was performed by the Mann-Whitney U test and ROC analysis. Results: Eighty-four patients were enrolled in the study. Renal perfusion pressure was significantly lower in all equations. The equations MAP-IAP-Pmean (1-area under the curve [AUC]: 0.796; likelihood ratio [LR]+: 3.520; LR–: 0.337; p < 0.01), MAP-IAP-CVP-Pmean (1-AUC: 0.794; LR+: 2.743; LR–: 0.282; p < 0.01), and MAP-2 × IAP-CVP-Pmean (1-AUC: 0.791; LR+: 4.321; LR–: 0.262; p < 0.001) showed small to moderate effect on AKI but have better performance than severity score systems (SAPS II [AUC: 0.696; LR+: 3.143, LR–: 0.433; p < 0.01], SOFA [AUC: 0.717; LR+: 2.089; LR–: 0.528; p < 0.001]). Conclusion: We found that the best parameter predicting AKI is the MAP-2 × IAP-CVP-Pmean. Further investigation is needed to analyze the role of CVP and Pmean, and to characterize renal venous congestion and tubular pressure more in detail.
Dynamic Compression Promotes the Matrix Synthesis of Nucleus Pulposus Cells Through Up-Regulating N-CDH Expression in a Perfusion Bioreactor Culture
Authors: Xu Yichun , Yao Hui , Li Pei , Xu Wenbin , Zhang Junbin , Lv Lulu , Teng Haijun , Guo Zhiliang , Zhao Huiqing , Hou Gang
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: An adequate matrix production of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is an important tissue engineering-based strategy to regenerate degenerative discs. Here, we mainly aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of mechanical compression (i.e., static compression vs. dynamic compression) on the matrix synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) cultured NP cells in vitro. Methods: Rat NP cells seeded on small intestinal submucosa (SIS) cryogel scaffolds were cultured in the chambers of a self-developed, mechanically active bioreactor for 10 days. Meanwhile, the NP cells were subjected to compression (static compression or dynamic compression at a 10% scaffold deformation) for 6 hours once per day. Unloaded NP cells were used as controls. The cellular phenotype and matrix biosynthesis of NP cells were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blotting assays. Lentivirus-mediated N-cadherin (N-CDH) knockdown and an inhibitor, LY294002, were used to further investigate the role of N-CDH and the PI3K/Akt pathway in this process. Results: Dynamic compression better maintained the expression of cell-specific markers (keratin-19, FOXF1 and PAX1) and matrix macromolecules (aggrecan and collagen II), as well as N-CDH expression and the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway, in the 3D-cultured NP cells compared with those expression levels and activity in the cells grown under static compression. Further analysis showed that the N-CDH knockdown significantly down-regulated the expression of NP cell-specific markers and matrix macromolecules and inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway under dynamic compression. However, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway had no effects on N-CDH expression but down-regulated the expression of NP cell-specific markers and matrix macromolecules under dynamic compression. Conclusion: Dynamic compression increases the matrix synthesis of 3D-cultured NP cells compared with that of the cells under static compression, and the N-CDH-PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in this regulatory process. This study provides a promising strategy to promote the matrix deposition of tissue-engineered NP tissue in vitro prior to clinical transplantation.
Major Histocompatibility Complex Dmα/β Genes and Their Expressional Diversity in Healthy and Diseased Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalis
Authors: Rawal Leena , Panwar Deepak , Ali Sher
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) categorized into three (I, II and III) classes elicits the immunogenic response by presenting exogenous peptides to T cells. The MHC-II DM is composed of DMα and DMβ, two polypeptide chains, both are encoded by separate MHC genes involved in antigen processing and presentation. Despite the acknowledged role of MHC complex in humans, the literature is silent on the organization and expression of these genes in water buffalo Bubalus bubalis, an agriculturally important animal species. Methods: We deduced the full-length mRNA sequences of DMα and DMβ genes, localized them onto the chromosome 2, assessed their copy number per haploid genome and studied tissue and disease specific expression. Results: The Real Time PCR showed higher expression of both the genes and their seven interacting partners in spleen, gonads and spermatozoa. Significantly, upregulation of DMα and DMβ genes and their interacting partners were detected in diseased group of buffaloes as compared to that in healthy ones. Conclusion: The upregulation of Bubalus bubalis (BuLA)-DMα and DMβ genes and their interacting partners reflect their role in regulating immune responses towards the amelioration of diseases. Work on this line would enhance our understanding on the overall roles of MHC locus, allowing development of possible therapeutic treatment strategies.
Use of alternative extender added of fructose aiming the cryopreservation of boar semen
Authors: Cantanhêde Ludymila Furtado , Freitas Eduardo Nunes de , Barros Tatyane Bandeira , Guimarães Daianny Barboza , Dias Aline Viana , Toniolli Ricardo
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to analyze skimmed milk powder (SMP) and fructose in a new cooling curve to freeze boar semen. A total of 49 semen samples from seven boars were cryopreserved using the new curve with addition of glucose and fructose to the refrigerating diluents: Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS + G; BTS + F) and Skimmed milk powder (SMP + G; SMP + F), totaling four experimental groups for analysis. To finish the curve, aliquots of semen were packaged in 0.5 ml straws and kept in liquid nitrogen. During the cooling curve, SMP mean spermatic vigor and motility were greater than the BTS (p < 0.05). After thawing, a decrease of spermatic force and motility in both extenders was observed, where the BTS presented spermatic vigor (2.1 ± 0.55) and motility (38 ± 21.8), presenting better results (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between sugars added to the BTS and SMP in spermatic force and motility (p > 0.05), although the use of fructose allowed an equalization of motility between the SMP and BTS (p > 0.05). Functionality of membrane was better preserved with the addition of fructose, in both extenders. The rate of sperm viability was significantly higher in extender containing glucose and SMP (71.8 ± 12.5). The percentage of intact acrosome was higher on the treatment containing glucose, independent of the extender (BTS + G: 81.8 ± 7.2, SMP + G: 81.4 ± 14.2). To conclude, the results suggest that the BTS is still the best option to cryopreserve and fructose could be used in boar semen cryopreservation in new cooling curve.
Combined Role of High- and Low-Frequency Processes of Equatorial Zonal Transport in Terminating an ENSO Event
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Sui Chung-Hsiung , Tseng Yu-Heng , Huang Bohua
Published: April 2018

