bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Leptospirosis-Associated Severe Pulmonary Hemorrhagic Syndrome Successfully Treated with Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Umei Nao , Ichiba Shingo
Published: October 2017

Background. In patients with leptospirosis-associated severe pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome (SPHS), hypoxemia is the most common cause of death despite maximal mechanical ventilation. Case. A 50-year-old male sushi chef who had never traveled outside Japan presented with a 2-day history of fever and muscle pain. On admission, the patient had thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, and jaundice. His condition continued to deteriorate, with decreasing platelet count, worsening renal function, hyperbilirubinemia, hypotension, and respiratory distress. On day 5 after onset of symptoms, he required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Bronchoscopy showed diffuse endobronchial bleeding. His respiratory status worsened rapidly with a partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio of 70, necessitating venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) and treatment with an inotrope, renal replacement therapy, and broad-spectrum antibiotics including benzylpenicillin. Anticoagulation was maintained at the minimum level. His condition improved, and he was weaned off ECMO on day 15 and discharged on day 19 after onset of symptoms. The leptospirosis diagnosis was confirmed by leptospiral DNA detection in urine samples by polymerase chain reaction and the results of paired serum antibody titer testing. Conclusions. V-V ECMO may prevent mortality in patients with leptospirosis-induced SPHS that does not respond to conventional therapy.
Sp17 Protein Expression and Major Histocompatibility Class I and II Epitope Presentation in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Ait-Tahar Kamel , Anderson Amanda P. , Barnardo Martin , Collins Graham P. , Hatton Chris S. R. , Banham Alison H. , Pulford Karen
Published: October 2017

Improved therapies are urgently needed for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Success using immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cell technology has fuelled demand for validated cancer epitopes. Immunogenic cancer testis antigens (CTAs), with their widespread expression in many tumours but highly restricted normal tissue distribution, represent attractive immunotherapeutic targets that may improve treatment options for DLBCL and other malignancies. Sperm protein 17 (Sp17), a CTA reported to be immunogenic in ovarian cancer and myeloma patients, is expressed in DLBCL. The aim of the present study was to investigate Sp17 epitope presentation via the presence of a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) and a CD4 T-helper (Th) response in DLBCL patients. A significant γ-interferon CTL response was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 13/31 DLBCL patients following short-term cell stimulation with two novel HLA-A⁎0201 peptides and one previously reported HLA-A⁎0101-restricted nine-mer Sp17 peptide. No significant responses were detected in the HLA-A⁎0201-negative DLBCL patients or four healthy subjects. A novel immunogenic 20-mer CD4 Th Sp17 peptide was detected in 8/17 DLBCL patients. This is the first report of a CTL and a CD4 Th response to Sp17 in DLBCL and supports Sp17 as a potential immunotherapeutic target for DLBCL.
Synchronous Occurrence of Primary Breast Carcinoma and Primary Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yetkin Gurkan , Celayir Fevzi , Akgun Ismail Ethem , Ucak Ramazan
Published: October 2017

A 65-year-old female patient presented to the emergency clinic with abdominal pain, meteorism, and intermittent rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy was performed, and a hepatic flexure tumor was detected. Histopathological examination of biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. Thoracoabdominal CT was performed for staging, and a spiculated contour mass was found incidentally on the left breast. Mammography and ultrasonography were performed for the cause of these findings, and suspicious lesions of malignancy were seen in the left breast. Invasive ductal carcinoma was detected in core needle biopsy samples from lesions. In the multidisciplinary council consisting of oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, and general surgery specialist, it was decided to perform breast operation first and then colon operation, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. In the first operation, left total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy were performed. One week after her initial operation, the patient underwent right hemicolectomy. After operations, the patient did not develop postoperative complications and was sent to medical oncology department for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Dietary Polyphenols in the Prevention of Stroke
Authors: Tressera-Rimbau A. , Arranz S. , Eder M. , Vallverdú-Queralt A.
Published: October 2017

Polyphenols have an important protective role against a number of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, brain dysfunction, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death worldwide: more people die annually from cardiovascular diseases than from any other cause. The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excess alcohol intake. The dietary consumption of polyphenols has shown to be inversely associated with morbidity and mortality by cardio‐ and cerebrovascular diseases. It is well‐known that the protective effects of polyphenols in vivo depend on the grade how they are extracted from food and on their intestinal absorption, metabolism, and biological action with target tissues. The aim of this review was to summarise the relation between polyphenols of different plant sources and stroke in human intervention studies, animal models, and in vitro studies.
Associations of Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation with Body Fat in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Warren Jonathan L. , Gower Barbara A. , Hunter Gary R. , Windham Samuel T. , Moellering Douglas R. , Fisher Gordon
Published: October 2017

