bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontal Plane Knee Mechanics and Early Cartilage Degeneration in People With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Su Favian , Wu Daniel , Pedoia Valentina , Heitkamp Lauren , Ma C. Benjamin , Souza Richard B. , Li Xiaojuan
Published: November 2017

Background:

Abnormal frontal plane gait mechanics are known risk factors for knee osteoarthritis, but their role in early cartilage degeneration after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is not well understood.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The objective was to evaluate the association of frontal plane gait mechanics with medial knee cartilage magnetic resonance (MR) relaxation times over 1 year in patients with ACLR and controls. It was hypothesized that (1) there will be an increase in frontal plane medial knee loading and medial knee MR relaxation times over time in the patients with ACLR, and (2) increases in frontal plane medial knee loading will be associated with an increase in medial knee MR relaxation times.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with ACLR (n = 37) underwent walking gait analyses and bilateral quantitative MR imaging (MRI) before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after ACLR. Healthy control participants (n = 13) were evaluated at baseline and 12 months. Gait variables included peak knee adduction moment (KAM), KAM impulse, and peak knee adduction angle. MRI variables included medial femur and medial tibia whole compartment and subregional T1ρ and T2 relaxation times. Statistical analyses included a comparison of changes over time for gait and MRI variables, correlations between changes in gait and MRI variables over time, and differences in change in MRI variables in patients who showed an increase versus decrease in KAM impulse.

Results:

There were significant increases in medial T1ρ (Δ 4%-11%) and T2 (Δ 2%-10%) relaxation times from baseline to 6 months for both knees in the ACLR group and in KAM (Δ 13%) for the injured knee. From baseline to 6 months, patients who had an increase in KAM impulse in the injured knee had a greater increase in medial T1ρ and T2 relaxation times as compared with those who did not have an increase in KAM impulse. Longitudinal changes for the control group were not significant.

Conclusion:

There is an increase in medial knee relaxation times over the first 6 months after ACLR. People with an increase in medial knee loading show an increase in medial knee relaxation times when compared with those who do not have an increase in medial knee loading over the first 6 months.
Crossover Dreams: Global Circulation of Queer Film on the Film Festival Circuits
Authors: Loist Skadi
Published: November 2017

The ubiquity of gender-bending and sexually ambiguous imagery in the media seems to herald a post-gay era. But are LGBT/Q identities and representation politics really a thing of the past? Inspection of the circulation patterns of LGBT/Q images on a global scale suggests a more nuanced story. Taking the lead from distribution and film festival studies, in this essay I sketch out how LGBT/Q images travel around the world. The festival network was always an alternative channel to mainstream work. Therefore, I pay particular attention to the international film festival circuit with its art film bias, on one hand, and activist festivals, such as LGBT/Q film festivals and their LGBT/Q-themed films, on the other. Utilizing Lisa Henderson's notion of “queer relay” I argue that the relationship between the queer film ecosystem and the larger art film circuit is highly ambivalent. The deployed art film strategies reveal that we have not yet arrived at actual acceptance and universality in a post-gay, post-identitarian world. However, the positions on the side of distinction and cultural capital do not just lean towards exploitation of queer subcultural productions by neoliberal forces but offer also a relay position that accounts for queer agency in the wider cultural arena.
Institutional Change in Social Structures of Accumulation Theory: An Anti-essentialist Approach
Authors: Rey Araujo Pedro M.
Published: November 2017

This paper argues for the need to recast Social Structures of Accumulation (SSA) debates regarding the relevance of contradictions other than that between capital and labor, as well as regarding the terms of the political struggle in times of SSA decay, in the light of the concepts of overdetermination and hegemony. To that extent, it introduces the notions of “necessary social peace for surplus-value extraction” and “accumulation of unsatisfied demands over the accumulation process.”
Total Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among US Adults Was Lower When Measured Using a 1-Question Versus 4-Question Screener
Authors: Lundeen Elizabeth A. , Park Sohyun , Dooyema Carrie , Blanck Heidi M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To compare the performance of a 1-question survey screener measuring total sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake to a screener measuring SSB types separately using 4 questions.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Web-based 2014 SummerStyles survey.

Participants:

A total of 4167 US adults (≥18 years).

Measures:

Frequency of SSB intake measured using a 1-question screener was compared to frequency using a 4-question screener (regular soda, fruit drinks, sports/energy drinks, sweetened coffee/tea). SSB intake (number of time/day) was categorized as 0, >0 to <1, and ≥1 time/day; difference in mean intake was calculated between 4 questions versus 1.

Analysis:

Paired t tests were used, and agreement was evaluated using weighted κ and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).

