bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Resiliency Scale for Young Adults
Authors: Prince-Embury Sandra , Saklofske Donald H. , Nordstokke David W.
Published: April 2016

The Resiliency Scale for Young Adults (RSYA) is presented as an upward extension of the Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (RSCA). The RSYA is based on the three-factor model of personal resiliency including mastery, relatedness, and emotional reactivity. Several stages of scale development and studies leading to the current RSYA are described that provide construct validity (i.e., internal consistency, confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent–divergent validity) support for the three-factor structure and 10 subscales of this measure for young adults who are attending college. This work is a step in a longer-term project of translating the constructs of personal resiliency for application across the life span.
The Retina and Other Light-sensitive Ocular Clocks
Authors: Besharse Joseph C. , McMahon Douglas G.
Published: April 2016

Ocular clocks, first identified in the retina, are also found in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), cornea, and ciliary body. The retina is a complex tissue of many cell types and considerable effort has gone into determining which cell types exhibit clock properties. Current data suggest that photoreceptors as well as inner retinal neurons exhibit clock properties with photoreceptors dominating in nonmammalian vertebrates and inner retinal neurons dominating in mice. However, these differences may in part reflect the choice of circadian output, and it is likely that clock properties are widely dispersed among many retinal cell types. The phase of the retinal clock can be set directly by light. In nonmammalian vertebrates, direct light sensitivity is commonplace among body clocks, but in mice only the retina and cornea retain direct light-dependent phase regulation. This distinguishes the retina and possibly other ocular clocks from peripheral oscillators whose phase depends on the pace-making properties of the hypothalamic central brain clock, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). However, in mice, retinal circadian oscillations dampen quickly in isolation due to weak coupling of its individual cell-autonomous oscillators, and there is no evidence that retinal clocks are directly controlled through input from other oscillators. Retinal circadian regulation in both mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates uses melatonin and dopamine as dark- and light-adaptive neuromodulators, respectively, and light can regulate circadian phase indirectly through dopamine signaling. The melatonin/dopamine system appears to have evolved among nonmammalian vertebrates and retained with modification in mammals. Circadian clocks in the eye are critical for optimum visual function where they play a role fine tuning visual sensitivity, and their disruption can affect diseases such as glaucoma or retinal degeneration syndromes.
Examining Positive and Negative Reactions and Conciliatory Behaviors After Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: LaMotte Adam D. , Remington Nancy A. , Rezac Casey , Murphy Christopher M.
Published: April 2016

This study investigated positive and negative reactions and conciliatory behaviors after perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). The goals were to examine the rates of these reactions and their associations with key attitudinal and personality factors. During program intake at a community agency, 172 partner violent men completed assessments of positive reactions (e.g., feeling justified) and negative reactions (e.g., feeling ashamed) after IPV, conciliatory behaviors after IPV (e.g., buying flowers for the partner), frequency of physical assault and abuse perpetration, and motivational readiness to change. In addition, a subset of participants ( n = 64-71) completed assessments of outcome expectancies of IPV and borderline, antisocial, and psychopathic personality characteristics. The vast majority of participants (89.8%) reported negative reaction(s) after IPV; 32.7% reported positive reaction(s), and 67.5% reported conciliatory behavior(s). Positive reactions after IPV were associated with positive outcome expectancies of IPV, more frequent abuse perpetration, and antisocial features. Negative reactions after IPV were associated with greater motivation to change, more frequent abuse perpetration, and borderline features, and were inversely linked to psychopathic traits. Conciliatory behaviors were associated with motivation to change, borderline characteristics, and lower levels of psychopathic traits. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to IPV may be important for stimulating clinical discussion of motivations and barriers to change, and can inform the functional analysis of IPV.
Custom design of furniture elements by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Grujovic Nenad , Zivic Fatima , Zivkovic Miroslav , Sljivic Milan , Radovanovic Andreja , Bukvic Luka , Mladenovic Milos , Sindjelic Aleksandar
Published: April 2016

