bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2 Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting TLR4
Authors: Yang Suxia , Zhang Junwei , Wang Shiying , Shi Jun , Zhao Xinxin
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) was reported to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease. Its role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remained illdefined. Methods: qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were performed to detect the expressions of ANGPTL2 or TLR4 in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats and HG-stimulated podocytes. The renal injury index including 24-h proteinuria, blood glucose level, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were measured in DN rats using corresponding commercial kits. The effect of ANGPTL2 knockdown on the secretion or expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected by ELISA or qRT-PCR analysis. The effect of ANGPTL2 knockdown on extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation was determined by testing TGF-β1, Collagen-IV, fibronectin (FN) and PTEN expression via western blot. Results: ANGPTL2 and TLR4 were both highly expressed in DN rats compared with control group. ANGPTL2 knockdown alleviated renal injury in STZ-induced DN rat model. ANGPTL2 knockdown also suppressed inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β) expression and ECM accumulation (TGF-β1, Collagen-IV, FN, PTEN) in HG-induced podocytes. Moreover, ANGPTL2 knockdown led to a significant decrease of TLR4 expression in both DN rat and cell model. Furthermore, TAK-242 treatment exacerbated the inhibitory effect of ANGPTL2 knockdown on inflammatory cytokines expression and ECM accumulation in HG-induced podocytes. Conclusion: ANGPTL2 knockdown ameliorates DN by inhibiting TLR4 expression, an observation contributing to a better understanding of DN pathogenesis.
The Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of IGF-1R in NSCLC: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Jun , Shi Xuefeng , Wang Tao , Ying Chunhua , He Shaojun , Chen Yifei
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Accumulating studies have reported that IGF-1R (Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor) is aberrantly expressed in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer), but the role of IGF-1R in NSCLC remains controversial. The present paper assessed the precise role of IGF-1R in NSCLC. Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science in March 2017. Combined HRs and ORs were used to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of IGF-1R in NSCLC respectively. Results: A total of 10 eligible studies including 8 on overall survival, and 10 on clinicopathological features were identified from the databases. The results showed that high expression of IGF-1R was associated with shorter OS (overall survival) of NSCLC patients (pooled HR 1.17,95 % CI 1.00–1.36). In addition, we found that IGF-1R was related to smoking status (OR=1.82, 95 % CI=1.35-2.44) and IGF-1R tended to be highly expressed in SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) (OR=3.40 95 % CI: 1.95-5.95). Conclusions: In summary, this meta-analysis revealed that high expression of IGF-1R was associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC.
ЛОГІКА ВІДОБРАЖЕННЯ ТРАНСДИСЦИПЛІНАРНОСТІ В РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ЗАВДАНЬ БЕЗПЕРЕРВНОГО ПРОФЕСІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ РЕАБІЛІТОЛОГІВ
Authors: Shevtsova O. M.
Published: September 2017

The latest approaches to the continuous professional development of rehabilitation specialists are discussed. It is postulated that one of the most important tasks of our time is the effective provision of integration and deepening of concrete knowledge in rehabilitation, based on the essence of the transdisciplinary approach and the desire to recreate the integral scientific picture of rehabilitation. It is also emphasized that the introduction of transdisciplinary health care requires the creation of appropriate new legislation, standards, policies, strategies and plans.
Obesity, Treatment Times, and Cardiovascular Outcomes After ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Findings From Mission: Lifeline North Texas
Authors: Champagne‐Langabeer Tiffany , Kim Junghyun , Bower Julie K. , Gardner Angela , Fowler Raymond , Langabeer James R.
Published: September 2017

Background

With increasing rates of obesity and its link with cardiovascular disease, there is a need for better understanding of the obesity‐outcome relationship. This study explores the association between categories of obesity with treatment times and mortality for patients experiencing ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

We examined 8725 patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and used regression models to analyze the relationship between 6 categories of body mass index with key door‐to‐balloon time, total ischemic time, and in‐hospital mortality. We relied on data from the Mission: Lifeline North Texas program, consisting of 33 percutaneous coronary intervention–capable hospitals in 6 counties surrounding Dallas, Texas. Data were extracted from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry for each participating hospital. Of the samples, 76% were overweight or obese. Comparing the univariate differences between the normal‐weight group and the pooled sample, we observed a U‐shaped association between body mass index and both mortality and door‐to‐balloon times. The most underweight and severely obese had the highest mortality and median door‐to‐balloon time, respectively. These differences persisted after multivariate adjustments for door‐to‐balloon time, but not for mortality.

