bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Selective Endothelin-1 Receptor A Inhibition Prevents Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Manitsopoulos Nikolaos , Nikitopoulou Ioanna , Maniatis Nikolaos A. , Magkou Christina , Kotanidou Anastasia , Orfanos Stylianos E.
Published: November 2017

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease, which progressively leads to respiratory failure and ultimately death. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictor secreted by endothelial cells, promotes vasoconstriction by activation of its receptors A and B. Objectives: We addressed the role of highly selective ET-1 receptor A (ETA) inhibition in the pathogenesis of experimental pulmonary fibrosis by bleomycin (BLM). Methods: BLM sulfate (2 U/mL) or saline was intratracheally administered to C57/Bl6 mice (4 groups; n = 5-11/group). Pretreatment with the highly selective ETA receptor inhibitor sitaxentan (15 mg/kg/day) was started 1 day prior to BLM injection and continued for the duration of the experiment. Lung mechanics were assessed prior to sacrifice at days 7, 14, and 21 after BLM, followed by procurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood, and lung tissue samples. Results: Time-dependent effects of BLM exposure included decreased static compliance and increased lung elastance, airspace inflammation and microvascular permeability, histological acute lung injury and fibrosis, and lung collagen deposition. Pretreatment with highly selective ETA receptor inhibitor had no adverse effect on control mice but improved lung mechanics and lung injury score in addition to decreasing BALF pleocytosis, protein content, and collagen deposition in BLM-treated mice. Mortality from BLM reached 40% and occurred primarily during the inflammatory stage of the model but was abrogated by sitaxentan pretreatment. Conclusions: We conclude that in our BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis model, prophylactic highly selective ETA inhibition improves survival, preserves lung function, attenuates lung injury, and reduces collagen deposition.
IL-21 Is Increased in Nasal Polyposis and after Stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin B
Authors: Calus Lien , Derycke Lara , Dullaers Melissa , Van Zele Thibaut , De Ruyck Natalie , Pérez-Novo Claudina , Holtappels Gabriele , De Vos Geert , Lambrecht Bart N. , Bachert Claus , Gevaert Philippe
Published: November 2017

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory disease associated with lymphoid aggregates and local IgE production related to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins. T-follicular helper cells and their effector cytokine interleukin (IL)-21 play an important role in germinal center proliferation. Methods: IL-21 was determined on the mRNA level by qPCR in nasal tissue of 3 groups of patients: control (n = 17), chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP; n = 23), and CRSwNP (n = 35). The expression of IL-21 by CD4+ T cells was analyzed in tissue at baseline and after 24-h stimulation of tissue fragments with S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) using flow cytometry. Finally, human nasal IL-21+CXCR5+CD4+ T cells were isolated and coincubated with human blood naive B cells to investigate their functionality. Results: IL-21 mRNA expression was increased in the CRSwNP group (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, and B-cell lymphoma-6 and B-lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 were upregulated in CRSwNP versus CRSsNP. Furthermore, SEB was able to increase IL-21 mRNA expression significantly (p < 0.01) in nasal polyps. Flow cytometry revealed that the source of IL-21 was predominantly CD4+ T cells and that IL-21+CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in polyp tissue and further increased after SEB stimulation. Finally, tissue CXCR5+CD4+ T cells derived from nasal polyp tissue were able to induce maturation of human naive B cells. Conclusions: IL-21- and IL-21-producing CD4+ T cells were increased in CRSwNP. In addition, SEB induced an increase in IL-21 and IL-21+CD4+ T cells, suggesting that S. aureus can modulate the function of Tfh cells in nasal polyps. We speculate that T-follicular helper cells and IL-21 are important in the pathophysiology of CRSwNP.
Genetic Determinants of C1 Inhibitor Deficiency Angioedema Age of Onset
Authors: Gianni Panagiota , Loules Gedeon , Zamanakou Maria , Kompoti Maria , Csuka Dorottya , Psarros Fotis , Magerl Markus , Moldovan Dimitru , Maurer Marcus , Speletas Matthaios G. , Farkas Henriette , Germenis Anastasios E.
Published: November 2017

