bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Serum Interleukin-6: A Non-Invasive Predictor of Histological Chorioamnionitis in Women with Preterm-Prelabor Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Martinez-Portilla Raigam Jafet , Hawkins-Villarreal Ameth , Alvarez-Ponce Pamela , Chinolla-Arellano Zarela Lizbeth , Moreno-Espinosa Ana Lisbeth , Sandoval-Mejia Ana Lilia , Moreno-Uribe Nallely
Published: April 2018

Objective: To assess the added value of maternal serum levels of IL-6 in women with preterm-prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) as a non-invasive test for the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women between 20 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation with a confirmed diagnosis of PPROM. Logistic regression models were created for the prediction of HCA and compared by assessing the improvement in their Naegelkerke R2 as a measure of goodness of fit. Predictive performance of all models was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis and compared by the DeLong method. Results: From 47 women with PPROM, 31 (66%) developed HCA. Maternal serum IL-6 ≥19.5 pg/dL was the best cut-off point for the prediction of HCA (OR = 15; 95% CI: 3.6–61; p < 0.01). A model comprising maternal characteristics and IL-6 ≥19.5 pg/dL showed an area under the curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74–0.95), significantly improving the previous models of IL-6 ≥19.5 pg/dL (R2: 23.3 vs. 34.1%; p = 0.01) or maternal characteristics (R2: 8.4 vs. 34.1%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: A model comprising maternal serum levels of IL-6 plus maternal characteristics proves to be a good non-invasive predictor of HCA.
Avaliabilidade dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família com foco na integração às equipes apoiadas
Authors: Souza Thaís Titon de , Calvo Maria Cristina Marino
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Analisar a avaliabilidade dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família com foco na integração às equipes apoiadas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de avaliabilidade em que foram realizadas análise documental e modelização da intervenção com foco no trabalho integrado às equipes apoiadas, o que permitiu descrever dimensões, objetivos e resultados esperados. Foram definidos indicadores de resultados e suas respectivas medidas e fontes de informação. Foram aplicadas técnicas de consenso com informantes-chave para validação dos modelos e da matriz de indicadores. RESULTADOS: O estudo de avaliabilidade mostrou-se apropriado, possibilitando melhor definição e conhecimento acerca da intervenção. CONCLUSÕES: Há coerência entre os objetivos dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família e sua estruturação, ainda que existam dificuldades para operacionalizá-los. É recomendado proceder a uma avaliação formativa dos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família com foco no trabalho integrado às equipes apoiadas buscando fortalecê-los para o alcance dos resultados esperados.
Selenoprotein P Promotes the Development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Kikuchi Nobuhiro , Satoh Kimio , Kurosawa Ryo , Yaoita Nobuhiro , Elias-Al-Mamun Md. , Siddique Mohammad Abdul Hai , Omura Junichi , Satoh Taijyu , Nogi Masamichi , Sunamura Shinichiro , Miyata Satoshi , Saito Yoshiro , Hoshikawa Yasushi , Okada Yoshinori , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: April 2018

Background:

Excessive proliferation and apoptosis resistance of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are key mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Despite the multiple combination therapy, a considerable number of patients develop severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) because of the lack of diagnostic biomarker and antiproliferative therapies for PASMCs.

Methods:

Microarray analyses were used to identify a novel therapeutic target for PAH. In vitro experiments, including lung and serum samples from patients with PAH, cultured PAH-PASMCs, and high-throughput screening of 3336 low-molecular-weight compounds, were used for mechanistic study and exploring a novel therapeutic agent. Five genetically modified mouse strains, including PASMC-specific selenoprotein P (SeP) knockout mice and PH model rats, were used to study the role of SeP and therapeutic capacity of the compounds for the development of PH in vivo.

Results:

Microarray analysis revealed a 32-fold increase in SeP in PAH-PASMCs compared with control PASMCs. SeP is a widely expressed extracellular protein maintaining cellular metabolism. Immunoreactivity of SeP was enhanced in the thickened media of pulmonary arteries in PAH. Serum SeP levels were also elevated in patients with PH compared with controls, and high serum SeP predicted poor outcome. SeP-knockout mice (

SeP
–/–

) exposed to chronic hypoxia showed significantly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary artery remodeling compared with controls. In contrast, systemic SeP-overexpressing mice showed exacerbation of hypoxia-induced PH. Furthermore, PASMC-specific

SeP
–/–

mice showed reduced hypoxia-induced PH compared with controls, whereas neither liver-specific SeP knockout nor liver-specific SeP-overexpressing mice showed significant differences with controls. Altogether, protein levels of SeP in the lungs were associated with the development of PH. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that SeP promotes PASMC proliferation and resistance to apoptosis through increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which were associated with activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and dysregulated glutathione metabolism. It is important to note that the high-throughput screening of 3336 compounds identified that sanguinarine, a plant alkaloid with antiproliferative effects, reduced SeP expression and proliferation in PASMCs and ameliorated PH in mice and rats.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that SeP promotes the development of PH, suggesting that it is a novel biomarker and therapeutic target of the disorder.
Association of “Elevated Blood Pressure” and “Stage 1 Hypertension” With Cardiovascular Mortality Among an Asian Population
Authors: Talaei Mohammad , Hosseini Naeimeh , Koh Angela S. , Yuan Jian‐Min , Koh Woon‐Puay
Published: April 2018

