bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic design guidelines for houses for hearing impaired seniors – In the framework of Korean building codes
Authors: Oh Yang K. , Ryu Jong K.
Published: July 2018

Hearing impairment is a part of the natural ageing process for many people, similar to the occurrence of wrinkles on the face. In order to improve the quality of life for old age seniors, it is necessary to provide a built environment that is appropriate for hearing impairment. The listening ability of the elderly is significantly diminished, particularly in noisy and reverberant environments due to hearing loss. A basic design guideline for houses built for hearing impaired seniors is that excessive noisy and reverberant environments should be avoided. The purpose of this paper is to develop housing acoustic design guidelines that consider hearing loss due to old age relative to natural factors of everyday life, through a detailed literature review. The guidelines take into consideration floor impact sound, heavyweight floor impact sound, unit-to-unit sound insulation, indoor background noise sources, reverberation time, ceiling height, light–fan switch, bell–chime system and illumination level.
Rumor has it: The effects of virality metrics on rumor believability and transmission on Twitter
Authors: Kim Ji Won
Published: July 2018

This study examines the effects of virality metrics on the judgment of a rumor on Twitter. In an online experiment ( N = 203), a tweet about the rumor related to the issue of food safety was presented with the variations of virality metrics (i.e. the number of retweets, likes, and replies). The results showed that exposure to high virality metrics resulted in greater perceptions of descriptive norms and injunctive norms of sharing the tweet message, and in turn, increased message believability and viral behavioral intentions. Overall, findings demonstrated the normative influence of virality metrics. Implications of the current findings are discussed in light of social norm theories and online rumor literature.
‘Stay back for your own safety’: News photographers, interference, and the photographs they are prevented from taking
Authors: Somerstein Rachel
Published: July 2018

This exploratory, mixed-methods study uses semi-structured interviews to identify the sources of interference that news photographers encounter and then, using survey research, assesses these interferences’ prevalence. It also uses interview and survey data to identify photographs that photographers are prevented from taking and ones taken despite interference. In so doing, the study illuminates how the constraints photojournalists encounter shape their work and, ultimately, the types of images missing from the mass media. Men and women, and freelancers and staff photographers, encounter different types of obstructions. Anxieties about public visibility, and the desire to control images, predict higher rates of interference. News scenes, police activities, accidents, and private spaces were among the most common scenes photographers were prevented from photographing. Taken together, this study contributes to Shoemaker and Reese’s hierarchy of influences model, by explicating the extra-media and individual sources of influence that shape photojournalistic practice.
Witchcraft and supernatural harm: navigating spiritual ethics in political science research
Authors: Roxburgh Shelagh
Published: July 2018

This article addresses a significant ethical oversight I am responsible for in my doctoral research program: the failure to account for and comprehensively prevent the threat of spiritual harm for my research assistants in Ghana and Cameroon. In this work, I discuss spiritual care as a major lacunae of research methodology considerations and ethics procedures in relation to my own work in the field of political science. Through an analysis of my methods and ethics preparations and subsequent fieldwork, I hope to demonstrate how epistemological and structural biases I enacted are also embedded in academic processes and how these helped facilitate this oversight. I argue that a modernist approach to research and ethics can lead researchers, such as myself, to overlook important considerations regarding spiritual care.
Working with Max Weber’s ‘spheres of life’: An actor-centred approach
Authors: Terpe Sylvia
Published: July 2018

Max Weber introduced the idea of separate, historically evolving spheres of life as a way to analyse social formations on a societal level. This article develops the notion of spheres of life on the level of actors themselves. It proposes answering the questions of what spheres of life exist and how they relate to each other by looking at the actors’ perspectives. Using the concept of articulation outlined by Hans Joas, the article proposes that ideas about spheres of life are shaped in continuous processes of articulation by elites and laypersons alike. By elaborating Joas’ distinction between ‘attractive-motivating’ values and ‘restrictive-obligatory’ norms, the article suggests that spheres of life can be distinguished analytically according to their experiential quality and relation to morality. The notion of spheres of life can thus serve as a useful theoretical lens for analysing how social and moral orders are (re)produced and changed in everyday life.
Calculation and measurement of mean room surface exitance: The accuracy evaluation
Authors: Dai Q , Huang Y , Hao L , Cai W
Published: July 2018

Cuttle proposed mean room surface exitance as a new interior lighting design methodology, which focuses on lit appearance rather than visual performance. A few challenges exist, among which, an easy calculation method and a practical measurement strategy are two important aspects. Cuttle has developed a simplified equation for mean room surface exitance calculation and proposed that mean room surface exitance can be estimated by measuring indirect corneal illuminance from a position that ‘ brings most of the space into view’; however, no solid proof was provided. In this work, first, we demonstrate that the simplified equation is reasonably accurate by comparing its predictions with the results based on numerical simulation of a wide range of surface reflectance combinations. Two luminaire locations, which are carefully selected to have the same input to the simplified equation but leading to very different surface exitance distributions, are adopted to further verify the simplified equation; second, through a theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, we show that both indirect corneal illuminance and indirect cylindrical illuminance vary significantly with the measurement location and can be very different from mean room surface exitance. Therefore, we conclude that the method of measuring mean room surface exitance suggested in prior publications may not provide accurate results.
Why Women Win: Gender and Success in State Supreme Court Elections
Authors: Nguyen Tony
Published: July 2018