This study investigates the sudden reversal of anomalous zonal equatorial transport above thermocline at the peak phase of ENSO. The oceanic processes associated with zonal transport are separated into low-frequency ENSO cycle and high-frequency oceanic wave processes. Both processes can generate a reversal of equatorial zonal current at the ENSO peak phase, which is a trigger for the rapid termination of ENSO events. For the low-frequency process, zonal transport exhibits slower and basinwide evolution. During the developing phase of El Niño (La Niña), eastward (westward) transport prevails in the central-eastern Pacific, which enhances ENSO. At the peak of ENSO, a basinwide reversal of the zonal transport resulting from the recharge–discharge process occurs and weakens the existing SST anomalies. High-frequency zonal transport presents clear eastward propagation related to Kelvin wave propagation at the equator, reflection at the eastern boundary, and the westward propagating Rossby waves. The major westerly wind bursts (easterly wind surges) occur in late boreal summer and fall with coincident downwelling (upwelling) Kelvin waves for El Niño (La Niña) events. After the peak of El Niño (La Niña), Kelvin waves reach the eastern boundary in boreal winter and reflect as off-equatorial Rossby waves; then, the zonal transport switches from eastward (westward) to westward (eastward). The high-frequency zonal transport can be represented by equatorial wave dynamics captured by the first three EOFs based on the high-pass-filtered equatorial thermocline. The transport anomaly during the decaying phase is dominated by the low-frequency process in El Niño. However, the transport anomaly is caused by both low- and high-frequency processes during La Niña.
Parties, Legislators, and the Origins of Proportional Representation
Authors: Cox Gary W. , Fiva Jon H. , Smith Daniel M.
Published: April 2018

A prominent line of theories holds that proportional representation (PR) was introduced in many European democracies by a fragmented bloc of conservative parties seeking to preserve their legislative seat shares after franchise extension and industrialization increased the vote base of socialist parties. In contrast to this “seat-maximization” account, we focus on how PR affected party leaders’ control over nominations, thereby enabling them to discipline their followers and build more cohesive parties. We explore this “party-building” account in the case of Norway, using roll call data from six reform proposals in 1919. We show that leaders were more likely to vote in favor of PR than rank-and-file members, even controlling for the parties’ expected seat payoffs and the district-level socialist electoral threat facing individual legislators. Moreover, using within-legislator variation, we show that the internal cohesion of parties increased significantly after the introduction of PR.
Sticks, Stones, and Broken Bones: Protest Violence and the State
Authors: Sullivan Heather
Published: April 2018

