bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
microRNA-206 correlates with left ventricular function after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Kleeberger J. A. , Neuser J. , de Gonzalo-Calvo D. , Kempf T. , Bauersachs J. , Thum T. , Widder J. D.
Published: October 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the method of choice in patients with high risk or contraindications for conventional aortic valve replacement. However, it is not well understood which parameters predict the overall cardiac function postprocedurally. miRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that repress gene expression by different mechanisms and can also be detected in the blood. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs detected in the blood may serve as sensitive and specific biomarkers in various diseases; therefore, we examined the levels of different microRNAs in the serum of patients undergoing TAVI. We thereby intended to find potential predictors for cardiac function after TAVI. Serum from patients with aortic valve disease was obtained at five different points: before the TAVI procedure, at days 1 and 3 after the TAVI procedure, and the day of dischargement and after a period of 3 mo. We next performed quantitative real-time PCRs to examine the samples for changes in the level of miRNAs previously described as cardiac enriched. Our results show that the level of miR-206 in the serum of patients after TAVI correlated negatively with the left ventricular ejection fraction of individual patients. We found left ventricular function to be better in patients with lower levels of miR-206 after implantation of the new valve. A decrease in the serum level of miR-206 may be linked to changes in cardiac function of patients after TAVI. Further studies are necessary to test the miRNA for its potential value as a prognostic marker.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to investigate novel miRNA-based biomarkers within the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. miRNA-206 proved to correlate inversely with the postprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction of patients.
Sex-specific impact of aging on the blood pressure response to exercise
Authors: Trinity Joel D. , Layec Gwenael , Hart Corey R. , Richardson Russell S.
Published: October 2017

An exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the impact of age and sex on this response. Therefore, this study examined the hemodynamic and skeletal muscle metabolic response to dynamic plantar flexion exercise, at 40% of maximum plantar flexion work rate, in 40 physical activity-matched young (23 ± 1 yr, n = 20) and old (73 ± 2 yr, n = 20), equally distributed, male and female subjects. Central hemodynamics and BP (finometer), popliteal artery blood flow (Doppler ultrasound), and skeletal muscle metabolism (31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were measured during 5 min of plantar flexion exercise. Popliteal artery blood flow and high-energy phosphate responses to exercise were not affected by age or sex, whereas aging, independent of sex, attenuated stroke volume and cardiac output responses. Systolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses were exaggerated in old women (Δ42 ± 4 and Δ28 ± 3 mmHg, respectively), with all other groups exhibiting similar increases in systolic BP (old men: Δ27 ± 8 mmHg, young men: Δ27 ± 3 mmHg, and young women: Δ22 ± 3 mmHg) and mean arterial pressure (old men: Δ15 ± 4 mmHg, young men: Δ19 ± 2 mmHg, and young women: Δ17 ± 2 mmHg). Interestingly, the exercise-induced change in systemic vascular resistance in old women (∆0.8 ± 1.0 mmHg·l−1·min−1) was augmented compared with young women and young and old men (∆−2.8 ± 0.5, ∆−1.6 ± 0.6, and ∆−3.18 ± 1.4 mmHg·l−1·min−1, respectively, P < 0.05). Thus, in combination, advancing age and female sex results in an exaggerated BP response to exercise, likely the result of a failure to reduce systemic vascular resistance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY An exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise has been linked to cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about how age and sex impact this response in healthy individuals. During dynamic exercise, older women exhibited an exaggerated blood pressure response driven by an inability to lower systemic vascular resistance.
Relative contributions of systemic hemodynamic variables to cerebral autoregulation during orthostatic stress
Authors: Yoshida Hisao , Hamner Jason W. , Ishibashi Keita , Tan Can Ozan
Published: October 2017

Postural changes impair the ability of the cerebrovasculature to buffer against dynamic pressure fluctuations, but the mechanisms underlying this impairment have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that autoregulatory impairment may reflect the impact of static central volume shifts on hemodynamic factors other than arterial pressure (AP). In 14 young volunteers, we assessed the relation of fluctuations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) to those in AP, cardiac output, and CO2, during oscillatory lower body pressure (LBP) (±20 mmHg at 0.01 and 0.06 Hz) at three static levels (−20, 0, and +20 mmHg). Static and dynamic changes in AP, cardiac output, and CO2explained over 70% of the variation in CBF fluctuations. However, their contributions were different across frequencies and levels: dynamic AP changes explained a substantial proportion of the variation in faster CBF fluctuations (partial R2 = 0.75, standardized β = 0.83, P < 0.01), whereas those in CO2explained the largest portion of the variation in slow fluctuations (partial R2 = 0.43, β = 0.51, P < 0.01). There was, however, a major contribution of slow dynamic AP changes during negative (β = 0.43) but not neutral (β = 0.05) or positive (β = −0.07) LBP. This highlights the differences in contributions of systemic variables to dynamic and static autoregulation and has important implications for understanding orthostatic intolerance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY While fluctuations in blood pressure drive faster fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, overall level of CO2and the magnitude of its fluctuations, along with cardiac output, determine the magnitude of slow ones. The effect of slow blood pressure fluctuations on cerebrovascular responses becomes apparent only during pronounced central volume shifts (such as when standing). This underlines distinct but interacting contributions of static and dynamic changes in systemic hemodynamic variables to the cerebrovascular regulation.
Endothelial Activation and Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption in Neurotoxicity after Adoptive Immunotherapy with CD19 CAR-T Cells
Authors: Gust Juliane , Hay Kevin A. , Hanafi Laïla-Aïcha , Li Daniel , Myerson David , Gonzalez-Cuyar Luis F. , Yeung Cecilia , Liles W. Conrad , Wurfel Mark , Lopez Jose A. , Chen Junmei , Chung Dominic , Harju-Baker Susanna , Özpolat Tahsin , Fink Kathleen R. , Riddell Stanley R. , Maloney David G. , Turtle Cameron J.
Published: October 2017

