bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse Expression of IL-32 in Diffuse and Intestinal Types of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Pavlovic Mladen , Gajovic Nevena , Jurisevic Milena , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Radosavljevic Gordana , Pantic Jelena , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Jovanovic Ivan
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Gastric cancer (GC) represents one of the most common cancers worldwide, frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis, indicating on need for new diagnostic and prognostic markers. The aim of the study was to determine the expression of IL-32, proinflammatory and angiogenic mediators, in patients with diffuse and intestinal gastric cancer and the relationship with clinicopathological aspects. Material and Methods. The tissue samples of diffuse and intestinal types of tumor of 70 patients with gastric cancer were analyzed. Expression of IL-32, VEGF, IL-17, and CD31 was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results. IL-32 expression was significantly lower in tissue samples from patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer that is also a severe and more progressive form (TNM stages III and IV, poor histological differentiation, and higher nuclear grade III). Expression of IL-17 was also decreased in patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer. Microvascular density was diminished in diffuse type of gastric cancer. Conclusions. Downregulated expression of IL-32 in tumor tissue of patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer may implicate on its role in limiting ongoing proinflammatory and proangiogenic processes. This emphasizes on unrecognized role of IL-32 in biology of diffuse type of gastric cancer.
Gene Expression Profile Signature of Aggressive Waldenström Macroglobulinemia with Chromosome 6q Deletion
Authors: Sekiguchi Naohiro , Nomoto Junko , Nagata Akihisa , Kiyota Masahiro , Fukuda Ichiro , Yamada Kazuaki , Takezako Naoki , Kobayashi Yukio
Published: October 2018

Background. Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, indolent B-cell lymphoma. Clinically, chromosome 6q deletion (6q del) including loss of the B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 gene (BLIMP-1) is reported to be associated with poor prognosis. However, it remains unclear how the underlying biological mechanism contributes to the aggressiveness of WM with 6q del.Methods. Here, we conducted oligonucleotide microarray analysis to clarify the differences in gene expression between WM with and without 6q del. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify the main pathways underlying differences in gene expression. Eight bone marrow formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of WM were processed for interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, and three were shown to have 6q del.Results. GO analysis revealed significant terms including “lymphocyte activation” (corrected p value=6.68E-11), which included 31 probes. Moreover,IL21RandJAK3expression upregulation and activation of the B-cell receptor signaling (BCR) pathway includingCD79a,SYK,BLNK,PLCγ2, andCARD11were detected in WM with 6q del compared with WM without 6q del.Conclusion. The present study suggested that the BCR signaling pathway andIL21Rexpression are activated in WM with 6q del. Moreover,FOXP1andCBLBappear to act as positive regulators of the BCR signaling pathway. These findings might be attributed to the aggressiveness of the WM with 6q del expression signature.
Rechargeable Na-CO
2
Batteries Starting from Cathode of Na
2
CO
3
and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Sun Jianchao , Lu Yong , Yang Hao , Han Mo , Shao Lianyi , Chen Jun
Published: October 2018

Na-CO
2
batteries have attracted significant attentions due to their high energy density and effective utilization of greenhouse gas CO
2
. However, all reported Na-CO
2
batteries employ excessive preloaded metal Na, which will lead to safety issues such as dendrite formation and short circuit. In addition, the charging mechanism of reported Na-CO
2
batteries is not very clear. Here we report the Na-CO
2
batteries, starting from the cathode of cheap Na
2
CO
3
and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Due to the effective electron transfer and high reactivity, the decomposition of Na
2
CO
3
and CNTs could take place under 3.8 V. The charging mechanism of 2Na
2
CO
3
+ C → 4Na + 3CO
2
without any side reactions is revealed by in/ex situ techniques such as Raman, gas chromatograph, and optical microscope. Dendrite-free Na can quantitatively deposit on the Super P/Al anode because of large specific surface area and low nucleation barrier of the anode for Na plating. The batteries could deliver an energy density of 183 Wh kg
−1
(based on the whole mass of the pouch-type batteries, 4 g) with stable cycling performance. This work reveals that safe rechargeable Na-CO
2
batteries could be constructed by cheap Na
2
CO
3
and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
Neutral-Current Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering off Xe Isotopes
Authors: Pirinen P. , Suhonen J. , Ydrefors E.
Published: October 2018

Large liquid xenon detectors aiming for dark matter direct detection will soon become viable tools also for investigating neutrino physics. Information on the effects of nuclear structure in neutrino-nucleus scattering can be important in distinguishing neutrino backgrounds in such detectors. We perform calculations for differential and total cross sections of neutral-current neutrino scattering off the most abundant xenon isotopes. The nuclear-structure calculations are made in the nuclear shell model for elastic scattering and also in the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) and microscopic quasiparticle-phonon model (MQPM) for both elastic and inelastic scattering. Using suitable neutrino energy distributions, we compute estimates of total averaged cross sections for ​8B solar neutrinos and supernova neutrinos.
Modeling and Verification of Reconfigurable Printing System Based on Process Algebra
Authors: Luo Rubai , Gao Shasha , Li Huailin , Zhou Shisheng
Published: October 2018

