bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Testicular Hemodynamic and Semen Quality Indices in Clinical Varicocele Patients in Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Khaleeq Ur , Zaneb Hafsa , Qureshi Abdul Basit , Yousaf Muhammad Shahbaz , Numan Ahsan , Majeed Khalid Abdul , Rabbani Imtiaz , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Rehman Habib
Published: March 2019

Varicocele, a vascular event, is associated with infertility due to testicular damage that causes abnormal spermatogenesis in males. The goal of this study is to ascertain the diagnostic significance of scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) by measuring peak systolic value (PSV) and resistive index (RI) of the arteries supplying blood to the testis and their association with semen quality attributes. Sixty prospective patients (age: 20-50 years) undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy at a teaching hospital were included in the study. Semen parameters and CDUS were recorded and testicular blood flow was determined as PSV and RI of subcapsular artery and intraparenchymal artery of the testes. Nonparametric statistics was applied to test the correlation/association of the semen quality with the PSV, RI, and other variables. Results revealed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.28; p < 0.05) between progressive motility of spermatozoa and resistive index of the intraparenchymal arterial blood flow. Furthermore, it was noticed that the progressive motility of spermatozoa was tended to be negatively correlated (r = -0.236) with resistive index of subcapsular arterial blood flow. In conclusion, this study has revealed that progressive motility of sperms has correlation with the intraparenchymal blood flow of testes. The progressive motility of sperms could be correlated with RI of testicular blood flow. The apparent lack of association between diameter of varicocele vein and semen quality signifies the need of investigating some other factors that may be involved in pathogenicity of varicocele. The diagnostic value of CDUS may be carefully interpreted and clinically correlated in assessment of severity of varicocele.
Identification of Rigosertib for the Treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa–Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Atanasova Velina S. , Pourreyron Celine , Farshchian Mehdi , Lawler Michael , Brown Christian A. , Watt Stephen A. , Wright Sheila , Warkala Michael , Guttmann-Gruber Christina , Hofbauer Josefina Piñón , Fuentes Ignacia , Prisco Marco , Rashidghamat Elham , Has Cristina , Salas-Alanis Julio C. , Palisson Francis , Hovnanian Alain , McGrath John A. , Mellerio Jemima E. , Bauer Johann W. , South Andrew P.
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the leading cause of death in patients with the severe generalized form of the genetic disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Although emerging data are identifying why patients suffer this fatal complication, therapies for treatment of RDEB SCC are in urgent need.

Experimental Design: We previously identified polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a therapeutic target in skin SCC, including RDEB SCC. Here, we undertake a screen of 6 compounds originally designated as PLK1 inhibitors, and detail the efficacy of the lead compound, the multipathway allosteric inhibitor ON-01910, for targeting RDEB SCC in vitro and in vivo.

Results:

ON-01910 (or rigosertib) exhibited significant specificity for RDEB SCC: in culture rigosertib induced apoptosis in 10 of 10 RDEB SCC keratinocyte populations while only slowing the growth of normal primary skin cells at doses 2 orders of magnitude higher. Furthermore, rigosertib significantly inhibited the growth of two RDEB SCC in murine xenograft studies with no apparent toxicity. Mechanistically, rigosertib has been shown to inhibit multiple signaling pathways. Comparison of PLK1 siRNA with MEK inhibition, AKT inhibition, and the microtubule-disrupting agent vinblastine in RDEB SCC shows that only PLK1 reduction exhibits a similar sensitivity profile to rigosertib.

Conclusions:

These data support a "first in RDEB" phase II clinical trial of rigosertib to assess tumor targeting in patients with late stage, metastatic, and/or unresectable SCC.
Treatment of Hypothalamic Obesity with Dextroamphetamine: A Case Series
Authors: Denzer Christian , Denzer Friederike , Lennerz Belinda S. , Vollbach Heike , Lustig Robert H. , Wabitsch Martin
Published: March 2019