Background: In view of the large heterogeneity in the clinical presentation of hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE), great efforts are being made towards detecting measurable biological determinants of disease severity that can help to improve the management of the disease. Considering the central role that plasma kallikrein plays in bradykinin production, we investigated the contribution of the functional polymorphism KLKB1-428G/A to the disease phenotype. Methods: We studied 249 C1-INH-HAE patients from 114 European families, and we explored possible associations of C1-INH-HAE clinical features with carriage of KLKB1-428G/A, combined or not with that of the functional F12-46C/T polymorphism. Results: Carriers of the G allele of the KLKB1-428G/A polymorphism exhibited a significantly delayed disease onset (i.e., by 4.1 years [p < 0.001], depending on the zygocity status), while carriers of both the KLKB1-428G/A and the F12-46C/T polymorphism displayed an 8.8-year delay in disease onset (p < 0.001) and a 64% lower probability of needing long-term prophylactic treatment (p = 0.019). Conclusions: These findings support our initial hypothesis that functional alterations in genes of proteins involved in bradykinin metabolism and function affect the clinical phenotype and possibly contribute to the pathogenesis of C1-INH-HAE. Given that an earlier onset of symptoms is inversely correlated with the subsequent course of the disease and, eventually, the need for long-term prophylaxis, these polymorphisms may be helpful prognostic biomarkers of disease severity.
Discontinued Information and Communication Technology Usage among Older Adults in Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the United States
Authors: Rikard R.V. , Berkowsky Ronald W. , Cotten Shelia R.
Published: November 2017

Background: Older adults are increasingly using information and communication technologies (ICTs). Recent studies show beneficial effects of using ICTs for older adults, particularly in terms of reducing loneliness and depression. However, little is known about the factors that may prevent discontinued ICT use in populations that may be at greater risk, such as those in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine a range of factors that may influence discontinued (1) ICT use, (2) searching for health information, and (3) searching for general information over time among CCRC residents. Methods: We use longitudinal data from a randomized controlled trial conducted with residents of 19 CCRCs. We use flexible parametric models to estimate the hazard ratio or hazard rate over 5 waves of data to determine what factors significantly predict discontinued (1) ICT use, (2) health information searching, and (3) general information searching. Results: The analysis reveals that independent living residents who took part in an 8-week ICT training intervention were less likely to stop using ICTs. Age and the number of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impairments significantly predicted an increased likelihood of stopping ICT use. When examining specific ICT-related activities, the analysis reveals that independent living residents who took part in the ICT training intervention were less likely to stop searching for health information and general information online. In addition, age and the number of IADL impairments were associated with increased likelihood of discontinued health information searches and discontinued general information searches. Conclusion: ICT training interventions may motivate residents of CCRCs to stay connected by increasing the ICT skill level and promoting confidence, thus decreasing the probability that they will discontinue using ICTs and searching for general information. However, the effects of ICT training on motivating continued ICT usage may be more pronounced among independent living residents. Limitations in the number of IADL impairments is a key factor leading to discontinued use of ICTs among CCRC residents, suggesting that designers of ICTs should be cognizant of the cognitive and physical limitations among this group.
Clinical profile of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus of the Hospital de Clínicas of the UFPR
Authors: Schade Lilian , Paiva Eduardo dos Santos , Sbalqueiro Renato Luiz , Nascimento Dênis José , Azevedo Valderílio Feijó
Published: November 2017

Model study: descriptive, observational, cross-sectional and partially retrospective study. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile and maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) followed at Hospital de Clínicas of the UFPR. Methodology: The study described the clinical and preconception obstetric history, clinical and laboratory aspects during pregnancy and maternal-fetal outcomes of 30 pregnant women with SLE assisted at Prenatal Clinic of the Hospital de Clínicas of the UFPR, between March 2012 and November 2015. Results: It was found that 46,7% of the pregnant women presented renal manifestation of the SLE, history of maternal or fetal complications was observed in 50% of them and 13,3% of the patients had preconception active disease. During pregnancy, 26,7% had disease activity and 46,7% developed maternal or fetal complications (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, pregnancy loss, delayed intrauterine growth, prematurity birth, low birth weight or neonatal death). There was statistical significance between disease activity during pregnancy and preconception active disease, as well between prematurity and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome and also between the maternal and fetal complications as a whole and preconception activity and the use of prednisone >10mg/day. Conclusions: In this study we found a high frequency (46.7%) of maternal and/or fetal complications in pregnancies of lupus patients, therefore, pregnant women with SLE are considered to be at high risk. It is recommended that pregnancy in SLE patients should be planned and monitored by professionals who are experts in the disease management.
Hemoglobinopathy SD presenting as Hemoglobinopathy SS
Authors: Lissa Sonia Maria , Bach Sergio Luiz , Spezia Juliana , Henneberg Railson , Silva Paulo Henrique da
Published: November 2017

This case report shows the interaction of hemoglobin (Hb) S with Hb D. in a child previously diagnosed with sickle cell anemia based on the Hb electrophoretic migration pattern in alkaline pH. The sickling phenomenon was confirmed with 2% sodium metabisulfite. The father and mother of the child had a heterozygous pattern (Hb AS) in hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH. The sickling phenomenon has been confirmed to the father, but it has not been confirmed for the mother. The electrophoresis at acid pH was used to differentiate Hb S from Hb D. The family’s phenotype was established: the father has Hb AS, the mother AD and, the child SD. The purpose of this study was to emphasize the importance of confirmation of Hb S detected in electrophoresis at alkaline pH, with the solubility test or 2% sodium metabisulfite and with the electrophoresis at acid pH.
Primary follicular mucinosis – case report
Authors: Tavares Laura Loures , Barcelos Ana Carolina Folchini de , Leal Fabiano Roberto Pereira de Carvalho , Santos Thuany Silva , Tavares Neide Sueli Loures
Published: November 2017