With the print production process as the research object in this paper, the intelligent-context-reconfigurable printing system model is analyzed using process algebra (PA). First, combined with the printing production process, the overall framework of the system model, based on the agent-resource-worker (ARW) component model, is proposed. Abstract and formal verification of the system model are then carried out, and the verification process of the complex calibration process is discussed. Finally, the security and progress attributes of the model are validated by mCRL2. The results show that the system model has good reliability.
Association between Serum Copeptin and Stroke in Rural Areas of Northern China: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Sun Hao , Huang Donghui , Wang Hailong , Zhou Bo , Wu Xiaomei , Ma Bing , Shi Jingpu
Published: October 2018

Background. Copeptin has been implicated as an effective prognostic biomarker of stroke outcome; however, few studies have investigated whether copeptin could be used as an etiological factor for stroke or not. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of serum copeptin with stroke. Methods. In total, 238 participants including 119 cases (87 ischemic stroke and 32 hemorrhagic stroke) and 119 controls were included in this 1 : 1 matched case-control study. Conditional multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI); restricted cubic spline in logistic regression model was used to evaluate the dose-response association between serum copeptin and total stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke. Results. The median serum copeptin was 20.90 pmol/L, 20.90 pmol/L, 6.53 pmol/L, and 8.42 pmol/L for total stroke, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and healthy subjects, respectively. The corresponding ORs (95% CIs) for the highest compared with the lowest quartile were 1.23 (0.62–2.44) for total stroke, 4.01 (1.47–10.96) for ischemic stroke, and 0.13 (0.22–0.69) for hemorrhagic stroke. No nonlinear dose-response relationship was found between serum copeptin and total stroke (Pnonlinear=0.278), ischemic stroke (Pnonlinear=0.362), and hemorrhagic stroke (Pnonlinear=0.314). Compared with the reference copeptin level, a significantly increasing trend was found between serum copeptin and ischemic stroke (Poverall=0.002), and a decreasing trend was found between serum copeptin and hemorrhagic stroke (Poverall=0.007). Conclusions. Elevated serum copeptin levels were positively associated with ischemic stroke and adversely associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Additional prospective studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm the present findings.
Towards Ultra Low-Cost Myoactivated Prostheses
Authors: Sreenivasan Neethu , Ulloa Gutierrez Diego Felipe , Bifulco Paolo , Cesarelli Mario , Gunawardana Upul , Gargiulo Gaetano D.
Published: October 2018

In developing countries, due to the high cost involved, amputees have limited access to prosthetic limbs. This constitutes a barrier for this people to live a normal life. To break this barrier, we are developing ultra-low-cost closed-loop myoactivated prostheses that are easy to maintain manufacture and that do not require electrodes in contact with the skin to work effectively. In this paper, we present the implementation for a simple but functional hand prosthesis. Our simple design consists of a low-cost embedded microcontroller (Arduino), a wearable stretch sensor (adapted from electroresistive bands normally used for “insulation of gaskets” against EM fields), to detect residual muscle contraction as direct muscle volumetric shifts and a handful of common, not critical electronic components. The physical prosthesis is a 3D printed claw-style two-fingered hand (PLA plastic) directly geared to an inexpensive servomotor. To make our design easier to maintain, the gears and mechanical parts can be crafted from recovered materials. To implement a closed loop, the amount of closure of prosthesis is fed back to the user via a second stretch sensor directly connected to claw under the form of haptic feedback. Our concept design comprised of all the parts has an overall cost below AUD 30 and can be easily scaled up to more complicated devices suitable for other uses, i.e., multiple individual fingers and wrist rotation.
Inspiratory Muscle Training with Isokinetic Device to Help Ventilatory Weaning in a Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome by Zika Virus
Authors: Cordeiro de Souza Leonardo , Souza Amarildo Abreu de , Almeida Eric Eduardo Pinto de , Honse Ribeiro Leo , Parada Godoy Marcos David , Augusto Junior Wanderlei , Ronaldo Lugon Jocemir
Published: October 2018

Zika is an arbovirus infection mainly transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. In 2016, the burden of Zika epidemic in Brazil was significant. Patients affected by Zika virus can develop Guillain-Barré syndrome, evolving to muscle respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. In this setting, delayed recovery of the muscle weakness can result in prolonged weaning, a condition that by itself is related to a high mortality rate. The study is reporting a case of a patient with Zika and Guillain-Barré syndrome who underwent an inspiratory muscle training program starting after twenty-five days of mechanical ventilation and guided by serial measurements of the timed inspiratory effort (TIE) index. The patient was successfully weaned in two weeks and discharged from the hospital 30 days after extubation.
Inner-View of Nanomaterial Incited Protein Conformational Changes: Insights into Designable Interaction
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arka , Basu Sankar , Singha Santiswarup , Patra Hirak K.
Published: October 2018