Background

The new American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association high blood pressure (BP) guidelines in the United States have lowered definition of hypertension by defining normal as systolic/diastolic BP <120/80 mm Hg; elevated BP as systolic between 120 and 129 mm Hg and diastolic <80 mm Hg; and stage 1 hypertension as systolic between 130 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mm Hg.

Methods and Results

We investigated the association between the new hypertension definition and cardiovascular disease mortality among Chinese in Singapore. We used data from 30 636 participants of a population‐based cohort, the SCHS (Singapore Chinese Health Study), who had BPs measured using a standard protocol at ages 46 to 85 years between 1994 and 2005. Information on lifestyle factors was collected at recruitment (1993–1998) and follow‐up 1 interviews (1999 and 2004). Mortality was identified via nationwide registry linkage up to December 31, 2016. Neither elevated BP (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.07) nor stage 1 hypertension (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–1.11) was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared with normal BP in the whole cohort. Stage 1 hypertension was associated with increased cardiovascular risk only in those <65 years of age and without a history of cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.94), but not in those ≥65 years of age or with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the newly defined stage 1 hypertension may not be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality across all ages among Chinese in Singapore, but that the at‐risk subpopulation is limited to those <65 years of age and without a prior cardiovascular disease.
Impact of Smoking on Clinical Outcome and Recanalization After Intravenous Thrombolysis for Stroke
Authors: Kurmann Rebekka , Engelter Stefan T. , Michel Patrik , Luft Andreas R. , Wegener Susanne , Branscheidt Meret , Eskioglou Elissavet , Sirimarco Gaia , Lyrer Philippe A. , Gensicke Henrik , Horvath Thomas , Fischer Urs , Arnold Marcel , Sarikaya Hakan
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose—

The impact of smoking on prognosis after stroke is controversial. We aimed to assess the relationship between smoking status and stroke outcome after intravenous thrombolysis in a large cohort study by adjusting for potential confounders and incorporating recanalization rates.

Methods—

In a prospective observational multicenter study, we analyzed baseline and outcome data of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Using uni- and multivariable modeling, we assessed whether smoking was associated with favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1) and mortality. In addition, we also measured the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and recanalization of middle cerebral artery. Patients reporting active cigarette use were classified as smokers.

Results—

Of 1865 patients, 19.8% were smokers (n=369). They were younger (mean 63.5 versus 71.3 years), less often women (56% versus 72.1%), and suffered less often from hypertension (61.3% versus 70.1%) and atrial fibrillation (22.7% versus 35.6%) when compared with nonsmokers. Favorable outcome and 3-month mortality were in favor of smokers in unadjusted analyses (45.8% versus 39.5% and 9.3% versus 15.8%, respectively), whereas symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was comparable in both cohorts. Smoking was not associated with clinical outcome and mortality after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.61;
P
=0.197 and odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–1.71;
P
=0.755, respectively). However, smoking still independently predicted recanalization of middle cerebral artery in multivariable analyses (odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–6.43;
P
=0.028).

Conclusions—

Our study suggests that good outcome in smokers is mainly related to differences in baseline characteristics and not to biological effects of smoking. The higher recanalization rates in smokers, however, call for further studies.
Time’s Speech in The Winter’s Tale: How the Past Can Be Undying
Authors: Turner Frederick
Published: April 2018

The speech of Time in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is here closely analyzed as the poet’s statement of his philosophy of time. The play’s breach of Aristotle’s unity of time—the play at this point lets pass sixteen years—introduces several other breaches of received wisdom about time. Shakespeare rejects the view of time the destroyer in his sonnets, replacing it with a view of time that combines time as judge, as that which tries or tests, as maker of lawfulness and laws, as gardener and agent of growth, and as emergent consciousness. An early feminist work, the play sees the creative function of time as characteristic of female ethics and action. Most radically, time is constitutively recursive in its nature, not a simple dimension, radically unpredictable yet retrodictable once an event has occurred. Nothing is lost, though the past itself grows in meaning as new time accumulates upon it.
The Non-Urgency of Animation or How to Jump Out of a Vehicle in Motion
Authors: Garcia-Moreno José
Published: April 2018

In the last decade, we have noted increasing interest in animation from students diagnosed with autism. This article depicts the particular case of the Animation Department at Loyola Marymount University, where college students diagnosed with autistic syndrome disorder (asd) talk about patience, focus, and collaboration, and voice their opinions about their attraction to animation and how it has played an important role in their lives.
Typification of Lentinus degener, the basionym of Neolentinus degener (Gloeophyllales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: PAPP VIKTOR , DIMA BÁLINT
Published: April 2018