From armed-building occupations to fisticuffs between protesters and police at otherwise peaceful demonstrations, protest violence is an essential part of the politics of protest. In this article, I argue that state capacity is central to understanding why some protests are violent. In particular, this article explores two facets of state capacity—coercive capacity and state authority—arguing that where the state is treated as a relevant authority, the likelihood that protesters will employ violent tactics decreases. Using original data on Mexican protest events, I demonstrate that higher levels of state authority reduce violent protest but that increased coercive capacity, especially where state authority is weak, is associated with a greater likelihood of protest violence. This article contributes to our understanding of the influence of state capacity on protest violence and suggests that attentiveness to subnational variations in state capacity can help us better understand the violence.
Commodities in Action: Measuring Embeddedness and Imposing Values
Authors: Koponen Timothy M.
Published: April 2018

Recent approaches in political economy look at the effects of technology and social values on economic action. Combining these approaches with those of economic anthropologists, this article poses that the way the economy is instituted can be understood by looking at reasons actors have for participating in actor-networks of production, distribution and consumption.

Using the author's research on American recycling, this article first shows that much of the ‘making’ or instituting of the economy happens outside the market, through political machinations, contracts and standards. Second, it suggests that these relationships impose value upon goods differently than do market relations. The details of the recycling ‘chain’ show the ways actors shape the network and demonstrate that the social values that add ‘economic value’ to goods are not uniform, but are highly contextual.

Starting from Mark Granovetter's notion of ‘social embeddedness’, the article explains that the measure of social embeddedness is not as important as the values imposed upon other actors through social structure in the economy. It calls for a close observation of economic action in the locales within which production takes place to understand better the ‘actions-at-a-distance’ where the politics of technology, social movements and power create the empirical, instituted economy.

The central question for sociological theory can then be put as follows: How is it possible that subjective meanings become objective facticities? Or, in terms appropriate to the afore mentioned theoretical positions: How is it possible that human activity (Handeln) should produce a world of things (choses)?
Balint 2.0: A virtual Balint group for doctors around the world
Authors: Nease Donald E , Lichtenstein Albert , Pinho-Costa Luis , Hoedebecke Kyle
Published: April 2018

Objective

Balint groups have shown promise in addressing clinician–patient relationships, clinician burnout, referral practices, and psychological mindedness. However, their traditional format of in-person sessions limits their ability to meet the needs of clinicians practicing in locations without trained Balint leaders. We report on a pilot of an international, internet-based Balint group in collaboration between the World Organization of Family Doctors regional Young Doctors Movements and the International Balint Federation.

Method

Balint 2.0 arose through interest of the Young Doctors Movements leadership, who approached the International Balint Federation for assistance. Initial discussions and some trialing of videoconference platforms led to monthly group meetings over the internet. Surveys evaluated each individual session as well as quarterly progress of the group. Survey items were borrowed from existing surveys in use by the American and German Balint Societies.

Results

Session surveys demonstrated the effectiveness of the videoconferencing platform for convening a Balint group, with a majority of participants expressing agreement with survey items evaluating each session. Quarterly survey responses were more positive reflecting agreement with outcomes seen from in-person Balint groups.

Conclusions

The Balint 2.0 pilot has demonstrated the ability of a Balint group to successfully convene over the internet and reach the common outcomes of a Balint group meeting in-person. The Young Doctors Movements and International Balint Federation plan to expand this work based on this successful pilot. We hope that others may also be able to build on this success with the result that Balint groups are available to clinicians in areas where they might not otherwise be accessible.
Validating the “Centering for Wisdom Assessment”: Assessing the Role of Contemplative Practices in the Cultivation of Practical Wisdom
Authors: Bushlack Thomas J. , Bock Tonia
Published: April 2018