Nanoparticle bioreactivity critically depends upon interaction between proteins and nanomaterials (NM). The formation of the “protein corona” (PC) is the effect of such nanoprotein interactions. PC has a wide usage in pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, medicine, and industrial biotechnology. Therefore, a detailed in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico understanding of nanoprotein interaction is fundamental and has a genuine contemporary appeal. NM surfaces can modify the protein conformation during interaction, or NMs themselves can lead to self-aggregations. Both phenomena can change the whole downstream bioreactivity of the concerned nanosystem. The main aim of this review is to understand the mechanistic view of NM-protein interaction and recapitulate the underlying physical chemistry behind the formation of such complicated macromolecular assemblies, to provide a critical overview of the different models describing NM induced structural and functional modification of proteins. The review also attempts to point out the current limitation in understanding the field and highlights the future scopes, involving a plausible proposition of how artificial intelligence could be aided to explore such systems for the prediction and directed design of the desired NM-protein interactions.
Arrested Developments: CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance and Alterations in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Teh Jessica L.F. , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: October 2018

The uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors to target cell-cycle progression. Palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib are ATP-competitive inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6), which function early within the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Recently, CDK4/6 inhibitors have gained FDA approval in postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative breast cancer and testing in other cancer types is underway. However, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors frequently develops. In addition, targeting CDK4/6 may augment the action of immune checkpoint blockade agents. Here, we review recent studies that provide the preclinical rationale for treatment combinations and schedules that include CDK4/6 inhibitors. Furthermore, we discuss inhibitor effects on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as a preclinical rationale for targeting CDK4/6 in combination with anti–PD-1 or anti–CTLA-4 antibodies.
Evidence for Chemopreventive and Resilience Activity of Licorice: Glycyrrhiza Glabra and G. Inflata Extracts Modulate Estrogen Metabolism in ACI Rats
Authors: Wang Shuai , Dunlap Tareisha L. , Huang Lingyi , Liu Yang , Simmler Charlotte , Lantvit Daniel D. , Crosby Jenna , Howell Caitlin E. , Dong Huali , Chen Shao-Nong , Pauli Guido F. , van Breemen Richard B. , Dietz Birgit M. , Bolton Judy L.
Published: October 2018

Women are increasingly using botanical dietary supplements (BDS) to reduce menopausal hot flashes. Although licorice (Glycyrrhiza sp.) is one of the frequently used ingredients in BDS, the exact plant species is often not identified. We previously showed that in breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A), Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and G. inflata (GI), and their compounds differentially modulated P450 1A1 and P450 1B1 gene expression, which are responsible for estrogen detoxification and genotoxicity, respectively. GG and isoliquiritigenin (LigC) increased CYP1A1, whereas GI and its marker compound, licochalcone A (LicA), decreased CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of the bioactive licorice compounds, the metabolism of LicA, and whether GG, GI, and/or pure LicA modulate NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) in an ACI rat model. In addition, the effect of licorice extracts and compounds on biomarkers of estrogen chemoprevention (CYP1A1) as well as carcinogenesis (CYP1B1) was studied. LicA was extensively glucuronidated and formed GSH adducts; however, free LicA as well as LigC were bioavailable in target tissues after oral intake of licorice extracts. GG, GI, and LicA caused induction of NQO1 activity in the liver. In mammary tissue, GI increased CYP1A1 and decreased CYP1B1, whereas GG only increased CYP1A1. LigC may have contributed to the upregulation of CYP1A1 after GG and GI administration. In contrast, LicA was responsible for GI-mediated downregulation of CYP1B1. These studies highlight the polypharmacologic nature of botanicals and the importance of standardization of licorice BDS to specific Glycyrrhiza species and to multiple constituents.
Megestrol Acetate Induces Declarative Memory Changes and Cortisol Suppression in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Mason Brittany L. , Ivleva Elena I. , Van Enkevort Erin , Nakamura Alyson , Brown E. Sherwood
Published: October 2018

