bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Inflammatory Activity and Extracellular Matrix Degradation for the Prediction of Aneurysm Rupture
Authors: Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Kaufmann Jan O. , Adams Lisa C. , Onthank David C. , Thöne-Reineke Christa , Robinson Simon P. , Buchholz Rebecca , Karst Uwe , Botnar Rene M. , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Molecular magnetic resonance imaging is a promising modality for the characterization of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The combination of different molecular imaging biomarkers may improve the assessment of the risk of rupture. This study investigates the feasibility of imaging inflammatory activity and extracellular matrix degradation by concurrent dual-probe molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an AAA mouse model.

Methods:

Osmotic minipumps with a continuous infusion of Ang II (angiotensin II; 1000 ng/[kg·min]) to induce AAAs were implanted in apolipoprotein-deficient mice (N=58). Animals were assigned to 2 groups. In group 1 (longitudinal group, n=13), imaging was performed once after 1 week with a clinical dose of a macrophage-specific iron oxide–based probe (ferumoxytol, 4 mgFe/kg, surrogate marker for inflammatory activity) and an elastin-specific gadolinium-based probe (0.2 mmol/kg, surrogate marker for extracellular matrix degradation). Animals were then monitored with death as end point. In group 2 (week-by-week-group), imaging with both probes was performed after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks (n=9 per group). Both probes were evaluated in 1 magnetic resonance session.

Results:

The combined assessment of inflammatory activity and extracellular matrix degradation was the strongest predictor of AAA rupture (sensitivity 100%; specificity 89%; area under the curve, 0.99). Information from each single probe alone resulted in lower predictive accuracy. In vivo measurements for the elastin- and iron oxide–probe were in good agreement with ex vivo histopathology (Prussian blue-stain:
R
2
=0.96,
P
<0.001; Elastica van Giesson stain:
R
2
=0.79,
P
<0.001). Contrast-to-noise ratio measurements for the iron oxide and elastin-probe were in good agreement with inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (
R
2
=0.88,
R
2
=0.75,
P
<0.001) and laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the potential of the concurrent assessment of inflammatory activity and extracellular matrix degradation by dual-probe molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an AAA mouse model. Based on the combined information from both molecular probes, the rupture of AAAs could reliably be predicted.
Incremental Prognostic Value of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy, Transradial Access, and Door-to-Balloon Time on Outcomes in ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Huded Chetan P. , Kumar Anirudh , Johnson Michael , Abdallah Mouin , Ballout Jad A. , Kravitz Kathleen , Menon Venu , Gullett Travis C. , Hantz Scott , Ellis Stephen G. , Podolsky Seth R. , Meldon Stephen W. , Kralovic Damon M. , Brosovich Deborah , Smith Elizabeth , Kapadia Samir R. , Khot Umesh N.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Systems to improve ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care have traditionally focused on improving door-to-balloon time. However, prompt guideline-directed medical therapy and transradial primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are also associated with reduced STEMI mortality. The incremental prognostic value of each facet of STEMI care on clinical outcomes within a STEMI system of care is unknown.

Methods and Results:

We implemented systems-based strategies at our hospital to improve 3 STEMI care metrics: (1) prompt guideline-directed medical therapy before sheath insertion for PCI, (2) use of transradial primary PCI, and (3) door-to-balloon time. We assessed the incremental association of metrics achieved with in-hospital adverse events and 30-day mortality. Of 1272 consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PCI at our hospital (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2016), the percentage with achievement of zero, 1, 2, or 3 STEMI care metrics was 7.1%, 24.1%, 43.8%, and 25.1%; and 30-day mortality was 15.6%, 8.6%, 3.6%, and 3.2%, respectively (log-rank
P
<0.001). After adjusting for known clinical predictors of STEMI in-hospital mortality, achievement of at least 2 STEMI care metrics was associated with significantly reduced in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16–0.96;
P
=0.041). Each metric provided incremental prognostic value when modeled in stepwise order of their occurrence in clinical practice (final model C statistic, 0.677;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Prompt guideline-directed medical therapy before sheath insertion for PCI, transradial primary PCI, and door-to-balloon time add incremental prognostic value in STEMI care. Expanding STEMI systems of care from a singular focus on door-to-balloon time to a comprehensive focus on multifaceted STEMI care offers an opportunity to further improve STEMI outcomes.
THE CAUSAL EFFECTS OF ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL GLOBALIZATION ON MIGRANTS: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS FOR SELECTED OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: KURT Ünzüle
Published: March 2019