Although women remain underrepresented in U.S. elective office, female candidates have experienced similar or greater electoral success compared to their male counterparts. Research suggests both selection effects (the uniquely strong characteristics and qualifications of women who run for office) and selective candidacy (the decisions to run or not run for office based on the electoral context) contribute to this phenomenon. I leverage a large data set of candidate characteristics and electoral outcomes in state supreme court elections spanning 1990-2012 to clarify the causal mechanisms behind the electoral success of female candidates. I find that the success of female candidates in state supreme court elections is driven by the most capable women selectively running for open seats. I conclude that this phenomenon may be reflective of a broader gender gap in political ambition, with implications for tactics to improve gender representation in politics.
Effects of Electrical Stimulation in Tinnitus Patients: Conventional Versus High-Definition tDCS
Authors: Jacquemin Laure , Shekhawat Giriraj Singh , Van de Heyning Paul , Mertens Griet , Fransen Erik , Van Rompaey Vincent , Topsakal Vedat , Moyaert Julie , Beyers Jolien , Gilles Annick
Published: July 2018

Background. Contradictory results have been reported for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as treatment for tinnitus. The recently developed high-definition tDCS (HD tDCS) uses smaller electrodes to limit the excitation to the desired brain areas. Objective. The current study consisted of a retrospective part and a prospective part, aiming to compare 2 tDCS electrode placements and to explore effects of HD tDCS by matched pairs analyses. Methods. Two groups of 39 patients received tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or tDCS of the right supraorbital–left temporal area (RSO-LTA). Therapeutic effects were assessed with the tinnitus functional index (TFI), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for tinnitus loudness, and the hyperacusis questionnaire (HQ) filled out at 3 visits: pretherapy, posttherapy, and follow-up. With a new group of patients and in a similar way, the effects of HD tDCS of the right DLPFC were assessed, with the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) added. Results. TFI total scores improved significantly after both tDCS and HD tDCS (DLPFC: P < .01; RSO-LTA: P < .01; HD tDCS: P = .05). In 32% of the patients, we observed a clinically significant improvement in TFI. The 2 tDCS groups and the HD tDCS group showed no differences on the evolution of outcomes over time (TFI: P = .16; HQ: P = .85; VAS: P = .20). Conclusions. TDCS and HD tDCS resulted in a clinically significant improvement in TFI in 32% of the patients, with the 3 stimulation positions having similar results. Future research should focus on long-term effects of electrical stimulation.
An Unusual Variant of a Floating Forearm Injury: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Plucknette Benjamin F. , Rhee Peter C.
Published: July 2018

Background: “Floating forearm” injuries, perilunate injuries, with an elbow dislocation, are rare and challenging to treat. Methods: We present the case of an unusual variant of a floating forearm injury, trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation and elbow dislocation, with a concomitant open both-bone forearm fracture after a fall from a ladder. Treatment involved irrigation and debridement of the forearm wound, open reduction and internal fixation of the forearm and perilunate injury, and closed reduction of the elbow. Results: At final follow-up, he had returned to his previous occupation. Radiographs demonstrated fully healing fractures without evidence of osteonecrosis or degeneration. Conclusions: A review of the presentation, evaluation, and management of this rare injury pattern is provided.
Association between an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the interleukin-1α gene and the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Ma Qizhao , Mao Zhigang , Du Jipei , Liao Shiping , Zheng Yanjiang , Zhi Maohui , Zhang Ji , Wang Yufang
Published: July 2018

Background:

Previous studies have reported that polymorphisms in the interleukin-1 gene may be involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.

Aim:

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether an insertion/deletion polymorphism, rs3783553, located in the miR-122 target gene interleukin-1α, was associated with the risk of colorectal cancer.

Methods:

Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood of 382 patients with colorectal cancer and 433 controls, and the polymorphism was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results:

Significantly decreased colorectal cancer risk was observed to be associated with the interleukin-1α rs3783553 insertion/insertion genotype ( P=0.0001; OR=0.41; 95% CI 0.26, 0.65) and the insertion allele ( P<0.001; OR=0.68; 95% CI 0.55, 0.83). Stratification analysis based on clinical and pathological features also revealed that the “TTCA” insertion allele of rs3783553 contributes to slow the progression of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that the rs3783553 polymorphism could be a useful genetic marker to predict the size/extent of colorectal cancer.
Information geometry-based action decision-making for target tracking by fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Zhao Yunyun , Wang Xiangke , Cong Yirui , Shen Lincheng
Published: July 2018