Lymphodepletion chemotherapy followed by infusion of CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor–modified T (CAR-T) cells can be complicated by neurologic adverse events (AE) in patients with refractory B-cell malignancies. In 133 adults treated with CD19 CAR-T cells, we found that acute lymphoblastic leukemia, high CD19+ cells in bone marrow, high CAR-T cell dose, cytokine release syndrome, and preexisting neurologic comorbidities were associated with increased risk of neurologic AEs. Patients with severe neurotoxicity demonstrated evidence of endothelial activation, including disseminated intravascular coagulation, capillary leak, and increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The permeable BBB failed to protect the cerebrospinal fluid from high concentrations of systemic cytokines, including IFNγ, which induced brain vascular pericyte stress and their secretion of endothelium-activating cytokines. Endothelial activation and multifocal vascular disruption were found in the brain of a patient with fatal neurotoxicity. Biomarkers of endothelial activation were higher before treatment in patients who subsequently developed grade ≥4 neurotoxicity.

Significance: We provide a detailed clinical, radiologic, and pathologic characterization of neurotoxicity after CD19 CAR-T cells, and identify risk factors for neurotoxicity. We show endothelial dysfunction and increased BBB permeability in neurotoxicity and find that patients with evidence of endothelial activation before lymphodepletion may be at increased risk of neurotoxicity. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1404–19. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Mackall and Miklos, p. 1371.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355
Parenchymal-Sparing Surgery for the Surgical Treatment of Multiple Colorectal Liver Metastases Is a Safer Approach than Major Hepatectomy Not Impairing Patients' Prognosis: A Bi-Institutional Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Donadon Matteo , Cescon Matteo , Cucchetti Alessandro , Cimino Matteo , Costa Guido , Pesi Benedetta , Ercolani Giorgio , Pinna Antonio Daniele , Torzilli Guido
Published: October 2017

Background: The performance of parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) versus major hepatectomy (MH) in patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases (CLM) is a matter that is yet debated. We investigated the outcome of patients with multiple CLM undergoing PSH instead of MH. Methods: Databases at 2 institutions were reviewed. A propensity score-matched analysis was applied. Among 554 patients, 110 undergoing PSH and 110 undergoing MH were matched. They were similar in baseline characteristics, comorbidity, and tumor features. Primary outcomes were short- and long-term outcomes. Results: Morbidity was significantly higher in the MH group, while mortality was not significantly different. There were no differences in free-margins width, but a trend of increased survival was seen in the PSH group with a median advantage of 6 months over the MH group. Among the prognostic factors, the T status (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6; p = 0.001), the N status (HR 2.9; p = 0.001), the timing of CLM diagnosis (HR 2.1; p = 0.002), the tumor number (HR 2.0; p = 0.001), the tumor size (HR 2.2; p = 0.015), and the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.7; p = 0.023) were found to be statistically and independently significant for survival. Conclusions: PSH conveys advantage over MH in terms of decreased postoperative morbidity, and a trend of survival benefit. PSH should be considered a suitable alternative to MH whenever it is technically feasible.
Oral Bicarbonate Slows Decline of Residual Renal Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Liu Xiang-Yang , Gao Xiu-Mei , Zhang Ning , Chen Rui , Wu Feng , Tao Xin-Chao , Li Chun-Jun , Zhang Ping , Yu Pei
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Metabolic acidosis is a common consequence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which may result in a substantial adverse outcome. The effect of oral bicarbonate on the preservation of residual renal function (RRF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has been rarely reported. Methods: We randomly assigned 40 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients to the oral bicarbonate group or placebo group at a 1: 1 ratio. All enrollments were followed for a duration of 104 weeks. We took residual creatinine clearance (CCr), a measure of residual renal function (RRF), as the primary outcome. Residual CCr was calculated as the average of urea and creatinine clearance from a 24-hour urine collection. Results: Thirteen patients in the placebo group and 15 patients in the treatment group completed the 104 weeks of follow-up with a comparable dropout rate (placebo group: 35% vs treatment group: 25%). Compared with the placebo group, serum bicarbonate in treatment group was significantly increased at each time point, and oral bicarbonate resulted in a slower declining rate of residual CCr (F=5.113, p=0.031). Baseline residual CCr at enrollment also had a significant effect on residual CCr (F=168.779, P<0.001). Charlson Comorbidity Index which was adopted to calculate a comorbidity score had no significant effect on residual CCr loss (F=0.168, P=0.685). Conclusion: Oral bicarbonate may have a RRF preserving effect in CAPD patients, and a normal to high level of serum bicarbonate (≥24mmol/L) may be appropriate for RRF preservation.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Early Postoperative and Long-Term Outcome after Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Gebauer Bernhard , Meyer Frank , Ptok Henry , Steinert Ralf , Otto Ronny , Lippert Hans , Gastinger Ingo
Published: October 2017