Additive manufacturing technologies enable rapid prototyping of different parts, according to the three-dimensional model software solution. This paper presents some aspects of fused deposition modeling technology and its application in the wood industry. The fused deposition modeling technology was initially developed for three-dimensional printing of plastic parts, whereas acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid plastics filament are commonly applied. Possibilities for application of different composites with fused deposition modeling in the wood industry are reviewed and presented in this paper. Several industrial applications were considered also, from aspects of material durability, mechanical strength, low cost, and customization. Directions of further research have been discussed, considering graphene and carbon nanotubes as composite reinforcement materials and bio-organic composites with wooden particles or fibers mixed into the polymer matrix. Development of new composites for use with the fused deposition modeling technology is promising area taking into account that new low-cost extruders are already commercially available, as a support to fused deposition modeling device. Three-dimensional printing is very convenient for investigation of different custom-made composite materials, as well as custom shapes of final parts, starting from powders, their mixing, drawing of composite material filament, which are further used for three-dimensional printing with solidification and fabrication of custom-made products. New composites for fused deposition modeling, made of wood and plastic combinations were experimentally investigated for use as functional and customized elements of furniture. Obtained results strongly indicated that both new composite materials and fused deposition modeling printing can be efficiently used for broad customization from aspects of material properties and product shapes, thus enabling low-cost fabrication of small series of complex furniture elements, especially fixtures or clamp tools.
Bullshot: Sporting shooting, alcohol and the two cultures
Authors: Hillyard Sam
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the role and function of alcohol in sporting shooting in the UK. It seeks to understand and critically comment upon alcohol consumption relating to this sport, to widen empirical knowledge of sporting shooting and to use the lens of alcohol to enhance our theoretical understanding of changes taking place in the global countryside. The paper contextualises the activity of sporting shooting by discussing the characteristics of game shooting participants and also the nature of sporting shooting in Britain and Ireland using examples from the pro-shooting press and shooting memoirs. The paper then unpacks the role alcohol fulfils during the sporting day and questions whether it is problematic in this sport on three grounds: the health and safety of participants; for the policing and regulation of legal gun ownership; and for the sustainability and viability of sporting shooting in a changing global countryside. The paper enhances knowledge and understanding in the sociology of sport by broadening the notion of sporting conduct within the sport–alcohol nexus, examining the sport–alcohol nexus in the context of sporting shooting and by demarking changes taking place in the British countryside itself. Two cultures participate in game shooting: for its intrinsic reward (the ‘true countryman’) and those perceiving the countryside and its elite activities in more instrumental terms (the networker). The long-term implications of this trend are unknown, but it may indicate a threat to the sustainability and long-term viability of sporting shooting if it becomes a purely commercial venture.
Focusing on Emotion and Work–Family Conflict Research
Authors: Bochantin Jaime E. , Cowan Renee L.
Published: April 2016

This agenda-setting article examines emotion and work–family conflict (WFC) through different paradigmatic lenses. To date, WFC and emotion research has been dominated by the functionalist perspective. This perspective has been quite informative; however, examining WFC and emotion through three alternative paradigms, namely, interpretivism, critical management theory, and postmodernism will serve to broaden and deepen our understanding of this important area of organizational and management scholarship. A paradigmatic analysis can offer a more comprehensive understanding of WFC and emotion because it utilizes an array of theoretical and methodological approaches. In addition, we advance the co-mingling of certain paradigms to offer a more comprehensive future research agenda for emotion and WFC scholarship.
Effects of Carvedilol Compared to Nebivolol on Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile in Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Ozyıldız Ali Gokhan , Eroglu Serpil , Bal Ugur , Atar Ilyas , Okyay Kaan , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: April 2016

Background and aim:

Beta-blockers have unfavorable effects on metabolic parameters in hypertensive treatment. New generation beta-blockers with vasodilatory capabilities are superior to traditional beta-blockers, but studies examining their effects on metabolic parameters are still lacking. This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 new generation beta-blockers, carvedilol and nebivolol, on insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, single-center clinical trial. A total of 80 patients were randomized into 2 groups: the carvedilol group (n = 40, 25 mg of carvedilol daily) and the nebivolol group (n = 40, 5 mg of nebivolol daily). Follow-up was performed for 4 months. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and the lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], total cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoprotein AI, and apolipoprotein B levels) were measured and IR was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. These variables were compared before and 4 months after treatment.

Results:

Blood pressure and heart rate were significantly and similarly reduced in the carvedilol and nebivolol groups after treatment compared to those before treatment (both P < .001). Serum glucose ( P < .001), insulin ( P < .01), HOMA-IR (P < .01), HDL ( P < .001), LDL ( P < .001), total cholesterol ( P < .001), and apolipoprotein B ( P < .05) levels decreased in a similar manner in the carvedilol and nebivolol groups after treatment compared to those before treatment. Serum triglyceride and apolipoprotein AI levels did not change after treatment with both drugs.

