bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bikeability in Basel
Authors: Grigore Elena , Garrick Norman , Fuhrer Raphael , Axhausen Ing. Kay W.
Published: April 2019

“Bikeability” is becoming increasingly relevant in the field of transport- and urban planning. However, it is often unclear how bikeability is defined, let alone how it can be modeled. The goal of this project was to develop a quantitative method to model bikeability. A case study area in the city of Basel, Switzerland was selected for assessing the model. Here “bikeability” is understood as a measure of the ability and convenience in reaching important destinations by bike, based on the travel distance weighted by the perceived safety, -comfort, and -attractiveness of the streets and intersections along the routes. The underlying assumption was that cyclists try to minimize the distance traveled and maximize the perceived safety, -comfort, and -attractiveness of their route of choice. Unlike most of the previous bikeability assessments we reviewed, our method used existing route choice studies to identify attributes for quantifying cycling quality, which presumably results in a model that more accurately reflects real-life behavior. Many relevant attributes that have not been captured by previous models are included in this work, such as the high curbs of tram stops, tram tracks, and the turn direction at intersections. The method is suitable for several applications in urban planning, such as the identification of locations that need improvement and the comparison of planning measures. The current model covers conventional bikes used by commuting cyclists. However, the method could be used for E-bikes and non-commuting cyclists by applying the appropriate input values.
New Test Method for Measuring Reflective Cracking in Hot-Mix Asphalt Overlay Pavements
Authors: Ling Jianming , Wei Fulu , Gao Jianhua , Zhang Jiake , Tian Yu , Li Yitao
Published: April 2019

Reflective cracking is a common distress in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlay. A test method that can provide comprehensive information about reflective cracking is thus needed. In this study, an apparatus named Joint Motion Simulation System (JMSS) was developed, which consists of two hydraulic servo-systems and a temperature chamber. A newly developed reflective cracking test method (NRCTM) based on JMSS was proposed, which is applicable for airport pavement. This method considers the influences of both traffic and thermal loads under controlled temperature conditions. Laboratory tests were conducted to verify both repeatability and sensitivity of the NRCTM. The tests results revealed a coefficient of variation that was lower than 13%, indicating that the NRCTM exhibited satisfactory repeatability. In addition, the method was sensitive to four factors: test temperature, combination of loads, compaction of specimen, and type of mixture. Moreover, three types of interlayer structures were evaluated with the NRCTM: geotextile, stress-absorbing layers, and atactic polypropylene modified linoleum. The geotextile performed better than the other two interlayer systems. Thus, the NRCTM can be used for measuring the reflective cracking in HMA overlay with acceptable repeatability and sensitivity.
Understanding the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT) using Indiana Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Batioja-Alvarez Dario , Lee Jusang , Haddock John E.
Published: April 2019

Asphalt mixture cracking has become the dominant type of asphalt pavement distress in Indiana. In recent years, efforts have shifted away from the standard Superpave mixture design method in search of methods to improve the resistance of asphalt pavements to cracking-related distress. This paper presents a review of the applicability of the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT) to evaluate the cracking potential of Indiana asphalt mixtures. In this study, two cracking indices were compared: the flexibility index (FI) and the cracking resistance index (CRI), both derived from the load-displacement curve. The applicability of quality assurance (QA) tests of laboratory-compacted and field-compacted samples was also explored to evaluate the cracking potential, and I-FIT was investigated for its applicability as a performance-related quality control (QC)/QA test. The results show that the FI values obtained from field-compacted samples were consistently higher than those of the lab-compacted samples. Both the FI and CRI values were significantly affected by variations in specimen thickness and air void content, with higher FI values observed with an increase in the air void content and a decrease in specimen thickness. The CRI values were less sensitive to I-FIT variability and more repeatable compared to the FI values. Finally, as an illustrative example, the cumulative distribution function of the FI values for a population of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures was used to establish the different ranges for the quality thresholds of the materials.
Evaluation of Thermal Integrity Profiling and Crosshole Sonic Logging for Drilled Shafts with Concrete Defects
Authors: Boeckmann Andrew Z. , Loehr J. Erik
Published: April 2019

Thermal integrity profiling (TIP), which uses temperatures measured along drilled shafts during concrete curing to identify defects, has recently gained favor as an allowable concrete integrity test method for drilled shafts. Drilled shaft concrete temperatures are theoretically sensitive to defects anywhere within the shaft, which presents an opportunity for improving detection over the widely used crosshole sonic logging (CSL) method. This paper describes investigations conducted to compare detectability from TIP and CSL measurements for various types of defects. TIP and CLS measurements are presented for three full-scale drilled shafts constructed with ten intentional defects varying in location, character, and size. Comparison of these measurements indicates TIP and CSL tests are generally complementary with regard to their detection abilities. Each test method is effective for identifying certain types of defects, but limited or incapable of identifying other types of defects. The paper also includes an evaluation of the role of time on the detectability of TIP interpretations, demonstrating that the temperature effect of defects generally peaks around the time of the maximum rate of temperature rise and decreases significantly thereafter.
Speaking of Women’s Depression and the Politics of Emotion
Authors: Brown Catrina
Published: April 2019

