bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychotic Symptoms and Attitudes toward Medication Mediate the Effect of Insight on Personal-Social Functions in Patients with Schizophrenia: One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial and Follow-Up
Authors: Zheng Yingjun , Ning Yuping , She Shenglin , Deng Yongjie , Chen Yuwei , Yi Wenying , Lu Xiaodan , Chen Xinrui , Li Juanhua , Li Ruikeng , Zhang Jie , Xiao Di , Wu Haibo , Wu Chao
Published: February 2018

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the mediating pathway of 3 factors (psychotic symptoms, attitude toward medication, and cognitive processing speed) on the effect of insight on personal-social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Chinese inpatients with schizophrenia (n = 168; mean age 18 ± 50 years) diagnosed according to the DSM-IV were randomly assigned to treatment with antipsychotic medication alone or combined treatment. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI), Assessment of Insight (SAI), and Social-Personal Performance Scale (PSPS) scores were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted with baseline data, end point data, and changes-in-scale scores between baseline and the end point, respectively. Results: At baseline and at 12 months, only psychotic symptoms mediated the effect of insight on personal-social functioning. For changes-in-scale scores over the 12-month follow-up, in patients receiving treatment with medication alone, the effect of improved insight on improved personal-social function was mediated by psychotic symptoms only; in patients receiving a combined treatment, the effect of improved insight on improved personal-social functioning was mediated by both psychotic symptoms and attitudes toward medication, independently. Conclusions: The link between insight and personal-social functions is mainly mediated by psychotic symptoms. Psychosocial intervention improves the predicting effect of insight on personal-social function by improving both the attitude toward medication and psychotic symptoms independently.
Analysis of 10 Adrenocortical Carcinoma Patients in the Cohort of the Precision Medicine Platform MONDTI
Authors: Kieler Markus , Müllauer Leonhard , Koperek Oskar , Bianconi Daniela , Unseld Matthias , Raderer Markus , Prager Gerald W.
Published: February 2018

Objective: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease with a dismal prognosis. We aimed to evaluate if a personalized medicine approach may be useful for matching patients with ACC to targeted therapies. Methods: This is an analysis of 10 molecularly profiled ACCs that were progressing under standard of care treatment. The profile consisted of a 50-gene next-generation sequencing panel, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and fluorescence in situ hybridization for several proteins or chromosomal aberrations. Results: In 6 (60%) tumor samples, no somatic mutation was detected, while in 3 (30%) tumors 1 mutation was detected and in 1 (10%) tumor 2 mutations were detected. These mutations were CTNNB1 (2 samples), TP53 (1 sample), RB1 (1 sample) and APC (1 sample). Expression of phospho-mTOR and of EGFR was commonly detected by IHC (87.5 and 62.5%). In 4 (50%) samples, IHC revealed a weak expression of progesterone receptor. Less frequent alterations were expression of PDGFR-α, c-KIT, and estrogen receptor, each in 1 case. Conclusions: Based on the molecular profile, no recommendation for targeted therapy was made by the multi-disciplinary team. Currently, ACC might not be suitable for a precision medicine approach according to our tests.
Negative Aging Stereotypes Disrupt both the Selection and Execution of Strategies in Older Adults
Authors: Lemaire Patrick , Brun Fleur , Régner Isabelle
Published: February 2018

Background: Age-based cognitive deficits are exacerbated by stereotype threat effects (i.e., the threat of being judged as cognitively incapable due to aging). We tested whether age-based stereotype threat effects can occur via impair- ing older adults’ ability to select the best strategy and/or to execute strategies efficiently. Methods: Older adults (age range: 64.3–89.5 years) were randomly assigned to a stereotype threat or control condition before taking an episodic memory task. They encoded pairs of concrete words and of abstract words, with either a repetition or an imagery strategy, and then took a cued-recall task. Whereas participants in experiment 1 could choose between these two strategies, those of experiment 2 were forced to use either the repetition or the imagery strategy. Results: Our findings showed that age-based stereotype threat disrupts both the selection and execution of the most efficient, but also most resource-demanding, imagery strategy, and that these stereotype threat effects were stronger on concrete words. Conclusion: Our findings have important implications to further understand age-based (and other) stereotype threat effects, and how noncognitive factors modulate age-related changes in human cognition.
Rapid Capsular Contraction with Secondary Intraocular Lens Dislocation Associated with Unspecified Rod-Cone Dystrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Lam Jocelyn , Sifrig Bradley , Jung Hoon
Published: February 2018