Higherin vivofatty acid (FA) oxidation rates have been reported in obese individuals compared to lean counterparts; however whether this reflects a shift in substrate-specific oxidative capacity at the level of the skeletal muscle mitochondria has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in situ measures of skeletal muscle mitochondria FA oxidation would be positively associated with total body fat. Participants were 38 premenopausal women (BMI=26.5±4.3 kg/m2). Total and regional fat were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mitochondrial FA oxidation was assessed in permeabilized myofibers using high-resolution respirometry and a palmitoyl carnitine substrate. We found positive associations of total fat mass with State 3 (ADP-stimulated respiration) (r=0.379,p<0.05) and the respiratory control ratio (RCR, measure of mitochondrial coupling) (r=0.348,p<0.05). When participants were dichotomized by high or low body fat percent, participants with high total body fat displayed a higher RCR compared to those with low body fat (p<0.05). There were no associations between any measure of regional fat and mitochondrial FA oxidation independent of total fat mass. In conclusion, greater FA oxidation in obesity may reflect molecular processes that enhance FA oxidation capacity at the mitochondrial level.
Simultaneous Determination of Six Active Components in Oviductus Ranae via Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponents by Single Marker
Authors: Wang Shihan , Xu Yang , Wang Yanwei , Yang Huailei , Lv Zuying , Jin Xiangqun , Wang Yongsheng
Published: October 2017

A method, quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS), was established in this article to investigate the quality control of a traditional Chinese medicine, Oviductus Ranae. 7-Hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, 4-cholesten-3-one, stigmasterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and cholesterol were selected as the indexes of quality evaluation of Oviductus Rana. The determination was achieved on an Agilent HC-C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) using methanol with water (87 : 13 v/v) as mobile phase at the flow rate of 2.0 mL/min. Cholesterol was used as an internal standard to determine the relative correction factors between cholesterol and other steroidal constituents in Oviductus Ranae. The contents of those steroidal constituents were calculated at the same time. To evaluate the QAMS method, an external standard method was used to determine the contents of six steroidal constituents. No significant difference was observed when comparing the quantitative results of QAMS with the results of external standard method. The proposed QAMS method was proved to be accurate and feasible based on methodological experiments. QAMS provided a simple, efficient, economical, and accurate way to control the quality of Oviductus Ranae.
Multilayered Omics-Based Analysis of a Head and Neck Cancer Model of Cisplatin Resistance Reveals Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Treatment-Induced Clonal Selection
Authors: Niehr Franziska , Eder Theresa , Pilz Tanja , Konschak Robert , Treue Denise , Klauschen Frederick , Bockmayr Michael , Türkmen Seval , Jöhrens Korinna , Budach Volker , Tinhofer Ingeborg
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Platinum-based drugs, in particular cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II), CDDP), are used for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Despite initial responses, CDDP treatment often results in chemoresistance, leading to therapeutic failure. The role of primary resistance at subclonal level and treatment-induced clonal selection in the development of CDDP resistance remains unknown.

Experimental Design: By applying targeted next-generation sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, microarray-based transcriptome, and mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteome analysis to the CDDP-sensitive SCCHN cell line FaDu, a CDDP-resistant subline, and single-cell derived subclones, the molecular basis of CDDP resistance was elucidated. The causal relationship between molecular features and resistant phenotypes was determined by siRNA-based gene silencing. The clinical relevance of molecular findings was validated in patients with SCCHN with recurrence after CDDP-based chemoradiation and the TCGA SCCHN dataset.

Results: Evidence of primary resistance at clonal level and clonal selection by long-term CDDP treatment was established in the FaDu model. Resistance was associated with aneuploidy of chromosome 17, increased TP53 copy-numbers and overexpression of the gain-of-function (GOF) mutant variant p53R248L. siRNA-mediated knockdown established a causal relationship between mutant p53R248L and CDDP resistance. Resistant clones were also characterized by increased activity of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway. The poor prognostic value of GOF TP53 variants and mTOR pathway upregulation was confirmed in the TCGA SCCHN cohort.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a link of intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution as important mechanisms of drug resistance in SCCHN and establishes mutant GOF TP53 variants and the PI3K/mTOR pathway as molecular targets for treatment optimization. Clin Cancer Res; 24(1); 158–68. ©2017 AACR.
Life-Threatening Atypical Case of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
Authors: Tajmir-Riahi Azadeh , Wörl Petra , Harrer Thomas , Schliep Stefan , Schuler Gerold , Simon Miklos
Published: October 2017