Women are at least twice as likely to experience depression as men, and up to 25% of women can expect to be depressed in their lifetimes. Depression is likely to recur in up to 85% of women, yet most women who experience depression cope on their own. Feminist research has explored the discursive, and social context of depression among women and acknowledges women’s agency as they simultaneously struggle and cope with depression. “Getting on with life” is often an imperative, but begs the question what are they getting on with, especially if their lives have been significant in causing unhappiness and distress. I explore how depression is shaped by the discourse of self-management, gender performance and the notion “the good woman.” Dominant depression discourses individualize, decontextualize, and emphasize personal responsibilization for the causes and treatment of depression. This produces an epistemic injustice for speaking about and coping with depression. Social work practitioners must make space for acknowledging women’s resourcefulness and agency in their management of sadness and distress. We must also address not only the dangers of responsibilization, but the limitations of this approach to women’s well-being.
Psychological Aggression, Attitudes About Violence, Violent Socialization, and Dominance in Dating Relationships
Authors: Esquivel-Santoveña Esteban Eugenio , Rodríguez-Hernández Rogelio , Gutiérrez-Vega Marisela , Castillo-Viveros Nemesio , López-Orozco Francisco
Published: April 2019

Psychological aggression is a widespread form of abuse in dating relationships, especially in collectivist societies with ties to patriarchal beliefs. Despite the prevalence of psychological aggression, it has seldom been studied in connection with known antecedents of interpersonal violence, including dominance, attitudes supportive of violence, and violence socialization processes during childhood. The present study sought to test relationships among these variables in young men and women. A total of 500 Mexican undergraduate students in northern Mexico reported on their experiences with psychological aggression, the dominance of a dating partner, and violent socialization during childhood, as well as on their approval of violence within and outside the family. The results indicate that the dominance of a dating partner is directly linked to male and female intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Violent socialization and proviolent attitudes appear to be related to female dominance. Female and male psychological aggression victimization was predicted by the participant’s own perpetration. In general, a dyadic approach appears to be useful for explaining psychological aggression perpetration and victimization in a collectivist society, in light of recent changes in normative beliefs held by young educated Mexicans. Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.
Primary Care Provider Perceptions of Pharmacist Services in an Urban, Safety Net Health System
Authors: McNamara Anusha , Chan Lenny L. S. , Wong Shirley L.
Published: April 2019

While pharmacists have provided services in a multidisciplinary, primary care setting for decades, few publications have yet to evaluate providers’ impressions of- these services. An anonymous 14-item survey distributed to nonresident primary care providers aimed to identify clinical pharmacist services that are most and least helpful to primary care providers, identify barriers to pharmacy services, and develop recommendations to improve pharmacy services in primary care. The most important pharmacist contribution identified by providers is medication management, whereas the least important contributions are case conference, panel management, quality improvement, and transition of care. The primary reasons for referrals to pharmacists included inadequately controlled chronic diseases, poor or questionable adherence, longer visits for more in-depth discussion, and complex regimen requiring frequent monitoring or titration. Providers favored pharmacists working in direct patient care versus indirect patient care activities. Although many providers perceived no barriers to pharmacist service access, pharmacists’ presence and visibility were 2 barriers identified. Most providers preferred comprehensive to disease-specific medication management.
Behavioural mechanisms and public policy design: Preventing failures in behavioural public policy
Authors: Strassheim Holger
Published: April 2019

In the past decade, behavioural approaches to policy design have spread across jurisdictions and policy areas. While the number of studies on successful behavioural interventions continuously increases, scholars are reporting unintended side effects and other forms of policy failures associated with behavioural public policy. The paper aims at getting a better understanding of the various mechanisms of behavioural change and their impact on the success or failure of policies. Behavioural public policy failures seem to be the result of a deficit in understanding the links between cognitive and social mechanisms on multiple levels. It is being argued that systematically linking the mechanisms underlying behavioural change will help us to get a better understanding of the biases and unintended effects of policy design. The paper concludes by drawing more general lessons for the design of behavioural instruments.
Learning from laboratory mistakes: How policy entrepreneurs catalyze city ordinance repeals in the United States
Authors: Hatch Megan E , Mead Joseph W
Published: April 2019