Conclusion:

New generation beta-blockers, carvedilol and nebivolol, efficiently and similarly decrease blood pressure. They have similar favorable effects on glucose, insulin, IR, and the lipid profile.
Anti-Yo Antibodies in Children With ADHD: First Results About Serum Cytokines
Authors: Donfrancesco Renato , Nativio Paola , Di Benedetto Angela , Villa Maria Pia , Andriola Elda , Melegari Maria Grazia , Cipriano Enrica , Di Trani Michela
Published: April 2016

Objective: We investigated whether ADHD children who are positive to Purkinje cell antibodies display pro-inflammatory activity associated with high cytokine serum levels. Method: Fifty-eight ADHD outpatients were compared with 36 healthy, age- and sex-matched children. Forty-five of the ADHD children were positive to anti-Yo antibodies, whereas 34 of the control children were negative. Interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interferon gamma (IFNγ) cytokine serum levels were tested in ADHD children who were positive to anti-Yo antibodies and in the control children who were negative. Results: Anti-Yo antibodies were present to a greater extent in the ADHD group: 77.58% versus 22.42%. Significant differences emerged between the two groups in IL-6 and IL-10, with higher cytokine levels being detected in ADHD children than in controls. Conclusion: Immune processes in ADHD are likely to be associated with mediators of inflammation, such as cytokines. These results contribute to our understanding of action of neural antibodies and cytokines in ADHD.
Diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid immunocytochemistry for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis manifesting in the central nervous system
Authors: Gruendl Stefanie , Matiasek Kaspar , Matiasek Lara , Fischer Andrea , Felten Sandra , Jurina Konrad , Hartmann Katrin
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether an ante-mortem diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is possible via immunocytochemical staining (ICC) of feline coronavirus antigen (FCoV) within macrophages of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

Prospectively, CSF samples of 41 cats were investigated, including cats with histopathologically confirmed FIP and neurological signs (n = 10), cats with confirmed FIP without CNS involvement (n = 11), cats with neurological signs but another confirmed CNS disease (n = 17), and cats without neurological signs and a disease other than FIP (n = 3). ICC staining of CSF macrophages was performed in all cats. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of CSF ICC were calculated.

Results

Of 10 samples from cats with CNS FIP, eight had detectable CSF macrophages, seven of which were positive for FCoV. Ten of 11 samples from cats with confirmed FIP without neurological signs had macrophages in the CSF, with all 10 being ICC-positive. In cats with other CNS disorders, 11/17 had macrophages, two of which stained positively. In cats with diseases other than FIP and without neurological disorders, 2/3 revealed macrophages, with one cat showing positive ICC staining. Diagnosis of FIP via CSF ICC had a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 83.3%. PPV and NPV were 85.0% and 83.3%.

Conclusions and relevance

CSF ICC is a highly sensitive test for ante-mortem diagnosis of FIP manifesting in the CNS. However, CNS ICC specificity is too low to confirm FIP and the method should only be applied in conjunction with other features such as CSF cytology. CNS ICC could be helpful to discover pre-neurological stages of CNS FIP.
The role of new information and communication technologies in equity-focused evaluation: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Bamberger Michael , Raftree Linda , Olazabal Veronica
Published: April 2016

ICT is being rapidly introduced into development evaluation. Evaluators need to keep abreast of these important evolutions in the field in order to stay current and continue shaping the future of development work through their practice. ICT is helping to resolve some age-old issues that evaluators face, especially in terms of time, resources and data quality constraints. At the same time, the introduction of ICTs into evaluation brings a series of new ethical, political and methodological challenges that evaluators need to address. The article also weighs the potential opportunities for ICT to strengthen equity and empowerment-focused evaluation against concerns that these new technologies could result in more ‘extractive’ approaches whereby it becomes easier for international agencies and donors to collect information remotely thereby reducing the ability of local communities and civil society to participate in the development dialogue.
Contingent imitation increases verbal interaction in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ishizuka Yuka , Yamamoto Jun-ichi
Published: April 2016

Several studies have suggested that contingent adult imitation increase nonverbal communication, such as attention and proximity to adults, in children with autism spectrum disorders. However, few studies have shown the effect of contingent imitation on verbal communication. This study examined whether children with autism were able to promote verbal interaction such as vocal imitation, vocalization, and vocal turn-taking via contingent imitation. We used an alternating treatment design composed of the conditions of contingent imitation and control for six children with autism (aged 33–63 months). For contingent imitation condition, adults imitated children’s vocalization immediately. For control condition, adults did not imitate but gave a vocal response immediately. Results showed that in contingent imitation condition, all children increased the number of vocal imitations and vocal turn-takings compared with control condition. The number of vocalizations increased in both condition for all children. Overall, it is suggested that all children promote verbal interaction via contingent imitation.
Cyborg hoaxes: Disability, deception, and critical studies of digital media
Authors: Ellcessor Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

