bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left Atrial Electromechanical Remodeling Following 2 Years of High-Intensity Exercise Training in Sedentary Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: McNamara David A. , Aiad Norman , Howden Erin , Hieda Michinari , Link Mark S. , Palmer Dean , Samels Mitchel , Everding Braden , Ng Jason , Adams-Huet Beverley , Opondo Mildred , Sarma Satyam , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Moderate intensity exercise is associated with a decreased incidence of atrial fibrillation. However, extensive training in competitive athletes is associated with an increased atrial fibrillation risk. We evaluated the effects of 24 months of high intensity exercise training on left atrial (LA) mechanical and electric remodeling in sedentary, healthy middle-aged adults.

Methods:

Sixty-one participants (53±5 years) were randomized to 10 months of exercise training followed by 14 months of maintenance exercise or stretching/balance control. Fourteen Masters athletes were added for comparison. Left ventricular (LV) and LA volumes underwent 3D echocardiographic assessment, and signal-averaged electrocardiographs for filtered P-wave duration and atrial late potentials were completed at 0, 10, and 24 months. Extended ambulatory monitoring was performed at 0 and 24 months. Within and between group differences from baseline were compared using mixed-effects model repeated-measures analysis.

Results:

Fifty-three participants completed the study (25 control, 28 exercise) with 88±11% adherence to assigned exercise sessions. In the exercise group, both LA and LV end diastolic volumes increased proportionately (19% and 17%, respectively) after 10 months of training (peak training load). However, only LA volumes continued to increase with an additional 14 months of exercise training (LA volumes 55%; LV end diastolic volumes 15% at 24 months versus baseline;
P
<0.0001 for all). The LA:LV end diastolic volumes ratio did not change from baseline to 10 months, but increased 31% from baseline in the Ex group (
P
<0.0001) at 24 months, without a change in controls. There were no between group differences in the LA ejection fraction, filtered P-wave duration, atrial late potentials, and premature atrial contraction burden at 24 months and no atrial fibrillation was detected. Compared with Masters athletes, the exercise group demonstrated lower absolute LA and LV volumes, but had a similar LA:LV ratio after 24 months of training.

Conclusions:

Twenty-four months of high intensity exercise training resulted in LA greater than LV mechanical remodeling with no observed electric remodeling. Together, these data suggest different thresholds for electrophysiological and mechanical changes may exist in response to exercise training, and provide evidence supporting a potential mechanism by which high intensity exercise training leads to atrial fibrillation.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02039154.
Myocardial and Systemic Inflammation in Acute Stress-Induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Scally Caroline , Abbas Hassan , Ahearn Trevor , Srinivasan Janaki , Mezincescu Alice , Rudd Amelia , Spath Nicholas , Yucel-Finn Alim , Yuecel Raif , Oldroyd Keith , Dospinescu Ciprian , Horgan Graham , Broadhurst Paul , Henning Anke , Newby David E. , Semple Scott , Wilson Heather M. , Dawson Dana K.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy can result in a heart failure phenotype with a prognosis comparable with that of myocardial infarction. In this study, we hypothesized that inflammation is central to the pathophysiology and natural history of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Methods:

In a multicenter study, we prospectively recruited 55 patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy and 51 age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched control subjects. During the index event and at the 5-month follow-up, patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy underwent multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) enhancement for detection of inflammatory macrophages in the myocardium. Blood monocyte subpopulations and serum cytokines were assessed as measures of systemic inflammation. Matched control subjects underwent investigation at a single time point.

Results:

Subjects were predominantly middle-aged (64±14 years) women (90%). Compared with control subjects, patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy had greater USPIO enhancement (expressed as the difference between pre-USPIO and post-USPIO T2*) in both ballooning (14.3±0.6 milliseconds versus 10.5±0.9 milliseconds;
P
<0.001) and nonballooning (12.9±0.6 milliseconds versus 10.5±0.9 milliseconds;
P
=0.02) left ventricular myocardial segments. Serum interleukin-6 (23.1±4.5 pg/mL versus 6.5±5.8 pg/mL;
P
<0.001) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (1903±168 pg/mL versus 1272±177 pg/mL;
P
=0.01) concentrations and classic CD14
++
CD16
-
monocytes (90±0.5% versus 87±0.9%;
P
=0.01) were also increased whereas intermediate CD14
++
CD16
+
(5.4±0.3% versus 6.9±0.6%;
P
=0.01) and nonclassic CD14
+
CD16
++
(2.7±0.3% versus 4.2±0.5%;
P
=0.006) monocytes were reduced in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. At 5 months, USPIO enhancement was no longer detectable in the left ventricular myocardium, although persistent elevations in serum interleukin-6 concentrations (
P
=0.009) and reductions in intermediate CD14
++
CD16
+
monocytes (5.6±0.4% versus 6.9±0.6%;
P
=0.01) remained.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate for the first time that takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a myocardial macrophage inflammatory infiltrate, changes in the distribution of monocyte subsets, and an increase in systemic proinflammatory cytokines. Many of these changes persisted for at least 5 months, suggesting a low-grade chronic inflammatory state.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02897739.
Early Emotional Symptoms Predicting Carotid Atherosclerosis in Youth: Results From a Birth Cohort in Latin America
Authors: Belem da Silva Cristiano Tschiedel , Hoffmann Maurício Scopel , Sant′Anna Roberto Tofani , Wehrmeister Fernando César , Gonçalves Helen , Oliveira Isabel O. , Oliveira Paula Duarte , Vargas da Silva Antônio Marcos , Kieling Christian , Manfro Gisele Gus , Menezes Ana M. B.
Published: January 2019

Background

Emotional disorders are risk factors for atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular disease. However, it is not clear whether emotional symptoms (ESs) have direct effects on cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of early ESs on carotid atherosclerosis in young adults.