Public policies are not static; rather, they change with the context and as consequences become known. We ask how city councils learn about the negative consequences of laws by evaluating the policy diffusion and decision-theoretic learning hypotheses using a case study of criminal activity nuisance ordinance repeals in several cities within one county. These laws as originally written designated properties as “nuisances” if emergency services were called too frequently, including in cases of domestic violence. The seven case cities repealed their laws so survivors of domestic violence would not risk a fine or eviction because they called for help. We argue neither theory is sufficient to explain the repeal of these laws and instead suggest a new variant of policy learning, the entrepreneur catalyzed learning hypothesis, to highlight the importance of policy entrepreneurs in facilitating policy learning and the repeal of unsuccessful laws at the city level.
Position and mass identification in nanotube mass sensor using neural networks
Authors: Habibi SE , Nematollahi MA
Published: April 2019

Carbon nanotube-based nanosensors have shown many promising potential applications in exploring the nano-world. To benefit the maximum capabilities of the nano mass sensor, it must be able to measure both of the augmented mass and its trapping position. Here, this requirement is fulfilled by employing artificial neural networks as an inverse tool. Accordingly, considering the single-walled carbon nanotube mass sensor as a vibrating Love shell, its equivalent characteristics are obtained by matching the shell response with the corresponding molecular dynamics simulation results. Then, the responses (natural frequencies) at different vibration modes are utilized for training a properly selected neural network. Afterward, the ability of the proposed neural networks to predict the mass and the trapping position of the augmented mass is investigated. The results indicated that the presented method can effectively predict the mass and position of an attached particle.
Environmental and economic effects of sulfur dioxide emissions trading pilot scheme in China: A quasi-experiment
Authors: Wu Xueping , Gao Ming , Guo Shihong , Maqbool Rashid
Published: April 2019

In this study, we consider the sulfur dioxide emissions trading pilot scheme (SETPS) of China, with pilot provinces as the treatment group and other provinces as the control group. We employ the difference-in-differences method to estimate the effects of the SETPS on pollution mitigation and economic growth. Results show that the SETPS plays a robust role both in China’s industrial sulfur dioxide abatement and in economic growth. Furthermore, by applying regression analysis to explore regional heterogeneity, we find that it has a stronger effect on industrial sulfur dioxide reduction in the Central China than it does in the Eastern and Western China, and it also exerts a positive influence on economic growth in the Western China. Moreover, a time-trend analysis indicates that the pollution reduction effect of the SETPS has decreased, while the economic growth effect has slightly increased since 2007.
Renal transplantation for lupus nephritis: non-adherence and graft survival
Authors: Ntatsaki E , Vassiliou V S , Velo-Garcia A , Salama A D , Isenberg D A
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Poor adherence to immunosuppressive treatment is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and may identify those with lupus nephritis (LN) who have a poorer prognosis. Non-adherence has also been reported to be a potential adverse outcome predictor in renal transplantation (rTp). We investigated whether non-adherence is associated with increased rTp graft rejection and/or failure in patients with LN.

Methods

Patients with LN undergoing rTp in two major London hospitals were retrospectively included. Medical and electronic records were reviewed for documented concerns of non-adherence as well as laboratory biochemical drug levels. The role of non-adherence and other potential predictors of graft rejection/failure including demographics, comorbidities, age at systemic lupus erythematosus and LN diagnosis, type of LN, time on dialysis prior to rTp and medication use were investigated using logistic regression.

Results

Out of 361 patients with LN, 40 had rTp. During a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 17/40 (42.5%) of these patients had evidence of non-adherence. A total of 12 (30.0%) patients experienced graft rejection or failure or both. In the adherent group 2/23 (8.7%) had graft rejection, whilst in the non-adherent this rose to 5/17 (29.4%, p = 0.11). Graft failure was seen in 5/23 (21.7%) patients from the adherent group and 4/17 (23.5%) in the non-adherent group ( p = 0.89). Non-adherent patients had a trend towards increased graft rejection, hazard ratio 4.38, 95% confidence interval = 0.73–26.12, p = 0.11. Patients who spent more time on dialysis prior to rTp were more likely to be adherent to medication, p = 0.01.

Conclusion

Poor adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is common and has been shown to associate with a trend towards increased graft failure in patients with LN requiring rTp. This is the first paper to report that shorter periods on dialysis prior to transplantation might lead to increased non-adherence in lupus patients.
Mental Health in the Family Business: A Conceptual Model and a Research Agenda
Authors: Miller Danny , Wiklund Johan , Yu Wei
Published: April 2019

Mental health issues are affecting not only families worldwide but also numerous family businesses. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the uniqueness of the family business may be a double-edged sword generating both benefits and drawbacks for business families dealing with mental disorders. Building on the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective of family business, the ABCX model of family coping, and work–family interface literature, we develop a theoretical model to suggest how MDs interact with family and family business resources to influence the dynamics between families and their firms, and the outcomes from those dynamics. A research agenda is then proposed.
Third-Party Signals in Crowdfunded Microfinance: The Role of Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Anglin Aaron H. , Short Jeremy C. , Ketchen David J. , Allison Thomas H. , McKenny Aaron F.
Published: April 2019