Of unknown etiology, acute follicular mucinosis is clinically characterized as an inflammatory disease coursing with more or less infiltrated and scaly plaques, with or without hair loss. In the chronic form, it usually has more numerous and diffuse lesions with variable morphology, from plaques to ulcerated nodules. It is characterized by localized or diffuse deposits of mucin in the skin or hair follicles. Objective: To present an unusual case of primary follicular mucinosis, the importance of differentiation from the secondary form of follicular mucinosis, to discuss the clinical and histopathological aspects used in the diagnosis, its characteristics and classifications as well as the possible therapeutic choices.
The Vietnamese population of Megophrys kuatunensis (Amphibia: Megophryidae) represents a new species of Asian horned frog from Vietnam and southern China
Authors: TAPLEY BENJAMIN , CUTAJAR TIMOTHY , MAHONY STEPHEN , NGUYEN CHUNG THANH , DAU VINH QUANG , NGUYEN TAO THIEN , LUONG HAO VAN , ROWLEY JODI J. L.
Published: November 2017

The Asian frog genus Megophrys is a diverse group of morphologically conserved, forest-dwelling frogs. The genus harbours highly localised species diversification and new species continue to be described on a regular basis. We examined the taxonomic status of a population of Megophrys frogs from the Hoang Lien Range in northern Vietnam and southern China previously identified as M. kuatunensis (subgenus Panophrys). Preliminary phylogenetic analyses using a fragment of 16S rDNA places the species in question within the Megophrys (subgenus Panophrys) species group, a primarily Chinese radiation within the genus. On the basis of morphological, molecular and bioacoustic data, we conclude that this population does not represent M. kuatunensis, or any known species in the genus. We herein describe this species of Megophrys as new. Known only from Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province in Vietnam and Jinping County, Yunnan Province in China, the new species is likely to be threatened by ongoing deforestation in the region. We provide an updated species description of M. kuatunensis based on type specimens, and suggest that M. kuatunensis is likely to be restricted to eastern China.
Seeding Chaos: The Dire Consequences of Numerical Noise in NWP Perturbation Experiments
Authors: Ancell Brian C. , Bogusz Allison , Lauridsen Matthew J. , Nauert Christian J.
Published: November 2017

Perturbation experiments are a common technique used to study how differences between model simulations evolve within chaotic systems. Such perturbation experiments include modifications to initial conditions (including those involved with data assimilation), boundary conditions, and model parameterizations. We have discovered, however, that any difference between model simulations produces a rapid propagation of very small changes throughout all prognostic model variables at a rate many times the speed of sound. The rapid propagation seems to be due to the model’s higher-order spatial discretization schemes, allowing the communication of numerical error across many grid points with each time step. This phenomenon is found to be unavoidable within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model even when using techniques such as digital filtering or numerical diffusion.

These small differences quickly spread across the entire model domain. While these errors initially are on the order of a millionth of a degree with respect to temperature, for example, they can grow rapidly through nonlinear chaotic processes where moist processes are occurring. Subsequent evolution can produce within a day significant changes comparable in magnitude to high-impact weather events such as regions of heavy rainfall or the existence of rotating supercells. Most importantly, these unrealistic perturbations can contaminate experimental results, giving the false impression that realistic physical processes play a role. This study characterizes the propagation and growth of this type of noise through chaos, shows examples for various perturbation strategies, and discusses the important implications for past and future studies that are likely affected by this phenomenon.
Outcomes of Children With Critical Bronchiolitis Living in Poor Communities
Authors: Slain Katherine N. , Shein Steven L. , Stormorken Anne G. , Broberg Meredith C. G. , Rotta Alexandre T.
Published: November 2017

There are established associations between adverse health outcomes and poverty, but little is known regarding these associations in critically ill children. We hypothesized that living in poorer communities would be associated with unfavorable outcomes in children with critical bronchiolitis. This retrospective study included children with bronchiolitis admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over a 2-year period. Median household income was estimated from patient ZIP codes and 2014 US Census Bureau data. The 2014 Federal Poverty Threshold (FPT) for a family of 4 was $24 008. Patients were classified as living in ZIP codes below or above the 150% FPT (150FPT). Living <150FPT was associated with longer PICU length of stay (LOS), longer hospital LOS, higher odds of needing mechanical ventilation, and increased hospital charges. In this cohort of critically ill children with bronchiolitis, living in a poorer community was associated with more unfavorable clinical outcomes.
Head teachers’ views of oral health education in schools in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Veerasamy Arthi , Gage Jeffrey , Kirk Ray
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Children and young people in India have a high prevalence of dental decay. As part of a broader epidemiological study, we interviewed 10 head teachers to understand the status of, and challenges to, inclusion of oral health education in the curricula of public and private schools in Tamil Nadu, India.