Although it mostly includes economic factors in its origin, the statement of “the removal of inter-country borders”, included in the definition of globalization, also includes inter-country human movement, which makes it a social concept. Migration is a factor that causes significant changes in the socio-cultural and economic structures of the migration-receiving country. Accordingly, in order to be able to explain the economic effects of globalization concept, it becomes important to identify how this concept affects labor markets of countries. The effects of globalization on migration received by OECD countries were attempted to be explained from this perspective in the study by investigating the interaction of migration concept, effective on labor structures of countries, with globalization. In the present study, the relationship between globalization and migration in the period of 2000-2014 for selected 30 OECD countries was investigated with Dumitrescu and Hurlinpanel causality test. As a result of the test, the presence of a causality relationship was identified between globalization and migration in the relevant period for 30 OECD countries.
Historiography in the Service of the Muftī: Ibn Taymiyya on the Origins and Fallacies of Ziyārāt
Authors: Talmon-Heller Daniella
Published: March 2019

This essay demonstrates Ibn Taymiyya’s engagement of historiography in iftāʼ. It draws upon fatwās on pilgrimage to Ascalon, travel to shrines of al-Ḥusayn in Ascalon and Cairo, and visits to Jerusalem and Hebron. Ibn Taymiyya weaves sophisticated historical narratives into his legal reasoning against visiting tombs of prophets and Ahl al-Bayt. He exposes lacunas, contradictions and unreasonable assertions in truisms about bodies of prophets and saints and their cults. He argues against ziyāra to such sites, blaming Shīʿīs for spreading the innovation at a particularly vulnerable time for Islam. His attack on notions of the religious merits of Jerusalem and of murābaṭa hinges upon his reconstruction of the history the Dome of the Rock and of the Islamic frontier. History leads him to stress the temporality of territorial definitions and their dependence on context. His argumentation resonates in works of later writers, demonstrating the continuing relevance of his fatwās.
Resurrection of the Dead, Exaltation of the New Struggles
Authors: Webber Jeffery R.
Published: March 2019

This ‘editorial perspective’ offers reflection on Marxist theory in the narrow domain of social movements and social-movement studies. It offers a brief survey of international class struggles over the last few decades to situate the discussion. It then focuses on the problem of capitalism for social-movement studies, and the particular issue of capitalist totality. It argues that an expansive, processual, historical and temporal conception of class struggle needs to be at the centre of any adequate Marxist approach to social movements, and shows why and how this is so by delving into some contemporary debates over dominant forms of collective action – strike and riot. It also highlights the dialectical relations between production, reproduction and social reproduction, and how the latest revivals of Marxist feminism might guide us through the morass. Finally, it suggests that struggles across these interrelated domains can be linked through an ‘infrastructure of dissent’.
Disability Studies in Education – Building Platforms to Reclaim Disability and Recognise Disablement
Authors: Slee Roger , Corcoran Tim , Best Marnie
Published: March 2019

This paper provides the historical and theoretical foundations for the emergent field of Disability Studies in Education. Disability Studies in Education proceeds from the trans-disciplinary work we find in the continuing development of Disability Studies. It applies the principles and conceptual threads of Disability Studies to critique the ableist traditions, structures and cultures of education and to suggest how education might be otherwise. The paper makes clear the distinction between special education and disability studies in education. Special education has proven its resilience and willingness to appropriate the discourse of inclusive education in order to adapt and sustain its core assumptions about children with disabilities and their education. Accordingly, it is critical that this journal make explicit the distinctions between the conceptual foundations and practical applications of special education and Disability Studies in Education. This first paper is an attempt at draw these lines of distinctions and the aspirations for the Journal of Disability Studies in Education.
A new troglobitic Tychobythinus from Sicily (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)
Authors: SABELLA GIORGIO , AMORE ELENA , NICOLOSI GIUSEPPE
Published: March 2019

A new troglobitic Pselaphinae, Tychobythinus villasmundi sp. nov., is described from Villasmundo Cave (Melilli, Syracuse province, Sicily). Major diagnostic features are illustrated based on both male and female specimens. The new species shows some adaptations to cave life, such as pale brown colour, setation consisting of long and flattened setae and suberect shorter setae, absence of wings, anophthalmy, and elongated legs and antennae. It can be easily separated from the related taxa by the different structure of the aedeagus. Tychobythinus villasmundi sp. nov. is known only from Villasmundo Cave, a limestone cave in the south-eastern Sicily.
Inventory of the eastern Bering Sea sponge fauna, geographic range extensions and description of Antho ridgwayi sp. nov.
Authors: STONE ROBERT P. , LEHNERT HELMUT , HOFF GERALD R.
Published: March 2019

