bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scope, Influence, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Publication Portfolio of the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program From 2006 Through 2017
Authors: Llewellyn Nicole , Carter Dorothy R. , DiazGranados Deborah , Pelfrey Clara , Rollins Latrice , Nehl Eric J.
Published: March 2019

The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program sponsors an array of innovative, collaborative research. This study uses complementary bibliometric approaches to assess the scope, influence, and interdisciplinary collaboration of publications supported by single CTSA hubs and those supported by multiple hubs. Authors identified articles acknowledging CTSA support and assessed the disciplinary scope of research areas represented in that publication portfolio, their citation influence, interdisciplinary overlap among research categories, and characteristics of publications supported by multihub collaborations. Since 2006, CTSA hubs supported 69,436 articles published in 4,927 journals and 189 research areas. The portfolio is well distributed across diverse research areas with above-average citation influence. Most supported publications involved clinical/health sciences, for example, neurology and pediatrics; life sciences, for example, neuroscience and immunology; or a combination of the two. Publications supported by multihub collaborations had distinct content emphasis, stronger citation influence, and greater interdisciplinary overlap. This study characterizes the CTSA consortium’s contributions to clinical and translational science, identifies content areas of strength, and provides evidence for the success of multihub collaborations. These methods lay the foundation for future investigation of the best policies and priorities for fostering translational science and allow hubs to understand their progress benchmarked against the larger consortium.
Perceptions of playing-related discomfort/pain among tertiary string students: A general overview of contributing factors
Authors: Waters Megan
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the perceived impact of personal circumstances, past and present learning environments, and musical culture on the development of playing-related pain and injury among tertiary string students. The study used a multi-phased mixed-methods methodology with elements of both quantitative and qualitative research. Forty eligible Bachelor of Music string majors at a tertiary music institution in Australia completed questionnaires/interviews twice annually, totalling 181 sessions. Due to attrition of 11, the number of participants decreased to 29 (14 violinists, four violists, 11 cellists) of whom 17 took eight semesters to complete their programmes. Results showed students consistently reported a high incidence of playing-related discomfort/pain. Further analysis revealed key groups of contributing factors, including the Major Study course, orchestral rehearsals, practice, technique and non-playing-related activities. The qualitative data revealed the complexity, subjectivity, and individuality of student experiences and the extent to which they vary according to a number of complex and overlapping risk factors. The research suggests the need for education institutions to adopt a range of preventative strategies as part of a multifaceted approach to addressing the issue of playing-related pain and injury.
The Study of Family Context: Examining Its Role for Identity Coherence and Adolescent Adjustment for Swedish Adolescents
Authors: Trost Kari , Eichas Kyle , Ferrer-Wreder Laura , Galanti M. Rosaria
Published: March 2019

The present cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether characteristics of the parent-child relationship in adolescence are important for adjustment and identity development. Participants were recruited from schools in central Sweden for a larger longitudinal study when the cohort was 13- to 14-year-olds ( N = 3,667). Characteristics of the parent-child relationship, like parental warmth, democratic parenting, and child communication, and adolescent adjustment problems and identity coherence were studied. It was found that democratic parenting was positively linked to child communication but negatively associated with problematic peer relationships and behavioral problems. Parental warmth was linked to other parenting characteristics as well as identity cohesion. Democratic parenting was linked to greater school engagement and identity coherence for boys and girls. Gender differences were found. The findings support the notion that democratic and warm parenting may provide support for adolescent identity development and adjustment.
Treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: a reappraisal and critical analysis
Authors: Lorusso Domenica , Sabatucci Ilaria , Maltese Giuseppa , Lepori Stefano , Tripodi Elisa , Bogani Giorgio , Raspagliesi Francesco
Published: March 2019

The vast majority of ovarian cancer relapses on front-line therapy and the optimal treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer remains controversial. This review is based on the relevant published literature indexed in PubMed on pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), either alone or in combination with other drugs, as one option in relapsed disease. PLD showed an improved pharmacokinetic profile, with a slower plasma clearance and a longer circulation time, compared to other conventional doxorubicin formulations. PLD is considered to have little potential for cardiotoxicity, even at prolonged and high cumulative doses, although there appears to be room for improvement in terms of maximal dose allowed. Notwithstanding, there remain some concerns about cardiac safety, and patient monitoring is generally advocated. No data are available on the possibility to rechallenge PLD treatment in recurrent ovarian cancer, as already known for other drugs. Optimization of treatment regimens with PLD will allow a more rational treatment in advanced ovarian cancers for which few therapeutic options are available.
Fraught claims at the intersection of biology and sociality: Managing controversy in the neuroscience of poverty and adversity
Authors: Tolwinski Kasia
Published: March 2019