Crowdfunded microfinance research has routinely examined how campaign characteristics drive funding to crowdfunding campaigns but has neglected to examine the critical role of the microfinance institution (MFI). We leverage signaling theory to contend that entrepreneurs’ MFI affiliation is a salient third-party signal that shapes the performance of their crowdfunding campaign and examine how the financial and social performance of MFIs drive campaign funding. Our examination of 220,649 loans paired 173 MFIs supports our arguments. We provide insight into the importance of third-party signals in crowdfunding and into how investors seek to balance social motives with financial concerns in crowdfunded microfinance.
Evidence, Please? Rejoinder to “The Menace of Misinformation: Faculty Misstatements in Management Education and Their Consequences”
Authors: Charlier Steven D. , Hoell Robert C. , Sproul Curtis R. , Stewart Steven A.
Published: April 2019

In this rejoinder, we provide a different perspective on the positions put forth by Giacalone and Promislo as they relate to (1) the claims of the pervasiveness of “misinformation” that is communicated by management faculty and (2) the proposition that management educators should teach in a nonideological fashion. Our position on these topics is that the pervasiveness of the misinformation problem in the focal article is unsubstantiated and not supported by data, and that it is impossible to effectively teach social science without at least acknowledging the impact of individual bias or ideology on all parties involved, including faculty. We present our rationale along with data gathered from a variety of current management textbooks to support our assertions.
Effects of pipe casing structure on acoustic emission characteristics of underwater pyrotechnic combustion
Authors: Li Jie , Du Jun , Chen Xian , Wang Yanli
Published: April 2019

In order to investigate the acoustic radiation characteristics of underwater, a pipe casing was introduced and the effects of its main structural characteristics on underwater combustion acoustic radiation were studied by acoustic testing. The results show that the addition of the pipe casing significantly increased the sound pressure level of underwater pyrotechnic combustion, especially the peak of sound pressure level that was increased by 15.9 dB from 155.5 to 171.4 dB at the frequency of 125 and 100 Hz. But the addition of the pipe casing had little effect on the frequency. These results indicated that adding a pipe casing is effective for improving sound pressure level in underwater pyrotechnic combustion. An increase in nozzle diameter from 10 to 12.5 mm resulted in an increase of gas volume, so the peak of sound pressure level and broadband sound pressure level is higher. Changing the pipe casing direction to vertical downward will make the bubble formation period shorter, which will generate more bubbles and strong wake; the interaction between bubbles and wake results in a higher intensity of turbulence, which accounts for the coalescence and breakup of bubbles in the fluid. Besides, changing the diameter of pipe casing can be used to lower the frequency of underwater noise.
Gaining qualitative perspective: A career interview with Roy Ruckdeshel
Authors: Staller Karen M
Published: April 2019

Qualitative Social Work has a tradition of publishing career interviews of distinguished social worker scholars who have been influential in conservations on qualitative inquiry. This career interview with Roy Ruckdeschel, an American social worker who held a faculty position at St. Louis University for 38 years, blends his personal, professional, and intellectual biography. It is based on an extended career interview with Professor Ruckdeschel and on his scholarly writing. Starting with his working class background and conservative Lutheran education, the article traces his advanced education decisions which were shaped by coming of age during a particularly turbulent era of American history. This included escalating American involvement in the Viet Nam War and widespread racial and civil unrest in major U.S. cities. Ruckdeschel studied both social work and sociology, choices largely driven by a quest for “rigor.” Although he started his career as a classic survey researcher, he was quickly disillusioned by its lack of attention to interpersonal interaction and context. As Ruckdeschel’s scholarship matured, he argued for a “qualitative perspective” as a way of melding theories of social action with strategies of qualitative inquiry. It was a synthesis that became a life philosophy influencing his understanding of research, practice, and university politics. In 2002, Ruckdeschel accepted Ian Shaw’s invitation to launch a new journal, Qualitative Social Work, in order to create an institutional home for scholars who choose a qualitative path but were largely shut out of mainstream social work institutions. Ruckdeschel offers advice for those who follow a qualitative life path.
rTMS Ameliorates Prenatal Stress–Induced Cognitive Deficits in Male-Offspring Rats Associated With BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shang Yingchun , Wang Xin , Li Fangjuan , Yin Tao , Zhang Jianhai , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2019