A total of 493 sponges were collected with a bottom trawl during annual groundfish stock assessment surveys in the eastern Bering Sea in 2013, 2015, and 2016 to build an inventory of species in this largely unexplored region. We report here principally on the demosponge fauna collected during those surveys because identifications of hexactinellids are incomplete. We identified 42 unique demosponge taxa from the collection including geographical range extensions for 30 species; seven are new records for the Pacific Ocean. The collection also included three species new to science; two have been previously described (Plicatellopsis borealis Lehnert & Stone 2017, Spongosorites beringensis Lehnert & Stone 2017) and Antho ridgwayi sp. nov. described here. The new species differed from all northern hemisphere congeners in the complements and sizes of spicules. We document that the region is more species rich than previously suspected, particularly the continental slope where the majority of hexactinellid sponges are located.
A record of Disparalona hamata (Birge, 1879) (Cladocera: Chydoridae) in phytotelmata of Tillandsia aguascalentensis Gardner, 1984 (Poales: Bromeliaceae)
Authors: NERETINA ANNA N. , GARIBIAN PETR G. , ROMERO MARTÍN , MONDRAGÓN DEMETRIA M. , SILVA-BRIANO MARCELO
Published: March 2019

Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) are an extremely diverse family of the angiosperms widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and West Africa. They often serve as phytotelmata, accumulating rainwater between leaves. Such water reservoirs can be inhabited by diverse organisms. But to date not much attention is paid to inventory of these organisms, with careful identification of each taxon. We found a microcrustacean Disparalona hamata (Birge, 1879) (Crustacea: Cladocera) in the bromeliad Tillandsia aguascalentensis Gardner, 1984 in Mexico. Investigated population included parthenogenetic females, gamogenetic females and males. Hereby the population apparently can pass the full life cycle under conditions of phytotelmata. Along with ecological observations, we provide additional taxonomic notes on the genus Disparalona Fryer, 1968 itself. Recently a series of morphological revisions was conducted for this genus. It was subdivided into two subgenera: Disparalona s.str. and Mixopleuroxus Hudec, 2010. But, in fact, the second taxon is a junior synonym of Leptorhynchus Daday, 1905. In this regard here we provide an updated list of taxonomic synonyms for the subgenus Leptorhynchus.
Mesodiphthera Tillyard, 1919, from the Late Triassic of Queensland, the oldest cicada (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadoidea: Tettigarctidae)
Authors: LAMBKIN KEVIN J.
Published: March 2019

New specimens of its type species from the Queensland Late Triassic (Norian) (~227–~208.5 Ma) fossil insect locality at Dinmore have revealed that the old and obscure Late Triassic genus Mesodiphthera Tillyard, 1919, from nearby Denmark Hill, is a tettigarctid cicada, the earliest record of the family and the oldest cicada. The genus is distinguished by the combined presence of three characters: the primary forks of R and M at about the same level, midway between the basal cell and the nodal line; RA2 with four or five terminal branches; and the inter-medial cross-vein backwardly inclined, running between M2 and M3. Of the three species originally ascribed to Mesodiphthera by Tillyard, only its type, M. grandis Tillyard, 1919, is retained in the genus. The other two species differ significantly from the type and are transferred to Tardilly gen. nov., which is similar to Mesodiphthera in the more or less aligned primary forks of R and M placed at about midway between the basal cell and the nodal line, and the backwardly inclined inter-medial cross-vein which runs between M2 and M3. It differs, however, in its smaller size, broader costal space, three-branched M3+4, and differently shaped CuA and CuA2. The new material, all of which is of M. grandis, provides a complete picture of the shape, colour and venation of its tegmen, whereas Tardilly prosboloides (Tillyard) comb. nov., 1922 and Tardilly dunstani (Tillyard) comb. nov., 1922 are still known only from their poorly preserved type specimens. Mesodiphthera and Tardilly exhibit a number of presumed plesiomorphies, viz the costal space much wider than the CuA cell, the basal cell strongly narrowed apically, and the post-nodal cross-vein series closer to the nodal line than the apex, which place it in the probable paraphyletic subfamily Cicadoprosbolinae. A more informed assessment of their relationships, however, must await a comprehensive analysis of the now 29 fossil genera of the family. The Tettigarctidae were the only cicadas of the Mesozoic and the discovery in the Triassic of Australia of Mesodiphthera and Tardilly clearly distinct from the 24 previously known Mesozoic genera, further demonstrates the family’s high degree of structural diversity, and emphasises its almost world-wide distribution in that Era.
Is There Evidence for Export-Led Adoption of ISO 14001? A Review of the Literature Using Meta-Regression
Authors: Liston-Heyes Catherine , Heyes Anthony
Published: March 2019

Does the export orientation of a firm affect the likelihood that it adopts an environmental management certification? We use meta-regression methods to analyze systematically the corpus of published research on export-led adoption of the largest and most prominent certification, ISO 14001. We show that the explanatory variables authors choose to include in their models reflect the tenets of stakeholder and institutional theories. We also find that the literature suffers from substantial publication bias but that, once this is accounted for appropriately, a genuine effect remains. The evidence from 20 years of published studies taken as a whole is that export does incentivize the adoption of the standard as often hypothesized by proponents of voluntary approaches and self-regulation.
Asymmetric Accountability: An Experimental Investigation of Biases in Evaluations of Governments’ Election Pledges
Authors: Naurin Elin , Soroka Stuart , Markwat Niels
Published: March 2019