In this article, I examine how a subfield of researchers studying the impact of poverty and adversity on the developing brain, cognitive abilities and mental health respond to criticism that their research is racist and eugenicist, and implies that affected children are broken on a biological level. My interviewees use a number of strategies to respond to these resurfacing criticisms. They maintain that the controversy rests upon a fundamental misunderstanding of their work. In addition, they use what I term ‘plasticity talk’, a form of anti-determinist discourse, to put forth what they believe is a hopeful conception of body and brain as fundamentally malleable. They draw attention to their explicit intentions to use scientific inquiry to mitigate inequality and further social justice – in fact, they believe their studies are powerful evidence that add to the literature on the social determinants of health. Though they may be interested in improving lives, they argue that their aims and means have little in common with programs trying to ‘improve’ the genetic stock of the population. I argue that theirs is a fraught research terrain, where any claims-making is potentially treacherous. Just as their studies of development refuse dualistic models, so too do their responses defy dichotomous categorization.
A new era for migraine: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic insights into monoclonal antibodies with a focus on galcanezumab, an anti-CGRP antibody
Authors: Kielbasa William , Helton Danielle L
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To review pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of antibodies that bind to soluble ligands within the framework of calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies.

Overview

Calcitonin gene-related peptide has been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. Galcanezumab is an antibody that binds to the ligand calcitonin gene-related peptide. Other antibodies that target calcitonin gene-related peptide include eptinezumab and fremanezumab. To understand how antibodies can affect the extent and duration of free ligand concentrations, it is important to consider the dose and pharmacokinetics of an antibody, and the kinetics of the ligand and antibody–ligand complex. Insights regarding the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of galcanezumab as a probe antibody drug and calcitonin gene-related peptide as its binding ligand regarding its clinical outcomes are provided.

Discussion

Antibodies are administered parenterally because oral absorption is limited by gastrointestinal degradation and inefficient diffusion through the epithelium. The systemic absorption of antibodies following intramuscular or subcutaneous administration most likely occurs via convective transport through lymphatic vessels into blood. The majority of antibody elimination occurs via intracellular catabolism into peptides and amino acids following endocytosis. Binding of ligand to an antibody reduces the free ligand that is available to interact with the receptor and efficacy is driven by the magnitude and duration of the reduction in free ligand concentration. A galcanezumab pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model shows that galcanezumab decreases free calcitonin gene-related peptide concentrations in a dose- and time-dependent manner and continues to suppress free calcitonin gene-related peptide with repeated dosing. The model provides evidence for a mechanistic linkage to galcanezumab therapeutic effects for the preventive treatment of migraine.
Propensity Score Weighting with Generalized Boosted Models to Explore the Effects of the Built Environment and Residential Self-Selection on Travel Behavior
Authors: Deng Yiling , Yan Yadan
Published: March 2019

Many studies have examined the association between the built environment, residential self-selection, and travel behavior. However, few studies have quantified the relative contribution of the built environment itself. Using the 2012 Nanjing Household Travel Survey data, this study applied hierarchical clustering and propensity score weighting to study the effects of the built environment and residential self-selection on travel behavior. First, residents’ household locations were classified into four built environment patterns using hierarchical clustering based on six built environment variables by loosely following the “5Ds” (i.e., density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit). Second, a powerful machine learning method, generalized boosted model (GBM), was employed to obtain propensity scores. Propensity score weighting, which is more effective for multiple treatments than matching or stratification, was used to control for residential self-selection. Lastly, the observed effect (OBE), the average treatment effect on the population (ATE), and the built environment proportion (BEP) were calculated for the walking trip frequency, bicycle trip frequency, public transit trip frequency, and vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) of six pairs of built environment patterns. The results show that a high-density, mixed-use, walkable, and transit-accessible built environment is associated with more walking trips and lower VKT but has no impact on bicycle trips and has an inconsistent impact on public transit trips. The effects of some built environment variables on bicycle and public transit trips are tangled. The residential self-selection effect has the greatest impact on VKT (BEP: 48%–77%), followed by the walking trip frequency (BEP: 62%–74%) and the public transit frequency (BEP: 90%–107%).
Time Available at Destination: Tool to Evaluate the Quality of Public Transport Service and a Determinant of Mode Choice
Authors: Chen Minghui , Souche Le Corvec Stéphanie , Bonnafous Alain
Published: March 2019

Service quality in relation to frequency, availability, and accessibility is an important issue for the various stakeholders involved in high-speed rail (HSR) projects. The concept of accessibility provides the means to build relevant indicators likely to evaluate the service quality in studies of transportation supply and demand. In this paper, indicators of time available at destination (TAD) are used to measure changes in service quality in rail and air travel between Paris and Bordeaux, France. Furthermore, the paper shows for the first time that TAD is a determining factor in explaining the air-train mode choice.
Transition Trends Associated with Topic Focus Since 1990: A Literature Review
Authors: Cushing Lisa S. , Parker-Katz Michelle , Athamanah Lindsay S. , Walte Samantha A. , Pose Kasandra M.
Published: March 2019