Conclusions

Extremely obese patients have longer treatment time delays than other body mass index categories. However, this did not extend to significant differences in mortality in the multivariate models. We conclude that clinicians should incorporate body mass assessments into their diagnosis and treatment plans to mitigate observed disparities.
Association Between Troponin Levels and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Merkler Alexander E. , Gialdini Gino , Murthy Santosh B. , Salehi Omran Setareh , Moya Antonio , Lerario Michael P. , Chong Ji , Okin Peter M. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. , Safford Monika M. , Fink Matthew E. , Navi Babak B. , Iadecola Costantino , Kamel Hooman
Published: September 2017

Background

Our aim was to determine whether patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source (
ESUS
) have higher rates of elevated troponin than patients with noncardioembolic strokes.

Methods and Results

CAESAR (The Cornell Acute Stroke Academic Registry) prospectively enrolled all adults with acute stroke from 2011 to 2014. Two neurologists used standard definitions to retrospectively ascertain the etiology of stroke, with a third resolving disagreements. In this analysis we included patients with
ESUS
and, as controls, patients with small‐ and large‐artery strokes; only patients with a troponin measured within 24 hours of stroke onset were included. A troponin elevation was defined as a value exceeding our laboratory's upper limit (0.04 ng/mL) without a clinically recognized acute
ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between troponin elevation and
ESUS
after adjustment for demographics, stroke severity, insular infarction, and vascular risk factors. In a sensitivity analysis we excluded patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after discharge. Among 512 patients, 243 (47.5%) had
ESUS
, and 269 (52.5%) had small‐ or large‐artery stroke. In multivariable analysis an elevated troponin was independently associated with
ESUS
(odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2, 8.8). This result was unchanged after excluding patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after discharge (odds ratio 3.4; 95% confidence interval 1.3, 9.1), and the association remained significant when troponin was considered a continuous variable (odds ratio for log[troponin], 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.1, 1.7).

Conclusions

Elevations in cardiac troponin are more common in patients with
ESUS
than in those with noncardioembolic strokes.
Precatheterization Use of P2Y
12
Inhibitors in Non‐ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Early Cardiac Catheterization and In‐Hospital Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry
®
Authors: Badri Marwan , Abdelbaky Amr , Li Shuang , Chiswell Karen , Wang Tracy Y.
Published: September 2017

Background

Current guidelines recommend early P2Y
12
inhibitor administration in non‐
ST
‐elevation myocardial infarction, but it is unclear if precatheterization use is associated with longer delays to coronary artery bypass grafting (
CABG
) or higher risk of post‐
CABG
bleeding and transfusion. This study examines the patterns and outcomes of precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitor use in non‐
ST
‐elevation myocardial infarction patients who undergo
CABG
.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis was done of 20 304 non‐
ST
‐elevation myocardial infarction patients in the
ACTION
(Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) Registry (2009–2014) who underwent catheterization within 24 hours of admission and
CABG
during the index hospitalization. Using inverse probability‐weighted propensity adjustment, we compared time from catheterization to
CABG
, post‐
CABG
bleeding, and transfusion rates between patients who did and did not receive precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitors. Among study patients, 32.9% received a precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitor (of these, 2.2% were given ticagrelor and 3.7% prasugrel). Time from catheterization to
CABG
was longer among patients who received precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitor (median 69.9 hours [25th, 75th percentiles 28.2, 115.8] versus 43.5 hours [21.0, 71.8],
P
<0.0001), longer for patients treated with prasugrel (median 114.4 hours [66.5, 155.5]) or ticagrelor (90.4 hours [48.7, 124.5]) compared with clopidogrel (69.3 [27.5, 114.6],
P
<0.0001). Precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of post‐
CABG
major bleeding (75.7% versus 73.4%, adjusted odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.22‐1.45,
P
<0.0001) and transfusion (47.6% versus 35.7%, adjusted odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.41‐1.62,
P
<0001); these relationships did not differ among patients treated with clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor.

Conclusions

Precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitor use occurs commonly among non‐
ST
‐elevation myocardial infarction patients who undergo early catheterization and in‐hospital
CABG
. Despite longer delays to surgery, the majority of pretreated patients proceed to
CABG
<3 days postcatheterization. Precatheterization P2Y
12
inhibitor use is associated with higher risks of postoperative bleeding and transfusion.
Resistant Hypertension, Time‐Updated Blood Pressure Values and Renal Outcome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Viazzi Francesca , Piscitelli Pamela , Ceriello Antonio , Fioretto Paola , Giorda Carlo , Guida Pietro , Russo Giuseppina , De Cosmo Salvatore , Pontremoli Roberto ,   AMD‐Annals Study Group
Published: September 2017

Background

Apparent treatment resistant hypertension (
aTRH
) is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and entails worse cardiovascular prognosis. The impact of
aTRH
and long‐term achievement of recommended blood pressure (
BP
) values on renal outcome remains largely unknown. We assessed the role of
aTRH
and
BP
on the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with T2D and hypertension in real‐life clinical practice.