Background: A limited number of published case reports suggest a positive effect of dextroamphetamine, an adrenergic agonist affecting both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system, on physical activity and weight in patients with hypothalamic obesity (intractable obesity following CNS insult). Here, we present our clinical experience with dextroamphetamine treatment for hypothalamic obesity. Methods: The clinical course of all patients started on dextroamphetamine treatment for severe hypothalamic obesity at our institution between 2010 and 2013 is reported. Dextroamphetamine administration was initiated at a single dose of 5 mg per day and titrated to effect up to a dose of 20 mg/day. BMI z-score velocity was calculated as change in BMI z-score over standardized intervals of 12 months. Parameters of treatment success and adverse events were assessed in a standardized fashion. Results: Seven patients (2 males; mean age 17.6 years [range 12.9–24.5]) underwent individual treatment attempts with dextroamphetamine between 2010 and 2013. The primary diagnoses were craniopharyngioma (n = 4), ganglioglioma WHO I (n = 1), astrocytoma (n = 1), and neonatal meningitis (n = 1). Time from initial CNS insult to initiation of dextroamphetamine treatment averaged 5.2 years (range 2.4 months to 16.5 years). All patients demonstrated a steady increase in BMI z-score from the time of initial diagnosis until initiation of dextroamphetamine treatment. Mean baseline BMI z-score was +3.17 ± 0.93 (+1.9 to +4.4). Mean BMI z-score velocity decelerated to –0.18 ± 0.12 per year during the first year of treatment and stabilized at +0.05 ± 0.32 per year during the second year of treatment. No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Dextroamphetamine treatment led to stabilization or reduction of BMI z-score in a cohort of 7 patients with hypothalamic obesity, with no adverse effects. Considering the projected increase in BMI z-score according to the natural course of the disease, these findings are promising and warrant further study.
A new synonym of the biting midge, Culicoides bottimeri Wirth, with a redescription, new distribution records and seasonal activity data (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: PHILLIPS ROBERT A. , GROGAN WILLIAM L. , MULLENS BRADLEY A.
Published: March 2019

We provide evidence that the North American biting midge, Culicoides multidentatus Atchley & Wirth, is a junior objective synonym of C. bottimeri Wirth (new synonym). A detailed comparison of paratypes of both species with recently collected specimens from California and Utah revealed that only one species is represented in the southwestern United States. Also provided are redescriptions, illustrations, and photographs of key characters of both sexes of C. bottimeri, as well as new distribution records from California and Utah (new state record), and seasonal activity data from Utah.
Neobruchidius lovie, new genus and new species from Latin America (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)
Authors: JOHNSON C. D. , ROMERO-NAPOLES J.
Published: March 2019

The new genus Neobruchidius is described principally because of the single spine near the apex of the hind femur of all ten species. This and other characters differentiate it from other genera in the New World and ally it to the Old World genus Bruchidius, hence the name. Seven of the ten species of Neobruchidius were all originally described in the genus Acanthoscelides by Johnson and one is the new species Neobruchidius lovie. The nine species are Neobruchidius barinas, N. canar, N. curimagua, N. guatemala, N. lituratus, (Sharp), N. macheta, N. tabidus (Erichson), N. tibiospinalis, and N. zacatlan. A discussion of the genus is provided as is a key to species, and some comments on allometry in adult bruchids due to seed size of their hosts. Neobruchidius lovie differs from species in the genus Sennius principally by lacking hinge sclerites in the median lobe of the male genitalia and with a mucro on the apex of the hind tibia that is much shorter than 0.25 times as long as the first hind tarsomere. Most species of Sennius lack a mucro or almost so.
Redescription of Chrysaora lactea Eschscholtz, 1829 (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) from the Brazilian coast, with designation of a neotype
Authors: MORANDINI ANDRÉ C. , DA SILVEIRA FÁBIO L. , CORNELIUS PAUL F.S.
Published: March 2019

A redescription of the species Chrysaora lactea from the western South Atlantic is given based on live and preserved specimens from the Brazilian, Uruguayan and Argentinean coasts, and a neotype specimen is designated. The species is one of the commonest scyphomedusae in Brazilian coastal waters, reaching up to 25 cm in bell diameter with several different colour patterns (mainly milkywhite). The species is recorded with certainty from Jamaica to the northern coast of Argentina, and can be distinguished from its congeners primarily by the order of the development of tentacles (2nd, 3rd, 1st, 3rd, 2nd).
A host-parasite catalog of world Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea): first supplement
Authors: GUGLIELMINO A. , OLMI M.
Published: March 2019

This paper is an updated supplement to the host-parasite catalog of world Dryinidae published by Guglielmino and Olmi (1997). The authors give 157 new records of relationships between Auchenorrhyncha and Dryinidae, including 109 records listed in various papers and 48 new records.
Review of the fossil genus Largusoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae): Annotated checklist, taxonomic identification, and description of a new species
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , WANG BO
Published: March 2019

The fossil stonefly genus Largusoperla Chen et al., 2018 is reviewed. An annotated checklist including diagnostic characters and an updated identification key to all currently known species of this genus are provided. Generic characters of Largusoperla are summarized based on all available specimens and published descriptions. In addition, a new species of this genus, L. reni sp. nov. is described, illustrated, and compared with similar taxa.
Morphological identification of species of the Nuneztovari Complex of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) from an area affected by a Brazilian hydroelectric plant
Authors: DOS SANTOS MARCIA MORAES MARTINS , SUCUPIRA IZIS MÔNICA CARVALHO , DOS SANTOS THIAGO VASCONCELOS , DOS SANTOS ANA CECÍLIA FEIO , LACERDA RAIMUNDO NONATO DA LUZ , PÓVOA MARINETE MARINS
Published: March 2019