Antibiotics are known to cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions, such as the rare acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Unlike Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, AGEP is rarely life-threatening. Systemic involvement is not typical, and if present usually coincides with a mild elevation of the hepatic enzymes and a decrease in renal function. Hence, AGEP is known to have a good prognosis and to be life-threatening only in elderly patients or patients with chronic diseases. Herein, we report a case of AGEP in a young healthy male leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and to treatment in an intensive care unit after being treated with 5 different antibiotics. Initial symptoms were not indicative for AGEP and the patient's course of disease led promptly to critical cardiorespiratory symptoms and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. We assume that the administration of the 5 different antibiotics resulted in type IV allergy as well as secondary infection with Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus, while the underlying periodontitis also contributed to the severity of this case.
Online Education and e-Consent for GeneScreen, a Preventive Genomic Screening Study
Authors: Cadigan R. Jean , Butterfield Rita , Rini Christine , Waltz Margaret , Kuczynski Kristine J. , Muessig Kristin , Goddard Katrina A.B. , Henderson Gail E.
Published: October 2017

Background: Online study recruitment is increasingly popular, but we know little about the decision making that goes into joining studies in this manner. In GeneScreen, a genomic screening study that utilized online education and consent, we investigated participants' perceived ease when deciding to join and their understanding of key study features. Methods: Individuals were recruited via mailings that directed them to a website where they could learn more about GeneScreen, consent to participate, and complete a survey. Results: Participants found it easy to decide to join GeneScreen and had a good understanding of study features. Multiple regression analyses revealed that ease of deciding to join was related to confidence in one's genetic self-efficacy, limited concerns about genetic screening, trust in and lack of frustration using the website, and the ability to spend a limited time on the website. Understanding of study features was related to using the Internet more frequently and attaining more information about GeneScreen conditions. Conclusions: The ease of deciding to join a genomic screening study and comprehension of its key features should be treated as different phenomena in research and practice. There is a need for a more nuanced understanding of how individuals respond to web-based consent information.
Cognitive Aging in Dogs
Authors: Chapagain Durga , Range Friederike , Huber Ludwig , Virányi Zsófia
Published: October 2017

A decline in the physical or mental health of older dogs can be a challenge for the owners, whose relationship with their dog is compromised by the cognitive and behavioral changes in their dogs. Although dog owners tend to consider many physiological and behavioral changes in old dogs as part of the normal aging process, it is important to differentiate between normal aging and pathologic aging, since behavioral changes may be the first indication of declining health and welfare in old dogs. Most reviews on cognitive aging in dogs have focused on translational approaches to human Alzheimer's disease; from a practical perspective, however, understanding normal cognitive aging in pet dogs and screening cognitively affected dogs are important in their own right. Here we review the literature on different cognitive functions that decline during aging, signs of cognitive dysfunction, screening methods, and preventive measures for age-related cognitive decline. Moreover, we discuss the drawbacks of using questionnaires as subjective measures of aging and propose the development of objective methods to distinguish normal cognitive aging from severe cognitive dysfunction. We suggest that multi-targeted approaches that combine owner-evaluated questionnaires with neuropsychological tests can be most effective in screening cognitively affected dogs from normally aging dogs. Regarding preventive measures, we conclude that combinations of dietary intervention and behavioral enrichment may be more beneficial than single-pathway manipulations in delaying cognitive aging or retaining various cognitive functions during aging.
Balancing New against Old Information: The Role of Puzzlement Surprise in Learning
Authors: Faraji Mohammadjavad , Preuschoff Kerstin , Gerstner Wulfram
Published: October 2017

Surprise describes a range of phenomena from unexpected events to behavioral responses. We propose a novel measure of surprise and use it for surprise-driven learning. Our surprise measure takes into account data likelihood as well as the degree of commitment to a belief via the entropy of the belief distribution. We find that surprise-minimizing learning dynamically adjusts the balance between new and old information without the need of knowledge about the temporal statistics of the environment. We apply our framework to a dynamic decision-making task and a maze exploration task. Our surprise-minimizing framework is suitable for learning in complex environments, even if the environment undergoes gradual or sudden changes, and it could eventually provide a framework to study the behavior of humans and animals as they encounter surprising events.
A Comparative Analysis of Chinese Historical Sources and y-dna Studies with Regard to the Early and Medieval Turkic Peoples
Authors: Lee Joo-Yup , Kuang Shuntu
Published: October 2017

In the past 10 years, geneticists have investigated the genetic variation of modern Turkic populations as well as ancientdnaof the Xiongnu and others. The accumulated findings of these surveys, however, have not been adequately noted by specialists in Inner Asian history. In order to fill this gap, we conducted a comparative analysis of textual information and genetic survey data on the early and medieval Turkic peoples. First, we examined the information on the origins, identity, and physiognomy of the early and medieval Turkic peoples contained in the Chinese Standard Histories (zhengshi正史). We then discussed how the findings of genetic surveys complement the textual information. Both Chinese histories and moderndnastudies indicate that the early and medieval Turkic peoples were made up of heterogeneous populations. The Turkicisation of central and western Eurasia was not the product of migrations involving a homogeneous entity, but that of language diffusion.
Milk, Game or Grain for a Manchurian Outpost
Authors: Bello David
Published: October 2017