Methods and Results

Clinical records from a total of 29 923 patients with T2D and hypertension, with normal baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and regular visits during a 4‐year follow‐up, were retrieved and analyzed. The association between time‐updated
BP
control (ie, 75% of visits with
BP
<140/90 mm Hg) and the occurrence of estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 and/or a reduction ≥30% from baseline was assessed. At baseline, 17% of patients had
aTRH
. Over the 4‐year follow‐up, 19% developed low estimated glomerular filtration rate and 12% an estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction ≥30% from baseline. Patients with
aTRH
showed an increased risk of developing both renal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.31 and 1.43;
P
<0.001 respectively), as compared with those with non‐
aTRH
. No association was found between
BP
control and renal outcomes in non‐
aTRH
, whereas in
aTRH
,
BP
control was associated with a 30% (
P
=0.036) greater risk of developing the renal end points.

Conclusions

ATRH
entails a worse renal prognosis in T2D with hypertension.
BP
control is not associated with a more‐favorable renal outcome in
aTRH
. The relationship between time‐updated
BP
and renal function seems to be J‐shaped, with optimal systolic BP values between 120 and 140 mm Hg.
The
D
ecisions,
I
nterventions, and
G
oals in Impla
N
table Cardioverter‐Def
I
brillator
T
herap
Y
(DIGNITY) Pilot Study
Authors: Kramer Daniel B. , Habtemariam Daniel , Adjei‐Poku Yaw , Samuel Michelle , Engorn Diane , Reynolds Matthew R. , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (
ICD
s) are commonly implanted in older patients, including those with multiple comorbidities. There are few prospective studies assessing the clinical course and end‐of‐life circumstances for these patients.

Methods and Results

We prospectively followed 51 patients with
ICD
s for up to 18 months to longitudinally assess in terms of (1) advance care planning, (2) health status, (3) healthcare utilization, and (4) end‐of‐life circumstances through quarterly phone interviews and electronic medical record review. The mean age was 71.1±8.3, 74.5% were men, and 19.6% were non‐white. Congestive heart failure was predominant (82.4%), as was chronic kidney disease (92%). At baseline, a total of 12% of subjects met criteria for major depression, and 78.4% met criteria for mild cognitive impairment. From this initial study cohort, 76% survived to 18 months and completed all follow‐up interviews, 18% died, and 19% withdrew or were lost to follow‐up. Though living will completion and healthcare proxy assignment were common (cumulative outcome at 18 months 88% and 98%, respectively), discussions of prognosis were uncommon (baseline, 9.8%; by 18 months, 22.7%), as were conversations regarding
ICD
deactivation (baseline, 15.7%; by 18 months, 25.5%). Five decedents with available data received shocks in the days immediately prior to death, including 3 of whom ultimately had their
ICD
s deactivated prior to death.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility of prospective enrollment and follow‐up of older, vulnerable
ICD
patients. Early findings suggest a high burden of cognitive and psychological impairment, poor communication with providers, and frequent shocks at the end of life. These findings will inform the design of a larger cohort study designed to further explore the experiences of living and dying with an
ICD
in this important patient population.
The Protective Effect of Middle Cerebral Artery Calcification on Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Baek Jang-Hyun , Yoo Joonsang , Song Dongbeom , Kim Young Dae , Nam Hyo Suk , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose—

The presence of intracranial artery calcification is associated with an increased risk for stroke. However, calcified atherosclerotic plaques are also known to be less vulnerable to rupture. Given this discrepancy, we investigated whether the vulnerability of intracranial arterial atherosclerosis differed based on the presence or absence of calcification.

Methods—

We considered consecutive patients with acute stroke in the unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Patients with any stenotic MCAs were included in this study. Symptomatic MCA was defined as the occurrence of infarctions relevant to the stenotic MCA. The presence of calcification in the MCA was evaluated on noncontrast thin-section computed tomography images using a 3dimensional software package. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the frequency of calcification between symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis.

Results—

Of the 1066 MCAs examined in 533 patients, 645 MCAs were stenotic and were included in the study. Among the 645 stenotic MCAs, 406 MCAs (62.9%) were symptomatic. Calcification was observed in 36 MCAs (5.6%). Calcification in the MCA was more frequently observed in the asymptomatic group (7.9% versus 4.2%;
P
=0.032). On multivariable analysis, the presence of calcification in MCA atherosclerosis was less frequent in the symptomatic group (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.23–0.92;
P
=0.027).