Results:

Mean SSB intake was 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65-1.79) times/day using 4 questions and 0.6 (95% CI: 0.56-0.62) times/day using 1 question ( P < .001). Intake frequency based on 4 questions versus 1 was 16.0% versus 38.5% for 0 time/day, 15.6% versus 42.5% for >0 to <1 time/day, and 68.4% versus 18.9% for ≥1 time/day. There was fair agreement for the 3 SSB intake categories (κ: .27) and poor absolute agreement between the 2 continuous measures (Lin’s CCC: 0.31).

Conclusion:

Daily SSB intake was significantly lower using a 1-question screener versus a 4-question screener. Researchers should assess SSB types separately or consider that daily SSB intake is likely underestimated with 1 question.
Academic Labour, Digital Media and Capitalism
Authors: Allmer Thomas
Published: November 2017

The aim of this article is to contextualise universities historically within capitalism and to analyse academic labour and the deployment of digital media theoretically and critically. It argues that the post-war expansion of the university can be considered as medium and outcome of informational capitalism and as a dialectical development of social achievement and advanced commodification. The article strives to identify the class position of academic workers, introduces the distinction between academic work and labour, discusses the connection between academic, information and cultural work, and suggests a broad definition of university labour. It presents a model of working conditions that helps to systematically analyse the academic labour process and to provide an overview of working conditions at universities. The article furthermore argues for the need to consider the development of education technologies as a dialectics of continuity and discontinuity, discusses the changing nature of the forces and relations of production, and the impact on the working conditions of academics in the digital university. Based on Erik Olin Wright’s inclusive approach of social transformation, the article concludes with the need to bring together anarchist, social democratic and revolutionary strategies for establishing a socialist university in a commons-based information society.
Modeling of collapsing cavitation bubble near solid wall by 3D pseudopotential multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Shan Minglei , Yang Yu , Peng Hao , Han Qingbang , Zhu Changping
Published: November 2017

Understanding the dynamic characteristic of the cavitation bubble near a solid wall is a fundamental issue for the bubble collapse application and prevention. In the present work, an improved three-dimensional multi-relaxation-time pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann model is adopted to investigate the cavitation bubble collapse near the solid wall. With respect to thermodynamic consistency, Laplace law verification, the three-dimensional pseudopotential multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model is investigated. By the theoretical analysis, it is proved that the model can be regarded as a solver of the Rayleigh–Plesset equation, and confirmed by comparing the results of the lattice Boltzmann simulation and the Rayleigh–Plesset equation calculation for the case of cavitation bubble collapse in the infinite medium field. The bubble collapse near the solid wall is modeled using the improved pseudopotential multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model. We find the lattice Boltzmann simulation and the experimental results have the same dynamic process by comparing the bubble profiles evolution. Form the pressure field and the velocity field evolution it is found that the tapered higher pressure region formed near the top of the bubble is a crucial driving force inducing the bubble collapse. This exploratory research demonstrates that the lattice Boltzmann method is an alternative tool for the study of the interaction between collapsing cavitation bubble and matter.
The MemoSlide: An explorative study into a novel mechanical follow-the-leader mechanism
Authors: Henselmans Paul WJ , Gottenbos Stefan , Smit Gerwin , Breedveld Paul
Published: November 2017

Follow-the-leader propagation allows for the insertion of flexible surgical instruments along curved paths, reducing the access required for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. Currently, the most promising follow-the-leader instruments use the alternating memory method containing two mechanical memory-banks for controlling the motion of the flexible shaft, which reduces the number of actuators to a minimum. These instruments do, however, require concentric structures inside the shaft, limiting its miniaturization. The goal of this research was, therefore, to develop a mechanism conforming the principles of the alternating memory method that could be located at the controller-side instead of inside the shaft of the instrument, which is positioned outside the patient and is therefore less restricted in size. First, the three-dimensional motion of the shaft was decoupled into movement in a horizontal and vertical plane, which allowed for a relatively simple planar alternating memory mechanism design for controlling planar follow-the-leader motion. Next, the planar movement of the alternating memory mechanism was discretized, increasing its resilience to errors. The resulting alternating memory mechanism was incorporated and tested in a proof-of-concept prototype called the Memo Slide. This prototype does not include a flexible shaft, but was fully focused on proving the function of the alternating memory mechanism. Evaluation of the Memo Slide shows the mechanism to work very well, being able to transfer any planar path that lays within its physical boundaries along the body of the mechanism without accumulating errors.
Dewey and Lewin: A neglected relationship and its current relevance to psychology
Authors: Colucci Francesco Paolo , Colombo Monica
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we explore the neglected relationship between Dewey and Lewin. Adopting a historical and theoretical perspective, we offer an interpretative framework for explaining why both scholars and their legacies may have been insufficiently recognized or misunderstood within psychology. Their relationship is discussed with particular reference to a common theoretical basis and conception of activity. The connections of their work with the Cultural Historical School and with Gramsci’s thinking are suggested. We hold that from this perspective, Dewey and Lewin can be seen to contribute to contemporary psychology—action research in particular—by furthering its “emancipatory social relevance.”
Ethical decision-making based on field assessment: The experiences of prehospital personnel
Authors: Torabi Mohammad , Borhani Fariba , Abbaszadeh Abbas , Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