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity and underweight onto early postoperative and long-term oncological outcome after surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: Data from 2008 until 2011 was gathered by a German prospective multicenter observational study. 62 items were reported by the physicians in charge, and a consecutive follow-up was performed if the patient had signed a consent form. Patients were subclassified into: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese - using the definitions of the World Health Organization. Results: In total, 9,920 patients were included, of whom 2.1% were underweight and 19.4% obese. The mean age was 68 years (range 21-99 years). Postoperative morbidity (mean 38.0%) was significantly increased in underweight and obese patients (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 3.1% on average with no significant differences among patient groups (p = 0.176). The 5-year overall survival ranged between 36.9 and 61.3% and was worse in underweight and prolonged in overweight and obese patients compared to those with normal weight (p < 0.001 each). While the 5-year disease-free survival was increased in overweight and obese patients (p < 0.05 each), the 5-year local recurrence rate showed no correlation (p > 0.05 each). Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age, higher ASA scoring, postoperative morbidity, and advanced tumor growth worsened the long-term survival independently. Conclusions: Underweight patients had a worse early and long-term outcome after rectal cancer surgery. Overweight and obesity were associated with a significantly better long-term survival.
Reduction of In-Stent Restenosis by Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibition
Authors: Wu Ben J. , Li Yue , Ong Kwok L. , Sun Yidan , Shrestha Sudichhya , Hou Liming , Johns Douglas , Barter Philip J. , Rye Kerry-Anne
Published: October 2017

Objective—

Angioplasty and stent implantation, the most common treatment for atherosclerotic lesions, have a significant failure rate because of restenosis. This study asks whether increasing plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels by inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity with the anacetrapib analog, des-fluoro-anacetrapib, prevents stent-induced neointimal hyperplasia.

Approach and Results—

New Zealand White rabbits received normal chow or chow supplemented with 0.14% (wt/wt) des-fluoro-anacetrapib for 6 weeks. Iliac artery endothelial denudation and bare metal steel stent deployment were performed after 2 weeks of des-fluoro-anacetrapib treatment. The animals were euthanized 4 weeks poststent deployment. Relative to control, dietary supplementation with des-fluoro-anacetrapib reduced plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and increased plasma apolipoprotein A-I and HDL cholesterol levels by 53±6.3% and 120±19%, respectively. Non-HDL cholesterol levels were unaffected. Des-fluoro-anacetrapib treatment reduced the intimal area of the stented arteries by 43±5.6% (
P
<0.001), the media area was unchanged, and the arterial lumen area increased by 12±2.4% (
P
<0.05). Des-fluoro-anacetrapib treatment inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by 41±4.5% (
P
<0.001). Incubation of isolated HDLs from des-fluoro-anacetrapib–treated animals with human aortic smooth muscle cells at apolipoprotein A-I concentrations comparable to their plasma levels inhibited cell proliferation and migration. These effects were dependent on scavenger receptor-B1, the adaptor protein PDZ domain-containing protein 1, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt activation. HDLs from des-fluoro-anacetrapib–treated animals also inhibited proinflammatory cytokine-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation and stent-induced vascular inflammation.

Conclusions—

Inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity in New Zealand White rabbits with iliac artery balloon injury and stent deployment increases HDL levels, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and reduces neointimal hyperplasia in an scavenger receptor-B1, PDZ domain-containing protein 1– and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt-dependent manner.
MicroRNA Signature of Cigarette Smoking and Evidence for a Putative Causal Role of MicroRNAs in Smoking-Related Inflammation and Target Organ Damage
Authors: Willinger Christine M. , Rong Jian , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Courchesne Paul L. , Huan Tianxiao , Wasserman Gregory A. , Lin Honghuang , Dupuis Josée , Joehanes Roby , Jones Matthew R. , Chen George , Benjamin Emelia J. , O’Connor George T. , Mizgerd Joseph P. , Freedman Jane E. , Larson Martin G. , Levy Daniel
Published: October 2017

Background—

Cigarette smoking increases risk for multiple diseases. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and may play a role in smoking-induced target organ damage. We sought to describe a microRNA signature of cigarette smoking and relate it to smoking-associated clinical phenotypes, gene expression, and lung inflammatory signaling.