Background: The effects of the glucocorticoid and progesterone receptor agonist megestrol on declarative memory, and the ability of phenytoin to block these effects, were assessed. Methods: Healthy volunteers received each medication combination (placebo and megestrol, phenytoin and megestrol, and placebo and placebo) using a randomized, crossover design. The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test assessed declarative memory. Results: Megestrol was associated with a significant reduction in declarative memory (p = 0.0008), which was attenuated by phenytoin, and was associated with significant cortisol suppression compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Changes in memory and cortisol suppression were found in healthy volunteers given megestrol.
Improved Prediction of Survival by a Risk Factor-Integrating Inflammatory Score in Sorafenib-Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sprinzl Martin F. , Kirstein Martha M. , Koch Sandra , Seib Marie-Luise , Weinmann-Menke Julia , Lang Hauke , Düber Christoph , Toenges Gerrit , Zöller Daniela , Marquardt Jens U. , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Galle Peter R. , Vogel Arndt , Pinter Matthias , Weinmann Arndt
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims: Inflammation affects progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We therefore postulate that systemic inflammatory markers could help to predict prognosis in HCC patients receiving sorafenib therapy. Methods: Overall survival (OS) of HCC patients receiving palliative sorafenib treatment was correlated with the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and the modified GPS (mGPS) along with clinicopathological parameters. Predictors of OS were assessed by multivariable Cox regression and receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (ROC-AUC) analyses. Results: Patients receiving sorafenib (n = 120) for advanced HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C) were explored by retrospective analysis. Findings were subsequently validated by a second HCC cohort (n = 113) receiving sorafenib at two independent treatment centers. Multivariable assessment across these HCC cohorts confirmed a stable association of CAR (p ≤ 0.001), GPS (p ≤ 0.01) and mGPS (p ≤ 0.004) with OS. This study also identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (p < 0.001) and portal thrombosis (p = 0.002) as prognostic factors and uncovered an inconsistent OS association of NLR and PLR in HCC patients. Additional combined analysis of ECOG, portal thrombosis and GPS within an extended score (GPS-EP) was associated with OS (p = 0.021), which was confirmed within the validation cohort (p = 0.001). In sorafenib-treated HCC, the ROC-AUC value for the prediction of 12-month survival was 0.761 (CAR >/≤0.37 cut-off, p < 0.001), 0.766 (GPS, p < 0.001) and 0.754 (mGPS, p < 0.001), respectively. In comparison to this, GPS-EP achieved a higher AUC of 0.826 (0.746–0.907) for the 12-month survival prediction, resulting in a 64.4% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity at a > 2 point cut-off. Conclusions: Inflammatory scores obtained before sorafenib treatment initiation are associated with OS in advanced HCC. Their combination with other risk factors improves prediction of 3- and 12-month survival, which could guide treatment decisions in selected patient subgroups.
Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 with Thrombophilia in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Hasan Asma , Maynard Sharon , Santoriello Dominick , Schairer Henry
Published: October 2018

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the AGXT gene, resulting in deficiency of the alanineglyoxylate:aminotransferase enzyme. It is characterized by accumulation of oxalate in the kidneys and other organs. Case Presentation: A Syrian woman with a history of nephrolithiasis and heterozygosity for factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutations presented with postpartum renal failure. She required initiation of renal replacement therapy at 14 weeks postpartum. Kidney biopsy showed severe acute and chronic crystalline deposition consistent with oxalate nephropathy. Genetic testing revealed a Gly170Arg mutation in the AGXT gene, confirming the diagnosis of PH1. Conclusions: The diagnosis of PH should be considered in patients with severe, recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Early treatment with pyridoxine reduces urinary oxalate excretion and can delay progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). After ESRD, intensive dialysis is needed to prevent systemic oxalate accumulation and deposition. Combined liver and kidney transplantation is curative. In our patient, we anticipate that liver transplantation will cure both the hyperoxaluria and the hypercoagulable state.
Utility of Regular Management of Physical Activity and Physical Function in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yamamoto Shohei , Matsuzawa Ryota , Abe Yoshifumi , Hoshi Keika , Yoneki Kei , Harada Manae , Watanabe Takaaki , Shimoda Takahiro , Suzuki Yuta , Matsunaga Yusuke , Kamiya Kentaro , Yoshida Atsushi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Several clinical practice guidelines recommend regular assessment of physical activity and physical function as part of routine care in hemodialysis patients. However, there is no clear evidence to support these recommendations. We investigated whether the proportion of attendance at a regular program for management of physical activity and physical function can predict all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study consisted of 266 hemodialysis patients participating in the management program at least once. Participants were tracked for 3 years after their first attendance at the management program to determine their attendance proportion. The main study outcomes included all-cause mortality and a composite of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. Results: Median patient age was 64.5 (interquartile range, 56.8 – 72.0) years, 45% were women, and the median time on hemodialysis was 35.5 (interquartile range, 12.0 – 114.3) months at baseline. Sixty-five patients died over a median follow-up of 79 months. The incidence of cardiovascular events was 60 over a median follow-up of 68 months. Even after adjusting for any of the prognostic models, participants who attended ≤ 75% of sessions (n = 140) had higher risks of mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00 – 3.36; P = 0.049) and cardiovascular events (HR, 1.84; 95% CI: 1.07 – 3.48; P = 0.03) than those attending > 75% of sessions (n = 126). Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients in whom physical activity and physical function could be assessed more regularly had better prognosis than those with only intermittent assessment.
Social conformity affects experimental measurement of boldness in male but not female monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus)
Authors: Kerman Kaan , Sieving Kathryn E. , St. Mary Colette , Avery Michael L.
Published: October 2018