Due to the stressful nature of prehospital emergency providers’ duties, as well as difficulties such as distance to information resources and insufficient time to analyze situations, ethical decision-making in prehospital services is a daily challenge.

Objectives:

This study aimed to describe the experiences of Iranian prehospital emergency personnel in the field of ethical decision-making.

Methods:

The data were collected by semi-structured interviews (n = 15) in Iran and analyzed using the content analysis approach.

Ethical considerations:

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of research ethics and national rules and regulations relating to informed consent and confidentiality.

Results:

The results obtained were categorized into three main categories that included “assessment of the scene atmosphere, assessment of patients’ condition and their family, and predicting outcomes of decision-making.” The central category was “field assessment,” which demonstrated the strategy of ethical decision-making by prehospital providers when facing ethical conflicts.

Conclusion:

Although findings showed that the majority of prehospital providers make ethical decisions based on the patients’ benefit, they also consider consequences of their decisions in dealing with personal and professional threats. This article identifies and describes a number of ethical values of prehospital providers and discusses how the values may be considered by paramedics when facing ethical conflicts.
Organizational Policies and Programs to Reduce Job Stress and Risk of Workplace Violence Among K-12 Education Staff
Authors: Landsbergis Paul , Zoeckler Jeanette , Kashem Zerin , Rivera Bianca , Alexander Darryl , Bahruth Amy
Published: November 2017

We examine strategies, programs, and policies that educators have developed to reduce work stressors and thus health risks. First, we review twenty-seven empirical studies and review papers on organizational programs and policies in K-12 education published from 1990 to 2015 and find some evidence that mentoring, induction, and Peer Assistance and Review programs can increase support, skill development, decision-making authority, and perhaps job security, for teachers—and thus have the potential to reduce job stressors. Second, we describe efforts to reduce workplace violence in Oregon, especially in special education, including legislation, collective bargaining, research, and public awareness. We conclude that to reduce workplace violence, adequate resources are needed for staffing, training, equipment, injury/assault reporting, and investigation. Third, we discuss collective bargaining initiatives that led to mentoring and Peer Assistance and Review and state legislation on prevention of bullying and harassment of school staff. Finally, we present a research agenda on these issues.
A Descriptive Analysis of End-of-Life Conversations With Long-Term Glioblastoma Survivors
Authors: Miranda Stephen P. , Bernacki Rachelle E. , Paladino Joanna M. , Norden Andrew D. , Kavanagh Jane E. , Palmor Marissa C. , Block Susan D.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Early, high-quality serious illness (SI) conversations are critical for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) but are often mistimed or mishandled.

Objective:

To describe the prevalence, timing, and quality of documented SI conversations and evaluate their focus on patient goals/priorities.

Design/Participants:

Thirty-three patients with GBM enrolled in the control group of a randomized controlled trial of a communication intervention and were followed for 2 years or until death. At baseline, all patients answered a validated question about preferences for life-extending versus comfort-focused care and completed a Life Priorities Survey about their goals/priorities. In this secondary analysis, retrospective chart review was performed for 18 patients with GBM who died. Documented SI conversations were systematically identified and evaluated using a codebook reflecting 4 domains: prognosis, goals/priorities, end-of-life planning, and life-sustaining treatments. Patient goals/priorities were compared to documentation.

Measurements/Results:

At baseline, 16 of 24 patients preferred life-extending care. In the Life Priorities Survey, goals/priorities most frequently ranked among the top 3 were “Live as long as possible,” “Be mentally aware,” “Provide support for family,” “Be independent,” and “Be at peace.” Fifteen of 18 patients had at least 1 documented SI conversation (range: 1-4). Median timing of the first documented SI conversation was 84 days before death (range: 29-231; interquartile range: 46-119). Fifteen patients had documentation about end-of-life planning, with “hospice” and “palliative care” most frequently documented. Five of 18 patients had documentation about their goals.

