bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moving from modern toward post-modern science: comment on “An integrated assessment of the vascular plants of the Americas”
Authors: MAVRODIEV EVGENY V. , SUN MIAO , SCHRODER LAURA , STEADMAN DAVID W. , EBACH MALTE C.
Published: May 2018

Recently Ulloa Ulloa et al. (2017) published a 2600-page online checklist of the New World vascular plants (the Checklist hereafter) that includes 124,993 species, 6227 genera, and 355 families associated with incomplete elementary taxonomy as well as with the distributional data provided for every species (Ulloa Ulloa et al., 2017). Givnish (2017) heralds their publically searchable database as “… a monumental achievement that will be of enormous interest to conservation biologists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, biogeographers, land managers, and governmental officials around the world” (Givnish, 2017: 1535). Although land managers and governmental officials may indeed find the massive new Checklist useful, its utility for scientific pursuits so far is less obvious.
A new species of Mucor (Mucoromycotina, Mucorales) isolated from an enclave of Upland Atlantic Forest in the semi-arid region of Brazil
Authors: DE SOUZA CARLOS A.F. , VOIGT KERSTIN , GURGEL LUCIANA SARTORI , CORDEIRO THALLINE R.L. , OLIVEIRA RAFAEL J.V. , LIMA DIOGO X. , SANTIAGO ANDRÉ L.C.M. DE A.
Published: May 2018

During a survey of Mucorales in fragments of an Atlantic Upland Forest inserted in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil, a specimen of Mucor was isolated from soil samples. The specimen was characterized based on morphological, physiological and molecular data (ITS and LSU rDNA regions). The isolate produces intensely branched sporangiophores commonly with between one and several septa with mostly applanate columellae. The sporangiophores were smooth-walled and varied in shape and size, while some were subglobose. The best growth was at 25°C but there was also good growth at 30°C. Based on the evidence of the analyzed datasets a new species of Mucor is proposed. A detailed description of the new specimen of Mucor from the Brazilian semi-arid region are provided.
Pseudochromadora benepapillata (Timm 1961) comb. n. (Desmodoridae: Nematoda): revision of its taxonomic status and distribution
Authors: DATTA TRIDIP KUMAR , GANGULY ARUNDHATI , CHAKRABORTY SUSANTA KUMAR
Published: May 2018

Metachromadora (Bradylaimoides) benepapillata, was first discovered from the coastal mangroves of Bangladesh by Timm (1961). This species was later synonymised with Pseudochromadora cazca, which was described from the Brazilian coast by Gerlach (1956). The present paper proposes to update the taxonomic status of the Timm’s species as Pseudochromadora benepapillata comb. n. along with its distribution and comparative morphology. The major differences between P. cazca and P. benepapillata are found in the characteristics of the head capsule; length of cephalic sensilla; length and position of somatic setae; shape of amphideal fovea; shape of spicules and gubernaculum; number and morphology of copulatory and postcloacal thorns. The present report on the occurrence of this species along the eastern most coast of India extends its distribution from the eastern part of Bay of Bengal to its western part.
Taxonomic notes on Papilio ocypete Fabricius, 1776 and Papilio helle Cramer, 1779 with description of two new similar species from South America (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)
Authors: BENMESBAH MOHAMED , ZACCA THAMARA , CASAGRANDE MIRNA M , MIELKE OLAF H H , LAMAS GERARDO , WILLMOTT KEITH RICHARD
Published: May 2018

The discovery of a new species of satyrine butterfly, Magneuptychia louisammour Benmesbah & Zacca, sp. n., that is phenotypically similar to a sympatric species widely known as Magneuptychia ocypete (Fabricius, 1776), led to a review of the taxonomic status of M. ocypete. A neotype for Papilio ocypete Fabricius, 1776 is designated and its redescription is provided. Neonympha sabina C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867 and Euptychia helle var. olivacea Aurivillius, 1929 are treated as junior subjective synonyms of P. ocypete and a lectotype is designated for each name. A neotype for the preoccupied name Papilio helle Cramer, 1779, and its replacement name Magneuptychia fugitiva Lamas, [1997], is also designated, and a redescription of this name and discussion of its taxonomic status are provided. We describe an additional phenotypically similar species, Magneuptychia kamel Benmesbah & Zacca, sp. n. from the western Amazon and raise the name Magneuptychia opima sheba Brévignon & Benmesbah, 2012 to species rank (stat. rev.) on the basis of morphological and DNA sequence evidence. We also discuss the difficulties regarding taxonomic and geographical delimitation in these complex species groups. Observations on Euptychiina behaviour are also provided. Finally, based on external characters and male genitalia, a proposed preliminary arrangement of two species groups is proposed, including other species of Magneuptychia Forster, 1964 and Cissia Doubleday, 1848.
Potential Underestimation of Future Mei-Yu Rainfall with Coarse-Resolution Climate Models
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Wu Peili , Roberts Malcolm J. , Zhou Tianjun
Published: May 2018