Objectives:

The two main objectives of this study were (1) to describe the views of head teachers about the implementation of oral health education in school curricula and (2) to identify challenges to achieving oral health education in public and private schools in Tamil Nadu.

Method:

Qualitative descriptive design, with a purposive sample of 10 head teachers who participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic coding was used to analyse and report on the data.

Results:

There is a lack of oral health education in public and private schools in Tamil Nadu, India. Four main types of barriers to the initiation and implementation of oral health education were lack of recognition, academic burden, prioritisation of other health needs and policy inequities. Head teachers acknowledged the lack of oral health education in their schools, yet also acknowledged the importance of oral health education in promoting students’ health.

Conclusion:

Health curricula in Tamil Nadu schools lack integration of oral health education. Limited access to the services, cultural factors, policy deficiencies, insufficient awareness among policy-makers, the nature of the education system and lack of research contribute to the current situation. Policy-makers should address these barriers to enable and promote oral health education strategies in both private and public schools of Tamil Nadu.
Cross-Informant Agreement on the Child Behavior Checklist for Youths: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Chiungjung
Published: November 2017

This meta-analysis of 169 studies examines the rank-order and mean-level agreements for the Child Behavior Checklist. The correlations between parents and teachers (.18–.35) and those between teachers and youths (.19–.32) were from small to moderate and generally moderate for those between parents and youths (.33–.40). The mean-level disagreements between parents and youths were small, while those between parents and teachers and those between teachers and youths varied. The rank-order agreement estimates were global, unlike those at mean level. The magnitude of mean-level disagreement was related to youth characteristics, parent characteristics, assessment contexts, and scale measured. Further research is needed on the agreement between teachers and youths, for which relatively few studies have been conducted.
Politicised nexus thinking in practice: Integrating urban wastewater utilities into regional energy markets
Authors: Moss Timothy , Hüesker Frank
Published: November 2017

Infrastructures are key interfaces of urban resource use, connecting production to consumption, cities to their hinterland and energy to water and land use. They have, however, received scant attention in debates on nexus thinking in general, and the urban nexus in particular. Drawing on an emergent critical literature on the nexus in urban studies and science and technology studies, this article examines practices of (attempted) inter-sectoral infrastructure integration at the interface of urban wastewater treatment and regional energy provision in Germany. It analyses the nexus approaches and experiences of eight German cities / city-regions as so-called ‘flexibility providers’ in regional energy markets for electricity, gas and heating. It demonstrates how the practices of wastewater utilities operating in energy markets involve far more than technical adaptation, requiring in addition a major reordering of existing material, spatial and institutional configurations to both wastewater and energy systems. This is proving a deeply political process with important implications for our understanding of socio-technical transitions at the water-energy nexus.
Educational and Learning Capitals of Israeli Students With High Achievements in Mathematics
Authors: Paz-Baruch Nurit
Published: November 2017

The Actiotope Model of Giftedness focuses on the interactions between the individual and the environment. Developing excellence requires educational and learning capitals that can support the individual in achieving a specific target. This study examined differences in the educational and learning capitals of students graded in three levels of mathematical abilities. To design the groups for this study, the researcher used participants’ scores from an administration of the Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices Test for general ability evaluation and an achievement test in mathematics. Students also received the Questionnaire of Educational and Learning Capital. Teachers completed the Teachers Checklist of Educational and Learning Capital, and students’ grades were collected. Results showed that students skilled in mathematics reported higher learningcapital than students with low mathematical performance. Teachers observed that students skilled in mathematics have significantly more educational and learning capital than their less skilled peers. The results confirm that educational and learning capitals are essential for the development of excellence.
Stent extension into a single inflow vessel is a valuable option after endophlebectomy
Authors: van Vuuren Timme MAJ , Kurstjens Ralph LM , de Wolf Mark AF , van Laanen Jorinde HH , Wittens Cees HA , de Graaf Rick
Published: November 2017

Background

Venous stenting with an endophlebectomy and arteriovenous fistula can be performed in patients with extensive post-thrombotic changes. However, these hybrid procedures can induce restenosis, sometimes requiring stent extension, into a single inflow vessel. This study investigates the effectiveness of stenting into a single inflow vessel.