Methods and Results

We tested the association between expression of
ESs
at 11 and 15 years of age and carotid intima‐media thickness at 18 years of age in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort (N=5249, n=4336 with complete mental health data).
ES
s were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Propensity score weighting procedure was run using generalized boosted regression model to adjust for potential confounding between exposure and outcome. We also tested whether traditional cardiovascular risk factors could mediate this relationship. Adjusted high expression of
ESs
, both at 11 and 15 years of age, led to mean increases in carotid intima‐media thickness of 1.84 and 2.58 μm, respectively, at 18 years of age (both
P
<0.001). Longitudinal effects of ESs on atherosclerosis were direct and not significantly mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Male sex at age 15 years significantly enhanced the effects of
ESs
on carotid intima‐media thickness at age 18 years (
P
<0.001 for interaction): although high expression of
ESs
led to mean increases of 1.14 μm in females (
P
<0.05), it led to mean increases of 5.83 μm in males (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

In this large birth cohort, expression of
ESs
in adolescence was longitudinally associated with a higher carotid intima‐media thickness in young adults. The association is direct and not mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Interactions by sex might have important implications for designing future interventions.
Predicting Early Mortality of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gattringer Thomas , Posekany Alexandra , Niederkorn Kurt , Knoflach Michael , Poltrum Birgit , Mutzenbach Sebastian , Haring Hans-Peter , Ferrari Julia , Lang Wilfried , Willeit Johann , Kiechl Stefan , Enzinger Christian , Fazekas Franz ,   for the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry Collaborators
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—

Several risk factors are known to increase mid- and long-term mortality of ischemic stroke patients. Information on predictors of early stroke mortality is scarce but often requested in clinical practice. We therefore aimed to develop a rapidly applicable tool for predicting early mortality at the stroke unit.

Methods—

We used data from the nationwide Austrian Stroke Unit Registry and multivariate regularized logistic regression analysis to identify demographic and clinical variables associated with early (≤7 days poststroke) mortality of patients admitted with ischemic stroke. These variables were then used to develop the Predicting Early Mortality of Ischemic Stroke score that was validated both by bootstrapping and temporal validation.

Results—

In total, 77 653 ischemic stroke patients were included in the analysis (median age: 74 years, 47% women). The mortality rate at the stroke unit was 2% and median stay of deceased patients was 3 days. Age, stroke severity measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, prestroke functional disability (modified Rankin Scale >0), preexisting heart disease, diabetes mellitus, posterior circulation stroke syndrome, and nonlacunar stroke cause were associated with mortality and served to build the Predicting Early Mortality of Ischemic Stroke score ranging from 0 to 12 points. The area under the curve of the score was 0.879 (95% CI, 0.871–0.886) in the derivation cohort and 0.884 (95% CI, 0.863–0.905) in the validation sample. Patients with a score ≥10 had a 35% (95% CI, 28%–43%) risk to die within the first days at the stroke unit.

Conclusions—

We developed a simple score to estimate early mortality of ischemic stroke patients treated at a stroke unit. This score could help clinicians in short-term prognostication for management decisions and counseling.
Pollen morphology of the coastal species of Turkish Limonium (Plumbaginaceae)
Authors: DOĞAN CAHİT , ÖZMEN BAYSAL EDİBE
Published: January 2019

The pollen morphology of nine Limonium species (Plumbaginaceae), occurring along the coastal saline habitats of Turkey, are investigated. Pollen slides were prepared according to the methods of Wodehouse (W) and Erdtman (E) and examined using light microscope. Then pollen grains were placed directly to stubs and covered by gold-palladium mixture for scanning electron analyses. Pollen grains are usually tricolpate, rarely syncolpate, dicolpate, tetracolpate, and pentacolpate. Shape of pollen grains are varing from prolate-sphaeroidal to oblate. Medium to large sized pollen grains of Limonium has long and wide colpi with distinct margins, and acute terminals. Exine structure is semi-tectate and exine ornamentation is microreticulate-microechinate or reticulate-microechinate. Pollen grains of Limonium species have shown variation on colpus type, shape and exine ornamentation. Examined Limonium species can be seperated in three unformal groups according to the palynological features, and their pollen definitions have been done. Besides, a taxonomic key was proposed for quick and accurate identification based on different palyno-morphological characters.
A new species of Danakilia (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from Lake Abaeded in the Danakil Depression of Eritrea (East Africa)
Authors: STIASSNY MELANIE L. J. , DE MARCHI GIUSEPPE , LAMBOJ ANTON
Published: January 2019