The amount of rainfall during June and July along the mei-yu front contributes about 45% to the total summer precipitation over the Yangtze River valley. How it will change under global warming is of great concern to the people of China because of its particular socioeconomic importance, but climate model projections from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) show large uncertainties. This paper examines model resolution sensitivity and reports large differences in projected future summer rainfall along the mei-yu front between a low-resolution (Gaussian N96 grid, ~1.5° latitude–longitude) and a high-resolution (N216, ~0.7°) version of the Hadley Centre’s latest climate model, the HadGEM3 Global Coupled Configuration 2.0 (HadGEM3-GC2). The high-resolution model projects large increases of summer rainfall under two representative concentration pathway scenarios (RCP8.5 and RCP4.5) whereas the low-resolution model shows a decrease. A larger increase of projected mei-yu rainfall in higher-resolution models is also observed across the CMIP5 ensemble. These differences can be explained in terms of enhanced moist static energy advection and moisture convergence by stationary eddies in the high-resolution model. A large-scale manifestation of the anomalous stationary eddies is the contrasting response to the same warming scenario by the western North Pacific subtropical high, which is almost unchanged in N216 but retreats evidently eastward in N96, reducing the southwesterly flow and consequently moisture supply to the mei-yu front. Further increases in model resolution to resolve parameterized processes and detailed orographic features will hopefully reduce the spread in future climate projections.
Internal Gravity Wave Emission in Different Dynamical Regimes
Authors: Chouksey Manita , Eden Carsten , Brüggemann Nils
Published: May 2018

We aim to diagnose internal gravity waves emitted from balanced flow and investigate their role in the downscale transfer of energy. We use an idealized numerical model to simulate a range of baroclinically unstable flows to mimic dynamical regimes ranging from ageostrophic to quasigeostrophic flows. Wavelike signals present in the simulated flows, seen for instance in the vertical velocity, can be related to gravity wave activity identified by frequency and frequency–wavenumber spectra. To explicitly assign the energy contributions to the balanced and unbalanced (gravity) modes, we perform linear and nonlinear modal decomposition to decompose the full state variable into its balanced and unbalanced counterparts. The linear decomposition shows a reasonable separation of the slow and fast modes but is no longer valid when applied to a nonlinear system. To account for the nonlinearity in our system, we apply the normal mode initialization technique proposed by Machenhauer in 1977. Further, we assess the strength of the gravity wave activity and dissipation related to the decomposed modes for different dynamical regimes. We find that gravity wave emission becomes increasingly stronger going from quasigeostrophic to ageostrophic regime. The kinetic energy tied to the unbalanced mode scales close to Ro2 (or Ri−1), with Ro and Ri being the Rossby and Richardson numbers, respectively. Furthermore, internal gravity waves dissipate predominantly through small-scale dissipation, which emphasizes their role in the downscale energy transfer.
How Minority Religion Can Shape Corporate Capitalism: An Emergentist Account and Empirical Illustration
Authors: Vaidyanathan Brandon
Published: May 2018

Theories of how religion shapes business tend to focus on dominant religious institutions. What happens in the case of minority religions, where the alignment of religion with other dominant institutions may be weak at best? To answer this question, I first develop an emergentist account of religion, explaining how macro-level conditioning shapes meso- and micro-level interactions in religious contexts, leading to either structural change or stasis in business contexts. I illustrate this account by examining how Roman Catholicism as a minority religion shapes corporate capitalism in two cities: Bangalore, India, and Dubai, UAE. Drawing on in-depth interviews ( N=200) and 12 months of participant observation, I show how countervailing mechanisms create both assets and liabilities for Catholic professionals’ success in workplaces, contributing to morphostasis rather than change. I argue that such processes cannot be adequately understood without specifying their “macrofoundations,” and identify corresponding macro-level influences at global and local levels. By specifying such macro-micro linkages, this article improves our understanding of how religion shapes business.
Evaluating the Accuracy of the Empirical Item Characteristic Curve Preequating Method in the Presence of Test Speededness
Authors: Qiu Yuxi , Huggins-Manley Anne Corinne
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the empirical item characteristic curve (EICC) preequating method given the presence of test speededness. The simulation design of this study considered the proportion of speededness, speededness point, speededness rate, proportion of missing on speeded items, sample size, and test length. After crossing all of the manipulated factors and then normalizing the evaluation criteria (bias and root mean square difference [ RMSD]) with regard to test length, the results revealed that (1) when test speededness was present, conversions from the EICC preequating method tended to be positively distorted; (2) no practically meaningful moderation effect associated with sample size was found on the relationship between test speededness and the accuracy of EICC preequating; and (3) the location of the speededness point was the driving factor in terms of its impact on the accuracy of EICC preequating. Implications and suggestions were discussed.
The Influence of Individuals’ Vulnerabilities and Their Interactions on the Assessment of a Primary Care Experience
Authors: Haidar Ola M. , Lamarche Paul A. , Levesque Jean-Frederic , Pampalon Robert
Published: May 2018

