bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue and High‐Risk Plaque Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nerlekar Nitesh , Brown Adam J. , Muthalaly Rahul G. , Talman Andrew , Hettige Thushan , Cameron James D. , Wong Dennis T. L.
Published: August 2017

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (
EAT
) is hypothesized to alter atherosclerotic plaque composition, with potential development of high‐risk plaque (
HRP
).
EAT
can be measured by volumetric assessment (
EAT
‐v) or linear thickness (
EAT
‐t). We performed a systematic review and random‐effects meta‐analysis to assess the association of
EAT
with
HRP
and whether this association is dependent on the measurement method used.

Methods and Results

Electronic databases were systematically searched up to October 2016. Studies reporting
HRP
by computed tomography or intracoronary imaging and studies measuring
EAT
‐v or
EAT
‐t were included. Odds ratios were extracted from multivariable models reporting the association of
EAT
with
HRP
and described as pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (
CIs
). Analysis was stratified by
EAT
measurement method. Nine studies (n=3772 patients) were included with 7 measuring
EAT
‐v and 2 measuring
EAT
‐t. Increasing
EAT
was significantly associated with the presence of
HRP (odds ratio:
1.26 [95%
CI,
1.11–1.43];
P
<0.001). Patients with
HRP
had higher
EAT
‐v than those without (weighted mean difference: 28.3 mL [95%
CI,
18.8–37.8 mL];
P
<0.001).
EAT
‐v was associated with
HRP (odds ratio:
1.19 [95%
CI,
1.06–1.33];
P
<0.001); however,
EAT
‐t was not (odds ratio: 3.09 [95%
CI,
0.56–17];
P
=0.2). Estimates remained significant when adjusted for small‐study effect bias
(odds ratio:
1.13 [95%
CI,
1.03–1.28];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions

Increasing
EAT
is associated with the presence of
HRP,
and patients with
HRP
have higher quantified
EAT
‐v. The association of
EAT
‐v with
HRP
is significant compared with
EAT
‐t; however, a larger scale study is still required, and further evaluation is needed to assess whether
EAT
may be a potential therapeutic target for novel pharmaceutical agents.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/
. Unique identifier:
CRD
42017055473.
Still Expressing the Need for the Rational: Edward Bond’s Dea
Authors: Vangölü Yeliz Biber
Published: August 2017

Edward Bond’s latest play, Dea, depicts numerous scenes of sex and violence, dramatizing a catastrophic view of the world and questioning the boundaries of madness and moral integrity. Revisiting the Medea myth, the play calls attention to our callousness in the face of the innumerable acts of violence in our contemporary world.
A review of Scaphochlamys (Zingiberaceae) from Borneo, with description of eleven new species

Authors: HIN OOI IM , KALU MEEKIONG , YENG WONG SIN
Published: August 2017

In the present paper, the genus Scaphochlamys from Borneo is revised. Twenty-four species are recognised, of which 11 are new species: S. durga, S. graveolens, S. hasta, S. lanjakensis, S. lucens, S. nigra, S. multifolia, S. penyamar, S. pseudoreticosa, S. scintillans, and S. uniflora. Scaphochlamys depressa is treated as a synonym to S. argentea. The Bornean species are arranged into six informal groups based on morphological characteristics: Anomala Group, Calcicola Group, Graveolens Group, Limiana Group, Petiolata Group, and Polyphylla Group. The paper includes an overview of morphological characteristics, identification keys to groups and species, and species descriptions. A discussion of the recently recognized generic segregate, Borneocola is included.
Hermesorchestia alastairi gen. et sp. nov. from Australia (Talitridae: Senticaudata: Amphipoda: Crustacea)
Authors: HUGHES LAUREN ELIZABETH , LOWRY JAMES KENNETH
Published: August 2017

The new talitrid amphipod genus Hermesorchestia is established for one new species from Australia, H. alastairi, common to the beaches of Tasmania. Hermesorchestia gen. nov. is typified by the sexually dimorphic males which have palmate lobes on the carpus and propodus of gnathopod 1, a three dimensional merus article on pereopod 7 and expanded posterior margin of pereopod 7 carpus. Other characters which define H. alastairi gen. et sp. nov. are the male pereopod 6 expanded merus and carpus, pereopod 7 basis posterior expansion, merus shape both medial and facial, carpus posterior expansion and the shape and setation of the telson. Hermesorchestia alastairi gen. et sp. nov. is a documented burrower (sand-hopper), living in sand dunes above the high water mark.
Trichoptera of Serra da Jibóia, Bahia, Brazil: new species of Helicopsyche (Helicopsychidae) and new records
Authors: VILARINO ALBANE , CALOR ADOLFO R.
Published: August 2017