Purpose: We report an unusual case of rapid and severe anterior capsular contraction associated with secondary intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation following cataract surgery in a patient with unspecified rod-cone dystrophy. Case Report: A 68-year-old woman with a history of uncharacterized bilateral rod-cone dystrophy presented with blurry vision 1 month after cataract surgery. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the operative eye. Slit-lamp exam showed severe anterior capsular phimosis limiting view of the fundus. Our patient underwent 2 sessions of Nd:YAG anterior capsulotomy with limited success. Limited anterior vitrectomy was then performed without success due to densely adherent capsular tissue to the anterior surface of the IOL and additional secondary IOL dislocation. She ultimately underwent pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the capsular bag, and IOL exchange with a scleral fixated IOL. Conclusion: Rapid and severe anterior capsular contraction following cataract surgery is rare but appears to be associated with rod-cone dystrophy.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Myocardium in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kis Eva , Ablonczy Laszlo , Reusz György S.
Published: February 2018

Early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often underdiagnosed, while their deleterious effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system are already at work. Thus, the assessment of early CV damage is of crucial importance in preventing major CV events. Myocardial fibrosis is one of the major consequences of progressive CKD, as it may lead to reentry arrhythmias and long-term myocardial dysfunction predisposing to sudden death and/or congestive heart failure. Subclinical myocardial fibrosis, with a potential key role in the development of uraemic cardiac disease, can be measured and characterised by appropriate cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques. Fibrosis detection was initially based on the contrast agent gadolinium, due to the superiority in sensitivity and accuracy of contrast-based methods in fibrosis assessment relative to native techniques. However, the severe consequences of gadolinium administration in uraemia (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis) have forced practitioners to re-evaluate the methodology. In the present overview, we review the possible contrast-based and contrast agent-free CMR techniques, including native T1 relaxation time, extracellular volume and global longitudinal strain measurement. The review also summarises their potential clinical relevance in CKD patients based on recently published studies.
Associations Between Intravenous Iron, Inflammation and FGF23 in Non-Dialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3-5
Authors: Muras-Szwedziak Katarzyna , Nowicki Michal
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Both iron deficiency and chronic inflammation are highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The effect of intravenous iron infusion on mineral metabolism in CKD may be modified by inflammation. Intravenous iron theraphy may reduce peripheral degradation, secretion, clearence of iFGF23 and lead to hypophosphatemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous iron on mineral metabolism in CKD patients. Methods: 35 non-dialysis patients with CKD stages 3-5. received 100 mg/24h of ferric oxide saccharated solution for 5 days. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathormone (PTH), intact-FGF23 (iFGF23), C-terminal-FGF23 (cFGF23), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and high-sensitive CRP were assessed on day 1 and 3 at baseline and 2 hours after each dose administration and once on day 6. Plasma iFGF23 and cFGF23, as well as serum BAP were measured with ELISA and other parameters with standard automated laboratory methods. Results: Serum iFGF23 increased after iv iron on day 1 and 6 (from 268.9±446.5 to 326.3±529.9 on day 1; p=0.05 and to 451.4±601 pg/mL on day 6; p=0.03). cFGF23 was reduced only on day 1 (from 654.3±441.3 to 473.6±414 RU/mL; p=0.016). P concentration decreased significantly two hours after the first iron infusion (from 1.69±0.5 to 1.54±0.35 mmol/l; p=0.003). In following days the changes of cFGF23, P and of other calcium-phosphate metabolism were not significant. Serum CRP correlated neither with iFGF-23 nor cFGF-23. Conclusion: Intravenous iron supplementation may only transiently affect the production and degradation of FGF23 resulting in hypophosphatemia at the commencement of iron therapy. Chronic low-grade inflammation does not seem to play a role in that mechanism.
Comprehensive miRNA Analysis of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Zou Xiang-yu , Yu Yongjiang , Lin Sihao , Zhong Liang , Sun Jie , Zhang Guangyuan , Zhu Yingjian
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) participate in the tissue-specific repair of many different organs, especially the kidney. Their effects are primarily mediated by the paracrine release of factors including extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are composed of micro-vesicles and exosomes. The corresponding microRNAs (miRNAs) of EVs are considered important for their biological functions. Methods: MSCs were cultured from the human umbilical cord, and EVs were isolated from the medium. The expression levels of miRNAs in MSCs and EVs were determined by microarray analysis, and gene ontology (GO) was used to analyze the functions of their target genes. Results: MSCs and EVs had similar miRNA expression profiles, with the exception of a small number of selectively enriched miRNAs. GO analysis indicated that, unlike MSCs, the target genes of EV-enriched miRNAs were associated with calcium channel regulation and cell junction activities, which may indicate that MSC and EVs have different regulatory properties. Angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling pathways related to the repair of renal injury were also analyzed, and EV-enriched miRNAs targeted genes associated with oxidative stress, T cell activation, and Toll-like receptor signaling. The miRNAs enriched in both MSCs and EVs targeted different genes in signaling pathways regulating angiogenesis and chemokine release. Conclusion: MSCs and their EVs shared similar miRNA component, and some selectively enriched miRNAs observed in MSCs and EVs may affect different target genes through some specific signaling pathways.
PORTRAIT (Patient-Centered Outcomes Related to Treatment Practices in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Investigating Trajectories)
Authors: Smolderen Kim G. , Gosch Kensey , Patel Manesh , Jones W. Schuyler , Hirsch Alan T. , Beltrame John , Fitridge Rob , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Denollet Johan , Vriens Patrick , Heyligers Jan , Stone, MEd Nancy , Aronow Herbert , Abbott J. Dawn , Labrosciano Clementine , Tutein-Nolthenius Rudolf , A. Spertus John
Published: February 2018