Conclusion:

Patients with GBM had multiple goals/priorities with potential treatment implications, but documentation showed SI conversations occurred relatively late and infrequently reflected patient goals/priorities.
Cultivating Nature Connection: Instructor Narratives of Urban Outdoor Education
Authors: Grimwood Bryan S. R. , Gordon Michelle , Stevens Zachary
Published: November 2017

Background: Outdoor education often aims to facilitate positive human–nature relationships and craft healthy, sustainable lifestyles. Processes and outcomes of program innovations seeking to address “nature-deficit disorder” among children can be understood from a narrative perspective. Purpose: This study illuminates how a group of instructors working for a charity-based outdoor organization in Toronto, Ontario, perceive the cultivation of nature connectedness in and through the urban outdoor education programs they facilitate for children. Methodology/Approach: A narrative methodology was used to engage instructors in telling personal stories about their involvement and perceptions of programs they facilitate, and to interpret thematic insights into the broader meanings circulating within this instructor group. Findings/Conclusions: Analyses revealed that instructors story the cultivation of nature connectedness around three spatial metaphors: creating space for nature connection, engaging that space, and broadening that space. Findings cast light on how instructors situate their practices within a broader community committed to mentoring nature connectedness in individuals, families, and society. Implications: Instructor stories shed light on contemporary practices of outdoor experiential education, and the meanings and perceived impacts of nature-based learning. The study contributes to literature illustrating the promise urban outdoor education holds for fostering nature connectedness.
Personality Similarity and Romantic Relationship Adjustment During the Couple Life Cycle
Authors: Lampis Jessica , Cataudella Stefania , Busonera Alessandra , Carta Stefano
Published: November 2017

Over the last decade, a substantial number of studies have focused on the role of personality traits and of the personality trait similarity/dissimilarity in partner selection and in predicting the quality of adult romantic relationships. The present study contributes to this general objective by investigating the correlations between levels of similarity/dissimilarity in partners’ personality profiles, analyzed through the Big Five dimensions, and levels of romantic relationship adjustment at different stage of a couple’s life course. A sample of Italian couples ( N = 92 couples; 184 individuals) completed the Big Five Questionnaire and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The results revealed that similarity was not directly related with romantic relationship adjustment. Similarity only affected adjustment in interaction with the length of relationship. Partners reporting high levels of similarity in conscientiousness and openness showed the highest levels of romantic relationship adjustment during the first years of their relationship, while showing lower levels of adjustment as the relationship progressed. The lower levels of romantic relationship adjustment fell within the length of relationship range spanning between 10 and 21 years. These results suggest the importance of considering the life cycle perspective when studying the impact of personality similarity on romantic relationships, as well as suggesting the need to analyze the relationship between personality factors and interpersonal processes in a deeper way particularly in counseling and therapeutic contexts.
Collaboration by Design: Stakeholder Engagement in GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines
Authors: Grushina Svetlana V.
Published: November 2017

From the perspective of communication as constitutive, organization–stakeholder dialogue about corporate social responsibility constitutes the main intersection of organization and environment. Sustainability reporting has emerged as an important tool used by organizations and their stakeholders in the regulation of that intersection. This study examines the evolution of a de facto standard for such reporting, the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines, from their inception in 2000 to the current form. The study focuses on the Global Reporting Initiative’s specifications regarding stakeholder engagement; these specifications are conceptualized as institutional messages. Analysis reveals how the changes in features of these messages have helped position sustainability reporting as a new genre of organizational communication. Results are consequential for theorizing the nexus of communication and organization, as seen in the role of micro matters of language constituting a product of communication design that has helped shape organization–stakeholder collaboration worldwide.
The Dilemma of Service Productivity and Service Innovation
Authors: Aspara Jaakko , Klein Jan F. , Luo Xueming , Tikkanen Henrikki
Published: November 2017

We conduct a systematic exploratory investigation of the effects of firms’ existing service productivity on the success of their new service innovations. Although previous research extensively addresses service productivity and service innovation, this is the first empirical study that bridges the gap between these two research streams and examines the links between the two concepts. Based on a comprehensive data set of new service introductions in a financial services market over a 14-year period, we empirically explore the relationship between a firm’s existing service productivity and the firm’s success in introducing new services to the market. The results unveil a fundamental service productivity-service innovation dilemma: Being productive in existing services increases a firm’s willingness to innovate new services proactively but decreases the firm’s capabilities of bringing these services to the market successfully. We provide specific insights into the mechanism underlying the complex relationship between a firm’s productivity in existing services, its innovation proactivity, and its service innovation success. For managers, we not only unpack and elucidate this dilemma but also demonstrate that a focused customer scope and growth market conditions may enable firms to mitigate the dilemma and successfully pursue service productivity and service innovation simultaneously.
Intense immunosuppression followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a therapeutic strategy in aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mancardi Gianluigi , Sormani Maria Pia , Muraro Paolo A , Boffa Giacomo , Saccardi Riccardo
Published: November 2017

