bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brand communities and self-concept congruency in the case of a music festival
Authors: Klára Kazár
Published: March 2019

Brand communities have become a popular research area in the last decades. However, the topic still raises several questions. The current study aims to examine how the psychological sense of a brand community influences commitment, loyalty and word-of-mouth; and how self-concept congruency affects the psychological sense of a brand community. A paper and pencil interview was carried out on the venue of a Hungarian music festival in 2015. Seven and hundred and seven answers were collected and partial least squares path analysis was applied to interpret the results. The empirical results support that the psychological sense of a brand community has a direct effect on commitment and on word-of-mouth, and it has an indirect effect on loyalty. Also, self-concept congruency has a direct effect on the psychological sense of a brand community. This study has developed a new model which offers a basis for further scientific and practical applications. Placing self-concept congruency in the model is a novelty, and its effect on the psychological sense of a brand community is a new result.
Detailed analysis of piston secondary motion and tribological performance
Authors: Delprete Cristiana , Razavykia Abbas , Baldissera Paolo
Published: March 2019

This article presents a detailed analytical model to evaluate piston skirt tribology under hydrodynamic lubrication. The contribution of the piston ring pack lubrication has been taken into account to study piston secondary motion and tribological performance. A system of nonlinear equations comprising Reynolds equation and force equilibrium is solved to calculate piston ring pack friction force and its moment about wrist pin axis. Instantaneous minimum oil film thickness at piston ring/liner interface has been estimated considering different boundary conditions: full Sommerfeld, oil separation, and Reynolds cavitation and reformation. The ring pack model has capability to be used for a wide range of ring face profiles under boundary and hydrodynamic lubrication. Piston secondary motion is evaluated using lubrication theory and equilibrium of forces and moments, to examine the effect of wrist pin location, piston skirt/liner clearance, and oil rheology. Numerical method and finite difference scheme have been used to define piston eccentricity and hydrodynamic pressure acting over the skirt.
Youth Mentor Dietary Outcomes and Waist Circumference Improvement: Camp NERF Study Findings
Authors: Hopkins Laura C. , Webster Alison , Kennel Julie A. , Purtell Kelly M. , Gunther Carolyn
Published: March 2019

Background. The health impact of youth mentors serving in the delivery of child nutrition and physical activity (PA) interventions on youth mentors themselves has been understudied. Objective. The primary objective of the current study was to examine the impact of engaging youth mentors in the delivery of a summertime childhood obesity prevention intervention on youth mentors’ behavioral health. Method. Data were collected at baseline and postintervention. A survey of validated nutrition, mental health, PA, and psychosocial questionnaires was administered. Diet was assessed via 24-hour recall. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. In-depth interviews were conducted with youth mentors. Results. Eleven youth mentors enrolled: 60% were female, mean age was 16.1 ± 0.38 years, and 100% were Black. Mean kilocalories ( p = .05), sugar-sweetened beverage intake ( p = .08), and waist circumference ( p = .04) decreased. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 youth mentors, and three themes emerged: perceived improvement in nutrition, PA, and mental health-related behaviors; formation of a positive role modeling relationship with the child campers; and strengthening of higher education goals and future career aspirations. Conclusions. Youth mentor staffing may be an important intervention strategy for changing health behaviors among youth mentors. Results from this study can be used to inform utilization of youth mentors in the delivery of this and similar health behavior interventions in the future.
Quantifying NFL Players’ Value With the Help of Vegas Point Spreads Values
Authors: Hoffer Adam , Pincin Jared A.
Published: March 2019

This study develops a new method for converting performance statistics into marginal product by using Las Vegas sportsbooks’ individual point spread values (PSVs) for National Football League players. This sarticle employs a Tobit model due to the prevalence of player PSVs that are 0. We find that quarterbacks dominate the player’s values. Passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns are the only findings that are consistently significantly related to PSVs.
Mexican Origin Hispanic Men’s Perspectives of Physical Activity–Related Health Behaviors
Authors: Valdez Luis A. , Morrill Kristin E. , Griffith Derek M. , Lindberg Nangel M. , Hooker Steven P. , Garcia David O.
Published: March 2019