Background:

Health status outcomes, including symptoms, functional status, and quality of life, are critically important outcomes from patients’ perspectives. The PORTRAIT study (Patient-Centered Outcomes Related to Treatment Practices in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Investigating Trajectories) was designed to prospectively define health status outcomes and examine associations between patients’ characteristics and care to these outcomes among those presenting with new-onset or worsened claudication.

Methods and Results:

PORTRAIT screened 3637 patients with an abnormal ankle-brachial index and new, or worsened, claudication symptoms from 16 peripheral arterial disease (PAD) specialty clinics in the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia between June 2, 2011, and December 3, 2015. Of the 1608 eligible patients, 1275 (79%) were enrolled. Before treatment, patients were interviewed to obtain their demographics, PAD symptoms and health status, psychosocial characteristics, preferences for shared decision-making, socioeconomic, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients’ medical history, comorbidities, and PAD diagnostic information were abstracted from patients’ medical records. Serial information about patients’ health status, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors was collected at 3, 6, and 12 months by a core laboratory. Follow-up rates ranged from 84.2% to 91%. Clinical follow-up for PAD-related hospitalizations and major cardiovascular events is ongoing.

Conclusions:

PORTRAIT systematically collected serial PAD-specific health status data as a foundation for risk stratification, comparative effectiveness studies, and clinicians’ adherence to quality-based performance measures.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01419080.
Female control of reproductive behaviour in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), with notes on female competition for mating
Authors: Thomas Jessica L. , Parrott Marissa L. , Handasyde Kathrine A. , Temple-Smith Peter
Published: February 2018

Opportunities for studying platypus courtship and mating behaviours in the wild are limited due to the nocturnal and cryptic nature of this species. We report on platypus courtship and mating behaviour from a successful breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, in which platypuses were held as either breeding pairs or trios over seven years. Behaviour was recorded daily on infrared cameras resulting in over 80,000 h of footage that was analysed for activity periods, and courtship and mating behaviours including non-contact and contact courtship, mating and avoidance. Our aims were to describe and quantify courtship and mating interactions between males and females, and to determine if either sex controlled the initiation and continuation of the behaviours. From our observations, we describe a new courtship behaviour, non-contact courtship, which constituted the majority of all mating season interactions between males and females. The time between first and last appearance of a courtship and mating behaviour was 41.0 ± 6.6 days, with the females showing behavioural receptivity for 29.6 ± 5.1 days. Female platypuses used three evasive strategies in relation to approaches by males: avoidance, flight and resistance. Females controlled the duration of 79% of encounters using resistance. For the first time, two females were seen competing with each other over access to the male platypus in their enclosure and for nesting material. Time investment in courtship and mating behaviours was a poor indicator of receptivity and breeding success, and we suggest that breeding failure is more likely to be associated with failure of fertilisation, nest building, embryonic development or incubation. We describe how female platypuses demonstrate evasiveness and control of courtship and mating behaviours, and the importance of providing these opportunities in captivity to promote successful breeding.
Untergräbt der Relativismus die Autorität der Moral und die regulative Funktion ihrer Wahrheit?
Authors: Harth Manfred
Published: February 2018

In this article, various objections will be discussed that have been put forward against ethical relativism, but which haven’t been considered seriously enough on the part of relativists and have been overrated on the part of their opponents. The objections will be concentrated into three arguments: the action-theoretic, the epistemological and the truth-theoretic argument. The article will discuss whether they can be rebutted by proponents of the two main types of relativism: indexical relativism and truth-relativism. The conclusion will be as follows: (i) one version of indexical relativism, the analytical version, gets into serious troubles by the action-theoretic argument, while its revisionary version will remain unaffected, (ii) the epistemological argument fails with respect to indexical relativism and stands on shaky ground as regards truth-relativism, (iii) the truth-theoretic argument puts considerable pressure (solely) on truth-relativism.
If You Understand, You Won’t Be Lucky
Authors: van Riel Raphael
Published: February 2018

