bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult Children’s Perceptions of Maternal Favoritism During Caregiving: Comparisons Between Turkey and the United States
Authors: Con Gulcin , Suitor J. Jill , Rurka Marissa , Gilligan Megan
Published: July 2018

This study explores cross-cultural variations in adult children’s perceptions of maternal favoritism during caregiving in Turkey and the United States. Qualitative analysis of interview data from two siblings in each of 14 Turkish and 14 American families revealed differences in adult children’s perceptions of and explanations for maternal favoritism. Most Turkish children perceived that their mothers favored sons because of higher filial expectations from sons. Conversely, most American children perceived that their mothers favored daughters and explained mothers’ preferences as based on socioemotional factors. Furthermore, perceptions of maternal favoritism had detrimental consequences for sibling relationships in both contexts but differently. Turkish daughters reported conflicts over their favored brothers’ lack of cooperation. American daughters perceived themselves as favored and felt obligated to undertake most of the caregiving burden which fueled sibling conflict. Taken together, this study highlights the importance of cultural context for understanding the within-family differences in sibling relationships during caregiving.
Impact of age on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection
Authors: Merkle Julia , Sabashnikov Anton , Weber Carolyn , Schlachtenberger Georg , Maier Johanna , Spieker Anna , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Deppe Antje-Christin , Zeriouh Mohamed , Rahmanian Parwis B. , Madershahian Navid , Rustenbach Christian , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Kuhn-Régnier Ferdinand , Liakopoulos Oliver , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in older patients and requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcome and short- and long-term survival of patients under and above 65 years of age.

Methods:

Two hundred and forty patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015 in our center. After statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up, comprising patients under and above 65 years of age.

Results:

The proportion of patients above 65 years of age suffering from Stanford A AAD was 50% (n=120). The group of patients above 65 years of age compared to the group under 65 years of age showed statistically significant differences in terms of higher odds ratios (OR) for hypertension (p=0.012), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.026) and tachyarrhythmia absoluta (p=0.004). Patients over 65 years of age also showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival. Our subgroup analysis revealed that male patients (Breslow p=0.001, Log-Rank p=0.001) and patients suffering with hypertension (Breslow p=0.003, Log-Rank p=0.001) were reasonable for these results whereas younger and older female patients showed similar short- and long-term outcome (Breslow p=0.926, Log-Rank p=0.724). After stratifying all patients into 4 age groups (<45; 55-65; 65-75; >75years), short-term survival of the patients appeared to be significantly poorer with increasing age (Breslow p=0.026, Log-Rank p=0.008) whereas long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Breslow p=0.0494, Log-Rank p=0.489) remained similar.

Conclusions:

All patients referred to our hospital for repair of Stanford A AAD with higher age had poorer short- and long-term survival, caused by male patients and patients suffering from hypertension, whereas survival of women and survival free from cerebrovascular events of the entire patient cohort was similar, irrespective of age.
On the identification of earlywood and latewood radial elastic modulus of Pinus pinaster by digital image correlation: A parametric analysis
Authors: Pereira João Luís , Xavier José , Ghiassi Bahman , Lousada José , Morais José
Published: July 2018

This work addresses the reconstruction of strain gradient fields at the wood growth ring scale from full-field deformation measurements provided by digital image correlation. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the earlywood and latewood radial modulus of elasticity is assessed. Meso-scale tensile tests are carried out on Pinus pinaster Ait. wooden specimens oriented in the radial–tangential plane under quasi-static loading conditions. A parametric analysis of the two-dimensional digital image correlation extrinsic and intrinsic setting parameters is performed, in a balance between spatial resolution and resolution. It is shown that the parametric module is an effective way to quantitatively support the choice of digital image correlation parameters in the presence of the high deformation gradient fields generated by the structure–property relationships at the scale of observation. Under the assumption of a uniaxial tensile stress state, the spatial distribution of the radial elastic modulus across the growth rings is obtained. It is observed that the ratio of the radial modulus of elasticity between latewood and earlywood tissues can vary significantly as a function of the digital image correlation parameters. It is pointed out, however, that a convergence value can be systematically established. Effectively, earlywood and latewood stress–strain curves are obtained and elastic properties are determined assuming the converged digital image correlation setting parameters.
Internal Fixation of Unstable Osteochondritis Dissecans: Do Open Growth Plates Improve Healing Rate?
Authors: Wu Isabella T. , Custers Roel J.H. , Desai Vishal S. , Pareek Ayoosh , Stuart Michael J. , Saris Daniël B.F. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of unknown origin that can affect knees in skeletally mature and immature patients. Surgical management is an important cornerstone of treatment for unstable OCD lesions.