In this article, we study the ground moving target tracking problem for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a radar. This problem is formulated in a partially observable Markov process framework, which contains the following two parts: in the first part, the unmanned aerial vehicle utilizes the measurements from its radar and employs a Kalman filter to estimate the target’s real-time location; in the second part, the unmanned aerial vehicle optimizes its trajectory in a real-time manner so that the radar’s measurements can include more useful information. To solve the trajectory optimization problem, we proposed an information geometry-based partially observable Markov decision process method. Specifically, the cumulative amount of information in the observation is represented by Fisher information of information geometry, and acts as the criterion of the partially observable Markov decision process problem. Furthermore, to guarantee the real-time performance, an important trade-off between the optimality and computation cost is made by an approximate receding horizon approach. Finally, simulation results corroborate the accuracy and time-efficiency of our proposed method and also show our advantage in computation time compared to existing methods.
A new optimization particle filtering navigation location method for aquatic plants cleaning workboat in crab farming
Authors: Ruan Chengzhi , Zhao Dean , Ding Shihong , Sun Yueping , Rao Jinhui , Liu Xiaoyang , Jia Weikuan
Published: July 2018

Chinese river crabs are important aquatic products in China, and the accurate operation of aquatic plants cleaning workboat is an urgent need for solving various problems in the aquaculture process. In order to achieve the accurate navigation positioning, this article introduces the visual-aided navigation system and combines the advantages of particle filter in nonlinear and non-Gaussian systems. Meanwhile, the generalized regression neural network is used to adjust the particle weights so that the samples are closer to the posterior density, thus avoiding the phenomenon of particle degradation and keeping the diversity of particles. In order to improve the network performance, the fruit fly optimization algorithm is introduced to adjust the smoothing factor of transfer function for the generalized regression neural network model layer. On this basis, the location filtering navigation method based on fruit fly optimization algorithm-generalized regression neural network-particle filter is proposed. According to the simulation results, the meanR of root-mean-square error of the proposed fruit fly optimization algorithm-generalized regression neural network- particle filter method decreases by 12.39% and 6.87%, respectively, compared with those of particle filter and generalized regression neural network methods, and the meanT of running time decreases by 16.04% and 9.14%, respectively. From the repeated experiments on the aquatic plants cleaning workboat in crab ponds, the latitude error of the proposed method decreases by 23.45% and 12.68%, respectively, and that the longitude error decreases by 29.11% and 17.65%, respectively, compared with those of particle filter and generalized regression neural network methods. It is proved that our proposed method can effectively improve the navigation positioning accuracy of aquatic plants cleaning workboat.
Genotype scores predict drug efficacy in subtypes of female sexual interest/arousal disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial
Authors: Tuiten Adriaan , Michiels Frits , Böcker Koen BE , Höhle Daniël , van Honk Jack , de Lange Robert PJ , van Rooij Kim , Kessels Rob , Bloemers Jos , Gerritsen Jeroen , Janssen Paddy , de Leede Leo , Meyer John-Jules , Everaerd Walter , Frijlink Henderik W , Koppeschaar Hans PF , Olivier Berend , Pfaus James G
Published: July 2018

Attempts to develop a drug treatment for female sexual interest/arousal disorder have so far been guided by the principle of ‘one size fits all’, and have failed to acknowledge the complexity of female sexuality. Guided by personalized medicine, we designed two on-demand drugs targeting two distinct hypothesized causal mechanisms for this sexual disorder. The objective of this study was to design and test a novel procedure, based on genotyping, that predicts which of the two on-demand drugs will yield a positive treatment response. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over experiment, 139 women with female sexual interest/arousal disorder received three different on-demand drug-combination treatments during three 2-week periods: testosterone 0.5 mg + sildenafil 50 mg, testosterone 0.5 mg + buspirone 10 mg, and matching placebo. The primary endpoint was change in satisfactory sexual events. Subjects’ genetic profile was assessed using a microarray chip that measures 300,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. A preselection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with genes that are shown to be involved in sexual behaviour were combined into a Phenotype Prediction Score. The Phenotype Prediction Score demarcation formula was developed and subsequently validated on separate data sets. Prediction of drug-responders with the Phenotype Prediction Score demarcation formula gave large effect sizes (d = 0.66 through 1.06) in the true drug-responders, and medium effect sizes (d = 0.51 and d = 0.47) in all patients (including identified double, and non-responders). Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the Phenotype Prediction Score demarcation formula were all between 0.78 and 0.79, and thus sufficient. The resulting Phenotype Prediction Score was validated and shown to effectively and reliably predict which women would benefit from which on-demand drug, and could therefore also be useful in clinical practice, as a companion diagnostic establishing the way to a true personalized medicine approach.
Safety and predictors of stroke mimics in The Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial (NOR-TEST)
Authors: Kvistad Christopher Elnan , Novotny Vojtech , Næss Halvor , Hagberg Guri , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Thomassen Lars , Logallo Nicola
Published: July 2018