The peculiar agaric species described as Lentinus degener (≡ Neolentinus degener) was commonly considered identical to Neolentinus cyathiformis or N. schaefferi in the scientific literature and the correct name of this species is controversial even today. The aim of our study was to discuss the nomenclature of this species and take a step towards resolving application of the name Lentinus degener by designating a type (lectotype). In addition, sequence data from the universal fungal barcode region (nrDNA internal transcribed spacer, ITS1–5.8S–ITS2), as well as the nrDNA 28S (large subunit), and two protein coding gene regions (Tef-1α, rpb2) obtained from the epitype specimen (designated in this study as well) are also presented for further taxonomic or systematic studies in the important brown-rot family Gloeophyllaceae.
Sellaphora davoutiana sp. nov.: a new freshwater diatom species (Sellaphoraceae, Bacillariophyta) in lakes of Northeastern France
Authors: HEUDRE DAVID , WETZEL CARLOS E. , MOREAU LAURA , ECTOR LUC
Published: April 2018

During a floristic survey of freshwater lakes in the French Grand Est region, a new Sellaphora species (Bacillariophyceae) was found. Its morphology was examined in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy to formally describe it. Sellaphora davoutiana sp. nov. has elliptic-lanceolate valves with broadly protracted, subcapitate apices. Based on available literature, it is compared to morphologically similar species such as Navicula detenta, S. sardiniensis, S. sassiana and S. smirnovii. Valve dimensions, central area shape and striae density and pattern of this new species allow its separation from them. Sellaphora davoutiana has been found in three low-mountain lakes of glacial origin in Northeastern France, with watershed on granitic substratum. Additionally, illustrations of Hustedt type material of Navicula detenta are provided, and this taxon is formally transferred to the genus Adlafia.
A new genus of nesticid spiders from western European Peninsulas (Araneae, Nesticidae)
Authors: RIBERA CARLES
Published: April 2018

This paper describes a new genus of Nesticidae based on morphology of the genital characters and supported by molecular data. The new genus, Domitius n. gen., includes a group of seven cave-dweller species spread along western European peninsulas (Iberian and Italian). Molecular phylogenetic analysis shows that these species constitute an independent and highly supported evolutionary lineage being the sister group to Kryptonesticus Pavlek & Ribera, 2017, Nesticus Thorell, 1869 and Carpathonesticus Lehtinen & Saaristo, 1980 genera. As a result, seven new combinations are here proposed: Domitius baeticus (López-Pancorbo & Ribera, 2011) n. comb., Domitius murgis (Ribera & De Mas, 2003) n. comb., Domitius lusitanicus (Fage, 1931) n. comb., Domitius luquei (Ribera & Guerao, 1995) n. comb., Domitius sbordonii (Brignoli, 1979) n. comb., Domitius menozzii (Caporiacco, 1934) n. comb., Domitius speluncarum (Pavesi, 1873) n. comb.
Design of Precipitation Networks1
Authors: Peck Eugene L.
Published: April 2018

The knowledge of the temporal and spatial variability of precipitation is important to many aspects of our society. A review of the research that has been accomplished on precipitation variability is presented. This is coupled with a discussion of the state of the art in measurement and estimation of precipitation to evaluate the present ability to properly design precipitation networks.
The tragedy of becoming tired of living: Youth and young adults’ suicide in Greenland and Denmark
Authors: Bolliger Larissa , Gulis Gabriel
Published: April 2018

Background:

Suicide is a tremendous public health issue and worldwide the second leading cause of death among young people. In 2015, Greenland had the highest burden of disease due to self-harm with loss of 2,952.97 disability-adjusted life years per 100,000 inhabitants, more than six times as many as Denmark.

Aims:

What are possible reasons for Greenland’s higher youth suicide rate compared to Denmark, despite being one kingdom of Denmark?

Method:

Mixed methods in the form of qualitative, semi-structured interviews, the analysis of available data for 2003–2016 and a literature review were conducted with the aim to answer this question.

Results:

Several exposures cause this difference, most significantly adverse effects of the colonial past, such as social issues and experienced traumas in Greenland compared to its former coloniser Denmark.