A new species of cichlid fish is described from a small, endorheic lake (Lake Abaeded), situated some 30 m below sea level in the Danakil Depression of Eritrea (East Africa). Danakilia dinicolai is readily distinguished from its congener, D. franchettii, on the basis of body proportions and in the possession of markedly longer pectoral fins at all sizes. Additionally, oral dentition is more robust than that of its congener, and the lower pharyngeal jaw is markedly hypertrophied and covered with considerably finer and more densely implanted teeth on the posterior field of the jaw.
Discovery of the rare burrowing shrimp Calliapagurops charcoti de Saint Laurent, 1973 (Decapoda: Axiidea: Callianassidae) in shallow water: first record of the infraorder for Madeira Island
Authors: DWORSCHAK PETER C. , WIRTZ PETER
Published: January 2019

The genus Calliapagurops was established by de Saint Laurent (1973) for the new species C. charcoti based on a damaged specimen lacking the abdomen and both third and fourth pereopods. The specimen was collected south of the Azorean island of Flores from shelly sand in 190–230 m depth. The original description by de Saint Laurent (1973) was rather short; a redescription and figures were later provided by Sakai (1999) and Ngoc-Ho (2003). Ngoc-Ho (2002) described a second species in this genus, C. foresti, based on four specimens (three of them complete) collected between 186 and 198 m depth east of Luzon, The Philippines.
A new species of Dipsas Laurenti from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)
Authors: FERNANDES DANIEL S. , MARQUES OTAVIO A. V. , ARGÔLO ANTÔNIO J. S.
Published: January 2019

Dipsas sazimai sp. nov. is described from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by showing anterior portion of body with rounded dorsal blotches wider than interblotches; median and posterior portion of body with blotches higher than long and narrower than interblotches; posterior body blotches lighter than anterior blotches; posterior blotches with conspicuous white edge in paraventral region; tiny and vertically oriented streaks in the interblotches from the posterior half of body; 187–209 ventral scales; 107–129 subcaudal scales; and the first blotch not reaching the rictus. Based on characters of external morphology and color pattern we suggest the new species is related to taxa of the recently proposed Dipsas incerta species group.
Revision of the Australo-Papuan genus Spilopyra Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Spilopyrinae)
Authors: REID C. A. M. , BEATSON M.
Published: January 2019

The genus Spilopyra Baly is revised, with five valid species, three new: S. safrina sp. nov., S. scratchley sp. nov., S. semiramis sp. nov., S. stirlingi Lea, 1914, S. sumptuosa Baly, 1860. Spilopyra stirlingi is a senior synonym of S. flavicornis Weise, 1923 (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for S. stirlingi and S. sumptuosa. The genus may be considerably more diverse, as three of the species are known from just 7 specimens. Spilopyra species occur from northern New South Wales, Australia, to central New Guinea, and known hosts are Sapindaceae.
Revision of the fishfly genus Neochauliodes van der Weele (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) from India and adjacent regions of South Asia
Authors: LIU XINGYUE , HAYASHI FUMIO , YANG DING
Published: January 2019

A revision of the fishfly genus Neochauliodes van der Weele from India and its adjacent regions in South Asia is presented. Seven species are recorded and re-described from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, with one species described as new to science. A key to the adults of the Neochauliodes from South Asia is also given.
A new species of brown lacewing (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: JEPSON JAMES E. , PENNEY DAVID , GREEN DAVID I.
Published: January 2019

A new species of brown lacewing (Insecta: Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) is described from Eocene Baltic amber. Sympherobius siriae sp. nov. is the second fossil species of the genus so far described. The other, Sympherobius completus Makarkin et Wedmann is also from Baltic amber. The fossil record of Hemerobiidae is reviewed.
A review of the Neotropical dung beetle genera Deltorhinum Harold, 1869, and Lobidion gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: GÉNIER FRANÇOIS
Published: January 2019

The taxonomy of the genera Deltorhinum Bates and Lobidion gen. nov. is reviewed. A genus and seven species are described as new (Lobidion gen. nov., Deltorhinum armatum sp. nov., D. bilobatum sp. nov., D. guyanensis sp. nov., D. kempffmercadoi sp. nov., D. robustum sp. nov., D. vazdemelloi sp. nov., Lobidion punctatissimum sp. nov.). Illustrations of diagnostic characters and an identification key are provided.
Redescription of Filchneria mongolica (Klapálek, 1901) (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) based on type eggs and fresh material from the Selenga and Amur River Basins of Russia and Mongolia
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A. , ZWICK PETER , BAZOVA NATALYA V.
Published: January 2019

Filchneria mongolica (Klapálek, 1901) is redescribed and reillustrated from the female holotype and fresh material collected in the Selenga and Amur River Basins of Russia and Mongolia. Its relationship with close relatives is discussed.
Description of ten tadpoles in the genus Boophis from Madagascar
Authors: HIOBIARILANTO TAHIRY RASOLONJATOVO , RANDRIANIAINA ROGER-DANIEL , GLOS JULIAN , STRAUß AXEL , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: January 2019