Purpose:

To determine the (1) healing rate after internal fixation of unstable OCD between skeletally immature and mature knees, (2) risk factors for failure, and (3) patient-reported outcomes among healed patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients who underwent internal fixation of unstable knee OCD lesions from 2000 to 2015. Skeletal immaturity was defined as open or partially open physes. Healing was assessed through clinical findings and imaging. Definitive reoperation for the same OCD lesion was classified as failure.

Results:

Among 87 patients included, 66 (76%) had healed lesions at ≥2 years postoperatively, while 21 (24%) failed. Skeletal maturity made no significant difference in failure rate (risk ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.29-1.72; P = .40). For skeletally immature patients, lateral versus medial condylar location conferred an increased hazard of 18.2 (95% CI, 1.76-188.07; P < .01). Multivariate analysis factoring in skeletal maturity showed that lateral condylar location was an independent risk factor for failure (hazard ratio, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.47-19.85; P < .01). Mean patient-reported outcome scores (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]) increased significantly after surgery, except the KOOS symptoms score for the skeletally mature group. Final scores (mean ± SD) were as follows at a mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 24-166): IKDC, 83.5 ± 20.2; KOOS pain, 89.7 ± 14.1; KOOS symptoms, 87.4 ± 18.4; KOOS activities of daily living, 93.9 ± 12.7; KOOS sports, 80.7 ± 25.9; KOOS quality of life, 78.9 ± 23.1.

Conclusion:

Skeletally immature and mature patients heal at comparable rates after internal fixation of OCD lesions, resulting in functional and subjective improvement. Lateral femoral condylar lesion location is an independent risk factor for failure.
Who Doesn’t Want Democracy? A Multilevel Analysis of Elite and Mass Attitudes
Authors: Gorman Brandon , Naqvi Ijlal , Kurzman Charles
Published: July 2018

Despite its global rise in popularity, a significant number of people still oppose democracy. The current study evaluates three competing theories of opposition to democracy–developmentalist, culturalist, and elitist – using a series of multi-level regression models that combine individualand country-level variables. Results of our statistical analyses suggest that: 1) country-level indicators of social, political, and economic development are not consistently related to individual support for democracy; 2) macro-cultural factors have mixed effects on individual support for democracy; and 3) individual income and education have strong effects on individual support for democracy, but this relationship is mediated by country-level economic development. Specifically, we find that high-income individuals in relatively underdeveloped countries are more likely to oppose democracy than high-income individuals in wealthier countries. These results suggest that economic, social, and political development do not necessarily go together.
Measuring Adolescents’ Social Media Behavior Outside and Inside of School: Development and Validation of Two Scales
Authors: Lu Jingyan , Luo Jiutong , Liang Luyao , Jing Mengguo
Published: July 2018

This study develops two scales, namely, the outside school social media behavior (OSSMB) scale and inside school social media behavior (ISSMB) scale, to measure the types of behavior that adolescent students engage in on social media in two separate contexts: outside school and inside school. Data collected from 814 students in four Hong Kong secondary schools were divided into two equal data sets ( n = 407 for each) by random selection and then analyzed. Principle component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to generate and test the structures of the two scales on the different data sets. The PCA results showed good factor loadings for all items (all above .60), and satisfactory total variance were explained by the both structures (69.06% for the OSSMB and 75.30% for the ISSMB). The CFA results showed acceptable model fits for both first- and second-order CFA for both scales. The internal consistency for all factors (and subdimensions) and the two scales were also acceptable. The 21-item OSSMB scale has four subdimensions: Consuming, Communicating, Creating, and Sharing. The 10-item ISSMB scale has three subdimensions: Consuming, Creating, and Sharing. In conclusion, this study provides new tools and conceptual frameworks for assessing students’ social media behavior in two contexts (i.e., outside and inside of school).
Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Family Firm: Mapping the Field and Tracing a Path for Future Research
Authors: Hernández-Linares Remedios , López-Fernández María Concepción
Published: July 2018

Despite several calls for the further study of entrepreneurial orientation in family firms, we still have a fragmented understanding of this topic, whose full potential has yet to be reached. To shed new light on this issue, this article first maps the family business field by carrying out a systematic review and content analysis of the 78 articles identified at the confluence of entrepreneurial orientation and family firms. Our study describes and critically assesses previous research as well as the conclusions reached. Second, this article identifies the main research gaps and provides a path for future investigations.
Spacecraft formation flying control under orbital perturbations by state-dependent Riccati equation method in the presence of on–off actuators
Authors: Rouzegar Hossein , Khosravi Alireza , Sarhadi Pouria
Published: July 2018