Located in Northeast Region of Brazil, Bahia state, Serra da Jibóia is a mountain range situated between the Atlantic Forest and semiarid Caatinga ecoregions. In the present work the diversity of the caddisfly fauna from Serra da Jibóia was investigated during a seven-year period. We collected 3,472 adults, identifying 40 caddisfly species belonging to 26 genera and 11 families, of which 8 species are new records for the state. In this inventory we present the composition, abundance, and sex ratios of the species identified in the study. We also described a new species, Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) guariru n. sp., recognized by having the inferior appendage elongate, tapering to a pointed apex, and its basomesal lobe reduced to a small process bearing one or two short spine-like setae apically.
Ice Fog: The Current State of Knowledge and Future Challenges
Authors: Gultepe Ismail , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Gallagher Martin , Ickes Luisa , Baumgardner Darrel
Published: August 2017

Ice fog is a natural, outdoor cloud laboratory that provides an excellent opportunity to study ice microphysical processes. Ice crystals in fog are formed through similar pathways as those in elevated clouds; that is, cloud condensation or ice nuclei are activated in an atmosphere supersaturated with respect to liquid water or ice. The primary differences between surface and elevated ice clouds are related to the sources of water vapor, the cooling mechanisms and dynamical processes leading to supersaturation, and the microphysical characteristics of the nuclei that affect ice fog crystal physical properties. As with any fog, its presence can be a hazard for ground or airborne traffic because of poor visibility and icing. In addition, ice fog plays a role in climate change by modulating the heat and moisture budgets. Ice fog wintertime occurrence in many parts of the world can have a significant impact on the environment. Global climate models need to accurately account for the temporal and spatial microphysical and optical properties of ice fog, as do weather forecast models. The primary handicap is the lack of adequate information on nucleation processes and microphysical algorithms that accurately represent glaciation of supercooled water fog. This chapter summarizes the current understanding of ice fog formation and evolution; discusses operating principles, limitations, and uncertainties associated with the instruments used to measure ice fog microphysical properties; describes the prediction of ice fog by the numerical forecast models and physical parameterizations used in climate models; identifies the outstanding questions to be resolved; and lists recommended actions to address and solve these questions.
Pediatric Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: Primary Care Provider Perspectives
Authors: Malas Nasuh , Donohue Laura , Cook Robin J. , Leber Steven M. , Kullgren Kristin A.
Published: August 2017

Somatization, or physical symptoms that are inconsistent with a physiological cause that may or may not involve an identified stressor, is common in outpatient pediatrics. When these symptoms persist, they can impair function and progress to a somatic symptom and related disorder (SSRD), resulting in increased health care use and increased demands on primary care providers (PCPs). We performed a needs assessment among PCPs to better understand how best to support providers caring for children with SSRDs. Pediatric PCPs (n = 77) were surveyed to better understand their training, experience, perceptions, and practices of SSRD care. Findings indicate that PCPs have limited training in SSRD care but express interest in learning more. Many barriers to effective care were reported. We hope to use these findings to develop training materials and support services for pediatric PCPs managing SSRDs.
Untargeted metabolomic analysis and pathway discovery in perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Denihan Niamh M , Kirwan Jennifer A , Walsh Brian H , Dunn Warwick B , Broadhurst David I , Boylan Geraldine B , Murray Deirdre M
Published: August 2017

Elucidating metabolic effects of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) may reveal early biomarkers of injury and new treatment targets. This study uses untargeted metabolomics to examine early metabolic alterations in a carefully defined neonatal population. Infants with perinatal asphyxia who were resuscitated at birth and recovered (PA group), those who developed HIE (HIE group) and healthy controls were all recruited at birth. Metabolomic analysis of cord blood was performed using direct infusion FT-ICR mass spectrometry. For each reproducibly detected metabolic feature, mean fold differences were calculated HIE vs. controls (ΔHIE) and PA vs. controls (ΔPA). Putative metabolite annotations were assigned and pathway analysis was performed. Twenty-nine putatively annotated metabolic features were significantly different in ΔPA after false discovery correction ( q < 0.05), with eight of these also significantly altered in ΔHIE. Altered putative metabolites included; melatonin, leucine, kynurenine and 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid which differentiated between infant groups (ΔPA and ΔHIE); and D-erythrose-phosphate, acetone, 3-oxotetradecanoic acid and methylglutarylcarnitine which differentiated across severity grades of HIE. Pathway analysis revealed ΔHIE was associated with a 50% and 75% perturbation of tryptophan and pyrimidine metabolism, respectively. We have identified perturbed metabolic pathways and potential biomarkers specific to PA and HIE, which measured at birth, may help direct treatment.
Efficacy and safety of adalimumab by intra-articular injection for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis: An open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Jianping
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) versus hyaluronic acid (HA) by intra-articular injection for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Fifty-six consecutive patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to either the ADA group or HA group. On day 0, patients in the ADA group received 10 mg of ADA by intra-articular injection, while those in the HA group received 25 mg of HA. All patients received celecoxib at 200 mg/day for 4 weeks. The pain visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Patient Global Assessment (PGA), and Physician Global Assessment (PhGA) scores were assessed.