Methods

All evaluated patients had temporary balloon occlusion of the arteriovenous fistula to evaluate venous flow into the stents. When stent inflow was deemed insufficient, AVF closure was postponed and additional stenting was performed. Patency rates and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-four (38%) of 64 patients had additional stenting. The primary, assisted primary and secondary patency were 60 %, 70% and 70% respectively. Villalta score reduced by 6.1 points ( p < 0.001), and venous clinical severity score by 2.7 points ( p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Stenting through the femoral confluence into a single inflow vessel is a feasible bailout option if primary hybrid intervention fails with relative high patency rates and clinical improvement.
MicroRNA-375 as a potential serum biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and chemosensitivity prediction of osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao XiaoTao , Zhang Ying-Jian , Fang Guang-Wen , Xue Yuan
Published: November 2017

Objective

This study was performed to examine serum microRNA-375 (miR-375) expression in patients with osteosarcoma and determine its diagnostic and prognostic value.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 95 patients with osteosarcoma and 95 healthy individuals. miR-375 expression was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The associations of serum miR-375 expression with the patients’ clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were then evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to obtain the potential value of serum miR-375 as a biomarker for osteosarcoma diagnosis and chemosensitivity prediction.

Results

Serum miR-375 expression was significantly lower in patients with osteosarcoma than in healthy individuals. Low serum miR-375 levels were associated with advanced clinical stages, large tumor size, positive distant metastasis, and poor tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis illustrated that serum miR-375 could distinguish patients with osteosarcoma from healthy individuals and distinguish patients with a good pathologic response from those with a poor response. Multivariate analysis confirmed low serum miR-375 expression as a statistically significant independent unfavorable prognostic factor.

Conclusions

Serum miR-375 expression was downregulated in patients with osteosarcoma and might serve as a biomarker for its diagnosis, prognosis, and chemosensitivity prediction.
The Inscribed Lintel of Ptahshepses at Saqqara
Authors: Soleiman Saleh
Published: November 2017

This article publishes an entrance lintel in a recently discovered Old Kingdom tomb at Saqqara, providing its description, translations of its texts and detailed interpretations of the scenes illustrating the texts. The commentary considers the names, titles, and figures of the tomb owner and his two sons, the offering formula and the tomb owner’s autobiography and Appeal to the Living.
A novel kinetic modeling method for the stabilization phase of the composting process for biodegradation of solid wastes
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Reza , Ghazanfari Moghaddam Ahmad , Sarcheshmehpour Mehdi , Mortezapour Hamid
Published: November 2017

Biomass degradation kinetics of the composting process for kitchen waste, pruned elm tree branches and sheep manure were studied to model changes in volatile solids (VS) over time. Three experimental reactors containing raw mixtures with a carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 27:1 and a moisture content of 65% were prepared. During the composting process two of the reactors used forced air and the third used natural aeration. The composting stabilization phases in all reactors were completed in 30 days. During this period, composting indexes such as temperature, moisture content and VS changes were recorded. Elementary reactions were used for kinetics modeling of the degradation process. Results showed that the numerical values of rate constant ( k) for zero-order ranged from 0.86 to 1.03 VS×day-1, for first-order models it ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 day-1, for second-order the range was from 1.36×10-5 to 1.78×10-5 VS-1×day-1 and for n-order the rate constant ranged from 0.031 to 0.095 VS(1-n)×day-1. The resulting models were validated by comparing statistical parameters. Evaluation of the models showed that, in the aerated reactors, the n-order models (less than 1) successfully estimated the VS changes. In the non-aeration reactor, for the second-order model good agreement was achieved between the simulated and actual quantities of VS. Also, half-life time provided a useful criterion for the estimation of expected time for completion of different phases of composting.
Analyze This! Thematic Analysis: Hostility, Attribution of Intent, and Interpersonal Perception Bias
Authors: Karadenizova Zhana , Dahle Klaus-Peter
Published: November 2017

Research suggests that aggressive individuals exhibit a strong tendency to attribute hostile intent to the behavior of others when confronted with an ambiguous social situation. The vignettes method has become a standard procedure to assess hostile attributions. Vignettes represent incomplete ambiguous social stories, in which the subjects experience a negative outcome and are asked to attribute intent to the provocateur’s action. This article explores the ways in which subjects perceive ambiguous social situations and other people’s intentions, their tendency to refer negative outcome to oneself, and the components defining hostility in the interpersonal relationships. The sample consisted of male adolescent violent offenders ( N = 45) recruited from the Social Therapy Department of the German correctional facility for juvenile offenders in Berlin. All offenders were incarcerated for a violent or sexual crime and were currently undergoing individual and group psychotherapy. The five hypothetical vignettes used in this study were originally designed to assess hostile attributions in both institutional and noninstitutional social situations. Participants’ responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes regarding the social perception—positive, negative, and neutral—and two themes regarding the components of hostility—provocateur-related personality features and relationship type. Although the vignettes were originally developed to detect hostility-prone perception bias, they seem to be able to reveal a wider set of different attributions of intent, both positive and negative. Thus, vignettes are not limited to assessment of hostility specifically. They much rather seem to be a measure which is sensitive to diverse attributions of intent in general. The diagnostic qualities of the vignettes, their area of application, limitations of the study, and future perspective are discussed.
Research on the preparation of heat-resistant epoxy resin cured by o-carborane-based diamine
Authors: Juan Zhao , Ning Qing , Shaohua Jiang , Suping Wu
Published: November 2017