Background

Stroke mimics are frequently treated with thrombolysis in clinical practice and thrombolytic trials. Although alteplase in stroke mimics has proven to be safe, safety of tenecteplase in stroke mimics has not been assessed in an ischemic stroke study setting. We aimed to assess clinical characteristics and safety of stroke mimics treated with thrombolysis in the Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial. We also aimed to identify possible predictors of stroke mimics as compared to patients with acute cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial was a phase-3 trial investigating safety and efficacy of tenecteplase vs. alteplase in patients with suspected acute cerebral ischemia. Two groups were defined based on diagnose at discharge: patients with a different diagnose than ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (stroke mimics group) and patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (acute cerebral ischemia group). Logistic regression analyses were performed with stroke mimics vs. acute cerebral ischemia as dependent variable to identify predictors of stroke mimics.

Results

Of 1091 randomized patients, 181 (16.6%) were stroke mimics. Migraine (22.2%) and peripheral vertigo (11.4%) were the two most frequent stroke mimic-diagnoses. There was no symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in the stroke mimics group. Stroke mimics were independently associated with age ≤60 years (OR 2.75, p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.48, p = 0.026), no history of myocardial infarction (OR 2.03, p = 0.045), systolic BP ≤ 150 mmHg (OR 2.33, p < 0.001), NIHSS ≤ 6 points (OR 1.83, p = 0.011), sensory loss (OR 1.55, p = 0.015), and no facial paresis (OR 2.41, p < 0.001) on admission.

Conclusion

Thrombolysis with tenecteplase seems to be as safe as with alteplase in stroke mimics. Predictors were identified for stroke mimics which may contribute to differentiate stroke mimics from acute cerebral ischemia in future stroke trials.
Hospital case-volume is associated with case-fatality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lindgren Antti , Burt Sarah , Bragan Turner Ellie , Meretoja Atte , Lee Jin-Moo , Hemmen Thomas M , Alberts Mark , Lemmens Robin , Vergouwen Mervyn DI , Rinkel Gabriel JE
Published: July 2018

Background

Inverse association between hospital case-volume and case-fatality has been observed for various nonsurgical interventions and surgical procedures.

Aims

To study the impact of hospital case-volume on outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

We included aSAH patients who underwent aneurysm coiling or clipping from tertiary care medical centers across three continents using the Dr Foster Stroke GOAL database 2007–2014. Hospitals were categorized by annual case-volume (low volume: <41/year; intermediate: 41–70/year; high: >70/year). Primary outcome was 14-day in-hospital case-fatality. We calculated proportions, and used multiple logistic regression to adjust for age, sex, differences in comorbidity or disease severity, aneurysm treatment modality, and hospital.

Results

We included 8525 patients (2363 treated in low volume hospitals, 3563 treated in intermediate volume hospitals, and 2599 in high-volume hospitals). Crude 14-day case-fatality for hospitals with low case-volume was 10.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.2–11.7%), for intermediate volume 7.0% (95% CI 6.2–7.9%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.63 (95%CI 0.47–0.85)) and for high volume 5.4% (95% CI 4.6–6.3%; adjusted OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.33–0.74)). In patients with clipped aneurysms, adjusted OR for 14-day case-fatality was 0.46 (95% CI 0.30–0.71) for hospitals with intermediate case-volume and 0.42 (95% CI 0.25–0.72) with high case-volume. In patients with coiled aneurysms, adjusted OR was 0.77 (95% CI 0.55–1.07) for hospitals with intermediate case-volume and 0.56 (95% CI 0.36–0.87) with high case-volume.

Conclusions

Even within a subset of large, tertiary care centers, intermediate and high hospital case-volume is associated with lower case-fatality after aSAH regardless of treatment modality, supporting centralization to higher volume centers.
Epidemiology of distal radius fractures in a geographically defined adult population
Authors: Stirling Euan R. B. , Johnson Nick A. , Dias Joseph J.
Published: July 2018

Distal radial fractures are the most common adult orthopaedic fracture. We sought to determine whether the incidence of this injury is changing and identify trends in its occurrence. We analysed data for all adult patients presenting to University Hospitals of Leicester with a distal radial fracture from 2007–2016. Incidence rates were calculated using United Kingdom population data. Poisson regression techniques were used to analyse weekly, seasonal and annual variation in fracture incidence. There was no significant change in average age or incidence of fracture. Increased incidence was associated with inclement weather conditions. Younger patients more commonly sustain fractures on weekends. We predict a 23% rise in the number of fractures in the United Kingdom in the next 20 years. The incidence of fracture does not appear to be changing, although the number of fractures is growing. Weekly and seasonal trends are apparent.