Results

At baseline, the pain VAS, WOMAC, PGA, and PhGA scores were similar between the two groups. The decrease in the pain VAS score, WOMAC pain score, WOMAC physical function score, and WOMAC total score from baseline to week 4 were greater in the ADA than HA group. A greater decrease in the PGA and PhGA scores from baseline to week 4 was noted in the ADA than HA group. No difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

ADA by intra-articular injection was effective and tolerated for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.
Active vibration-based structural health monitoring system for wind turbine blade: Demonstration on an operating Vestas V27 wind turbine
Authors: Tcherniak Dmitri , Mølgaard Lasse L
Published: August 2017

This study presents a structural health monitoring system that is able to detect structural defects of wind turbine blade such as cracks, leading/trailing-edge opening, or delamination. It is shown that even small defects of at least 15 cm size can be detected remotely without stopping the wind turbine. The structural health monitoring system presented is vibration-based: mechanical energy is artificially introduced by means of an electromechanical actuator, whose plunger periodically hits the blade. The induced vibrations propagate along the blade and are picked up by accelerometers mounted along the blade. The vibrations in mid-range frequencies are utilized: this range is above the frequencies excited by blade–wind interaction, ensuring a good signal-to-noise ratio. At the same time, the corresponding wavelength is short enough to deliver required damage detection resolution and long enough to be able to propagate the entire blade length. This article demonstrates the system on a Vestas V27 wind turbine. One blade of the wind turbine was equipped with the system, and a 3.5-month monitoring campaign was conducted while the turbine was operating normally. During the campaign, a defect—a trailing-edge opening—was artificially introduced into the blade and its size was gradually increased from the original 15 to 45 cm. Using a semi-supervised learning algorithm, the system was able to detect even the smallest amount of damage while the wind turbine was operating under different weather conditions. This article provides detailed information about the instrumentation and the measurement campaign and explains the damage detection algorithm.
Assessment of sub-Nyquist deterministic and random data sampling techniques for operational modal analysis
Authors: Gkoktsi Kyriaki , Giaralis Agathoklis
Published: August 2017

This article assesses numerically the potential of two different spectral estimation approaches supporting non-uniform-in-time data sampling at sub-Nyquist average rates (i.e. below the Nyquist frequency) to reduce data transmission payloads in wireless sensor networks for operational modal analysis of civil engineering structures. This consideration relaxes transmission bandwidth constraints in wireless sensor networks and prolongs sensor battery life since wireless transmission is the most energy-hungry on-sensor operation. Both the approaches assume acquisition of sub-Nyquist structural response acceleration measurements and transmission to a base station without on-sensor processing. The response acceleration power spectral density matrix is estimated directly from the sub-Nyquist measurements, and structural mode shapes are extracted using the frequency-domain decomposition algorithm. The first approach relies on the compressive sensing theory to treat sub-Nyquist randomly sampled data assuming that the acceleration signals are sparse/compressible in the frequency domain (i.e. have a small number of Fourier coefficients with significant magnitude). The second approach is based on a power spectrum blind sampling technique considering periodic deterministic sub-Nyquist “multi-coset” sampling and treating the acceleration signals as wide-sense stationary stochastic processes without posing any sparsity conditions. The modal assurance criterion is adopted to quantify the quality of mode shapes derived by the two approaches at different sub-Nyquist compression rates using computer-generated signals of different sparsity and field-recorded stationary data pertaining to an overpass in Zurich, Switzerland. It is shown that for a given compression rate, the performance of the compressive sensing–based approach is detrimentally affected by signal sparsity, while the power spectrum blind sampling–based approach achieves modal assurance criterion >0.96 independently of signal sparsity for compression ratios as low as 22% the Nyquist rate. It is concluded that the power spectrum blind sampling–based approach reduces effectively data transmission requirements in wireless sensor networks for operational modal analysis, without being limited by signal sparsity and without requiring a priori assumptions or knowledge of signal sparsity.
Quantifying the movement patterns of international women’s rugby sevens preparation training camp sessions
Authors: Griffin Jesse A , McLellan Christopher P , Presland Jarrod , Rathbone Evelyne , Keogh Justin WL
Published: August 2017

Training camps in the present study consisted of four sessions over two to four days, to prepare players for international competitions. Training camps focused on improving the technical and decision making skills in context with team tactics, however it is unknown if the physical demands were being developed or maintained concurrently. Due to the unknown physical demands of training camps, the present study sought to quantify the movement patterns and compare sessions of preparation training camps for international women’s rugby sevens players. Twenty-four international female sevens players (age 24 ± 5 years, height 168 ± 5 cm, body mass 68 ± 6 kg; mean ± SD) were monitored over seven training camps using Global Positioning System units with integrated triaxial accelerometers. Women’s sevens players covered a median total distance of 3823 m (relative distance of 44 m/min) during training camp sessions that lasted for an average duration of 91 minutes. Sprints occurred 41 times and repeated sprints occurred 14 times during training sessions at a rate of 0.47 sprints per minute and 0.17 repeated sprints per minute. The present study indicated that as a result of the technical and tactical focus of training camps the physical demands maybe insufficient to enhance physiological adaptations. Instead it appears that players are being prepared for upcoming competition by reducing residual fatigue and optimising freshness.
UN celebrity ‘It’ girls as public relations-ised humanitarianism
Authors: Hopkins Susan
Published: August 2017

