bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a Serious Educational Game on Academic and Affective Outcomes for Statistics Instruction
Authors: Wronowski Meredith , Urick Angela , Wilson Alison S. P. , Thompson William , Thomas David , Wilson Scott , Elizondo Francisco J. , Ralston Ryan
Published: January 2019

The overuse of lecture-based approaches for instruction in university courses may have limited student access to knowledge, particularly the transfer of complex concepts, such as central limit theorem in statistics. This study seeks to contribute to empirical research regarding the effectiveness of serious educational games (SEGs) to increase undergraduates’ conceptual understanding and affective interest in statistics. An experimental design was used to test the efficacy of an SEG, Deadly Distribution, which simulates a real-world context to learn and interact with statistics concepts, compared to traditional notes and homework problems, as supplements to instruction in addition to class lectures. Students who played the game had similar increases in academic growth of conceptual knowledge as students who studied traditional course material. Furthermore, this treatment group had a significant increase in affective outcomes compared to the control group. These findings extend the current literature, which is mixed and sparse, on the effectiveness of SEGs in the undergraduate classroom. In an undergraduate introductory statistics course, an SEG might be an effective substitute for traditional study time of course materials outside of class to increase their affect toward the subject matter and produce similar gains for students who might not otherwise study.
Environmental chromium from the tannery industry induces altered reproductive endpoints in the wild female small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctatus)
Authors: Andleeb Shaista , Mahmood Tariq , Khalid Azeem
Published: January 2019

The populations of wild animals are declining in many parts of the world in response to man-made alterations in the environment. Environmental contamination due to heavy metals discharge from industry may contribute to the decline of wild animal populations by impacting their reproduction, growth, and development. In the leather tanning industry, chromium (Cr) is used as a basic component, but it is a potent toxicant that can affect many of the physiological functions of animals. In the current study, we investigated the reproductive toxicity of industrial Cr in female small Indian mongooses inhabiting a tannery area. Adult female specimens were live trapped from February 2015 to January 2016. Blood and other body tissues (ovaries, kidneys and liver) of the captured specimens were collected along with soil and water samples from the environment for analysis. The Cr concentrations were found significantly ( p < 0.0001) increased compared to control in the environment, blood, and all body tissues of the animals. Estradiol and progesterone levels were found to be significantly decreased in comparison with control ( p < 0.0001), along with reduced ovarian weights, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone levels were found significantly ( p < 0.0001) elevated. Light microscopy revealed significantly decreased in comparison with control ovarian follicle numbers ( p < 0.0001) and diameters, vacuolization of the oocytes, and a significantly higher percentage of atretic follicles inside the ovary. We conclude that Cr discharged from the tanneries is absorbed by the exposed female small Indian mongoose, leading to ovarian dysfunction with potential impairment of reproductive function.
Evaluation of a Clinical Pharmacist-Led Automated Dispensing Cabinet Stewardship Program at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center
Authors: Lupi Kenneth E. , Day Kevin M. , Gilmore James F. , DeGrado Jeremy R.
Published: January 2019

Background:

There is little guidance regarding the best methodology or frequency to optimize automated dispensing cabinets. Clinical pharmacists are in the unique position to make decisions regarding automated dispensing cabinet inventory to best serve their specific patient population.

Objective:

The purpose of this evaluation was to determine if automated dispensing cabinet optimization by clinical pharmacists would affect the number of dispenses from central pharmacy, number of stockouts, and inventory cost.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was completed to evaluate the quantity of medications dispensed from a central pharmacy department over 2 separate 2-month periods, with optimization of automated dispensing cabinets occurring in between. The differences in quantity of medications dispensed and redispensed, as well as the number of stockouts and inventory cost on all automated dispensing cabinets, were compared pre- and postintervention.

Results:

There were 1132 medication additions, 262 medication removals, and 167 medication par level adjustments. Medications dispensed from central pharmacy were decreased by 12% from the preintervention group to the postintervention group. The number of stockouts per cabinet per day also decreased from 0.75 to 0.61 in the pre- and postintervention groups, respectively. The inventory-at-par cost level was decreased by 15%.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Automated dispensing cabinet optimization by clinical pharmacists led to increased medication availability on inpatient units and decreased the number of dispenses from central pharmacy. Simple yet meaningful interventions can be taken to improve multiple medication distribution metrics simultaneously.
Crash momentum index and closing velocity as crash severity index
Authors: Vangi Dario , Gulino Michelangelo-Santo , Fiorentino Anita , Virga Antonio
Published: January 2019