Conclusions—

This study showed that calcified atherosclerosis in the MCA was less frequently symptomatic.
The Multisensor Advanced Climatology of Liquid Water Path (MAC-LWP)
Authors: Elsaesser Gregory S. , O’Dell Christopher W. , Lebsock Matthew D. , Bennartz Ralf , Greenwald Thomas J. , Wentz Frank J.
Published: September 2017

The Multisensor Advanced Climatology of Liquid Water Path (MAC-LWP), an updated and enhanced version of the University of Wisconsin (UWisc) cloud liquid water path (CLWP) climatology, currently provides 29 years (1988–2016) of monthly gridded (1°) oceanic CLWP information constructed using Remote Sensing Systems (RSS) intercalibrated 0.25°-resolution retrievals. Satellite sources include SSM/I, TMI, AMSR-E, WindSat, SSMIS, AMSR-2, and GMI. To mitigate spurious CLWP trends, the climatology is corrected for drifting satellite overpass times by simultaneously solving for the monthly average CLWP and the monthly mean diurnal cycle. In addition to a longer record and six additional satellite products, major enhancements relative to the UWisc climatology include updating the input to version 7 RSS retrievals, correcting for a CLWP bias (based on matchups to clear-sky MODIS scenes), and constructing a total (cloud + rain) liquid water path (TLWP) record for use in analyses of columnar liquid water in raining clouds. Because the microwave emission signal from cloud water is similar to that of precipitation-sized hydrometeors, greater uncertainty in the CLWP record is expected in regions of substantial precipitation. Therefore, the TLWP field can also be used as a quality-control screen, where uncertainty increases as the ratio of CLWP to TLWP decreases. For regions where confidence in CLWP is highest (i.e., CLWP:TLWP > 0.8), systematic differences in MAC CLWP relative to UWisc CLWP range from −15% (e.g., global oceanic stratocumulus decks) to +5%–10% (e.g., portions of the higher latitudes, storm tracks, and shallower convection regions straddling the ITCZ). The dataset is currently hosted at the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center.
Item-Focused Trees for the Detection of Differential Item Functioning in Partial Credit Models
Authors: Bollmann Stella , Berger Moritz , Tutz Gerhard
Published: September 2017

Various methods to detect differential item functioning (DIF) in item response models are available. However, most of these methods assume that the responses are binary, and so for ordered response categories available methods are scarce. In the present article, DIF in the widely used partial credit model is investigated. An item-focused tree is proposed that allows the detection of DIF items, which might affect the performance of the partial credit model. The method uses tree methodology, yielding a tree for each item that is detected as DIF item. The visualization as trees makes the results easily accessible, as the obtained trees show which variables induce DIF and in which way. In the present paper, the new method is compared with alternative approaches and simulations demonstrate the performance of the method.
Railway History in English Local Records
Authors: Simmons Jack
Published: September 2017

In the last number of this Journal the Archivist of the British Transport Commission described the records in his charge and the facilities he can offer to students who wish to consult them. The Commission's archives represent an amalgamation of the surviving official records of practically all the British railway and canal companies. Necessarily, therefore, they form the most important single source of material to the transport historian in this country, rivalled only by the records of the Board of Trade, now in the Public Record Office. But these are not the only sources; and it will be the object of this paper, and some of its successors in this series, to describe other groups of documents that can usefully supplement the two great metropolitan collections.
The shame of shaming
Authors: Goodman Joan F.
Published: September 2017

Historically, public schools have often used shaming techniques to discipline students, even though researchers have found shaming to be not just an ineffective means of curtailing misbehavior, but, more important, psychologically harmful to children. The author reviewed policy documents from nine leading charter management organizations and found that they provide official support for specific disciplinary practices that entail shaming.
All sizzle and no steak
Authors: Amrein-Beardsley Audrey , Geiger Tray
Published: September 2017

Houston’s experience with the Educational Value-Added Assessment System (R) (EVAAS) raises questions that other districts should consider before buying the software and using it for high-stakes decisions. Researchers found that teachers in Houston, all of whom were under the EVAAS gun, but who taught relatively more racial minority students, higher proportions of English language learners, higher proportions of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, and higher proportions of special education students, had significantly lower EVAAS scores than colleagues teaching elsewhere in the Houston district. Hence, results suggest that the EVAAS does not, at least in Houston and perhaps elsewhere, offer states, districts, and schools the precise, reliable, and unbiased results that go far beyond what other simplistic [value-added] models found in the market today can provide, as the software owner, SAS Institute Inc., claims. Rather, evidence shows that EVAAS estimates in Houston, and likely elsewhere, may be biased against teachers who teach disproportionate percentages of certain type of students in their classrooms.
A schoolwide investment in problem-based learning
Authors: Sutton Paul S. , Knuth Randy
Published: September 2017

A comprehensive high school in Bellevue, Wash., embraces problem-based learning as its strategy for improvement. Supported by a federal i3 grant, the school spent five years preparing for a widespread launch of PBL at the school. After several years of implementation, researchers learned that students perform the same or better on standardized measures when provided with sustained, rich PBL learning experiences. Those benefits were felt by all students, regardless of socioeconomic or linguistic status, or special learning needs.
Measuring Party System Change: A Systems Perspective
Authors: Nwokora Zim , Pelizzo Riccardo
Published: September 2017