Background. Growing evidences suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (BDNF/TrkB) plays a key role in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a prenatal stress (PNS) rat model. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is currently being acknowledged to affect attention and memory in both preclinical and clinical studies, although the mechanism is still unclear. Objective. The current study aimed to explore whether a whole brain rTMS (5 Hz, 14 days) could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction–induced PNS in male offspring, and examine if the positive effect of rTMS was associated with the BDNF/TrkB signaling in the hippocampus. Methods. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: CON, PNS, PNS + rTMS, PNS + rTMS + DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), and PNS + rTMS + K252a. Spatial cognition was evaluated by using Morris water maze test. Following behavioral assessment, both paired-pulse facilitation and long-term potentiation were recorded from Schaffer collaterals to CA1 region in the hippocampus. Synaptic, apoptotic, and BDNF/TrkB signaling proteins were measured by Western blot. Results. PNS-exposed offspring exhibited cognitive deficits, long-term potentiation inhibition in the hippocampus, the decrease of synaptic and BDNF/TrkB signaling proteins expression, apoptosis, and reduced number of cells in the CA1 region. Five-hertz rTMS significantly alleviated the PNS-induced abnormalities. However, the effect of rTMS was antagonized by intracerebroventricular infusion of K252a (a TrkB inhibitor). Conclusions. The findings suggest that 5-Hz rTMS significantly improves the impairment of spatial cognition and hippocampal synaptic plasticity, which is possibly associated with the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling.
Cortical Thickness and Cognitive Performance After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ørbo Marte C. , Aslaksen Per M. , Anke Audny , Tande Pål M. , Vangberg Torgil R.
Published: April 2019

Background. Cognitive impairment is common in long-term survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) but corresponding neuroimaging data are lacking. Objectives. This study explored the relationship among the cortical brain structure, cognitive performance, and clinical variables after OHCA. Methods. Three months after resuscitation, 13 OHCA survivors who had recovered from a coma to living independently and 19 healthy controls were assessed by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests quantifying memory, fine-motor coordination, and attention/executive functions. Cortical thickness (Cth) and surface area (SA) were compared between groups and analyzed for relationships with cognitive performance as well as the clinical variables of coma duration and the time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). All analyses were controlled for age and sex. Results. Analyses of SA revealed no significant differences. Compared with controls, survivors had significantly reduced memory and fine-motor coordination and significantly thinner cortex in large clusters in the frontal, parietal, and inferior temporal cortices, with additional regions in the left occipital lobe and the left temporal lobe. Widespread thinner cortical regions were significantly associated with decreased memory performance in survivors when compared with those in controls and were significantly associated with an increased time to ROSC and increased coma duration in the OHCA group. Increased coma duration, but not increased time to ROSC, was significantly correlated with cognitive test performance. Conclusions. The results suggest that widespread Cth reductions correspond to the cognitive impairments observed after OHCA. Neuroimaging studies of long-term OHCA survivors are warranted to guide the development of diagnostics and treatment options.
An Evaluation of Follow-Up Activities of Participants From an Urban Prostate Cancer Screening Event
Authors: Drake Bettina F. , Lewis-Thames Marquita W. , Brown Ambriah , Rancilio Danielle , Hicks Veronica
Published: April 2019

This study aims to evaluate follow-up activities completed by participants attending community prostate cancer (PCa) screening events. On-site surveys were collected from participants of 17 free PCa screening events from 2007 to 2011 in the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area. Follow-up action surveys were mailed to all on-site participants to assess medical (i.e., made an appointment with a doctor, got additional testing for PCa, made an appointment to be screened) and nonmedical activities (i.e., sought social support, health information-seeking, health behavior modifications) completed after the PCa screening event. Further, t tests and chi-square tests characterized participant information from the on-site survey and within each follow-up activity category for the mailed surveys. Among 1,088 on-site community PCa screening participants, the mean age was 50 years old, 94% were Black, and 30% responded to the mailed follow-up action survey. For the recorded follow-up activities, 65% of participants reported medically reported activities, of which “made an appointment to get a yearly physical” was the most common action (29%). Health behavior modifications were the most common nonmedically related activities (44%). Health information-seeking behaviors were the least reported follow-up action (22%). Men with higher incomes, married, with health insurance, and a primary care physician, most often participated in post-PSA screening activities, namely medically-related and social support activities. Understanding the most common activities completed by participants of a community PCa screening suggests the effectiveness of community events to re-engage underserved populations in the health-care system and provides insight on acceptable health promotion opportunities.
Left ventricular wall motion abnormality is associated with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Choi Jeong-Yoon , Cha Jaehyung , Jung Jin-Man , Seo Woo-Keun , Oh Kyungmi , Cho Kyung-Hee , Yu Sungwook
Published: April 2019

Background

Left ventricular wall motion abnormality (LVWMA) unrelated to known cardiac risk factors is an uncertain risk for stroke.

Aims

We evaluated whether LVWMA was associated with cryptogenic stroke.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 4316 acute ischemic stroke patients, and the association between cryptogenic stroke and LVWMA was examined in comparison with other stroke subtypes.