The velocity change Δ V of a vehicle subject to a collision, widely recognized as an efficient crash severity indicator, is a typical ‘a posteriori’ parameter, not generally known until the crash phase has been reconstructed. Δ V is the result of a combination of factors, regarding the impact velocities of the colliding vehicles and the geometry of the impact (as eccentricity, etc.): for this reason, its value alone gives no clear indications on the actions which can be undertaken to reduce crash severity. This feature is particularly critical in some application fields, for example, in case of advanced driver assistance systems assessment in different accident scenarios. This work proposes the disaggregation of Δ V into two different ‘a priori’ parameters to assess crash severity of an impact before its occurrence: the crash momentum index, representing the impact configuration, and the closing velocity projected along the principal direction of force ( Vr_pdof), as an index of the kinetic energy exchanged between the two vehicles. It is preliminarily shown how the proposed parameters can be calculated using established procedures – as momentum-based analysis – in a predictive (‘a priori’) approach. It is also evidenced how crash momentum index, Vr_pdof and the velocity change Δ V are in relation. To illustrate the procedure by means of examples, binary logistic regression on accident data is applied to correlate crash momentum index and Δ V to injury risk at Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale level higher than 2. The use of crash momentum index as an additional severity index allows an improved correlation with injury risk, for the dataset used, in case of front and near side impacts. The use of the plane Vr_pdof– crash momentum index, on which curves at constant injury risk are drawn, provides clear indications on the possible strategies to reduce injury risk, as shown by generic examples to which the predictive procedure is applied.
Bridging Therapy Versus Direct Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion: A Clinical- Histological Analysis of Retrieved Thrombi
Authors: Gong Li , Zheng Xiaoran , Feng Lijin , Zhang Xiang , Dong Qiong , Zhou Xiaoyu , Wang Haichao , Zhang Xiaojun , Shu Zhongwen , Zhao Yanxin , Liu Xueyuan
Published: January 2019

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is effective in managing patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large-vessel occlusions and allows for valuable histological analysis of thrombi. However, whether bridging therapy (pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis before MT) provides additional benefits in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of direct MT and bridging therapy, and to elucidate the correlation between thrombus composition and stroke subtypes. Seventy-three patients with acute ischemic stroke who received MT, were eligible for intravenous thrombolysis, and had MCA occlusion were included. We matched 21 direct MT patients with 21 bridging therapy patients using propensity score matching and compared their 3rd-month clinical outcomes. All MCA thrombi (n = 45) were histologically analyzed, and the red blood cell (RBC) and fibrin percentages were quantified. We compared the clot composition according to stroke etiology (large-artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism) and intravenous thrombolysis application. The baseline characteristics showed no difference between groups except for a higher atrial fibrillation rate and NIHSS score on admission in the direct MT group. We performed a supportive analysis using propensity score matching but could not find any differences in the functional outcome, mortality, and intracerebral hemorrhage. In the histological clot analysis, the cardioembolic clots without intravenous thrombolysis pretreatment had higher RBC (P = 0.042) and lower fibrin (P = 0.042) percentages than the large-artery atherosclerosis thrombi. Similar findings were observed in the thrombi treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (P = 0.012). In conclusion, there was no difference in the functional outcomes between the direct MT and bridging therapy groups. However, randomized trials are needed to elucidate the high ratio of cardioembolism subtype in our group of patients. The histological MCA thrombus composition differed between cardioembolism and large-artery atherosclerosis, and this finding provides valuable information on the underlying pathogenesis and thrombus origin.
The Effect of iPS-Derived Neural Progenitors Seeded on Laminin-Coated pHEMA-MOETACl Hydrogel with Dual Porosity in a Rat Model of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Ruzicka Jiri , Romanyuk Nataliya , Jirakova Klara , Hejcl Ales , Janouskova Olga , Machova Lucia Urdzikova , Bochin Marcel , Pradny Martin , Vargova Lydia , Jendelova Pavla
Published: January 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI), is a devastating condition leading to the loss of locomotor and sensory function below the injured segment. Despite some progress in acute SCI treatment using stem cells and biomaterials, chronic SCI remains to be addressed. We have assessed the use of laminin-coated hydrogel with dual porosity, seeded with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors (iPSC-NPs), in a rat model of chronic SCI. iPSC-NPs cultured for 3 weeks in hydrogel in vitro were positive for nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). These cell-polymer constructs were implanted into a balloon compression lesion, 5 weeks after lesion induction. Animals were behaviorally tested, and spinal cord tissue was immunohistochemically analyzed 28 weeks after SCI. The implanted iPSC-NPs survived in the scaffold for the entire experimental period. Host axons, astrocytes and blood vessels grew into the implant and an increased sprouting of host TH+fibers was observed in the lesion vicinity. The implantation of iPSC-NP-LHM cell-polymer construct into the chronic SCI led to the integration of material into the injured spinal cord, reduced cavitation and supported the iPSC-NPs survival, but did not result in a statistically significant improvement of locomotor recovery.
‘The Nordic female fighter’: Exploring women’s participation in mixed martial arts in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Alsarve Daniel , Tjønndal Anne
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this article is to investigate women’s participation in mixed martial arts in the Nordic countries. The study is based on a qualitative and quantitative methodological approach consisting of individual interviews and focus group interviews with Swedish female mixed martial arts fighters and data from a Norwegian survey of participants in Norwegian mixed martial arts clubs. A total of 12 female fighters were interviewed, while 484 respondents participated in the survey. The results show that women exercising mixed martial arts contain a potential to act as feminist role models through their counter-hegemonic renegotiation of norms and views on femininity and, more specifically, the perception of femininity as something fragile and passive. Despite this progressive potential, the informants unanimously affirm that combat sports in general and in different ways are dominated by males. The data indicates that women still represent a small and marginalised group among mixed martial arts participants in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, women participating in mixed martial arts compete less and are less motivated by performance enhancement (developing as fighters, winning fights/tournaments/titles) compared to the male participants. However, both male and female participants value health and fun as the most important reasons for their participation in mixed martial arts training groups.
A new model of multiaxial fatigue life prediction with the influence of different mean stresses
Authors: Liu Bowen , Yan Xiangqiao
Published: January 2019