This study examines the relationship between the vulnerabilities of individuals and their assessments of their primary care experiences in the setting of a universal care system. It focuses on 2 specific objectives: (1) evaluating the influence of each of the 5 vulnerabilities on the assessment of the care experience; (2) evaluating the influence of the interactions between the different types of vulnerabilities on the assessment of the care experience. The study identifies the primary care experience of 9,206 people. The health-related, biological, material, relational, and cultural vulnerabilities are also evaluated. Generally, individuals’ vulnerabilities are associated with a positive assessment of the primary care experience except for the cultural vulnerability. Material vulnerability is most frequently associated with a positive assessment of the primary care experience. The interactions between the multiple vulnerabilities present for one individual often modify the effect of vulnerability on the assessment of the experience of care. The positive effect of a vulnerability on the assessment of the care experience often increases in the presence of a second vulnerability, especially the health-related vulnerability. The simultaneous presence of health-related vulnerability cancels the negative influence of cultural vulnerability on the assessment of the primary care experience.
Cognitive social capital and self-rated health: Different outcomes across elderly Chinese groups in rural areas
Authors: Pan Haimin , Wu Jingyi
Published: May 2018

This article is a comparative study of the relationship between cognitive social capital and self-rated health among Chinese elderly in rural areas. By quota sampling, a sample of 398 elderly adults was interviewed for data collection. Multi-group analysis was employed to analyze the data. No significant relationship between cognitive social capital and self-rated health existed in the young-old group, whereas only trust exhibited a significant correlation with self-rated health in the old-old group. Only social participation was significantly correlated with self-rated health in the oldest-old group. Different aspects of social capital weigh distinctively for distinctive age cohorts.
Light scattering of glass-particle filled matrices with similar refractive index
Authors: Wildner Wolfgang , Drummer Dietmar
Published: May 2018

If fillers can be added to transparent materials without losing transparency, then advantages like enhanced mechanical and thermal properties can be integrated. The investigated specimens consist of glass particles and refractive index oil as a model for transparent matrices with a very similar refractive index. Their optical properties and resulting limitations are described. Potential uses are also demonstrated by application-oriented optical testing. Besides a standard spectrometer, additional spectrometer setups were used. These include a diffuse as well as a collimated illumination and different sample positioning. Furthermore, the scattered light intensity was measured at different angles. This analysis reveals that composites with smaller particles transmit more light directly. In contrast, standard spectrometers indicate an increasing direct transmittance of composites with larger particles. They collect significant amounts of scattered light and, therefore, are not suitable for transmission measurements of such composites. The different positioning shows that all specimens exhibit very little scattering when placed directly on a diffuse light source. With a greater distance between specimen and light source, the scattering increases strongly. To display the composites' optical appearance, the light-dark-contrast of the diffuse white light source photographed behind the composite was analyzed. Both long and short distances between composite and light source lead to a precise image of the light source. Nevertheless, the white light source appears in the color of the wavelength with matching refractive indices at long distances.
Investigation on the influence of humidity on the topography of surfaces of polymeric class A carbon fiber reinforced plastics
Authors: Kraemer M , Middendorf P , Bauernhansl T
Published: May 2018

The origin of fiber print-through is commonly based on the influence of temperature during cure and post cure thermal treatments on polymeric matrix systems due to chemical and thermal shrinkage. Furthermore, it is proven that especially polymeric matrices are hygroscopic and therefore, have a disposition to soak up water in surroundings with a high level of humidity. Currently, to characterize influences like these on coated surfaces of carbon fiber reinforced plastics short and long wave values are applied which are actually developed to describe waviness of coating film structures of conventional materials like aluminum or steel. A fitted value regarding the phenomenon of fiber print-through is missing today to consider various influences on the surface topography. This investigation delivers a novel approach with a specific value to determine averaged altitudes caused by fiber print-through. For this purpose, the used confocal chromatic sensor by Fries Research and Technologies creates 3D images of surface topography and fiber print-through. This elaboration allows to correlate the change of mass of carbon fiber reinforced plastics due to thermal and hygrothermal post curing treatments with the characteristic of fiber print-through. Mass increase of 0.25% due to hygrothermal influence leads to a rise of print-through effect of about 210% and a decrease of mass of 0.5% due to thermal influence rises the characteristic of print through of about 75%.
Does Social Trust Affect Public Support for International Trade? Insights from an Experiment in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Quynh , Bernauer Thomas
Published: May 2018

In view of recent political backlash against various trade agreements, we are interested in understanding how social trust influences public opinion on international trade. Recent correlational studies suggest that such an effect might exist, but further research is needed to establish whether social trust does indeed play a causal role in shaping the mass public’s trade attitudes. We use an experimental approach to assess whether higher levels of social trust lead to more public support for free trade. To induce variation in levels of social trust, we expose study participants to different versions of a voluntary contribution game and examine the effect of such variation on trade preferences. The experiment was carried out in Vietnam, whose economy has experienced a rapid process of trade liberalization. We show that our treatment design effectively induces differing levels of social trust, with higher levels of social trust generating greater support for free trade.
One-bath one-step low-temperature dyeing of polyester/cotton blended fabric with cationic dyes via β-cyclodextrin modification
Authors: Zhang Wan , Ji Xiaoqian , Wang Chaoxia , Yin Yunjie
Published: May 2018