The present paper argues that there is a structural difference between classical cases involving knowledge-undermining environmental luck, and cases where a subject acquires understanding in the presence of environmental luck. This difference appears to bear on arguments against the reductionist thesis that understanding is a special form of knowledge.
The Time Course of Intentional Binding for Late Effects
Authors: Ruess Miriam , Thomaschke Roland , Kiesel Andrea
Published: February 2018

Stimuli elicited by one’s own actions (i.e., effects) are perceived as temporally earlier compared to stimuli not elicited by one’s own actions. This phenomenon is referred to as intentional binding (IB), and is commonly used as an implicit measure of sense of agency. Typically, IB is investigated by employing the so-called clock paradigm, in which participants are instructed to press a key (i.e., perform an action), which is followed by a tone (i.e., an effect), while presented with a rotating clock hand. Participants are then asked to estimate the position of the clock hand at tone onset. This time point estimate is compared to a baseline estimate where the tone is presented without any preceding action. In the present study, we investigated IB for effects occurring after relatively long delay durations (500 ms, 650 ms, 800 ms), while manipulating the temporal predictability of the delay duration. We observed an increase of IB for longer delay durations, whereas the temporal predictability did not significantly influence the magnitude of IB. This extends previous findings obtained with the clock paradigm, which have shown an increase of IB for very short delay ranges (<250 ms), but a decrease for intermediate delay ranges up to delay durations of 650 ms. Our findings, thus, indicate rather complex temporal dynamics of IB that might look similar to a wave-shaped function.
Two new species of Sabacon Simon, 1879 (Opiliones: Dyspnoi: Sabaconidae) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: ZHAO LI KUN , MARTENS JOCHEN , ZHANG CHAO
Published: February 2018

Two new species of the harvestman genus Sabacon Simon, 1879 are recorded from Yunnan Province, southern China, Sabacon monacanthus sp. n. (male and female; relationships unclear) and S. suzukii sp. n. (male and female; closely related to S. kangding Martens, 2015 from Sichuan Province, southwestern China).
A new species of the hermit crab genus Diogenes (Crustacea: Decapoda: Diogenidae) from the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: LANDSCHOFF JANNES , RAHAYU DWI LISTYO
Published: February 2018

A new diogenid hermit crab with bright-white chelae, Diogenes albimanus n. sp., is described and illustrated, based on a single ovigerous female collected from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new species is compared to morphologically similar species, in particular to D. holthuisi and D. dorotheae, from which it is distinguishable by the shape and armature of the telson; and also to the superficially-similar South African D. extricatus, from which it differs by having the unarmed dorsal margins of the propodi and meri of the pereopods, as opposed to being armed with rows of strong spines. The unusually white chelae are similar in colour to those of D. takedai, but the coloration of all other parts is different in these two species. High quality macro photographs, a high-resolution microCT (μCT) scan of the whole animal, and the reference to the repository of the molecular barcode of the new species are provided.
Thunderstorm Characteristics during the Ontario Winter Lake-Effect Systems Project
Authors: Steiger Scott M. , Kranz Tyler , Letcher Theodore W.
Published: February 2018

The Ontario Winter Lake-Effect Systems (OWLeS) field campaign during the winter season of 2013/14 provided unprecedented data with regard to the structure and behavior of long-lake-axis-parallel (LLAP) lake-effect storms. One of the interesting characteristics of LLAP storm bands is their ability to initiate lightning. The OWLeS datasets provide an opportunity to examine more thoroughly the kinematics and microphysics of lake-effect thunder-snowstorms than ever before. The OWLeS facilities and field personnel observed six lake-effect thunderstorms during December–January 2013/14. Most of them produced very little lightning (fewer than six cloud-to-ground strokes or intracloud pulses recorded by the National Lightning Detection Network). The 7 January 2014 storm had over 50 strokes and pulses, however, which resulted in 20 flashes over a 6-h period (0630–1230 UTC), making it the most electrically active storm during the field campaign. Relative to the 18 December 2013 storm, which only had three flashes, the 7 January 2014 case had a deeper boundary layer and greater instability. Also, 45% of the lightning during the 7 January storm was likely due to flashes initiated by wind turbines or other man-made antennas, along with all of the lightning observed during 18 December. No lightning was documented over Lake Ontario, the primary source of instability for these storms.
Eddy Sensitivity to Jet Characteristics
Authors: Yuval Janni , Kaspi Yohai
Published: February 2018