This article combines framing analysis and critical textual analysis in a qualitative investigation of the ways in which popular culture texts, in particular articles in Australian women's magazines, frame transnational celebrity activism. Using three recent case studies of commercial representations of popular female celebrities – Nicole Kidman in Marie Claire (Australia), Angelina Jolie in Vogue (Australia) and Emma Watson in Cleo (Australia) – this study dissects framing devices to reveal the discursive tensions which lie beneath textual constructions of celebrity humanitarianism. Through a focus on United Nations Women's Goodwill Ambassadors, and their exemplary performances of popular humanitarianism, I argue that feminist celebrity activists may inadvertently contradict the cause of global gender equality by operating within the limits of celebrity publicity images and discourses. Moreover, the deployment of celebrity women, who have built their vast wealth and global influence through the commodification of Western ideals of beauty and femininity, betrays an approach to humanitarianism, which is grounded in the intersection of neocolonial global capitalism, liberal feminism and the ethics of competitive individualism.
The prognostic value of histology in ulcerative colitis in clinical remission with mesalazine
Authors: Frieri Giuseppe , Galletti Brigida , Di Ruscio Mirko , Tittoni Rachele , Capannolo Annalisa , Serva Donatella , Latella Giovanni , Sollima Laura , Leocata Pietro , Necozione Stefano , Frieri Rosamarie , Viscido Angelo
Published: August 2017

Background:

The aim of the study was to compare the prognostic value of histological and endoscopic activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods:

Patients in clinical remission for 1 year under treatment with mesalazine underwent a planned colonoscopy with biopsies. Histological activity was scored using the histological activity index (HAI). Endoscopic activity was scored using the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES). The clinical course was evaluated measuring relapses needing steroids during a follow up of 3 years.

Results:

A total of 52 patients were enrolled into the study and followed up for 3 years. At baseline 29 patients (55.77%) had no endoscopic lesions, and 17 patients (32.69%) showed no histological alteration. At 3 years of follow up, overall, 26 patients (50%) were still in steroid-free remission. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, both histological (HAI ⩾ 1) and endoscopic activity (MES ⩾ 1) were significantly associated with outcome, showing, respectively, a relapse risk (odds ratio [OR]) 16.4 times higher than histological remission (HAI 0) (96% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–84.3) and 6.3 times higher with respect to endoscopic remission (MES 0) (96% CI: 1.9–21.3). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, histological activity was the only factor significantly associated with outcome (OR 10.2; 95% CI: 1.7–59.4).

Conclusions:

Histological activity has the most powerful prognostic value in predicting the need for steroids in patients with UC in stable clinical remission on mesalazine. It could be considered as a target of therapy in UC.
Existential Ennui
Authors: Kim Jinhyung , Christy Andrew G. , Schlegel Rebecca J. , Donnellan M. Brent , Hicks Joshua A.
Published: August 2017

Two studies ( N = 649) examined the association between self-alienation (SA; i.e., feelings of detachment from one’s true self) and academic amotivation (AA; i.e., lack of motivation in the academic domain). Based on classical and contemporary theories, a strong link between alienation and amotivation was predicted. A cross-sectional correlation study (Study 1) found that SA significantly predicted AA controlling for relevant variables (e.g., self-efficacy). A four-wave longitudinal design (Study 2) tested the reciprocal relationship between SA and AA within persons. Contrary to the a priori hypothesis that SA would predict amotivation, the path from AA to SA was more consistent and reliable than the other path. The potential bidirectional links between SA and AA, implications, and future directions are discussed.
Recellularization of decellularized heart valves: Progress toward the tissue-engineered heart valve
Authors: VeDepo Mitchell C , Detamore Michael S , Hopkins Richard A , Converse Gabriel L
Published: August 2017

The tissue-engineered heart valve portends a new era in the field of valve replacement. Decellularized heart valves are of great interest as a scaffold for the tissue-engineered heart valve due to their naturally bioactive composition, clinical relevance as a stand-alone implant, and partial recellularization in vivo. However, a significant challenge remains in realizing the tissue-engineered heart valve: assuring consistent recellularization of the entire valve leaflets by phenotypically appropriate cells. Many creative strategies have pursued complete biological valve recellularization; however, identifying the optimal recellularization method, including in situ or in vitro recellularization and chemical and/or mechanical conditioning, has proven difficult. Furthermore, while many studies have focused on individual parameters for increasing valve interstitial recellularization, a general understanding of the interacting dynamics is likely necessary to achieve success. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to explore and compare the various processing strategies used for the decellularization and subsequent recellularization of tissue-engineered heart valves.
Thermo-responsive cell culture carrier: Effects on macrophage functionality and detachment efficiency
Authors: Rennert Knut , Nitschke Mirko , Wallert Maria , Keune Natalie , Raasch Martin , Lorkowski Stefan , Mosig Alexander S
Published: August 2017