With the aim of polyester/cotton fabric one-bath one-step dyeing, polyester fabric low-temperature dyeing with cationic dyes was investigated based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) modification. After β-CD/citric acid (CA) modification, the hydrophilicity of the modified polyester fabric was improved obviously, which was demonstrated via moisture regain and contact angle, as well as wicking property. The optimal dyeing temperature and crosslinking agent were selected through comparing the color strength of the dyed polyester fibers. Modified polyester fabric obtained significantly enhanced color strength from 0.12 to 4 with a good leveling property when dyeing at 70℃ using CA as the crosslinking agent. β-CD modified polyester/cotton fabric displayed a K/ S value of 8.61, much higher than the value of 0.71 of the unmodified fabric with cationic dyes, showing a highly improved dyeing ability. The color fastness of β-CD modified polyester/cotton fabrics, including washing fastness, rubbing fastness, perspiration fastness and light fastness, are all over grade 3–4 when the curing temperature of 180℃ is adopted for β-CD modification, demonstrating that polyester/cotton fabric one-bath one-step dyeing can be realized based on β-CD modification.
Beyond people group thinking: A critical reevaluation of unreached people groups
Authors: Lee Peter T. , Park James Sung-Hwan
Published: May 2018

Since its inception at the 1974 Lausanne Congress, the concept of “unreached people groups” (UPG) has revolutionized global mission. Today, “people group thinking” represents perhaps the predominant paradigm in global mission. Yet for all its influence, few have carefully examined UPG’s questionable underlying assumptions. This article critically reevaluates two central tenets of UPG. First, using biblical and sociocultural analysis, we assess the conceptual foundation of UPG—the idea of the people group. Second, we engage theologically with mission strategies that arise from UPG. We conclude that UPG relies upon flawed biblical, theological, and sociocultural assumptions, and propose that missiology move beyond UPG in theory and practice.
Performance Assessment of New Urinary Translational Safety Biomarkers of Drug-induced Renal Tubular Injury in Tenofovir-treated Cynomolgus Monkeys and Beagle Dogs
Authors: Gu Yi-Zhong , Vlasakova Katerina , Troth Sean P. , Peiffer Robert L. , Tournade Herve , Pasello dos Santos Flavia R. , Glaab Warren E. , Sistare Frank D.
Published: May 2018

Newer urinary protein kidney safety biomarkers can outperform the conventional kidney functional biomarkers blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) in rats. However, there is far less experience with the relative performance of these biomarkers in dogs and nonhuman primates. Here, we report urine protein biomarker performance in tenofovir-treated cynomolgus monkeys and beagle dogs. Tenofovir intravenous daily dosing in monkeys for 2 or 4 weeks at 30 mg/kg/day resulted in minimal to moderate tubular degeneration and regeneration, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate oral dosing in dogs for 10 days at 45 mg/kg/day resulted in mild to marked tubular degeneration, necrosis, and regeneration. Among biomarkers tested, kidney injury molecule 1 (Kim-1) and clusterin (CLU) clearly outperformed BUN and SCr and were the most reliable in detecting the onset and progression of tenofovir-induced tubular injury. Cystatin C, retinol binding protein 4, β2-microglobulin, neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, albumin, and total protein also performed better than BUN and SCr and added value when considered together with Kim-1 and CLU. These findings demonstrate the promising utility of these urinary safety biomarkers in monkeys and dogs and support their further evaluation in human to improve early detection of renal tubular injury.
Examining the Factor Structure of the MLQ Transactional and Transformational Leadership Dimensions in Nursing Context
Authors: Boamah Sheila A. , Tremblay Paul
Published: May 2018

The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) is the most widely used instrument for assessing dimensions of leadership style; yet, most studies have failed to reproduce the original MLQ factor structure. The current study evaluates the dimensionality and nomological validity of Bass’s transactional and transformational leadership model using the MLQ in a sample of registered nurses working in acute care hospitals in Canada. A combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the hypothetical factor structure of the MLQ consisting of five transformational factors, and three transactional factors. Results suggest that the eight-factor solution displayed best fit indices; however, two transactional factors should be extracted due to high interscale correlations and lack of differential relationships with the two leadership variables. The findings support a scale refinement and the need for new theory concerning the five transformational leadership and contingent reward dimensions of the MLQ.
Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use in Older Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Saraswathula Anirudh , Chen Michelle M. , Mudumbai Seshadri C. , Whittemore Alice S. , Divi Vasu
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Despite the epidemic of opioid overuse among American patients, there are limited data regarding the prevalence of such use among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Here, we report on the prevalence of persistent postoperative opioid (PPO) use and its risk factors among older patients with HNC undergoing surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare linked cancer registry‐claims database.