The long record of imperial China’s Inner Asian borderland relations is not simply multi-ethnic, but ‘multi-environmental’. Human dependencies on livestock, wild animals and cereal cultivars were the prerequisite environmental relations for borderland incorporation. This paper examines such dependencies during the Qing Dynasty’s (1644–1912) establishment of the Manchurian garrison of Hulun Buir near the Qing border with Russia. Garrison logistics proved challenging because provisioning involved several indigenous groups—Solon-Ewenki, Bargut and Dagur (Daur)—who did not uniformly subsist on livestock, game or grain, but instead exhibited several, sometimes overlapping, practices not always confined within a single ethnicity. Ensuing deliberations reveal official convictions, some of which can be traced back to the preceding Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), regarding the variable effects of these practices on the formation of Inner Asian military identities. Such issues were distinctive of Qing borderland dynamics that constructed ‘Chinese’ empire not only in more diverse human society, but also in more diverse ecological spheres.
Local Representations of Evenkiness and Managing Identities among Evenki Adolescents in Buryatia
Authors: Huusko Svetlana
Published: October 2017

This article explores Evenki adolescents’ response to Russian representations of indigeneity in Buryatia (Russia) to gain an understanding of how Indigenous adolescents negotiate their space and identity in the context of local representations of Evenkiness. I position indigenous identity within social interactions. In Russia, these relations are not only political in nature, but also are located within a set of institutionally sanctioned dominant discourses and stereotypes based on them. The results show that Evenki adolescents in Nizhneangarsk often employ a strategy of managing ethnic identities, which could be viewed as a product of cultural-political context, formed during the Soviet Union and reinforced by modern Russian politics. It is a product of marginalisation and manifestation of assimilation of the Evenkis.
Buddhism and Kalmyk Secular Law in the Seventeenth to Nineteenth Centuries
Authors: Ulanov Mergen S. , Badmaev Valeriy N. , Holland Edward C.
Published: October 2017

Buddhism endorses a set of rules and standards of conduct set out in the religion’s canonical texts. The text of the 1640 Steppe Code, both a peace treaty among the Mongols and an attempt at alliance buildingvis-à-visthe Manchus, also reflects the adaptation of the ethical norms of Buddhism to secular law and political relations. Secular law among the Kalmyks further evolved in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Toktols issued by Khan Donduk-Dashi in the eighteenth century addressed a wide range of religious and secular elements in Kalmyk life, while also serving to strengthen the moral authority of the Buddhist clergy. Further revisions to Kalmyk law and the position of Buddhism within the secular system were promulgated at the Jinjil assembly in 1822. The Kalmyks’ inclusion of religious provisions in secular law helped to strengthen the connection between Buddhism and Kalmyk society, consolidating the normative role of religion as the basis for secular conduct and action.
Treating anxiety and depression in young adults: A randomised controlled trial comparing clinician-guided versus self-guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy
Authors: Dear Blake F , Fogliati Vincent J , Fogliati Rhiannon , Johnson Bareena , Boyle Olivia , Karin Eyal , Gandy Milena , Kayrouz Rony , Staples Lauren G , Titov Nickolai
Published: October 2017

Background:

Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy may increase access by young adults to evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of an Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy intervention designed for adults aged 18–24 years, when delivered in clinician-guided versus self-guided formats.

Design:

The intervention, the Mood Mechanic Course, is a transdiagnostic treatment that simultaneously targets symptoms of anxiety and depression using cognitive and behavioural skills. The brief intervention comprised four lessons, delivered over 5 weeks. Following a brief telephone interview, young adults ( n = 191) with symptoms of anxiety and depression were randomly allocated to either (1) clinician-guided treatment ( n = 96) or (2) self-guided treatment ( n = 95).

Results:

At post treatment, large reductions (average improvement; clinician guided vs self-guided) were observed in symptoms of anxiety (44% vs 35%) and depression (40% vs 31%) in both groups. Significant improvements were also observed in general psychological distress (33% vs 29%), satisfaction with life (18% vs 15%) and disability (36% vs 29%). No marked or consistent differences in clinical outcomes emerged between conditions at post-treatment, at 3-month or 12-month follow-up. Satisfaction was high with both treatment formats, but slightly higher for clinician-guided treatment.