The Nuneztovari Complex of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises four species: An. nuneztovari Gabaldon, An. goeldii Rozeboom & Gabaldon, An. dunhami Causey and An. nuneztovari species A. This study aimed to identify morphologically the species of the Nuneztovari Complex that occur in the area of the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. The morphological identification of adult males and male genitalia (aedeagus and ventral claspette) was performed. A statistical analysis of the difference in aedeagal leaflet length was done using the Mann-Whitney test. Of the 38 male genitalia of specimens of the Nuneztovari Complex examined, 33 were identified as An. goeldii/An. nuneztovari A and five as An. nuneztovari s.s. A statistically significant difference in aedeagal leaflet length was detected between the species: the mean length was 1.23 μm for An. goeldii/An. nuneztovari A and 9.18 μm for An. nuneztovari s.s. This is the first record of An. nuneztovari s.s.in areas of environmental modification in the Brazilian Amazon. This study provides a measurement tool that can identify and differentiate species of the complex in the region, which can be applied to the other species of the complex as well to other anopheline species; thus, fostering the acquisition of information about the role of each species in malaria transmission.
Evaluating the Relationship between Interannual Variations in the Antarctic Ozone Hole and Southern Hemisphere Surface Climate in Chemistry–Climate Models
Authors: Gillett Zoe E. , Arblaster Julie M. , Dittus Andrea J. , Deushi Makoto , Jöckel Patrick , Kinnison Douglas E. , Morgenstern Olaf , Plummer David A. , Revell Laura E. , Rozanov Eugene , Schofield Robyn , Stenke Andrea , Stone Kane A. , Tilmes Simone
Published: March 2019

Studies have recently reported statistically significant relationships between observed year-to-year spring Antarctic ozone variability and the Southern Hemisphere annular mode and surface temperatures in spring–summer. This study investigates whether current chemistry–climate models (CCMs) can capture these relationships, in particular, the connection between November total column ozone (TCO) and Australian summer surface temperatures, where years with anomalously high TCO over the Antarctic polar cap tend to be followed by warmer summers. The interannual ozone–temperature teleconnection is examined over the historical period in the observations and simulations from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) and nine other models participating in the Chemistry–Climate Model Initiative (CCMI). There is a systematic difference between the WACCM experiments forced with prescribed observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and those with an interactive ocean. Strong correlations between TCO and Australian temperatures are only obtained for the uncoupled experiment, suggesting that the SSTs could be important for driving both variations in Australian temperatures and the ozone hole, with no causal link between the two. Other CCMI models also tend to capture this relationship with more fidelity when driven by observed SSTs, although additional research and targeted modeling experiments are required to determine causality and further explore the role of model biases and observational uncertainty. The results indicate that CCMs can reproduce the relationship between spring ozone and summer Australian climate reported in observational studies, suggesting that incorporating ozone variability could improve seasonal predictions; however, more work is required to understand the difference between the coupled and uncoupled simulations.
Using Radar-Derived Parameters to Develop Probabilistic Guidance for Lightning Cessation within Isolated Convection near Cape Canaveral, Florida
Authors: Patton Joseph R. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: March 2019

Thunderstorms in central Florida frequently halt outdoor activities, requiring that one wait some prescribed time after an assumed last flash before safely resuming activities. The goal of this research is to develop a high-skill probabilistic method that can be used in high pressure real-world operations to terminate lightning warnings more quickly while maintaining safety. Probabilistic guidance tools are created for isolated warm season storms in central Florida using dual-polarized radar data at 1-min intervals. The parameters examined are maximum reflectivity and graupel presence at the 0°, −5°, −10°, −15°, and −20°C levels as well as composite reflectivity. Random samples of the radar data are used to train a generalized linear model (GLM) to make a probabilistic prediction whether a given flash is the storm’s last flash. The most statistically significant predictors for lightning cessation are found to be the storm’s maximum reflectivity in the composite and the 0°C levels, along with graupel presence or absence at the −5°, −10°, −15°, and −20°C levels. Statistical verification is used to analyze the performance of the two GLMs at different probability thresholds (95.0%, 97.5%, and 99.0%). When applying the cessation guidance as though storms are occurring in real time, results showed ~99% of the storms produced no additional lightning after the GLM suggested cessation had already occurred. Although these results are encouraging, the procedure must be tested on much larger datasets having different convective modes and different areal coverages to prove its value compared to operational forecasters.
It’s Not the Left: Ideology and Protest Participation in Old and New Democracies
Authors: Kostelka Filip , Rovny Jan
Published: March 2019