The term ‘party system’, explained Giovanni Sartori, refers to the pattern of interactions among relevant parties. That pattern can be represented as a type and treated as a proper unit of analysis. When ‘party system’ is defined in this way, it becomes clear that the scholarship lacks a direct measure of ‘party system change’. The Sartori approach to party system change is not the only legitimate way to understand this concept, but it does target an undoubtedly important feature of political systems – namely the stability of interactions among relevant parties. This article develops a new indicator, the index of fluidity, which measures the extent of such stability. Applying the index to Africa, we show that there is significant cross-national variation in fluidity and weak correlation between fluidity and (Pedersen) volatility.
The Women Gather
Authors: Denyse Tammie
Published: September 2017

The following poetic piece comes from a sermon originally preached on Monday, March 2, 2015, at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, California during the weekly chapel service fourteen months after my 21-year-old son was murdered. I have permission from my niece, Clanci, to use her name in this sermon. The introduction was added in June 2017. The lament, “The Women Gather,” as sung by the acapella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock, was chanted throughout the sermon and it is quoted in this written rendition of the message.
Effects of Head Nodding and Shaking Motions on Perceptions of Likeability and Approachability
Authors: Osugi Takayuki , Kawahara Jun I.
Published: September 2017

It has been demonstrated that bowing motion of computer-generated female three-dimensional figures enhanced perceived attractiveness. Given that nodding and shaking head motions are used as communicative signals, such as signals of approval (and denial), these motions could be expected to modulate perceived trait impressions of model faces. We used movie clips of the nodding and shaking head motions of computer-generated figures and examined the modulation effects of these motions on perceived trait impressions (i.e., attractiveness, likability, and approachability). The results showed that the nodding head motion significantly increased ratings of subjective likability and approachability relative to those of the shaking or control conditions, whereas the shaking motion did not influence the ratings. Furthermore, it was shown that a nodding head motion of the computer-generated models primarily increased likability attributable to personality traits, rather than to physical appearance. We concluded that head nodding motion is treated as information regarding approach-related motivations and enhances perceived likeability.
Crisis in the Eurozone: Austerity and Economic Transformation
Authors: Gualerzi Davide
Published: September 2017

The paper presents an interpretation of austerity that sheds light on the crisis in the Eurozone. It argues that austerity is a long-term policy rather than an ill-conceived short-term remedy. To go beyond the by now familiar criticisms of austerity, we need to examine the crisis in its totality. Especially important are the impediments to a strong recovery driven by market incentives. This might ultimately undermine the very existence of the common currency and the future of the European Union.

JEL Classification: E2, O4, B5.
Triangulating Neighborhood Knowledge to Understand Neighborhood Change: Methods to Study Gentrification
Authors: Loukaitou-Sideris Anastasia , Gonzalez Silvia , Ong Paul
Published: September 2017

Neighborhood change is a complex phenomenon that may result in a range of physical, demographic, and economic changes in a locality. Using four case studies of transit neighborhoods in Los Angeles, this study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to examine a particular aspect of neighborhood change—gentrification. The article also compares and contrasts the type of data gathered by different methods to help us understand each method’s potential and limitations in capturing gentrification trends in neighborhoods.
Motherhood, Employment, and the Dynamics of Women’s Gender Attitudes
Authors: Zhou Muzhi
Published: September 2017

This article presents an investigation of the dynamics of women’s gender attitudes from the perspective of women’s conflicting employment and child-rearing responsibilities. It examines the independent and joint effects of motherhood and employment on gender attitudes using combined data from the British Household Panel Survey and the Understanding Society panel study. The results of fixed effects models show no evidence supporting a direct influence of either motherhood or employment on women’s attitudes toward a traditional division of labor. However, changes in attitudes are observed when motherhood and employment statuses are considered jointly. Specifically, women are less traditional after the transition to motherhood than before only if motherhood is combined with full-time employment. By contrast, women are more traditional after the transition to motherhood than before only if motherhood coincides with their withdrawal from the labor force. These associations remain robust after considering feedback from earlier attitudes. All the findings suggest that the emergence and realization of incompatibility between women’s employment and child-rearing responsibilities reshape women’s gender attitudes during the transition to motherhood.
It’s not my consensus: Motivated reasoning and the sources of scientific illiteracy
Authors: Pasek Josh
Published: September 2017