Conclusion:

The ongoing burden of youth suicide in Greenland requires enhanced actions of all stakeholders involved in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
Neoliberal crises of social work in the Global South: Ethnography of individualizing disability and empowerment practice in India
Authors: Chaudhry Vandana
Published: April 2018

This article examines the World Bank’s disability and development projects in rural South India and illuminates neoliberalism’s dangers for social work theory and practice in the Global South. Based on a multi-year ethnographic study involving participant observation and interviews with multiple stakeholders, it critically examines the individualized model of empowerment promoted by self-help groups in light of the structural and cultural realities of rural disability. It highlights the dangers of individualization and responsibilization of self-help group interventions and traces how disabled subjectivities are shaped in line with neoliberal governmentality. Foregrounding disability and global south perspectives on neoliberalism – often overlooked in social work scholarship – this article contributes an intersectional and transnational perspective to social work.
Localized Delivery of Amifostine Enhances Salivary Gland Radioprotection
Authors: Varghese J.J. , Schmale I.L. , Mickelsen D. , Hansen M.E. , Newlands S.D. , Benoit D.S.W. , Korshunov V.A. , Ovitt C.E.
Published: April 2018

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers commonly causes damage to salivary gland tissue, resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth) and numerous adverse medical and quality-of-life issues. Amifostine is the only Food and Drug Administration–approved radioprotective drug used clinically to prevent xerostomia. However, systemic administration of amifostine is limited by severe side effects, including rapid decrease in blood pressure (hypotension), nausea, and a narrow therapeutic window. In this study, we demonstrate that retroductal delivery of amifostine and its active metabolite, WR-1065, to murine submandibular glands prior to a single radiation dose of 15 Gy maintained gland function and significantly increased acinar cell survival. Furthermore, in vivo stimulated saliva secretion was maintained in retrograde-treated groups at levels significantly higher than irradiated-only and systemically treated groups. In contrast to intravenous injections, retroductal delivery of WR-1065 or amifostine significantly attenuated hypotension. We conclude that localized delivery to salivary glands markedly improves radioprotection at the cellular level, as well as mitigates the adverse side effects associated with systemic administration. These results support the further development of a localized delivery system that would be compatible with the fractionated dose regimen used clinically.
A Case Study: Utilizing My Faith and Racial Minority Status to Deepen Clinical Work
Authors: Huang Anna
Published: April 2018

In this article, I briefly describe how my upbringing in the Chinese/Chinese-American church impacted my religious development and my passion for psychology. I discuss a clinical case which highlights the ways I use my own racial minority status and Christian faith to understand transference and counter-transference with another minority, faith-based client. The twinship components between my client and I are explored.
The Woman in Red: Examining the Effect of Ovulatory Cycle on Women’s Perceptions of and Behaviors Toward Other Women
Authors: Netchaeva Ekaterina , Kouchaki Maryam
Published: April 2018

Previous research has shown that during her monthly peak fertile window, a woman competes with other women for a suitable mate. Drawing upon research on ovulation and socially constructed meanings of the color red, we examine how a woman’s fertility status and red clothing worn by a target woman change perceptions of the target, as well as behaviors toward the target. Following previous research on the ovulatory status and color red effects, we rely on both hormonal and self-reported fertility data. Across six studies, our research fails to provide support for the prediction that an ovulating woman is less likely to trust another woman wearing red compared with a nonovulating woman.
The Advantage of Legal Diversity for State Formation: Bourbon Reforms and Aragonese Law in Eighteenth-Century Spain
Authors: Fox Phillip D.
Published: April 2018

Most theories of state formation emphasize the advantages of legal uniformity for the development of early modern states. The Bourbon monarchy in eighteenth-century Spain demonstrates alternative possibilities because Philip V created a more unified legal system in the kingdoms of Valencia and Aragon in 1707 only to reinstate the distinctive Aragonese civil law in 1711. Philip pursued this change in policy because the difficulties caused by changing Aragonese civil law undercut his support among the local elite, while reinstating these laws increased the dependence of these elite upon the success of the king in the War of Spanish Succession (1700–1714). Philip V’s policies following 1711 demonstrate a consistent interest in securing the support of the local elite over the desire to unify the divergent civil laws throughout his kingdoms. For these reasons, selective legal diversity proved a compelling approach to governing. The persistence of these regional variations in law contributes to broader theories of state formation by demonstrating the potential benefits of legal diversity.
Before the Altar of the Fatherland: Catholicism, the Politics of Modernization, and Nationalization during the Spanish Civil War
Authors: del Arco Blanco Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2018

Catholicism has occupied a central place in debates concerning the nature of Francoism. Conventionally, scholars have suggested that the traditional, archaic elements of the Franco Dictatorship made it markedly different from other fascist regimes. This article explores the crucial role that Catholicism played in the popular mobilization, unification, and nationalization of rebel supporters during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Instead of focusing on an analysis of the discourse of the Catholic Church and its interactions with the politics and institutions of the ‘New State’, this study concentrates on Catholicism's role in generating social support for the regime. First, it examines the religious services and practices that occurred on the battlefronts. It then deals with events on the rebel home front. It argues that during the Spanish Civil War, Catholicism became a force that united, mobilized, and forged both individual and national Francoist identities.
Gelatinolytic activity of autocrine matrix metalloproteinase-9 leads to endothelial de-arrangement in Moyamoya disease
Authors: Blecharz-Lang Kinga G , Prinz Vincent , Burek Małgorzata , Frey Dietmar , Schenkel Tobias , Krug Susanne M , Fromm Michael , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: April 2018