Multiple studies in political science consistently hold that left-wing ideology renders individuals more prone to protest behavior. However, the familiar association between left-wing ideology and protesting is not empirically corroborated in all democratic nations. Building on existing theoretical principles and applying them to diverse political contexts, this article sheds light on puzzling variation in protest behavior across new and old democracies. It argues that it is not the left that engenders protest. Instead, we demonstrate that which political camp engages in protest behavior depends on its historical legacies and cultural liberalism. Historical legacies reflect the ideological configuration at democratization. Protesting tends to be more common in the ideological camp that opposed the pre-democratic political order. Simultaneously, it is culturally liberal individuals who more likely embrace protest participation, independent of their left–right identification. These theoretical expectations are supported through survey data analyses, explaining contrasting inter- and intra-regional variation in European democracies.
When Essentialism Facilitates Intergroup Conflict Resolution: The Positive Role of Perspective-Taking
Authors: Yao Donna J. , Chao Melody M. , Leung Angela K.-y.
Published: March 2019

Essentialism, a fundamental belief of the fixedness of social group essences, is often associated with negative intergroup outcomes. However, research is yet to explore the role of essentialism in intergroup conflicts, despite their prevalence. To address this gap, we conducted the first direct examination on how essentialism influences conflict management toward out-group members. Moreover, we examined perspective-taking as a positive factor in improving conflict management among essentialist individuals relative to their non-essentialist counterparts in intergroup contexts. Results across three experiments provided little support to the negative effect of essentialism on intergroup (vs. intragroup) conflict management. Yet, we found that perspective-taking promoted the use of problem solving and improved one’s own gain and the dyad’s joint gain among essentialist individuals, but not non-essentialist individuals, in intergroup (vs. intragroup) conflict situations. This research suggests that when coupled with perspective-taking, essentialism can promote constructive conflict resolution in intergroup contexts.
A smart insole for monitoring plantar pressure based on the fiber Bragg grating sensing technique
Authors: Lakho Rafique Ahmed , Yi-Fan Zhang , Jin-Hua Jiang , Cheng-Yu Hong , Ahmed Abro Zamir
Published: March 2019

The analysis of plantar pressure distribution is essential in the field of biomedical and sports-related applications. In this study, a smart insole was developed for the measurement of plantar pressure distribution and the evaluation of body postures using optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing technology. Four FBG sensors characterized by four different center Bragg wavelengths, 1528 ± 0.3, 1532 ± 0.3, 1535 ± 0.3 and 1539 ± 0.3 nm, were located at the first metatarsus, third metatarsus, fifth metatarsus and heel position, respectively. The measurement sensitivity of all the FBG sensors was 0.000412 nm/kPa, approximately. Silica gel material of modulus = 10 MPa was selected to incorporate the FBG sensors. All FBG sensors were multiplexed together with one optical fiber cable. The performance and functional properties of all FBG-based pressure sensors were calibrated in the laboratory to evaluate plantar pressure distribution. A male subject was selected for performing four tasks, namely standing in an upright position, leaning forward, squat position and forward fold. During standing tests, plantar pressure observed at the heel position was around 57% higher than that at the first and third metatarsus, while the pressure of the fifth metatarsus position presents minimal pressure, which is only 37% that of the pressure of the heel position. When the subject performs leaning forward, the squat position and forward fold posture, the first and third metatarsi show maximum pressure, while the pressure decreases at the fifth metatarsus position. However, almost zero pressure is observed at the heel position when the subject changes the body postures of leaning forward, squat and forward fold posture. The extreme pressure of the forward fold posture was 1750 kPa acquired at the first metatarsus, which is 52% and 62% higher than those at the fifth and third metatarsi, respectively. Therefore, the smart insole successfully recorded both plantar pressure distribution and body posture changes regarding the wavelength values collected by the FBG sensors.
Metaplexis japonica seed hair fiber: a member of natural hollow fibers and its characterization
Authors: Wang Zongqian , Wang Dengfeng , Wang Mingrong , Li Wei , Sui Qing
Published: March 2019

Metaplexis japonica seed hair fibers (Mj-fiber), harvested from the seed pods of Metaplexis japonica (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) originating in China, Japan and Korea, have features ensuring its potential application in the textile and other industrial fields. In spite of the extensive study on the medicinal properties of Metaplexis japonica, research literature about Mj-fiber is quite limited. We obtained Mj-fibers by artificial peeling and seed removing; then the fiber morphology, chemical composition, structures, fiber surface absorption characteristics, and tensile and thermal properties were studied in detail. From the results, Mj-fiber has a hollow structure with a thin fiber wall and large lumen, in which the hollowness is over 92%. Uniquely, Mj-fiber is a natural profiled fiber with a cross-section of a "cross flower" morphology. At the same time, the density of it is very low, accounting for only one-fifth of the cotton fibers, and the fiber length distribution is relatively concentrated. The main component is cellulose, with a content of 53.9 ± 3.20% and structure of cellulose I. In particular, Mj-fiber has excellent hydrophobic and oil affinity surface characteristics. Moreover, the fibers bulkiness and warmth retention performance are comparable to that of duck down. Therefore, the results provide an experimental basis for the application of Mj-fibers in the textile and other industrial fields.
Experimental study on the formation of core-spun yarn manufactured on a modified vortex spinning system
Authors: Pei Zeguang , He Jian
Published: March 2019