Approximately 83% of Hispanic men of Mexican origin are overweight or obese, which are both associated with increased risk of chronic disease and all-cause mortality. Consequently, men of Mexican origin have some of the highest prevalence rates of obesity-related comorbidities. Physical activity (PA) may be an important strategy for Hispanic men of Mexican origin in reducing incidence and risk factors of lifestyle diseases. The current study engaged Spanish-speaking, Hispanic men of Mexican origin aged 24–64 years with overweight/obesity to examine perspectives of health behaviors related to PA. A total of 14 in-depth semistructured individual interviews were completed between September and November of 2015 and data analyzed using an iterative deductive–inductive thematic assessment strategy. The men suggested that their PA was hindered by (a) work-related energy and time constraints, (b) socioeconomic status (SES) and the need to prioritize work, (c) adaptations to majority population lifestyle norms, and (d) perceived lack of suitable access to PA-promoting spaces. The men provided valuable insight for strategies to improve PA interventions such as (a) accurately accounting for current PA levels of participants, including occupational and transportation PA, (b) considerations of family dynamics that influence PA-based behavior change, and (c) considerations of economic and geographical constraints that can be remediated. To improve effectiveness, future PA-related intervention research with Hispanic men of Mexican origin should consider methods that (a) account for transportation and occupational PA to better tailor PA to individual needs, (b) consider sociocultural and socioeconomic influences, (c) account for social support and accountability, and (d) consider economic and geographical constraints.
A Comparison of PROMIS Physical Function and Pain Interference Scores in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Research Collection Versus Routine Clinical Collection
Authors: Bernstein David N. , Mahmood Bilal , Ketonis Constantinos , Hammert Warren C.
Published: March 2019

Background: There is a concern that patients may answer patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires differently depending on the purpose—clinical care or research (eg, “Hawthorne effect”). We sought to determine whether Patient-Reported Outcomes Management Information System (PROMIS) scores differ at the same clinic visit based on whether a patient was completing the PRO tool for study or clinical care purposes. Methods: Patients presenting to one surgeon at an academic medical center hand clinic were asked to complete PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) questionnaires as part of routine care. Those diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome from February 2015 to April 2017 were then asked to participate in a clinical research project, which had them complete PROMIS PF and PROMIS PI again. Data from those who completed both routine and research PROs at each visit were compared. Between the 2 settings, test-retest reliability was determined using Pearson correlation coefficients ( r), and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach α. Results: A total of 128 unique office visits representing 67 patients fit our inclusion criteria. There was a strong correlation between PROMIS PF and PI in the research and patient care setting (PF: r = 0.82, P < .01; PI: r = 0.83, P < .01). Both domains had a Cronbach α of 0.90. The PROMIS PF scores were not different between the 2 groups ( P = .19), but the PROMIS PI scores were slightly different ( P < .01). Conclusions: Patients appear to be consistent when completing PROMIS for both clinical care and research, supporting the idea that data obtained in either setting are generalizable and appropriate for research purposes.
Connectedness and ICT: Opening the door to possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Barlott Tim , Aplin Tammy , Catchpole Emma , Kranz Rebecca , Le Goullon Damian , Toivanen Amanda , Hutchens Sarah
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to investigate the experiences of people with intellectual disability (ID) using information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the ways these technologies foster social connectedness. In partnership with a community mental health organization, this qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences of 10 people with ID using ICTs. Participants described how ICTs Opened the Door to Possibilities in their life – ICTs provided an avenue for connecting with other people, a means to pursue personal interests and a tool for organizing everyday life. Opening the door to possibilities was further understood as movement towards digital inclusion for people with ID, conceptualized as the fit between social opportunity and personal skills. We have identified the prominent role social supports play in creating (and constraining) opportunities for digital inclusion, and that digital inclusion has the potential to enable social connectedness and the development of agency. Consideration of the complex interaction between social opportunity and personal skills, and the mediating influence of supports, will enhance the inclusion of people with ID.
Systems Research in Education: Designs and methods
Authors: Magrath Bronwen , Aslam Monazza , Johnson David
Published: March 2019

This exploratory paper seeks to shed light on the methodological challenges of education systems research. There is growing consensus that interventions to improve learning outcomes must be designed and studied as part of a broader system of education, and that learning outcomes are affected by a complex web of dynamics involving different inputs, actors, processes and socio-political contexts. How should researchers in comparative and international education respond to this call for complexity? To begin to answer this question, we draw on recent and ongoing research within the Raising Learning Outcomes in Education Systems research programme – a programme of 30 projects funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The paper explores critical ways in which the methods used by individual research projects, and across the programme as a whole, offer opportunities and raise challenges for advancing systems thinking in education research.
A security threat or an economic consequence? An analysis of the news framing of the European Union's refugee crisis
Authors: Kovář Jan
Published: March 2019

A developing literature on the securitisation of immigration documents the prominence of security-based framing, but its prevalence has not been systematically established in Central and Eastern Europe through an analysis of the relative importance of various immigration-related frames. Using content analysis, this study tests the securitisation of the immigration thesis in the coverage of the refugee crisis between 2013 and 2016 in Czech and Slovak media ( N = 7,910), in particular focusing on frame variation over time, and on differences between quality and tabloid media. The results reveal that the security-threat frame is the dominant frame, while economic framing is significantly less frequent in regard to the topic. While both quality media and tabloids employ the security-threat frame often, it is significantly more prominent in tabloids. In sum, these results confirm the existence of a pre-eminent securitised interpretation of immigration in the region during the crisis.
Optimising an archer’s foot position to obtain a competitive advantage
Authors: Park James L
Published: March 2019