In this paper, spacecraft formation flying control under orbital perturbations by state-dependent Riccati equation method in the presence of on–off actuators is studied. Here, state-dependent Riccati equation is proposed as a more systematic and simple controller for solving the nonlinear problem of spacecraft formation flying in the leader–follower architecture. To create real conditions, the full nonlinear model of motion is considered while orbital perturbations are contained in the model. Also, to consider the operational conditions in controller design, on–off actuators are taken into account for the system. Due to the on–off nature of spacecraft thrusters, practical pulse-width pulse-frequency modulator is used for converting continuous signals to on–off pulses. Results are compared with other controllers to show the accuracy and performance of this method. In simulations, it is shown that the proposed controller as a new method has better performance confronting with the operational conditions including perturbations and on–off inputs. It is also shown that the energy consumption of the proposed controller is improved in comparison to other controllers.
Clinical outcome of kidney transplantation in HIV-infected recipients: a retrospective study
Authors: Alfano Gaetano , Mori Giacomo , Fontana Francesco , Dolci Giovanni , Baisi Alberto , Ligabue Giulia , Ferrari Annachiara , Solazzo Andrea , Franceschini Erica , Guaradi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Cappelli Gianni
Published: July 2018

Kidney transplantation is a safe and effective option for HIV-positive (HIV+) patients. We conducted a retrospective study on HIV+ kidney transplant recipients who underwent transplantation from March 2008 to September 2016. Inclusion criteria for transplantation were CD4+ T-cell count ≥200 per mm3 and undetectable HIV load. The current study reports the outcome of 19 HIV+ recipients, mostly of Caucasian origin (79%) with a median age of 50 years (interquartile range [IQR], 42–52), who were followed up for a median period of 2.4 years (IQR, 1.2–4.6) after transplantation. Compared with HIV-negative (HIV−) controls, HIV+ recipients had similar one- and three-year graft and patient survival, but significantly lower five-year patient survival (P = 0.03). The differences in graft outcome became less evident with the analysis of death-censored graft survival rates. Cumulative incidence of allograft rejection at one year was 32.9%. Rates of infections were not particularly elevated and HIV replication remained well controlled in all but one patient. A high prevalence of metabolic and endocrine complications (68%) was reported after transplantation. Further studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes of HIV+ recipients who underwent kidney transplantation.
Anticarcinogenic effect of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on human hepatocellular carcinoma SNU449 cells
Authors: Lee CM , Park S-H , Nam MJ
Published: July 2018

Many cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is a known anticarcinogen. However, the anticarcinogenic effects of I3C on liver cancer have not been investigated. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the anticarcinogenic effects of I3C in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SNU449 cells. The results of MTT and WST-1 assays indicated that treatment of SNU449 cells with I3C decreased viability in dose- and time-dependent manners, while colony formation assays indicated that I3C also inhibited proliferation of SNU449 cells. Moreover, fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis showed that I3C induced apoptosis in SNU449 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling revealed that I3C induced DNA fragmentation in SNU449 cells in a time-dependent manner, while Western blotting showed that apoptotic proteins such as p53, cleaved PARP, caspase-3, and caspase-7 were activated in SNU449 cells following treatment with I3C. Finally, reactive oxygen species-related protein peroxiredoxin-1 and thioredoxin-1 expression decreased in I3C-treated SNU449 cells. The aim of our study is to investigate the unknown mechanisms responsible for the apoptotic effects of I3C on human HCC SNU449 cells, and the results suggest that I3C may be useful for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
Compliant orthoses for repositioning of knee joint based on super-elasticity of shape memory alloys
Authors: Sadeghian Farshid , Zakerzadeh Mohammad Reza , Karimpour Morad , Baghani Mostafa
Published: July 2018

People suffering from neuromuscular diseases may also face certain abnormalities in their walking pattern. Patients with quadriceps muscle weakness suffer from flexion contracture as well as flexion instability during the gait cycle. In this article, a knee-ankle-foot orthosis design is proposed with two different mechanisms for the stance and swing phases, addressing the needs of patients with quadriceps muscle weakness. The stance phase mechanism locks the knee joint movement from the initial contact until the end of mid-swing and after mid-stance phase, the knee joint can flex freely. OpenSim was utilized to simulate patients with muscle weakness as well as calculating the required moment to mimic the stiffness of a normal knee joint. The super-elasticity of shape memory alloys was then used to reproduce the calculated moment for different levels of muscle weakness. It is shown that by designing patient-specific orthosis, the stiffness profile of normal joint for each patient with distinct level of muscle weakness can be reproduced.
A Retrospective Review of Patients With Acute Stroke With and Without Palliative Care Consultations
Authors: Williams Molly T. , Zimmerman Eli , Barry Megan , Trantum Lindsay , Dietrich Mary S. , Doersam Jennifer K. , Karlekar Mohana
Published: July 2018