Aiming at achieving online monitoring of the yarn formation process of vortex spinning, this paper presents a direct observation method that adopts a charge-coupled device camera fitted with an industrial endoscope that can reach into the nozzle chamber through a small hole drilled on the nozzle wall. Local pressure distortion in the vortex chamber due to the mounting of the observation apparatus was found experimentally. However, the yarn quality was not significantly affected, indicating that the proposed method has the potential to find industrial applications. Based on this method, the formation process of core-spun yarn containing a copper wire manufactured on a modified vortex spinning system is successfully observed. The results show that the core wire is covered by the main strand (core fibers), while the main strand is false-twisted during the yarn formation process. The level of false twist in the main strand fluctuates with time. The level of false twist in the main strand is higher in the upstream region, while it gradually decreases toward the downstream. Mostly, the trailing ends of some fibers are separated from the main strand and expand over the spindle tip to wrap around both the core fibers and core wire to form wrapper fibers in the yarn, while the leading ends of a smaller number of fibers are separated to form wrapper-wild fibers in the yarn. The proposed method can be extended to the study of fiber movement in confined spaces in other textile manufacturing processes.
Modelling and region stability analysis of wind turbines with battery energy storage system based on switched system with multi-equilibriums
Authors: Dai Xiaokun , Song Yang , Yang Taicheng
Published: March 2019

This paper deals with the modelling and control for wind turbine combined with a battery energy storage system (WT/BESS). A proportional-integral (PI) controller of pitch angle is applied to adjust the output power of WT, and a method for battery scheduling is presented for maintaining the state of charging (SOC) of BESS. When the battery level is below the lower limit, we increase the expected output power of wind turbine through raising the operation point to charge the battery. Considering the effect of charging/discharging, a switched linear system model with two equilibriums is presented firstly for such WT/BESS system. The region stability is analyzed and an approach for estimating the corresponding stable region is also given. The effectiveness of the proposed results is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Instruction in Co-Teaching in the Age of Endrew F
Authors: Weiss Margaret P. , Glaser Holly
Published: March 2019

The recent Supreme Court decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District focused attention on outcomes for students with disabilities. It is not just about participating; it is about the instruction and outcomes from those services. Co-teaching is a prevalent service delivery model for students with disabilities who access the general curriculum. Much has been written about co-teaching but not necessarily about the instruction that takes place in a co-taught classroom. In this case study, we present a preliminary investigation of a conceptual model for instruction in co-teaching. We report teacher and student behavior change as well as contextual variables that had an impact on implementation.
Health and Volunteering in Europe: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Papa Roberta , Cutuli Giorgio , Principi Andrea , Scherer Stefani
Published: March 2019

This article examines the relationship between health and volunteering in advanced age in a cross-national comparison. We used longitudinal data from five waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe covering 13 European countries from 2004 to 2015 and employed dynamic random-effects probit models to study the consequences of declining health on voluntary work. Our results confirm that worsening health conditions (i.e., mobility limitations and depression) reduce the likelihood of volunteering, whereas chronic diseases do not. Most interestingly, we found important differences across countries: Worsening health reduces voluntary work participation, especially in contexts characterized by high rates of volunteering. Our findings have implications for policy makers and voluntary organizations that aim to encourage participation: Individual characteristics and contextual aspects must be taken into account, and people with health problems might need specific support through policies, recruitment, and retention even in contexts of overall high levels of volunteering.
Myocardial protection and clinical outcomes in Tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing intracardiac repair: a randomized study of two cardioplegic techniques
Authors: Negi Sunder Lal , Mandal Banashree , Singh Rana Sandeep , Puri Goverdhan Dutt
Published: March 2019

Background:

Myocardial protection in Tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing intracardiac repair is suboptimal due to hypertrophied right ventricle. Hypertrophied myocardium is more susceptible to poor myocardial preservation because of inadequate capillary density as compared to the myocytes. There is a capillary to myocyte ratio mismatch. But del Nido Cardioplegia owing to its less viscosity is able to get more evenly distributed under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass as opposed to blood Cardioplegia. We hypothesized that the del Nido Cardioplegia technique, would be beneficial in myocardial protection because of its composition and method of delivery, leading into better early and late clinical outcomes in patients undergoing Tetralogy of Fallot repair as compared to blood cardioplegia reconstituted using St Thomas Cardioplegia solution. The objective of the study was to identify a better technique of myocardial preservation in Tetralogy of Fallot patient.

Methods:

In total, 56 Tetralogy of Fallot patients undergoing intracardiac repair under mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly allocated to receive antegrade Cardioplegia with either standard blood Cardioplegia (Group I) or del Nido Cardioplegia (Group II). Preoperative as well as postoperative data including echocardiographic parameters for right ventricle functions, creatine kinase MB level, inotropic requirement, mechanical ventilation duration, intensive care unit stay and hospital mortality were evaluated.