The World Archery shooting rules provide some latitude in relation to an archer’s position on the shooting line. This means that the archer could stand at different distances from the target, while still meeting competition regulations. One would think that standing closer to the target should be an advantage; however, most archers do not take this approach. This article considers the score increase that may be attributable to standing in the optimum position, which can lead to a potential higher ranking place at major international indoor and outdoor archery competitions.
Understanding the burden of refractory myasthenia gravis
Authors: Schneider-Gold Christiane , Hagenacker Tim , Melzer Nico , Ruck Tobias
Published: March 2019

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody-mediated disease that compromises the acetylcholine receptors or associated structures of the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. This leads to impaired neuromuscular transmission and subsequent fluctuating fatigability and weakness of ocular, bulbar, and limb skeletal muscles. Over the past few decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the disease pathophysiology and improvements in prognosis due to intensive care medicine and immunomodulation. Despite this, an estimated 10–20% of patients with MG do not achieve an adequate response, are intolerant to conventional treatment, or require chronic treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins or plasma separation procedures. Such patients are regarded as having MG that is ‘refractory’ to treatment and may represent a distinct clinical subgroup. Because the majority of patients with MG have well-controlled disease, the burden of illness in the minority with refractory disease is poorly understood and may be underestimated. However, clinically these patients are liable to experience extreme fatigue, considerable disability owing to uncontrolled symptoms, and frequent myasthenic crises and hospitalizations. Both acute adverse effects and an increased risk of comorbidity from treatment regimens may contribute to reduced quality of life. As yet, little is known concerning the impact of refractory MG on mental health and health-related quality of life. This review aims to highlight the burden of disease and unmet needs in patients with refractory MG.
Comparison of surgical and non-surgical treatments for 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Orman Sebastian , Mohamadi Amin , Serino Joseph , Murphy Jordan , Hanna Philip , Weaver Michael J , Dyer George , Nazarian Ara , Keudell Arvind von
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Common treatment strategies for proximal humerus fractures include non-surgical treatment, open reduction internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. There is currently no consensus regarding the superiority of any one surgical strategy. We used network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine the most successful treatment for proximal humerus fractures.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fracture treatments. Data extraction included the mean and standard deviation of clinical outcomes (Constant, DASH), adverse events, and additional surgery rates. Standard Mean Difference was used to compare clinical outcome scores, and pooled risk ratios were used to compare adverse events and additional surgeries.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials were included for network meta-analysis. Non-surgical treatment was associated with a lower rate of additional surgery and adverse events compared to open reduction internal fixation. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty resulted in fewer adverse events and a better clinical outcome score than hemiarthroplasty. Non-surgical treatment produced similar clinical scores, adverse event rates, and additional surgery rates to hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Non-surgical treatment results in fewer complications and additional surgeries compared to open reduction internal fixation. Preliminary data supports reverse total shoulder arthroplasty over hemiarthroplasty, but more evidence is needed to strengthen this conclusion.
Topical, systemic and biologic therapies in hidradenitis suppurativa: pathogenic insights by examining therapeutic mechanisms
Authors: Frew John W. , Hawkes Jason E. , Krueger James G.
Published: March 2019

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, manifesting in chronic, recurrent painful pustules, nodules, boils and purulent draining abscesses. Our current understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease is incomplete. This review aims to identify available treatment options in HS and discuss the pharmacological mechanisms through which such agents function. Identifying common pathways may inform our understanding of the pathogenesis of HS as well as identify future therapeutic targets. The pharmacological mechanisms implicated in topical therapies, antibiotic, hormonal, systemic immunomodulatory and biologic therapies for HS are discussed. Significant differences exist between agents and implicated pathways in therapy for mild and severe disease. This is an expression of the possible dichotomy in inflammatory pathways (and treatment responses) in HS. Studies involving monoclonal antibodies provide the greatest insight into what these specific mechanisms may be. Their variable levels of clinical efficacy compared with placebo bolsters the suggestion that differential inflammatory pathways may be involved in different presentations and severity of disease. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and other innate immune mechanisms are strongly represented in treatments which are effective in mild to moderate disease in the absence of scarring or draining fistulae, however complex feed-forward mechanisms in severe disease respond to interleukin (IL)-1 inhibition but are less likely to respond to innate immune inhibition (through NF-κB or TNF-α) alone. It is unclear whether IL-17 inhibition will parallel TNF-α or IL-1 inhibition in effect, however it is plausible that small molecule targets (Janus kinase1 and phosphodiesterase 4) may provide effective new strategies for treatment of HS.
Smartphones, text messages, and political participation
Authors: Shaul-Cohen Sara , Lev-On Azi
Published: March 2019