This article examines academic and popular examples of a “cyborg hoax”—an articulation of gender, dis/ability, and technology that is deceptive, reinforces an ideology of ability, and prevents users and scholars alike from seeing the value of disability for digital media cultures. The article uses cyborg theory, cyberculture studies, literature on online deception, and critical disability studies to argue that cyborg hoaxes are a dominant but stereotypical representation. This is contrasted with ethnographic data about disabled peoples’ online experiences, which suggest that alternative linkages of disability, gender, and technology can provide valuable insights into the critical study of online cultures.
L/T-type calcium channel blocker reduces non-Gaussianity of heart rate variability in chronic kidney disease patients under preceding treatment with ARB
Authors: Fukuda Michio , Ogiyama Yoshiaki , Sato Ryo , Miura Toshiyuki , Fukuta Hidekatsu , Mizuno Masashi , Kiyono Ken , Yamamoto Yoshiharu , Hayano Junichiro , Ohte Nobuyuki
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Increased sympathetic nerve activity has been suggested in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pathologic sympathetic activity can alter heart rate variability (HRV), and the altered HRV has prognostic importance, so that reducing sympathetic activity may be an important strategy. Novel nonlinear HRVs, including deceleration capacity (DC), have greater predictive power for mortality. We have recently proposed an increase in a non-Gaussianity index of HRV, λ25s, which indicates the probability of volcanic heart rate deviations of departure from each standard deviation level, as a marker of sympathetic cardiac overdrive. L/T-type calcium channel blocker (L/T-CCB), azelnidipine, decreases sympathetic nerve activity in experimental and clinical studies.

Methods:

In 43 hypertensive patients with CKD under treatment with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), we investigated whether 8-week add-on L/T-CCB treatment could restore HRV.

Results:

Means of all normal-to-normal intervals over 24 h ( p<0.0001) and DC ( p=0.002) increased, and λ25s ( p=0.001) decreased regardless of gender, age, renal function or blood pressure, while no significant changes were observed in the other HRVs.

Conclusions:

Reduction of λ25s is useful to assess the effect of sympathoinhibitory treatment. Further studies are needed to investigate if the restoration of HRV is directly associated with the improvement of prognosis in patients with CKD.
Algorithmic approach toward Transit-Oriented Development neighborhoods: (Para)metric tools for evaluating and proposing rapid transit-based districts
Authors: Lima Fernando T , Kos Jose R , Paraizo Rodrigo C
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the use of computational tools to provide dynamic assessment and optimized arrangements while planning and discussing interventions in urban areas. The objective is to address the use of algorithmic systems for generating and evaluating urban morphologies guided by Transit-Oriented Development principles. Transit-Oriented Development is an urban development model that considers geometric and measurable parameters for designing sustainable cities. It advocates compact mixed-use neighborhoods within walking distance to a variety of transportation options and amenities, seeking to result in optimized infrastructure provision and energy-efficient low-carbon districts. This article presents algorithmic experiments for the optimization of a rapid transit district, through its urban morphology and services’ location, providing an accurate Transit-Oriented Development modeling. The main findings of this study highlight that the combination of Transit-Oriented Development and algorithmic–parametric tools has the potential to significantly contribute to a process of responsible planning and, ultimately, to mitigate global warming.
Aspirations to Great Power Status: Russia’s Path to Assertiveness in the International Arena under Putin
Authors: Nitoiu Cristian
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the literature developed in the last few years on Russia’s foreign policy by exploring six books which can be thought as representative: two general books on Russian foreign policy, one that focuses on security and intervention, another on Russia’s soft power and influence in the post-Soviet space, and two others on Russia’s relationship with the West. There is an underlying idea in the six books that Russian foreign policy has been deeply marked by Putin’s leadership. Russia’s foreign policy has been continuously evolving since 2000 towards assertiveness, through which Putin has aimed to regain Russia’s lost status of being a great power. In the last few years and especially since Putin came to power for the third time, there has been a proliferation of books on Russian foreign policy. The value of the six books lies in the way they chart the path towards assertiveness in Putin’s quest to put Russia again on the map as a great power.

Allison R (2013) Russia, the West, and Military Intervention. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

De Haas M (2011) Russia’s Foreign Security Policy in the 21st Century: Putin, Medvedev and Beyond. Abingdon: Routledge.

Gvosdev NK and Marsh C (2013) Russian Foreign Policy: Interests, Vectors, and Sectors. Los Angeles, CA: CQ Press.

Leichtova M (2014) Misunderstanding Russia: Russian Foreign Policy and the West. Farnham, MD: Ashgate.

Sherr J (2013) Hard Diplomacy and Soft Coercion: Russia’s Influence Abroad. London: Royal Institute for International Affairs/Chatham House.