A systematic review of transition literature was conducted on 743 articles published in 22 special education journals from 1990 to 2015. Demographic data and topics of transition-related articles were coded to identify the trends in transition literature. Results found only 4.1% of articles in those journals focused on transition. Student participants were primarily White males with a specific learning disability or intellectual disability. Key topics of transition (e.g., self-determination, transition planning) were supported by several studies in the literature. Yet, crucial topics (e.g., transportation skills, interagency collaboration) contained little research support. A summary of the current trends in transition research and implications for future research are discussed.
Occupational exposure to mercury vapor in a compact fluorescent lamp factory: Evaluation of personal, ambient air, and biological monitoring
Authors: Darvishi Ebrahim , Assari Mohammad Javad , Farhadian Maryam , Chavoshi Ebrahim , Ehsani Hamid Reza
Published: March 2019

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have become a popular lighting choice in recent years despite the good performance of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. The CFLs that have been produced recently contain 1.5–3.5 mg Hg/lamp. There is evidence that even low doses of mercury are toxic. This study aimed to assess occupational exposure to mercury vapor in workers of a CFLs factory by determining mercury levels in personal and ambient air samples and urine of workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 59 workers in a CFLs factory in Iran. Personal and ambient air sampling of mercury vapor levels (MVLs) was performed during a workday. In total, 10 personal samples and 10 ambient air samples of mercury vapor were collected simultaneously from different units of the factory. Urine samples were collected before the work shift. Samples were analyzed using a cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer (CVAAS). The mean of the MVLs in the personal and ambient air samples was 14.78 ± 5.76 and 67.10 ± 59.37 µg.m−3, respectively. The highest MVL was measured for the production line supervisor (25 µg.m−3). There was a significant correlation between the MVLs in the ambient air and personal samples ( r = 0.84, p = 0.005). The mean urinary mercury level (UML) was 13.85 ± 13.14 µg/g creatinine. The UML of 86.4% workers was below the 20 µg/g creatinine recommended by the Centre of Environmental and Occupational Health in Iran. There were significant differences between the UMLs in different areas of the factory ( p = 0.041). Lamp breakage was an important determinant of exposure to mercury vapor; hence, effective programs to control mercury vapor are essential in the CFLs industry.
“Change Really Does Need to Start From Home”: Impact of an Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Strategy Among Married Couples in Nepal
Authors: McGhee Susi , Shrestha Binita , Ferguson Gemma , Shrestha Prabin Nanicha , Bergenfeld Irina , Clark Cari Jo
Published: March 2019

Approximately 54% of women in rural Nepal report lifetime physical or sexual violence. The Change Starts at Home project is a primary prevention strategy to reduce and prevent marital intimate partner violence (IPV). This study analyzed in-depth interviews with 17 married couples ( n = 34 individuals) at intervention midline and end line. Case-based analysis and thematic summaries were used to assess change, couple concordance, and gendered reporting patterns at midline. Individual changes included husband’s alcohol use and roaming tendencies. Relationship-level changes comprised labor roles, communication, decision making, conflict resolution, and experience of IPV. End line interviews were analyzed to understand sustenance of change within these same individual and relationship dynamics. Results indicate promising shifts in men’s individual behavior and marital dynamics, which underpin IPV risk.
Expressing Motherhood: Wet Nursing and Human Milk Banking in Brazil
Authors: Langland Victoria
Published: March 2019

In early twentieth-century Brazil the proponents of human milk banking considered this development to signal the end of wet nursing and the start of a whole new day, one altogether better for the paid donors of human milk, their children, and the children in need of human milk. But wet nursing persisted alongside the new human milk banks for most of the twentieth century. Moreover, as this paper argues, the organizers and directors of milk banks drew on and constructed ideas about wet nursing, and about the generations of poor Afro-Brazilian women who had performed this labor, in the design and operation of the first milk banks.
Influence of ossicular chain malformation on the performance of round-window stimulation: A finite element approach
Authors: Liu Houguang , Zhang Hu , Yang Jianhua , Huang Xinsheng , Liu Wen , Xue Lin
Published: March 2019