Results:

Inotropic score in the first 24 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in Group II compared to Group I (13.4 ± 7.2 vs. 21.2 ± 9.6, p = 0.003). Creatine kinase MB level (ng/mL) was comparable between the groups. Echocardiographic parameters for right ventricle functions were also comparable between the groups during early as well as after 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Del Nido Cardioplegia is equally efficacious in providing myocardial protection during intracardiac repair under mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in Tetralogy of Fallot patients as compared to blood Cardioplegia solution with the added benefit of reducing inotropic requirement in first 24 hours postoperative period.
Socioeconomic factors affecting access to preferred place of death: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Turner Victoria , Flemming Kate
Published: March 2019

Background:

Existing quantitative evidence suggests that at a population level, socioeconomic factors affect access to preferred place of death. However, the influence of individual and contextual socioeconomic factors on preferred place of death are less well understood.

Aim:

To systematically synthesise the existing qualitative evidence for socioeconomic factors affecting access to preferred place of death in the United Kingdom.

Design:

A thematic synthesis of qualitative research.

Data sources:

Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ASSIA, Scopus and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to May 2018.

Results:

A total of 13 articles, reporting on 12 studies, were included in the synthesis. Two overarching themes were identified: ‘Human factors’ representing support networks, interactions between people and decision-making and ‘Environmental factors’, which included issues around locations and resources. Few studies directly referenced socioeconomic deprivation. The main factor affecting access to preferred place of death was social support; people with fewer informal carers were less likely to die in their preferred location. Other key findings included fluidity around the concept of home and variability in preferred place of death itself, particularly in response to crises.

Conclusion:

There is limited UK-based qualitative research on socioeconomic factors affecting preferred place of death. Further qualitative research is needed to explore the barriers and facilitators of access to preferred place of death in socioeconomically deprived UK communities. In practice, there needs to be more widespread discussion and documentation of preferred place of death while also recognising these preferences may change as death nears or in times of crisis.
Self-Organizing Control Logic for Oversaturated Arterials
Authors: Cesme Burak , Furth Peter G.
Published: March 2019

Decentralized, actuated traffic signal control has many advantages, but it lacks mechanisms for coordinating with other signals along an arterial. When an intersection along an arterial is near or at oversaturation, coordination can play an important role in preserving and utilizing capacity by preventing spillback and starvation. Rules that can be added to a base of decentralized, clock-free actuated control are proposed for managing queues during periods of oversaturation. These rules are part of a larger framework for developing logic that will make arterial traffic signals self-organizing rather than organized around a common signal cycle. Features of the proposed logic include green truncation in case of intersection spillback, early green and double realization for left-turn phases prone to pocket spillback resulting from a limited turn-bay length, and dynamic coordination for groups of signals spaced too close together to hold a normal cycle's queue. With dynamic coordination, green waves are scheduled for each cycle following the critical intersection's critical arterial through phase, with noncritical intersections adjusting offsets based on queue counts and a logic. The proposed dynamic coordination logic allows temporary spillback at upstream intersections to prevent starvation at the critical intersection and temporary starvation at downstream intersections to prevent spillback at the critical intersection. Simulation tests using a benchmark network showed 45% less delay than standard coordinated control and 4% less than an optimizing control method designed for oversaturated arterials. Simulation tests on two realistic networks also showed delay reductions of 8% and 35% compared with coordinated control.
Multimodal Trip Generation from Land Use Developments: International Synthesis and Future Directions
Authors: De Gruyter Chris
Published: March 2019

Trip generation estimates are integral to assessing the transport impacts of land use developments. However, past efforts have predominantly focused on vehicle trips only. This paper provides an international literature review of multimodal trip generation associated with land use developments. A total of 153 publications were sourced as relevant to the review. The results show that although multimodal trip generation studies have been relatively scant, they have received greater attention in the last 10 years. A range of issues was identified with estimating and applying multimodal trip generation rates, not least was a lack of sufficient data and higher complexity in data collection compared with vehicle trip generation studies. Current knowledge gaps highlight opportunities to move toward greater international coordination and sharing of multimodal trip generation data, along with exploring the use of technology to assist with data collection. Key directions for the future include a fundamental change in paradigm to consistently account for multimodal trip generation, the development of an international multimodal trip generation database, and greater sensitivity testing in assessing the multimodal impacts of new land use developments.
Cellular Components and Growth Factor Content of Platelet-Rich Plasma With a Customizable Commercial System
Authors: Baria Michael , Vasileff W. Kelton , Miller Meghan , Borchers James , Flanigan David C. , Durgam Sushmitha S.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous orthobiologic treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions with favorable results in a limited number of high-quality clinical trials. Because different blood-processing methods result in PRP with varying cellular and growth factor content, it is critical that clinicians understand the content of the specific PRP being used in clinical practice. One adjustable system, the Angel System, has few independent laboratory reports on the specific composition of its PRP. The goal of this study was to quantify the cellular and growth factor composition of PRP produced by this system at its lowest hematocrit settings.