The atmosphere exhibits two distinct types of jets: the thermally driven subtropical jet and the more poleward eddy-driven jet. Depending on location and season, these jets are often merged or separated, and their position, structure, and intensity strongly influence the eddy fields. Here, the authors study the sensitivity of eddies to changes in the jets’ amplitudes and positions in an idealized general circulation model. A modified Newtonian relaxation scheme that has a very short relaxation time for the mean state and a long relaxation time for eddies is used. This scheme makes it possible to obtain any zonally symmetric temperature distribution and is used to systematically modify the jets’ amplitudes and locations. It is found that eddies are more sensitive to changes in the amplitude of the eddy-driven jet than to changes in the amplitude of the subtropical jet. Furthermore, when the eddy-driven jet is shifted poleward, eddies tend to intensify. These results are tested for robustness in two different reference simulations: one resembling a situation where the subtropical and eddy-driven jets are nearly merged and one when they are separated.
Dynamics of a Quasi-Stationary Jet along the Subarctic Front in the North Pacific Ocean (the Western Isoguchi Jet): An Ideal Two-Layer Model
Authors: Miyama Toru , Mitsudera Humio , Nishigaki Hajime , Furue Ryo
Published: February 2018

The dynamics of a quasi-stationary jet along the Subarctic Front in the North Pacific Ocean (the Western Isoguchi Jet) were investigated using an idealized two-layer model. The experiments suggested that a seafloor topography, which is 500 m high, produces a jet along its eastern flank. The formation mechanism of the jet can be explained via baroclinic Rossby wave characteristics. Baroclinic Rossby waves propagate along characteristic curves, which are significantly distorted by anticyclonic barotropic flow on the seafloor topography. A baroclinic surface jet is formed where a characteristic curve originating in the subtropical gyre and one originating in the subpolar gyre meet because the pycnocline depth varies discontinuously at this location. The barotropic flow on the seafloor topography is induced by eddies.
Implications of Regulatory Drought for farmer Use of Climate Information in the Klamath Basin
Authors: VanderMolen Kristin , Horangic Alexandra
Published: February 2018

Despite the risk of climate variability to agriculture, farmer use of climate information in agricultural decision-making generally remains low. Research has suggested that where farmers already have robust “repertoires” of decision-making resources adapted to some degree of climate variability, such new information may simply factor less saliently. This study asks whether farmer use of climate information increases under the occurrence of more extreme climatic events for which those repertoires lack referent—in this case, severe hydrological and related regulatory drought in the Klamath basin. Semistructured interviews with key informants of Klamath basin agriculture indicate a marked increase in farmer use of climate and climate-related information since the onset of drought in 2001. What information farmers utilize, however, depends on whether it retains its predictive and explanatory value under both types of drought. Findings highlight the need for consideration of coproduction approaches to the development of climate information if it is to serve farmers where the extremity of climate events produces changes not only in availability of but also in access to key agricultural resources.
Visually Reporting Mass Shootings: U.S. Newspaper Photographic Coverage of Three Mass School Shootings
Authors: Dahmen Nicole Smith
Published: February 2018

Given the intense news coverage that mass shootings receive and recent findings on contagion effects, it is important to examine how news media organizations cover these crimes. While reporting the “who” of news is a standard journalistic practice, there is growing debate regarding the extent to which the perpetrators of mass shootings should be named, pictured, and discussed in news media coverage. Within the theoretical framework of agenda-setting, this study examined U.S. newspaper photographic coverage following three major school shootings. Through content analysis of 4,934 photographs from 9 days of newspaper coverage, this study made several key findings about the overall prominence of photo use, changes in photo use during the 3 days following mass shootings, and comparisons between photos of perpetrators and victims. In particular, the study found empirical evidence that on a photos-per-individual basis, the coverage gave more attention to perpetrators than to individual deceased victims by a ratio of 16 to 1. Given contagion effects, this study finding raises serious concerns about current practices in news media publication of perpetrator photos. Although the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics encourages news media members to seek truth and report it, the code also emphasizes moral imperatives to “balance the public’s need for information against potential harms” and “avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.”
Paradoxes of Polarization: Democracy’s Inherent Division and the (Anti-) Populist Challenge
Authors: Stavrakakis Yannis
Published: February 2018