As a novel application of implantable middle ear hearing device, round-window stimulation is widely used to treat hearing loss with middle ear disease, such as ossicular chain malformation. To evaluate the influence of ossicular chain malformations on the efficiency of the round-window stimulation, a human ear finite element model, which incorporates cochlear asymmetric structure, was constructed. Five groups of comparison with experimental data confirmed the model’s validity. Based on this model, we investigated the influence of three categories of ossicular chain malformations, that is, incudostapedial disconnection, incus and malleus fixation, and fixation of the stapes. These malformations’ effects were evaluated by comparing the equivalent sound pressures derived from the basilar membrane displacement. Results show that the studied ossicular chain malformations mainly affected the round-window simulation’s performance at low frequencies. In contrast to the fixation of the ossicles, which mainly deteriorates round-window simulation’s low-frequency performance, incudostapedial disconnection increases this performance, especially in the absence of incus process and stapes superstructure. Among the studied ossicular chain malformations, the stapes fixation has a much more severe impact on the round-window stimulation’s efficiency. Thus, the influence of the patients’ ossicular chain malformations should be considered in the design of the round-window stimulation’s actuator. The low-frequency output of the round-window simulation’s actuator should be enhanced, especially for treating the patients with stapes fixation.
Aggression Toward Sexualized Women Is Mediated by Decreased Perceptions of Humanness
Authors: Arnocky Steven , Proietti Valentina , Ruddick Erika L. , Côté Taylor-Rae , Ortiz Triana L. , Hodson Gordon , Carré Justin M.
Published: March 2019

Researchers have argued that the regulation of female sexuality is a major catalyst for women’s intrasexual aggression. The present research examined whether women behave more aggressively toward a sexualized woman and whether this is explained by lower ratings of the target’s humanness. Results showed that women rated another woman lower on uniquely human personality traits when she was dressed in a sexualized (vs. conventional) manner. Lower humanness ratings subsequently predicted increased aggression toward her in a behavioral measure of aggression. This effect was moderated by trait intrasexual competitiveness; lower humanness ratings translated into more aggression, but only for women scoring relatively high on intrasexual competition. Follow-up studies revealed that the effect of sexualized appearance on perceived humanness was not due to the atypicality of the clothing in a university setting. The current project reveals a novel psychological mechanism through which interacting with a sexualized woman promotes aggressive behavior toward her.
Optimized Generation of Primary Human Epithelial Cells from Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Site-Specific Epithelial Model for Reflux Research
Authors: Mo Ting-Ting , Tan Jia-Jie , Wang Mei-Gui , Dai Yuan-Feng , Liu Xiong , Li Xiang-Ping
Published: March 2019

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) induces a differential damage effect on several anatomic sites within the larynx and hypopharynx; therefore, an in vitro model is needed for each anatomic site. This study aimed to establish a primary culture method for human laryngeal and hypopharyngeal epithelial cells derived from multiple anatomic sites. Surgical mucosa specimens were treated with a two-step enzymatic strategy to establish a primary culture. Of the 46 samples, primary cultivation was achieved successfully with 36 samples, and the positive ratio was 78.3%. In addition, flow cytometry revealed that these primary cells were epithelial cells with a purity of 94.9%. The proliferative ability was confirmed by positive staining for Ki-67. Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal epithelial cells from multiple sites exhibited similar epithelial morphology and positive cytokeratin expression. These cells can be cultured to passage 4. In summary, we successfully established the in vitro epithelial model of larynx and hypopharynx subsites, which may potentially be used as a platform for reflux research, especially for site-specific damage effect.
Does Leverage Constrain Real and AEM Around IPO Corporate Event? Evidence from the Emerging Market
Authors: Kalgo Sani Hussaini , Bany-Ariffin A.N.  , Nahar Hairul Suhaimi Bin , Matemilola Bolaji Tunde
Published: March 2019

The article investigates whether Malaysian initial public offering (IPO) firms engage in real and accrual earnings management (AEM) and examines the impact of leverage on the earnings management’s discretionary behaviour of the firms for the period of 2003–2013. The Dechow, Sloan, and Sweeney (1995, The Accounting Review, 70[2], 193–225) cross-sectional modified Jones model was used to estimate discretionary accruals, while Roychowdhury’s (2006, Journal of Accounting and Economics, 42[3]), 335–370) cross-sectional models were used to investigate abnormal real activity discretionary behaviour. The results indicate Malaysian IPO firms engage in real and accrual discretionary behaviour. The graphical presentations of the earnings’ management proxies indicate higher real and AEM for high-leverage firms. Similarly, the multivariate analysis indicates a positive relationship between leverage and earnings management, which is in tandem with the agency cost of free cash flow theory and debt hypothesis. It is also consistent with the pecking-order theory of capital structure. This study suggests that regulatory agencies and standard setters should continue to improve quality of accounting reports in order to protect investors’ invested capital.
Should Scientists Talk About GMOs Nicely? Exploring the Effects of Communication Styles, Source Expertise, and Preexisting Attitude
Authors: Yuan Shupei , Ma Wenjuan , Besley John C.
Published: March 2019