We provide morphological descriptions of the tadpoles of ten species of Malagasy treefrogs of the genus Boophis (family Mantellidae). Based on individuals determined by DNA barcoding, the larvae of eight species are described for the first time: B. anjanaharibeensis, B. axelmeyeri, B. elenae, B. englaenderi, B. luciae, B. rhodoscelis, B. roseipalmatus, and B. vittatus. For two additional species, B. andreonei and B. microtympanum, we provide descriptions from other localities than the previously known larvae. All tadpoles described herein are stream-adapted, exotrophic, and of a relatively generalized morphology. In general, we found a morphological similarity of larvae belonging to phenetic species groups of Boophis, but more detailed analyses showed several differences between taxa that are known to be sister species or closely related to each other: B. luciae has a much higher number of oral papillae than B. sibilans, B. roseipalmatus has a slightly lower number of papillae and possibly a stronger caudal musculature than B. madagascariensis, and B. elenae has a distinctly lower number of oral papillae and keratodonts in the first upper keratodont row than B. sandrae. This indicates that tadpole characters might, in some cases, provide good taxonomic characters in Boophis, a genus in which adults of closely related species are often morphologically extremely similar.
Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea) from fruit trees in Northeastern Brazil—a new genus, three new species and a redescription
Authors: REIS ALEUNY C. , GONDIM JR. MANOEL G. C. , NÁVIA DENISE , FLECHTMANN CARLOS H. W.
Published: January 2019

A new genus and two new species of eriophyoid mites in the family Diptilomiopidae associated with Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae), namely Solivagus n. gen. alpha n. sp. and Davisella spondias n. sp., are described. In addition, a new species of Eriophyidae associated with Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae), namely Dichopelmus ibapitanga n. sp., is described and Aculus pitangae Boczek & Davis, also from E. uniflora, is redescribed including a description of the male, and its classification is discussed. All material studied was collected in the State of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil.
Review of the Holarctic Corynoptera Winnertz, 1867, s. str. (Diptera, Sciaridae)
Authors: HIPPA HEIKKI , VILKAMAA PEKKA , HELLER KAI
Published: January 2019

Corynoptera Winnertz, s. str., is defined. In the Holarctic region it includes 123 species. The species are diagnosed and keyed, and distribution data are given. The following 50 new species are described: Corynoptera adustula (Nepal), C. aequispina (Canada: Quebec), C. alneti (Europe, Canada: British Columbia), C. andalusica (Spain, Greece), C. angustior (W Europe), C. anodon (Japan), C. badia (Italy), C. caesula (Spain), C. collicola (Japan), C. condyloma (Japan), C. controversa (Russia: Primorsk region), C. curvapex (Japan), C. decepta (Russia: Primorsk region), C. digemina (Japan), C. dioon (Nepal), C. distenta (Japan), C. exerta (Russia: Primorsk region), C. fimbriata (Japan), C. flava (Germany, Sweden), C. gemellata (Czech Republic), C. iberica (Spain), C. inclinata (Morocco), C. latibula (Spain), C. lobata (Japan), C. micula (Japan), C. minax (Japan), C. ninae (Finland), C. pacifica (USA: California), C. paracantha (Japan), C. patula (W Europe, Sri Lanka), C. phili (Canada: Ontario, Quebec), C. plusiochaeta (Finland, Sweden, USA: Alaska), C. primoriensis (Russia: Primorsk region), C. redunca (Canada: Quebec), C. romana (Italy), C. serotina (Spain), C. sinedens (Japan), C. sphaerula (Japan), C. spiciceps (Morocco), C. spicigera (Nepal), C. stellaris (Austria, Germany), C. subclinochaeta (Germany, Greece, Russia: Krasnodar region), C. tarda (Russia: Altay region), C. trichistylis (Canada: British Columbia), C. truncatula (Spain), C. tumidula (Finland, Sweden), C. umbrata (Greece, Spain), C. uncinula (Canada, Russia: Yamal Peninsula), C. undulosa (Italy, Portugal, Spain), and C. vulcani (Spain: Canary Islands). The status of C. consumpta (Freeman, 1987), C. defecta (Frey, 1948), C. dubitata Tuomikoski, 1960 and C. arboris Fritz, 1982, is restored as valid species, whereas the following species are regarded as junior synonyms: C. bisulca Mohrig & Mamaev, 1987 = C. bipartita Mohrig & Krivosheina, 1985, C. fritzi Mohrig & Rulik, 2001 = C. triacantha Tuomikoski, 1960, C. praepiniphila Mohrig & Dimitrova, 1992 = C. alticola (Kieffer, 1919), C. simonae Rudzinski, 1992 = C. macricula Mohrig & Krivosheina, 1986 and C. spungisi Mohrig & Krivosheina, 1985 = C. irmgardis (Lengersdorf, 1930). Lectotypes are designated for C. dubitata Tuomikoski, 1960, C. gymnops Tuomikoski, 1960, C. inexspectata Tuomikoski, 1960, C. levis Tuomikoski, 1960, C. saccata Tuomikoski, C. sphenoptera Tuomikoski, 1960, C. tetrachaeta Tuomikoski, 1960, and Bradysia pachycerca Frey, 1948.
New genus and species of the family Niphargidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Senticaudata), Chaetoniphargus lubuskensis gen. nov., sp. nov. from Croatia
Authors: KARAMAN GORDAN S. , SKET BORIS
Published: January 2019