The standard approach for characterizing boldness rarely considers the influence of social environment on the expression of boldness in group-living animals. We studied a wild-caught, captive population of monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) to investigate the impact of conspecific presence on boldness — a personality trait in monk parakeets — in a controlled environment. We quantified seven boldness metrics across three types of behavioural assay: novel object, emergence, and predator exposure tests in the presence of a companion pair of flock mates. Because of the high degree of sociality in this species, we hypothesized that the presence of companion birds would facilitate the focal individuals’ behavioural responses (i.e., increase the average boldness level). We found that behavioural response in a risky foraging context was inversely correlated between solitary and social condition in males, but not in females. Our results have implications for characterizing sex-specific differences of risk-taking behaviour in social animals.
Format Neglect: How the Use of Numerical Versus Percentage Rank Claims Influences Consumer Judgments
Authors: Sevilla Julio , Isaac Mathew S. , Bagchi Rajesh
Published: October 2018

Marketers often claim to be part of an exclusive tier (e.g., “top 10”) within their competitive set. Although recent behavioral research has investigated how consumers respond to rank claims, prior work has focused exclusively on claims having a numerical format. But marketers often communicate rankings using percentages (e.g., “top 20%”). The present research explores how using a numerical format claim (e.g., “top 10” out of 50 products) versus an equivalent percentage format claim (e.g., “top 20%” out of 50 products) influences consumer judgments. Across five experiments, the authors find robust evidence of a shift in evaluations whereby consumers respond more favorably to numerical rank claims when set sizes are smaller (i.e., <100) but more favorably to percentage rank claims when set sizes are larger (i.e., >100), even when the claims are mathematically equivalent. They further show that this change in evaluations occurs because consumers commit format neglect when making their evaluations by relying predominantly on the nominal value conveyed in a rank claim and insufficiently accounting for set size.
The even Greater Commission: Relating the Great Commission to the missio Dei, and human agency to divine activity, in mission
Authors: Konz D. J.
Published: October 2018

This article proposes a means to reconcile and properly order two of the dominant missiological concepts of the past century: the so-called “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:18–20, and the concept of missio Dei. By doing so, the article seeks to offer a more robustly trinitarian basis for mission which references the Great Commission, and a means to better nuance and understand the relationship between divine and human agency in mission. To make these arguments, the article offers a theological primer on and critique of the two missiological concepts, then contends that the Great Commission should be understood as a second-order, rather than a first-order, frame of reference for mission, located within the wider trinitarian framework of the “even greater” co-missions of the Son and Spirit. The article then draws on the theology of Karl Barth to affirm that the church, insofar as its actions correspond to God’s own activity in the Spirit, can be regarded as the locus of human co-activity in the pneumatological missio of God. With further reference to Barth, the article proposes that properly ordering and relating the Great Commission and the missio Dei allows for a cooperative, if asymmetrical, co-missional account of the relation between God’s agency and human action in mission. While primarily drawing on the resources of systematic theology, the article concludes with some preliminary implications for mission theology and practice.
Integrating a nationally scaled workforce of community health workers in primary care: a modelling study
Authors: Hayhoe Benedict , Cowling Thomas E , Pillutla Virimchi , Garg Priya , Majeed Azeem , Harris Matthew
Published: October 2018

Objective

To model cost and benefit of a national community health worker workforce.

Design

Modelling exercise based on all general practices in England.

Setting

United Kingdom National Health Service Primary Care.

Participants

Not applicable.

Data sources

Publicly available data on general practice demographics, population density, household size, salary scales and screening and immunisation uptake.

Main outcome measures

We estimated numbers of community health workers needed, anticipated workload and likely benefits to patients.

Results

Conservative modelling suggests that 110,585 community health workers would be needed to cover the general practice registered population in England, costing £2.22bn annually. Assuming community health workerss could engage with and successfully refer 20% of eligible unscreened or unimmunised individuals, an additional 753,592 cervical cancer screenings, 365,166 breast cancer screenings and 482,924 bowel cancer screenings could be expected within respective review periods. A total of 16,398 additional children annually could receive their MMR1 at 12 months and 24,716 their MMR2 at five years of age. Community health workerss would also provide home-based health promotion and lifestyle support to patients with chronic disease.