The present study investigated the effects of communication styles, source expertise, and audiences’ preexisting attitudes in the contexts of the debate regarding genetically modified organisms. A between-subject experiment ( N = 416) was conducted manipulating communication styles (aggressive vs. polite) and the expertise of the communicator (scientist vs. nonscientist) in blog articles. The results showed significant effects of communicator expertise and individuals’ preexisting attitudes on writer likability and message quality, depending on the communication style used. Expectancy violation was found as a significant mediator that explains the differences. These findings provided a plausible explanation for the way in which communication styles work in science communication contexts and offered practical implications for science communicators to communicate more strategically.
The Mediating Role of Neural Activity on the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Impulsivity
Authors: Hallowell Emily S. , Oshri Assaf , Liebel Spencer W. , Liu Sihong , Duda Bryant , Clark Uraina S. , Sweet Lawrence H.
Published: March 2019

Child maltreatment is associated with a variety of risk behaviors in young adulthood; however, the underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms of this relation are not well understood. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the direct and indirect effects between maltreatment in childhood and downstream impulsivity via neural activity during a cognitive task. In a sample of emerging adult women from the rural southeastern United States, childhood abuse and neglect were assessed using the childhood trauma questionnaire. Outcome measures of neural activity during a functional magnetic resonance imaging N-back verbal working memory (WM) task and trait impulsivity on the Impulsive Behavior Scale were assessed approximately 1 year later. Results indicate that adults with higher levels of reported childhood maltreatment demonstrate worse behavioral performance and lower neural response during a difficult verbal WM task. Furthermore, neural activity significantly mediated the relation between abuse and neglect in childhood and trait impulsivity. These new findings demonstrate an association between neurocognitive functioning and reported childhood abuse and neglect, and indicate that such changes may underlie the relation between maltreatment and trait-level impulsivity.
Cultivating Activism in the Academy: A Deleuzoguattarian Exploration of Phenomenological Projects
Authors:   A Phenomenology Collective
Published: March 2019

Phenomenology, as the study of the human experience of, with, and in the world, has long rejected causality in favor of the personal agency of intentionality. Our Collective began by trying to conduct phenomenological research in an era in which we have witnessed the normalization of oppression, marginalization, and social injustice. We question how we, the 1% to 2% who hold or seek doctorates, might interrogate the intolerance of alterity. To inform our collective inquiry, we have formed a Deleuzoguattarian “pack.” Using mixed metaphors, we argue for epistemo-ontological activisim through putting theory and philosophy to work in the world.
Interventions and observations associated with survival of orphaned shelter kittens undergoing treatment for diarrhea
Authors: Strong Sandra J , Gookin Jody L , Correa Maria T , Banks Ron E
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify significant associations between treatment interventions and survival of orphaned shelter kittens with diarrhea.

Methods

Orphaned kittens admitted to a large open-intake municipal animal shelter and entering a volunteer foster care provider network between April 2016 and July 2017 were studied. Individual orphaned kittens for which the care provider sought examination by shelter veterinarians because of clinical signs of diarrhea were included. Treatments administered were recorded and their association with kitten survival to adoption or transfer to a rescue partner was statistically examined.

Results

A total of 1718 orphaned kittens were fostered, among which 220 kittens (12.8%) from 118 different litters were presented for evaluation of diarrhea. A total of 172 (78.2%) kittens underwent treatment for their diarrhea, among which 153 (89.0%) survived to adoption or transfer to a rescue partner and 19 (11.0%) died or were humanely euthanized. Kittens with diarrhea that were ⩾4 weeks of age were 24.8 times more likely to survive (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.8–89.8; P <0.0001). While controlling for age, kittens that received a vitamin and mineral supplement were 12.8 times more likely to survive (95% CI 3.1–52.5; P = 0.0004) than kittens with diarrhea that did not receive the supplement. Treatment with subcutaneous fluids, penicillin G, tube feeding, a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium SF68, ponazuril or metronidazole did not statistically significantly increase the survival of kittens with diarrhea.