New genus and species of the family Niphargidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Senticaudata), Chaetoniphargus lubuskensis gen. nov., sp. nov. from the subterranean waters of cave Lubuška jama near Hajdučki Kukovi in the western part of Velebit Mt. in Croatia, is described and figured, and its relations to other genera and species of the family Niphargidae is discussed. The new taxon is a small niphargid, similar to Niphargobates. The list of all known genera of family Niphargidae is given and key to the genera of this family is presented.
Alternating Decision Trees for Cloud Masking in MODIS and VIIRS NASA Sea Surface Temperature Products
Authors: Kilpatrick Katherine A. , Podestá Guillermo , Williams Elizabeth , Walsh Susan , Minnett Peter J.
Published: January 2019

Identification and exclusion of clouds from satellite-based infrared fields is critical to achieve accurate retrievals of sea surface temperature (SST). Historically, identification of clouds has been driven primarily by a few uniformity tests involving a small number of pixels, brightness temperature range tests, and comparisons to low-resolution gap-free reference fields. Collectively these tests are adequate at identifying large, upper-level, very cold cumulus clouds, and uniformity tests identify moderately sized patchy cumulus clouds. But the efficacy of cloud identification often decreases at cloud edges, for small or thin cirrus clouds, and for the lower, more uniform stratus clouds, for which cloud-top temperature can be comparable to that of the sea surface, particularly at high latitudes. The heavy reliance on stringent uniformity thresholds often also has the unintended consequence of eliminating strong SST frontal regions from the pool of best-quality retrievals. This paper presents results for an ensemble cloud classifier based on a machine-learning approach, boosted alternating decision trees (ADtrees), applied to NASA MODIS and VIIRS SST imagery. The ADtree algorithm relies on the use of a majority vote from a collection of both “weak” and “strong” classifiers. This approach offers the potential to identify more cloud types and improve the retention of SST gradients in best-quality SST retrievals and also provides a per pixel confidence estimate in the classification.
The Design of Effective Top Management Style
Authors: Khandwalla Pradip N.
Published: January 2019

The performance of eight commonly utilized styles of top management are evaluated in various environmental situations. The eight styles are: entrepreneurial, professional management, professional bureaucratic, professional entrepreneurial, conservative traditional, colleaguial, bureaucratic, and middle‐of‐the‐road. Utilizing data from the author's study of over a hundred Canadian corporations, the paper deals with four organizational decision situations: 1) What top management style to choose if information about the environment is not available, 2) what environment to get into if the style of top management is not yet decided upon, 3) what environment to pick if the top management style is decided upon, and 4) what top management style to pick if the environment is decided upon. The implications of the results for Indian management are described. The various paths by which an organization can move from an undesirable style to a desirable style are indicated, and some suggestions are made on the way the change strategy could be implemented.
Cultural Factors in Designing Performance Appraisal System
Authors: Dayal Ishwar
Published: January 2019

While examining the impact of some cultural factors on the behaviour of employees in Indian organization, the article discusses how these factors could be taken into account in developing appraisal systems. The Indian social environment tends to emphasize concepts of self, loyalty, regard for authority, interpersonal behaviour, etc., differently from those of the West. An understanding of this difference would be relevant for developing administrative systems for India.

Whatever problems of developing appraisal systems exist in the Western industrial environment are also observed in India. Apart from the technical difficulties of operating appraisal system, certain difficulties arise also from the cultural aspects in India. The article suggests that taking these problems into consideration would greatly aid appraisal systems to serve their intended purpose.
Nunamii’luni quvianaqtuq (It is a happy moment to be on the land): Feelings, freedom and the spatial political ontology of well-being in Gjoa Haven and Tikiranajuk, Nunavut
Authors: Robertson Sean , Ljubicic Gita
Published: January 2019

In Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven, Nunavut), we worked with Uqsuqtuurmiut (people of Uqsuqtuuq) on local priorities of caribou and well-being. We learned about the importance of relationality. In order to follow relations and their effects, we draw upon health geography concepts: therapeutic landscape and environmental dispossession. As therapeutic techniques, Uqsuqtuurmiut practice their knowledge and norms with people; animals; and the land, water and sea ice towards physical and emotional gains. They also make health discourses that can be beneficial. The social aspects of this environmental investment move beyond the individuation found in the hamlet to produce a sense of unity (or freedom) with emotional benefit. It was ultimately expressed as the happiness inherent to being ‘on the land’ and well-being. Moreover, we draw on relational materialism to illustrate not only a holistic form of well-being, but also how Uqsuqtuurmiut self-landscape encounters involve the spatialization of ontological difference. To better appreciate how this therapeutic worlding experience provides emotional gains related to self-determination, we reframe freedom from simply being the erasure of interpersonal borders to also include a sense of interdependence and collective autonomy. We further explain happiness as the therapeutic benefit of an Uqsuqtuurmiut spatial political ontology.
Macrorhabdus ornithogaster Infection and Spontaneous Proventricular Adenocarcinoma in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Authors: Powers Lauren V. , Mitchell Mark A. , Garner Michael M.
Published: January 2019