Despite advances in stroke care, patients continue to incur significant disability, are at risk for future events, and are inconsistently comanaged with palliative care (PC) specialty teams. The purpose of this study was to review patients with stroke admitted to our institution, comparing patients with and without PC consultation. We retrospectively reviewed medical record data of all patients with stroke admitted to our neurosciences ICU (NICU) in July 2014 to June 2015 with and without PC consultation. Review focused on stroke type, patient demographics, median days to discharge and death, and posthospitalization discharge. Of 463 patients admitted to the NICU with a stroke diagnosis, 27% (125/463) had (PC) consultation. A higher percentage of the patients with PC consult presented with hemorrhagic stroke than those without PC consult (38% vs 21%, P < .001). Patients with PC consult had longer median days to discharge and death ( P < .001) and a higher percentage of mortality (32% vs 11%). Of the 301 patients without PC consult who discharged (89.1%), 36.5% discharged to inpatient rehab while 10% discharged to a skilled nursing facility. In comparison, of the patients with PC consultation who discharged alive (41.1%), 15.7% discharged to inpatient rehab whereas 39% discharged to skilled nursing ( P < .001). The uncertainty of which patients with stroke benefit most from specialty PC is highlighted in that although sicker patients are referred to PC, a substantial portion (41%) of these patients discharge alive, of which 39.2% discharged to skilled nursing. Future research should focus on which patients with stroke would benefit from specialty PC.
City Learning: Evidence of Policy Information Diffusion from a Survey of U.S. Mayors
Authors: Einstein Katherine Levine , Glick David M. , Palmer Maxwell
Published: July 2018

Most studies of policy diffusion attempt to infer the processes through which policies spread by observing outputs (policy adoptions). We approach these issues from the other direction by directly analyzing a key policymaking input—information about others’ policies. Moreover, we do so by investigating policy diffusion in cities rather than states. Using a survey of U.S. mayors, more specifically, mayors’ own lists of cities they look to for ideas, we find evidence that distance, similarity, and capacity all influence the likelihood of a policy maker looking to a particular jurisdiction for policy information. We also consider whether these traits are complements or substitutes and provide some evidence for the latter. Specifically, we find that, at times, mayors eschew similarity and distance to look to highly respected “high capacity” cities but that there is no tradeoff between distance and similarity.
Narcissistic Women and Cash-Strapped Men: Who Can Be Encouraged to Consider Running for Political Office, and Who Should Do the Encouraging?
Authors: Pruysers Scott , Blais Julie
Published: July 2018

This paper not only considers whether encouragement can be an effective tool for increasing political ambition, but it also asks whether the source of that encouragement matters. That is, are some sources of encouragement more credible and effective than others? In addition, it explores the profiles of those individuals who are most likely to be receptive to recruitment, accounting for factors such as age, gender, income, education, political interest, knowledge, and personality. To answer these questions, we conducted two studies. The first is a survey of eligible voters. We recruited 371 Canadians from a national panel, asking a variety of questions regarding their level of political ambition. Importantly, we uncover distinct profiles for men and women who are most likely to respond positively to encouragement. In the second study, we conducted an online experiment with 443 undergraduate university students. Here, we focus on the question of who is providing the encouragement as we manipulated the gender of the actor providing the encouragement to run for office. We find that women who are encouraged by a male party recruiter are significantly less likely to express interest in a political career than those in our gender-neutral control condition.
Assessing Levels and Correlates of Implementation of Evidence-Based Approaches for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Study With Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Walker Timothy J. , Risendal Betsy , Kegler Michelle C. , Friedman Daniela B. , Weiner Bryan J. , Williams Rebecca S. , Tu Shin-Ping , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: July 2018

Multiple evidence-based approaches (EBAs) exist to improve colorectal cancer screening in health clinics. The success of these approaches is tied to effective implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the implementation of EBAs for colorectal cancer screening and clinic-level correlates of implementation in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). We conducted descriptive and cross-sectional analyses using data collected from FQHC clinics across seven states ( n = 51). A clinic representative completed electronic surveys about clinic characteristics (e.g., size, patient characteristics, and medical record system characteristics) and the implementation of Community Guide recommended EBAs (e.g., client reminders, small media, and provider assessment and feedback). We used bivariate Spearman correlations to assess clinic-level correlates with implementation outcomes. Most clinics were planning to implement, in the early implementation stages, or inconsistently implementing EBAs. No EBA was fully implemented by more than nine (17.6%) clinics. Clinic size variables were inversely related to implementation levels of one-on-one education; medical record variables were directly related to implementation levels of client and provider reminders as well as provider assessment and feedback; and rapid and timely feedback from clinic leaders was directly associated with implementation levels of four out of six EBAs. Given the varying levels of implementation, clinics need to assess current use of implementation strategies and improve effective program delivery to increase colorectal cancer screening among their patients. In addition, clinics should also consider how their characteristics may support or serve as a barrier to implementation in their respective settings.
A comparative clinical study on the generation of nitrosative stress in cataractous lenses of smokers and non-smoker tobacco patients
Authors: Anitha Thirugnanasambandhar Sivasubramanian , Srikanth Krishnagopal , Suganya Subrayan , Muthukumar Subramanian
Published: July 2018