Conclusions and relevance

Age ⩾4 weeks and treatment of diarrhea with a vitamin and mineral supplement favorably improves survival of orphaned kittens to adoption. Application of these findings are likely to improve the health and welfare of this population and contribute to a refinement in use of shelter resources.
Associations Between Bone Mass in Women With Fibromyalgia and Widespread Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity, Tenderness, Perceived Pain Level, and Disability
Authors: Correa-Rodríguez María , El Mansouri-Yachou Jamal , Tapia-Haro Rosa María , Molina Francisco , Rueda-Medina Blanca , Aguilar-Ferrandiz María Encarnación
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) on bone mass assessed by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in pre- and postmenopausal women and determine whether there are associations between bone status and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), tender point counts (TPCs), self-reported global pain, or disease severity. Ninety-five women with a diagnosis of FMS and 108 healthy controls matched on menopause status were included in this cross-sectional study. PPT and TPC were measured by algometry pressure. Self-reported global pain and disease severity were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, respectively. Bone mass was assessed with calcaneus QUS. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA; dB/MHz) and speed of sound (SOS; m/s) were significantly lower in the FMS patients compared with controls ( p = .027 and p = .003, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed that all PPTs were significantly associated with the BUA parameter after adjustments for body mass index (BMI), menopause status, and physical activity in women with FMS ( p < .05). TPC was also significantly associated with BUA after adjustments for covariables (β = .241, 95% confidence interval [0.333, 3.754], p = .020). No significant differences were found between any QUS measurements and global pain or disease severity. Calcaneal BUA and SOS values were lower in women with FMS compared to healthy controls, and decreased pain thresholds and higher TPCs were associated with lower calcaneal BUA values. Low pain thresholds might be independent predictors for low bone mass in FMS women.
Alcohol and Cannabis Consumption Does Not Diminish Cure Rates in a Real-World Cohort of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients on Opioid Substitution Therapy—Data From the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R)
Authors: Christensen Stefan , Buggisch Peter , Mauss Stefan , Böker Klaus HW , Müller Tobias , Klinker Hartwig , Zimmermann Tim , Serfert Yvonne , Weber Bernd , Reimer Jens , Wedemeyer Heiner ,   German Hepatitis C-Registry
Published: March 2019

Background:

The importance of alcohol and cannabis consumption for the effectiveness of treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in people on opioid substitution therapy (OST) has not been investigated in detail.

Methods:

We investigated sustained virological response (SVR) rates and proportion of lost to follow-up (LTFU) between OST (n = 739) and non-OST patients (n = 7008) in the German Hepatitis C-Registry (Deutsches Hepatitis C-Register, DHC-R), which is a national multicenter prospective non-interventional real-world registry. Non-OST patients comprised patients with former/current drug use (non-OST/DU; n = 1500) and patients never consuming drugs (non-OST/NDU; n = 5508).

Findings:

SVR 12/24 rates (intention to treat [ITT]) in patients consuming no or less than 30 g/day (women) or 40 g/day (men) were significantly higher in non-OST/NDU (range 91%-92%) vs OST patients (range 83%-86%), mainly due to significantly higher LTFU rates in OST (range 11%-12%) compared with non-OST/NDU (range 2%-3%). In non-OST/NDU with high alcohol consumption of more than 30/40 g/day, SVR 12/24 rates (ITT) were lower (85%) but did not differ to OST (85%) with high alcohol consumption. No significant differences could be seen for SVR 12/24 in per-protocol (PP) analysis independent of alcohol consumption or amount of alcohol intake. Cannabis use did not significantly influence SVR 12/24 in ITT or PP or LTFU.

Conclusions:

High SVR rates could be achieved in both OST and non-OST patients irrespective of alcohol or cannabis consumption. However, LTFU is more likely in patients with current or former drug use than in patients without drug history and in patients with high alcohol consumption but occurred mainly after end of antiviral treatment (EOT), leaving a high chance for HCV elimination in these patients.
Assessing the effectiveness of data-driven time-domain condition indicators in predicting the progression of surface distress under rolling contact
Authors: Gouda K , Rycerz P , Kadiric A , Morales-Espejel GE
Published: March 2019

Condition monitoring of machine health via analysis of vibration, acoustic and other signals offers an important tool for reducing the machine downtime and maintenance costs. The key aspect in this process is the ability to relate features derived from the recorded sensor signals to the physical condition of the monitored asset in real time. This paper uses simple machine learning techniques to examine the ability of specific time-domain features obtained from vibration signals to predict the progression of surface distress in lubricated, rolling-sliding contacts, such as those found in rolling bearings and gears. Controlled experiments were performed on a triple-disc rolling contact fatigue rig using seeded-fault roller specimens where micropitting damage was generated and its progression directly observed over millions of contact cycles. Vibration signals were recorded throughout the experiments. Features known as condition indicators were then extracted from the recorded time-domain signals and their evolution related to the observed physical state of the associated specimens using simple machine learning techniques. Five time-domain condition indicators were examined, peak-to-peak, root-mean-square, kurtosis, crest factor and skewness, three of which were found not to be redundant. First, a classification model using KNN nearest neighbor was built with the three informative condition indicators as training data. The cross-validation results indicated that this classifier was able to predict the presence of micropitting damage with a relatively high precision and a low rate of false positives. Secondly, a k-means clustering analysis was performed to measure the significance of each condition indicator by leveraging patterns. The peak-to-peak condition indicator was found to be a good predictor for progression of micropitting damage. In addition, this indicator was able to distinguish between micropitting and pitting failure modes with a high success rate. Finally, the condition indicator response was correlated with the predicted damage state of the test specimen obtained through an existing physics-based surface distress model in order to illustrate the potential of hybrid models for improved prognostics of damage progression in rolling-sliding tribological contacts.
Pre-eruptive coronal resorption of unerupted molar teeth in orthodontic patients
Authors: Kane Georgina , Cash Alex , Seehra Jadbinder
Published: March 2019