This study provides empirical evidence to validate a new psychometric tool, the Centering for Wisdom Assessment (CWA), aimed at assessing the relationship between contemplative practices and the cultivation of the virtue of practical wisdom. In this article, we first describe the theoretical foundations of the CWA. Next, we present the results of five empirical studies that provide evidence of content, criterion, and construct validity. The results indicate that the CWA is internally consistent, relates to a theoretically similar construct of mindfulness, does not relate to religious commitment, and predicts—above and beyond mindfulness—relevant criterion variables including wisdom, hope, forgiveness, stress, anxiety, and depression. We also produced norms for CWA scores and showed that experts in contemplative prayer score differently on the CWA when compared to a matched sample from the general public. We conclude that the CWA is ready for use in pedagogical, spiritual, or leadership development contexts.
The Use of Multivariate Generalizability Theory to Evaluate the Quality of Subscores
Authors: Jiang Zhehan , Raymond Mark
Published: April 2018

Conventional methods for evaluating the utility of subscores rely on reliability and correlation coefficients. However, correlations can overlook a notable source of variability: variation in subtest means/difficulties. Brennan introduced a reliability index for score profiles based on multivariate generalizability theory, designated as [Formula: see text], which is sensitive to variation in subtest difficulty. However, there has been little, if any, research evaluating the properties of this index. A series of simulation experiments, as well as analyses of real data, were conducted to investigate [Formula: see text] under various conditions of subtest reliability, subtest correlations, and variability in subtest means. Three pilot studies evaluated [Formula: see text] in the context of a single group of examinees. Results of the pilots indicated that [Formula: see text] indices were typically low; across the 108 experimental conditions, [Formula: see text] ranged from .23 to .86, with an overall mean of 0.63. The findings were consistent with previous research, indicating that subscores often do not have interpretive value. Importantly, there were many conditions for which the correlation-based method known as proportion reduction in mean-square error (PRMSE; Haberman, 2006) indicated that subscores were worth reporting, but for which values of [Formula: see text] fell into the .50s, .60s, and .70s. The main study investigated [Formula: see text] within the context of score profiles for examinee subgroups. Again, not only [Formula: see text] indices were generally low, but it was also found that [Formula: see text] can be sensitive to subgroup differences when PRMSE is not. Analyses of real data and subsequent discussion address how [Formula: see text] can supplement PRMSE for characterizing the quality of subscores.
Diagnostic Performance of Narrow Band Imaging for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Changling , Zhang Yayun , Han Xue , Du Xiaodong
Published: April 2018

Objective

The purposes of this study were to verify the effectiveness of the narrow band imaging (NBI) system in diagnosing nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) as compared with white light endoscopy.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases.

Review Methods

Data analyses were performed with Meta‐Disc. The updated Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies–2 tool was used to assess study quality and potential bias. Publication bias was assessed with a Deeks asymmetry test. The registry number of the protocol published on PROSPERO is CRD42015026244.

Results

This meta‐analysis included 10 studies of 1337 lesions. For NBI diagnosis of NPC, the pooled values were as follows: sensitivity, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80‐0.86); specificity, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.89‐0.93); positive likelihood ratio, 8.82 (95% CI, 5.12‐15.21); negative likelihood ratio, 0.18 (95% CI, 0.12‐0.27); and diagnostic odds ratio, 65.73 (95% CI, 36.74‐117.60). The area under the curve was 0.9549. For white light endoscopy in diagnosing NPC, the pooled values were as follows: sensitivity, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75‐0.83); specificity, 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84‐0.90); positive likelihood ratio, 5.02 (95% CI, 1.99‐12.65); negative likelihood ratio, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.24‐0.49); and diagnostic odds ratio, 16.89 (95% CI, 5.98‐47.66). The area under the curve was 0.8627. The evaluation of heterogeneity, calculated per the diagnostic odds ratio, gave an I2 of 0.326. No marked publication bias (P =. 68) existed in this meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

The sensitivity and specificity of NBI for the diagnosis of NPC are similar to those of white light endoscopy, and the potential value of NBI for the diagnosis of NPC needs to be validated further.
The disinformation order: Disruptive communication and the decline of democratic institutions
Authors: Bennett W Lance , Livingston Steven
Published: April 2018