In recent years, usage of text messages sent by political parties and candidates to potential voters has been on the rise. Such messages may also offer response options, which create bilateral communications with potential voters. This article examines responsiveness to political text messages during election campaigns and the factors that affect such responsiveness, using a natural experiment in which the campaign headquarters of 3 municipal candidates sent text messages to the residents of 3 municipalities. Findings indicate that response rates ranged from 4% to 18%, which approximate the response rates to marketing campaigns and other forms of text-based political participation. Age and gender did not have a significant effect on response rates, but message personalization (texts that include recipient identity) and response mode (text reply/landing page) did. These findings offer new empirical evidence of certain patterns of mobile interactions that encourage political participation.
Fournier’s gangrene as an initial manifestation of acute promyelocytic leukemia: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mostaghim Anahita , Dhanani Muhammad , Ingalls Robin R
Published: March 2019

Fournier’s gangrene is classically associated with diabetes mellitus and alcohol use disorder. While it is associated with chemotherapy, there are few case reports of Fournier’s gangrene as the initial presentation of acute myelogenous leukemia. A 38-year-old male presented with progressive scrotal swelling and hematochezia. Blood cell count showed depression of all cell lines without myeloblasts. He received broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent surgical debridement once. Urgent bone marrow biopsy confirmed acute promyelocytic leukemia. The patient was started on chemotherapy. He was discharged without relapse of the infection. This is the fourth case of acute myelogenous leukemia presenting as Fournier’s gangrene in the literature and the only case to have survived. This brings forth a possible diagnostic consideration in patients without obvious predisposing risk factors for Fournier’s gangrene, particularly in those with pancytopenia. Coordination with surgical services as well as hematology/oncology specialists is imperative to survival of these dual diagnosis patients.
Effects of Polymethylmethacrylate Cement Viscosity and Bone Porosity on Cement Leakage and New Vertebral Fractures After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Prospective Study
Authors: Alhashash Mohamed , Shousha Mootaz , Barakat Ahmed Samir , Boehm Heinrich
Published: March 2019

Study Design:

A prospective randomized study.

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of bone cement viscosity as well as of bone porosity on cement leakage during vertebroplasty and to analyze the occurrence of new vertebral fractures after the procedure.

Methods:

Between April 2012 and December 2013, 60 patients suffering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures underwent vertebroplasty. The patients were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups. High-viscosity cement was used in group A, while low-viscosity cement was used in group B. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years.

Results:

Cement leakage occurred in 16 patients in group B (20 vertebral bodies) and in 6 patients in group A (9 vertebral bodies). The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 2.3, P = .01). Lower T-scores were associated with significantly more cement leakage ( t = 3.338, P = .002 in group A, and t = 4.329, P = .000 in group B). Patients with a T-score worse than −1.8 had a significantly higher risk of cement leakage if low-viscosity cement was used (χ2 = 3.25, P = .05). New vertebral fractures occurred in 14 (23%) patients, after a mean of 6.5 ± 5.5 months, 10 patients in group A and 4 in group B. The difference did not reach the statistical significance level (χ2 = 3.354, P = .067). Patients presenting with multiple fractures had a significantly more number of new vertebral fractures (χ2 = 7.464, P = .006).

Conclusions:

The clinical outcome of vertebroplasty was not influenced by cement viscosity. However, lower cement viscosity and higher degree of osteoporosis were found to be significant risk factors for cement leakage. Furthermore, the number of vertebral body fractures on presentation was a predictor for the occurrence of new fractures postoperatively.
Single-Level In Vitro Kinematic Comparison of Novel Inline Cervical Interbody Devices With Intervertebral Screw, Anchor, or Blade
Authors: Arnold Paul M. , Cheng Ivan , Harris Jonathan A. , Hussain Mir M. , Zhang Chengmin , Karamian Brian , Bucklen Brandon S.
Published: March 2019

Study Design:

In vitro cadaveric biomechanical study.

Objective:

To compare the biomechanics of integrated anchor and blade versus traditional screw fixation techniques for interbody fusion.

Methods:

Fifteen cadaveric cervical spines were divided into 3 equal groups (n = 5). Each spine was tested: intact, after discectomy (simulating an injury model), interbody spacer alone (S), integrated interbody spacer (iSA), and integrated spacer with lateral mass screw and rod fixation (LMS+iS). Each treatment group included integrated spacers with either screw, anchor, or blade integrated spacers. Constructs were tested in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) under pure moments (±1.5 N m).