In the majority of relapsing multiple sclerosis patients, the disease can be quite easily controlled by already available, approved therapies. There are, however, some aggressive cases who continue to have clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity in spite of the treatment. These are the cases who may now receive benefit from intense immunosuppression followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). In this review, we describe the method and the rationale of aHSCT, the more recently published studies that demonstrate its efficacy in selected multiple sclerosis cases, the problems related to safety and the transplant-related mortality risk of the procedure. A description of the ideal patient who can take advantage of aHSCT is outlined and, finally, the ongoing studies which are near to completion or are close to starting are briefly reported.
How to become proficient in performance of the resting ankle–brachial index: Results of the first randomized controlled trial
Authors: Donnou Céline , Chaudru Ségolène , Stivalet Olivier , Paul Eunice , Charasson Marie , Selli Jean-Marc , Mauger Chadi , Chapron Anthony , Le Faucheur Alexis , Jaquinandi Vincent , Mahé Guillaume
Published: November 2017

The resting ankle–brachial index (ABI) is a first-line test to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD). No randomized controlled trial (RCT) has yet been conducted to determine the best teaching method to become proficient in the ABI procedure. We conducted a monocentric RCT to determine whether didactic learning alone or didactic learning combined with experiential learning improved proficiency in the ABI procedure. Medical students ( n = 30) received didactic learning, including (i) a presentation of the ABI guidelines and (ii) a video demonstration. Each student was then randomized into two groups (‘no experiential learning group’ and ‘experiential learning group’). An initial evaluation was performed after the didactic learning and a final evaluation at the end of the intervention. A student was considered to be proficient when he or she performed a correct ABI procedure on a healthy individual and a patient. The correct procedure corresponds to (i) following guidelines and (ii) a difference in ABI measurement between a vascular specialist and a student of ≤ 0.15. No student was proficient at the initial evaluation. At the final evaluation, in the didactic learning group, the number of proficient students was not improved compared with the initial evaluation (0/10 vs 1/10). In the experiential learning group, the number of proficient students was significantly improved (0/20 vs 11/20; p < 0.05). At the final evaluation, there was a significant difference between the number of proficient students depending on their learning group. In conclusion, didactic learning alone is insufficient to gain proficiency in the ABI procedure. Combining didactic learning with experiential learning significantly improved the students’ proficiency.
Head Injuries in Urban Environment Skiing and Snowboarding: A Retrospective Study on Injury Severity and Injury Mechanisms
Authors: Stenroos A. , Handolin L.
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim:

During the last decade urban skiing and snowboarding has gained a lot of popularity. In urban skiing/snowboarding riders try to balance on handrails and jump off buildings. Previous studies in skiing and snowboarding accidents have mostly been conducted at hospitals located close to alpine terrain with big ski resort areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the types and severity of traumatic brain injuries occurring in small, suburban hills and in urban environment, and to characterize injury patterns to find out the specific mechanisms of injuries behind.

Materials and Methods:

This study included all patients admitted to the Helsinki University Hospital Trauma Unit from 2006 to 2015 with a head injury (ICD 10 S06-S07) from skiing or snowboarding accidents in Helsinki capital area. Head injuries that did not require a CT-scan, and injuries older than 24 hours were excluded from this study.

Results:

There were a total of 72 patients that met the inclusion criteria Mean length of stay in hospital was 2.95 days. According to the AIS classification, 30% had moderate, 14% had severe, and 10% had critical head injuries. Patients who got injured in terrain parks or on streets where more likely to be admitted to ICU than those injured on slopes. Based on GOS score at discharge, 78% were classified as having a good recovery from the injury, 13% had a moderate disability, 5% had a severe disability and 3% of the injuries were fatal. There were no statistically significant differences in decreased GOS between the accident sites.

Conclusion:

Head injuries occurring in small suburban hills and in urban environments can be serious and potentially fatal. The profile and severity of skiing injuries in urban environments and small, suburban hills is comparable to those on alpine terrain.
Long-Term Prognosis and Causes of Death After Pleural Infections
Authors: Khan J. A. , Lehtomäki A. I. , Toikkanen V. J. , Ukkonen M. T. , Nevalainen R. M. , Laurikka J. O.
Published: November 2017

Background and Aims:

The development of pleural infection may imply a worse state of health and prognosis. The objective of this study was to ascertain the long-term survival and causes of death after pleural infections and to compare them to those of matched controls.