Aim:

To quantify the levels of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and 3-nitrotyrosine in cataractous lenses of smokers and smokers who chewed tobacco in comparison with non-smokers and non-smokers who chewed tobacco.

Study design:

A total of 80 cataractous lenses from smokers, non-smokers, smokers with tobacco chewing habit, and non-smokers with tobacco chewing habit were collected from the patients who had enrolled in the Department of Ophthalmology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry.

Methods:

Levels of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and 3-nitrotyrosine were quantified using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results:

The mean concentrations of lens nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and 3-nitrotyrosine are as follows: (a) smokers—112.01, 59.57, and 88.91 µmol/L; (b) smokers who chewed tobacco—175.15, 93.95, and 128.72 µmol/L; (c) non-smokers—76.15, 40.65, and 70.20 µmol/L; and (d) non-smokers who chewed tobacco—96.56, 52.87, and 83.88 µmol/L, respectively.

Conclusion:

Nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and 3-nitrotyrosine at high levels are the major causative agents for cataractogenesis. The results of this study suggest that smoking and tobacco chewing habit generate nitrosative stress that could enhance the pathogenesis for early cataractogenesis.
Unraveling of Central Nervous System Disease Mechanisms Using CRISPR Genome Manipulation
Authors: Vesikansa Aino
Published: July 2018

The complex structure and highly variable gene expression profile of the brain makes it among the most challenging fields to study in both basic and translational biological research. Most of the brain diseases are multifactorial and despite the rapidly increasing genomic data, molecular pathways and causal links between genes and central nervous system (CNS) diseases are largely unknown. The advent of an easy and flexible CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology has rapidly revolutionized the field of functional genomics and opened unprecedented possibilities to dissect the mechanisms of CNS disease. CRISPR-Cas allows a plenitude of applications for both gene-focused and genome-wide approaches, ranging from original “gene scissors” making permanent modifications in the genome to the regulation of gene expression and epigenetics. CRISPR technology provides a unique opportunity to establish new cellular and animal models of CNS diseases and holds potential for breakthroughs in the CNS research and drug development.
Associations of exercise ankle–brachial index, pain-free walking distance and maximum walking distance with the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire: Finding from the PORTRAIT PAD Registry
Authors: Hammad Tarek A , Smolderen Kim G , Spertus John A , Jones Philip G , Shishehbor Mehdi H
Published: July 2018

An exercise ankle–brachial index (ABI) test can provide further insight into the functional significance of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The variability in its use, associated patient factors and its relation to patients’ symptoms are unknown. From the international PORTRAIT registry, we identified 1131 patients with PAD. We fit a hierarchical logistic regression model, adjusting for patient factors, country and site, to examine predictors of and variation in ordering exercise ABI testing. We also examined the associations between test components and health status as quantified by the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ) using semi-parametric regression methods. Testing was ordered in 22% in the United States versus 80% in the Netherlands and 90% in Australia. Testing was likely to be performed if the patient was male, younger, had typical symptoms and a higher resting ABI, with substantial variability across sites (median odds ratio=5.9, 95% CI: 3.2–19.5). Adjusting for country and site, the resting ABI and all exercise ABI metrics were associated with the PAQ Physical Limitation score. In addition, important components of the test, namely time to onset of claudication, pain-free walking distance (PFWD), and maximum walking distance (MWD), were also associated with PAQ Symptoms and Summary scores. More importantly, even after adjusting for resting ABI, a patient with a post-exercise ABI of 0.29 (25th percentile), compared to 0.61 (75th percentile), achieved 4.4 (95% CI: 0.4–8.4, p=0.031) points less on the PAQ Physical Limitation score. Exercise ABI test use is remarkably variable, and less used in the United States. Its data, specifically PFWD and MWD, might help in objectively assessing the impact of PAD on patients’ functioning and quality of life.
Thirty-five years of ISLA on form-focused instruction: A methodological synthesis
Authors: Sok Sarah , Kang Eun Young , Han ZhaoHong
Published: July 2018