Proventricular infection with the anamorphic, ascomycetous yeast Macrorhabdus ornithogaster and disease associated with infection (macrorhabdiosis) have been widely reported in budgerigars ( Melopsittacus undulatus). Proventricular adenocarcinoma has also been previously reported in this species. In a retrospective archival search of clinical cases submitted to a zoo animal and exotic pet pathology service between 1998 and 2013, a total of 28 128 avian submissions were identified, which included 1006 budgerigars kept in zoos or aviaries or as pets. Of these budgerigars, 177 were identified histologically as infected with M. orthithogaster at the time of necropsy. Histologic examination of tissues from budgerigars infected with M. orthithogaster identified an apparent continuum in the development of proventricular isthmus lesions associated with M. ornithogaster that included inflammation, mucosal hyperplasia, glandular dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. Proventricular adenocarcinoma was identified histologically in 21 budgerigars. Budgerigars with proventricular adenocarcinoma were significantly more likely to have macrorhabdiosis than budgerigars without proventricular adenocarcinoma. Based on odds ratios for archival data, budgerigars were 41 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 33–52) more likely to have macrorhabdiosis than other avian species and 19 times (95% CI, 11–33) more likely to have proventricular adenocarcinoma than other birds. Budgerigars were 323 times (95% CI, 42–2490) more likely to be affected by both diseases simultaneously compared with other avian species. These findings suggest that macrorhabdiosis may be an associated factor for proventricular adenocarcinoma, although the explanation for this statistically significant correlation remains unknown and further investigation is warranted.
Active Borders and Transnationalization of the Public Sphere in Europe: Examining Territorial and Symbolic Borders as a Source of Democratic Integration, Positive Identity, and Civic Learning
Authors: Müller Karel B.
Published: January 2019

This article suggests that both territorial and symbolic borders ought to be treated as specific cultural forms enabling the exercise and practice of cross-border communication. The notion of active border is introduced as a nexus of the transnationalization of public spheres and identities in Europe. Active border is interpreted as a border that supports and produces both public criticism and social integration without generating antagonism toward those from “over borders.” Contrary to active border, passive border entrenches stereotypical negative identities and cognitive foreclosures and is a significant hindrance in positive identities formation. The concept of active border contributes to the broad sociological context of Europeanization and transnational public spheres and identities formations in which questions about cultural change and plurality should be discussed. It tries to offer a novel interpretative perspective on processes of transnationalization in Europe and beyond. This article draws inspiration mainly from Edward Shils’s typology of collective identities, Erik Erikson’s concept of identity formation, and Gerard Delanty’s typology of cultural encounters.
Pedestrian Safety and Driver Yielding Near Public Transit Stops
Authors: Craig Curtis M. , Morris Nichole L. , Van Houten Ron , Mayou David
Published: January 2019

Pedestrian crashes are a pronounced threat to public safety. Numerous factors have been linked to their recent increase, such as higher pedestrian and vehicle volume, proximity to bus stops, as well as increased distraction and other risky driving behaviors that result in poor yielding rates. Reducing the conditions that lead to pedestrian crashes involves not only changes to roadways and crosswalks, but also changing the cultural influences that tolerate unacceptable driver behaviors. A multi-faceted approach was implemented to improve driver compliance with pedestrian laws. Average stopping behavior was observed to be significantly poorer at sites in near proximity to bus stops. The planned multi-faceted intervention improved yielding rates and multiple-threat passing rates over time. Public transit vehicles were significantly more likely to stop for pedestrians than the rest of the fleet and had a disproportionate improvement in response to high-visibility police enforcement with ticketing compared with the rest of the fleet. Overall, the study replicates the effectiveness of high-visibility enforcement and outreach on increasing yielding rates to pedestrians, generalizes this effect to both passing behavior and public transit, and links past research showing significantly higher pedestrian crash rates with poorer yielding of drivers near sites close to bus stops.
Influence of Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features on Outcome of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy and Physical Therapy Treatment of Meniscal Tears in Osteoarthritis
Authors: MacFarlane Lindsey A. , Yang Heidi , Collins Jamie E. , Guermazi Ali , Jones Morgan H. , Spindler Kurt P. , Winter Amelia R. , Losina Elena , Katz Jeffrey N. ,   and the MeTeOR Investigator Group, Brophy Robert H. , Cole Brian J. , Levy Bruce A. , Mandl Lisa A. , Martin Scott , Marx Robert G. , Matava Mathew , Safran-Norton Clare , Stuart Michael , Wright Rick
Published: January 2019

Background:

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is used to treat meniscal tears, although its efficacy is controversial.