Results

The prevalence of LVWMA was 10.0% in the study population. In a fully adjusted, binary logistic regression, LVWMA was independently associated with cryptogenic stroke compared with stroke from large artery atherosclerosis (odds ratio = 1.627, 95% confidence interval = 1.129–2.345), small vessel occlusion (odds ratio = 1.948, 95% confidence interval = 1.261–3.010), or other causes (odds ratio = 4.950, 95% confidence interval = 1.145–21.412). Meanwhile, the association of LVWMA with cryptogenic stroke was similar to the associations of LVWMA with cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio = 0.758, 95% confidence interval = 0.525–1.094) and stroke with two or more causes (odds ratio = 0.992, 95% confidence interval = 0.609–1.615). In multinomial regression, LVWMA had the strongest association with cardioembolic stroke, followed by cryptogenic stroke and stroke from two or more causes. The strength of the associations with LVWMA then decreased sequentially in patients with large artery atherosclerosis, small vessel occlusion, and other causes.

Conclusions

The association of LVWMA with cryptogenic stroke was comparable to that of LVWMA with cardioembolic stroke but stronger than that of LVWMA with non-cardioembolic stroke. LVWMA unrelated to known cardiac risk factors could be considered an independent risk factor for cryptogenic stroke.
Protective Actions of Oral Administration of Bifidobacterium longum CBi0703 in Spontaneous Osteoarthritis in Dunkin Hartley Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Henrotin Yves , Patrier Stéphane , Pralus Amandine , Roche Mathilde , Nivoliez Adrien
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a lyophilized inactivated culture (LIC) from Bifidobacterium longum CBi0703 in a spontaneous model of osteoarthritis (OA) in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs. Histology of cartilage and synovial membrane was the primary outcome. Biomarkers were also considered to evaluate the treatment efficacy.

Design

LIC (1 µg/kg) with or without vitamin C (1 mg/kg) were tested in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs spontaneously developing OA and compared with control (sterile water; CTL). Treatment was initiated orally in 16-week-old animals over a period of 12 weeks. Histological lesions of articular cartilage and synovial membrane were scored according to the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) recommendations. Four biomarkers (Coll2-1, PIINAP, Fib3-2, and osteocalcin) were measured in animal sera.

Results

The global OARSI score increased with time in all group but no significant difference between groups was observed. When score items were analyzed individually, a significant lower score of cartilage structure was observed in the LIC + vitamin C group compared with CTL ( P < 0.0001). Synovial membrane showed a mild inflammatory reaction that was not affected by the treatment. LIC significantly decreased serum levels of Coll2-1 ( P = 0.0004 vs. CTL), a marker of type II collagen degradation and LIC + vitamin C significantly increased PIINAP ( P = 0.0003), a marker of type II collagen synthesis. The ratio Coll2-1/PIINAP was significantly decreased in both LIC groups ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lyophilized inactivated culture of B. longum CBi0703 administrated orally over a period of 12 weeks decreased cartilage structure lesions and decreased type II collagen degradation suggesting a potential prophylactic effect on OA development.
Efficacy of mobile application interventions for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Wickersham Alice , Petrides Petros Minas , Williamson Victoria , Leightley Daniel
Published: April 2019

Background

Many adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are unable to access healthcare services for treatment due to logistical, social, and attitudinal barriers. Interventions delivered via mobile applications (apps) may help overcome these barriers.

Objective

The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the most recent evidence from trials investigating the efficacy of mobile apps for treating PTSD.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and Medline were searched in February 2018. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they quantitatively evaluated the efficacy of a mobile app for treating PTSD as part of the primary aim. Findings were presented in a narrative synthesis.

Results

In the five identified RCTs, the use of app-based interventions appeared to be associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms. However, the strength of evidence for this association appeared to be inconsistent, and there was little evidence that those using the apps experienced greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in control conditions. Nonetheless, there was some evidence that app-based interventions are both a feasible and acceptable treatment pathway option.

Conclusions

Included studies were often limited by small sample sizes, brief intervention, and follow-up periods, and self-reported measures of PTSD. Evidence for the efficacy of mobile interventions for treating PTSD was inconclusive, but promising. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution in recommending app-based interventions until the potentially adverse effects of app use are better understood and larger-scale studies have taken place.
Personalised measures of obesity using waist to height ratios from an Australian health screening program
Authors: Jelinek Herbert F , Stranieri Andrew , Yatsko Andrew , Venkatraman Sitalakshmi
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The aim of the current study is to generate waist circumference to height ratio cut-off values for obesity categories from a model of the relationship between body mass index and waist circumference to height ratio. We compare the waist circumference to height ratio discovered in this way with cut-off values currently prevalent in practice that were originally derived using pragmatic criteria.

Method

Personalized data including age, gender, height, weight, waist circumference and presence of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease for 847 participants over eight years were assembled from participants attending a rural Australian health review clinic (DiabHealth). Obesity was classified based on the conventional body mass index measure (weight/height 2 ) and compared to the waist circumference to height ratio. Correlations between the measures were evaluated on the screening data, and independently on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that included age categories.