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare steno-occlusive cerebrovascular disorder. Mechanisms driving the formation of aberrant MMD vessels remain elusive. We collected serum and vessel specimens from MMD and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease (ACVD) patients serving as controls due to the same hypoxic stimulus but substantial differences in terms of vascular features. Based on patient material and an in vitro model mimicking ACVD and MMD conditions, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were tested for their potential involvement in cerebrovascular disintegration. While serum concentration of both molecules did not significantly differ in both patient groups, excessive collagenase activity and lowered collagen IV protein amount in MMD vessels pointed to a focal MMP-9 activity at the affected vessel sites. We observed overexpressed and autocrinely secreted MMP-9 and VEGF along with disturbances of EC–matrix interactions in MMD but not ACVD serum-treated cEND cells. These seemingly brain-specific effects were partially attenuated by VEGF signaling inhibition suggesting its role in the MMD etiology. In conclusion, our findings support the understanding of the high incidence of hemorrhagic and ischemic events in MMD and provide the basis for novel therapeutic strategies stopping or slowing the development of fragile cerebrovasculature or micro-bleeds characterizing the disease.
The Problem with Isaiah's So-Called ‘Refrain Poem’: A New Look at the Compositional History of Isaiah 9.7–20
Authors: Balogh Csaba
Published: April 2018

This article argues that Isaiah's so-called ‘refrain poem’ ( Kehrvergedicht) in Isa. 9.7–20 is a composite text, going back to two early prophecies with different concerns. Isaiah 9.7–17* focused originally on the arrogant refusal of the divine word, while Isa. 9.18–20* reflected on the chaotic social circumstances in Samaria in the eighth century. The refrains in vv. 9,1 11cd, 16ef and 20cd were added to these two already connected prophecies at a later stage. The theological summary in v. 12 is yet another addition, closely affiliated with 5.24–25. Unlike v. 12, the refrains do not have the repentance of Israel in view, nor its final destruction, but the fall of Assyria in Isa. 10.5–15, 24–27. The refrains support the theory that the Isaianic collection was formed by means of reusing, restructuring and reinterpreting earlier material.
A Multivariate Analysis of Incarceration and Sentence Length Decisions for Older Defendants
Authors: Freiburger Tina L. , Jordan Kareem L. , Hilinski-Rosick Carly M.
Published: April 2018

This study examines sentencing decisions for older defendants, and how legal and extralegal variables differently affect older defendants. Using data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, the results indicate that defendants above the age of 50 are less likely to be sentenced to prison and jail and are more likely to be sentenced to a community sanction. For sentence length, however, those aged 50 and above receive significant longer jail sentences than those aged 18 to 29 and longer prison sentences than both those aged 30 to 49 and 18 to 29. The results also indicate that offense severity and prior record have a more negative effect on older defendants during the incarceration decision. During the sentence length decision, however, the opposite is found for the effect of offense severity. These findings are discussed and are used to make suggestions for future research and policy implications.
Legitimacy and the Paradox of Technocratic Government in Newer European Democracies: The Fischer Administration in the Czech Republic Revisited
Authors: Hanley Seán
Published: April 2018

The creation of technocratic caretaker governments in several European countries in the wake of the Great Recession (2008–2009) and the Eurozone crisis led to renewed academic interest in such administrations. Although such governments are often assumed to be illegitimate and democratically dysfunctional, there has been little empirical consideration of if and how they legitimate themselves to mass publics. This question is particularly acute given that, empirically, caretaker technocrat-led administrations have been clustered in newer, more crisis-prone democracies in Southern and Eastern Europe where high levels of state exploitation by parties suggest a weak basis for any government claiming technocratic impartiality. This article uses Michael Saward’s “representative claims” framework to re-examine the case of one of Europe’s longer-lasting and most popular technocratic administrations, the 2009–2010 Fischer government in the Czech Republic. The article maps representative claims made for Fischer and his government, as well as counterclaims. Claims drew on the electoral mandate of sponsoring parties, the government’s claimed technocratic neutrality, and on Fischer’s “mirroring” of the values and lifestyle of ordinary Czechs (echoing some populist framings of politics). The article argues that the Fischer government benefited from multiple overlapping representative claims, but notes the need for robust methodology to assess the reception claims by their intended constituency. It concludes by considering the implications of actors’ ability to combine populist and technocratic claims, noting similarities in technocratic governments and some types of anti-establishment party.
Infections in hospitalized lupus nephritis patients: characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Liu P , Tan H Z , Li H , Lim C C , Choo J C J
Published: April 2018

Background

There are limited studies documenting infection epidemiology in lupus nephritis (LN) patients. We aimed to study infection incidences and risk characteristics and ascertain possible predictors of infective outcomes in a multiethnic Asian population.

Methods

This retrospective study from 2006 to 2012 included newly diagnosed LN patients. We collected admissions, immunosuppression, and infection data until end-stage renal failure, death, last follow-up, or the year 2015. The infection incidence rates were evaluated and a generalized linear latent and mixed models (GLLAMM) analysis was carried out to evaluate potential predictors of infection.