Conclusion:

These results indicate the potential of carefully developed Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy interventions for young adults with anxiety and depression provided in either self or therapist-guided format. Further large-scale research is required to determine the short- and long-term advantages and disadvantages of different models of support.
Shared Reading and Television Across the Perinatal Period in Low-SES Households
Authors: Hutton John S. , Lin Li , Gruber Rachel , Berndsen Jennifer , DeWitt Thomas , Van Ginkel Judith B. , Ammerman Robert T.
Published: October 2017

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that shared reading commence as soon as possible after birth and screen-based media be discouraged for those less than 18 months old. Early routines can predict long-term use and health outcomes. This longitudinal study involved low-socioeconomic status mothers (n = 282) enrolled in home visiting. Surveys were administered prenatally and at 2 months old regarding shared reading and infant television viewing, and health literacy was screened prenatally. Planned age to initiate reading decreased from 2.8 to 1.8 months old, 80% reading by 2 months old, averaging 1 to 3 days per week, with “too busy” being the major barrier. Planned age for infant TV decreased from 13.2 to 4.3 months old, 68% viewing by 2 months old and more than half daily. TV was observed in 70% of infant sleep environments. Health literacy was correlated with perceived developmental benefits of shared reading (positively) and TV viewing (negatively), 43% of mothers scoring at risk for inadequate levels. A majority cited the prenatal period as opportune to discuss reading and TV.
Enhancing South Asia Power Trading
Authors: Singh Bhupendra Kumar
Published: October 2017

South Asia has witnessed a growing imbalance between energy demand and its supply from indigenous sources resulting in increased import dependence. No South Asian country is going to be able to meet its energy needs entirely from within its own domestic resources. Energy endowments differ among the South Asian countries, and the countries in the region could benefit significantly by strengthening mechanism of energy trade through improved connectivity. Therefore, greater cooperation within South Asia could be one of the most effective ways to deal with this regional energy deficit and ensure energy security of the region. However, there are many issues which hamper power trading in this region. The governments of the region would thus need to take an active role in fostering cross-border energy investments and promotion of regional energy trade in order to take full advantage of the energy resources available within the region and its neighbourhood.
Is ☺ Smiling? Cross-Cultural Study on Recognition of Emoticon’s Emotion
Authors: Takahashi Kohske , Oishi Takanori , Shimada Masaki
Published: October 2017

Emoticons are getting more popular as the new communication channel to express feelings in online communication. Although familiarity to emoticons depends on cultures, how exposure matters in emotion recognition from emoticon is still open. To address this issue, we conducted a cross-cultural experimental study among Cameroon and Tanzania (hunter-gatherers, swidden farmers, pastoralists, and city dwellers) wherein people rarely experience emoticons and Japan wherein emoticons are popular. Emotional emoticons (e.g., ☺) as well as pictures of real faces were presented on a tablet device. The stimuli expressed a sad, neutral, or happy feeling. The participants rated the emotion of stimulus on a Sad–Happy Scale. We found that the emotion rating for the real faces was slightly different but similar among three cultural groups, which supported the “dialect” view of emotion recognition. Contrarily, while Japanese people were also sensitive to the emotion of emoticons, Cameroonian and Tanzanian people hardly read emotion from emoticons. These results suggested that the exposure to emoticons would shape the sensitivity to emotion recognition of emoticons, that is, ☺ does not necessarily look smiling to everyone.
Martin Luther and the Jews: Context and Content
Authors: Bell Dean
Published: October 2017

The subject of the Jews and Judaism was central to much of Martin Luther’s writings and thought. While important for and informed by his own developing theology, Luther’s treatment of the Jews and Judaism also drew from a well of religious and historical sources and must be placed into several contexts. On the 500th anniversary of Luther’s 95 Theses, this article provides an overview and explores the complexities of Luther’s attitudes towards Jews and Judaism.
Explaining the declined affordability of housing for low-income private renters across Western Europe
Authors: Dewilde Caroline
Published: October 2017

The private rented sector (PRS) recently enjoyed a revival, in particular in the years before and after the Great Financial Crisis (GFC). At the same time however, affordability concerns have come to the fore. The main aim of this paper is to explain trends in housing affordability for lower-income households in the PRS across Western European countries, from a supply versus demand perspective. To this end we: (1) related trends in housing affordability to wider changes in housing systems, welfare regimes, demographic indicators and housing market financialisation; and (2) decomposed affordability trends in terms of rents and incomes, controlling for compositional shifts. We incorporated the spatial dimension by distinguishing between urban and rural regions. Although we could not explicitly test for the more fine-grained mechanisms relating housing market financialisation to increased ‘unaffordability’ of PRS-housing, our findings nevertheless warrant future research into this topic. In particular in countries with strong financialisation (Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal) decreasing affordability arises from the fact that during the period 1995–2007 private rent increases were not compensated for sufficiently by income growth. We furthermore found that across urban regions, between 1995 and 2007, affordability worsened through demand pressure arising from in-migration. Changes after the GFC (up to 2013) were more limited and diverse.
Studying the Internet and Violent conflict
Authors: Gohdes Anita R.
Published: October 2017