Results:

Across all 3 planes, the following range of motion trend was observed: Injured > Intact > S > iSA > LMS+iS. In FE and LB, integrated anchor and blade significantly decreased motion compared with intact and injured conditions, before and after supplemental posterior fixation ( P < .05). Comparing tested devices revealed biomechanical equivalence between screw, anchor, and blade fixation methods in all loading modes ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

All integrated interbody devices reduced intact and injured motion; lateral mass screws and rods further stabilized the single motion segment. Comparing screw, anchor, or bladed integrated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion spacers revealed no significant differences.
Modulable properties of PVA/cellulose fiber composites
Authors: Santi Romina , Cigada Alberto , Del Curto Barbara , Farè Silvia
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

Development of PVA/cellulose fiber composite material with modulable properties, obtained through the increase of reinforcement and heat treatments in order to optimize the composite in terms of mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties.

Methods:

The composite was designed selecting as matrix an experimental formulation based on water-soluble, biodegradable, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as reinforcement. Six different formulations, with increasing ratio of MCC content (from 0% to 55% w/w) in PVA, were developed and extruded by a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSA FSCM 21/40). Then, samples have been treated through two different thermal conditions (T1, T2) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, tensile mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and water degradation tests to investigate, respectively, the influence of MCC ratios and heat treatment on morphological, mechanical, degradation, and thermal properties.

Results:

The PVA/MCC composite exhibited a good stress–strain behavior as well as a close correlation between MCC content on tensile, thermal, and degradation properties. The second part of the results includes the analysis of the effects that the thermal treatments (T1, T2) had on the composite. In fact, thermal treatments have allowed improving the thermal and water stability as well as a significant improvement in the considered mechanical parameters due to a possible crosslinking of the PVA matrix.

Conclusion:

The present work shows how the properties of the PVA/MCC composite can become modular with the aim of extending its range of application as a new sustainable solution in the field of consumer products.
Incorporating Career Exploration Into an Introductory Organizational Behavior Course
Authors: Salvador Rommel , Teckchandani Atul
Published: March 2019

Although undergraduate students value preparing themselves for careers that have personal meaning, relatively little curricular attention has been paid to facilitating this goal. In this article, we present a targeted review of the literature on career exploration as a basis for an approach to integrate it into the core undergraduate organizational behavior course offered at most business schools. The approach consists of four components, each consisting of activities that provide opportunities for career exploration. The goal of this approach is to develop a higher level of career adaptability in students, improving their ability to manage career changes and challenges.
A future for neuronal oscillation research
Authors: Whittington Miles A. , Traub Roger D. , Adams Natalie E.
Published: March 2019

Neuronal oscillations represent the most obvious feature of electrical activity in the brain. They are linked in general with global brain state (awake, asleep, etc.) and specifically with organisation of neuronal outputs during sensory perception and cognitive processing. Oscillations can be generated by individual neurons on the basis of interaction between inputs and intrinsic conductances but are far more commonly seen at the local network level in populations of interconnected neurons with diverse arrays of functional properties. It is at this level that the brain’s rich and diverse library of oscillatory time constants serve to temporally organise large-scale neural activity patterns. The discipline is relatively mature at the microscopic (cell, local network) level – although novel discoveries are still commonplace – but requires a far greater understanding of mesoscopic and macroscopic brain dynamics than we currently hold. Without this, extrapolation from the temporal properties of neurons and their communication strategies up to whole brain function will remain largely theoretical. However, recent advances in large-scale neuronal population recordings and more direct, higher fidelity, non-invasive measurement of whole brain function suggest much progress is just around the corner.
Outcomes with early response to first-line treatment in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Tandon Nidhi , Sidana Surbhi , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Gertz Morie A. , Buadi Francis K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Kapoor Prashant , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Dispenzieri Angela , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Warsame Rahma , Dingli David , Fonder Amie L. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Hobbs Miriam A. , Hwa Yi Lisa , Kyle Robert A. , Leung Nelson , Go Ronald S. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: March 2019