Results

Our cohort of 101 patients consisted of mainly Chinese (75.2%), females (78.2%), and a median age of 38 years (IQR 26–49). The median time of follow-up was 72.8 months (IQR 49.5–94.0). Six out of 14 patient deaths were infection related. Seventy-eight out of 200 admissions, with a total of 102 episodes of infection, occurred in 46 patients. The incidence of infection rates leading to admissions was 10.3 per 100 person-years and the incidence of infection episodes rates was 17.6 per 100 person-years. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was the most common organism identified. Univariate GLLAMM analysis showed Malay compared to Chinese ethnicity (HR 2.833 (95% CI 1.088–7.373)), use of oral cyclophosphamide (HR 6.618 (95% CI 1.015–43.154)) and rituximab (HR 3.967 (95% CI 1.157–13.603)) as predictors of infection-related admissions. Malay ethnicity and rituximab remained significant in the multivariate GLLAMM analysis.

Conclusions

Our study highlights substantial infection incidences in patients with LN and its contribution to deaths.
Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in systemic lupus erythematous, a mesenchymal stem cell disorder
Authors: Fathollahi A , Gabalou N B , Aslani S
Published: April 2018

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disorder with involvement of several organs and systems such as the kidney, lung, brain and the hematopoietic system. As the most prevailing organ manifestation, lupus nephritis is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in SLE patients. The most classically and widely administered immunosuppressive medications, namely corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, have eventuated in a remarkable amelioration in disease complications over the last few years and reduced the progression to end-stage multiorgan failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as non-hematopoietic and multipotential progenitor cells, which are able to differentiate into multiple cell lineages such as chondrocytes, osteoblasts, myoblasts, endothelial cells, adipocytes, neuron-like cells, hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes. MSCs from SLE patients have demonstrated defects such as aberrant cytokine production. Moreover, impaired phenotype, growth and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs from patients with SLE in comparison to healthy controls have been reported. Therefore, it is hypothesized that SLE is potentially an MSC-mediated disease and, as a result, allogeneic rather than autologous MSC transplantation can be argued to be a potentially advantageous therapy for patients with SLE. On the other hand, the MSC senescence phenomenon may meet the current therapeutic approaches with challenges and demand more attention. Here, we discuss MSC transplantations to date in animal models and humans and focus on the MSC senescence complications in SLE patients.
Business Process Re-engineering for Bed Allocation Process in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai
Authors: Lotlikar Vrunda , Dsouza Bryal , Kamath Rajesh , Apuri Nikitha
Published: April 2018

A proficient bed allotment system in the hospital reflects effective management. Minimizing the waiting time and appropriate bed allocation ensures quality of care and optimum utilization of hospital resources. The hospital management must respond to the growing needs of the patient care by reducing the admission delays and communication delays among health care providers. The objective of the study was to understand the bed allocation process, to evaluate reasons for delay in bed allotment and to minimize the waiting time for new admissions in a 750-bedded tertiary care hospital. The study was conducted by taking a random sample of 35 beds of general category. The admission time was recorded through hospital information system and by interviewing the nursing and housekeeping staff. The study revealed that the delay in communication from nurse station to admission counter was the major reason followed by delay in billing process and delay in preparing bed by the housekeeping staff.
Alternate Systems of Medicine in India—How Pervasive and Why?
Authors: Chowdhury Samik , Kundu Protiva
Published: April 2018

The Government of India has decided to revive alternate systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy—AYUSH) on a mission mode. However, this endeavour is barely supported by any nationally representative assessment of the demand for these alternate systems of medicine. This assumes additional significance in light of persistently low levels of public spending on the conventional health system. This article does an exploratory analysis of the 68th round (2011–2012) of the National Sample Survey data to generate evidence on the demand for AYUSH services and patterns in utilization, if any. It finds that although AYUSH had a fairly consistent presence in policy pronouncements, its utilization is low, with substantial variations across states in terms of usage, availability and perceived efficacy of AYUSH. Inadequate awareness about the system and inefficacy of treatment emerge as the two biggest reasons for not using these services. There exist rural–urban and class differences in utilization, medium of delivery and determinants of AYUSH use in India.
Gaps in Training in Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Sciences and Applications Among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in the 22 Top-Ranked Schools of Public Health in China
Authors: Lau Joseph T. F. , Wang Zixin , Li Jinghua , Li Jibin , Cheng Edith M. Y. , Chan Virginia W. Y. , Cao Wangnan , Fang Yuan , Li Chunrong , Qin Pei
Published: April 2018