In this paper, based on the thought of Modified Wöhler Curve Method (MWCM), a new general model for predicting multiaxial fatigue life with influence of mean stress is presented. Different from the MWCM, the expressions of multiaxiality effect and mean stress effect are located separately in the proposed fatigue equation, so that the new model can consider the impact of both axial and torsional mean stresses, and the equation form possesses excellent extendibility and variability. The wildly used von Mises equivalent stress is adopted as the fatigue parameter to improve computational efficiency. Finally, in conjunction with the Itoh criterion, the model can be trivially extended to perform non-proportional fatigue prediction with different mean stresses. Some representative fatigue tests published in the previous literature are used to verify this study.
Recent Evidence Examining Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin for Primary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Authors: Carson Erin , Hemenway Alice N.
Published: January 2019

Background: Data on aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are conflicting and changing as new trials are published on the subject. Objective: To review recent data evaluating the efficacy and safety of aspirin for primary prevention of CVD. Data Sources: Articles evaluating aspirin for primary prevention of CVD were gathered using a MEDLINE search with the keywords aspirin review, aspirin peripheral artery disease, aspirin stroke, aspirin coronary artery disease, aspirin diabetes, aspirin primary prophylaxis, and aspirin elderly. Primary literature published from January 2008 through November 2018 was reviewed. Additional references were identified from a review of citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized clinical trials that reported on aspirin for primary CVD prevention were included. In all, 10 publications met the inclusion criteria. The authors individually compared and contrasted the results from each publication. Data Synthesis: The evidence for primary CVD prevention using aspirin varies widely. Previous analyses identified a benefit to aspirin use in certain populations, and current guidelines reflect this. However, new studies published in the past 10 years call the historically identified benefit of aspirin into question and force us to reexamine which patients, if any, are indicated for aspirin for primary prevention of CVD. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review provides a thorough discussion on the evidence behind aspirin for primary prevention of CVD. Conclusion: Based on current evidence, aspirin is not recommended for primary prevention of CVD.
Comparison of Plantar Pressure Distribution Between Postoperative Hallux Valgus Feet and Healthy Feet
Authors: Tsujinaka Seiya , Shima Hiroaki , Yasuda Toshito , Mori Katsunori , Kizawa Momoko , Togei Kosho , Neo Masashi
Published: January 2019

Background:

Proximal crescentic osteotomy (PCO) in patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus (HV) is a well-established and effective procedure for correcting the deformity. However, there are no published studies comparing plantar pressure in postoperative HV feet with healthy feet. This study aimed to compare the plantar pressure distribution in postoperative HV feet with healthy feet.

Methods:

Twenty-six patients were included in the HV group, and 24 healthy participants were included in the control (C) group. All patients in the HV group underwent unilateral PCO. After undergoing PCO, this group was defined as the OP group. All subjects were women with no significant differences in age, height, weight, and body mass index. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between patients in each group. We divided the subjects’ feet into 8 regions and measured the peak pressure (Peak-P), maximum force (Max-F), contact time, contact area, and the force-time integral in each region.