Subjects and Methods

We identified patients aged 66 years or older who were diagnosed with HNC from 2008 to 2013, underwent primary surgical resection for their cancers, and met certain insurance and discharge criteria. The primary outcome was PPO use, defined as new opioid prescriptions 90 to 180 days postoperatively. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between PPO use and factors such as demographics and postoperative treatment.

Results

Of the 1190 eligible patients with HNC, 866 (72.8%) received opioid prescriptions attributable to their surgery. Among these 866 patients, the prevalence of PPO use was 33.3% overall; it was 48.3% among the 428 patients with preoperative opioid use compared to 18.5% among the 438 opioid‐naive patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80‐5.59). Other factors associated with PPO use include postoperative radiotherapy (OR, 1.99; 95%, CI 1.33‐2.98) and Charlson comorbidity index (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.41). Postoperative chemotherapy (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.73‐1.95) was not significantly associated with PPO use.

Conclusions

PPO use is a substantial problem in older surgical patients with HNC, one that warrants consideration of alternative treatment strategies and continued examination of prescription guidelines for patients with HNC.
Association between Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Esophageal Food Impaction in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Ettyreddy Abhinav R. , Sink Jacquelyn R. , Georg Matthew W. , Kitsko Dennis J. , Simons Jeffrey P.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

(1) To describe the presentation, management, and outcomes associated with pediatric esophageal food impaction (EFI) at a single tertiary care institution. (2) To identify the key clinical features of pediatric EFI that are associated with a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐five children <18 years of age presenting with EFI between November 1, 2006, and October 31, 2013, were included. Presenting symptoms, medical history, biopsy results, endoscopic findings, and underlying etiology were examined. Fisher exact test, t tests, and logistic regression were used to compare between patients with and without EoE.

Results

Thirty‐five patients had isolated EFI and were included in the study. EoE accounted for 74% (n = 26) of pediatric EFI, with the remaining cases being attributed to neurologic impairment (n = 5, 15%), prior surgeries (n = 1, 3%), reflux esophagitis (n = 1, 3%), or unknown etiologies (n = 2, 6%). EFI was the initial manifestation of EoE in 81% (n = 21) of patients. The most common presenting symptoms were dysphagia (n = 34), choking (n = 26), and vomiting (n = 23). Linear furrowing was the only endoscopic finding that was significantly associated with EoE (P <. 001).

Conclusion

Most esophageal food impactions in the pediatric population are associated with an underlying diagnosis of EoE and are often the initial manifestation of the disease. EoE must be considered in all pediatric patients with EFI; esophageal biopsies should be strongly considered in these patients at the time of endoscopic management of the EFI.
Prescription and Usage Pattern of Opioids after Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Long Sallie M. , Lumley Catherine J. , Zeymo Alexander , Davidson Bruce J.
Published: May 2018

Objective

We seek to characterize the prescribing patterns of opioids, opioid consumption, and pain severity after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. We also aim to determine if a relationship exists between preoperative medication use and postoperative pain or opioid consumption.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Medical records of 237 adult patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery were included. Clinicopathologic data were collected, including pain scores, preoperative medications, and inpatient pain medications.

Results

The mean maximum pain score was 5.74 and varied by surgery type (range, 0‐10). Mean pain score decreased to 2.61 upon discharge (0‐8) and to 0.51 at the first postoperative visit. Patients with a length of stay exceeding 1 day had significantly higher maximum pain scores than those with a length of stay of 0 or 1 day (8 vs 5.58, P <. 001). Morphine milligram equivalents while in the hospital averaged 25.4 per day and were significantly influenced by preoperative opioid use (0‐202). Acetaminophen/oxycodone was the most commonly prescribed opioid. The mean number of pills prescribed postoperatively was 43.1 (0‐120).

Conclusion

In our population, patients are discharged with opioid prescriptions that may be in excess of their requirements following thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Preoperative opioid use was associated with higher postoperative pain score and, on multivariate analysis, greater inpatient opioid consumption. Further investigation is warranted to ensure that we are prescribing opioids appropriately following thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Immigrants’ Experiences of Everyday Discrimination in Canada: Unpacking the Contributions of Assimilation, Race, and Early Socialization
Authors: Vang Zoua M. , Chang Yvonne
Published: May 2018

We examined perceptions of everyday discrimination among immigrants in Canada and in comparison to native-born Canadians using data from the 2013 Canadian Community Health Survey. We find that recent immigrants report less discrimination than native-born Canadians, ceteris paribus. Recent immigrants also report less discrimination than their fellow immigrants who had been residing in Canada for much longer durations. There were trivial differences in perceptions of everyday discrimination between native-born Canadians and midway and established immigrants, all else being equal. Additional analysis suggests that differences in age at arrival and associated early socialization experiences might explain variations in immigrants’ perceived discrimination.
Exit programmes for female jihadists: A proposal for conducting realistic evaluation of the Dutch approach
Authors: Gielen Amy-Jane
Published: May 2018