Conclusion

A scaled community health worker workforce integrated into primary care may be a valuable policy alternative. Pilot studies are required to establish feasibility and impact in NHS primary care.
Fuzzy adapting rate for a neural emulator of nonlinear systems: real application on a chemical process
Authors: Rhili Fatma Ezzahra , Atig Asma , Ben Abdennour Ridha
Published: October 2018

This paper deals with a new fuzzy adapting rate for a neural emulator of nonlinear systems with unknown dynamics. This method is based on an online intelligent adaptation by using a fuzzy supervisor. The satisfactory obtained simulation results are compared with those registered in the case of the classical choice of adapting rate and show very good emulation performances. An experimental validation of the proposed fuzzy adapting rate on a chemical reactor is also proposed to confirm the good performances in terms of speed of convergence and precision of representation.
A novel robust non-fragile control approach for a class of uncertain linear systems with input constraints
Authors: Shi Keke , Liu Chuang , Sun Zhaowei , Vukovich George
Published: October 2018

This paper addresses the non-fragile control problem for a class of uncertain linear systems subject to model uncertainty, controller perturbations, fault signals and input constraints. The controller to be designed is supposed to have additive gain perturbations. A novel state feedback controller is proposed based on the exact available expectation of a Bernoulli random variable, which is introduced to model the feature of the controller gain perturbation that randomly occurs. By using Lyapunov stability theory, new sufficient conditions are derived to design non-fragile controller for a class of uncertain linear systems considering input constraints. Compared with the existing non-fragile state feedback controller methods, the non-fragile property is fully considered to improve the tolerance of uncertainties in the controller, where the conservativeness can be reduced via the Bernoulli random variable. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is illustrated by two numerical examples.
How Emotional Dynamics Maintain and Destroy White Supremacist Groups
Authors: Latif Mehr , Blee Kathleen , DeMichele Matthew , Simi Pete
Published: October 2018

In this article, we explore emotions as a relational mechanism that affects the stability of political movement groups by activating or weakening identities, social ties, and movement boundaries. Our goal is to specify the dynamics by which personal emotional experiences are linked to wider group processes. In this way, emotion serves as an analytic bridge, connecting the micro levels to larger social structures. We draw on data from former violent white supremacists to understand the personal/interpersonal (micro) and group (meso) level emotional dynamics in this extremist movement, especially how emotional experiences affect social movement dynamics. We draw on our evidence to build models of how emotional dynamics create trajectories of development and decline in white supremacist group membership. To demonstrate the analytic leverage provided by a focus on emotional dynamics, we then examine three findings from our study that are difficult to explain through more common frameworks of individual cognitive processes or group structure.
Rethinking Diversity Management: An Intersectional Analysis of Diversity Networks
Authors: Dennissen Marjolein , Benschop Yvonne , van den Brink Marieke
Published: October 2018

The aim of this paper has been to further our knowledge on diversity management practices by applying an intersectionality lens to single category diversity networks. Diversity networks are in-company networks intending to inform and support employees with similar social identities. Their focus on single identity categories is exemplary of current diversity management practices. We shed light on the strategies of network members to deal with their multiple identities vis-a-vis their network membership (structural intersectionality) and on the processes that hamper collaboration and coalition building between diversity networks (political intersectionality). Our intersectional analysis shows how the single category structure of diversity networks marginalizes members with multiple disadvantaged identities and reveals how collaborations between diversity networks are hindered by processes of preserving privilege rather than interrogating it. We contribute to the literature on diversity management practices by highlighting how dynamic processes of privilege and disadvantage play a role in sustaining intersectional inequalities in organizations.
Paying for Their Stay: Race, Coresiding Arrangements, and Rent Payments Among Fragile Families
Authors: Whitehead Ellen
Published: October 2018

Coresiding with extended relatives represents a beneficial form of resource sharing for disadvantaged individuals that is particularly common among Black, Hispanic, and low-socioeconomic status communities, yet we know little about financial arrangements within coresidential families. Given ongoing racial inequality in extended family resources, this study explores whether contributing rent is patterned by race among coresidential families. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( N = 4,103), this project explores coresident and rent payment arrangements among mothers of young children. The analysis reveals that Black and Hispanic mothers carry unique financial burdens, being more likely, in comparison to White peers, to live with extended relatives and pay rent to the householder. Furthermore, among coresiders, Hispanic mothers are more likely than White mothers to pay rent even when the household is socioeconomically advantaged. This work reveals a form of inequality within coresidential housing, with White mothers having advantaged access to rent-free housing arrangements.
Proceedings of the 2018 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium
Authors: Elmore Susan A. , Carreira Vinicius , Labriola Caralyn S. , Mahapatra Debabrata , McKeag Sean R. , Rinke Matthias , Shackelford Cynthia , Singh Bhanu , Talley Ashley , Wallace Shannon M. , Wancket Lyn M. , Willson Cynthia J.
Published: October 2018