Methods and Results—

Expression profiling of 283 microRNAs was conducted on whole blood–derived RNA from 5023 Framingham Heart Study participants (54.0% women; mean age, 55±13 years) using TaqMan assays and high-throughput reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Associations of microRNA expression with smoking status and associations of smoking-related microRNAs with inflammatory biomarkers and pulmonary function were tested with linear mixed effects models. We identified a 6-microRNA signature of smoking. Five of the 6 smoking-related microRNAs were associated with serum levels of C-reactive protein or interleukin-6; miR-1180 was associated with pulmonary function measures at a marginally significant level. Bioinformatic evaluation of smoking-associated genes coexpressed with the microRNA signature of cigarette smoking revealed enrichment for immune-related pathways. Smoking-associated microRNAs altered expression of selected inflammatory mediators in cell culture gain-of-function assays.

Conclusions—

We characterized a novel microRNA signature of cigarette smoking. The top microRNAs were associated with systemic inflammatory markers and reduced pulmonary function, correlated with expression of genes involved in immune function, and were sufficient to modulate inflammatory signaling. Our results highlight smoking-associated microRNAs and are consistent with the hypothesis that smoking-associated microRNAs serve as mediators of smoking-induced inflammation and target organ damage. These findings call for further mechanistic studies to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic use of smoking-related microRNAs.
A Comparison of Whole Genome Sequencing to Multigene Panel Testing in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients
Authors: Cirino Allison L. , Lakdawala Neal K. , McDonough Barbara , Conner Lauren , Adler Dale , Weinfeld Mark , O’Gara Patrick , Rehm Heidi L. , Machini Kalotina , Lebo Matthew , Blout Carrie , Green Robert C. , MacRae Calum A. , Seidman Christine E. , Ho Carolyn Y.
Published: October 2017

Background—

As DNA sequencing costs decline, genetic testing options have expanded. Whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) are entering clinical use, posing questions about their incremental value compared with disease-specific multigene panels that have been the cornerstone of genetic testing.

Methods and Results—

Forty-one patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who had undergone targeted hypertrophic cardiomyopathy genetic testing (either multigene panel or familial variant test) were recruited into the MedSeq Project, a clinical trial of WGS. Results from panel genetic testing and WGS were compared. In 20 of 41 participants, panel genetic testing identified variants classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or uncertain significance. WGS identified 19 of these 20 variants, but the variant detection algorithm missed a pathogenic 18 bp duplication in myosin binding protein C (
MYBPC3
) because of low coverage. In 3 individuals, WGS identified variants in genes implicated in cardiomyopathy but not included in prior panel testing: a pathogenic protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 11 (
PTPN11
) variant and variants of uncertain significance in integrin-linked kinase (
ILK
) and filamin-C (
FLNC
). WGS also identified 84 secondary findings (mean=2 per person, range=0–6), which mostly defined carrier status for recessive conditions.

Conclusions—

WGS detected nearly all variants identified on panel testing, provided 1 new diagnostic finding, and allowed interrogation of posited disease genes. Several variants of uncertain clinical use and numerous secondary genetic findings were also identified. Whereas panel testing and WGS provided similar diagnostic yield, WGS offers the advantage of reanalysis over time to incorporate advances in knowledge, but requires expertise in genomic interpretation to appropriately incorporate WGS into clinical care.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01736566.
Higher Risk of Vascular Dementia in Myocardial Infarction Survivors
Authors: Sundbøll Jens , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Adelborg Kasper , Schmidt Morten , Pedersen Lars , Bøtker Hans Erik , Henderson Victor W. , Toft Sørensen Henrik
Published: October 2017

Background:

Increased risk of dementia after myocardial infarction (MI) may be mediated by shared risk factors (eg, atherosclerosis) and post-MI stroke. We examined risk of dementia in 1-year survivors of MI.

Methods:

Using Danish medical registries, we conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study of all patients with first-time MI and a sex-, birth year–, and calendar year–matched general population comparison cohort without MI (1980–2012). Cox regression analysis was used to compute 1- to 35-year adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for dementia, controlled for matching factors and adjusted for comorbidities and socioeconomic status.

Results:

We identified 314 911 patients with MI and 1 573 193 matched comparison cohort members randomly sampled from the general population (median age, 70 years; 63% male). After 35 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of all-cause dementia in the MI cohort was 9% (2.8% for Alzheimer disease, 1.6% for vascular dementia, and 4.5% for other dementias). Compared with the general population cohort, MI was not associated with all-cause dementia (aHR, 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98–1.03). Risk of Alzheimer disease (aHR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.95) and other dementias (aHR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95–1.01) also approximated unity. However, MI was associated with higher risk of vascular dementia (aHR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.28–1.43), which was substantially strengthened for patients experiencing stroke after MI (aHR, 4.48; 95% CI, 3.29–6.12).