Europe has seen an increase of women joining or sympathizing with the terrorist organization ISIS. These women are often considered victims and passive agents, but their threat should not be underestimated. Effective counter-measures are essential, especially now the so-called caliphate is in decline and many females want to return home. Exit programmes to deradicalize, disengage, reintegrate or rehabilitate are often part of a broader programme to prevent and counter violent extremism (CVE). Little is known about the effectiveness of such exit programmes, in particular in relation to female violent extremism. Drawing on municipal exit programmes in the Netherlands as a case study, the article researches how realistic evaluation can be used to measure the effectiveness of exit programmes. It also shows that the realistic evaluation method is beneficial for further theory development on the phenomenon of female violent extremism.
The Trail Making test: a study of its ability to predict falls in the acute neurological in-patient population
Authors: Mateen Bilal Akhter , Bussas Matthias , Doogan Catherine , Waller Denise , Saverino Alessia , Király Franz J , Playford E Diane
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To determine whether tests of cognitive function and patient-reported outcome measures of motor function can be used to create a machine learning-based predictive tool for falls.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Tertiary neurological and neurosurgical center.

Subjects:

In all, 337 in-patients receiving neurosurgical, neurological, or neurorehabilitation-based care.

Main Measures:

Binary (Y/N) for falling during the in-patient episode, the Trail Making Test (a measure of attention and executive function) and the Walk-12 (a patient-reported measure of physical function).

Results:

The principal outcome was a fall during the in-patient stay ( n = 54). The Trail test was identified as the best predictor of falls. Moreover, addition of other variables, did not improve the prediction (Wilcoxon signed-rank P < 0.001). Classical linear statistical modeling methods were then compared with more recent machine learning based strategies, for example, random forests, neural networks, support vector machines. The random forest was the best modeling strategy when utilizing just the Trail Making Test data (Wilcoxon signed-rank P < 0.001) with 68% (± 7.7) sensitivity, and 90% (± 2.3) specificity.

Conclusion:

This study identifies a simple yet powerful machine learning (Random Forest) based predictive model for an in-patient neurological population, utilizing a single neuropsychological test of cognitive function, the Trail Making test.
Psychedelic use and intimate partner violence: The role of emotion regulation
Authors: Thiessen Michelle S , Walsh Zach , Bird Brian M , Lafrance Adele
Published: May 2018

Background:

Recent evidence suggests that psychedelic use predicts reduced perpetration of intimate partner violence among men involved in the criminal justice system. However, the extent to which this association generalizes to community samples has not been examined, and potential mechanisms underlying this association have not been directly explored.

Aims:

The present study examined the association between lifetime psychedelic use and intimate partner violence among a community sample of men and women. The study also tested the extent to which the associations were mediated by improved emotion regulation.

Methods:

We surveyed 1266 community members aged 16–70 (mean age=22.78, standard deviation =7.71) using an online questionnaire that queried substance use, emotional regulation, and intimate partner violence. Respondents were coded as psychedelic users if they reported one or more instance of using lysergic acid diethylamide and/or psilocybin mushrooms in their lifetime.

Results/outcomes:

Males reporting any experience using lysergic acid diethylamide and/or psilocybin mushrooms had decreased odds of perpetrating physical violence against their current partner (odds ratio=0.42, p<0.05). Furthermore, our analyses revealed that male psychedelic users reported better emotion regulation when compared to males with no history of psychedelic use. Better emotion regulation mediated the relationship between psychedelic use and lower perpetration of intimate partner violence. This relationship did not extend to females within our sample.

Conclusions/interpretation:

These findings extend prior research showing a negative relationship between psychedelic use and intimate partner violence, and highlight the potential role of emotion regulation in this association.
How Do Individual Predispositions and Family Dynamics Contribute to Academic Adjustment Through the Middle School Years? The Mediating Role of Friends’ Characteristics
Authors: Vaillancourt Marie Claire , Oliveira Paiva Alexandra , Véronneau Marie-Hélène , Dishion Thomas J.
Published: May 2018

This study examined the mediating effect of friends’ characteristics (problem behavior and academic achievement) in the association between students’ background (family and individual factors) and later academic adjustment, as operationalized by problem behavior and academic achievement. We recruited 998 participants in three public middle schools and used three annual waves of data collection (Grades 6, 7, and 8). We found that students’ own academic achievement and problem bahvior are predictors of later adjustment. Friendship choices are identified as a mediation mechanism that contributes to consistent adjustment from the beginning to the end of middle school. Specifically, high-achieving students in Grade 6 tend to associate with high-achieving friends and are unlikely to associate with friends who exhibit problem behavior in Grade 7, which results in continued achievement in Grade 8. Associating with high-achieving friends in Grade 7 also mediated the link between adolescent problem behavior in Grade 6 and academic achievement by Grade 8. Friends’ characteristics in Grade 7 did not mediate the effect of any family factor measured in Grade 6. In general, our results suggest friendship selection is central to sustained success throughout the middle school years.
Ring versus non-ring plate for the treatment of displaced scapular body fractures: a retrospective study with a mean follow-up of 5 years
Authors: Yuan Zheng , Zhang Fan , Liang Guanzhao , Zeng Xianshang , Liu Dan , Yang Chen , Yu Weiguang , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xinchao
Published: May 2018

Objective

To compare surgical complications and functional outcomes of the ring plate versus the non-ring plate approach to the surgical repair of scapular body fractures (SBFs; AO/OTA classification: 14-A2.2).