Purpose:

This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine characteristics that lead to greater benefit from APM and physical therapy (PT) than from PT alone among patients with meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Using data from the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial, the authors first assessed whether the effect of treatment on pain scores at 6 months differed according to baseline MRI features (bone marrow lesions, cartilage and meniscal damage). Second, the authors summed MRI features associated with differential pain relief between APM and PT to create a “damage score,” which included bone marrow lesion number and cartilage damage size with possible values of 0 (least damage), 1 (moderate), and 2 (greatest). The authors used linear models to determine whether the association between damage score and pain relief at 6 months differed for APM versus PT.

Results:

The study included 220 participants: 13%, had the least damage; 52%, moderate; and 34%, greatest. Although treatment type did not significantly modify the association of damage score and change in pain ( P interaction = .13), those with the least damage and moderate damage had greater improvement with APM than with PT in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale—by 15 and 7 points, respectively. Those with the greatest damage had a similar improvement with APM and PT.

Conclusion:

Among patients with osteoarthritis and meniscal tear, those with less intra-articular damage on MRI may have greater improvement in pain with APM and PT than with PT alone. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously owing to the limited sample size.
Decellularized extracellular matrix microparticles seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of full-thickness cutaneous wounds
Authors: Westman Amanda M , Goldstein Rachel L , Bradica Gino , Goldman Scott M , Randolph Mark A , Gaut Joseph P , Vacanti Joseph P , Hoganson David M
Published: January 2019

Extracellular matrix materials mechanically dissociated into submillimeter particles have a larger surface area than sheet materials and enhanced cellular attachment. Decellularized porcine mesothelial extracellular matrix microparticles were seeded with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and cultured in a rotating bioreactor. The mesenchymal stromal cells attached and grew to confluency on the microparticles. The cell-seeded microparticles were then encapsulated in varying concentrations of fibrin glue, and the cells migrated rapidly off the microparticles. The combination of microparticles and mesenchymal stromal cells was then applied to a splinted full-thickness cutaneous in vivo wound model. There was evidence of increased cell infiltration and collagen deposition in mesenchymal stromal cells-treated wounds. Cell-seeded microparticles have potential as a cell delivery and paracrine therapy in impaired healing environments.
Death or Damnation: Surrogacy and Religious Beliefs
Authors: Baumrucker Steven J. , Stolick Matt , Hutchinson Laura , Eastridge Angela , Devereux Lawrence , Adkins Russell W. , Carter Gregory T.
Published: January 2019

MC is a 42-year-old female who was in a motor vehicle accident and suffered multiple contusions as well as a fracture of the left femur, pelvic ramus, and left orbit. Due to contusion of the brain, MC has been comatose for over a week and is on mechanical ventilation to protect her airway. There is no written declaration of surrogacy. During the admission, surgery to repair the left femoral fracture was performed and was complicated by severe blood loss. Currently, MC’s hematocrit is 24% with a hemoglobin of 7.4. The trauma team asserts that a blood transfusion would be in MC’s best interests. Since MC lacks capacity for decision making, she cannot consent to blood transfusion. Her parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses and refuse to approve blood transfusion, stating that it is against their faith. MC’s brother, however, states that MC is not a practicing Jehovah’s Witness and wants the medical team to provide the blood transfusion. The parents insist that decision making is their right; MC’s brother feels he should be making decisions. The trauma teams calls for an emergency consultation with the hospital ethics committee.
Evaluation of arthralgias in adult oncology patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Lee Jenessa , Graham Anastasia , Sion Amy
Published: January 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being commonly used as anticancer therapies to treat malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been associated with numerous immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs are well documented; however, rheumatic irAEs are infrequently reported in published literature. The objective of this single-center retrospective chart review study was to evaluate the incidence of arthralgias with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy as well as the management of these immune-related events. Patients were included if they received one or more doses of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, ipilimumab, or a combination of agents within the last year. Exclusion criteria included documented history of autoimmune disease, off-label use of immune checkpoint inhibitor, and non-FDA-approved weight-based dosing. This study included 98 patients for review and identified 11 patients that developed arthralgias with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Median time to event was 63 days. Seven patients were treated with corticosteroids. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was held in six patients with arthralgias. Inflammatory markers were collected for six patients and elevated in four of these cases. One patient was referred to rheumatology. The three patients who had grading of arthralgias were not managed optimally according to guideline recommendations. These findings show that 11% of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors had documented arthralgias, consistent with previous reports in the literature. Also, the report shows that management and treatment of these events at our institution was not consistent between providers. Lastly, collaboration with rheumatology may be essential in managing arthralgias and other rheumatologic irAEs.
Simulation program of a cytotoxic compounding robot for monoclonal antibodies and anti-infectious sterile drug preparation
Authors: Deljehier Thomas , Bouguéon Guillaume , Heloury Jeanne , Moreno Valérie , Berroneau Aude , Crauste-Manciet Sylvie
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a specific simulation program for the validation of a cytotoxic compounding robot, KIRO® Oncology, for the preparation of sterile monoclonal antibodies and anti-infectious drugs. The impact of excipient formulations was clearly measured using simulation accuracy tests with worst case excipient (i.e. viscous, foaming) and allowed to correct the robotic settings prior to real production. Corrections brought accuracies within the acceptable range of ±5%. KIRO® Oncology robot has also the capacity of self-cleaning and a simulation combining media fill test, and environmental monitoring was able to validate the aseptic process including simulation of worst case conditions and highlighting the areas not accessible to self-cleaning to be corrected by additional manual cleaning measures. The risk of chemical contamination was simulated by using fluorescent dye of the process with high-risk excipient formulation and overpressure vials. Quality control reliability was simulated by using a model drug, and final concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection. Finally, productivity was simulated using different models of production showing the impact of the type of drug, the number of vials and the poor standardization of the process.
He–Laplace method for nonlinear vibration systems and nonlinear wave equations
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Li Fengquan
Published: January 2019