We evaluated the impact of achieving a rapid response in 840 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients from 2004 to 2015. Rates of very good partial response (VGPR) or better were 29% (240/840) after 2 cycles of treatment, 42% (350/840) after 4 cycles of treatment, and 66% (552/840) as best response. Early responders after 2 cycles of treatment had higher rates of light chain disease, anemia, renal failure, International Staging System (ISS) stage III disease, and high-risk cytogenetics, especially t(4;14), and were more likely to have received triplet therapy and undergo transplant. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not different among patients with ≥VGPR and <VGPR after 2 cycles (PFS, 28 vs 30 months, P = .6; OS, 78 vs 96 months, P = .1) and 4 cycles (PFS, 31 vs 29 months; OS, 89 vs 91 months, P = .9), although both were improved, with ≥VGPR as best response (PFS, 33 vs 22 months, P < .001; OS, 102 vs 77 months, P = .003). On multivariate analysis stratified by transplant status, achievement of ≥VGPR after 2 cycles was not associated with improved PFS (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]; transplant cohort, 1.1 [0.7-1.6]; nontransplant cohort, 1.2 [0.8-1.7]) or OS (transplant cohort, 1.6 [0.9-2.9]; nontransplant cohort, 1.5 [1.0-2.4]). Covariates in the model included high-risk cytogenetics, ISS stage III, triplet therapy, creatinine ≥2 mg/dL, light chain disease, and age. Although patients with high-risk disease are more likely to achieve early response, a rapid achievement of a deep response by itself does not affect long-term outcomes.
Prevailing Questions and Methodologies in Biology Education Research: A Longitudinal Analysis of Research in CBE—Life Sciences Education and at the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research
Authors: Lo Stanley M. , Gardner Grant E. , Reid Joshua , Napoleon-Fanis Velta , Carroll Penny , Smith Emily , Sato Brian K.
Published: March 2019

Biology education research (BER) is a growing field, as evidenced by the increasing number of publications in CBE—Life Sciences Education ( LSE) and expanding participation at the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) annual meetings. To facilitate an introspective and reflective discussion on how research within LSE and at SABER has matured, we conducted a content analysis of LSE research articles ( n = 339, from 2002 to 2015) and SABER abstracts ( n = 652, from 2011 to 2015) to examine three related intraresearch parameters: research questions, study contexts, and methodologies. Qualitative data analysis took a combination of deductive and inductive approaches, followed by statistical analyses to determine the correlations among different parameters. We identified existing research questions, study contexts, and methodologies in LSE articles and SABER abstracts and then compared and contrasted these parameters between the two data sources. LSE articles were most commonly guided by descriptive research questions, whereas SABER abstracts were most commonly guided by causal research questions. Research published in LSE and presented at SABER both prioritize undergraduate classrooms as the study context and quantitative methodologies. In this paper, we examine these research trends longitudinally and discuss implications for the future of BER as a scholarly field.
Revealing cellular and molecular transitions in neonatal germ cell differentiation using single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Liao Jinyue , Ng Shuk Han , Luk Alfred Chun , Suen Hoi Ching , Qian Yan , Lee Annie Wing Tung , Tu Jiajie , Fung Jacqueline Chak Lam , Tang Nelson Leung Sang , Feng Bo , Chan Wai Yee , Fouchet Pierre , Hobbs Robin M. , Lee Tin Lap
Published: March 2019

Neonatal germ cell development provides the foundation of spermatogenesis. However, a systematic understanding of this process is still limited. To resolve cellular and molecular heterogeneity in this process, we profiled single cell transcriptomes of undifferentiated germ cells from neonatal mouse testes and employed unbiased clustering and pseudotime ordering analysis to assign cells to distinct cell states in the developmental continuum. We defined the unique transcriptional programs underlying migratory capacity, resting cellular states and apoptosis regulation in transitional gonocytes. We also identified a subpopulation of primitive spermatogonia marked by CD87 (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor), which exhibited a higher level of self-renewal gene expression and migration potential. We further revealed a differentiation-primed state within the undifferentiated compartment, in which elevated Oct4 expression correlates with lower expression of self-renewal pathway factors, higher Rarg expression, and enhanced retinoic acid responsiveness. Lastly, a knockdown experiment revealed the role of Oct4 in the regulation of gene expression related to the MAPK pathway and cell adhesion, which may contribute to stem cell differentiation. Our study thus provides novel insights into cellular and molecular regulation during early germ cell development.
Flight muscle protein damage during endurance flight is related to energy expenditure but not dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in a migratory bird
Authors: Dick Morag F. , Guglielmo Christopher G.
Published: March 2019