Individuals who provide incorrect answers to scientific knowledge questions have long been considered scientifically illiterate. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that motivated reasoning, rather than ignorance, may explain many of these incorrect answers. This article uses novel survey measures to assess two processes by which motivated reasoning might lead to incorrect personal beliefs: motivated individuals may fail to identify the presence of a scientific consensus on some issue or they may recognize a consensus while questioning its veracity. Simultaneously looking at perceptions of what most scientists say and personal beliefs, this study reveals that religiosity and partisanship moderate the extent to which Americans identify scientific consensuses and assert beliefs that contradict their perceptions of consensus. Although these pathways predict the scope of disagreement with science for each of 11 issues, the relative prevalence of each process depends on both the scientific issue and motivational pathway under examination.
Is near infrared spectroscopy valid for the detection of procedural pain in postoperative cardiac surgery intensive care unit adults?
Authors: Gélinas Céline , Boitor Madalina , Ranger Manon , Johnston Celeste C , de Marchie Michel , Cervero Fernando , Choinière Manon
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to examine the validity of the regional cerebral oxygenation using the near infrared spectroscopy technique for pain assessment in postoperative cardiac surgery adults in the intensive care unit. The near infrared spectroscopy for the assessment of pain has been studied in pediatric population, but its use in adult population especially in the critically ill is new. A total of 125 cardiac surgery intensive care unit patients from a Canadian university-affiliated hospital participated in this prospective repeated-measures study. Six assessments were completed at rest before, during, and 15 min after two procedures: (1) non-nociceptive (blood pressure measurement using cuff inflation) and (2) nociceptive (mediastinal tube removal). Regional cerebral oxygenation (%) was measured using the INVOS 5100 device (Somanetics, Troy, MI, USA). The Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool was employed to assess behavioral responses to pain. Self-reports of pain intensity and unpleasantness using 0–10 scales were also obtained. Participants were mostly males (89%) and averaged 65 of age. Regional cerebral oxygenation showed significant mild bilateral decreases (<1%; p<0.01) while higher mean Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool scores, pain intensity, and unpleasantness self-reports were obtained during mediastinal tube removal ( p < 0.001). Only the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool score was mildly correlated to the right side regional cerebral oxygenation ( r −0.23; p < 0.01). Changes in regional cerebral oxygenation were mild and in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, the findings do not support the clinical use of the INVOS 5100 (Somanetics, Troy, MI, USA) and its regional cerebral oxygenation hemodynamic parameter for the assessment of pain in the cardiac surgery critically ill patients.
No ‘Emperor of Europe’
Authors: Oschema Klaus
Published: September 2017

Recent research on the use of the notion of Europe during the Middle Ages has confirmed that the name of the continent only rarely acquired a political meaning, if at all, in this period. What is particularly surprising is the observation that several authors in the Latin world used expressions such as regnum Europae or regna Europae, especially in the Carolingian period, without elaboration. Hence, although Charlemagne has been praised as ‘father of Europe’ by one contemporary author, the idea of an ‘Emperor of Europe’ was never developed, with the exception of two brief notices in early medieval Irish annalistic compilations. Even during the High Middle Ages, when the name of the continent came to be more widely used in different contexts, only a small set of figures, historical as well as fictitious, were ascribed with the aspiration or quality of ruling all of Europe.

 Towards the end of the Middle Ages, however, the notion of an ‘Emperor of Europe’ became more common in a particular context: Christian authors accused non-Christian rulers of Asian origin (Mongols, Turks) of seeking to subdue the entire continent. Latin authors, in turn, started to perceive Europe as being the home of Christendom.

 This article demonstrates how those Christian authors accept a pluralistic order for their own continent (on a political level), and contrasts this with the quest for hegemonic rule that becomes a motive of polemic, which they ascribe to non-Christian rulers. Although their arguments do not lead to the explicit presentation of Europe as the ‘continent of freedom’, they do recognise and value the existence of a multitude of political entities which they contrast with a hegemonic and homogenous political role of ‘Asian tyrants’. In a broader perspective, these findings open insights into late medieval political thought that go beyond what we can learn from contemporary ‘political discussion’ in a more limited sense.
Rescaling Organizational Innovativeness: The Indian Context
Authors: Ghosh Somonnoy , Srivastava Bhupen K.
Published: September 2017