This article offers a methodological synthesis spanning 35 years of instructed second language acquisition research on the efficacy of form-focused instruction. Eighty-eight (quasi-) experimental studies were sampled from six academic journals: Applied Linguistics, Language Learning, Language Teaching Research, Modern Language Journal, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, and TESOL Quarterly. The focus of analysis was on five sets of variables: (1) research design, (2) participants, (3) context in which the studies were conducted, (4) instructional treatment, and (5) outcome measures. Results revealed that since Norris and Ortega’s (2000) seminal study, the research domain has grown, not only with respect to the number of studies published, but also with regard to the addition of previously unexamined L1 groups, increase in the number of studies investigating implicit instruction, greater use of multiple measures of learning, and more pretesting and delayed posttesting. However, a number of methodological weaknesses have also persisted.
Social media gatekeeping: An analysis of the gatekeeping influence of newspapers’ public Facebook pages
Authors: Welbers Kasper , Opgenhaffen Michaël
Published: July 2018

Due to the rising importance of social media platforms for news diffusion, newspapers are relying on social media editors to promote the distribution of their news items on these platforms. In this study, we investigate how much of an impact these social media editors really have, focusing on the impact of newspapers’ public pages on Facebook. Since the actions of individual users are not visible on many platforms due to privacy consideration, we propose a method that leverages time series of aggregated scores for total user engagement, which are available for various platforms. We use this method to study and compare the influence of Facebook pages for six newspapers from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Flanders, for all news items published over 2 weeks in 2017.
International students’ transitions to UK Higher Education – revisiting the concept and practice of academic hospitality
Authors: Ploner Josef
Published: July 2018

With the increasing mobility of international students to UK universities, the appropriate facilitation of their transition remains a critical issue in terms of higher education practice and research. Much existing research and practice is characterised by assimilationist approaches to transition where international students are seen to ‘adapt to’ and ‘fit in’ seemingly uniform host environments. This study however draws on the concept of ‘academic hospitality’ (Bennett, 2000; Phipps & Barnett, 2007) to develop a more nuanced stance which emphasises reciprocity between academic ‘hosts’ and ‘guests’. The findings presented here emerge from semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of international students who spent their first year abroad at a well-established UK university. Elaborating on different experiences and forms of academic hospitality (material, virtual, epistemological, linguistic and touristic), the paper contributes to a refined theorisation of international student transition. It also offers valuable insights for academic practitioners and policy makers who seek sensible approaches to internationalisation.
Assuring Health Access and Culturally Competent Health Services Through the Latino Health for All Coalition
Authors: Fawcett Stephen , Torres Jose , Jones Lucia , Moffett Molly , Bradford Karole , Mantilla Mariana Ramirez , Cupertino Ana Paula , de los Rios Johana Bravo , Collie-Akers Vicki
Published: July 2018

Although the importance of health care access is widely acknowledged, less is known about how partnerships can help assure access to quality health services for those experiencing health inequities. This report describes implementation of collaborative efforts through the Health Access Committee of the Latino Health for All Coalition (Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas) to address its three goal areas (1) improving cultural competence through organizational change, (2) improving access to quality health services through access to diabetes prevention services, and (3) improving access and linkage to care via enrollment in health insurance. Using community-based participatory approaches, we documented and reflected on the pattern of activities facilitated by the coalition and its partners for each goal area over a 1-year period. This case report outlines strategies, activities, and lessons learned by coalition partners. This article offers practical guidance about how to structure and implement a coalition that provides technical support for increasing health care access and cultural competency.
Efficacy of Sensory Interventions on School Participation of Children With Sensory Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ouellet Béatrice , Carreau Emmanuelle , Dion Valérie , Rouat Anouk , Tremblay Elyse , Voisin Julien I. A.
Published: July 2018

Research demonstrates lower school participation in children with sensory disorders. However, the scientific body of evidence supporting existing sensory intervention modalities is difficult to tackle. More specifically, the literature appears poorly organized, with a highly variable terminology, often with nonoverlapping definitions and lack of good keywords classification that would help organize the diversity of approaches. This systematic review organizes the body of evidence for 3 specific approaches (sensory based, sensorimotor, and sensory integration) and questions their efficacy in improving school participation for children with sensory disorders. Two methods were compared: first, a standard systematic review of the literature in 3 databases using appropriate keywords and descriptors, then an original method based on forward and backward citation connections. A total of 28 studies were retrieved, of which only 7 used the standard method for systematic reviews. For sensory-based approaches, the efficacy of weighted-vest varies according to different factors such as the protocol of use. For sensorimotor approaches, the efficacy of therapy balls, air cushions, platform swing, and physical exercise varies according to the child’s sensory characteristics. The efficacy of the sensory integration approach remains mixed across studies.
NIHSS sub-item scores predict collateral flow in acute middle cerebral artery infarction
Authors: Hwang Jaechun , Lee Mi Ji , Chung Jong-Won , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Chung Chin-Sang , Lee Kwang Ho
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

The status of collateral vessels has important clinical implications in acute ischemic stroke. To evaluate which components of ischemic symptoms were predictive of pretreatment collateral status, we tested the hypothesis that sub-item scores from the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) are associated with leptomeningeal collateral status in acute ischemic stroke with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion.