A novel carborane-containing epoxy resin was prepared via the curing reaction between epoxy resin (E51) and 1,2-bis(4-aminophthalimide)dimethyl-1,2-dicarba-closododecaborane (4-AP CBR). According to the nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry method and the T-β extrapolation method, the curing temperatures of the 4-AP CBR/E51 system were theoretically determined. The cured carboranyl epoxy resin was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which revealed that the resin had excellent thermal stability and thermal oxidative stability. The results of TGA indicated that the initial decomposition temperature of the resin was exceeding 400°C and the char yield at 800°C was around 60% both under nitrogen and in air atmosphere.
Bowtie diagrams: A user-friendly risk communication tool
Authors: Turner Claire , Hamilton W I , Ramsden Martyn
Published: November 2017

The rail infrastructure controller in Great Britain recognised that more work was required to allow a robust and consistent demonstration that appropriate health and safety risk assessments are being undertaken throughout each stage of the contracting process. In response to this requirement, the authors were engaged to assist the rail infrastructure client with the development of a new risk-based contractor management and assurance process. Bowtie diagrams were selected as a key component of this process to represent: Key safety risks associated with rail construction projects; Potential causes and consequences of unwanted events; Good practice in risk barriers/controls.

To test the suitability of Bowties for risk communication to contractors, three key hazards were identified for Bowtie analysis. These and the specific top events selected were as follows: Hazard: Working at height – from scaffold, ladders, mobile elevating working platforms, mobile towers or ledges; Top event: Falls from height – to surface; Hazard: Working in vicinity of uninsulated conductors and supply points; Top event: Contact with live/charged equipment >60 V; Hazard: Working on or near the line; Top event: Personnel in path of oncoming train.

A one-day Bowtie development workshop was held for each of the hazards selected. These were attended by client personnel with the required knowledge and expertise of the hazard and associated barrier measures, ensuring the necessary levels of input and consultation.

Feedback to date on the Bowtie approach has been positive, both within the client and contractor organisations. Bowties provide a method of communicating the client’s expectations about levels of protection to infrastructure project contractors and address the following key requirements: Allow contractors to understand risk management requirements in detail and to price jobs accordingly; Enable identification of gaps in the barrier of key risks and facilitate implementation of best practice; Can be used by the client as a project safety assurance tool to check the risk management measures in place against those defined in the Bowtie; Demonstrate to the regulator that the client is communicating a clear ‘safety story’ throughout a project.

This paper describes the Bowtie development process in accordance with Ten Golden Rules including how human factors can be incorporated in a systematic and meaningful way. It will demonstrate how the Bowties developed within this project represent in a clear and accessible manner what constitutes industry best practice with regard to controlling important safety risks in construction projects.
Powerful Instructions: Automaticity Without Practice
Authors: Meiran Nachshon , Liefooghe Baptist , De Houwer Jan
Published: November 2017

Automaticity is widely assumed to reflect hardwired tendencies or the outcome of prior practice. Recent research on automatic effects of instruction (AEIs), however, indicates that newly instructed tasks can become immediately automatic without ever having been practiced. This research shows that the representations underlying AEIs need not always be directly linked to an overt response but must be highly accessible for future use and involve bidirectional links between stimuli and responses. AEIs were also found to decrease with increasing intellectual abilities among young adults and from childhood to young adulthood, possibly because of improved abstract cognitive control. We argue that AEIs are based on the unintentional retrieval of episodic memories that encode instructions.
Risk Management and Intellectual Property Protection in Outsourcing
Authors: Gupta Rajorshi Sen
Published: November 2017

Firms organize business activities either in-house or outsource them to independent service providers. When making their organizational choice, firms face a trade-off between efficiency and loss of intellectual property (IP) when outsourcing. It is found that companies may gain from outsourcing even if there is possibility of IP misappropriation and moral hazard due to shirking. It is recommended that firms use a variable payment scheme linked to project outcome that would incentivize service providers to exert optimal effort in outsourcing projects. Moreover, when a task is outsourced in a weak IP regime, the optimal contract must implement a carrot and stick strategy comprising of limited IP sharing in conjunction with adequate incentive payments to the service provider.
Does Infrastructure Matters in Government Spending? A Case Study of Jammu and Kashmir (India) with Cointegration Approach
Authors: Hassan Samir Ul , Mishra Biswambhara
Published: November 2017