The role of the Internet in contemporary violent conflicts is receiving increasing scholarly attention. In this article, I review some of the pioneering studies that investigate how the emergence and penetration of modern communication technology across the world influences violent conflicts. Building on these important findings, I propose four entry points for future research. First, research on the link between the Internet and violent conflict needs to account for the profound changes the Internet has undergone in past decades, as well as the extent to which its nature is becoming increasingly endogenous to local contexts. Second, little is currently known about the effects of communication technology in violent conflict that move beyond initial mobilization. Third, architectural and algorithmic designs of social media platforms heavily influence the possibilities and constraints of human interactions on the Internet, but to date remain understudied. Fourth, further studies are needed to understand how the Internet has changed how violent conflict is communicated and portrayed both online and offline.
Genetic non-discrimination policy in Canada: Assessing windows of opportunity for policy change
Authors: Caggiano Adriana V. , Al Kindi Said Y. , Randall Glen E.
Published: October 2017

As the ease of obtaining genetic information for both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases has become increasingly common, so have concerns about the misuse of such information. The obstacles Canada faces in adopting genetic non-discrimination legislation have left health leaders with a lack of clear direction. Using the Kingdon agenda-setting framework, this article will identify lost opportunities for policy change and will analyze the potential for the adoption of a genetic non-discrimination policy in Canada. Windows of opportunity for policy change have existed in the past, but these windows have closed prior to a policy being adopted. More recently, the alignment of problem, policy, and politics streams in the agenda-setting process has resulted in a new window of opportunity. The adoption of a clear and coherent policy will provide the public with protection and health leaders with greater direction around genetic information.
Development of nanocellulose-reinforced PLA nanocomposite by using maleated PLA (PLA-g-MA)
Authors: Ghasemi Somayeh , Behrooz Rabi , Ghasemi Ismail , Yassar Reza Shahbazian , Long Fei
Published: October 2017

The goal of this research was improving the mechanical and physical properties of poly lactic acid (PLA) using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as reinforcing and maleated PLA (PLA-g-MA) as a compatibilizer. PLA/nanocellulose composites were prepared through melt mixing with maleated PLA (5 wt%) and two levels of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) (3 and 5 wt%) using twin screw extrusion. Nanocomposites fracture morphology, thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical behavior were determined as a function of cellulose nanofibers and PLA grafted on maleic anhydride content using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, heat distortion temperature (HDT), impact, and tensile testing. The SEM micrographs confirmed the uniform dispersion of CNF within PLA matrix in the presence of maleated PLA. Among nanocellulose and compatibilizer, the latter one has better role in enhancement of nanocomposites HDT. Compatibilized nanocomposites (PLA/CNF5/PLAgMA5) exhibited maximum impact strength which was 131% higher than that of neat PLA. Compared to pure PLA, 138 and 40% improvements for the tensile strength and Young’s modulus can be obtained for the resulting nanocomposite with PLA/CNF5/PLAgMA5, respectively.
Image-based modeling of moisture-induced swelling and stress in 2D textile composite materials using a global-local approach
Authors: Sinchuk Y , Pannier Y , Gueguen M , Gigliotti M
Published: October 2017

The present paper focuses on the employment of a global-local approach for the simulation of moisture-induced swelling and stress in a 2D textile carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composite material. The approach is based on the development of a robust image-based finite element model built starting from X-ray microtomography scans of a repetitive unit cell of the textile material: simulations aim at investigating both the global (sample scale) level and the local micromechanical (interfaces between matrix and fibrous tows, matrix inside a tow) level behaviour. Three models at the different cited scales are first built (ply level model, tow level and fiber level model): then a non-concurrent (node-based) approach is used for coupling the models at different scales. The results of numerical simulation of moisture-induced swelling and stress are discussed, with emphasis on the identification of the most critical zones at which maximal stress values are calculated, at different scales.
Modular design of artificial potential field and nonlinear model predictive control for a vehicle collision avoidance system with move blocking strategy
Authors: Abdul Hamid Umar Zakir , Zamzuri Hairi , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Abdul Rahman Mohd Azizi , Saito Yuichi , Raksincharoensak Pongsathorn
Published: October 2017