The next generation of public health professionals requires rigorous training in behavioral health, in order to design effective behavioral interventions to respond effectively to the epidemiological transition in China. This study aimed to investigate issues in training in social and behavioral sciences in public health in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1285 and 835 last-year undergraduate and graduate public health students in 2013. The results showed that (1) majority of undergraduate students but a minority of graduate students had enrolled in psychology, social medicine, and health promotion courses; (2) very few had enrolled in other social and behavioral sciences courses; (3) high percentages of students perceived significance, needs, and interests related to social sciences courses; (4) very few were familiar with commonly used behavioral health theories and constructs, or had applied such theories/constructs to their thesis. The situation deviates from international accreditation requirement. A timely review and benchmarking are warranted.
On the Architecture of Game Science
Authors: Klabbers Jan HG
Published: April 2018

Background. Game studies show a high diversity of university departments that contribute to the field. They offer a cross-disciplinary image that includes a range of professions. Game science is responsive to the needs of government institutions, to industry, and to individuals vis-à-vis institutions. That pragmatism makes the field issue-oriented, representing a post-normal science approach in a context of political pressure, values in dispute, high decision stakes and high epistemological and ethical systems uncertainties. The body of knowledge is not yet in the form of a cohesive structure: a game science paradigm. Thematic diversity, theoretical and methodological pluralism, and a strong focus on the instrumentality of games are weak credentials within academia, arranged according to analytical science (normal science) principles. Moreover, within the conventional academic settings, game science faces serious limitations, due to the fragmented positioning in different departments and faculties (Klabbers, 2009).

Aim. A comprehensive and coherent view on game science is needed that connects three levels of inquiry: the philosophy of science level, the science level, and the application level. Advances in physics have impacted on the philosophy of science, on modernism and postmodernism, and as a consequence, on game science. Being able to understand the current position of game science requires that we are aware of its scientific roots, and future options for research and professional practice.

Method. Literature review with emphasis on theories of knowledge (epistemology) that focuses on game architecture, and the player’s experience. The analytical science approach to game science is insufficient to deal adequately with key questions societies nowadays are facing. Therefore, in addition to the analytical science, the design science approach to gaming is needed to be able to address issues that apply to various zones of practice, and related questions about social problem solving.

Results. A coordinating frame-of-reference – a game science paradigm – is presented, independent of the instrumentality of games - taking into account the great variety of forms of play, and gaming applications.

Conclusion. To advance game science, well-equipped game centers are needed that cover the three levels of inquiry: the philosophy of science level, the science level, and the application level. They should pursue a long term coherent research and educational policy, in line with the natural sciences tradition, offering both continuity and innovation.
Is Facebook Making Us Dumber? Exploring Social Media Use as a Predictor of Political Knowledge
Authors: Cacciatore Michael A. , Yeo Sara K. , Scheufele Dietram A. , Xenos Michael A. , Brossard Dominique , Corley Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2018

With social networking site (SNS) use now ubiquitous in American culture, researchers have started paying attention to its effects in a variety of domains. This study explores the relationships between measures of Facebook use and political knowledge levels using a pair of representative samples of U.S. adults. We find that although the mere use of Facebook was unrelated to political knowledge scores, how Facebook users report engaging with the SNS was strongly associated with knowledge levels. Importantly, the increased use of Facebook for news consumption and news sharing was negatively related to political knowledge levels. Possible explanations and implications are discussed.
Effect of maltodextrin reduction and native agave fructans addition on the physicochemical properties of spray-dried mango and pineapple juices
Authors: Jimenez-Sánchez Darvin E , Calderón-Santoyo Montserrat , Ortiz-Basurto Rosa I , Bautista-Rosales Pedro U , Ragazzo-Sánchez Juan A
Published: April 2018

The effects of the partial replacement of maltodextrin by native agave fructans on the characteristics of spray-dried pineapple and mango powder were evaluated in this study. An experimental 33 design, three concentrations of maltodextrin (5, 7, and 10%), three concentrations of native agave fructans (0, 2, and 4%), and three feed temperatures (110, 115, and 120  ℃) were used. The results using the treatment in which only maltodextrin was used as a reference indicated that an increment in the inlet temperature decreases the moisture content, aw, and solubility. Likewise, an increase (more than 2%) in fructans concentration generates products with increased aw, moisture, hygroscopicity, wettability, and greater solubility. Additionally, no modification of storage stability was observed. Mango and pineapple powder color were affected mainly by the inlet temperature, causing an increase in luminosity (L*) and a decrease in parameter ( a*). A scanning electron microscopy showed spherical powder particles with certain contractions; powder stability in treatments with native agave fructans was not modified in the treatment at 2%. Finally, the addition of 2% agave fructans as carrier material was able to reduce the maltodextrin concentration of the spray drying process.
Graphics Processing Unit–Enhanced Genetic Algorithms for Solving the Temporal Dynamics of Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: García-Calvo Raúl , Guisado JL , Diaz-del-Rio Fernando , Córdoba Antonio , Jiménez-Morales Francisco
Published: April 2018