This article carries out a theoretical analysis of the relationship between democracy and polarization. It utilizes examples from a variety of premodern and modern societies to argue that difference and division are inherent to a vibrant democratic life and to representation itself. At the same time, a stable and pluralist democratic culture presupposes the establishment of a common ground required for reflexive democratic decision making. To take into account both requirements, this must be a special type of common ground: an agonistic common ground. Agonism, as opposed to both the politics of raw antagonism and the postpolitics of consensus, values the existence of real alternatives and even ideological distance but aims at sublimating their pernicious effects. However, an agonistic outcome is always the result of a delicate balancing act between oligarchic and populist tendencies. In modernity, it predominantly took the form of a paradoxical blend of the democratic and the liberal tradition. The current crisis of liberal democracy and its postdemocratic mutation obliges one to ask whether democratic crisis may cause polarization, rather than the other way around, and puts in doubt the ability of the “moderate center” to deal with it in ways consolidating democracy. The article illustrates its theoretical rationale with examples from populism/antipopulism polarization in contemporary Greece, where elite-driven antipopulist discourse has consistently employed dehumanizing repertoires enhancing pernicious polarization.
Translating Human Rights: Creating culturally-specific human rights measures for social work in Spain, Taiwan, and the United States
Authors: McPherson Jane , Cubillos Vega Carla , Tang I-Chen
Published: February 2018

This Brief Note describes the challenges of translating English-language measures – Human Rights Exposure in Social Work and Human Rights Engagement in Social Work – into Spanish and Traditional Chinese. Authors discuss the cultural specificities that complicate translating rights across political boundaries and provide insight for undertaking cross-national translation.
Cutting performance evaluation of a roadheader machine by PCA and RBF
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Wang Jianyong , Zhu Xu
Published: February 2018

As coal mining technology has continuously evolved, gradually the industry has moved toward fully mechanized mining. A roadheader machine is important mechanical equipment for roadway drivage through mechanical crushing. Through analysis and research to discover the key parameters relating to the cutting performance of the roadheader machine, the performance of the roadheader machine must be optimized and costs reduced, as well as productivity increased. As one of the most important statistical methods, principal component analysis (PCA) could not only reduce many factors into fewer overall targets, it could also provide the comparative item weighting, improving the computational efficiency and error precision of the radial basis function neural network, eliminating the correlation of each input variable, and increasing the stability of the network model. The principal variables are determined and a cutting performance evaluation model developed that allow both performance prediction and cutting performance evaluation. From the analysis it is concluded that the primary indicators of the roadheader cutting performance were the unidirectional compressive strength, the cutting resistance fluctuation, the weaving speed of the cutting head, the cutting power fluctuation, and the traction resistance fluctuation. The model is consistent with the practical test results and contributes to discovery of future optimization procedures.
JigCell Model Connector: building large molecular network models from components
Authors: Jones Thomas C , Hoops Stefan , Watson Layne T , Palmisano Alida , Tyson John J , Shaffer Clifford A
Published: February 2018

The growing size and complexity of molecular network models makes them increasingly difficult to construct and understand. Modifying a model that consists of tens of reactions is no easy task. Attempting the same on a model containing hundreds of reactions can seem nearly impossible. We present the JigCell Model Connector, a software tool that supports large-scale molecular network modeling. Our approach to developing large models is to combine smaller models, making the result easier to comprehend. At the base, the smaller models (called modules) are defined by small collections of reactions. Modules connect together to form larger modules through clearly defined interfaces, called ports. In this work, we enhance the port concept by defining three types of ports. An output port is linked to an internal component that will send a value. An input port is linked to an internal component that will receive a value. An equivalence port is linked to an internal component that will both receive and send values. Not all modules connect together in the same way; therefore, multiple connection options need to exist.
Latino/a Student Threat and School Disciplinary Policies and Practices
Authors: Welch Kelly , Payne Allison Ann
Published: February 2018

Using a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,500 public schools, this study builds on and extends our knowledge of how ‘‘minority threat’’ manifests within schools. We test whether various disciplinary policies and practices are mobilized in accordance with Latino/a student composition, presumably the result of a group response to perceptions that white racial dominance is jeopardized. We gauge how schools’ Latino/a student populations are associated with the availability and use of several specific types of discipline. We further explore possible moderating influences of school crime and economic disadvantage on punishment. We find that schools with larger percentages of Latino/a students are more likely to favor certain punitive responses and less likely to favor certain mild responses, as predicted by minority threat. The percentage of Latino/a students is also related to greater use of certain disciplinary responses in schools with less crime.
Point cloud augmented virtual reality environment with haptic constraints for teleoperation
Authors: Ni Dejing , Nee AYC , Ong SK , Li Huijun , Zhu Chengcheng , Song Aiguo
Published: February 2018