Governments often fulfill election pledges to remain in power; yet, it is unclear how pledge fulfillment and breakage actually affect public support for government. This article explores the tendency for governments to be penalized for unfulfilled pledges more than they are rewarded for fulfilled pledges. In two large-scale highly realistic online survey experiments ( N = 13,000, 10,000), performed at the beginning and middle of a government’s term in office, respondents are presented with a range of (real) election pledges. We find that broken pledges often are more important to government evaluations than fulfilled pledges, and that pledge fulfillment can produce decreases in support from nonsupporters that more than offset the marginal gains among supporters. Findings provide valuable evidence on asymmetries in political behavior, and a unique account of the “cost of ruling,” the seemingly inevitable tendency for governments to lose support during their time in office.
Openness, Inflation and Output Under Alternative Monetary Policies: A Structuralist Approach
Authors: Basu Rilina , Das Nandini , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: March 2019

This article theoretically revisits the issue of how trade openness and inflation are interconnected in the light of conduct and optimal design of monetary policy. Central banks in open economies all over the world face a problematic dilemma when it comes to providing a nominal anchor to the economy in the sense that they have to choose between monetary targeting and inflation targeting. The experience has been varied worldwide with respect to these alternative policies in containing inflation. Different dimensions of openness like fully flexible exchange rate and capital mobility have also had significant impacts on the outcomes of policy changes. In this paper, we have constructed two theoretical open macro-economy models using the AD-AS framework under regressive expectations. The first model considers interest-rate targeting incorporating Taylor rule, whereas the second one deals with monetary targeting. The models show that alternate monetary policy rules do not change the basic results of different macroeconomic policies, although the underlying transmission mechanisms are quite different.

JEL Codes: E12, E31, E43, E52, F41
Impact of Clinical, Unit-Specific Guidelines on Dornase Alfa Use in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients Without Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Tester Carson , Raiff Doug , Heath Travis
Published: March 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of pharmacist-guided, unit-specific dornase alfa utilization guidelines for patients without cystic fibrosis in an academic medical institution. The study reviewed the prescribing patterns in the institution’s pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) before and after the implementation of these guidelines. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of the guidelines on the number of dornase alfa doses prescribed in critically ill pediatric patients without cystic fibrosis. We also evaluated the pharmacoeconomic effect of the guidelines and the impact on clinical outcomes in these critically ill patients. Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective evaluation of the implementation of pharmacist-guided, unit-specific dornase alfa guidelines. The guidelines were piloted on November 1, 2015. Pre-guideline implementation data were collected from February 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015. Post-guideline implementation data were collected from December 1, 2016 to August 31, 2016. We included patients admitted to the PICU and PCICU who had received at least 1 dose of dornase alfa and did not have a medical history or suspicion of cystic fibrosis. Results: During the pre-guideline data collection period, 1067 doses of dornase alfa were administered, and following guideline implementation, 239 doses were administered. The average total admission length of stay for patients admitted to the PICU or PCICU before guideline implementation and after implementation was 16.22 and 13.14 days, respectively ( P = .042). Conclusions: The implementation of pharmacist-guided, unit-specific dornase alfa guidelines within the PICU and PCICU resulted in a 77.6% reduction in the use of dornase alfa among these units. The implementation of these guidelines led to a cost reduction of approximately US $87 707.76 over a 9-month period for the health system. During the study, the length of stay for patients admitted to the PICU and PCICU did not increase, indicating that the reduction in use of dornase alfa did not negatively affect the overall hospital length of stay for patients.
Participating in Change: Engaging Student Veteran Stakeholders in Advocacy Efforts in Clinical Higher Education
Authors: Dobson Caitlin G. , Joyner Jordan , Latham Alex , Leake Valerie , Stoffel Virginia C.
Published: March 2019

Two independent research teams led by graduate students from clinical disciplines studied the lived experiences of student veterans transitioning from the military into higher education. Additionally, these projects provided graduate students with training in the research process, application of evidence-based practice in preparation for professional responsibilities and advancement, and collaboration with student veteran stakeholders as coinvestigators and project team members. One study piloted a student veteran orientation course with the aid of veteran stakeholders to better address the overall needs of student veterans on campus. The other study engaged student veteran participants as coinvestigators using the photovoice methodology to illuminate their perspectives on social relationships. Findings in each study added greater depth to previously discovered trends, and revealed insights into student veteran educational priorities, the impact of the transition process on social roles and relationships, graduate research project design, and community advocacy. This study added insight into the factors that affect student veterans’ higher education experience, which can be used to inform future studies conducted at the graduate level, examine interdisciplinary approaches to research and advocacy, amplify the voice of student veterans, and encourage interaction in research between civilian and veteran students.
Experimental Evidence on Immediate and Long-term Consequences of Test-induced Respondent Burden for Panel Attrition
Authors: Kleinert Corinna , Christoph Bernhard , Ruland Michael
Published: March 2019