Results:

All parameters of the great toe were significantly higher in the OP group than in the HV group. All forefoot parameters were not significantly different between the 2 groups. No parameter of the great toe was significantly different between the OP and C groups. However, mean Peak-P and Max-F of the central forefoot were significantly higher in the OP group than in the C group.

Conclusion:

PCO can improve the plantar pressure of the great toe in patients with moderate-to-severe HV to a level similar to that in healthy subjects.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
Postoperative Medial Cuneiform Position Correlation With Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Cotton Osteotomy for Reconstruction of the Stage II Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity
Authors: Conti Matthew S. , Garfinkel Jonathan H. , Kunas Grace C. , Deland Jonathan T. , Ellis Scott J.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Residual supination of the midfoot during reconstruction of the stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is often addressed with a medial cuneiform (Cotton) osteotomy after adequate correction of the hindfoot valgus deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between postoperative alignment of the medial cuneiform and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods:

Sixty-three feet in 61 patients with stage II AAFD who underwent a Cotton osteotomy as part of a flatfoot reconstruction were included in the study. Radiographic angles were measured on weightbearing lateral radiographs at a minimum of 40 weeks postoperatively. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine if there was an association between postoperative radiographic angles and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at a minimum of 24 months postoperatively. Patients were also divided into mild plantarflexion (cuneiform articular angle [CAA] ≥–2 degrees) and moderate plantarflexion (CAA <–2 degrees) groups to evaluate for differences in clinical outcomes.

Results:

Postoperative CAA was significantly positively correlated with the postoperative FAOS symptoms ( r = .27, P = .03), daily activities ( r = .29, P = .02), sports activities ( r = .26, P = .048), and quality of life ( r = .28, P = .02) subscales. Patients in the mild plantarflexion group had statistically and clinically better outcomes compared with the moderate plantarflexion group in the FAOS symptoms ( P = .04), daily activities ( P = .04), and sports activities ( P = .01) subscales.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that the surgeon should avoid excessive plantarflexion of the medial cuneiform and use the Cotton osteotomy judiciously as part of a flatfoot reconstruction for stage II AAFD.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Does the Continuous Performance Test Predict ADHD Symptoms Severity and ADHD Presentation in Adults?
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Hasler Roland , Giacomini Véronique , El-Masri Hiba , Weibel Sébastien , Perroud Nader , Deiber Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2019

Objective: Our study aimed to provide empirical evidence on the usefulness of one of the most popular neuropsychological tests, the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), as a marker of ADHD severity and presentations among adults. Method: ADHD participants were recruited in a specialized center for the diagnosis and treatment of adults suffering from ADHD ( n = 201). Measures included the CPT3™ and ADHD symptoms using a clinical interview and self-reported measures. Results: Only 51.7% of the participants were classified as likely to have a disorder characterized by attention deficit, such as ADHD, by the CPT. The relationships between CPT variables and ADHD symptoms were small. The classification error was 80.3% for the inattentive presentation and 22.5% for the hyperactive presentation when using the CPT to identify ADHD presentations. Conclusion: There was no evidence of the clinical utility of the CPT to assess or monitor ADHD in adult populations diagnosed and treated for ADHD.
Social Needs and Health-Related Outcomes Among Medicaid Beneficiaries
Authors: Thompson Tess , McQueen Amy , Croston Merriah , Luke Alina , Caito Nicole , Quinn Karyn , Funaro Jennifer , Kreuter Matthew W.
Published: January 2019

Unmet social needs—including food, housing, and utilities—have been associated with negative health outcomes, but most prior research has examined the health associations with a single unmet need or analyzed samples that were homogeneous along one or more dimensions (e.g., older adults or patients with chronic health conditions). We examined the association between unmet social needs and psychosocial and health-related outcomes in a sample of Medicaid beneficiaries from 35 U.S. states. In 2016-2017, 1,214 people completed an online survey about social needs, demographics, and health-related and psychosocial outcomes. Seven items assessing social needs formed an index in which higher scores indicated higher levels of unmet needs. Participants were eligible if they were ≥18 years and had Medicaid. The sample was predominantly female (87%). Most (71%) lived with at least one child ≤18 years, and 49% were White and 33% were African American. Average age was 36 years ( SD = 13). The most common unmet needs were not enough money for unexpected expenses (54%) and not enough space in the home (25%). Analyses controlling for recruitment method and demographics showed that increasing levels of unmet social needs were positively associated with stress, smoking, and number of chronic conditions, and negatively associated with future orientation, attitudes toward prevention, days of exercise/week, servings of fruits or vegetables/day, and self-rated health (all p < .01). Results add to the evidence about the relationship between unmet social needs and health. Interventions to help meet social needs may help low-income people improve both their economic situations and their health.
Are Patients With Fibromyalgia in a Prothrombotic State?
Authors: Molina Francisco , del Moral María Luisa , La Rubia Mercedes , Blanco Santos , Carmona Ramón , Rus Alma
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate thrombosis-related parameters (blood coagulation parameters, platelet indices, red blood cell [RBC] count, and inflammatory markers) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

Method:

We carried out a case–control study with 35 women with FM and 12 age-matched healthy volunteers to analyze fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, cephaline time, platelet count, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), RBC count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR).