Remote manipulation of a robot without assistance in an unstructured environment is a challenging task for operators. In this paper, a novel methodology for haptic constraints in a point cloud augmented virtual reality environment is proposed to address this human operation limitation. The proposed method generates haptic constraints in real time for an unstructured environment, including regional constraints and guidance constraints. A modified implicit surface method is applied for regional constraint generation for the entire point cloud. Additionally, the isosurface derived from the implicit surface is proposed for real-time three-dimensional artificial force field estimation. For guidance constraint generation, a new incremental prediction and local artificial force field generation method based on the modified sigmoid model is proposed in an unstructured point cloud virtual reality environment. With the generated haptic constraints, the operator can control the robot to realize obstacle avoidance and easily reach the target tasks. System evaluation is conducted, and the result demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, a 10-participant study with users who control the robot to three specific targets shows that the system can enhance human operation efficiency and reduce time costs by at least 59% compared with no-haptic-constraint operations. Additionally, the designed questionnaire also demonstrates that the proposed methodology can reduce the workload during human operations.
A Min-Max selector controller for turbofan engines with improvement of limit management and low computational burden
Authors: Imani Amin , Montazeri-Gh Morteza
Published: February 2018

Recent studies show that there is no guarantee for conventional Min-Max structure containing linear compensators to keep engine limitations in transient state, while limit violation can make dangerous events. Careful analysis indicates that despite the design of limitation loops overshoot-free to reduce the possibility of limit violation, exceeding the limits can occur for some variables affected by engine acceleration or deceleration, when other loop controllers are active. In this study, the limit values of these variables are taken into account in controller design of other loops using state feedback techniques and convex optimization problems, and their dynamic compensators are removed from the Min-Max structure. Thus, in addition to improvement of Min-Max limit protection, computational burden also decreases owing to loop reduction. The condition for limit protection in steady state and thrust tracking assurance is also specified. Simulations carried out with linear and nonlinear turbofan engine model show efficient performance of the proposed methodology in comparison with traditional Min-Max and Min-Max/sliding mode control (SMC) approaches.
A Role for Science in Public Policy? The Obstacles, Illustrated by the Case of Breast Cancer Screening Policy
Authors: Kourany Janet A. , Fernández Pinto Manuela
Published: February 2018

A coherent and helpful public policy based on science is difficult to achieve for at least three reasons. First, there are purely practical problems—for example, that scientific experts often disagree on policy-relevant questions and their debates often continue well beyond policy appropriate timelines. Second, there are epistemic problems—for example, that science is hardly the neutral supplier of factual information (free of contested social values) that traditionally has been supposed. And third, there are social problems: given the commercialization of today’s science and its enduring limitations (sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, etc.), much of scientific research today fails to meet the moral and political standards one would expect it to meet in order to inform public policy. In this paper, we examine such problems in the context of breast cancer screening policy and suggest the role philosophy of science should play in dealing with the situation.
Caveat emptor: Folate in unipolar depressive illness, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roberts Emmert , Carter Ben , Young Allan H
Published: February 2018

Background:

International guideline recommendations for the use of folate and its derivatives in the treatment of unipolar depressive disorders are confused and contradictory, perhaps reflecting wide variations in the underpinning evidence base.

Introduction:

We discuss differing methods of evidence synthesis in the formulation of international guideline recommendations. As an example we evaluated the efficacy of folate and its derivatives in unipolar depression via systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsychInfo and CENTRAL from database inception until 1 May 2017 for randomised controlled trials. We included trials that evaluated folate or its derivatives as monotherapy or to augment antidepressant therapy compared with placebo in patients with unipolar depressive illness. Standardised mean differences were used and studies were introduced as subgroups to explain the heterogeneity. Quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results:

No trials report on folate or methylfolate versus placebo as a monotherapeutic option. Only when the evidence was restricted to folate at a dose of <5 mg/day or methylfolate at a dose of 15 mg once daily as an adjunct to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy was there a significant benefit compared with placebo. All evidence was graded as low or very low quality for each outcome.

Discussion:

Whilst previous guidelines on the treatment of unipolar depression have either avoided this topic entirely, or made recommendations on the basis of cherry-picked evidence, this review is the first to attempt to provide clinically useful recommendations based on comprehensive, current randomised placebo-controlled data. We invite discussion of the review and its recommendations, which are based on the limited evidence regarding folate formulation delivered and appropriate dosage.
Arthroscopic Surgery or Physical Therapy for Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Mansell Nancy S. , Rhon Daniel I. , Meyer John , Slevin John M. , Marchant Bryant G.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Arthroscopic hip surgery has risen 18-fold in the past decade; however, there is a dearth of clinical trials comparing surgery with nonoperative management.