Migration poses many physiological challenges for birds, including sustaining high intensity aerobic exercise for hours or days. A consequence of endurance flight is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS production may be influenced by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which, although prone to oxidative damage, may limit mitochondrial ROS production and increase antioxidant capacity. We examined how flight muscles manage oxidative stress during flight, and whether dietary long-chain PUFA influence ROS management or damage. Yellow-rumped warblers were fed diets low in PUFA, or high in long-chain n-3 or n-6 PUFA. Flight muscle was sampled from birds in each diet treatment at rest or immediately after flying for up to a maximum of 360 min in a wind tunnel. Flight increased flight muscle superoxide dismutase activity but had no effect on catalase activity. The ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulphide decreased during flight. Oxidative protein damage, indicated by protein carbonyls, increased with flight duration (Pearson r=0.4). Further examination of just individuals that flew for 360 min (N=15) indicates that oxidative damage was related more to total energy expenditure (Pearson r=0.86) than to flight duration itself. This suggests that high quality individuals with higher flight efficiency have not only lower energy costs but also potentially less oxidative damage to repair after arrival at the destination. No significant effects of dietary long-chain PUFA were observed on antioxidants or damage. Overall, flight results in oxidative stress and the degree of damage is likely driven more by energy costs than fatty acid nutrition.
Skeletal kinematics of the hyoid arch in the suction-feeding sharkChiloscyllium plagiosum
Authors: Scott Bradley , Wilga Cheryl A. D. , Brainerd Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2019

White-spotted bamboo sharks, Chiloscyllium plagiosum, generate strong suction-feeding pressures that rival the highest levels measured in ray-finned fishes. However, the hyostylic jaw suspension of these sharks is fundamentally different from the actinopterygian mechanism, including more mobile hyomandibulae, with the jaws and ceratohyal suspended from the hyomandibulae. Prior studies have proposed skeletal kinematics during feeding in orectolobid sharks from indirect measurements. Here, we tested these hypotheses using XROMM to measure cartilage motions directly. In agreement with prior hypotheses, we found extremely large retraction and depression of the ceratohyal, facilitated by large protraction and depression of the hyomandibula. Somewhat unexpectedly, XROMM also showed tremendous long-axis rotation (LAR) of both the ceratohyal and hyomandibula. This LAR likely increases the range of motion for the hyoid arch by keeping the elements properly articulated through their large arcs of motion. XROMM also confirmed that upper jaw protraction occurs before peak gape, similarly to actinopterygian suction feeders, but different from most other sharks in which jaw protrusion serves primarily to close the mouth. Early jaw protraction results from decoupling the rotations of the hyomandibula, with much of protraction occurring before peak gape with the other rotations lagging behind. In addition, the magnitudes of retraction and protraction of the hyoid elements are independent of the magnitude of depression, varying the shape of the mouth among feeding strikes. Hence, the large variation in suction-feeding behavior and performance may contribute to the wide dietary breadth of bamboo sharks.
Recent Advances in Molecular Spectroscopy of Electronic and Vibrational Transitions in Condensed Phase and Its Application to Chemistry
Authors: Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: March 2019

This review outlines recent progress in molecular spectroscopy of electronic and vibrational transitions in a condensed phase. Among various spectroscopies, in this review, I have selected far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectroscopy, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Terahertz (THz)/far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy because our group has been very much involved in the development of these spectroscopies. For each spectroscopy I describe its brief history, characteristics, and applications to a variety of chemistry. One of the purposes of this review article is to show how the advances in molecular spectroscopy have brought about progress in various fields of chemistry. Some emphasis is put on the explanation of the development of instruments in our group because it induced new advances in FUV, NIR and Raman (particularly surface-enhanced Raman scattering and tip-enhanced Raman scattering). Moreover, through this article, new introduction of quantum chemical calculations to each spectroscopy is highlighted.
Perceptions of plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Javaeed Arslaan , Khan Abdus Salam , Khan Shafqat Husnain , Ghauri Sanniya Khan
Published: March 2019

Objectives: With the rise in the number of published papers in the biomedical field, plagiarism has become a major ethical concern as it has a direct effect on the quality of these papers. The objective of this research was to determine the perceptions of medical students towards plagiarism, the reasons students engage in plagiarism, the types of plagiarism, the consequences of plagiarism, and solutions to the problem of plagiarism.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in two medical colleges in Rawalpindi, Pakistan from June to September, 2018, using self-administered structured questionnaires.

Results: Of the 1100 participants, up to 86.91% (n=956) were not aware of the existence of plagiarism, but the majority, i.e. 71.18% (n=783) have plagiarised the work of others before. Copying from colleagues or senior students is the most common type of plagiarism that medical students engage in owing to the ease with which fellow students’ work can be shared and copied. However, a lack of institutional awareness of the extent to which plagiarism exists, poor vigilance in detecting it, and the absence of clear policies to deal with plagiarism are mostly to blame.

Conclusion: Plagiarism is common among medical students in developing countries, and it is necessary to create awareness about the consequences of engaging in this unethical practice both in the academic field and in the larger medical research society, in order to reduce its prevalence.