Hypothesis:

The authors hypothesized that the system would significantly concentrate platelets over baseline and, at the lowest hematocrit settings, would reduce leukocytes to produce leukocyte-poor PRP.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten healthy male volunteers donated 150 mL of whole blood for processing. Three separate processing cycles were performed for each sample at the 0%, 1%, and 2% hematocrit settings. The resultant PRP from each cycle was sent for complete blood counts and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify the following growth factors: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results:

The system consistently concentrated platelets 5-fold over baseline, with no significant differences among settings. Leukocytes were concentrated at all settings, between 2 and 5 times over baseline. The 0% and 1% settings had significantly lower leukocyte concentrations than the 2% setting. Lymphocytes made up >89% of the leukocyte differential, while neutrophils represented <11% of the differential at each setting. There was a significant increase in PDGF and bFGF, a significant decrease in IGF-1, and no change in VEGF, with no difference among settings.

Conclusion:

The system consistently concentrated platelets 5 times but was unable to reduce leukocytes, therefore resulting in leukocyte-rich PRP at each setting tested. Leukocytes had a differential composition of >89% lymphocytes and <11% neutrophils. For all settings, PDGF and bFGF were concentrated; IGF-1 was reduced; and VEGF was not significantly different from baseline.

Clinical Relevance:

These data can serve to guide clinicians considering using this particular PRP system. It consistently yielded leukocyte-rich PRP with a lymphocyte-predominant/neutrophil-reduced profile. Further research is needed to better understand how to apply this specific PRP in clinical practice.
Deaths in the Neonatal ICU: A vignette
Authors: Fleishman Rachel
Published: March 2019

A narrative account of several deaths in the neonatal intensive care unit, detailing the author's journey in leading others through this process.
Healthcare Providers’ Experiences as Arts-Based Research Participants: “I Created My Story About Disability and Difference, Now What?”
Authors: Montgomery Phyllis , Mossey Sharolyn , Rice Carla , McCauley Karen , Chandler Eliza , Changfoot Nadine , Underhill Angela
Published: March 2019

Little is known about the experiences of healthcare providers as research participants in qualitative studies employing methods that encourage disclosure of their own disabilities. In this paper, we describe the experiences and implications of creating personal stories of disability and difference for healthcare provider participants in an arts-based study. The study design is a supplementary secondary analysis of a subset of data from a larger study focused on transforming negative concepts of disability and difference entitled, Mobilizing New Meanings of Disability and Difference: Using Arts-Based Approaches to Advance Healthcare Inclusion for Women with Disabilities. This supplementary study explores the experiences and perspectives of 17 healthcare provider participants who completed semi-structured interviews following creation of a multi-media story about their experience of disability or difference. Using creative non-fiction methods, two narrative streams are identified about healthcare provider experiences and the impacts of participating. The first addresses shared positive experiences about the research. The second entails more ambivalent reflections on their involvement as participants. The tension between the two experiences generates considerations to forward a mutually beneficial alliance to disrupt ableist understandings in healthcare and reveals new meanings of disability that are agential and integral to the stories and storytellers themselves.
Reflexivity in Qualitative Research
Authors: Dodgson Joan E.
Published: March 2019

All qualitative research is contextual; it occurs within a specific time and place between two or more people. If a researcher clearly describes the contextual intersecting relationships between the participants and themselves (reflexivity), it not only increases the creditability of the findings but also deepens our understanding of the work. The issues surrounding the researchers’ reflexivity are many and complex; however, journal space for discussing them may be very limited. Therefore the researcher has the responsibility of succinctly and clearly addressing these issues, so the reader can evaluate the research. Some of the ways that researchers can address reflexivity are discussed.
Determining Transgender: Adjudicating Gender Identity in U.S. Asylum Law
Authors: Vogler Stefan
Published: March 2019

Transgender legal protections have long been contentious issues, with courts often pathologizing or refusing recognition of transgender identities. Recently, however, courts adjudicating asylum claims have recognized “transgender” as a legitimate category of protection. I take this legal development as an opportunity to ask how courts determine if individuals are transgender. While previous work has shown how courts maintain the gender binary, asylum law offers the first chance to analyze how recognizing a distinct transgender category affects the legal gender order and the classification of trans claimants. Drawing on court decisions, ethnographic observations, and interviews, I argue that the recognition of transgender as a category implicitly acknowledges the malleability of gender. Yet, the adjudication of transgender asylum cases continues to uphold a fixed and binary conception of gender by assuming a “born into the wrong body” narrative and that claimants should always already know their gender identities. Courts thus enforce a cis–trans binary wherein only certain claimants are found “trans enough.”
Migrant boats on the high seas and their interception through psychologically coercive measures: Is there a case to extraterritorially apply human rights law?
Authors: Solomon Solon
Published: March 2019