Understanding the regulation of gene expression is one of the key problems in current biology. A promising method for that purpose is the determination of the temporal dynamics between known initial and ending network states, by using simple acting rules. The huge amount of rule combinations and the nonlinear inherent nature of the problem make genetic algorithms an excellent candidate for finding optimal solutions. As this is a computationally intensive problem that needs long runtimes in conventional architectures for realistic network sizes, it is fundamental to accelerate this task. In this article, we study how to develop efficient parallel implementations of this method for the fine-grained parallel architecture of graphics processing units (GPUs) using the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) platform. An exhaustive and methodical study of various parallel genetic algorithm schemes—master-slave, island, cellular, and hybrid models, and various individual selection methods (roulette, elitist)—is carried out for this problem. Several procedures that optimize the use of the GPU’s resources are presented. We conclude that the implementation that produces better results (both from the performance and the genetic algorithm fitness perspectives) is simulating a few thousands of individuals grouped in a few islands using elitist selection. This model comprises 2 mighty factors for discovering the best solutions: finding good individuals in a short number of generations, and introducing genetic diversity via a relatively frequent and numerous migration. As a result, we have even found the optimal solution for the analyzed gene regulatory network (GRN). In addition, a comparative study of the performance obtained by the different parallel implementations on GPU versus a sequential application on CPU is carried out. In our tests, a multifold speedup was obtained for our optimized parallel implementation of the method on medium class GPU over an equivalent sequential single-core implementation running on a recent Intel i7 CPU. This work can provide useful guidance to researchers in biology, medicine, or bioinformatics in how to take advantage of the parallelization on massively parallel devices and GPUs to apply novel metaheuristic algorithms powered by nature for real-world applications (like the method to solve the temporal dynamics of GRNs).
Cultural expressions of depression and the development of the Indonesian Depression Checklist
Authors: Widiana Herlina Siwi , Simpson Katrina , Manderson Lenore
Published: April 2018

Depression may manifest differently across cultural settings, suggesting the value of an assessment tool that is sensitive enough to capture these variations. The study reported in this article aimed to develop a depression screening tool for Indonesians derived from ethnographic interviews with 20 people who had been diagnosed as having depression by clinical psychologists at primary health centers. The tool, which we have termed the Indonesian Depression Checklist (IDC), consists of 40 items. The tool was administered to 125 people assessed to have depression by 40 clinical psychologists in primary health centers. The data were analyzed with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (IBM SPSS AMOS Software). CFA identified a five-factor hierarchical model ( χ 2 = 168.157, p = .091; CFI = .963; TLI = .957; RMSEA = .036). A 19-item inventory of the IDC, with five factors – Physical Symptoms, Affect, Cognition, Social Engagement and Religiosity – was identified. There was a strong correlation between the total score of the IDC and total score of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (revised version CES-D), a standard tool for assessing symptoms of depression.

The IDC accommodates culturally distinctive aspects of depression among Indonesians that are not included in the CES-D.
Development of new nonlinear dynamic response model of reinforced concrete frames with infill walls
Authors: Allouzi Rabab , Irfanoglu Ayhan
Published: April 2018

The complex behavior of reinforced concrete frames with infill walls under earthquake loads requires a realistic conceptual model that recognizes changes in strength and stiffness occurring during loading. Accordingly, a new hysteresis model is developed in this article for such reinforced concrete frames to investigate the ultimate damage state given a ground motion. Using this model, the infilled frame can be represented as a single-degree-of-freedom system for computationally efficient dynamic in-plane response analysis. A backbone curve is developed first to provide an envelope within which load–displacement paths occur. Then, the load reversal effects are described and integrated into the backbone curve to obtain the hysteresis model. The hysteresis model developed in this article is checked using data from 11 laboratory experiments carried out by other researchers. The applicability of the hysteresis model is also illustrated on a laboratory specimen that was tested by other researchers under base excitation.
Kick Scooter Injuries in Children and Adolescents: Minor Fractures and Bruise
Authors: Unkuri J. H. , Salminen P. , Kallio P. , Kosola S.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Kick scooters are popular among children in both transportation and recreational activities. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of and injury patterns associated with kick scooter accidents in school-aged children and adolescents.

Methods:

All 171 patients at the age of 7–15 years who were treated for kick scooter–related injuries in the metropolitan Helsinki area, Southern Finland from January 2008 to December 2013 were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed and Pediatric Trauma Scores and Injury Severity Scores were utilized to assess the injuries.

Results:

The annual number of patients increased from 7 in 2008 to 55 in 2013. Almost all patients (94%, n = 161) were injured after a fall from their own height. Most patients (n = 118; 69%) were diagnosed with a fracture but only 26 patients (15%) required surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Pediatric Trauma Scores were low and only one patient had an Injury Severity Score > 15 which can be considered major trauma.

Conclusion:

Most injuries acquired from kick scooter injuries were easily treatable fractures and bruises. Considering the background population of 105,000 in the respective age group and the 6-year period of data collection from tertiary care, scooting seems a safe means of increasing the physical activity levels of school-aged children and adolescents.