Tsygankov AP (2012) Russia and the West from Alexander to Putin: Honor in International Relations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Unlimited-Length Proctocolectomy Utilizing Sequential Intussusception and Pull-Through
Authors: Kvasha Anton , Khalifa Muhammad , Biswas Seema , Hamoud Mohamad , Nordkin Dmitri , Bramnik Zakhar , Willenz Udi , Farraj Moaad , Waksman Igor
Published: April 2016

Transanal, hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and NOTES-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction techniques hold promise as leaders in the field of natural orifice surgery. We report the feasibility of a novel NOTES assisted technique for unlimited length, clean, endolumenal proctocolectomy in a porcine model. This technique is a modification of a transanal intussusception and pull-through procedure recently published by our group. Rectal mobilization was achieved laparoscopically; this was followed by a transanal recto-rectal intussusception and pull-through (IPT). IPT was established in a stepwise fashion. First, the proximal margin of resection was attached laparoscopically to the shaft of the anvil of an end-to-end circular stapler with a ligature around the rectum. Second, this complex was pulled transanally to produce IPT. To achieve an unlimited-length proctocolectomy, the IPT step was repeated several times prior to bowel resection. This was facilitated by removing the ligature applied in the first step of this procedure. Once sequential IPT established the desired length of bowel to be resected, a second ligature was placed around the rectum approximating the proximal and distal resection margins. The specimen was resected and extracted by making a full-thickness incision through the 2 bowel walls. The anastomosis was achieved by deploying the stapler. The technique was found to be feasible. Peritoneal samples, collected after transanal specimen extraction, did not demonstrate bacterial growth. The minimally invasive nature of this evolving technique as well as its aseptic bowel manipulation has the potential to limit the complications associated with abdominal wall incision and surgical site infection.
Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot (STEPP) analysis for continuous, binary, and count outcomes
Authors: Yip Wai-Ki , Bonetti Marco , Cole Bernard F , Barcella William , Wang Xin Victoria , Lazar Ann , Gelber Richard D
Published: April 2016

Background:

For the past few decades, randomized clinical trials have provided evidence for effective treatments by comparing several competing therapies. Their successes have led to numerous new therapies to combat many diseases. However, since their conclusions are based on the entire cohort in the trial, the treatment recommendation is for everyone, and may not be the best option for an individual. Medical research is now focusing more on providing personalized care for patients, which requires investigating how patient characteristics, including novel biomarkers, modify the effect of current treatment modalities. This is known as heterogeneity of treatment effects. A better understanding of the interaction between treatment and patient-specific prognostic factors will enable practitioners to expand the availability of tailored therapies, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. The Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot (STEPP) approach was developed to allow researchers to investigate the heterogeneity of treatment effects on survival outcomes across values of a (continuously measured) covariate, such as a biomarker measurement.

Methods:

Here, we extend the Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot approach to continuous, binary, and count outcomes, which can be easily modeled using generalized linear models. With this extension of Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot, these additional types of treatment effects within subpopulations defined with respect to a covariate of interest can be estimated, and the statistical significance of any observed heterogeneity of treatment effect can be assessed using permutation tests. The desirable feature that commonly used models are applied to well-defined patient subgroups to estimate treatment effects is retained in this extension.

Results:

We describe a simulation study to confirm that the proper Type I error rate is maintained when there is no treatment heterogeneity, and a power study to show that the statistics have power to detect treatment heterogeneity under alternative scenarios. As an illustration, we apply the methods to data from the Aspirin/Folate Polyp Prevention Study, a clinical trial evaluating the effect of oral aspirin, folic acid, or both as a chemoprevention agent against colorectal adenomas. The pre-existing R software package stepp has been extended to handle continuous, binary, and count data using Gaussian, Bernoulli, and Poisson models, and it is available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network.

Conclusion:

The extension of the method and the availability of new software now permit STEPP to be applied to the full range of clinical trial end points.
Generalized estimating equations in cluster randomized trials with a small number of clusters: Review of practice and simulation study
Authors: Huang Shuang , Fiero Mallorie H , Bell Melanie L
Published: April 2016

Background/aims:

Generalized estimating equations are a common modeling approach used in cluster randomized trials to account for within-cluster correlation. It is well known that the sandwich variance estimator is biased when the number of clusters is small (≤40), resulting in an inflated type I error rate. Various bias correction methods have been proposed in the statistical literature, but how adequately they are utilized in current practice for cluster randomized trials is not clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of generalized estimating equation bias correction methods in recently published cluster randomized trials and demonstrate the necessity of such methods when the number of clusters is small.