Level of evidence: III
The historical approach and the ‘war of ethics within the ethics of war’
Authors: Braun Christian Nikolaus
Published: July 2018

Contemporary just war thinking has mostly been split into two competing camps, namely, Michael Walzer’s approach and its revisionist critics. While Walzerians employ a casuistical method, most revisionists resort to analytical philosophy’s reflective equilibrium. Importantly, besides employing different methods, the two sides also disagree on substantive issues. This article focuses on one such issue, the moral equality of combatants, arguing that while a methodological reconciliation between the two camps is impossible, contemporary debate would benefit from a ‘third-way’ approach. Presenting James Turner Johnson’s historical method as such an approach, the article suggests that while revisionists are correct in considering the symmetry thesis as ethically indefensible, in order to arrive at this judgement, it is not necessary to employ far-fetched thought experiments and the use of historical cases is preferable. The root cause of Walzer’s problematic reasoning vis-à-vis the symmetry thesis, the historical approach reveals, is his uneasy relationship with the just war tradition. Contributing to a deeper understanding of the respective approaches’ differences, the article seeks to move the focus of contemporary just war away from a narrow intra-disciplinary divide and towards an engagement with substantive questions.
How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Strategic Indulgence in Big-Time Collegiate Sports Among Academically Successful Students
Authors: Jia Lile , Hirt Edward R. , Koh Alethea H. Q.
Published: July 2018

Past research on academic success emphasizes the need to avoid pleasurable nonacademic activities. In the context of enjoying big-time collegiate sports, we examined the notion that students, especially academically successful ones, may strategically indulge in sports games to resolve the conflict with academic pursuit. After confirming that high- (vs. low-) grade point average (GPA) students indeed found game-related activities less disruptive ( Npilot = 325), we proceeded to study whether strategic indulgence or single-minded avoidance was their preferred means to resolve the game–study conflict. High- (vs. low-) GPA students exhibited three features of strategic indulgence. They were more sensitive to the goodness of the opportunity to partake in collegiate sports ( NStudy1 = 216), engaged in compensatory planning to study on nongame days ( NSudy2 = 409), and actively engaged and enjoyed the game-related activities ( Nstudy3 = 530). These results suggest that understanding strategic indulgence in tempting activities would enrich our knowledge of long-term goal pursuit.
Cross-sectional correlates of paraoxonase 1 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in metabolic syndrome patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Al-Heety Qutaiba Qusay , Kasabri Violet , Akour Amal , Naffa Randa , Abu Rkhaya Samar
Published: July 2018

Background:

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1) are intricately involved in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathophysiology. This study aimed to investigate PON1 and sICAM-1 plasma levels in addition to correlating them with adiposity, atherogenicity and hematological indices in T2DM and MetS.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study composed of 28 healthy lean subjects (control), 29 normoglycemic MetS subjects and 30 MetS-Pre/T2DM.

Results:

The sICAM-1 levels (ng/ml) were markedly higher in the pre/diabetic MetS group (828 ± 250.37 versus controls’ 608.62 ± 184; p < 0.05). Conversely, PON1 levels (mlU/ml) were markedly lower in the pre/diabetic MetS group [252,700 (163,950, 362,800) versus controls’ 394,900 (212,550, 469,350); p < 0.05]. sICAM-1 correlated directly with all adiposity indices [conicity index (CI), waist circumference (WC), waist–hip ratio (WHR) waist-to-height (WHtR) ratio, hip circumference (HC) and body adiposity index (BAI)] in addition to the atherogenicity index of plasma (AIP). PON1 correlated negatively and significantly with CI, WC, WHR, WHtR and HC but directly with lymphocyte. Significantly, a reciprocal sICAM-1–PON1 relationship was observed in the total population ( r = −0.262, p = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Utility of sICAM-1 and PON1 as surrogate prognostic biomarkers and putative therapeutic targets in the management of diabetes and MetS is strongly suggested.
Comparison of the rates of stroke and acute coronary events in northern France
Authors: Cottel Dominique , Montaye Michèle , Marécaux Nadine , Amouyel Philippe , Dallongeville Jean , Meirhaeghe Aline
Published: July 2018

Background

Although stroke and acute coronary events share several risk factors, few studies have compared population-level epidemiological surveillance indicators of the two diseases in the same age range and in the same geographical area.

Design

The objective of the present study was to compare the rate of acute coronary events with that of stroke among inhabitants aged from 35–74 years in Northern France (Lille).

Methods

All incident and recurrent acute coronary events and stroke events occurring in men and women over 2008–2014 were recorded using two population-based registries with several overlapping sources of case ascertainment for hospitalised/non-hospitalised and fatal/non-fatal events. Log-linear Poisson regression models were used to compare the event and mortality rates.