Methods

This study included consecutive patients with acute M1 occlusion who underwent revascularization treatment for acute MCA infarction. We evaluated clinical factors and the NIHSS score according to the collateral status assessed by multiphase perfusion computed tomography.

Results

Eighty-six patients were included (48 good collateral status, 38 poor collateral status). The patients with poor collateral status were more likely to have a higher total NIHSS score (18 versus 11, p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (65.8% versus 41.7%, p = 0.026) than patients with good collateral flow. In a multiple logistic regression, the NIHSS sub-items such as profound “facial palsy” (score 2 versus 0–1) and “visual field defect” (score 2 versus 0–1) were independently associated with poor collateral status.

Conclusion

Among the NIHSS sub-items, severe facial palsy and visual field defect were associated with poor collateral status in acute MCA stroke with M1 occlusion. Decision on whether to treat these patients endovascularly should be made more cautiously due to the possibility of a poor outcome.
Using Cluster Analysis to Understand Clinician Readiness to Promote Continuous Glucose Monitoring Adoption
Authors: Tanenbaum Molly L. , Adams Rebecca N. , Lanning Monica S. , Hanes Sarah J. , Agustin Bianca I. , Naranjo Diana , Hood Korey K.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Many people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) report barriers to using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Diabetes care providers may have their own barriers to promoting CGM uptake. The goal of this study was to develop clinician “personas” with regard to readiness to promote CGM uptake.

Methods:

Diabetes care providers who treat people with T1D (N = 209) completed a survey on perceived patient barriers to device uptake, technology attitudes, and characteristics and barriers specific to their clinical practice. K-means cluster analyses grouped the sample by CGM barriers and attitudes. ANOVAs and chi-square tests assessed group differences on provider and patient characteristics. The authors assigned descriptive names for each persona.

Results:

Analyses yielded three clinician personas regarding readiness to promote CGM uptake. Ready clinicians (20% of sample; 24% physicians, 38% certified diabetes educators/CDEs) had positive technology attitudes, had clinic time to work with patients using CGM, and found it easy to keep up with technology advances. In comparison, Cautious clinicians (41% of sample; 17% physicians, 53% CDEs) perceived that their patients had many barriers to adopting CGM and had less time than the Ready group to work with patients using CGM data. Not Yet Ready clinicians (40% of sample; 9% physicians; 79% CDEs) had negative technology attitudes and the least clinic time to work with CGM data. They found it difficult to keep up with technology advances.

Conclusion:

Some diabetes clinicians may benefit from tailored interventions and additional time and resources to empower them to help facilitate increased uptake of CGM technology.
Understanding women’s mobile phone use in rural Kenya: An affordance-based approach
Authors: Wyche Susan , Simiyu Nightingale , Othieno Martha E.
Published: July 2018

Increases in mobile phone ownership and Internet access throughout Africa continue to motivate initiatives to use information and communication technologies (ICTs)—in particular, mobile phones—to address long-standing socioeconomic problems in the “developing world.” While it is generally recognized that mobile phones may help to address these problems by providing pertinent information, less widely known is exactly how (and if) a handset’s human–computer interface—that is, its software and hardware design—supports this form of communication. The concept of “affordances” has long been used to answer such questions. In this paper, we use Hartson’s definition of affordances to qualitatively investigate rural Kenyan women’s interactions with their mobile phones. Our detailed analysis provides empirically grounded answers to questions about the cognitive, physical, and sensory affordances of handsets used in our field sites and how they support and/or constrain mobile communication. We then discuss the implications of our findings: in particular, how this affordance-based approach draws attention to mobile phones’ design features and to the context in which they and their users are embedded—a focus which suggests new design and research opportunities in mobile communication.
Limits of space syntax for urban design: Axiality, scale and sinuosity
Authors: Pafka Elek , Dovey Kim , Aschwanden Gideon DPA
Published: July 2018