Material and Methods:

Altogether 191 patients treated for pleural infections at a single University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2008 and 1910 age- and gender-matched controls were included. Survival data and the causes of death for non-survivors were obtained from national databases and compared between the groups.

Results:

The etiology of pleural infection was pulmonary infection in 70%, procedural complication in 9%, trauma in 5%, malignancy in 4%, other in 7%, and unknown in 5% of patients. The course of treatment was surgical in 82%, drainage only in 12%, and conservative in 5% of included patients. The median follow-up time was 11 years. Mortality rates were 8.4% versus 0.8% during the first 90 days, p < 0.001, and 46.6% versus 24.5% overall, p < 0.001, in patients and controls, respectively. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary infection, procedural complication, or malignancy as the etiology of pleural infection. In multivariable analysis, advanced age, previous malignancies, institutional care, alcoholism, and malignant etiology for the infection were associated with inferior survival. Deaths caused by malignancies, respiratory diseases, and digestive diseases were significantly more common in patients than in controls.

Conclusion:

Long-term survival in patients with pleural infections is significantly inferior to that of age and gender-matched controls.
Smallholder farmers’ knowledge of mobile telephone use: Gender perspectives and implications for agricultural market development
Authors: Owusu Alex Barimah , Yankson Paul W. K. , Frimpong Stephen
Published: November 2017

Recent growth in mobile telephone and mobile-based information services in many developing countries provides opportunities to reduce costly and incomplete information dissemination in the agricultural sector and ensure efficient functioning of markets. But in order to successfully use mobile phones for the optimal development of agricultural markets, understanding the impact of social structure on mobile phone adoption, its uses and perceived impacts are invaluable. Although global assessments of capacity in the use of information communication technology (ICT) devices have been considered, such assessments mask significant geo-spatial variations among local farmers—male and female—with respect to their capacity to effectively use basic mobile phone functions. Documenting and recognizing this is important for the development of national agricultural ICT policies, as well as programmes aimed at increasing farmers’ knowledge and use of ICT for agricultural marketing. This article’s contribution to agricultural marketing and the use of ICT in developing countries (such as Ghana) is anchored in the assessment of the technical capacity and mobile telephone-based market information access to farmers in selected rural districts of Ghana. The selected districts are where most households are poor and heavily dependent on farming as their mainstay, and furthermore, where market information which mobile phones facilitate is crucial to maximizing their incomes.
Inter-plume aerodynamics for gasoline spray collapse
Authors: Sphicas Panos , Pickett Lyle M , Skeen Scott A , Frank Jonathan H
Published: November 2017

The collapse or merging of individual plumes of direct-injection gasoline injectors is of fundamental importance to engine performance because of its impact on fuel–air mixing. However, the mechanisms of spray collapse are not fully understood and are difficult to predict. The purpose of this work is to study the aerodynamics in the inter-spray region, which can potentially lead to plume collapse. High-speed (100 kHz) particle image velocimetry is applied along a plane between plumes to observe the full temporal evolution of plume interaction and potential collapse, resolved for individual injection events. Supporting information along a line of sight is obtained using simultaneous diffused back illumination and Mie-scatter techniques. Experiments are performed under simulated engine conditions using a symmetric eight-hole injector in a high-temperature, high-pressure vessel at the “Spray G” operating conditions of the engine combustion network. Indicators of plume interaction and collapse include changes in counter-flow recirculation of ambient gas toward the injector along the axis of the injector or in the inter-plume region between plumes. The effect of ambient temperature and gas density on the inter-plume aerodynamics and the subsequent plume collapse are assessed. Increasing ambient temperature or density, with enhanced vaporization and momentum exchange, accelerates the plume interaction. Plume direction progressively shifts toward the injector axis with time, demonstrating that the plume interaction and collapse are inherently transient.
The DNMT3B -579G>T Polymorphism Is Significantly Associated With the Risk of Gastric Cancer but not Lung Cancer in Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Bifeng , Wang Jingdong , Gu Xiuli , Zhang Jingli , Zhang Jiankun , Feng Xianhong
Published: November 2017