Pre-eruptive coronal resorption (PCR) is a rare phenomenon affecting unerupted permanent teeth. The aetiology of PCR is unknown and is often detected as an incidental finding. The prognosis of affected teeth can be extremely variable and may involve multidisciplinary management. The lower second permanent molars are commonly affected. The following is a description of three clinical cases of PCR affecting lower permanent molars in orthodontic patients.
The influence of varying maxillary central incisor vertical dimension on perceived smile aesthetics
Authors: Lira dos Santos Elis Janaina , Dantas Alana Moura Xavier , Vilela Raíssa Marçal , de Lima Karina Jerônimo Rodrigues Santiago , Beltrão Rejane Targino Soares
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To evaluate patient perception of the smile focused on analysis of the upper incisors.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry at Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.

Participants:

The sample consisted of 135 individuals (73 women and 62 men).

Methods:

Images with different characteristics associated with the incisal edges were shown at random and analysed using a Likert scale. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05).

Results:

Smile I (difference of 1.5 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) was considered the most aesthetic, while Smile III (no difference in height between the central and lateral incisors) was the least aesthetic. A significant difference was found between perception of smile II (difference of 1 mm in relation to the central incisor and lateral) and age groups ( P < 0.005), with 31% (n = 13) of individuals aged 45–64 years considering smile II as not pleasant, 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years and 8.3% (n=4) aged 25–44 years and 4.4% (n = 2) aged 15–24 years considering the same. A significant difference was also found in relation to educational background of the assessor and smile perception, with smile III ( P = 0.0441) and smile IV ( P = 0.0053) considered the most aesthetic ( P = 0.0116).

Conclusion:

The smile considered most attractive among the sample was that with 1.5 mm steepness between the central and lateral incisors, while a flat smile arc was considered least attractive.
Medication and orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G , Athanasiou Athanasios E
Published: March 2019

As any pharmaceutical substance may influence the events associated with orthodontic tooth movement, it is of importance for the clinician to be able to recognize any prospective patient’s history and patterns of medicinal consumption. This review presents the effects of various commonly prescribed medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. The article concludes that it remains, to a degree, unclear which types of medication may have a clinically significant effect in everyday clinical scenarios. However, since both prescription and over-the-counter medication use have recently increased significantly among all age groups, good practice suggests that it is important to identify patients consuming medications and consider the possible implications in orthodontic therapy.
‘I am the over-educated maid who must also earn a good living’: Exploring migration and sense of freedom among professional Indian women in Toronto
Authors: Ghosh Sutama
Published: March 2019

Since the mid-1980s, several Indian women novelists have enriched mainstream English literature with stories of educated, middle-class, Indian women migrating to and settling in North America. The novels assert that by migrating to North America, the protagonists were able to find ‘freedom’. In this paper, I question whether international migration necessarily leads to ‘freedom’ for this cohort of Indian women and argue that it their histories and experiences of subjugation and emancipation are not necessarily in binary opposition, and that there may be a space for multiplicity. Based on their changing power positions, the respondents were placed simultaneously at the centre and at the margins in their own homes, at work and at the places of socialisation.
Predicted relationships between cognitive function, depressive symptoms, self-care adequacy, and health-related quality of life and major events among patients with heart failure
Authors: Kim JinShil , Hwang Seon Young , Heo Seongkum , Shin Mi-Seung , Kim Sun Hwa
Published: March 2019

Background:

Cognitive decline, which often occurs in heart failure, is likely to decrease health-related quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality (major events), but it has been scantly addressed.

Aims:

To examine whether baseline cognitive domains of global cognition, memory and executive function predict baseline health-related quality of life and 15-month major events among patients with heart failure.

Methods:

This prospective study included 117 patients (mean age 65.5 ± 9.42 years; men 58.1%; New York Heart Association class III/IV 25.6%), who completed questionnaires, including neuropsychological testing for cognitive evaluation, depressive symptoms, self-care and health-related quality of life measures. Their 15-month major events were extracted from medical record reviews.

Results:

Approximately one-third of the sample had cognitive impairment. Forty-one patients (35.0%) experienced major events. Patients with major events had significantly worse memory (immediate recall memory 13.9 vs. 11.5, P=0.030; delayed recall memory 4.3 vs. 3.1, P=0.014) and reduced executive function (trail-making test A 28.1 vs. 38.0 seconds, P=0.031). After controlling for age, sex, heart failure severity and comorbidity, memory loss with depressive symptoms was associated with worse health-related quality of life, and odds ratios of experiencing major events increased only with reduced cognitive function in global cognition and executive function.