During the last few years, States in the Pacific Rim as well as in the Mediterranean have engaged in the interception of migrant boats on the high seas assuming that since these interceptions take place outside their territorial boundaries, they are not governed by human rights law. In their attempts to intercept these boats, in some incidents, these States have employed non-physical, psychologically coercive means, such as warning shots, obliging migrant boats to give up any attempts to continue their journey. This article examines whether the use of such psychologically coercive means to change the boats’ change of route in the absence of initial physical contact between these boats and navy vessels, can constitute instances of effective control establishment and give rise to extraterritorial human rights law application.
Experimental analysis of the modal characteristics of rail fastening clips
Authors: Sun Linlin , Yan Ziquan , Xiao Junheng , Fang Hangwei , Cui Shukun
Published: March 2019

It is usually difficult to obtain the modal characteristics of the rail fastening clip analytically owing to its complex spatial structure and operating environments. Therefore, experimental modal testing is frequently adopted to identify the modal characteristics of rail fastening clips. This study takes the SKL 15 clip of the Vossloh 300-1 fastening system as the research object to analyse the following three aspects in great detail: (1) Locations of the measurement points are reasonably designed to capture all modes of the clip in the frequency range 0–1000 Hz. (2) The appropriate sensors are selected for the clip in different operating situations by comparing the measured results of three kinds of sensors, namely the accelerometer, laser vibrometer and sound pressure sensor. In addition, the test results suggest that the accelerometer which has a strong anti-disturbance ability in an ambient environment is recommended to be chosen in a noisy environment while the laser vibrometer and sound pressure sensor which have no added mass to the tested structures may be used in an indoor environment with suitable temperature and low noise. (3) In order to eliminate the effect of the additional mass on the modal characteristics of the clip, the accelerometer is recommended to be installed at the rear end of the side leg of the clips in the experimental modal test.
‘Quiet’ Transitional Justice: ‘Publicness’, Trust and Legitimacy in the Search for the ‘Disappeared’
Authors: Dempster Lauren
Published: March 2019

There is a pragmatic value to developing Transitional Justice (TJ) processes quietly. At first glance, such ‘quietness’ may seem to contradict the principles often associated with TJ, such as ‘publicness’, openness and the leaving behind of secrecy and silence. However, I argue that behind-the-scenes efforts and processes are an often-overlooked part of more public-facing TJ mechanisms, and that their quiet nature raises questions that should be more fully understood, particularly around the notions of trust and legitimacy. This article introduces the notion of ‘quiet’ TJ, drawing on the example of the establishment of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains – established to locate the remains of Northern Ireland’s ‘disappeared’. I argue that quiet diplomatic efforts in the development of legislation, and the ‘quiet’ passage of that legislation, facilitated the development of a workable mechanism which has, to a large extent, been effective, has facilitated (limited) truth recovery and the development of trust and can be argued to have legitimacy.
Kidney Pathophysiology, Toxicology, and Drug-Induced Injury in Drug Development
Authors: Radi Zaher A.
Published: March 2019

Anatomically, the kidneys are paired, bean-shaped (in most mammals), excretory organs that lie in the retroperitoneum. High blood flow to the kidneys, together with high oxygen consumption, makes them more vulnerable to exposure, via the circulation, and subsequent injury related to high concentrations of xenobiotics and chemicals. In preclinical drug development and safety assessment of new investigational drugs, changes in kidney structure and/or function following drug administration in experimental laboratory animals need to be put in context with interspecies differences in kidney functional anatomy, physiology, spontaneous pathologies, and toxicopathological responses to injury. In addition, translation to human relevance to avoid premature drug termination from development is vital. Thus, detection and characterization of kidney toxicity in preclinical species and human relevance will depend on the preclinical safety testing strategy and collective weight-of-evidence approach including new investigational drug mechanism of action (MOA), preclinical and clinical interspecies differences, and MOA relevance to humans. This review describes kidney macroscopic and microscopic functional anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, toxicology, and drug-induced kidney toxicities in safety risk assessment and drug development.
Advancing and Evaluating IRT Model Data Fit Indices in Organizational Research
Authors: Nye Christopher D. , Joo Seang-Hwane , Zhang Bo , Stark Stephen
Published: March 2019

Item response theory (IRT) models have a number of advantages for developing and evaluating scales in organizational research. However, these advantages can be obtained only when the IRT model used to estimate the parameters fits the data well. Therefore, examining IRT model fit is important before drawing conclusions from the data. To test model fit, a wide range of indices are available in the IRT literature and have demonstrated utility in past research. Nevertheless, the performance of many of these indices for detecting misfit has not been directly compared in simulations. The current study evaluates a number of these indices to determine their utility for detecting various types of misfit in both dominance and ideal point IRT models. Results indicate that some indices are more effective than others but that none of the indices accurately detected misfit due to multidimensionality in the data. The implications of these results for future organizational research are discussed.