Panel attrition is a major problem in long-term panel studies. While the design of the German National Educational Panel Study adult survey—combining biannual competency tests with regular face-to-face interviews—is highly innovative, such a design could raise respondent burden and thus potentially increase panel attrition and nonresponse bias. To test this possibility, we use an experimental split questionnaire design administering two tests to one half of the respondents but only one test to the other half. Analyzing the effects of these different experimental settings on response behavior shows that even though those assigned to the longer test variant had no higher probability of refusing to participate in the survey, they were significantly more likely to apply alternative strategies for not taking the tests. The results also show that not only test avoidance but also low test performance has negative consequences for survey participation in later waves.
“I Want to See Those Memories”: Social Affordances of Mobile Phone Cameras and Social Network Sites in Collegiate Drinking
Authors: Quintero Gilbert , Bundy Henry , Grocke Michelle
Published: March 2019

Alcohol use remains a prominent feature of American collegiate social life. Emerging technological developments, particularly the proliferation of mobile phone cameras and the easy sharing of digital images on social network sites (SNS), are now widely integrated into these drinking practices. This article presents an exploratory study examining how 40 students on a midsized college campus in the interior Pacific Northwest incorporate these technologies into their drinking activities. Data from semistructured interviews are considered within the theoretical framework of “affordances,” which classifies material technologies (camera phones, SNS) as simultaneously inhabiting the role of artifact shaped by human action and of object that influences human conduct. Our data suggest that although contemporary college drinking reflects long-standing practices, cameras, digital images, and social media introduce new dimensions to college alcohol consumption and memory-making processes. These technologies are used to chronicle and archive the festive, social aspects of drinking; commemorate the good times that make up the college experience; and capture proud or incautious displays of excessive drinking. Our examination of emergent college drinking practices seeks to extend understandings of contemporary trends in collegiate alcohol use beyond the discourse of risk and indiscretion to include other important social and cultural dimensions of these phenomena, including pro-social aspects of these practices and the social affordances provided by digital image sharing and reminiscing.
The Effect of Symptom Clusters on Quality of Life Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Hongjin , Ji Meihua , Scott Paul , Dunbar-Jacob Jacqueline M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the collective effect of a symptom cluster (depression, anxiety, fatigue, and impaired sleep quality) at baseline on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) over time.

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis of 302 patients with T2DM who presented with both hypertension and hyperlipidemia. All of the participants were enrolled in a randomized controlled intervention study testing strategies to improve medication adherence. The psychological symptoms and QOL were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients based on the severity of symptoms at baseline.

Results

Hierarchical cluster analysis identified 4 patient subgroups: all low severity, mild, moderate, and all high severity. There were significant differences in patients’ QOL overall among the 4 subgroups. Compared with the all-low-severity subgroup, subgroups with higher severity of the 4 symptoms had poorer QOL across all 3 time points. QOL was most impacted by trait anxiety across the 3 time points.

Conclusion

QOL was significantly impacted by psychological symptom clusters among patients with T2DM. Healthcare providers should not neglect psychological symptoms that patients experience. It is important to assess and manage these symptoms to improve QOL among patients with diabetes.
Inter-observer agreement of color duplex ultrasound of central vein stenosis in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Razek Ahmed AKA , Khalek Ahmed MA , Elwakeel Hossam , Ebrahim Moataz A
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To assess the inter-observer agreement of color duplex ultrasound of central vein stenosis in hemodialysis patients.

Patients and methods

This prospective study was conducted on 35 hemodialysis patients with suspected central vein stenosis. All patients underwent color flow duplex examination of the subclavian, internal jugular and brachiocephalic veins in hemodialysis patients. Image analysis was performed by two reviewers for diameter reduction, peak venous velocity ratio, post-stenotic turbulent flow, waveform changes, and thrombus formation.

Results

There was no significant difference between both observers for diameter reduction ( p = 0.105) and for the mean peak systolic velocity ratio ( p = 0.515). The overall inter-observer agreement of color duplex ultrasound of central vein stenosis was excellent ( k = 0.84, percent agreement = 89.7%, P = 0.001). There was excellent inter-observer agreement of both reviewers for diameter reduction ( k = 0.928, percent agreement = 97.14%), peak venous velocity ratio ( k = 0.7, percent agreement = 85.7%), waveform changes ( k = 0.62, percent agreement = 77.14%), post-stenotic turbulent flow ( k = 0.866, percent agreement = 88.6%), thrombus formation ( k = 1, percent agreement = 100%).