Results:

The results showed significantly increased fibrinogen levels ( p < .05), platelet count ( p < .05), PDW ( p = .059), RBC count ( p < .05), and PLR ( p < .05) in women with FM versus the healthy volunteers. Prothrombin time ( p < .05) and MPV ( p < .05) were significantly lower in patients with FM than in the controls.

Conclusions:

Elevated platelet and RBC counts, PDW values, and fibrinogen levels as well as decreased prothrombin time are all indicative of a prothrombotic state in FM patients, which may be enhanced by an increased inflammatory tone. This prothrombotic state may increase the risk of thrombosis-related cardiovascular disease in patients with FM.
Imaging correlates of hand motor performance in multiple sclerosis: A multiparametric structural and functional MRI study
Authors: Cordani Claudio , Meani Alessandro , Esposito Federica , Valsasina Paola , Colombo Bruno , Pagani Elisabetta , Preziosa Paolo , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria A
Published: January 2019

Background:

Hand motor impairment has considerable effects on daily-life activities of patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Understanding its anatomo-functional substrates is relevant to provide more specific therapeutic interventions.

Objectives:

To investigate the association between hand motor performance and anatomo-functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in pwMS.

Methods:

A total of 134 healthy controls (HC) and 366 pwMS underwent the Nine-Hole-Peg-Test (9HPT), structural and resting state (RS) functional MRI. Multivariate analyses identified the independent predictors of hand motor performance.

Results:

PwMS versus HC showed widespread gray matter atrophy, microstructural white matter abnormalities, and decreased RS functional connectivity in motor and cognitive networks. Predictors of worse right-9HPT ( R2 = 0.52) were decreased right superior cerebellar peduncle and right lemniscus fractional anisotropy (FA) ( p ⩽ 0.02), left angular gyrus atrophy ( p < 0.003), decreased RS connectivity in left superior frontal gyrus, and left posterior cerebellum ( p < 0.001). Worse left 9HPT ( R2 = 0.56) was predicted by decreased right corticospinal FA ( p = 0.003), atrophy of left anterior cingulum and left cerebellum ( p ⩽ 0.02), decreased RS connectivity of left lingual gyrus and right posterior cerebellum in cerebellar and executive networks ( p ⩽ 0.02).

Conclusion:

Structural and functional abnormalities of regions involved in motor functions contribute to explain motor disability in pwMS. The integration of clinical and advanced MRI measures contributes to improve our understanding of multiple sclerosis clinical manifestations.
Mapping parties in a multidimensional European political space: A comparative study of the EUvox and euandi party position data sets
Authors: Reiljan Andres , Kutiyski Yordan , Krouwel André
Published: January 2019

This study compares the spatial positioning of over 200 political parties across 28 European Union (EU) member states in two cross-national voting advice applications (VAAs) developed for the 2014 European elections: EUvox and euandi. We find that the two VAAs show highly similar results in terms of party positioning on the cultural liberal-conservative and pro-anti EU dimensions, while economic left–right placements converge less, especially concerning right-wing parties. Our analyses reveal that the higher overlap on the cultural and EU dimensions is a result, at least partially, of the inclusion of similar items used to measure these concepts, while most of the systematic divergence between the two VAAs in left–right placements stems from problematic issue-statements used in the dimensional calculations. We demonstrate how certain items can cause bias in the placements of specific party families by (1) not aligning with other statements that measure the same latent construct; (2) tapping into other latent constructs, in addition to the one they are supposed to measure; and (3) not inducing sufficient polarization between parties.
Thin empirics
Authors: Simon Dan
Published: January 2019