This study is an attempt to investigate the impact of infrastructure level on government spending in short and long run and also to find the tendency of infrastructure level to stabilise any disequilibrium in government spending in long run. Infrastructure is related to the quality and quantity of goods and services provided by government to the population, to fulfil their diverse demands. The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is not an exception; the increasing trend in different aspects of population and rising needs and aspirations of the growing population forces the government to increase expenditure on that count, which results in increase in aggregate government spending. Using multivariate cointegration technique followed by vector error correction model (VECM) model on annual time-series data for the period from 1984 to 2013 with broader data set of infrastructure dimension, the study found that the infrastructure variables cause major variation in government expenditure in short as well as in long run. Study shows that infrastructure related to health, education, roads and portable water produce positive and significant impact on the growth of government spending and infrastructure related to these dimensions has significant tendency to stabilise any disequilibrium in government spending in long run.

JEL Classification: H3, H5, H53, I
Community Conversations to Increase Employment Opportunities for Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities in California
Authors: Raynor Olivia , Hayward Katharine , Semenza Gina , Stoffmacher Beth
Published: November 2017

In 2013, California enacted an Employment First policy that prioritized competitive integrated employment as the first option and preferred outcome for adults with developmental disabilities. State agencies are working toward anchoring their policies and practices for successful local implementation of the Employment First policy. This study conducted community conversations to generate recommended strategies by local communities to increase the employment of people with disabilities. Drawing upon the World Café process, an assets-based approach, we engaged 431 employers, educators, disability agency staff, local and state government officials, individuals with disabilities, and other community members in seven geographically diverse areas across California to answer the question “What can we do to increase the number of people with disabilities working in our community?” In addition, responses to participant feedback and follow-up surveys offered additional insight into the perceived ability and readiness of communities to take action toward this goal. Analysis of the conversation notes and responses to the surveys underscored the importance of building partnerships with employers. This study highlights a useful approach for mobilizing communities’ local assets, resources, and ideas that can be used to advance state policy for employment.
Preservice Music Teacher Voice Use, Vocal Health, and Voice Function Before and During Student Teaching
Authors: Brunkan Melissa C.
Published: November 2017

Preservice music teachers often use their voices differently during the semesters leading up to student teaching as compared to during the semester itself. Vocal demands often increase and change as students move from a student role to full-time teacher role. Consequently, music student teachers frequently experience vocal distress symptoms that may arise from overuse and increased demand. The purpose of this descriptive study was to obtain self-reports of voice use and health, in addition to acoustical measures of voice function prior to and during student teaching. Data comparisons showed self-reported speaking and singing time increased while acoustic measures of voice function were normal. Participants reported changes in vocal health, difficulty with voice function, vocal fatigue, and increased effort in the falsetto register. Diminished vocal health was mainly attributed to wellness concerns and repetitive overuse as part of the instructional day as well as voice use outside of the instructional day.
Latent Classes and Cumulative Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Authors: Barboza Gia Elise
Published: November 2017

Studies of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have gauged severity using a cumulative risk (CR) index. Few studies have focused on the nature of the context of adversity and their association with psychosocial outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the patterning of ACEs and to explore the resultant patterns’ association with HIV risk-taking, problem drinking, and depressive symptoms in adulthood. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify homogeneous, mutually exclusive “classes” of 11 of the most commonly used ACEs. The LCA resulted in four high-risk profiles and one low-risk profile, which were labeled: (1) highly abusive and dysfunctional (3.3%; n = 1,983), (2) emotionally abusive alcoholic with parental conflict (6%, n = 3,303), (3) sexual abuse only (4.3%, n = 2,260), (4) emotionally abusive and alcoholic (30.3%, n = 17,460), and (5) normative, low risk (56.3%, n = 32,950). Compared to the low-risk class, each high-risk profile was differentially associated with adult psychosocial outcomes even when the conditional CR within that class was similar. The results further our understanding about the pattern of ACEs and the unique pathways to poor health. Implications for child welfare systems when dealing with individuals who have experienced multiple forms of early childhood maltreatment and/or household dysfunction are discussed.
Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry for Cancer Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Lu Ming , Faull Kym F. , Whitelegge Julian P. , He Jianbo , Shen Dejun , Saxton Romaine E. , Chang Helena R.
Published: November 2017

Proteomics is a rapidly advancing field not only in the field of biology but also in translational cancer research. In recent years, mass spectrometry and associated technologies have been explored to identify proteins or a set of proteins specific to a given disease, for the purpose of disease detection and diagnosis. Such biomarkers are being investigated in samples including cells, tissues, serum/plasma, and other types of body fluids. When sufficiently refined, proteomic technologies may pave the way for early detection of cancer or individualized therapy for cancer. Mass spectrometry approaches coupled with bioinformatic tools are being developed for biomarker discovery and validation. Understanding basic concepts and application of such technology by investigators in the field may accelerate the clinical application of protein biomarkers in disease management.
Expression of Cancer-Associated Molecules in Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Davidson Ben
Published: November 2017