Conclusion

We concluded that color duplex ultrasound is a reliable and reproducible method for diagnosis of central vein stenosis in hemodialysis patients.
Bisphenol A analogues bisphenol B, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S induce oxidative stress, disrupt daily sperm production, and damage DNA in rat spermatozoa: a comparative in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Ullah Asad , Pirzada Madeeha , Jahan Sarwat , Ullah Hizb , Khan Muhammad Jamil
Published: March 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical with estrogenic activity. The widespread exposure of individuals to BPA is suspected to affect a variety of physiological functions, including reproduction, development, and metabolism. Here we report the mechanisms by which BPA and three of its analogues bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) cause generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), sperm DNA damage, and oxidative stress in both in vivo and in vitro rat models. Sperm were incubated with different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 µg/L) of BPA and its analogues BPB, BPF, and BPS for 2 h. BPA and its analogues were observed to increase DNA fragmentation, formation of ROS, and affected levels of superoxide dismutase at higher concentration groups. In an in vivo experiment, rats were exposed to different concentrations (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day) of BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS for 28 days. In the higher dose (50 mg/kg/day) treated groups of BPA and its analogues BPB, BPF, and BPS, DNA damage was observed while the motility of sperm was not affected.
E-Cigarettes and Young People: Communicating an Emerging Public Health Risk
Authors: Mitchko Jane , Lewis Sarah , Marynak Kristy L. , Shannon Curt , Burnette Deborah , King Brian A.
Published: March 2019

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among US youth. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can cause addiction and can harm the developing adolescent brain. In coordination with the release of a Surgeon General’s Report on e-cigarette use among young people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated with the Office of the Surgeon General to launch a campaign to educate parents, youth influencers, and young people about the risks of e-cigarettes. This article describes the development of communication products, including innovative media, about this public health risk, and shares lessons learned to inform public health practice.
Prediction of dynamic derivatives for air-breathing hypersonic vehicle using a harmonic balance method
Authors: Chai Zhenxia , Liu Wei , Yang Xiaoliang , Liu Xu
Published: March 2019

The harmonic balance method is an efficient frequency-domain approach for computing periodically unsteady flows. Applying harmonic balance method to the rapid calculation of forced periodic motions, an efficient prediction method for dynamic derivatives is established based on the Etkin unsteady aerodynamic model. The method is firstly validated by a standard model of the hypersonic missile hyper ballistic shape, and the harmonic balance method results show great consistency with both time-domain results and experimental data, consolidating the efficiency of our numerical algorithm. The method is subsequently applied for an air-breathing hypersonic vehicle to investigate the capability of the harmonic balance method in modeling unsteady flows around complex geometric configurations. Comparisons with the results of the time-domain method demonstrate that the harmonic balance method is capable of resolving such complicated flowfield with both accuracy and efficiency. To be specific, for the air-breathing hypersonic vehicle, the maximum difference of the dynamic derivatives calculated by the harmonic balance method and the time-domain method is only 6.56%, and the harmonic balance method shows at least an order of magnitude efficiency over the general time-domain method in the current study.
RNA-seq of circular RNAs identified circPTPN22 as a potential new activity indicator in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Miao Q , Zhong Z , Jiang Z , Lin Y , Ni B , Yang W , Tang J
Published: March 2019

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are possible biomarkers for many diseases, but the knowledge of circRNAs in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains limited. This study aimed to assess the expression of circRNAs in PBMCs from patients with SLE and healthy individuals by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).

Methods

In total, 128 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed including 39 upregulated and 89 downregulated circRNAs in four new-onset SLE patients compared with three healthy controls. After verification of the four candidate circRNAs in 49 patients with SLE and 37 controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays, a previously undescribed circRNA with potential translation activity, circPTPN22, was selected to confirm its clinical significance.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the parent gene of circPTPN22 was protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22), a potent regulator of T cell activation. The downregulation of circPTPN22 in patients with SLE was strongly negatively correlated with their Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores. circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression network analysis indicated a correlation between circPTPN22 and the miRNAs and mRNAs related to immunological regulation including the development of SLE. Patients with higher SLEDAI scores had lower circPTPN22 expression levels, and long-term hormone treatment significantly increased circPTPN22 levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that circPTPN22 has good diagnostic value for SLE.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated the aberrant expression of circRNAs in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls; circPTPN22 might function as a diagnostic and disease severity indicator in SLE.
Criminalizing medical research fraud: Towards an appropriate legal framework and policy response
Authors: Leung Gilberto K.K.
Published: March 2019