Harvesting cultivated macrophages for tissue engineering purposes by enzymatic digestion of cell adhesion molecules can potentially result in unintended activation, altered function, or behavior of these cells. Thermo-responsive polymer is a promising tool that allows for gentle macrophage detachment without artificial activation prior to subculture within engineered tissue constructs. We therefore characterized different species of thermo-responsive polymers for their suitability as cell substrate and to mediate gentle macrophage detachment by temperature shift. Primary human monocyte- and THP-1-derived macrophages were cultured on thermo-responsive polymers and characterized for phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. We found that both cell types differentially respond in dependence of culture and stimulation on thermo-responsive polymers. In contrast to THP-1 macrophages, primary monocyte–derived macrophages showed no signs of impaired viability, artificial activation, or altered functionality due to culture on thermo-responsive polymers compared to conventional cell culture. Our study demonstrates that along with commercially available UpCell carriers, two other thermo-responsive polymers based on poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends are attractive candidates for differentiation and gentle detachment of primary monocyte–derived macrophages. In summary, we observed similar functionality and viability of primary monocyte–derived macrophages cultured on thermo-responsive polymers compared to standard cell culture surfaces. While this first generation of custom-made thermo-responsive polymers does not yet outperform standard culture approaches, our results are very promising and provide the basis for exploiting the unique advantages offered by custom-made thermo-responsive polymers to further improve macrophage culture and recovery in the future, including the covalent binding of signaling molecules and the reduction of centrifugation and washing steps. Optimizing these and other benefits of thermo-responsive polymers could greatly improve the culture of macrophages for tissue engineering applications.
Single cell cloning generates lung endothelial colonies with conserved growth, angiogenic, and bioenergetic characteristics
Authors: Lee Ji Young , McMurtry Sarah A. , Stevens Troy
Published: August 2017

Pulmonary artery, capillary, and vein endothelial cells possess distinctive structures and functions, which represent a form of vascular segment specific macroheterogeneity. However, within each of these segmental populations, individual cell functional variability represents a poorly characterized microheterogeneity. Here, we hypothesized that single cell clonogenic assays would reveal microheterogeneity among the parent cell population and enable isolation of highly representative cells with committed parental characteristics. To test this hypothesis, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) were isolated from different Sprague Dawley rats. Serum stimulated proliferation of endothelial populations and single cell clonogenic potential were evaluated. In vitro Matrigel assays were utilized to analyze angiogenic potential and the Seahorse assay was used to evaluate bioenergetic profiles. PMVEC populations grew faster and had a higher proliferative potential than PAEC populations. Fewer PMVECs were needed to form networks on Matrigel when compared with PAECs. PMVECs primarily utilized aerobic glycolysis, while PAECs relied more heavily on oxidative phosphorylation, to support bioenergetic demands. Repeated single cell cloning and expansion of PAEC colonies generated homogeneous first‐generation clones that were highly reflective of the parental population in terms of growth, angiogenic potential, and bioenergetic profiles. Repeated single cell cloning of the first‐generation clones generated second‐generation clones with increased proliferative potential while maintaining other parental characteristics. Second‐generation clones were highly homogeneous populations. Thus, single cell cloning reveals microheterogeneity among the parent cell population and enables isolation of highly representative cells with parental characteristics.
Unique angiographic findings in a patient with myocardial ischemia and immunoglobulin G4-related disease
Authors: Kanzaki Yusuke , Miura Takashi , Hashizume Naoto , Saigusa Tatsuya , Ebisawa Soichiro , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: August 2017

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease characteristically involves multiple organs including the heart and coronary arteries. Immunoglobulin G4-related coronary artery disease is thought to be due to periarteritis and histopathologically is characterized by marked thickening of the adventitia and periarterial fat with infiltration of immunoglobulin G4-positive plasma cells. Although comprehensive diagnostic criteria require a biopsy for a definite or probable diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related disease, obtaining a coronary artery biopsy is difficult and risky. However, imaging findings including coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound might be useful tools to establish a diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related coronary artery disease. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with a history of immunoglobulin G4-related disease who presented with exertional chest pain. We found unique angiographic and intravascular ultrasound features of immunoglobulin G4-related coronary artery disease that distinguished it from those of arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease and suggest that coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound might be useful tools in the diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related coronary artery disease.
Attitudes and Opinions of Canadian Nephrologists Toward Continuous Quality Improvement Options
Authors: Iskander Carina , McQuillan Rory , Nesrallah Gihad , Rabbat Christian , Mendelssohn David C.
Published: August 2017

Background and objectives:

A shift to holding individual physicians accountable for patient outcomes, rather than facilities, is intuitively attractive to policy makers and to the public. We were interested in nephrologists’ attitudes to, and awareness of, quality metrics and how nephrologists would view a potential switch from the current model of facility-based quality measurement and reporting to publically available reports at the individual physician level.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements:

The study was conducted using a web-based survey instrument (Online Appendix 1). The survey was initially pilot tested on a group of 8 nephrologists from across Canada. The survey was then finalized and e-mailed to 330 nephrologists through the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) e-mail distribution list. The 127 respondents were 80% university based, and 33% were medical/dialysis directors.