Results

The results showed that the incident rates of acute coronary event and stroke were similar except under 60 years. In this group (35–59 years), the incident rate of acute coronary events was 1.6-fold higher than that of stroke. In contrast, the attack (incident and recurrent) rates were higher for acute coronary events than for stroke (1.5-fold; p < 0.0001) – especially in men (1.8-fold; p < 0.0001). The mortality rate was 2.2-fold higher for acute coronary events than for stroke, independent of sex and age group ( p < 0.0001), as was the case-fatality rate (1.5-fold, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In Lille, the overall acute coronary event rate was higher than the stroke rate – especially among men, due to a higher risk of incident acute coronary event under the age of 65 and a higher risk of recurrent acute coronary event in the 65–74 year-old age range. Further efforts should be devoted to primary and secondary prevention strategies after acute coronary events.
Why We Cheer for Viktor Ahn: Changing Characteristics of Sporting Nationalism and Citizenship in South Korea in the Era of Neoliberal Globalization
Authors: Kim Jinsook
Published: July 2018

This article examines online discussions of the South Korean–born Russian short-track speed skater Viktor Ahn, formerly known as Ahn Hyun-soo, with a particular focus on the changing characteristics of nationalism in South Korea (hereafter Korea). Despite Korea’s long history of sporting nationalism, the unexpected public support for Ahn has inspired popular and academic discussions regarding whether this nationalism is in fact weakening. I begin by exploring explanations for Ahn’s continuing popularity in Korea and how critiques of the Korean Skating Union have spread to other aspects of Korean society. Next, I examine the representation of Ahn as a role model for the desirable cosmopolitan subject with flexible citizenship who is able to transcend national borders in the pursuit of individual success. I argue, however, that Korea’s embrace of Ahn is less an indication that nationalism has been waning than it is a reclamation of Koreanness and a manifestation of a desire for national strength articulated through the conflation of traditional ethnic and developmental nationalism with neoliberal ideology. My ultimate goal, then, is to offer a nuanced understanding of the changing characteristics of sporting nationalism and citizenship in the era of neoliberal globalization.
Longer Operative Time in Elderly Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Fusion Is Independently Associated With Increased Complication Rate
Authors: Hersey Alicia E. , Durand Wesley M. , Eltorai Adam E. M. , DePasse J. Mason , Daniels Alan H.
Published: July 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To determine the effects of operative time on postoperative complications in patients age 65 and older undergoing posterior lumbar fusion.

Methods:

All patients age 65 and older undergoing posterior lumbar fusion were identified in the 2012 to 2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The primary outcome measures were complications occurring up to 30 days postoperatively, including death, any complication, and complication subtypes. The primary independent variable was operative duration. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses utilized logistic regression and analyzed operative duration as a continuous variable. Statistical significance was considered P < .05.

Results:

A total of 4947 patients age 65 and older undergoing posterior lumbar fusion were identified. The mean operative time was 3.3 hours (SD 1.7). The overall complication rate was 13.4% (n = 665). In multivariate analysis, each incremental hour of operative time was associated with increased risk of postoperative thromboembolism (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.37), transfusion (OR= 1.25; 95% CI = 1.18-1.32), urinary tract infection (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.10-1.32), and total postoperative complications (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.16-1.27).

Conclusion:

For patients age 65 and older undergoing posterior lumbar fusion, longer operative time is associated with greater risk for thromboembolism, transfusion, intubation, kidney injury, urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, and overall postoperative complications. This data highlights several specific complications that are influenced by operative time in older patients, and further supports the need for future protocols that seek to safely minimize operative time for posterior lumbar fusion.
Bangladesh’s Dynamic Toilet Soap Market: The Case of Keya
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Ahmed Asma , Begum Fatema , Majid Mohammad Abdul , Kabir Gitiara
Published: July 2018

The case study focuses on one of the oldest local soap companies in Bangladesh, Keya Cosmetics Ltd. It portrays the toilet soap market and elaborates on the national and international soap companies operating in the country. Despite the global shift in purchase patterns towards liquid and gel soaps, many Bangladeshis (particularly of the lower socio-economic classes) still prefer the traditional bar soaps for all kinds of cleansing needs. The study specifically highlights the above the line (ATL) and below the line (BTL) strategies used by the brand Keya. The ATL strategies are then further broken down to a number of different channels being used such as television commercials (TVCs) and sponsorships followed by BTL strategies consisting of the usage of social media to reach its customers. Thereby, in order to maintain a balance between adjusting to the modern-day trends as well as preserving the Bangladeshi consumer base, Keya Cosmetics must scrutinize the current market and formulate the best possible market strategy for the upcoming years. The case study sheds light on the needs of the diverse market and brand issues as well as the future scopes of the toilet soap market.
An Examination of Wage and Income Inequality within the American Farmworker Community
Authors: Bowers Marianne L. , Chand Daniel E.
Published: July 2018

This article explores the reasons for earning inequalities among farmworkers. Using national data from the US Department of Labor’s National Agricultural Worker Survey (NAWS), we detail and examine differences in earnings among farmworkers based on certain characteristics identified in prior literature. We find that gender and youth are the most reliable predictors of farmworker earnings, with females and workers under 21 consistently earning less than other categories of farmworkers. In addition, we find that workers who seasonally follow crops are among the lowest earning farmworkers. We also confirm that, as expected, workers lacking authorized status earn less than those who have legal status. Surprisingly, however, foreign-born US citizens actually earn more than their US-born counterparts. These findings have substantial implications for policymakers and labor advocates who seek to improve the plight of US farmworkers.
A Model of Joint Action for Literacy Coaching: The Intersection of Consonance and Dissonance With Responsive and Directive Approaches
Authors: Reichenberg Jennifer Sharples
Published: July 2018