Increasing concerns about the societal impact of medical research fraud have led to calls for its criminalization within the United Kingdom, but there has been little discussion of how the criminal law could be applied in this context. The author proposes a legal framework whereby acts of falsification or fabrication may be prosecuted under a general offence of fraud contained within the Fraud Act 2006 in England and Wales. The threshold for prosecution may be determined by assessing the effect of an act on the reliability and robustness of research findings and using a Two-stage Full Code Test modelled on the Crown Prosecution Service Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide. This provides a pragmatic approach to handling an unyielding problem that affects many sectors of society and necessitates the implementation of an explicit government policy aimed at balancing the protection of public interests against the promotion of medical advancement.
Unearthing and Alleviating Emotions in Family Business Successions
Authors: Bertschi-Michel Alexandra , Kammerlander Nadine , Strike Vanessa M.
Published: March 2019

We follow one advisor and five family firm succession cases over 4 years to capture emerging emotions during the succession process. Using inductive analysis, we investigate how the advisor’s mediation of these emotions affects individual-level satisfaction with the succession process. Interviews, observation, meeting minutes, and archival data reveal an iterative process: the advisor first unearths the incumbent’s and successor’s emotions to surface emotional tensions before alleviating them. Unearthing and alleviating emotions speeds role adjustments and advances succession, especially when the incumbent becomes “stuck” in the process. Emotion mediation and role adjustment appear to foster individual-level satisfaction with the succession process.
Preparation and characterization of magnetorheological elastic polishing composites
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Wang Qiuliang , Zhu Kejun , Jiang Shengqiang , Wu Heng , Yi Liyin
Published: March 2019

Magnetorheological elastic polishing composites, a new type of polishing material using magnetorheological elastomers as a binder, were developed to solve the problems of low processing efficiency and difficulty controlling the machining process in current polishing technology. A set of heat–magnet–force-coupled devices was designed and used to prepare isotropic and anisotropic silicon rubber–based magnetorheological elastic polishing composites by magnetic field–assisted compression molding technology. Then, the microstructure and properties of magnetorheological elastic polishing composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscope, electronic universal testing machine, and microscratch tester. The results show that magnetorheological elastic polishing composite is a polymer-based composite composed of rubber and micro/nanoparticles, and the magnetic field applied during the preparation process causes the interior of the magnetorheological elastic polishing composites to appear as chains and columns formed by iron particles. The compressive elastic modulus and scratch resistance of magnetorheological elastic polishing composites increase with the increase in the surrounding magnetic field strength. The main reason for the above phenomena is related to the change in the microstructure of magnetorheological elastic polishing composites induced by an external magnetic field. Finally, a simple application of magnetorheological elastic polishing composites in polishing proves that magnetorheological elastic polishing composites can be applied to mechanical processing to achieve magnetically controlled polishing.
Promoting Sustainable Consumer Behaviour Through the Activation of Injunctive Social Norms: A Field Experiment in 19 Workplace Restaurants
Authors: Salmivaara Laura , Lankoski Leena
Published: March 2019

Since production and consumption are co-dependent parts of the same system, businesses often need to complement their production-side sustainability initiatives with accompanying measures aimed at promoting sustainable consumption. As a potential, low-cost measure of steering consumer choice we studied the activation of injunctive social norms by conducting a field experiment ( N = 1,289) in 19 workplace restaurants. The aim was to investigate whether the presence and absence of two injunctive norm messages relating to Baltic Sea protection and local food predicted the choice of a novel sustainable dish, roach fish patties. Results of nested analysis of variance and qualitative comparative analysis suggest that while injunctive norm activation was an ineffective measure to steer consumer choice in the overall population, it may have had an impact on smaller subgroups based on sociodemographic characteristics and previous consumption patterns. Furthermore, there was indication of a mutually reinforcing interaction effect when the two injunctive norms were activated in combination.
Studying the role of 10-2 visual field test in different stages of glaucoma
Authors: Tomairek Reham Hosny , Aboud Safaa Awadallah , Hassan Mansour , Mohamed Alyaa H
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To assess the role of 10-2 visual field (VF) test in different stages of glaucoma.

Methods:

In our prospective comparative study, 24-2 and 10-2 VF tests were done for 115 eyes with different stages of glaucomatous damage or glaucoma suspects. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed in 79 eyes. We compared field changes of the central 10° on 10-2 and 24-2 tests and studied the correlation between the mean deviation (MD) measured by the two tests.

Results:

In seven glaucoma suspects, glaucoma diagnosis was missed by 24-2 test but was detected by 10-2 test and confirmed by OCT. In the eyes with early damage, there was no correlation between 10-2 and 24-2 tests regarding the MD of the central 10º. In moderate and severe stages, there was a significant correlation between the results of 24-2 and 10-2 tests.