Methods:

Review of cluster randomized trials published between August 2013 and July 2014 and using generalized estimating equations for their primary analyses. Two independent reviewers collected data from each study using a standardized, pre-piloted data extraction template. A two-arm cluster randomized trial was simulated under various scenarios to show the potential effect of a small number of clusters on type I error rate when estimating the treatment effect. The nominal level was set at 0.05 for the simulation study.

Results:

Of the 51 included trials, 28 (54.9%) analyzed 40 or fewer clusters with a minimum of four total clusters. Of these 28 trials, only one trial used a bias correction method for generalized estimating equations. The simulation study showed that with four clusters, the type I error rate ranged between 0.43 and 0.47. Even though type I error rate moved closer to the nominal level as the number of clusters increases, it still ranged between 0.06 and 0.07 with 40 clusters.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that statistical issues arising from small number of clusters in generalized estimating equations is currently inadequately handled in cluster randomized trials. Potential for type I error inflation could be very high when the sandwich estimator is used without bias correction.
The bumpy road to exercising leadership: Fragmentations in meaning and practice
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Jonsson Anna
Published: April 2016

The present study focuses on a manager’s understanding of leadership and how this guides – or does not guide practice. The paper reports an empirical in-depth study of a middle manager in an international manufacturing company. We link our discussion to both – the mainstream leadership studies, which assume that managers have a solid type of leadership behavior, and authors with a meaning-oriented, linguistic approach to leadership, in which language, self-awareness, and behavior are linked. The present study suggests that leadership attempts can vary, be divisive, and that a manager’s advocacy efforts are driven by a multitude of different, partly opposing, forces, meaning a decoupling of ideas and behavior in leadership practice. The paper raises the question of whether managers’ meanings of leadership correspond with what they do in practice.
Effects of Src-kinase inhibition in cancer-induced bone pain
Authors: De Felice Milena , Lambert Daniel , Holen Ingunn , Escott K Jane , Andrew David
Published: April 2016

Background

Bone metastases occur frequently in advanced breast, lung, and prostate cancer, with approximately 70% of patients affected. Pain is a major symptom of bone metastases, and current treatments may be inadequate or have unacceptable side effects. The mechanisms that drive cancer-induced bone pain are not fully understood; however, it is known that there is sensitization of both peripheral bone afferents and central spinal circuits. It is well established that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor plays a major role in the pathophysiology of pain hypersensitivity. Inhibition of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src controls N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity and inhibiting Src reduces the hypersensitivity associated with neuropathic and inflammatory pains. As Src is also implicated in osteoclastic bone resorption, we have investigated if inhibiting Src ameliorates cancer-induced bone pain. We have tested this hypothesis using an orally bioavailable Src inhibitor (saracatinib) in a rat model of cancer-induced bone pain.

Results

Intra-tibial injection of rat mammary cancer cells (Mammary rat metastasis tumor cells -1), but not vehicle, in rats produced hindpaw hypersensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli that was maximal after six days and persisted for at least 13 days postinjection. Daily oral gavage with saracatinib (20 mg/kg) beginning seven days after intra-tibial injection reversed the thermal hyperalgesia but not the mechanical allodynia. The analgesic mechanisms of saracatinib appear to be due to an effect on the nervous system as immunoblotting of L2-5 spinal segments showed that mammary rat metastasis tumor cells-1 injection induced phosphorylation of the GluN1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, indicative of receptor activation, and this was reduced by saracatinib. Additionally, histology showed no anti-tumor effect of saracatinib at any dose and no significant effect on bone preservation.

Conclusions

This is the first demonstration that Src plays a role in the development of cancer-induced bone pain and that Src inhibition represents a possible new analgesic strategy for patients with bone metastases.
Rho/ROCK acts downstream of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 in modulating P2X3 receptor-mediated bone cancer pain in rats
Authors: Wu Jing-xiang , Yuan Xiao-min , Wang Qiong , Wei Wang , Xu Mei-ying
Published: April 2016

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 and Rho/ROCK signaling is implicated in bone cancer pain development. However, it remains unknown whether the two signaling pathways function together in P2X3 receptor-mediated bone cancer pain.

Results

In this study, using a rat model of bone cancer, we examined the expression of P2X3 and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and further dissected whether lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 and Rho/ROCK-mediated pathways interacted in modulating rat pain behavior. Bone cancer was established by inoculating Walker 256 cells into the left tibia of female Wistar rats. We observed a gradual and yet significant decline in mean paw withdrawal threshold in rats with bone cancer, but not in control rats. Our immunohistochemical staining revealed that the number of P2X3- and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1-positive dorsal root ganglion neurons was significantly greater in rats with bone cancer than control rats. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 blockade with VPC32183 significantly attenuated decline in mean paw withdrawal threshold. Flinching behavior test further showed that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 inhibition with VPC32183 transiently but significantly attenuated α,β-meATP-induced increase in paw lift time per minute. Rho inhibition by intrathecal BoTXC3 caused a rapid reversal in decline in mean paw withdrawal threshold of rats with bone cancer. Flinching behavior test showed that BoTXC3 transiently and significantly attenuated α,β-meATP-induced increase in paw lift time per minute. Similar findings were observed with ROCK inhibition by intrathecal Y27632. Furthermore, VPC32183 and BoTXC3 effectively aborted the appearance of lysophosphatidic acid-induced calcium influx peak.