The -149C>T and -579G>T, 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms in de novo methyltransferase 3B gene promoter, have been previously reported to potentially alter the promoter activity and to influence cancer risk. However, the results from previous studies remain conflicting rather than conclusive. In view of this, we conducted a case–control study and then a meta-analysis to examine the association between these 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with risk of lung and gastric cancer in Chinese population. The genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed by sequencing. In this case–control study, no significant association with lung or gastric cancer risk was observed for -149C>T, while -579G>T was significantly correlated with the risk of gastric cancer but not lung cancer. Moreover, haplotype analysis showed that haplotype -149T/-579 T, which carried the risk -579 T allele, significantly increased the susceptibility to gastric cancer. However, none of the haplotypes was associated with the risk of lung cancer. The following meta-analysis involved only Chinese population and further confirmed the significant association of -579G>T with gastric cancer but not lung cancer and suggested no significant association between -149C>T and risk of lung or gastric cancer. Collectively, DNMT3B -579G>T polymorphism is associated with gastric cancer risk in Chinese population, and the -579G>T may be used as a genetic biomarker to predict the risk of gastric cancer in Chinese population.
Lifestyle and Pharmacotherapy for Weight Loss in Preventing or Delaying Diabetes
Authors: Price Stephanie , Le Quynh Nhu , White Nicole D.
Published: November 2017

Preventing or delaying the conversion of prediabetes to overt diabetes can reduce mortality and morbidity rates, improve health-related quality of life, and reduce other comorbid complications associated with diabetes. Studies have shown that a modest weight loss is one strategy for preventing or delaying diabetes diagnosis. First-line therapy in preventing progression of prediabetes to overt diabetes is weight loss through lifestyle modifications; however, pharmacotherapy for weight loss may be initiated if lifestyle alone is ineffective. The purpose of this article is to describe the pharmacotherapeuptic options for weight loss that can be used in conjunction with lifestyle in the prevention or delay of diabetes in patients with prediabetes.
Factors associated with reporting results for pulmonary clinical trials in ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Riley Isaretta L , Boulware L Ebony , Sun Jie-Lena , Chiswell Karen , Que Loretta G , Kraft Monica , Todd Jamie L , Palmer Scott M , Anderson Monique L
Published: November 2017

Background/aims

The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act mandates that applicable clinical trials report basic summary results to the ClinicalTrials.gov database within 1 year of trial completion or termination. We aimed to determine the proportion of pulmonary trials reporting basic summary results to ClinicalTrials.gov and assess factors associated with reporting.

Methods

We identified pulmonary clinical trials subject to the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (called highly likely applicable clinical trials) that were completed or terminated between 2008 and 2012 and reported results by September 2013. We estimated the cumulative percentage of applicable clinical trials reporting results by pulmonary disease category. Multivariable Cox regression modeling identified characteristics independently associated with results reporting.

Results

Of 1450 pulmonary highly likely applicable clinical trials, 380 (26%) examined respiratory neoplasms, 238 (16%) asthma, 175 (12%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 657 (45%) other respiratory diseases. Most (75%) were pharmaceutical highly likely applicable clinical trials and 71% were industry-funded. Approximately 15% of highly likely applicable clinical trials reported results within 1 year of trial completion, while 55% reported results over the 5-year study period. Earlier phase highly likely applicable clinical trials were less likely to report results compared to phase 4 highly likely applicable clinical trials (phases 1/2 and 2 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.41 (95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.54)), phases 2/3 and 3 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.55 (95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.72)) and phase not applicable (adjusted hazard ratio 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.63)). Pulmonary highly likely applicable clinical trials without Food and Drug Administration oversight were less likely to report results compared with those with oversight (adjusted hazard ratio 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.83)).

Conclusion

A total of 15% of pulmonary clinical highly likely applicable clinical trials report basic summary results to ClinicalTrials.gov within 1 year of trial completion. Strategies to improve reporting are needed within the pulmonary community.
What’s it to me? Self-interest and evaluations of financial conflicts of interest
Authors: Bruton Samuel V , Sacco Donald F
Published: November 2017

Disclosure has become the preferred way of addressing the threat to researcher objectivity arising from financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs). This article argues that the effectiveness of disclosure at protecting science from the corrupting effects of FCOIs—particularly the kind of disclosure mandated by US federal granting agencies—is more limited than is generally acknowledged. Current NIH and NSF regulations require disclosed FCOIs to be reviewed, evaluated, and managed by officials at researchers’ home institutions. However, these reviewers are likely to have institutional and personal interests of their own that may undermine the integrity of their evaluations. This paper presents experimental findings suggesting that such interests affect third-party assessments of FCOIs. Over 200 participants gauged the ethical significance of various hypothetical yet realistic FCOIs in academic research settings. Some of them were led to believe they had a small personal interest in allowing conflicted research to proceed, whereas others’ personal outcomes were unrelated to the conflicted research. The results show that motivated reasoning influences FCOI evaluations, such that those with personal interest in conflicted research provided more lenient evaluations of researcher FCOIs. These findings imply that the capacity of federally mandated FCOI disclosure procedures to enhance bias-free science is quite restricted.
Laboratory and field evaluation of a small form factor head impact sensor in un-helmeted play
Authors: Nevins Derek , Hildenbrand Kasee , Kensrud Jeff , Vasavada Anita , Smith Lloyd
Published: November 2017