Many democratic nations are experiencing increased levels of false information circulating through social media and political websites that mimic journalism formats. In many cases, this disinformation is associated with the efforts of movements and parties on the radical right to mobilize supporters against centre parties and the mainstream press that carries their messages. The spread of disinformation can be traced to growing legitimacy problems in many democracies. Declining citizen confidence in institutions undermines the credibility of official information in the news and opens publics to alternative information sources. Those sources are often associated with both nationalist (primarily radical right) and foreign (commonly Russian) strategies to undermine institutional legitimacy and destabilize centre parties, governments and elections. The Brexit campaign in the United Kingdom and the election of Donald Trump in the United States are among the most prominent examples of disinformation campaigns intended to disrupt normal democratic order, but many other nations display signs of disinformation and democratic disruption. The origins of these problems and their implications for political communication research are explored.
Permeability imaging as a predictor of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Russin Jonathan J , Montagne Axel , D’Amore Francesco , He Shuhan , Shiroishi Mark S , Rennert Robert C , Depetris Jena , Zlokovic Berislav V , Mack William J
Published: April 2018

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction has been implicated in ischemic risk following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but never directly imaged. We prospectively examined whether post-bleed day 4 dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE-MR) BBB permeability imaging could predict development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Global MR-derived BBB permeability ( Ktrans) was significantly higher in aSAH patients who subsequently developed DCI (five patients; 2.28 ± 0.09 × 10−3 min−1) compared to those who experienced radiographic vasospasm only (three patients; 1.85 ± 0.12 × 10−3 min−1; p < 0.05), or no vasospasm/ischemia (eight patients; 1.74 ± 0.07 × 10−3 min−1; p < 0.01). Ktrans > 2 × 10−3 min−1 predicted development of DCI (AUC = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.93–1). Global BBB dysfunction following aSAH is detectable with DCE-MR and predictive of ischemic risk.
The Power of the Political in an Urbanizing International
Authors: Troy Jodok
Published: April 2018

In this article, I argue that there is a startling resonance between Hans Morgenthau’s conception of the political and power and recent analyses of an urbanizing international realm. By making this connection clear, I depart from a mechanistic understanding of politics, which tends to inform both conventional International Relations views and some claims in urban studies pertaining to the rise of global cities as international actors. Turning to Morgenthau’s conception of the political and power also has wider implications for International Relations studies of urbanization: it helps explain a tendency toward depoliticization caused by ignoring the conflictual character of the political. The emphasis on the political, on the other hand, serves as a bridge between International Relations and urbanization studies by creating conditions for the repoliticization of urban space. After illustrating the existential manifestation of the political and its violent outfalls, the remainder of this article turns to its relational and dialogical manifestation that points out the shortcomings of reading the political merely as an existential concept in the context of urbanization.
An Exploratory Analysis of Violent Offending and the Acquired Capability for Suicide in Male Prisoners
Authors: Mandracchia Jon , Sylvara Ashley , Wikowsky Addie , Tieman Kristen , Smith Phillip
Published: April 2018

Recently, the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide has offered some understanding as to why inmates are at a disproportionately high risk to die by suicide. The present study was designed to investigate how one aspect of the theory, the acquired capability for suicide, may differ between prison inmates with violent offenses versus those without. Data from 343 male prisoners within the Mississippi Department of Corrections were used to examine potential differences between these two groups on scales of the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale. Contrary to the hypothesis that violent offenders would evidence higher levels of acquired capability, only the Spectator Enjoyment of Violence subscale was significantly different between the two groups, with nonviolent offenders producing higher scores. Potential explanations for these findings and implications for correctional mental health care providers are discussed.
Tell el-Amarna, Spring 2017
Authors: Kemp Barry
Published: April 2018

The spring 2017 season at Amarna focused on excavation at the large pit-grave cemetery adjacent to the North Tombs, the results of which support the suggestion, made after an initial field season in 2015, that this is a cemetery for a labour force involved in building and maintaining the city of Akhetaten. Post-excavation work was also undertaken on pottery from the Stone Village, reliefwork from Kom el-Nana and a new study of burial textiles from the South Tombs Cemetery.
Evaluation of a Line Laser Scanner to Improve the Measurement of Average Least Dimension in Chip Seal Design Methods
Authors: Kouchaki Sareh , Roshani Hossein , Prozzi Jorge A. , Cordoba Cristina , Hernandez Joaquin Bernardo
Published: April 2018