Conclusions:

MI was associated with higher risk of vascular dementia throughout follow-up, and this association was stronger in patients with stroke. The risk of Alzheimer disease and other dementias was not higher in patients with MI.
Writing in Turns: An Analysis of Scribal Hands in the Bamboo Manuscript Suan shu shu 筭數書 (Writings on Mathematical Procedures) from Zhangjiashan Tomb No. 247 (張家山247號墓漢簡《筭數書》寫手再探)
Authors: Morgan (墨子涵) Daniel Patrick , Chemla (林力娜) Karine
Published: October 2017

Refining our previous study in Jianbo 簡帛 12 (2016), this article examines the back-and-forth between scribal hands in the Suan shu shu 筭數書 from Zhangjiashan 張家山 M247 (sealed ≥186 b.c.e.). Introducing an improved methodology, we establish a link between one of the Suan shu shu’s scriptors and four other manuscripts in the same tomb, offering a hand-informed reading of the former to hypothesize what this means.

以《簡帛》第12輯（2016 年）的原作爲基礎，本文對張家山247號漢墓《筭數書》寫手輪流交替書寫的現象進行分析。在介紹我們對原有方法論的改進後，本文把《筭數書》的兩位寫手之一與隨葬的四種文本串聯，再由字跡、文意對讀解釋其意味。
A Biodegradable Surface Drifter for Ocean Sampling on a Massive Scale
Authors: Novelli Guillaume , Guigand Cédric M. , Cousin Charles , Ryan Edward H. , Laxague Nathan J. M. , Dai Hanjing , Haus Brian K. , Özgökmen Tamay M.
Published: October 2017

Targeted observations of submesoscale currents are necessary to improve science’s understanding of oceanic mixing, but these dynamics occur at spatiotemporal scales that are currently challenging to detect. Prior studies have recently shown that the submesoscale surface velocity field can be measured by tracking hundreds of surface drifters released in tight arrays. This strategy requires drifter positioning to be accurate, frequent, and to last for several weeks. However, because of the large numbers involved, drifters must be low-cost, compact, easy to handle, and also made of materials harmless to the environment. Therefore, the novel Consortium for Advanced Research on Transport of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE) drifter was designed following these criteria to facilitate massive sampling of near-surface currents during the Lagrangian Submesoscale Experiment (LASER). The drifting characteristics were determined under a wide range of currents, waves, and wind conditions in laboratory settings. Results showed that the drifter accurately follows the currents in the upper 0.60 m, that it presents minimal wave rectification issues, and that its wind-induced slip velocity is less than 0.5% of the neutral wind speed at 10 m. In experiments conducted in both coastal and deep ocean conditions under wind speeds up to 10 m s−1, the trajectories of the traditional Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE) and the CARTHE drifters were nearly identical. Following these tests, 1100 units were produced and deployed during the LASER campaign, successfully tracking submesoscale and mesoscale features in the Gulf of Mexico. It is hoped that this drifter will enable high-density sampling near metropolitan areas subject to stress by the overpopulation, such as lakes, rivers, estuaries, and environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Arctic.
Use of Observational Weather Data and Forecasts in Emergency Management: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Hoss Frauke , Fischbeck Paul
Published: October 2017

Many factors affect the extent to which forecasts inform emergency responses. In a survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), 207 U.S. emergency managers (EMs) were asked about 1) their past and intended future use of short-term weather forecasts and recorded weather data, 2) the perceived limitations and 3a) their attitude toward the usefulness of such weather information, 3b) their attitude toward their job and toward uncertainty, 4) perceived social norms, and 5) self-assessed numeracy. Work experience was found to be the best predictor of whether an emergency manager relied on recorded weather data and short-term weather forecasts in the past or intends to do so in the future. Among TPB variables, mainly social expectations and data attitude drive the reliance on recorded weather data and short-term forecasts. The EMs’ perception of the weather information’s limitations is related to their perceptions of what their social surroundings think. In sum, this article sheds light on when and why EMs use weather data and forecasts and how training can be improved.
2016 Presidential Statewide Polling—A Substandard Performance: A Proposal and Application for Evaluating Preelection Poll Accuracy
Authors: Kimball Spencer
Published: October 2017

This study implements a statistical accuracy ( SA) measurement for assessing preelection poll accuracy by comparing Mosteller (1949) Method 5 (absolute difference between poll results and election results) with the poll’s margin of error (MOE) or credibility interval. The expectation is that 95% of poll results would be SA by falling between the poll’s margin of error or credibility interval and the actual margin of victory. The new measurement is described and then applied to the statewide preelection polls from the 2012 Presidential ( n = 331) and 2016 Presidential ( n = 539) races using n = 182 polling organizations in the last 21 days of each election cycle. This analysis finds statewide preelection polling in 2012 had a 94% SA and was not statistically different from the expected 95%, while the statewide polling in 2016 had a 77% SA and a binomial test found the distribution differs significantly from the expected 95%. There is a significant difference in SA between the two election cycles, χ2(1, N = 870) = 45.24, p < .000. The 2012 biased polls favored the Republican candidate 68% of the time; however, a binomial test found this distribution did not differ significantly from the expected 50/50 distribution, .50, p = .167 (two-tailed), suggesting this was caused by random error. In 2016, biased polls favored the Democratic candidate 90% of the time, a binomial test indicated that the proportion was higher than the expected .50, p < .000 (two- tailed), suggesting a systemic bias.
A Previsit Screening Checklist Improves Teamwork and Access to Preventive Services in a Medical Home Serving Low-Income Adolescent and Young Adult Patients
Authors: Allende-Richter Sophie H. , Johnson Sydney T. , Maloyan Mariam , Glidden Patricia , Rice Kerrilynn , Epee-Bounya Alexandra
Published: October 2017