Results:

The response rate was 43%. Results demonstrate that 89% of Canadian nephrologists are engaged in efforts to improve the quality of patient care. A minority of those surveyed (29%) had training in quality improvement. They feel accountable for this and would welcome the inclusion of patient-centered metrics of care quality. Support for public reporting as an effective strategy on an individual nephrologist level was 30%.

Conclusions:

Support for public reporting of individual nephrologist performance was low. The care of nephrology patients will be best served by the continued development of a critical mass of physicians trained in patient safety and quality improvement, by focusing on patient-centered metrics of care delivery, and by validating that all proposed new methods are shown to improve patient care and outcomes.
Lessons for developing a planning support system infrastructure: The case of Southern California's Scenario Planning Model
Authors: Goodspeed Robert , Hackel Cassie
Published: August 2017

Although planning support systems are being more widely adopted by professional planners, there are very few examples of planning support system infrastructures designed to support planning practices on an ongoing basis. This paper reports the result of an exploratory qualitative study of the Southern California Association of Governments' Scenario Planning Model, an innovative new planning support system infrastructure. Interviews with professionals who served as participants in a two-year development process were conducted to explore the six dimensions that theories from the planning support systems, innovation diffusion, and organizational information technology fields suggest are important to understanding the adoption and use of a planning support system infrastructure: user considerations, perceived benefits, technical details, the development process, jurisdiction characteristics, and planning style. Drawing on these interviews, the article proposes seven lessons for the creation of planning support system infrastructures: utilize participatory design, support a variety of planning practices, address indirect costs to users, encourage collaboration among multiple users within each organization, ensure that all stakeholders have appropriate access, be mindful of the framing of new technologies, and embrace their transformational potential. Although the Scenario Planning Model has benefited from California's unique planning mandates, advances in web-based geospatial technologies mean that many regions may draw on these lessons to create similar planning support system infrastructures, which have the potential to improve local and regional planning practices through enhanced information, analysis, and communication.
The relationship between mucosal immunity, nasopharyngeal carriage, asymptomatic transmission and the resurgence of Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Gill Christopher , Rohani Pejman , Thea Donald M
Published: August 2017

The incidence of whooping cough in the US has been rising slowly since the 1970s, but the pace of this has accelerated sharply since acellular pertussis vaccines replaced the earlier whole cell vaccines in the late 1990s. A similar trend occurred in many other countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and Spain, following the switch to acellular vaccines. The key question is why. Two leading theories (short duration of protective immunologic persistence and evolutionary shifts in the pathogen to evade the vaccine) explain some but not all of these shifts, suggesting that other factors may also be important.

In this synthesis, we argue that sterilizing mucosal immunity that blocks or abbreviates the duration of nasopharyngeal carriage ofBordetella pertussisand impedes person-to-person transmission (including between asymptomatically infected individuals) is a critical factor in this dynamic. Moreover, we argue that the ability to induce such mucosal immunity is fundamentally what distinguishes whole cell and acellular pertussis vaccines and may be pivotal to understanding much of the resurgence of this disease in many countries that adopted acellular vaccines. Additionally, we offer the hypothesis that observed herd effects generated by acellular vaccines may reflect a modification of disease presentation leading to reduced potential for transmission by those already infected, as opposed to inducing resistance to infection among those who have been exposed.
Reviews
Authors: Sporton Gregory
Published: August 2017

The Nose, The Royal Opera House, London, November 2016

The Red Shoes, Matthew Bourne, Sadlers Wells Theatre, London, November/December 2016

Les Enfants Terribles, A Dance/Opera by Philip Glass, direction and choreography by Javier De Frutos, The Barbican, London, January 2017
The relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, marketing innovation and competitive marketing advantage of female entrepreneurs in Egypt
Authors: Adam Sara , Mahrous Abeer A. , Kortam Wael
Published: August 2017

This article builds on the dynamic capability view of the firm in order to examine the role of marketing innovation in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and competitive marketing advantage. The mixed-methodology approach was used and data were collected from 70 SMEs that are owned or managed by a female in Egypt. Structural equation modelling was used to test the research framework. The results reveal that both pricing and promotional innovation have a strong and positive association with competitive marketing advantage. The study is cross-sectional in nature. The results may have been different if the study had focused on specific industries. Therefore, extrapolations without proper caution are discouraged. The study provides female entrepreneurs with useful information on how to create and sustain marketing competitive advantage when resources are limited. In particular, it helps them to identify situations in which marketing innovation practices are potentially more useful.The results contribute to the understanding of the drivers of competitive marketing advantage of SMEs owned by female entrepreneurs in the context of an emerging market.
Postskriptum Peter Szondi
Authors: Bremer Kai
Published: August 2017