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignant tumor derived from mesothelial cells, native cells of the body cavities. Exposure to asbestos is the most strongly established etiologic factor, predominantly for the most common disease form, pleural mesothelioma. The pathogenesis of MM involves the accumulation of extensive cytogenetic changes, as well as cancer-related phenotypic alterations that facilitate tumor cell survival, invasion and metastasis. This review presents current knowledge regarding the biological characteristics of this disease that are linked to the so-called hallmarks of cancer. In addition, data suggesting that the anatomic site (solid tumor vs. effusion) affects the expression of metastasis-associated and regulatory molecules in MM are presented. Finally, recent work in which high-throughput methodology has been applied to MM research is reviewed. The data obtained in the reviewed research may aid in defining new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for this aggressive disease in the future.
Prognostic Significance ofin situPhenotypic Marker Expression in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas
Authors: Tzankov Alexandar , Went Philip , Dirnhofer Stephan
Published: November 2017

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are the most common lymphoid malignancies, and encompass all malignant lymphomas characterized by large neoplastic cells and B-cell derivation. In the last decade, DLBCL has been subjected to intense clinical, phenotypic and molecular studies, and were found to represent a heterogeneous group of tumors. These studies suggested new disease subtypes and variants with distinct clinical characteristics, morphologies, immunophenotypes, genotypes or gene expression profiles, associated with distinct prognoses or unique sensitivities to particular therapy regimens. Unfortunately, the reliability and reproducibility of the molecular results remains unclear due to contradictory reports in the literature resulting from small sample sizes, referral and selection biases, and variable methodologies and cut-off levels used to determine positivity. Here, we review phenotypic studies on the prognostic significance of protein expression profiles in DLBCL and reconsider our own retrospective data on 301 primary DLBCL cases obtained on a previously validated tissue microarray in light of powerful statistical methods of determining optimal cut-off values of phenotypic factors for prediction of outcome.
Validation of Candidate Serum Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers for Early Detection
Authors: Su Feng , Lang Jennifer , Kumar Ashutosh , Ng Carey , Hsieh Brian , Suchard Marc A. , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Farias-Eisner Robin
Published: November 2017

Objective

We have previously analyzed protein profiles using Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption and Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy (SELDI-TOF-MS) [Kozak et al. 2003, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100:12343–8] and identified 3 differentially expressed serum proteins for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer (OC) [Kozak et al. 2005, Proteomics, 5:4589–96], namely, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), transthyretin (TTR) and transferin (TF). The objective of the present study is to determine the efficacy of the three OC biomarkers for the detection of early stage (ES) OC, in direct comparison to CA125.

Methods

The levels of CA125, apoA-I, TTR and TF were measured in 392 serum samples [82 women with normal ovaries (N), 24 women with benign ovarian tumors (B), 85 women with ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (LMP), 126 women with early stage ovarian cancer (ESOC), and 75 women with late stage ovarian cancer (LSOC)], obtained through the GOG and Cooperative Human Tissue Network. Following statistical analysis, multivariate regression models were built to evaluate the utility of the three OC markers in early detection.

Results

Multiple logistic regression models (MLRM) utilizing all biomarker values (CA125, TTR, TF and apoA-I) from all histological subtypes (serous, mucinous, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma) distinguished normal samples from LMP with 91% sensitivity (specificity 92%), and normal samples from ESOC with a sensitivity of 89% (specificity 92%). MLRM, utilizing values of all four markers from only the mucinous histological subtype showed that collectively, CA125, TTR, TF and apoA-I, were able to distinguish normal samples from mucinous LMP with 90% sensitivity, and further distinguished normal samples from early stage mucinous ovarian cancer with a sensitivity of 95%. In contrast, in serum samples from patients with mucinous tumors, CA125 alone was able to distinguish normal samples from LMP and early stage ovarian cancer with a sensitivity of only 46% and 47%, respectively. Furthermore, collectively, apoA-I, TTR and TF (excluding CA-125) distinguished i) normal samples from samples representing all histopathologic subtypes of LMP, with a sensitivity of 73%, ii) normal samples from ESOC with a sensitivity of 84% and iii) normal samples from LSOC with a sensitivity of 97%. More strikingly, the sensitivity in distinguishing normal versus mucinous ESOC, utilizing apoA-I, TF and TTR (CA-125 excluded), was 95% (specificity 86%; AUC 95%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the biomarker panel consisting of apoA-I, TTR and TF may significantly improve early detection of OC.