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed data from adults with SBFs who underwent a modified Judet approach combined with non-ring or ring plates between November 2006 and June 2013. The primary outcomes were the Constant and Murley score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. The secondary outcomes were radiographic findings.

Results

A total of 318 patients had a non-ring or ring plate internal fixation, of which 147 patients (ring-treated, n = 72; non-ring-treated, n = 75) were evaluated with a mean follow-up period of 60 months. At the 3-month follow-up, the complication rate was 2.8% and 13.3% for the ring-treated and non-ring-treated groups, respectively. The difference persisted over time, with significantly different rates of 8.3% and 20.0% at the final follow-up for the ring and non-ring groups, respectively. The ring-treated group had significantly higher postoperative Constant and Murley scores and lower DASH scores compared with the non-ring-treated group.

Conclusion

Application of a modified Judet approach combined with ring plate internal fixation for the treatment of SBFs may be the preferred treatment option.
Increased risk of atrial fibrillation among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery while receiving nitrates and antiplatelet agents
Authors: Efird Jimmy T. , Jindal Charulata , Kiser Andy C. , Akhter Shahab A. , Crane Patricia B. , Kypson Alan P. , Sverdlov Aaron L. , Davies Stephen W. , Kindell Linda C. , Anderson Ethan J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This arrhythmia occurs more frequently among patients who receive perioperative inotropic therapy (PINOT). Administration of nitrates with antiplatelet agents reduces the conversion rate of cyclic guanosine monophosphate to guanosine monophosphate. This process is associated with increased concentrations of free radicals, catecholamines, and blood plasma volume. We hypothesized that patients undergoing CABG surgery who receive PINOT may be more susceptible to POAF when nitrates are administered with antiplatelet agents.

Methods

Clinical records were examined from a prospectively maintained cohort of 4,124 patients undergoing primary isolated CABG surgery to identify POAF-associated factors.

Results

POAF risk was increased among patients receiving PINOT, and the greatest effect was observed when nitrates were administered with antiplatelet therapy. Adjustment for comorbidities did not substantively change the study results.

Conclusions

Administration of nitrates with certain antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased POAF risk among patients undergoing CABG surgery. Additional studies are needed to determine whether preventive strategies such as administration of antioxidants will reduce this risk.
Bone transport for reconstruction of large bone defects after tibial tumor resection: a report of five cases
Authors: Yang Zhengming , Tao Huimin , Ye Zhaoming , Jin Libin , Lin Nong , Yang Disheng
Published: May 2018

This study was performed to explore the clinical efficacy of bone transport using external fixation for treatment of large bone defects after tibial tumor resection in five patients. Bone transport started 14 days postoperatively at 1 mm/day and was adjusted according to the callus-to-diameter ratio. The bone transport time, bone graft fusion, relapse, and metastasis were recorded. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. The tumors included osteosarcoma (n=2), Ewing sarcoma (n=1), malignant schwannoma (n=1), and hemangioma (n=1). The average bone defect length after resection was 11.6 cm. The five patients were followed up for an average of 50.8 months, and the average bone transport time was 15.5 months. Three patients who underwent postoperative chemotherapy were followed for 22.7 months, and two who did not undergo chemotherapy were followed for 4.75 months. Four patients underwent iliac bone grafting, and one underwent vascular pedicle fibular transplantation. The average MSTS score was 21.2 (19.3 for patients who underwent chemotherapy and 24.0 for patients who did not). No relapse or metastasis was observed. Bone transport is effective for reconstruction of large bone defects after tibial tumor resection as well as tibial malignancies with high doses of chemotherapy.
Canine Splenic Nodular Lymphoid Lesions: Immunophenotyping, Proliferative Activity, and Clonality Assessment
Authors: Sabattini Silvia , Lopparelli Rosa Maria , Rigillo Antonella , Giantin Mery , Renzi Andrea , Matteo Chiara , Capitani Ombretta , Dacasto Mauro , Mengoli Marisa , Bettini Giuliano
Published: May 2018