This study suggests a new approach for solving telegraph equation, commonly called damped wave equation, arising in electromagnetic waves and propagation of electrical signals. In this paper, He–Laplace method, formulated by He’s variational iteration method and Laplace transformation, is used to find the exact solution or a closed approximate solution of differential equations. The most distinct aspect of this method is that there is no need to calculate integration for next iterations in recurrence relations and convolution theorem is kept away to calculate the Lagrange multipliers in Laplace transformation. Moreover, He’s polynomials via homotopy perturbation method is introduced to bring down the computational work in nonlinear terms as Laplace transform has some limitation to nonlinear terms. The results obtained by proposed method indicate that this approach is easy to implement and converges rapidly to exact solution. Several problems are illustrated to demonstrate the accuracy and stability of this method.
Variational iteration algorithm-I with an auxiliary parameter for wave-like vibration equations
Authors: Ahmad Hijaz , Khan Tufail A.
Published: January 2019

In this work, the variational iteration algorithm-I with an auxiliary parameter is used for the analytical treatment of the wave equations and wave-like vibration equations. The technique has the capability of reducing the size of computational work and easily overcomes the difficulty of the perturbation method or Adomian polynomials. Comparison with the classic variational iteration algorithm-I (VIA-1) is carried out, showing that the modification is more efficient and reliable.
The impact of person-centred care on patients’ care experiences in relation to educational level after acute coronary syndrome: secondary outcome analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wolf Axel , Vella Rebecca , Fors Andreas
Published: January 2019

Background:

Research supporting the benefits of person-centred care is growing, still knowledge about patients’ experiences of person-centred care is limited.

Aim:

To evaluate the effects of person-centred care on patients’ experiences of care, and also in relation to educational level, after an acute coronary syndrome.

Method:

A total of 199 patients aged less than 75 years, hospitalised for acute coronary syndrome, were randomly assigned to either standard cardiac care ( n=105) or person-centred care plus standard cardiac care ( n=94). Experience of care was assessed at three healthcare settings (hospital, outpatient and primary care) using the 15-item Picker patient experience questionnaire plus two questions concerning information and documentation.

Results:

No significant difference was found at the three healthcare settings between the two study groups in the Picker patient experience questionnaire total score. Item level analysis showed that the person-centred care group significantly improved at all three healthcare settings on information received and in documentation of care compared with the standard cardiac care group ( P<0.05). In outpatient care, the person-centred care group reported significantly better family–physician communication ( P=0.004) and information for the family ( P=0.007) compared with the standard cardiac care group. In patients without postsecondary education, the corresponding figures were even more in favour of the person-centred care group ( P=0.0005 and P=0.0049, respectively), and they also reported higher involvement in care decisions ( P=0.023).

Conclusion:

A person-centred care approach after an event of acute coronary syndrome improves patients’ care experiences for information, shared documentation and involvement of family and friends. This effect was especially prominent in patients with a low educational level, who were also more involved in care decisions.

Trial registration:

Swedish registry, Researchweb.org , ID NR 65 791
Re-embedding leadership development: Exploring power dynamics to understand the insensitivity of coaching programs to organizational contexts
Authors: Fatien Diochon Pauline , Nizet Jean
Published: January 2019

Across organizations, most leadership development programs share a similar formalized and centralized structure. This similarity reflects a neglect of the specific contexts in which leadership development programs are implemented. The objective of this article is to understand the insensitivity to organizational contexts that is inherent in the structure of such programs. To do so, we monitored the implementation of a leadership development program in a multinational company from the construction industry. Over a period of 18 months, we collected material from four countries across four continents, with 41 semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and multiple documents. Our analysis builds on Pettigrew’s contextualist framework, combining power and contexts to understand the program structure. We suggest the insensitivity of leadership development programs to contexts lies in power dynamics: the legitimization strategies of the program designers are mostly decisive in shaping the structures of these programs. Contexts are not absent, however. They are present and valued in the legitimization strategies but only as long as they justify the structure of the program as designed by these actors; if contexts call for alternative structures, legitimization strategies neglect or bias contexts. In other words, power strategies instrumentalize contexts in the implementation of a leadership development program. Overall, our research calls for re-embedding the study and practice of leadership development programs into organizations, with a recommendation to those involved in their implementation to broaden the scope of their programs in terms of structures, contexts and power for enhanced program effectiveness.