Publicly insured adolescents and young adults experience significant obstacles in accessing primary care services. As a result, they often present to their medical appointments with multiple unmet needs, adding time and complexity to the visit. The goal of this project was to optimize team work and access to primary care services among publicly insured adolescents and young adults attending an urban primary care clinic, using a previsit screening checklist to identify patient needs and delegate tasks within a care team to coordinate access to health services at the time of the visit. We conducted an interventional quality improvement initiative in a PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle format; 291 patients, 13 to 25 years old were included in the study over an 8-months period. The majority of patients were receptive to the previsit screening checklist; 85% of services requested were provided; nonclinician staff felt more involved in patient care; and providers’ satisfaction increased.
Will Decentralization Affect Educational Inequity? The Every Student Succeeds Act
Authors: Egalite Anna J. , Fusarelli Lance D. , Fusarelli Bonnie C.
Published: October 2017

Purpose: In December 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was a long overdue reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. What is remarkable about this new federal legislation is that it explicitly reverses the decades-long federal effort to more tightly couple the U.S. educational system. While not removing testing requirements, the legislation dramatically reduces the federal role in shaping education policy, returning significant power to the states to design educational systems as they best see fit. The law places sharp limits on the use of federal executive power over education and has the potential to remove the federal government from oversight and accountability over schools, raising questions about the equity implications of this policy change. Research Method: Utilizing public documents, including legislation, speeches by federal officials, analyses by policy organizations, and news accounts, the authors trace the evolution of federal efforts from a more tightly coupled educational system to one with greater state and local flexibility in order to estimate the equity impact of efforts to decentralize governance. Findings: While certain provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act may reduce inequity and improve educational outcomes for all students, rigorous enforcement of the law’s protections will be necessary in order to ensure existing inequities are not exacerbated.
The ESSA in Indian Country: Problematizing Self-Determination Through the Relationships Between Federal, State, and Tribal Governments
Authors: Mackey Hollie J.
Published: October 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to (a) analyze the potential effects of the new relationship between state and federal governments on tribal sovereignty and self-determination and (b) problematize the devolution of power back to the states as they are entrusted to use the guiding frameworks of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to ensure educational equity for American Indian and Alaska Native students. Research Methods/Approach: The primary data source is the ESSA supplemented by public reports and resolutions, and recent press releases collected online. The ESSA policy was analyzed through a postcolonial interpretive policy analysis framework informed by Tribal Critical Race Theory. Findings: ESSA amendments improve opportunities in several areas, including State Tribal Education Partnerships and Cooperative Agreements, tribal consultation, Impact Aid, Native language immersion, the Bureau of Indian Education, and Alaska Native education, but these are limited by the lack of tribal self-determination as the law is written. States’ interests are prioritized over tribes’ interests, and the federal role has been diminished; therefore, fewer safeguards are in place to protect Indian education programs. Implications for Research and Practice: These amendments provide opportunities to conduct policy implementation studies to determine whether or not states are engaging with tribes to strengthen tribal education programs and study leadership perceptions of tribal autonomy and self-determination.
Antidumping Measures and the Most-favoured Nation Treatment Requirement
Authors: Rai Sheela
Published: October 2017

Decision of the Appellate Body in two cases has raised the issue whether antidumping measures should be applied on MFN basis. One view is that it should be. Another view is that it need not be. Author supports the idea that it need not be but on arguments different from what is given by other writers. Author contends that interpretation of Article VI and Antidumping Agreement do not support the idea of application of antidumping measures on MFN basis.
Is Anti-Paternalism Enough?
Authors: Pedersen Viki M L , Midtgaard Soren Flinch
Published: October 2017

The article addresses the question of how sufficiency for the imprudent may be ensured. Imprudent conduct includes both spectacular acts such as jumping from heights into water, and everyday acts and omissions such as neglecting to fasten one’s seat-belt. We argue that to avoid thoroughly bad or insufficient situations, one must pay attention to an important and often neglected concern of avoiding insouciance. The latter tells us not to stand idly by when people are about to act in ways that may irrevocably land them in insufficient situations. The policies and actions needed to avoid insouciance are most plausibly justified on paternalistic grounds; in fact, they cannot be justified nonpaternalistically. Although controversial, we argue that paternalistic interventions are often justifiable in the service of preserving sufficiency.
A core-spun yarn containing a metal wire manufactured by a modified vortex spinning system
Authors: Pei Zeguang , Zhang Yan , Chen Ge
Published: October 2017