Conclusions

Lysophosphatidic acid and its receptor LPAR1, acting through the Rho-ROCK pathway, regulate P2X3 receptor in the development of both mechanical and spontaneous pain in bone cancer.
Predictors of blogging activity in six Arab countries
Authors: Martin Justin D , Schoenbach Klaus
Published: April 2016

This study examines predictors of blogging in six Arab countries in a secondary analysis of population surveys of, in total, 7,525 respondents in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, Bahrain, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates in 2013. The surveys assessed a wide variety of Internet uses, news and information consumption, and also levels of political efficacy, media trust, and attitudes toward free speech, among other cultural and political indicators. Despite the oft-referenced supposition that blogging in the Arab world is associated with political disaffection, results here suggest that in the six countries investigated blogging is mainly connected to online engagement in general—such as sharing photos online, participating in online chats, and reading others’ blogs—rather than to sociopolitical indicators. In none of five of the six countries, for example, does a sense that one’s country was not ‘on the right track’ significantly predict blogging behavior. Also, distrust of mainstream news organizations only played a minimal role.
CYP17 inhibitors in prostate cancer: latest evidence and clinical potential
Authors: Alex Anitha B. , Pal Sumanta K. , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: April 2016

Since androgen signaling plays a pivotal role in the proliferation and metastasis of prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or castration therapy is considered the backbone of treatment for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer. However, almost all men experience disease progression on ADT to a state known as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), which continues to be driven by intratumoral androgen synthesis or androgen receptor signaling. Hence, the extragonadal ablation of androgen synthesis from pregnane precursors holds much promise. An inhibitor of cytochrome P450 17α−hydroxy/17,20-lyase (CYP17) enzymes, abiraterone acetate, has already been approved for men with mCRPC. Newer CYP17 inhibitors continue to be developed which are either more selective or have concomitant inhibitory actions on AR signaling. These include VT-464, orteronel, and galeterone. Herein, we focus on the molecular mechanism of action, efficacy, latest evidence, and clinical potential of CYP17 inhibitors in prostate cancer.
Blocking LINGO-1 in vivo reduces degeneration and enhances regeneration of the optic nerve
Authors: Gresle Melissa M , Liu Yaou , Kilpatrick Trevor J , Kemper Dennis , Wu Qi-Zhu , Hu Bing , Fu Qing-Ling , So Kwok-Fai , Sheng Guoqing , Huang Guanrong , Pepinsky Blake , Butzkueven Helmut , Mi Sha
Published: April 2016

Background

Two ongoing phase II clinical trials (RENEW and SYNERGY) have been developed to test the efficacy of anti-LINGO-1 antibodies in acute optic neuritis and relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, respectively. Across a range of experimental models, LINGO-1 has been found to inhibit neuron and oligodendrocyte survival, axon regeneration, and (re)myelination. The therapeutic effects of anti-LINGO-1 antibodies on optic nerve axonal loss and regeneration have not yet been investigated.

Objective

In this series of studies we investigate if LINGO-1 antibodies can prevent acute inflammatory axonal loss, and promote axonal regeneration after injury in rodent optic nerves.

Methods

The effects of anti-LINGO-1 antibody on optic nerve axonal damage were assessed using rodent myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and its effects on axonal regeneration were assessed in optic nerve crush injury models.

Results

In the optic nerve, anti-LINGO-1 antibody therapy was associated with improved optic nerve parallel diffusivity measures on MRI in mice with EAE and reduced axonal loss in rat EAE. Both anti-LINGO-1 antibody therapy and the genetic deletion of LINGO-1 reduced nerve crush-induced axonal degeneration and enhanced axonal regeneration.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that LINGO-1 blockade is associated with axonal protection and regeneration in the injured optic nerve.
A review of educational attainment measures for social survey research
Authors: Connelly Roxanne , Gayle Vernon , Lambert Paul S.
Published: April 2016