Chip seal, as the most widespread pavement preventive treatment, is regularly applied on existing pavements that are still in good structural condition to increase the pavement serviceability. The most effective key parameter on chip seal performance is binder application rate, which directly governs chip seal distresses such as bleeding and raveling. How this rate is calculated mainly depends on the value of least dimension (LD) of aggregate particles. However, the available measuring methods of LD value are slow, laborious, and subjective. This study presents the development of a new high-speed line laser scanner (LLS) prototype to measure the LD value of particles more quickly and accurately. The LD values of aggregate particles were also measured using a digital caliper and considered as control data. The repeatability and reliability of the developed LLS prototype were evaluated, as well as the speed of the prototype in calculating the LD values of 100 aggregate particles. The findings indicate that the measurements of the developed prototype are highly correlated with those of the caliper. In addition, it was found that the developed prototype is efficient and capable of calculating the LD values of several particles simultaneously.
Soaking Effects on Strength Characteristics of Crushed Gravel and Limestone Unbound Aggregates
Authors: Osouli Abdolreza , Othmanawny Goran , Tutumluer Erol , Beshears Sheila , Shoup Heather
Published: April 2018

Strength characteristics of unbound aggregate materials critically affect base and sub-base thickness designs of construction working platforms and flexible pavements. Unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is commonly used by state transportation agencies for quality control and design. However, depending on the amount of fines content (i.e., passing No. 200 sieve), the strength characteristics of unbound aggregate layers may severely be affected after soaking. This study investigates any correlations that may exist between soaked and unsoaked strengths of crushed gravel and limestone aggregates commonly used in the State of Illinois. A test matrix was established to consider the effects of varying fines content at 5% and 12%, plasticity index (PI) at 5% and 9%, and dust ratio (DR) at 0.4, 0.6, and 1.0 on aggregate strength. DR is the ratio of percent passing No. 200 sieve to percent passing No. 40 sieve. Most of the aggregate strength characterizations with 5% fines content were not sensitive to soaking in terms of CBR index. However, significant reductions in soaked and unsoaked CBR values were observed when fines content increased from 5% to 12%. The crushed limestone aggregate strengths were more affected by soaking than the crushed gravel aggregates. A prediction model was developed to predict soaked CBR values from unsoaked CBR tests considering material type, fines content, PI and DR.
A Comparison of Traffic Organization Methods for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Authors: Battista Anthony , Ni Daiheng
Published: April 2018

Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), better known as “drones,” have been drastically increasing in ownership and popularity during recent times. While this technology was once restricted to military and hobbyist use, numerous public and private-sector groups have proposed new uses, such as package delivery and firefighting. As the number of sUAS in operation increases, the methods currently utilized to manage sUAS traffic flow are expected to become inadequate; thus, it is necessary to develop an alternate system of sUAS traffic management. This paper proposes a computerized simulation methodology to quantitatively evaluate air traffic management methods based on safety, efficiency, and computational intensity. This methodology is then used to test the current organization method against free competition for available airspace and a freeway-style method of traffic organization known as an “air highway.” It was ultimately found that these alternate methods of organization are less foolproof than the current method with regards to safety, but are significantly more practical to implement due to reduced computational intensity; additionally, these methods are sometimes capable of reducing travel time.
Parametric Ordinal Logistic Regression and Non-Parametric Decision Tree Approaches for Assessing the Impact of Weather Conditions on Driver Speed Selection Using Naturalistic Driving Data
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Ali , Hammit Britton E. , Ahmed Mohamed M. , Young Rhonda Kae
Published: April 2018

The impact of adverse weather conditions on transportation operation and safety is the focus of many studies; however, comprehensive research detailing the differences in driving behavior and performance during adverse conditions is limited. Many previous studies utilized aggregate traffic and weather data (e.g., average speed, headway, and global weather information) to formulate conclusions about the impact of weather on network operation and safety; however, research into specific factors associated with driver performance and behavior are notably absent. A novel approach, presented in this paper, fills this gap by considering disaggregate trajectory-level data available through the SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study and Roadway Information Database. Parametric ordinal logistic regression and non-parametric classification tree modeling were utilized to better understand speed selection behavior in adverse weather conditions. The results indicate that the most important factors impacting driver speed selection are weather conditions, traffic conditions, and the posted speed limit. Moreover, it was found that drivers are more likely to significantly reduce their speed in snowy weather conditions, as compared with other adverse weather conditions (such as rain and fog). The purpose of this study was to gather insights into driver speed preferences in different weather conditions, such that efficient logic can be introduced for a realistic variable speed limit system—aimed at maximizing speed compliance and reducing speed variations. This study provides valuable information related to drivers’ interaction with real-time changes in roadway and weather conditions, leading to a better understanding of the effectiveness of operational countermeasures.