The collision avoidance (CA) system is a pivotal part of the autonomous vehicle. Ability to navigate the vehicle in various hazardous scenarios demands reliable actuator interventions. In a complex CA scenario, the increased nonlinearity requires a dependable control strategy. For example, during collisions with a sudden appearing obstacle (i.e. crossing pedestrian, vehicle), the abrupt increment of vehicle longitudinal and lateral forces summation during the CA maneuver demands a system with the ability to handle coupled nonlinear dynamics. Failure to address the aforementioned issues will result in collisions and near-miss incidents. Thus, to solve these issues, a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC)-based path tracking strategy is proposed as the automated motion guidance for the host vehicle CA architecture. The system is integrated with the artificial potential field (APF) as the motion planning strategy. In a hazardous scenario, APF measures the collision risks and formulates the desired yaw rate and deceleration metrics for the path replanning. APF ensures an optimal replanned trajectory by including the vehicle dynamics into its optimization formulation. NMPC then acts as the coupled path and speed tracking controller to enable vehicle navigation. To accommodate vehicle comfort during the avoidance, NMPC is constrained. Due to its complexity as a nonlinear controller, NMPC can be time-consuming. Therefore, a move blocking strategy is assimilated within the architecture to decrease the system’s computational burden. The modular nature of the architecture allows each strategy to be tuned and developed independently without affecting each others’ performance. The system’s tracking performance is analyzed by computational simulations with several CA scenarios (crossing pedestrian, parked bus, and sudden appearing moving vehicle at an intersection). NMPC tracking performance is compared to the nominal MPC and linear controllers. The effect of move blocking strategies on NMPC performance are analyzed, and the results are compared in terms of mean squared error values. The inclusion of nonlinear tracking controllers in the architecture is shown to provide reliable CA actions in various hazardous scenarios. The work is important for the development of a reliable controller strategy for multi-scenario CA of the fully autonomous vehicle.
Reliability assessment on the degradation properties of polymers under operating temperature and vibration conditions
Authors: Doh Jaehyeok , Kim Sang-Woo , Lee Jongsoo
Published: October 2017

This study focuses on the design of polymer components considering their degradation under designed operating conditions in automobiles. We use stochastic and statistical methods to ensure that such components are reliable and robust. The behaviours of polymers are described using a viscoelastic model, and degradation properties of polymers are obtained from creep and tensile data that are acquired at various temperatures. Using the Maxwell fluid model, we calculate the Prony series, which estimates viscoelastic models based on creep data. By considering Prony coefficients that describe degradation characteristics, this approach generates stress data via a frequency-response analysis of polymer components in automobiles. These data are used to generate performance functions by the response surface method. We assess the reliability considering the variation of temperature-dependent degradation properties and the areas of the peak frequency. In this study, degraded properties and frequencies are assumed to have a normal distribution, and we evaluate the reliability and probability of failure under the yield strength criteria using a Monte Carlo simulation. We then compare the reliability and failure probabilities of the given polymers in an automotive component. Based on these comparisons, we suggest the most suitable polymeric materials for use in automotive applications.
The impact of Chlamydia trachomatis infection on sperm parameters and male fertility: A comprehensive study
Authors: Moazenchi M , Totonchi M , Salman Yazdi R , Hratian K , Mohseni Meybodi MA , Ahmadi Panah M , Chehrazi M , Mohseni Meybodi A
Published: October 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), an obligate intracellular bacterium, requires living cells to replicate. Half of men infected with CT are asymptomatic. CT infection can persist for up to four years within couples and affect their fertility. Chlamydia infection in men acts as a reservoir for transmission to women and can cause urinary tract inflammation, sperm DNA damage, and acute epididymitis. Semen samples from 1080 subfertile patients with normal and abnormal spermograms were examined to detect the presence of CT. An ELISA test was used to detect the presence of anti-CT IgA in these patients’ seminal plasma. CT infection was also confirmed by molecular investigation using specific primers. In order to evaluate the effect of CT infections on the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), 40 CT-infected cases and 20 CT-negative controls were analyzed by a Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay using flow cytometry. Among 1080 patients with poor sperm parameters, 155 (14.3%) patients were diagnosed with CT, 11% among those with semen abnormalities and 26% among those without semen abnormalities patients. The DFI was statistically higher in cases than in controls (p < 0.05). Given the prevalence of infection and also the high frequency of asymptomatic CT infection among infertile individuals with poor sperm parameters, screening for infection in these patients is essential in order to avoid adverse sequelae. We propose that the higher rate of DFI in CT-infected infertile men might be an underlying cause of their infertility and this warrants greater attention.
The Narcissism Epidemic Is Dead; Long Live the Narcissism Epidemic
Authors: Wetzel Eunike , Brown Anna , Hill Patrick L. , Chung Joanne M. , Robins Richard W. , Roberts Brent W.
Published: October 2017

Are recent cohorts of college students more narcissistic than their predecessors? To address debates about the so-called “narcissism epidemic,” we used data from three cohorts of students (1990s: N = 1,166; 2000s: N = 33,647; 2010s: N = 25,412) to test whether narcissism levels (overall and specific facets) have increased across generations. We also tested whether our measure, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), showed measurement equivalence across the three cohorts, a critical analysis that had been overlooked in prior research. We found that several NPI items were not equivalent across cohorts. Models accounting for nonequivalence of these items indicated a small decline in overall narcissism levels from the 1990s to the 2010s ( d = −0.27). At the facet level, leadership ( d = −0.20), vanity ( d = −0.16), and entitlement ( d = −0.28) all showed decreases. Our results contradict the claim that recent cohorts of college students are more narcissistic than earlier generations of college students.
Supporting energy regulation by monitoring land motion on a regional and national scale: A case study of Scotland
Authors: Sowter Andrew , Athab Ahmed , Novellino Alessandro , Grebby Stephen , Gee David
Published: October 2017