Head impact sensors are increasingly used to quantify the frequency and magnitude of head impacts in sports. A dearth of information exists regarding head impact in un-helmeted sport, despite the substantial number of concussions experienced in these sports. This study evaluated the performance of one small form factor head impact sensor in both laboratory and field environments. In laboratory tests, sensor performance was assessed using a Hybrid III headform and neck. The headform assembly was mounted on a low-friction sled and impacted with three sports balls over a range of velocities (10–31 m/s) at two locations and from three directions. Measures of linear and angular acceleration obtained from the small form factor wireless sensor were compared to measures of linear and angular acceleration obtained by wired sensors mounted at the headform center of mass. Accuracy of the sensor varied inversely with impact magnitude, with relative differences across test conditions ranging from 0.1% to 266.0% for peak linear acceleration and 4.7% to 94.6% for peak angular acceleration when compared to a wired reference system. In the field evaluation, eight male high school soccer players were instrumented with the head impact sensor in seven games. Video of the games was synchronized with sensor data and reviewed to determine the number of false positive and false negative head acceleration event classifications. Of the 98 events classified as valid by the sensor, 20.5% (20 impacts) did not result from contact with the ball, another player, the ground or player motion and were therefore considered false positives. Video review of events classified as invalid or spurious by the sensor found 77.8% (14 of 18 impacts) to be due to contact with the ball, another player or player motion and were considered false negatives.
Development of non-invasive ventilation treatment practice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:Results from a participatory research project
Authors: Christensen Helle M , Titlestad Ingrid L , Huniche Lotte
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Non-invasive ventilation treatment for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is well documented. Communication with patients during treatment is inhibited because of the mask, the noise from the machine and patient distress. Assessing life expectancy and identifying end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease posed difficulties and caused doubts concerning initiation and continuation of non-invasive ventilation as life-sustaining treatment. Health professionals expressed a need for knowledge of patients’ perspectives and attitude towards non-invasive ventilation.

Methods:

The study adheres to principles of Critical psychological practice research. Data on patients’ and health professionals’ perspectives were obtained from observations from the ward and semi-structured interviews with 16 patients. A group of health professionals was set up to form a co-researcher group. The co-researcher group described and analysed treatment practice at the department, drawing on research literature, results from observations and patients’ interviews.

Results:

Interviews revealed that 15 patients evaluated treatment with non-invasive ventilation positively, although 13 had experienced fear and 14 discomfort during treatment. The co-researcher group described health professionals’ perspectives and analysed treatment practice based on data from patients’ perspectives developing new management strategies in clinical practice with non-invasive ventilation.

Conclusion:

The participatory approach enabled continuous and complementary development of knowledge and treatment practice. The investigation of patient perspectives was particularly productive in qualifying cooperation among health professionals. The study resulted in preparing, and implementing, new clinical strategies.
Attentional and Neural Processing of Affective and Alcohol-Related Images in University-Attending Emerging Adults
Authors: Banz Barbara C. , Davalos Deana B.
Published: November 2017

High-risk drinking is prevalent in university-attending emerging adults. This coincides with a critical time for the development of higher level cognitive and emotional processing and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Cognitive and emotional processing seems to have a particularly sensitive relationship with alcohol. The current study sought to examine the relationship between alcohol use and neurophysiology in an emerging adult, university-attending population. Neurophysiological response, defined as event-related potentials, to alcohol-related and emotionally affective images were evaluated in 23 drinkers and 21 nondrinkers. Drinkers had a greater attentional response to alcohol, positive, and negative images compared to nondrinkers. No differences were found between groups for attentional response (P2) to neutral images or for later emotional processing (late positive potential) for any stimuli type. These data suggest that this drinking population processes alcohol stimuli and affective images similarly and more robustly than nondrinking peers. These data support a relationship between alcohol and emotional processing in emerging adults.
Crosstalk between ROR1 and BCR pathways defines novel treatment strategies in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Karvonen Hanna , Chiron David , Niininen Wilhelmiina , Ek Sara , Jerkeman Mats , Moradi Elaheh , Nykter Matti , Heckman Caroline A. , Kallioniemi Olli , Murumägi Astrid , Ungureanu Daniela
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Targeting ROR1 downregulates NF-κB p65 expression and sensitizes MCL cells to BCR- or Bcl-2–targeted drugs. Inhibition of BCR signaling by BTK-specific inhibitors such as ibrutinib impairs ROR1 levels and consecutively ROR1-targeted therapies.