Canine splenic lymphoid nodules are currently classified as indolent lymphomas (marginal zone lymphoma [MZL], mantle cell lymphoma [MCL]) or nodular hyperplasia (lymphoid [LNH] or complex [CNH] type). Their differentiation can be difficult on morphology, because of similar histologic appearance and poorly defined diagnostic criteria. Thirty-five surgical samples of splenic lymphoid nodules were reviewed in order to assess the diagnostic contribution of immunophenotyping, proliferative activity and clonality (PARR) in differentiating between hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions. Proliferative activity was evaluated by double immunolabeling for Ki-67 and CD79a, in order to separately assess the proliferative activity of B cells and non-B cells. Definitive diagnoses were MZL ( n = 11), MCL ( n = 4), LNH ( n = 10), and CNH ( n = 10). The overall concordance between histology and PARR was above 90%. Lymphomas had a significantly higher percentage of CD79a-positive areas (mean, 36.30%; P = .0004) and a higher B-cell proliferative activity (median Ki-67 index, 5.49%; P = .0012). The threshold value most accurately predicting a diagnosis of lymphoma was ≥28% of B-cell areas, with a Ki-67 index above 3%. Dogs were monitored for a median follow-up time of 870 days (IQR, 569-1225), and no relapses were documented. Overall median survival time was 1282 days. The combination of histology, immunohistochemistry and PARR can improve the diagnostic accuracy for canine splenic lymphoid nodules, although the long-term behavior of these lesions appears similar.
Canine Gastrointestinal Spindle Cell Tumors Efficiently Diagnosed by Tissue Microarray-Based Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Pellegrino Valeria , Muscatello Luisa V. , Sarli Giuseppe , Avallone Giancarlo
Published: May 2018

Tissue microarray (TMA) is a time- and cost-saving technique allowing the simultaneous immunohistochemical evaluation of multiple tissue samples. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of TMA at classifying canine gastrointestinal spindle cell tumors as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), smooth muscle tumor (SMT), and non-GIST/non-SMT based on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), desmin, and CD117. Thirty-four cases were investigated on TMAs, sampling 2 cores each. Immunohistochemistry was performed on TMAs and full sections, and the results were compared. Comparing full sections, TMA specificity and sensitivity were 100% and 93.8%, respectively, for α-SMA; 100% and 80.8% for desmin; and 100% and 100% for CD117. TMA allowed the identification of 6 of 6 GISTs, 25 of 26 SMTs, and 2 of 2 non-GIST/non-SMTs. One SMT was misdiagnosed as non-GIST/non-SMT. Based on these results, TMA-based immunohistochemistry is efficient at diagnosing canine gastrointestinal spindle cell tumors and might be applied on large caseloads in a research setting.
Life-Sustaining Procedures, Palliative Care Consultation, and Do-Not Resuscitate Status in Dying Patients With COPD in US Hospitals
Authors: Shen Jay J. , Ko Eunjeong , Kim Pearl , Kim Sun Jung , Lee Yong-Jae , Lee Jae-Hoon , Yoo Ji Won
Published: May 2018

Aim:

Little is known regarding the extent to which dying patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receive life-sustaining procedures and palliative care in US hospitals. We examined temporal trends and the impact of palliative care on the use of life-sustaining procedures in this population.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective nationwide cohort analysis was performed using weighted National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data obtained from 2010 to 2014. Decedents ≥18 years of age at the time of death and with a principal diagnosis of COPD were included. We examined the receipt of life-sustaining procedures, defined as1 ventilation (intubation, mechanical ventilation, and noninvasive ventilation),2 vasopressor use (infusion and intravascular monitoring),3 nutrition (enteral and parenteral infusion of concentrated nutrition),4 dialysis, and5 cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as palliative care consultation and do not resuscitate (DNR). We used compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) and the Rao-Scott correction of the χ2 statistic to determine the statistical significance of temporal trends of life-sustaining procedures, palliative care utilization, and DNR status.

Results:

Among 37 312 324 hospitalizations, 38 425 patients were examined. The CAGRs of life-sustaining procedures were 6.61% and −9.73% among patients who underwent multiple procedures and patients who did not undergo any procedure, respectively (both P < .001). The CAGRs of palliative consultation and DNR were 5.25% and 36.62%, respectively (both P < .001).

Conclusions:

Among adults with COPD dying in US hospitals between 2010 and 2014, the utilization of life-sustaining procedures, palliative care, and DNR status increased.
Valuation of Quality of Life in Pediatric Disability in a Developing Country
Authors: Spiegel Elizabeth , Jondhale Sunil , Brajkovic Ivana , Nesbit Kathryn C. , Allen Isabel E. , Bhutani Vinod , Kumar Praveen , Partridge John Colin
Published: May 2018

This article assessed how Indian providers and mothers value quality of life in pediatric disabilities, hypothesizing lower values with increasing disability, lower values among providers than mothers, and lower values among mothers with versus mothers without a disabled child. We asked 175 participants: “If born tomorrow, how many years of a disabled life ( y) would you trade to avoid life-long disability” for 4 hypothetical disabilities, calculating “utility” scores as: (life span – y) / life span, where death = 0 and full life without disability = 1. Providers’ utilities were 0.67 (mild), 0.18 (moderate), –0.70 (severe), and –0.60 (profound); 0.67, 0, –0.77, and –0.88 for mothers without and 0.38, –0.49, –0.86, and –0.87 for mothers with a disabled child. Mothers without reported lower utilities than providers (severe and profound disability [ P ≤ .03]), and higher utilities than mothers (for mild and moderate disability [ P < .001]). Major disability is valued as a fate worse than death in India.