Results

This article recommends waist circumference to height ratio cut-off values based on an Australian rural sample and verified using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database that facilitates the classification of obesity in clinical practice. Gender independent cut-off values are provided for waist circumference to height ratio that identify healthy (waist circumference to height ratio ≥0.45), overweight (0.53) and the three obese (0.60, 0.68, 0.75) categories verified on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset. A strong linearity between the waist circumference to height ratio and the body mass index measure is demonstrated.

Conclusion

The recommended waist circumference to height ratio cut-off values provided a useful index for assessing stages of obesity and risk of chronic disease for improved healthcare in clinical practice.
Paradigms of Postmodern Democracies
Authors: Ghasemi Mehdi
Published: April 2019

Postmodernism has served as a turning point in the human evolution of thought, and thus, it has challenged a number of assumptions central to social, political, historical, cultural, and literary fields. Accordingly, postmodernism has not left the study of democracy untouched, and in this essay, I aim to study the ways that postmodernism has affected the political, social, and literary democracies. To this end, I develop a conceptual comparative study of postmodernism and democracy with a focus on their overlaps and drawbacks. The comparative study of postmodernism and democracy opens up the space for the introduction of “postmodern democracies” as more inclusive, collective, and comprehensive frameworks of democracy.
Pilot Test of an Online ASA24 Training With EFNEP Educators
Authors: Spruance Lori Andersen , Atoloye Abiodun , Douglass Deirdre , Zimmerman Thea Palmer , Guenther Patricia M. , Franck Karen , Henson Teresa , Moore Carla J. , Wood Gina , Durward Carrie M.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and usability of an online training to prepare Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) educators to collect 24-hr dietary recalls using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24). Fifty-eight educators in 17 states were recruited to take the training; 29 completed the online training, assisted two individuals in completing a 24-hr recall using ASA24, and completed a survey about their experiences. The sample included 26 respondents. The majority ( n = 16; 61.5%) of the sample was EFNEP educators with college education. The majority of the respondents indicated that they found the readings and videos acceptable for learning ( n = 21; 80.7%). Half of the participants ( n = 13) felt prepared to collect data using ASA24. The majority ( n = 22; 84.6%) had positive feedback about the training content. The training may be acceptable for preparing EFNEP educators with at least some college education to collect 24-hr recalls using ASA24. Because of potential bias due to self-selection and nonresponse, the training has been revised and is now intended to be used to train trainers of EFNEP paraprofessionals.
Developing Lay Summaries as a Bidirectional Learning Opportunity for Authors and Undergraduate Scholars: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: White Wendy B. , Nelson Cheryl R. , Henderson Frances C.
Published: April 2019

In keeping with the use of “Plain Language” to reach all Americans with health information, the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), the largest single-site epidemiological study investigating predictors of cardiovascular disease in African Americans, requires JHS investigators to submit lay summaries with final manuscripts. We developed the Lay Summary Pilot Project as a bidirectional learning opportunity for JHS scholars and investigators. Results suggested that lay summaries increase the value of sharing research with scientific and nonscientific audiences and publishing lay summaries benefits communities by translating scientific research into useful health information.
The EORTC QLU-C10D: The Canadian Valuation Study and Algorithm to Derive Cancer-Specific Utilities From the EORTC QLQ-C30
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Helen , King Madeleine T. , Norman Richard , Costa Daniel S. J. , Pickard A. Simon , Regier Dean A. , Viney Rosalie , Peacock Stuart J.
Published: April 2019

Objective. The EORTC QLQ-C30 is widely used for assessing quality of life in cancer. However, QLQ-C30 responses cannot be incorporated in cost-utility analysis because they are not based on general population’s preferences, or utilities. To overcome this limitation, the QLU-C10D, a cancer-specific utility algorithm, was derived from the QLQ-C30. The aim of this study was to obtain Canadian population utility weights for the QLU-C10D. Methods. Respondents from a Canadian research panel expressed their preferences for 16 choice sets in an online discrete choice experiment. Each choice set consisted of two health states described by the 10 QLU-C10D domains plus an attribute representing duration of survival. Using a conditional logit model, responses were converted into utility decrements by evaluating the marginal rate of substitution between each QLU-C10D domain level with respect to duration. Results. A total of 3,363 individuals were recruited. A total of 2,345 completed at least one choice set and 2,271 completed all choice sets. The largest utility decrements were associated with the worse levels of Physical Functioning (−0.24), Pain (−0.18), Role Functioning (−0.15), Emotional Functioning (−0.12), and Nausea (−0.12). The remaining domains and levels had decrements of −0.05 to −0.09. The utility of the worst possible health state was −0.15. Conclusion. Respondents from the general population were most concerned with generic health domains, but Nausea and Bowel Problems also had an impact on the individual’s utility. It is unclear as to whether cancer-specific domains will affect cost-utility analysis when evaluating cancer treatments; this will be tested in the next phase of the study.
3D inversion of airborne gravity gradiometry data for the Budgell Harbour Stock, Newfoundland: A case history using a probabilistic approach
Authors: Geng Meixia , Welford J. Kim , Farquharson Colin G. , Peace Alexander L.
Published: April 2019