This 7-month multiple case study investigated the nature of mediation through literacy coaching, a reflective framework, and video of classroom instruction and its impact on the development of four secondary-level teachers of English language learners. The participants and researcher/coach participated in a cycle of collaborative planning, enacting and videotaping lessons, and video reflection. Individual coaching sessions with video utilized a seven-step reflective framework. Data included coaching transcripts, classroom field notes, video, and interviews. Findings showed that the teachers and researcher/coach engaged in seven different joint actions: revoicing, building, reconceptualizing, disagreeing, suggesting, asking dissonant questions, and asking questions to develop understanding. Each of these actions was classified on one axis as responsive or directive and on another axis as consonant or dissonant. The intersection of the axes created quadrants representing categories of joint action that were present during coaching sessions and classroom visits: responsive/consonant, responsive/dissonant, directive/dissonant, and directive/consonant. Joint actions led to changes in teachers’ thinking and practices, indicating that a theoretical model accounting for responsiveness, directiveness, consonance, and dissonance may be useful to analyze coaching interactions. Coaches and teachers could use the model to analyze their interactions and support their own development.
Safety evaluation of fructooligosaccharide (FOSSENCETM): Acute, 14-day, and subchronic oral toxicity study in Wistar rats
Authors: Jain Manish , Gote Manoj , Dubey Ashok Kumar , Narayanan S , Krishnappa H. , Kumar DP Santhosh , Ravi GS , Vijayasarathi SK , Shankar S
Published: July 2018

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) has been used in infant formula and conventional foods as prebiotics. Short chain FOS (FOSSENCETM) is produced by a patented process of biotransformation of sucrose by the action of enzyme from live microbial cells, hence toxicology studies were initiated to assess its safety. The objective of the present study was to determine safety of FOSSENCETM in acute, 14-day, and subchronic (90-day) toxicity studies. In acute and 14-day studies, administration of the FOSSENCETM to Wistar rats did not cause any mortality or clinical signs and changes in body weights, feed consumption, and gross pathology at the doses of 2000, 5000, and 9000 mg/kg body weight. In the subchronic (90-day) toxicity study, FOSSENCETM was administered by oral gavage to Wistar rats at the doses of 0, 2000, 5000, and 9000 mg/kg/day for 90 days. No treatment-related clinical signs or mortalities were observed. Similarly, no treatment-related toxicologically or biologically significant changes in body weight, feed consumption, ophthalmological findings, neurological effects, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and gross pathological findings were noticed. However, statistically significant increase in weight of cecum (without correlative microscopic change) was noted at all the test item-treated groups in males and females and was considered to be a trophic effect and not a toxic effect in rats.
Minimally Invasive 27-Gauge Vitrectomy for Coats’ Disease Retinal Detachment
Authors: Holmen Ian C. , Oakey Zackery , Raven Meisha , Hartley Christopher P. , Altaweel Michael
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To describe the use of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in the management of Coats’ disease retinal detachment.

Methods:

Case report of a 10-year-old female presenting with exudative retinal detachment secondary to Coats’ disease. A two-port, 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, with one cannula in the subretinal space, was used to drain subretinal fluid. After resolution of the retinal detachment, a laser was directed to vascular abnormalities, and intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor was administered.

Results:

At 1 year follow-up, her retinal detachment remained resolved, peripheral vision had improved, and visual acuity had stabilized.

Conclusions:

A 27-gauge vitrectomy can be used successfully in the treatment of exudative Coats’ detachment. The use of valved trocars allows control of intraocular pressure and simultaneous controlled extrusion of subretinal fluid, decreasing the risk of retinal incarceration.
Tacit Knowledge Sharing in Open Innovation Projects
Authors: Terhorst Andrew , Lusher Dean , Bolton Dianne , Elsum Ian , Wang Peng
Published: July 2018

Tacit knowledge is considered critical to the success of open innovation projects, yet little is known about the factors that promote or impede tacit knowledge sharing in such projects. This article uses exponential random graph modeling to examine both tacit and explicit knowledge sharing in two early-stage open innovation projects. Results indicate autonomous motivation predicts tacit knowledge sharing, suggesting that managers need to promote a team culture that satisfies members’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The modeling also suggests that brokerage is important in the early stage of a project to build the strong informal social structures needed to facilitate the exchange of tacit knowledge.
Configurations for Interorganizational Project Networks
Authors: Braun Timo
Published: July 2018