This article is a review of issues associated with measuring education and using educational measures in social science research. The review is orientated towards researchers who undertake secondary analyses of large-scale micro-level social science datasets. The article begins with an outline of important context, which impinges upon the measurement of education. The United Kingdom is the focus of this review, but similar issues apply to other nation states. We provide a critical introduction to the main approaches to measuring education in social survey research, which include measuring years of education, using categorical qualification based measures and scaling approaches. We advocate the use of established education measures to better facilitate comparability and replication. We conclude by making the recommendation that researchers place careful thought into which educational measure they select, and that researchers should routinely engage in appropriate sensitivity analyses.
Statistical modelling of key variables in social survey data analysis
Authors: Connelly Roxanne , Gayle Vernon , Lambert Paul S.
Published: April 2016

The application of statistical modelling techniques has become a cornerstone of analyses of large-scale social survey data. Bringing this special section on key variables to a close, this final article discusses several important issues relating to the inclusion of key variables in statistical modelling analyses. We outline two, often neglected, issues that are relevant to a great many applications of statistical models based upon social survey data. The first is known as the reference category problem and is related to the interpretation of categorical explanatory variables. The second is the interpretation and comparison of the effects from models for non-linear outcomes. We then briefly discuss other common complexities in using statistical models for social science research; these include the non-linear transformation of variables, and considerations of intersectionality and interaction effects. We conclude by emphasising the importance of two, often overlooked, elements of the social survey data analysis process, sensitivity analysis and documentation for replication. We argue that more attention should routinely be devoted to these issues.
Review of Postoperative Delirium in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Hip Surgery
Authors: Rizk Paul , Morris William , Oladeji Philip , Huo Michael
Published: April 2016

Postoperative delirium is a serious complication following hip surgery in elderly patients that can adversely affect outcomes in both hip fracture and arthroplasty surgery. Recently, the incidence of hip fracture in the Medicare population was estimated at approximately 500 000 patients per year, with the majority treated surgically. The annual volume of total hip arthroplasty is nearly 450 000 patients and is projected to increase over the next 15 to 20 years. Subsequently, the incidence of postoperative delirium will rise. The incidence of postoperative delirium after hip surgery in the elderly patients ranges between 4% and 53%, and it is identified as the most common surgical complication of older patients. The most common risk factors include advanced age, hip fracture surgery (vs elective hip surgery), and preoperative delirium/cognitive impairment. Exact pathophysiology has not been fully defined. It is hypothesized that imbalances in cortical neurotransmitters or inflammatory cytokine pathway mechanisms contribute to delirium. Development of postoperative delirium is associated with longer hospital stay, increased medical complications, and poorer short-term functional outcome. Patients who develop postoperative delirium are also at increased risk for cognitive decline beyond the acute phase. Following acute care, postoperative delirium is associated with the need for a higher level of care, an additional cost. Management of postoperative delirium centers on prevention and early recognition. Medical prophylaxis has been demonstrated to have limited utility. Utilization of delirium detection methods contributed to early recognition. The most effective means of prevention involved a multidisciplinary team focused on adequate hydration, optimization of analgesia, reduction in polypharmacy, aggressive physiotherapy, and early recognition of the delirium symptoms.
The Current Landscape of US Pediatric Anesthesiologists: Demographic Characteristics and Geographic Distribution
Authors: Muffly Matthew K. , Muffly Tyler M. , Weterings Robbie , Singleton Mark , Honkanen Anita
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND:

There is no comprehensive database of pediatric anesthesiologists, their demographic characteristics, or geographic location in the United States.

METHODS:

We endeavored to create a comprehensive database of pediatric anesthesiologists by merging individuals identified as US pediatric anesthesiologists by the American Board of Anesthesiology, National Provider Identifier registry, Healthgrades.com database, and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia membership list as of November 5, 2015. Professorial rank was accessed via the Association of American Medical Colleges and other online sources. Descriptive statistics characterized pediatric anesthesiologists’ demographics. Pediatric anesthesiologists’ locations at the city and state level were geocoded and mapped with the use of ArcGIS Desktop 10.1 mapping software (Redlands, CA).

RESULTS:

We identified 4048 pediatric anesthesiologists in the United States, which is approximately 8.8% of the physician anesthesiology workforce (n = 46,000). The median age of pediatric anesthesiologists was 49 years (interquartile range, 40–57 years), and the majority (56.4%) were men. Approximately two-thirds of identified pediatric anesthesiologists were subspecialty board certified in pediatric anesthesiology, and 33% of pediatric anesthesiologists had an identified academic affiliation. There is substantial heterogeneity in the geographic distribution of pediatric anesthesiologists by state and US Census Division with urban clustering.

CONCLUSIONS:

This description of pediatric anesthesiologists’ demographic characteristics and geographic distribution fills an important gap in our understanding of pediatric anesthesia systems of care.