Conclusion:

We concluded that 10-2 test could help confirm glaucoma diagnosis in glaucoma suspects missed by 24-2 test before resorting to the more expensive OCT. In early glaucoma, we noted that 10-2, as confirmed by OCT, was a beneficial addition to 24-2 test for precise measurement of the MD and detection of defects of the central 10º missed by 24-2 test, where more intense treatment should be considered to preserve the threatened central visual function. In moderate and severe cases, the role of 10-2 test was not as pivotal as in early cases, but still it was useful for assessment of residual central visual function in severe cases with absolute central 10º defects on 24-2 test for proper management.
Predicting Outcomes in Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated With Standard of Care
Authors: Galaznik Aaron , Reich Christian , Klebanov Greg , Khoma Yuriy , Allakhverdiiev Eldar , Hather Greg , Shou Yaping
Published: March 2019

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), predictive modeling may contribute to targeted drug development by enrichment of the study populations enrolled in clinical trials of DLBCL investigational drugs to include patients with lower likelihood of responding to standard of care. In clinical practice, predictive modeling has the potential to optimize therapy choices in DLBCL. The objectives of this study were to create a model for predicting health outcomes in patients with DLBCL treated with standard of care and determine informative predictors of health outcomes for patients with DLBCL. This was a retrospective observational study using data extracted from the IMS Health Database between September 2007 and April 2015. Patients were ⩾18 years of age with a DLBCL diagnosis. The index date was the date of the first DLBCL diagnosis. Patients were followed until outcome occurrence, defined as progression to a later line of therapy after ⩾60 days from the end of a previous therapy or stem cell transplantation. Patients were categorized into three cohorts depending on the post-index observation period: ⩽1 year, ⩽3 years, or ⩽5 years. Lasso logistic regression (LASSO), Naive Bayes, gradient-boosting machine (GBM), random forest (RF), and neural network models were performed for each cohort. The best-performing algorithms were predictive models based on GBM and observation periods ⩽1 and ⩽3 years after index date. Informative predictors included myocardial imaging, DLBCL stage IV, bronchiolar and renal disease, a chemotherapy regimen, and exposure to diphenhydramine and vasoprotectives on or before the first DLBCL diagnosis. These predictive models may be applied to targeted drug development and have the potential to optimize therapy choices in DLBCL. They were generated efficiently using a large number of independent variables readily available in standard insurance claims or electronic health record data systems.
Access to Soft-Surface, Green Exercise Trails in Mountainous, Urban Municipalities
Authors: Chaney Robert A , Stones Elizabeth J
Published: March 2019

Soft-surface exercise infrastructure (ie off-road, mountain, and dirt trails) has been a particularly valuable community asset in mountainous, urban municipalities. This off-road, trail infrastructure can encourage individuals to engage in green exercise (ie physical activity done outside while in nature, for example, mountainous trails and near waterways). Green exercise can be helpful for encouraging individuals to participate in exercise who otherwise may not; it is especially helpful for promoting mental well-being and a sense of being connected to the environment. This study characterizes trail access and predictors among urban, mountainous municipalities in the Utah Wasatch Front region. Access was determined using two-standard deviation ellipses (2SDE) activity space analysis, and predictors were identified using multiple linear regression. About 42% municipalities had no trailhead access (ie no trailhead within its corresponding activity space). Trail density and trailheads were significantly correlated ( r = 0.49, P = .004). There was a significant trail density cluster in the southern area of the study region, centered all over the city of Alpine. Reduced-model regression yielded trailheads and home income as being significant predictors of trail density, and trail density and elevation as being significant predictors for trailheads. Results demonstrate patterns of access to green exercise trails that align with socioeconomic and municipal elevation. The results of this research should be insightful for those who work in exercise promotion and urban planners.
Socio-Spatial Politics of Otherness: The Desire to Construct a Counterhegemony
Authors: Yoltay Ece
Published: March 2019

This study is based on an empirical research to understand the production of nongovernmental spatial practices and representations with a counterformation to an authority, as well as an ontological discussion on the relations between public space and power. In this respect, the study is constructed on an alternative spatial reading of counterspaces (LGBTI-friendly spaces, political spaces, and resistance spaces) in the capital of Turkey, Ankara, benefiting from Henri Lefebvre’s theory on the production of space and The Situationist International’s mapping techniques. It is realized that these public spaces appropriated or occupied by marginalized groups in society because of their gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, or ethnicity have a strong socio-spatial network in the city as a result of ontological approximation as the necessity of solidarity, which is defined as a habitat of the public assembly of otherness. The existence of different identities in the same area of the city for the same spatial practices is a manifestation of similar subjective formations and spatial representations of vulnerability within power relations. In this context, the aim of this study is the mapping of counterspaces in Ankara within a theoretical ground to contemplate the relationship between subject, power, and space. This article, thereby, analyzes the ontological basis of this psychogeography by questioning the reasons for the spatial proximity or superimposition of spaces used to socialize, organize, and resist the power of the other.