How to cite this:Javaeed A, Khan AS, Khan SH, Ghauri SK. Perceptions of plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(2):532-536. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.2.33

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Degradation of a photophilic algal community and its associated fauna from eastern Sicily (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: CATRA MARCELLO , ALONGI GIUSEPPINA , LEONARDI RICCARDO , NEGRI MAURO PIETRO , SANFILIPPO ROSSANA , SERIO DONATELLA , VIOLA ALFIO , ROSSO ANTONIETTA
Published: March 2019

The status of the “Biocoenosis of the Infralittoral Algae” of the upper infralittoral zone (at 5 m depth) from two selected stations along the eastern coast of Sicily (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean) was studied with a multiproxy approach involving the study of algae and associated protist and animal organisms, including foraminifers, serpulids, molluscs, bryozoans and ostracods. Scraped samples (40x40 cm) were collected at selected seasons during a 2-year period (2015-2016) in order to identify possible seasonal and spatial differences between the two stations, and to compare present data with historical ones. A community made up of the algae Halopteris scoparia, Padina pavonica, Dictyota dichotoma, Ellisolandia elongata and several other geniculate coralline algae was found in sites historically colonised by a Cystoseira brachycarpa community, which was not found during our study. These algae presently structure the community and provide substratum for several associated epibiotic species. Hierarchical cluster analysis and Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling Ordination significantly differentiate the communities between the two stations but show no clear seasonal trend. Differences largely relate to changes in the algal vegetation and the impact produced by the regression of structuring species on epibiots (especially serpulids and bryozoans). Comparison with historical algal data from the area indicates the disappearance of Cystoseira brachycarpa, which was present at least until the last ’1990s, and a community degradation with a considerable loss in species richness. This parallels observations in other Mediterranean areas, and could be related to the increase in echinoid population density and their heavy grazing activity.
Hitch-hikers of the sea: concurrent morphological and molecular identification of Symplegma brakenhielmi (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) in the western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: MASTROTOTARO FRANCESCO , MONTESANTO FEDERICA , SALONNA MARIKA , GRIECO FLAVIA , TRAINITO EGIGDIO , CHIMIENTI GIOVANNI , GISSI CARMELA
Published: March 2019

We report here one of the first records of the non-indigenous colonial ascidian Symplegma brakenhielmi (Michaelsen, 1904) in the western Mediterranean Sea. Colonies of this invasive species have been collected in 2014 and 2018 along North-eastern Sardinia coasts (Olbia, Italy). Further colonies have been observed in 2016 in the Mar Piccolo basin (Gulf of Taranto, Italy). Both areas are strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities such as commercial shipping and aquaculture, suggesting these human-mediated pathways the most likely vectors of introduction. In both areas, the colonies present two different color phenotypes, the yellow and the red type, with the yellow coloration never found before in the Mediterranean Sea. Morphological and DNA barcode analyses of the collected specimens show that both these color types belong to the same species. Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses based on the DNA barcode confirm our identification as S. brakenhielmi, but also indicate a surprisingly high similarity with published sequences of other two species, including the co-generic species Symplegma rubra Monniot, 1972. Morphological and molecular examination of a large number of samples of these species would be need in the near future to clarify this issue.
The effect of silver nanoparticles incorporation in the self-etch adhesive system on its antibacterial activity and degree of conversion: an in-vitro study
Authors: F. Mohammed Heba , I. Riad Mona
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Despite of the recent advances in the adhesive dentistry, high possibility of microbial biofilm development at the resin restoration surfaces may lead to marginal gaps and recurrent caries. Degree of conversion of the dental adhesive represents a relative assessment to its quality, and a direct correlation with its mechanical behavior. This in vitro study was carried out to investigate the minimum inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles incorporated in two forms into the self-etch adhesive system and the effect of their incorporation on the degree of conversion of the self-etch adhesive.

Methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the self-etch adhesive system incorporated with nanosilver powder and solution against Streptococcus mutans was tested using an agar diffusion test. The effect of nanosilver incorporation (powder and ethanol-based solution) in the self-etch adhesive system on its degree of conversion was assessed using Attenuated Total Reflectance/ Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrometer (ATR/ FTIR).

Results: The results showed that silver nanoparticles incorporation (powder or ethanol based at 12.5 µg/ml concentration) significantly increased the antibacterial efficacy of the self-etch adhesive against Streptococcus mutans (P< 0.05). Nanosilver powder possessed higher significant antibacterial effect when compared to silver ethanol based solution (P< 0.05). Degree of conversion of self-etch adhesive containing nanosilver powder showed non-significant difference from the control group (p > 0.05). In contrast, self-etch adhesive with nanosilver solution recorded significantly lower values when compared to the control or nanosilver powder group (P< 0.05).

Conclusion:  The antibacterial efficacy of the adhesive system can be greatly potentiated with the addition of silver nanoparticles (12µg/mL concentration) especially the nanosilver powder. Incorporation of the antibacterial nanosilver powder in the adhesive system didn’t compromise the degree of conversion of the adhesive resin.