Projects are becoming increasingly interorganizational; therefore, typically, the project management office (PMO) of a single corporation is neither capable of nor authorized to supplying all partners of a project network with services and knowledge. On the interorganizational level, a network administrative organization (NAO) may be founded providing similar services such as those provided by PMOs, but then to all network partners. This conceptual article seeks to integrate these streams of research by comparing the roles and tasks of PMOs and NAOs, as well as their organizational embeddedness. Thereupon, four modes of interplay between these organizational entities are developed and underpinned with exemplary configurations.
A phosphoproteomic signature in endothelial cells predicts vascular toxicity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in CML
Authors: Gopal Srila , Lu Qing , Man Joshua J. , Baur Wendy , Rao Sitara P. , Litichevskiy Lev , Papanastasiou Malvina , Creech Amanda L. , DeRuff Katherine C. , Mullahoo James , Officer Adam , Egri Shawn B. , Davison Desiree , Jaffe Jacob D. , Jaffe Iris Z.
Published: July 2018

Key Points

Newer CML kinase inhibitors increase ischemia risk and are toxic to endothelial cells where they produce a proteomic toxicity signature. This phosphoproteomic EC toxicity signature predicts bosutinib to be safe, providing a potential screening tool for safer drug development.
Outbreak report: a nosocomial outbreak of vancomycin resistant enterococci in a solid organ transplant unit
Authors: Kreidl Peter , Mayr Astrid , Hinterberger Guido , Berktold Michael , Knabl Ludwig , Fuchs Stefan , Posch Wilfried , Eschertzhuber Stephan , Obwegeser Alois , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Orth-Höller Dorothea
Published: July 2018

Background

Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) are an emerging problem in health care settings. The purpose of the investigation was to assess the extent of the outbreak including environmental contamination and to limit further transmission.

Methods

We used retrospective patient and laboratory data including pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing and virulence and resistance gene analysis. For comparison of medians the Mann-Whitney and for comparison of proportions the Fisher exact tests were used.

Results

PFGE typing of VRE strains of an outbreak of 15 VRE cases in a solid transplant unit revealed that nine of the cases belonged to one identical pattern (A), which was only found twice in the environment. Eleven further positive environmental samples showed a different, but identical PFGE pattern E. Only one patient was infected with this environmental strain.

Two of nine (22.2%) PFGE A, but nine of eleven (81.2%) PFGE E samples were positive for gelatinase E (p = 0.01), which is described as enhancing biofilm production, suggesting a survival benefit for this strain on inanimate surfaces.

Conclusion

Routine disinfection was not able to stop the cluster, but after repeated enforcement of the infection prevention and control (IPC) bundle such as training, strict adherence to hand hygiene and surface disinfection no further cases were observed. We conclude that certain VRE strains predominate in the environment whereas others predominate in humans. Enforcement of the IPC bundle is essential for controlling VRE outbreaks and reducing further transmission.
Polyploidy in tissue homeostasis and regeneration
Authors: Øvrebø Jan Inge , Edgar Bruce A.
Published: July 2018

Polyploid cells, which contain multiple copies of the typically diploid genome, are widespread in plants and animals. Polyploidization can be developmentally programmed or stress induced, and arises from either cell-cell fusion or a process known as endoreplication, in which cells replicate their DNA but either fail to complete cytokinesis or to progress through M phase entirely. Polyploidization offers cells several potential fitness benefits, including the ability to increase cell size and biomass production without disrupting cell and tissue structure, and allowing improved cell longevity through higher tolerance to genomic stress and apoptotic signals. Accordingly, recent studies have uncovered crucial roles for polyploidization in compensatory cell growth during tissue regeneration in the heart, liver, epidermis and intestine. Here, we review current knowledge of the molecular pathways that generate polyploidy and discuss how polyploidization is used in tissue repair and regeneration.
SOX9 is dispensable for the initiation of epigenetic remodeling and the activation of marker genes at the onset of chondrogenesis
Authors: Liu Chia-Feng , Angelozzi Marco , Haseeb Abdul , Lefebvre Véronique
Published: July 2018

SOX9 controls cell lineage fate and differentiation in major biological processes. It is known as a potent transcriptional activator of differentiation-specific genes, but its earliest targets and its contribution to priming chromatin for gene activation remain unknown. Here, we address this knowledge gap using chondrogenesis as a model system. By profiling the whole transcriptome and the whole epigenome of wild-type and Sox9-deficient mouse embryo limb buds, we uncover multiple structural and regulatory genes, including Fam101a, Myh14, Sema3c and Sema3d, as specific markers of precartilaginous condensation, and we provide evidence of their direct transactivation by SOX9. Intriguingly, we find that SOX9 helps remove epigenetic signatures of transcriptional repression and establish active-promoter and active-enhancer marks at precartilage- and cartilage-specific loci, but is not absolutely required to initiate these changes and activate transcription. Altogether, these findings widen our current knowledge of SOX9 targets in early chondrogenesis and call for new studies to identify the pioneer and transactivating factors that act upstream of or along with SOX9 to prompt chromatin remodeling and specific gene activation at the onset of chondrogenesis and other processes.