In the Target Article Relative Plausibility and Its Critics, Ron Allen and Michael Pardo set out to make the empirical claim that Relative Plausibility provides the best account of juridical proof. While I tend to agree with this conclusion, the article suffers from notable weaknesses. Allen and Pardo do not define a unit of analysis, they offer no testable hypotheses, and they present no data–all of which render the empirical claim befuddling. The empirical claim cannot be salvaged by the recruitment of the Story Model. For all its brilliance, the Story Model provides too narrow a foundation to sustain a general model of legal fact-finding. Allen and Pardo’s reliance on holistic processing stands on sounder scientific grounds, but the casual referencing cannot amount to empirical proof. More importantly, Allen and Pardo refrain from reckoning with the implications of holism, and thus ignore both the promise and perils of the cognitive process they espouse. The experimental paradigm of Coherence Based Reasoning reveals a number of such implications. Notably, holism cannot deliver the objectivity and accuracy that Allen and Pardo seem to ascribe to it. Moreover, holistic processing entails a distortion of the evidence, which could lead to dismissing evidence that would otherwise raise a valid doubt, and inflate a hesitant fact-finder’s confidence up to a firm conviction in the defendant’s guilt. Holism also entails vast interconnectivity among the evidence items, which can trigger non-normative inferences and enable extra-evidential information to alter the fact-finder’s perception of correctly-admitted evidence.
Clarifying relative plausibility: A rejoinder
Authors: Allen Ronald J , Pardo Michael S
Published: January 2019

This rejoinder replies to the twenty published commentaries on our article, “Relative Plausibility and Its Critics.” Our response has four objectives: 1) presenting further details regarding relative plausibility and the scope of our project in order to address some of our critics’ claims of ambiguity; 2) examining some important methodological considerations; 3) clarifying the significance of the conjunction problem and its role in the “probability debates”; and 4) noting avenues for future research.
Impact of immunohistochemistry on the diagnosis and management of primary aldosteronism: An important tool for improved patient follow-up
Authors: Volpe C. , Hamberger B. , Zedenius J. , Juhlin C. C.
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims:

Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of secondary hypertension. Primary aldosteronism is caused by an aldosterone-producing adenoma or bilateral hyperplasia that in some cases is asymmetrical with one adrenal dominating aldosterone secretion. Most patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma are biochemically cured by unilateral adrenalectomy, but patients with bilateral hyperplasia have a significant risk of residual or recurrent disease. Here, immunohistochemistry of CYP11B1 and B2 was used to investigate whether these markers could aid in the diagnostic workup of primary aldosteronism patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 39 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for a presumed adenoma during 2013–2016 were included. Immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies identifying the enzymes CYP11B1 and B2 was part of routine histopathological workup in 6 cases; in 33 cases, it was applied retrospectively. The hyperplasia diagnosis was suggested when there was no dominating nodule but immunoreactivity for CYP11B2 was seen in several nodules, which were also seen on routine sections. To distinguish between adenoma and hyperplasia, a ratio between the largest and second largest CYP11B2-positive nodules was calculated.

Results:

In all, 22 patients had an aldosterone-producing adenoma, while 13 patients were judged to have hyperplasia. In four cases, a final diagnosis could not be established, thus these were judged equivocal. Among the 33 cases investigated retrospectively, the primary histopathological diagnosis was altered from hyperplasia to aldosterone-producing adenoma in 9 cases (27%) after immunohistochemistry, and the immunohistochemically rectified adenoma group displayed improved clinical cure rates compared to the routine H&E-diagnosed cohort. Moreover, the B2 ratio was significantly higher in adenoma than in hyperplasia and equivocal cases.

Conclusion:

Immunohistochemistry detecting CYP11B1 and B2 expression is of great help in establishing a final histopathological diagnosis in patients with primary aldosteronism. This procedure should be part of the histopathological routine in all operated primary aldosteronism patients.
Exploring dependence structures in the international arms trade network: A network autocorrelation approach
Authors: Lebacher Michael , Thurner Paul W , Kauermann Göran
Published: January 2019

In this article, we analyse dependence structures among international trade flows of major conventional weapons from 1952 to 2016. We employ a Network Disturbance Model commonly used in inferential network analysis and spatial econometrics. The dependence structure is represented by pre-defined weight matrices that allow for correlating flows from the network of international arms exchange. Three dependence structures are proposed, representing sender-, receiver- and sender–receiver-related dependencies. The appropriateness of the presumed structures is comparatively assessed using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). It turns out that the dependence structure among the arms trade flows is complex and can be represented best by a specification that relates each arms trade flow to all exports and imports of the sending and the receiving state. Controlling for exogenous variables, we find that the trade volume increases with the GDP of the sending and the receiving state while the impact of geographical distance, regime dissimilarity and formal alliance membership is rather small.
Courageous Leadership Needed to Create and Sustain Sexual Safety in Correctional Organizations
Authors: Townsend Cherie
Published: January 2019