Purpose:

To determine the comparative effectiveness of surgery and physical therapy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Patients were recruited from a large military hospital after referral to the orthopaedic surgery clinic and were eligible for surgery. Of 104 eligible patients, 80 elected to participate, and the majority were active-duty service members (91.3%). No patients withdrew because of adverse events. The authors randomly selected patients to undergo either arthroscopic hip surgery (surgery group) or physical therapy (rehabilitation group). Patients in the rehabilitation group began a 12-session supervised clinic program within 3 weeks, and patients in the surgery group were scheduled for the next available surgery at a mean of 4 months after enrollment. Patient-reported outcomes of pain, disability, and perception of improvement over a 2-year period were collected. The primary outcome was the Hip Outcome Score (HOS; range, 0-100 [lower scores indicating greater disability]; 2 subscales: activities of daily living and sport). Secondary measures included the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), Global Rating of Change (GRC), and return to work at 2 years. The primary analysis was on patients within their original randomization group.

Results:

Statistically significant improvements were seen in both groups on the HOS and iHOT-33, but the mean difference was not significant between the groups at 2 years (HOS activities of daily living, 3.8 [95% CI, –6.0 to 13.6]; HOS sport, 1.8 [95% CI, –11.2 to 14.7]; iHOT-33, 6.3 [95% CI, –6.1 to 18.7]). The median GRC across all patients was that they “felt about the same” (GRC = 0). Two patients assigned to the surgery group did not undergo surgery, and 28 patients in the rehabilitation group ended up undergoing surgery. A sensitivity analysis of “actual surgery” to “no surgery” did not change the outcome. Twenty (33.3%) patients who underwent surgery and 4 (33.3%) who did not undergo surgery were medically separated from military service at 2 years.

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference between the groups at 2 years. Most patients perceived little to no change in status at 2 years, and one-third of military patients were not medically fit for duty at 2 years. Limitations include a single hospital, a single surgeon, and a high rate of crossover.

Registration:

NCT01993615 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
Biomechanical Evaluation of a Single- Versus Double-Tunnel Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction With Acromioclavicular Stabilization for Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries
Authors: Banffy Michael B. , Uquillas Carlos , Neumann Julie A. , ElAttrache Neal S.
Published: February 2018

Background:

An anatomic double-tunnel (DT) reconstruction technique has been widely adopted to reconstruct the ruptured coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments seen with high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. However, the anatomic DT reconstruction has been associated with the risk of clavicle fractures, which may be problematic, particularly for contact athletes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to compare a single-tunnel (ST) CC ligament reconstruction for AC joint injuries with the native state as well as with the more established anatomic DT CC ligament reconstruction. The hypothesis was that ST CC ligament reconstruction would demonstrate biomechanical properties similar to those of the native state and the DT CC ligament reconstruction.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eighteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders (9 matched pairs) with mean ± SD age of 55.5 ± 8.5 years underwent biomechanical testing. One specimen of each matched pair underwent a ST CC ligament reconstruction and the second, a DT CC ligament reconstruction. The ST and DT CC ligament reconstruction techniques involved a 5-mm distal clavicle excision, avoided coracoid drilling, and utilized a 3.0-mm suture anchor to fix the excess lateral limb to reconstruct the superior AC joint capsule. The ST CC ligament reconstruction technique additionally included a 1.3-mm suture tape to help avoid a sawing effect, as well as a dog-bone button over the clavicular tunnel to increase stability of the construct. All specimens were tested to 70 N in 3 directions (superior, anterior, and posterior) in the intact and reconstructed states. The ultimate load, yield load, stiffness, and mode of failure of the reconstructed specimens were tested.

Results:

There were no significant differences in translation at 70 N in the superior ( P = .31), anterior ( P = .56), and posterior ( P = .35) directions between the ST CC ligament reconstruction and the intact state. The ultimate load to failure, yield load, and stiffness in the ST and DT groups were also not significantly different. There were no distal clavicle fractures in load-to-failure testing in the ST or DT group.

Conclusion:

In this biomechanical study, ST CC ligament reconstruction demonstrates biomechanical properties comparable to the intact state. Additionally, use of the ST CC ligament reconstruction shows biomechanical properties similar to the DT CC ligament reconstruction technique while theoretically posing less risk of clavicle fracture.

Clinical Relevance:

This study suggests that the ST CC ligament reconstruction has biomechanical properties equivalent to the DT CC ligament reconstruction with less theoretical risk of clavicle fracture.