The 2018 annual National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium, entitled “Pathology Potpourri,” was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s 37th annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers’ talks along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Various lesions and other topics covered during the symposium included seminiferous tubule dysgenesis in rats, ameloblast and odontoblast degeneration/necrosis in a Sprague Dawley rat, intestinal leiomyositis in a beagle dog, gallbladder mucinous hyperplasia, focus of hepatocellular alteration and bile duct alteration in otters, renal tubule cytoplasmic vacuolation with basophilic granules in mice treated swith antisense oligonucleotide therapy, a uterine choriocarcinoma in a rhesus macaque, and rete ovarii proliferative ovarian lesions in various aged rat strains. One particularly provocative lesion was a malignant neoplastic proliferation in the renal pelvic region of a cynomolgus macaque from a 21-day study. Additional challenging lesions included thyroid proliferative lesions in zebra fish and gross findings in fish larvae during routine chemical screening. The Rabbit and Minipig International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria Organ Working Groups also presented a series of challenging lesions.
The nerve root sedimentation sign in diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Piechota Małgorzata , Król Robert , Elias David A. , Wawrzynek Wojciech , Lekstan Andrzej
Published: October 2018

Background

The nerve root sedimentation sign is a magnetic resonance (MR) sign, shown to be present in central lumbar spinal stenosis. The lack of sedimentation of the nerve roots to the dorsal part of the dural sac is consistent with the positive nerve root sedimentation sign.

Purpose

To validate the reliability of the nerve root sedimentation sign in diagnosis of different grades of lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Material and Methods

This study was a retrospective review of 101 consecutive MR imaging (MRI) studies obtained on patients with clinically suspected lumbar canal stenosis. Based on the minimum anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the dural sac the study sample was classified into two groups: a group with morphological lumbar spinal stenosis; and the group of patients free from stenosis (AP > 12 mm). Patients with stenosis were further subclassified based on its severity: severe stenosis (AP ≤ 10 mm); and moderate stenosis (AP > 10 mm to ≤ 12 mm).

Results

Positive sedimentation sign was identified in 81% of patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis and 14% of patients with moderate stenosis. No patients without lumbar spinal stenosis had a positive nerve root sedimentation sign. Of patients with a positive nerve root sedimentation sign, 89% presented with neurological claudication.

Conclusion

The nerve root sedimentation is a useful tool for identification of patients with both severe clinical and morphological lumbar spinal stenosis; however, its performance in the diagnosis of patients with moderate morphological spinal stenosis is poor.
Two case reports of Wellens’ syndrome
Authors: Wang Xiqiang , Sun Jingjing , Feng Zhuokun , Gao Yuan , Sun Chaofeng , Li Guoliang
Published: October 2018

Wellens’ syndrome is characterised by particular changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) precordial lead T-waves accompanied by proximal stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Two cases of electrocardiographic changes associated with Wellens’ syndrome are presented here. Case 1, a 55-year-old female, was transferred to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University with intermittent and laborious angina pectoris. Her first ECG on admission revealed T-wave inversion in leads V1–V3 and biphasic T-waves in V4. Case 2, an 85-year-old female, presented with dyspnoea and paroxysmal chest pain. Her admission ECG displayed asymmetrical T-wave inversion in leads V1–V3, I, and aVL, and depressed ST segments in leads V2–V5. In this patient, drug-eluting stents were placed on a LAD artery lesion and right coronary artery occlusion. The potential of ECGs to aid decision-making in severe myocardial infarction is straightforward, particularly in patients with characteristic ECGs, however, Wellens’ syndrome has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and the ECG patterns may manifest itself persistently over a period of weeks. Therefore, ECG parameters should be combined with coronary angiography to confirm the presence of lesions.
Has the implementation of the Minamata convention had an impact on the practice of operative dentistry in Jordan?
Authors: Al-Asmar Ayah Abdullah , Al-Khatib Khaled M , Al-Amad Tareq Z , Sawair Faleh A
Published: October 2018

Objective

To assess Jordanian dentists’ current perception and attitudes towards amalgam and composite restorations four years after the Minamata treaty was endorsed and suggest decision making factors that may influence the type of restoration requested by patients.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted through structured questionnaires distributed to dentists in Amman, Jordan from June 2017 to February 2018.

Results

Of the 1686 dentists who were contacted 758 dentists (response rate 45%) responded to the questionnaire either by email or via field visits. Jordanian dentists used more composite restorations than amalgam. Recurrent caries followed by fracture of the restoration were the main reasons for replacement of both fillings by dentists. However, dentists suggested that the main reason patients requested replacement of amalgam was for ‘staining’. In addition, a large proportion of the dentists had experienced patients who had asked either for replacement of amalgam (77%) or refused an amalgam filling (99%) for aesthetic reasons. In the opinion of the dentists, only 20% patients requested replacement of amalgam because of the mercury content.