Female staff members are overrepresented among perpetrators of staff sexual misconduct in prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. That is the basic message of Allen Beck’s thought-provoking article. This commentary provides a practitioner’s perspective of his study and highlights the need for courageous leadership in preventing and responding to female staff sexual misconduct. The author considers the implications of the study’s results for systems change and correctional organizations. While it is critical to acknowledge Dr. Beck’s conclusions and to insure accountability for any staff engaging in sexual misconduct, the author emphasizes the need to also prevent this misconduct through leadership and healthy organizational cultures. Recommendations for further research and improved correctional practice are provided by the author.
Sex Offenders in the Federal Correctional System
Authors: Faust Erik , Motivans Mark
Published: January 2019

Driven largely by changes in federal legislation, which increased resources for law enforcement and enhanced mandatory minimum sentences, the number of sex offenders handled by the federal criminal justice system has increased over the last 5 years at rates second only to illegal immigration offenses. The heightened attention to sex offending by federal law enforcement coupled with a greater certainty of punishment imposed has resulted in a record number of sex offenders in federal prison and on supervision in the community. Child pornography offenders, for example, share a similar likelihood of receiving a prison sentence (given being charged and convicted) as drug, weapon, and violent offenders. Sex offenders are also serving longer terms in federal prison and on supervision—terms that are expected to increase further in the next decade. This article considers changes in the federal response to sex offenders and growth in prison and supervision populations. Implications for the management of sex offenders in prison—including prison-based residential and nonresidential treatment programs and civil commitment for individuals adjudicated as sexually dangerous—and offenders under supervision in the community are discussed.
Assessing Cross-Sector Stakeholder Perspectives on Oakland (CA)’s Juvenile Reentry System
Authors: Jain-Aghi Sonia , Cohen Alison K. , Jagannathan Priya , Bassey Henrissa , Leung Yvette , Alley-Caliz Marthea , Bedford Sara
Published: January 2019

We surveyed 75 staff and administrators involved in Oakland (CA)’s Second Chance Initiative from diverse agencies (e.g., probation, behavioral health, public health/medical, education, community-based service providers) to assess the local juvenile reentry system. Sharing and using data across partner agencies, mutual trust, opportunities for interagency collaboration, system-level youth and family engagement, shared governance, and limited resources repeatedly arose as areas for improvement. Many defined reentry success using positive youth developmental outcomes. Government and community perspectives around barriers and effectiveness often differed with some similarities.
Editorial boards in communication sciences journals: Plurality or standardization?
Authors: Goyanes Manuel
Published: January 2019

This research-based essay examines the national diversity of editorial boards from a selection of journals in communication sciences. Specifically, it reviews the board composition of 39 Journal Citation Report journals indexed in quartile one (Q1) and quartile two (Q2) in the category of ‘communication’, proposing a typology of dominant nationalities. The most distinguished countries are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany, monopolizing 79.4% of total members. The exaggerated domination of certain geographies is surprising given the increasing acknowledgement of plurality as a constitutive value of scientific progress. The article then problematizes why plurality is limited and, therefore, identifies a body of social and cultural bonds that underpin the domination of certain epistemic cultures. The study finally proposes an agenda that moves beyond the current status quo, and considers how these actions are likely to promote a more pluralistic and diverse intellectual terrain.
The current treatment patterns of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A national cancer database review, 2004–2015
Authors: Davaro Facundo , Schaefer Jared , May Allison , Raza Syed Johar , Siddiqui Sameer , Hamilton Zachary
Published: January 2019

Objective:

Our objective was to analyze patterns of treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) (no treatment (NT), cytoreductive nephrectomy only (CN), systemic therapy only (ST), and both systemic and cytoreductive (ST+CN)), and correlate them with racial or socioeconomic factors.

Materials and Methods:

Cases of mRCC from 2004–2015 were selected from the National Cancer Database. Our primary outcome was the temporal trend of treatment types. Secondary outcomes included the association of treatment with racial and socioeconomic factors. Logistical regression was performed.

Results:

In total, 40,372 patients with mRCC were identified. Treatment modalities included 37.0% NT, 13.9% CN only, 31.6% ST only and 17.5% ST+CN. From 2004–2015, NT decreased (53.4 vs. 32.1%, p < 0.001), CN alone decreased (18.1 vs. 12.1%, p < 0.001), ST alone increased (18.1 vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001) and ST+CN increased (10.3 vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001). On logistical regression, we found non-white races (odds ratio 1.29–1.73, p < 0.001), low-volume centers (hazard ratio (HR) 1.18, p < 0.001), no insurance (HR 2.29, p < 0.001) and low income (HR 1.24, p < 0.001) increased the likelihood of receiving NT.

Conclusion:

More patients are receiving ST and ST+CN; however, racial and socioeconomic factors may affect the treatment patterns for mRCC, and the underlying cause of these health disparities is unknown.