Conclusion:

Cognitive function is an important factor for health-related quality of life and major events, and memory loss – worsened health-related quality of life and poor executive function was more likely to increase the risk of major events. Future studies should consider both cognitive function and depressive symptoms when designing heart failure interventions to improve patient outcomes.
The Origin of NCCT International School Accreditation in China
Authors: Jingqi Mo , Ulmet Tom
Published: March 2019

This article is a condensed translation from Chinese of the original PhD thesis by Dr Mo Jingqi and illustrates how international accreditation was introduced in China during a time of rapid government structural change. The article is valuable from three perspectives: first, it provides a rare insight into the means for introducing change in the education system in China; secondly, it describes the evolution of the role of the National Center for Curriculum and Textbook Development, a non-governmental organization, and how it became authorized by the Ministry of Education to implement education policy in China; and thirdly, the idea of transplanting into China a joint accreditation system for international schools is by itself a major historical change, the model of which may one day expand to other types of schools in China. It should be noted that the titles of Chinese references have not been translated as they can be found only in Chinese language. In addition, during those years of rapid change, the titles and roles of many government organizations also changed, including that of the National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT). It is important to appreciate the challenges of language translation as many of the concepts have different meanings in Chinese and have changed during that time period. This includes the meanings of ‘international school’ and ‘accreditation’.
Item Nonresponse Rates and Panel Conditioning in a Longitudinal Survey among Youth
Authors: Mavletova Aigul , Lynn Peter
Published: March 2019

The article examines two important aspects of data quality in self-completion surveys of young people, taking advantage of a unique data source: Understanding Society: the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study. Young persons aged 10–15 are asked to complete a self-administered paper questionnaire at annual intervals. The number of completed interviews varies over waves from 4,049 to 5,020. Data are also collected from parents, providing important explanatory covariates for our analysis. Stronger parent–child relationship and higher mother’s involvement in education were associated with lower item nonresponse rate and lower inconsistency throughout waves. We also found some evidence for a negative panel conditioning effect with an increase of social desirability bias and measurement errors in the subsequent waves. There was a higher level of inconsistent responses and a higher probability of social desirability bias throughout waves in more sensitive items.
“Don’t You See What’s Going on Here?” Seinfeld and Badiou on Situations and Events
Authors: Kalyan Rohan
Published: March 2019

Far from being merely “a show about nothing,” this article argues that the American television sitcom Seinfeld (1989-1998) managed to develop a sophisticated theory of situations and events in modern life. The show explored a rich and humorous multiplicity of everyday situations and events that took its main characters and audience members alike to the very limits of their conventional lives. Yet Seinfeld consistently stopped short of raising larger political stakes in these explorations. In other words, Seinfeld never took its critique of everyday modern life to a structural level, that is, to the historical forces and social relations that shape contemporary situations and events. By bringing Seinfeld into an intellectual encounter with communist philosopher Alain Badiou’s work on situations and events, I argue that we can gain a deeper appreciation of both sides and rethink the political and aesthetic potential of situation comedy.
Inverse kinematics-based motion planning for dual-arm robot with orientation constraints
Authors: Wang Jiangping , Liu Shirong , Zhang Botao , Yu Changbin
Published: March 2019

This article proposes an efficient and probabilistic complete planning algorithm to address motion planning problem involving orientation constraints for decoupled dual-arm robots. The algorithm is to combine sampling-based planning method with analytical inverse kinematic calculation, which randomly samples constraint-satisfying configurations on the constraint manifold using the analytical inverse kinematic solver and incrementally connects them to the motion paths in joint space. As the analytical inverse kinematic solver is applied to calculate constraint-satisfying joint configurations, the proposed algorithm is characterized by its efficiency and accuracy. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach on the Willow Garage’s PR2 simulation platform by generating trajectory across a wide range of orientation-constrained scenarios for dual-arm manipulation.
Leadership of professional learning communities in Singapore schools: The tight–loose balance
Authors: Ho Jeanne , Ong Monica , Tan Liang See
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper presents a study on how professional learning communities (PLC) are developed in an Asian setting, and the nature of leadership that helped to cultivate and sustain PLC in this setting.

Research Method

The study adopted a sequential mixed method, starting with a survey followed by qualitative case studies, involving focused group discussions (FGDs) and interviews. This paper focuses on findings derived from the qualitative data, triangulated with the survey data.

Findings

The study raises questions about common assumptions regarding PLC, and shares how Singapore’s unique cultural context mediates and filters Western notion of PLC and of leadership for PLC. The study suggests that leadership for PLC requires a centralised decentralisation approach, which provides clarity and alignment through strategic direction and supporting structures, while simultaneously enabling the distribution of leadership to teachers. The paper also explicates the tensions that arise due to the need to balance a tight–loose approach, and suggests how organisational and inquiry structures can both enable and constrain the distribution of leadership in a PLC.

Implications

Findings from the study has implications for policy makers and school leaders who are steering PLC initiatives.