Space syntax analysis of the city as a movement economy has made major contributions to our understanding of the spatial structure of cities, particularly the importance of a mapping of network integration in relation to density, functional mix and streetlife vitality. It has focused attention of urban researchers onto the importance of the relations between the sociality and spatiality of the city. The primary methods of syntactic analysis involve a reduction of urban morphology to a set of spatial axes; here, we explore some limits to such analysis for urban design. Topological analysis of axial models has long recognized problems in accounting for distance, scale and sinuous streetscapes. Existing adaptations to axial methods that address such problems are modelled and shown to produce a broad range of results for the same urban morphology. In each case, we also compare different capacities for to-movement and through-movement – the distinction between ‘closeness centrality’ and ‘betweenness centrality’ that shows that network integration is multiple. We argue that axial analyses privilege visibility over accessibility and can produce distorted mapping at walkable scales; only one of the methods tested measures permeability and walkable access. Space syntax analysis is a powerful tool that will be more useful the better such limits are understood.
Therapeutic vulnerability of multiple myeloma to MIR17PTi, a first-in-class inhibitor of pri-miR-17-92
Authors: Morelli Eugenio , Biamonte Lavinia , Federico Cinzia , Amodio Nicola , Di Martino Maria Teresa , Gallo Cantafio Maria Eugenia , Manzoni Martina , Scionti Francesca , Samur Mehmet Kemal , Gullà Annamaria , Stamato Maria Angelica , Pitari Maria Rita , Caracciolo Daniele , Sesti Settimio , Frandsen Niels M. , Rossi Marco , Neri Antonino , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Munshi Nikhil C. , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco
Published: July 2018

Key Points

First-in-class MIR17PTi enables 1-shot downregulation of miR-17-92 in vitro and in vivo, with favorable pharmacokinetic profile. MIR17PTi affects homeostatic MYC/miR-17-92 FFLs in MM cells, resulting in strong anti-MM activity.
Bronchiectasis: a case-based approach to investigation and management
Authors: Contarini Martina , Finch Simon , Chalmers James D.
Published: July 2018

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by a syndrome of productive cough and recurrent respiratory infections due to permanent dilatation of the bronchi. Bronchiectasis represents the final common pathway of different disorders, some of which may require specific treatment. Therefore, promptly identifying the aetiology of bronchiectasis is recommended by the European Respiratory Society guidelines. The clinical history and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features can be useful to detect the underlying causes. Despite a strong focus on this aspect of treatment a high proportion of patients remain classified as “idiopathic”. Important underlying conditions that are treatable are frequently not identified for prolonged periods of time.

The European Respiratory Society guidelines for bronchiectasis recommend a minimal bundle of tests for diagnosing the cause of bronchiectasis, consisting of immunoglobulins, testing for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and full blood count. Other testing is recommended to be conducted based on the clinical history, radiological features and severity of disease. Therefore it is essential to teach clinicians how to recognise the “clinical phenotypes” of bronchiectasis that require specific testing.

This article will present the initial investigation and management of bronchiectasis focussing particularly on the HRCT features and clinical features that allow recognition of specific causes.
Cardiorespiratory fitness among adults with fibromyalgia
Authors: Gaudreault Nathaly , Boulay Pierre
Published: July 2018

This review presents and addresses the conflicting results on cardiorespiratory fitness among adults with fibromyalgia. The heterogeneity in study designs, symptom severity and the assessment protocols might partly explain these conflicting results. It also presents the possible relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise prescription, attrition from exercise/rehabilitation programmes and independence with activities of daily living.

Cardiorespiratory fitness might impact aerobic exercise and independence in daily activities of patients with fibromyalgia, which is often concomitantly diagnosed in patients with sleep disordered breathing, including patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Therefore, cardiorespiratory fitness evaluation should be considered by general and respiratory physicians as well as physiotherapists who treat patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia for more accurate diagnosis, exercise prescription and monitoring of patients’ status.

Key points

Adults with fibromyalgia often present with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness.

Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness might have an important impact on functional capacity and quality of life.

Adults with fibromyalgia who have a secondary condition affecting their ventilatory anaerobic threshold and/orV′O2peak, for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, might present with a greater reduction of their cardiorespiratory fitness which may not be entirely related to their lung disease.

Educational aims

To better understand the cardiorespiratory fitness results among adults with fibromyalgia in general, and when taking into account differences in assessment protocol (maximalversussubmaximal testing protocol; cycle ergometerversustreadmill testing protocol) and symptom severity (fibromyalgia severity level).

To better understand how cardiorespiratory fitness among adults with fibromyalgia could: 1) assist in exercise prescription; 2) minimise dropout rates from exercise/rehabilitation programmes; and 3) promote independence with activities of daily living.

To learn why fibromyalgia might be important to consider in adults who have concurrent fibromyalgia and lung disease.