Level of Evidence:

2c6
Sample Size Requirements for Multivariate Models to Predict Between-Patient Differences in Best Treatments of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Luedtke Alex , Sadikova Ekaterina , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: January 2019

Clinical trials have documented numerous clinical features, social characteristics, and biomarkers that are “prescriptive” predictors of depression treatment response, that is, predictors of which types of treatments are best for which patients. On the basis of these results, research is actively under way to develop multivariate prescriptive prediction models to guide precision depression treatment planning. However, the sample size requirements for such models have not been analyzed. We present such an analysis here. Simulations using realistic parameter values and a state-of-the-art cross-validated targeted minimum loss-based prescription treatment response estimator show that at least 300 patients per treatment arm are needed to have adequate statistical power to detect clinically significant underlying marginal improvements in treatment response because of precision treatment selection. This is a considerably larger sample size than in most existing studies. We close with a discussion of practical study design options to address the need for larger sample sizes in future studies.
Musical and Teaching Identities in Action: A Case Study Research
Authors: Vico María del Carmen Guerrero
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses the main characteristics of the identity of Jesús, a piano teacher at a professional music conservatory in Spain, as well as various aspects of his training, career and pedagogical approach. Using case studies as research methodology, it has been possible to examine how this professor articulates a shared identity between teaching and inter pretation. From the classification of states of identity proposed by Skorikov & Vondraek (2011) and Bouij (2004) it has also been possible to infer how, with respect to his profession, Jesús has gone through several states of identity throughout his career and how he currently integrates his musical skills into his pedagogy at the same time as he is interested in the teaching and development of students.

From the data obtained, it can be concluded that, at least in his case, musical interpretation and teaching can be combined in a positive way and that although a traditional model of teaching instruments is used in conservatories, various resources can be integrated with which to improve the teaching and learning process.
The Role of Parents, Teachers and Peers on Students' Motivation in Elementary Piano Teaching in Conservatoires: A Multicase Study
Authors: Muñoz Emilia Campayo , Mas Alberto Cabedo
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the role of parents, teachers and peers on the motivation towards the studies of elementary piano in conservatoires in three specific students who attend the third year of these studies. The study has consisted of case studies developed as a process of Action-Research. The action plan consisted of the design of a set of specific and cross-sectional activities which were implemented in individual and collective subjects, in parallel and consistently to the contents of each subject. The beginning and the end of the implementation coincided with the beginning and the end of the academic year. Interviews, video recording and teacher's diary have been used to collect data. To enable a triangulation of the data, students, parents and the teacher of music theory were interviewed. Instrumental individual lessons and ensemble lessons were recorded once a month. The results for these three specific cases show that affective relationship between students and their parents, teachers and peers that promote self-esteem and self-confidence, have a positive impact on students' motivation. The role of the teacher and of emotional education in this process is discussed.
Musical Conducting in the Guitárregas Guitar Ensemble: A Leadership Based on the Self-determination of Music Teachers
Authors: Angel-Alvarado Rolando , Gómez José Álamos
Published: January 2019

The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) understands that self-determined people regulate their behaviour according to the pleasure perceived along the activity, so the leadership applied by management is determinant for promoting the self-determined behaviour.

In this study, we will explain the self-determination encouraged by the Guitárregas' conductor to his students of the Bachelor degree in music education, according to SDT. The method responds to a qualitative design based on the hermeneutic approach. Data collection was carried out through a semi-structured interview. The results show that leadership encouraged by the conductor satisfies the innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, so the director promotes the self-determined behaviour in his students. To conclude, Guitárregas is a reproducible project as long as the student musical background is valued, the repertoire contextualised, and the ensemble supported by an institution.
On the (Racial) Border: Expressed Race, Reflected Race, and the U.S.-Mexico Border Context
Authors: Gonlin Vanessa , Jones Nicole E. , Campbell Mary E.
Published: January 2019

In this era of growing immigration and debates about the U.S.-Mexico Border, the authors tackle a question that is growing in importance as the Border is at the forefront of national debate: Do people (White or Latinx) who believe that they are seen as Latinx experience more community division on the basis of proximity to the Border? The authors use data from the 2015 Texas Diversity Survey to examine the experience of racialization for people living in different social environments. The authors find that Latinxs who live closer the U.S.-Mexico Border are more likely to believe that they are perceived by others as Latinx, demonstrating how racialization is contextual and variable across space. The authors show that these differences are consequential for a sense of community division: Latinxs feel more community division when they live closer to the Border and believe that strangers see them as Latinx, even after controlling for socioeconomic characteristics, gender, age, and characteristics of the place where respondents live. In sum, the authors find important relationships between reflected race, proximity to the Border, and the construction of community division.