A core-spun yarn containing an ultrafine copper wire for wearable electronics-oriented applications has been manufactured using a modified vortex spinning system for the first time. The copper wire is fed into the spinning nozzle through a groove on the surface of the top front roller and an orifice through the fiber guiding member in sequence. Scanning electron micrographs confirm that the copper wire locates in the core region and is tightly wrapped by the helical staple fibers of the outer layer in the core-spun yarn, owing to the special yarn formation mechanism of the vortex spinning system. The vortex core-spun yarn containing a copper wire has a strength higher by 86.6% and a breaking extension lower by 70.2% compared to the copper wire, while its strain sensitivity in the workable strain range is not affected by either the yarn manufacturing process or the existence of staple fibers. The vortex core-spun yarn containing a metal wire could be a promising candidate for the conductive tracks of wearable electronics due to its improved structure, durability, and comfort.
A Gendered Model of Lifetime Experiences of Strain
Authors: Iratzoqui Amaia
Published: October 2017

Criminological literature has examined the potential for gendered pathways of offending, while also recognizing the gendered risk for victimization. General strain theory explicitly recognizes this gendered risk as strains that structure differences in these experiences for males and females. The current article tests the longitudinal risk for different sources of strain using a general strain model and gendered factors that shape differences between males and females. The results suggest that strains like childhood maltreatment, adolescent adversity, and adult intimate partner victimization as predictors of deviant behaviors can be explained within a general strain argument, but both similarities in the theoretical variables employed in the models and differences in the pathways between these experiences are evident across gender.
A Comparative Analysis of Self-Report and Psychophysiological Measures of Emotion in the Context of Tourism Advertising
Authors: Li Shanshi , Walters Gabby , Packer Jan , Scott Noel
Published: October 2017

This study investigates the influence of emotional responses evoked by destination television advertisements on three common variables of interest when assessing tourism advertising effectiveness: attitude toward the advertisement, postexposure destination attitude and visit intention. In particular, this study used a combination of self-report and psychophysiological measures of emotion and explored the consistency between these two measurement techniques. A total of 101 participants were exposed to 18 existing destination commercials while their real-time psychophysiological responses and self-report data were collected. The results show that the influence of ad-evoked emotions on tourism advertising effectiveness varied according to the way emotion was measured. The effects of pleasure on tourism advertising effectiveness were much weaker when pleasure was measured physiologically than when self-report measures were used. Physiological arousal, however, was not found to be a significant indicator of advertising effectiveness. The results highlight the importance of valid and reliable measurement of emotion and raise concern over the possible overestimation of the relationship between self-reported emotional responses and advertising effectiveness.
Striking a Balance between Contradictory Roles: The Overlapping Role Perceptions of the Deputies in China’s Local People’s Congresses
Authors: Huang Dongya , He Quanling
Published: October 2017

Recent studies have begun to pay increasing attention to congressional representation in China. Based on selected cases or surveys of one province or another, such studies seek to demonstrate that the deputies of local people’s congresses (LPCs) increasingly identify themselves as representatives of citizens rather than as state agents. This article, using data from a national survey conducted in 2014, explores how deputies at the county level perceive their role and what accounts for their different role perceptions. It argues that LPC deputies as a whole perceive that they have overlapping roles that could be defined as neither state agents nor citizen representatives. Rather, they try to strike a balance between seemingly contradictory roles. Deputies’ social background and political attitudes have a significant effect on their role perceptions while electoral incentives make little difference. A sense of congressional representation develops when deputies gradually come to grips with the tension between the different roles and choose to give up roles other than citizen representatives.
How Do Friends and Strangers Play the Game Taboo? A Study of Accuracy, Efficiency, Motivation, and the Use of Shared Knowledge
Authors: Pollmann Monique M. H. , Krahmer Emiel J.
Published: October 2017

According to common belief, friends communicate more accurately and efficiently than strangers, because they can use uniquely shared knowledge and common knowledge to explain things to each other, while strangers are restricted to common knowledge. To test this belief, we asked friends and strangers to play, via e-mail and face-to-face, the word-description game Taboo, in which objects need to be described without using certain “taboo” words. When descriptions were sent via e-mail, there was no difference in accuracy (number of correct answers) nor in efficiency (number of words per correct answer) between friends and strangers. When descriptions were given face-to-face, friends were more accurate than strangers, but not more efficient (number of seconds and words per correct answer). Shared knowledge did not predict accuracy or efficiency. Hence, our findings do not support the idea that friends only need a few words to understand each other.
Simple Decision-Analytic Functions of the AUC for Ruling Out a Risk Prediction Model and an Added Predictor
Authors: Baker Stuart G.
Published: October 2017