There is general agreement that organizational innovativeness is a multidimensional construct. The scale for organizational innovativeness developed and validated by Wang and Ahmed (2004) takes this multidimensionality into account. In this study, the authors investigate whether this scale is robust enough to be invariant across different cultures. Starting with the innovativeness construct of Wang and Ahmed, the article discusses its rescaling using data from Indian organizations. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the data from 481 respondents from 14 diverse Indian organizations to obtain the underlying factor structure of the innovativeness construct. Four factors with strong internal consistency and clear loadings were extracted—behavioural, process, strategic and product–market innovativeness. Their close correspondence to the five factors of Wang and Ahmed demonstrates the robustness of the organizational innovativeness construct. The 22-item scale demonstrates high reliability and convergent validity.
Effect of TCPS, SMES, and DFIG on load frequency control of a multi-area multi-source power system using multi-verse optimized fuzzy-PID controller with derivative filter
Authors: Kumar Amit , Suhag Sathans
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a novel multi-verse optimized fuzzy-PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller with derivative filter (fuzzy-PIDF) is proposed for load frequency control of a two-area multi-source power system, with each area consisting of a reheat thermal and a hydro unit. The superiority of the Multi-Verse Optimizer algorithm is demonstrated against some recently published modern heuristic optimization techniques. For comparative analysis of the proposed control scheme, the conventional integral, proportional–integral, and PIDF controllers are also implemented. The effect of the thyristor-controlled phase shifter, superconducting magnetic energy storage, and doubly fed induction generators, considered individually and in various combinations, is investigated. Further, with an integral controller optimized using Multi-Verse Optimizer, the value of the integral of time multiplied absolute error, one of the performance indicators, is reduced by 85.61%, 83.91%, 70.42%, 67.69%, and 73.15% compared with optimization of the integral controller using Ant Lion Optimizer, Grey Wolf Optimizer, Differential Evolution, Bacterial Foraging, and Particle Swarm Optimization, respectively. Also, to quote a representative case, with Multi-Verse Optimizer, the settling times in respect of frequency deviations of area-1, area-2, and tie-line power are improved by 94.36%, 98.28%, and 95.44%, respectively, as compared with the results obtained using Ant Lion Optimizer. Further, robustness of the proposed control scheme is also investigated against variation of system parameters within ±10% besides random step load disturbances. Of all the controllers implemented here, the proposed optimized fuzzy-PIDF controller exhibits the best performance. Modeling and simulations were carried out using MATLAB/Simulink.
Living the Post-University Life: Academics Talk About Retirement
Authors: Ellis Carolyn , Allen Mitchell , Bochner Arthur P. , Gergen Kenneth J. , Gergen Mary M. , Pelias Ronald J. , Richardson Laurel
Published: September 2017

This panel, which took place at International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry in May 2016, examines the experiences of five scholars who have retired from university life and the responses to the panel by two scholars anticipating that transition. Panelists discuss how and when they decided to retire; the role of the university, department, and profession in their post-university lives; and the kinds of activities and connections that sustain their identities and give their lives meaning. Their experiences suggest admiration for and a subtle critique of university life. Their words of wisdom offer support to those anticipating retirement in planning their transition from university life and considering what that life could and might be like.
Qualitative Data Analysis Software Practices in Complex Research Teams: Troubling the Assumptions About Transparency and Portability
Authors: Davidson Judith , Thompson Shanna , Harris Andrew
Published: September 2017

Early hypotheses about the ways Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS) would be integrated into qualitative research lacked the backing of extensive experience. Changing contexts, such as the increasing use of complex teams, raise issues that bring into question earlier assumptions about the role of QDAS in transparency and portability. Using Jackson’s (2014) conception of transparency in motion as a grounding concept, the authors present an exemplar case of the ways one complex qualitative research team made use of QDAS to support interpretive activities in a project that was also geographically far flung. The article concludes with a reconsideration of the notion of transparency, suggesting a more nuanced approach for the future.
Assessment of venous thromboembolism treatment in patients with cancer on low molecular weight heparin, warfarin, and the direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Uppuluri Ellen M , Burke Kelly R , Haaf Christina Mactal , Shapiro Nancy L
Published: September 2017

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are not recommended for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment in patients with cancer because their safety and efficacy have not been compared to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in large trials. Routine anti-Xa monitoring in cancer patients on LMWH is also not recommended due to limited data correlating anti-Xa levels and outcomes.

Objective

Compare the safety and efficacy of DOACs to LMWH and warfarin and assess the relationship of anti-Xa monitoring and outcomes in patients with cancer taking LMWH in an urban university setting.

Methods

This retrospective, cohort study analyzed the recurrence of VTE and number of bleeding events in patients with cancer.

Results

There were 131 patients included in the analysis. There was no difference seen in the rate of recurrent VTEs between the LMWH, warfarin and DOAC groups (9.3%, 5.9%, 9.1%, p = 0.89). There was also no difference in the rate of bleeding between groups (10.5%, 14.7%, 9.1%, p = 0.576). There was an increased rate of mortality seen in the LMWH group (26.7% vs. 2.9% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.006). There was no difference seen in recurrent VTE (10.3% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.53) or bleeding (10.3% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.661) between the monitored and unmonitored LMWH patients.