Wie verhält sich das Drama zu seiner potenziellen Inszenierung - und ist der Autor in ihm wirklich abwesend? Mit diesen Ausgangsfragen greift Kai Bremer Peter Szondis »Theorie des modernen Dramas« auf, die 1956 - im Todesjahr Brechts - erschienen ist. Historisch zeichnet die Studie die Dramatik seit Brecht nach, fokussiert die immer radikalere Episierung seit den 1970er Jahren und beleuchtet die Hinwendung zu älteren dramatischen Formen in den 1990er Jahren. Mit der Frage nach dem Stand des Tragischen und der Tragödie in der Gegenwart wird schließlich der Bogen zurück zu Peter Szondi geschlagen.
Verführung - Ein ästhetisches Dispositiv von Lyrik
Authors: Vomhof Julia
Published: August 2017

Gedichte haben Handlungspotenzial. Sie sind keine passiven Objekte, sondern Akteure im Sinne Bruno Latours. Insbesondere haben sie das Potenzial zu verführen. Julia Vomhof entwickelt eine Theorie der lyrischen Verführung, indem sie ästhetische Dynamiken, Strategien und Phänomene wie die Motivik, die Sprachmaterialität oder das Spiel mit Fiktionalität analysiert. In Weiterentwicklung bisheriger Lyriktheorien werden Gedichte aus prozessontologischer Perspektive untersucht. So entstehen Lektürevorschläge teils kanonischer, teils wenig bekannter Gedichte - u.a. von Hölderlin, Goethe, Rilke und Grünbein - und mit ihnen ein neuartiger Zugang zur Lyrik.
Museum und Partizipation
Authors: Piontek Anja
Published: August 2017

»Partizipation« ist in der Museumswelt in aller Munde - doch was steckt hinter diesem Konzept und wie verändert es das Museum und sein Publikum? Anja Piontek liefert erstmals eine umfassende wissenschaftliche Bestandsaufnahme und Analyse von Partizipation in der deutschsprachigen Museumslandschaft und bietet damit eine längst überfällige Diskussionsgrundlage für die Museum Studies und den kulturellen Sektor. Durch die umsichtige Verbindung von Theorie und Praxis und die exemplarische Vorstellung zahlreicher partizipativer Ausstellungsprojekte in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz setzt das Buch auch Impulse für die praktische Museumsarbeit.
Grüne Verflechtungen
Authors: Adeli Jelena
Published: August 2017

Wie kann der Schutz von Meerestieren und Küsten Menschen verunsichern? Wie kann der Klimawandel und der Tourismus die wenigen natürlichen Ressourcen auf einem Archipel strapazieren? Der afrikanische Inselstaat Kap Verde ist Schauplatz dieser Ethnographie, wo die Bewohner_innen diese Veränderungen gleichermaßen als Unsicherheiten erfahren und wo sie auf unterschiedliche Weise ihre sozialen und wirtschaftlichen Bedürfnisse einfordern. Jelena Adeli eröffnet eine neue Perspektive auf die Bedeutung des Naturschutzes und zeigt: Naturschutz ist nicht nur eine moralische Auseinandersetzung. Vielmehr geht es um die Gestaltung und die Reichweite von bürgerschaftlicher Teilhabe und damit um das Thema der Zugehörigkeit.
Von Heroen und Individuen
Authors: Elit Stefan
Published: August 2017

Das Heldennarrativ des Sozialistischen Realismus ist als Vermittlungsform eines politischen Mythos der Moderne zu verstehen, der in der DDR vor allem durch massenkompatible Prosatexte und DEFA-Filme etabliert werden sollte. Je nach Mythentheorie (Barthes, Blumenberg oder Lévi-Strauss) wird ein anderer Aspekt des Phänomens deutlich und ergibt in der Summe ein differenziertes Bild einer ideologisierten Kulturentwicklung. Stefan Elits Analyse einer Reihe von einstmals bedeutenden, aber zum Teil in Vergessenheit geratenen DDR-Romanen und -Spielfilmen setzt sich mit einer Mythen-Kulturpolitik auseinander, deren kollektivistisches Ziel zunehmend in der Aporie eines sozialistischen Individualismus scheiterte.
Environmental Accounting Disclosure in ASEAN Countries
Authors: Fadilah Haqi , Djajang Syahril
Published: August 2017

This study aims to determine whether there is a difference between the scores of country-based environmental accounting disclosure (in the ASEAN region) and industrybased environmental accounting disclosure (in real estate, forest/agriculture, consumer goods, hospitals, energy, and chemicals/pharmaceuticals). The research method used is One-Way ANOVA difference test. The results show that there is a difference in the scores of country-based environmental accounting disclosure. The difference is between Indonesia and Singapore and between Indonesia and the Philippines. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in the scores of industry-based environmental accounting disclosure, as well as when viewed from each of ASEAN countries. Each country needs to have more stringent regulations and policies to require each company to present the environmental accounting disclosure in the annual report or sustainability report as a form of corporate legitimacy to the public. In addition, there should be a revision of the nature of the environmental accounting disclosure in the financial accounting standards, from voluntary to mandatory. It is intended that every company of various types of industries really pay attention to the environmental impact problems arising from its operational activities.
Effect of Silicone Softener Particle Size on the Colorfastness, Softness, and Tensile Strength of 100% Cotton Woven Fabrics
Authors: Demirci Ebru , Guneşoğlu Sinem , Topalbekiroğlu Mehmet , Guneşoğlu Cem
Published: August 2017