Conclusion

The findings of this survey suggest that a ‘phase-down’ of dental amalgam is being implemented in Jordan's dental clinics but it is not associated with commitment to the Minamata Convention, rather to current dental practice trends and patients’ aesthetic demands.
Modified experimental procedure to determine the output variable in an optimum range – A case study: Pulley belt experiment
Authors: Verma Ankur , Sanyal Shubhashis
Published: October 2018

The pulley-belt experiment for determining coefficient of friction (μ) between belt and pulley surface is a standard experiment in engineering mechanics laboratory of undergraduate engineering programs (freshman year). It is used as a measure to establish the relation between the loads applied, angle of lap (θ) and coefficient of friction between the contact surfaces of pulley and belt. The value of coefficient of friction is calculated from friction equation by using measured load ratios and angle of lap. However, the value of coefficient of friction shows significant variation as angle of lap varies from one extreme to another, as this variation leads to a deviation from the theoretical model of the experiment. This further compromises the quality of the output, i.e. coefficient of friction, in addition to its inability to be experimentally measured. Also, no quantitative measure is available to validate the results of the experiment on the basis of measurable variables, which if present could serve as an indirect measure to check the quality of the output (μ). In the present work, parameters are identified to validate the experimental results based on the measurable variables of the experiment, i.e. load ratios and angle of lap. These parameters, i.e. difference in standard deviation of μ, load ratios for forward and reverse loading, help to determine a range for angle of lap, for which this experimental setup shall yield results which are closest to the theoretical framework of the same, giving a quantitative measure to validate the results.
Emergency Department Presentations and Youth Suicide: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rhodes Anne E. , Sinyor Mark , Boyle Michael H. , Bridge Jeffrey A. , Katz Laurence Y. , Bethell Jennifer , Newton Amanda S. , Cheung Amy , Bennett Kathryn , Links Paul S. , Tonmyr Lil , Skinner Robin
Published: October 2018

Objective:

We estimate associations between emergency department (ED) diagnoses and suicide among youth to guide ED care.

Method:

This ED-based case-control study used data from the Office of the Chief Coroner and all EDs in Ontario, Canada. Cases ( n = 697 males and n = 327 females) were aged 10 to 25 years who died by suicide in Ontario between April 2003 and March 2014, with an ED contact in the year before their death. Same-aged ED-based controls were selected during this time frame. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results:

Among youth diagnosed with a mental health problem at their most recent ED contact (41.9% cases, 5% controls), suicide was elevated among nonfatal self-inflicted: ‘other’ injuries, including hanging, strangulation, and suffocation in both sexes (aORs > 14); cut/pierce injuries in males (aOR > 5); poisonings in both sexes (aORs > 2.2); and mood and psychotic disorders in males (aORs > 1.7). Among those remaining, ‘undetermined’ injuries and poisonings in both sexes (aORs > 5), ‘unintentional’ poisonings in males (aOR = 2.1), and assault in both sexes (aORs > 1.8) were significant. At least half of cases had ED contact within 106 days.

Conclusions:

The results highlight the need for timely identification and treatment of mental health problems. Among those with an identified mental health problem, important targets for suicide prevention efforts are youth with self-harm and males with mood and psychotic disorders. Among others, youth with unintentional poisonings, undetermined events, and assaults should raise concern.
Examining Curriculum-Based Measurement Screening Tools in Middle School Science: A Scaled Replication Study
Authors: Conoyer Sarah J. , Ford Jeremy W. , Smith R. Alex , Mason Erica N. , Lembke Erica S. , Hosp John L.
Published: October 2018

This replication study examined the alternate form reliability, criterion validity, and predictive utility of two curriculum-based measurement (CBM) tools in science, Vocabulary-Matching (VM) and Statement Verification for Science (SV-S), for the purpose of screening. In all, 205 seventh-grade students from four middle schools were given alternate forms of each science CBM tool. Scores from the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) science assessment were obtained. Stronger evidence of reliability and validity with the ISAT was found for VM compared with SV-S. With regard to predictive utility, VM more accurately classified students’ at-risk status compared with SV-S for identifying proficiency on the ISAT. Practical implications and directions for future research are also discussed.
A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Promote Self-Determination for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Burke Kathryn M. , Raley Sheida K. , Shogren Karrie A. , Hagiwara Mayumi , Mumbardó-Adam Cristina , Uyanik Hatice , Behrens Sarah
Published: October 2018

Promoting self-determination is critical to enabling young people to achieve education-related goals and positive postschool employment, community participation, and quality of life outcomes. By developing skills associated with self-determination such as choice-making, decision-making, problem solving, goal setting and attainment, planning, self-management, self-advocacy, self-awareness, and self-knowledge, students with disabilities are better prepared to make purposeful decisions and choices. We conducted a meta-analysis of the literature on interventions to promote self-determination and associated skills with students with disabilities in the school context. We analyzed the types of interventions, populations of students with whom they were implemented, outcomes, and rigor of research. Results demonstrated that interventions to promote self-determination can be effective for students across grade levels, disability labels, and settings. There remains a need for increased focus on promoting self-determination within inclusive, general education settings with students with and without disabilities and of diverse backgrounds. Future researchers should also focus on the rigor of methodological design and associated reporting when conducting school-based research. Additional implications for research and practice are discussed.