Conclusion

Results of this analysis suggest DOACs may be as safe and effective as LMWH and warfarin for the treatment of VTE in patients with cancer, and there may be no clinical benefit to routine anti-Xa monitoring in patients on LMWH treatment. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these observations.
Pharmacy workload benchmarking: Establishing a health-system outpatient infusion productivity metric
Authors: Reichard Jeffrey S , Garbarz David M , Teachey Amanda L , Allgood Jonathan , Brown M Jay
Published: September 2017

Background and objectives

Current productivity assessment models lack the ability to measure the quality of pharmacy services through workload validation. The goal of our efforts was to create a model to more accurately assess workload at multiple outpatient infusion centers.

Method

Current procedural terminology codes were identified as representative of the key drivers of pharmacy workload. Fourteen current procedural terminology codes representing medication orders were selected and categorized into eight distinctive groups associated with varying amounts of pharmacy workload. A three-month average of current procedural terminology volumes were calculated and used to create a workload baseline.

Results

Our study found a usable productivity assessment and coefficient to compare relevant clinical workload across outpatient oncology sites. The current procedural terminology codes were readily retrievable from our system electronic medical record. By assigning activities, e.g. clinical review, verification, barcoding, batch preparation, we were able to compute a workload and then adjust staffing to achieve a median coefficient across sites.

Discussion

This study evaluated the use of administration current procedural terminology codes for an outpatient oncology productivity model. Based upon our analysis, it can be successfully used to determine workload for pharmacists and technicians across variable locations. We believe it is the first study to demonstrate a productivity model for this setting.
Current models of support from community pharmacies for patients on oral anticancer medicines
Authors: Dalby Melanie
Published: September 2017

Administration of chemotherapy is moving into the community as more and more therapies to treat cancer are being developed as oral medications. Patients taking these oral medications still require support, as many of these agents can be toxic. This support could be simple side effect management, compliance issues or even reassurance with regards to their diagnosis as examples. Community pharmacies are ideally placed within the community to help these patients. The purpose of this review is to determine what support community pharmacies are currently providing for patients taking oral anticancer medication and if there is a model that can be adopted or adapted to be used elsewhere. Searches were undertaken using two databases, Medline and Embase. Other evidence-based articles were discovered from other sources. The different services currently available from community pharmacies were largely varied. There are some key aspects to each which could be used in the development of a new model. Further research is required to determine the views of the patients, carers and community pharmacy staff.
Parent participation in alcohol prevention
Authors: Adolfsen Frode , Strøm Henriette Kyrrestad , Martinussen Monica , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Natvig Henrik , Eisemann Martin , Koposov Roman
Published: September 2017

Aim:

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the parental part of the Norwegian Unge & Rus (Youth and Alcohol) programme. The intervention was aimed at changing parents’ rules and attitudes towards adolescent alcohol use, and their ability to talk with their adolescents about alcohol, as well as improving parents’ relationships with and knowledge about their adolescents. These topics were addressed during parent meetings at school.

Method:

The effectiveness of the parent programme was tested using a longitudinal quasi-experimental control group design. Parents completed four online questionnaires N = 1166 at T1 in 2011 and N = 591 at T4 in 2013. Mixed models with observations nested in individuals were used to test the difference in rates of change between the groups.

Results:

Parents in both groups reported strict rules and attitudes towards alcohol use. There were no significant differences in the changes between the two parent groups in terms of rules and attitudes at the three follow-up time points. The parents in the intervention did not change significantly compared to the parents in the comparison group on other alcohol-related questions.

Conclusions:

Parents are important facilitators for the transmission of alcohol-related attitudes and rules. However, our study did not show significant differences between changes experienced by the intervention group and those of the comparison group for the main outcome variables, such as rules, attitudes and talking about alcohol with their adolescents.
Geometrically accurate floating frame of reference finite elements for the small deformation problem
Authors: Shabana Ahmed A
Published: September 2017

In the current implementations of the finite element floating frame of reference (FFR) formulation, conventional beam, plate, and shell elements that employ rotations as nodal coordinates are used. These elements cannot describe accurately curved geometries and are not related to the more geometrically accurate B-spline and non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) representations by a linear mapping. This paper proposes a new geometrically accurate FFR implementation based on the consistent rotation-based formulation (CRBF) obtained from the kinematic description of the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). The ANCF position vector gradients are used effectively to separate the initial geometry from the displacement coordinates. A crucial step in the development of the new approach is proving that the new FFR element displacement fields have a proper set of rigid body modes. Specifically, the new FFR approach has the following important features: complex curved geometries can be accurately captured eliminating the tedious work required for converting solid models to analysis meshes; the same number of nodal coordinates as conventional elements is used; no distinction is made between plate and shell geometries; no changes need to be made in the main solvers since only preprocessing changes are required; and a local linear problem can still be created in order to systematically eliminate insignificant deformation modes. Furthermore, while the new elements employ infinitesimal rotations as nodal coordinates, the solution algorithm can be designed to ensure the continuity of the gradients at the nodal points. The use of the new FFR implementation will contribute to a successful integration of computer-aided design and analysis (I-CAD-A).