This work investigates the effect of various silicone based softener particle sizes on woven cotton fabric properties. Twill-and plain-woven 100% cotton fabrics dyed with red and blue reactive dyes were used to observe how the softeners acted on different weave patterns and colors. Fabrics treated with macro-, micro-, and nano-emulsion softeners were assessed for softness, tensile strength, and colorfastness with respect to laundering, perspiration, and crocking. Macro-emulsion softeners gave softer cotton fabric than micro- and nano-softeners. Micro-emulsion softeners had the most favorable tensile properties. Micro- and nano-emulsion softeners imparted better washfastness and perspiration fastness. The effects of silicone softener particle size and fabric construction properties on the softness, fastness, and mechanical properties of the treated cotton fabric were studied.
Modernizing schools in Mexico: The rise of teacher assessment and school-based management policies
Authors: Echávarri Jaime , Peraza Cecilia
Published: August 2017

In this paper we analyze the evolution of the teacher assessment policy and the origins of school-based management initiatives in the Mexican education context from the late 1980s until the last 2012 – 2013 Education Reform (RE2012–2013). Mexico joined the Global Education Reform Movement during the 1990s through the National Agreement for the Modernization of Basic Education, under which the program Teachers Career Services was created to increase teacher quality. Later, the Quality School Program was implemented in order to decentralize school management and increase school accountability. Lastly, the institutionalization of Monitoring and Evaluation in the Mexican Education System gave birth to the National Institute for the Evaluation of Education. Using a documentary analysis, we review the origins of such accountability policies in order to map out the involved stakeholders, and identify how these influenced and effected the development and implementation of last 2012-2013 Education Reform’s teacher high-stakes assessments. Finally, we outline the results and consequences of such policies as they have been implemented and provide a contextual analysis of the implementation and resistance to the latest reform in some regions of Mexico.
A failed marriage between standardization and incentivism: Divergent perspectives on the aims of performance-based compensation in Shanghai, China
Authors: La Londe Priya Goel
Published: August 2017

The Chinese province of Shanghai has gained international recognition as a high performing education system with strong teaching and learning outcomes. One accountability mechanism in Shanghai’s education reform strategy is statewide performance-based compensation (PBC), also known as performance- or merit pay. Providing a first time account of PBC in the Shanghai context, this study investigated variance in stated and perceived aims of this policy instrument. To explore this variance, the study drew on data from national, state, and school level policy documents, and data from interviews with 20 teachers and the principal in a high performing elementary school. The analysis revealed that PBC was intended to improve teaching quality. However, the teachers’ perceived merit pay was meant to increase teacher enthusiasm, job satisfaction, and participation in teacher and student development activities. Importantly, the teachers perceived these aims as tangential from instructional improvement goals. Based on these findings, I argue that this particular PBC policy, as a manifestation of the marriage of standardization and incentivism, is unable to fulfill the promises of this marriage – to link incentives with homogenous, uniform metrics associated with a generic and shared notion of teaching quality.
Hubungan Antara Perilaku Ibu dan Lingkungan Fisik Rumah dengan Kejadian Tuberkulosis Paru Anak di Kota Pekalongan
Authors: Mudiyono Mudiyono , Wahyuningsih Nur Endah , Adi M. Sakundarno
Published: August 2017

Background: Children’s Tuberculosis (TB) in Indonesia at 2013 was fourth ranks in the world. The cases of children’s pulmonary tuberculosis in Pekalongan at 2013 be amounted 88 (32%) of the total cases of TB (271), greater than 8% of national cases. Children’s pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease that can be cured and are not duly claimed the lives of children. The purpose of this study is analyze the relationship between the mother's behavior and physical environment house of children with the incidence of children’s pulmonary tuberculosis in Pekalongan City.Methods: The study was observational with case control design. The cases are pulmonary tuberculosis patients and control are child is not a child’s pulmonary tuberculosis. The subjects were 50 cases and 50 controls. Results: The results of the bivariate analysis are associated with incidence population density with children’s pulmonary tuberculosis (p = <0.001), ventilation (p = 0.004), temperature of room (p = 0.036), density occupancy (p = <0.001) and natural lighting (p = 0.016). The results of multivariate analysis are risk factor for the incidence of children’s pulmonary tuberculosis with mother’s knowledge (p = 0.049; OR = 2.918; 95% CI = 1.005 to 8.472), density occupancy (p = 0.020; OR = 3.379; 95% CI = 1.212 to 9.417), humidity (p = 0.025; OR = 3.236; 95% CI = 1.156 to 9.058) and ventilation (p = 0.022; OR = 3.224; 95% CI = 1.182 to 8.797).Conclusion: The density occupancy, humidity, ventilation, mother’s knowledge are a risk factor pulmonary TB incidence of children in Pekalongan City.  Keywords: Behavior Mother, the physical environment house, children’s pulmonary tuberculosis, Pekalongan City.