The advent of new satellite and data processing techniques have meant that routine, operational and reliable surveys of land motion on a regional and national scale are now possible. In this paper, we apply a novel satellite remote sensing technique, the Intermittent Small Baseline Subset method, to data from a new satellite mission, Sentinel-1, and demonstrate that a wide area map of ground deformation can be generated that supports the regulation of a range of energy-related activities. The area for the demonstration is mainland Scotland (∼75,000 km2) and the land motion map required the processing of some 627 images acquired from March 2015 to April 2017. The results show that land motion is encountered almost everywhere across Scotland, dominated by subsidence over peatland areas. However, many other phenomena are also encountered including landslides and deformation associated with mining and civil engineering activities. Considering specifically Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence areas offered under the 14th Onshore Licensing Round in the UK, examples of the types of land motion are shown, including an example related to soil restoration by a wind farm. It is demonstrated that, in Scotland at least, almost all licence areas contain deformation of one form or another and, furthermore, the causes of that subsidence are dynamic and likely to be changing from year-to-year. Therefore, maps like this are likely to be of enormous use in a regulatory framework to scope out pre-existing problems in a licence area and to ensure that the correct monitoring framework is put in place once activities begin. They can also provide evidence of good practice and give assurance against litigation by third parties.
Australian elapid snake envenomation in cats: Clinical priorities and approach
Authors: Mcalees Trudi J , Abraham Linda A
Published: October 2017

Practical relevance:

No fewer than 140 species of terrestrial snakes reside in Australia, 92 of which possess venom glands. With the exception of the brown tree snake, the venom-producing snakes belong to the family Elapidae. The venom of a number of elapid species is more toxic than that of the Indian cobra and eastern diamondback rattle snake, which has earned Australia its reputation for being home to the world’s most venomous snakes.

Clinical challenges:

The diagnosis of elapid snake envenomation is not always easy. Identification of Australian snakes is not straightforward and there are no pathognomonic clinical signs. In cats, diagnosis of envenomation is confounded by the fact that, in most cases, there is a delay in seeking veterinary attention, probably because snake encounters are not usually witnessed by owners, and also because of the tendency of cats to hide and seek seclusion when unwell. Although the administration of antivenom is associated with improved outcomes, the snake venom detection kit and antivenom are expensive and so their use may be precluded if there are financial constraints.

Evidence base:

In providing comprehensive guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of Australian elapid snake envenomation in cats, the authors of this review draw on the published veterinary, medical and toxicology literature, as well as their professional experience as specialists in medicine, and emergency medicine and critical care.
Excess mortality in Italy: Should we care about low influenza vaccine uptake?
Authors: Fausto Francia , Paolo Pandolfi , Anna Odone , Carlo Signorelli
Published: October 2017

Aims: The aims of this study were to explore 2015 mortality data further and to assess excess deaths’ determinants. Methods: We analysed data from a large metropolitan area in the north of Italy, the city of Bologna. We took advantage of a comprehensive local-level database and merged three different data sources to analitically explore reported 2014–2015 excess mortality and its determinants. Effect estimates were derived from multivariable Poisson regression analysis, according to vaccination status and frailty index. Results: We report 9.8% excess mortality in 2015 compared to 2014, with seasonal and age distribution patterns in line with national figures. All-cause mortality in the elderly population is 36% higher (risk ratio [RR]=1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–1.45) in subjects not vaccinated against seasonal flu compared to vaccinated subjects, with risk of death for influenza or pneumonia being 43% higher (RR=1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.00) in unvaccinated subjects. Conclusions: Reported excess mortality’s determinants in Italy should be further explored. Elderly subjects not vaccinated against the flu appear to have increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality compared to vaccinated subjects after accounting for possible confounders. Our findings raise awareness of the need to promote immunisation against the flu among elder populations and offer insights to plan and implement effective public-health interventions.
Conceptual Frameworks to Guide Design
Authors: Smith Philip J.
Published: October 2017

This is a response providing some thoughts triggered by the paper “Issues in Human–Automation Interaction Modeling: Presumptive Aspects of Frameworks of Types and Levels of Automation,” by David Kaber. The key theme is that in order to debate the relative merits of different conceptual frameworks to guide human–automation interaction design efforts, we need a richer understanding of the psychology of design. We need to better understand how contributions by the field of cognitive engineering really affect the efforts of system designers.
Balloon sandwich technique for retrieval of fractured delivery wire of pipeline stent
Authors: Cerejo Russell , Bain Mark , Masaryk Thomas
Published: October 2017

Delivery wire fracture of flow-diverter stents are rare but have been described. We describe a video case of a successful technique to retrieve such a fractured delivery wire by using a balloon microcatheter and the intermediate catheter when other proven methods may fail.