Background. When using risk prediction models, an important consideration is weighing performance against the cost (monetary and harms) of ascertaining predictors. Methods. The minimum test tradeoff (MTT) for ruling out a model is the minimum number of all-predictor ascertainments per correct prediction to yield a positive overall expected utility. The MTT for ruling out an added predictor is the minimum number of added-predictor ascertainments per correct prediction to yield a positive overall expected utility. Results. An approximation to the MTT for ruling out a model is 1/[P (H(AUCmodel)], where H(AUC) = AUC – {½ (1–AUC)}½, AUC is the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and P is the probability of the predicted event in the target population. An approximation to the MTT for ruling out an added predictor is 1 /[P {(H(AUCModel:2) – H(AUCModel:1 )], where Model 2 includes an added predictor relative to Model 1. Limitation. The latter approximation requires the Tangent Condition that the true positive rate at the point on the ROC curve with a slope of 1 is larger for Model 2 than Model 1. Conclusion. These approximations are suitable for back-of-the-envelope calculations. For example, in a study predicting the risk of invasive breast cancer, Model 2 adds to the predictors in Model 1 a set of 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Based on the AUCs and the Tangent Condition, an MTT of 7200 was computed, which indicates that 7200 sets of SNPs are needed for every correct prediction of breast cancer to yield a positive overall expected utility. If ascertaining the SNPs costs $500, this MTT suggests that SNP ascertainment is not likely worthwhile for this risk prediction.
Modern empirical and modelling study approaches in fluvial geomorphology to elucidate sub-bend-scale meander dynamics
Authors: Kasvi Elina , Hooke Janet , Kurkela Matti , Vaaja Matti T , Virtanen Juho-Pekka , Hyyppä Hannu , Alho Petteri
Published: October 2017

Major developments in theory and modelling techniques have taken place within the past couple of decades in the field of the fluvial geomorphology. In this review, we examine the state-of-the-art empirical and modelling approaches and discuss their potential benefits and shortcomings in deepening understanding of the sub-bend-scale fluvial geomorphology of meander bends. Meandering rivers represent very complex 3D flow and sedimentary processes. We focus on high-resolution techniques which have improved the spatial and temporal resolution of the data and thereby enabled investigation of processes, which have been thus far beyond the capacity of the measurement techniques. This review covers the measurement techniques applied in the field and in laboratory circumstances as well as the close-range remote sensing techniques and computational approaches. We discuss the key research questions in fluvial geomorphology of meander bends and demonstrate how the contemporary approaches have been and could be applied to solve these questions.
George Baxter
Authors: Neachell Emma , Petts Geoff
Published: October 2017

This paper summarizes the innovative approach to setting environmental flows proposed by Baxter in 1961, describes its immediate impact across both engineering and fisheries disciplines and explores the reasons why his approach was not adopted in river flow regulation and management in the UK. Yet, the basic approach was to be used world-wide by the end of the century. Several barriers constrained innovation in flow regulation in England during the 1960s: the overwhelming pollution problems; serious concerns about water shortage and food security, not least in the context of the severe 1959 drought; the influence of the 1963 Water Resources Act and the legacy of previous legislation; the limited availability of both river flow data and biological data; and the lack of awareness of human impacts on the environment. The paper also provides lessons for promoting environmental science into policy and practice to advance the implementation of environmental flows.
Pain Management After Hip Arthroscopy: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Cohort Studies
Authors: Shin Jason J. , McCrum Chris L. , Mauro Craig S. , Vyas Dharmesh
Published: October 2017

Background:

Hip arthroscopy is often associated with significant postoperative pain and opioid-associated side effects. Effective pain management after hip arthroscopy improves patient recovery and satisfaction and decreases opioid-related complications.

Purpose:

To collect, examine, and provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence from randomized controlled trials and comparative studies on pain control after hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature for postoperative pain control after hip arthroscopy was performed using electronic databases. Only comparative clinical studies with level 1 to 3 evidence comparing a method of postoperative pain control with other modalities or placebo were included in this review. Case series and studies without a comparative cohort were excluded.

Results:

Several methods of pain management have been described for hip arthroscopy. A total of 14 studies met our inclusion criteria: 3 on femoral nerve block, 3 on lumbar plexus block, 3 on fascia iliaca block, 4 on intra-articular injections, 2 on soft tissue surrounding surgical site injection, and 2 on celecoxib (4 studies compared 2 or more methods of analgesia). The heterogeneity of the studies did not allow for pooling of data. Single-injection femoral nerve blocks and lumbar plexus blocks provided improved analgesia, but increased fall rates were observed. Fascia iliaca blocks do not provide adequate pain relief when compared with surgical site infiltration with local anesthetic and are associated with increased risk of cutaneous nerve deficits. Patients receiving lumbar plexus block experienced significantly decreased pain compared with fascia iliaca block. Portal site and periacetabular injections provide superior analgesia compared with intra-articular injections alone. Preoperative oral celecoxib, compared with placebo, resulted in earlier time to discharge and provided significant pain relief up to 24 hours.

Conclusion:

Perioperative nerve blocks provide effective pain management after hip arthroscopy but must be used with caution to decrease risk of falls. Intra-articular and portal site injections with local anesthetics and preoperative celecoxib can decrease opioid consumption. There is a lack of high-quality evidence on this topic, and further research is needed to determine the best approach to manage postoperative pain and optimize patient satisfaction.