We have studied the Mesozoic Budgell Harbour Stock, a gabbroic intrusion in north-central Newfoundland, Canada, using 3D inversion of airborne gravity gradiometry data based on a probabilistic inversion method. Significantly, differences were observed between the results when inverting the single [Formula: see text] component and when inverting the 5C combination. We also found that the [Formula: see text] model failed to reproduce the long-wavelength signals from other components, whereas the model recovered from five components accommodated all of the signals from all of the components. To estimate the influence of long-wavelength signals from targets other than the intrusion, such as deeper bodies or large-scale terrain variations, inversion tests are performed on a synthetic model. The inversion results for the synthetic example indicate that the joint inversion of five components is more sensitive to long-wavelength signals, which can generate spurious structures to fit all of the signals from the five components. In contrast, the [Formula: see text] model is less affected by the long-wavelength signals and thus tends to produce a stable solution, despite failing to incorporate all of the long-wavelength signals from the tensor data. We found that gravity gradiometry data could be used to delineate the intrusion within this study area, which is also consistent with the susceptibility model recovered from inversion of aeromagnetic data and with results from a previous geophysical study. Moreover, the differences between the [Formula: see text] model and the 5C model may reflect the long-wavelength signals in the gravity gradiometry data.
Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Myocardial Repolarization in Children Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Görges Matthias , Sherwin Elizabeth D. , Poznikoff Andrew K. , West Nicholas C. , Brodie Sonia M. , Whyte Simon D.
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND:

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenergic agonist, which is increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care. Potential adverse effects that have not been rigorously evaluated in children include its effects on myocardial repolarization, which is important given that the drug is listed as a possible risk factor for torsades de pointes. We investigated the effect of 3 different doses of dexmedetomidine on myocardial repolarization and transmural dispersion in children undergoing elective surgery with total IV anesthesia.

METHODS:

Sixty-four American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II children 3–10 years of age were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, 0.5 µg/kg, 0.75 µg/kg, or 0 µg/kg (control), as a bolus administered over 60 seconds, after induction of anesthesia. Pre- and postintervention 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded. The interval between the peak and the end of the electrocardiogram T wave (Tp-e; transmural dispersion) and heart rate–corrected QT intervals (myocardial repolarization) were measured by a pediatric electrophysiologist blinded to group allocation. Data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance regression model. The study was powered to detect a 25-millisecond difference in Tp-e.

RESULTS:

Forty-eight children completed the study, with data analyzed from 12 participants per group. There were no instances of dysrhythmias. Tp-e values were unaffected by dexmedetomidine administration at any of the studied doses (F = 0.09; P = .96). Mean (99% CI) within-group differences were all <2 milliseconds (−5 to 8). Postintervention, corrected QT interval increased in the control group, but decreased in some dexmedetomidine groups (F = 7.23; P < .001), specifically the dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 0.75 µg/kg doses. Within groups, the mean (99% CI) differences between pre- and postintervention corrected QT interval were 12.4 milliseconds (−5.8 to 30.6) in the control group, −9.0 milliseconds (−24.9 to 6.9) for dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, −18.6 milliseconds (−33.7 to −3.5) for dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg, and −14.1 milliseconds (−27.4 to −0.8) for dexmedetomidine 0.75 µg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS:

Of the bolus doses of dexmedetomidine studied, none had an effect on Tp-e and the dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 0.75 µg/kg doses shortened corrected QT intervals when measured at 1 minute after dexmedetomidine bolus injection during total IV anesthesia. There is no evidence for an increased risk of torsades de pointes in this context.
Comparison of Nitroglycerin and Terbutaline for External Cephalic Version in Women Who Received Neuraxial Anesthesia: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Katz Daniel , Riley Kyle , Kim Elizabeth , Beilin Yaakov
Published: April 2019

External cephalic version is a technique that decreases the need for cesarean delivery in patients with breech presentation. Several techniques exist to increase the success of external cephalic version; however, there are no studies comparing different tocolytics in patients who also received neuraxial anesthesia. We, therefore, performed a review of 198 patients who presented for external cephalic version and compared their success rates based on the tocolytic medication utilized. The external cephalic version success rate for patients who received terbutaline was significantly higher than for those who received nitroglycerin (N [%]: 57 [65.6] terbutaline group versus 40 [36.0] nitroglycerin group; P < .001).