bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of HLA-G expression in renal tissue in lupus nephritis: a pilot study
Authors: Foschi V , Bortolotti D , Doyle A F , Stratigou V , Stephens L , Trivedi P , Rinaldi R , Padovan M , Bortoluzzi A , Lightstone L , Cairns T D , Botto M , Cook T H , Rizzo R , Govoni M , Pickering M C
Published: July 2019

Background

The study aimed to investigate whether HLA-G antigen is expressed in the kidneys of patients affected by lupus nephritis (LN) and whether its detection in renal biopsies could be adopted as a marker of treatment response and prognosis.

Methods

Thirty renal biopsies from patients with LN were selected and analyzed through immunohistochemistry. Laboratory and clinical data were retrospectively collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months and at the latest clinical appointment. A number of patients (63.3%) were treated with rituximab (RTX) +/− methylprednisolone in the induction phase. The expression of HLA-G in glomeruli, tubules and infiltrating cells was examined and compared between lupus patients who achieved either complete or partial renal response and those who did not respond to treatment.

Results

HLA-G staining was observed in the glomeruli of 20 of 30 samples from patients with LN. The expression of the antigen was detected in podocytes, along glomerular capillary walls, on parietal glomerular epithelial cells and within the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Seventy per cent of patients whose glomeruli expressed HLA-G achieved partial or complete response at 6 months and 75% at the latest available follow up compared with 30% and 40%, respectively, of those who did not show any expression. The pattern of staining in tubules and infiltrating cells was highly variable precluding any clinical correlation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that HLA-G is expressed in renal tissue in LN. Our retrospective data suggest that its expression could correlate with response to treatment.
Differences in clinico-pathological characteristics and outcomes between proteinase 3-ANCA positivity and myeloperoxidase-ANCA positivity in lupus nephritis
Authors: Li C , Wang J -J , Zhou M -L , Liang D -D , Yang J , Zhu H -X , Hu W -X , Zhang H -T
Published: July 2019

Background

Owing to the low prevalence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in lupus nephritis (LN), there is no study about the differences between proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA positivity and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA positivity in LN until now.

Methods

Here we perform a retrospective study to determine whether there are differences in clinic-pathological characteristics and renal outcomes between PR3-ANCA-positive LN patients and MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients.

Results

A total of 26 (27.4%) PR3-ANCA-positive LN patients and 69 (72.6%) MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients ( p < 0.001) were eligible for this study. Compared with PR3-ANCA-positive LN patients, MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients had significantly higher levels of serum creatinine (109.6 µmol/l vs. 74.3 µmol/l, p = 0.02), lower titers of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (128 vs. 256, p = 0.01), and higher serum concentrations of C3 and C4 (0.54 g/l vs. 0.36 g/l, p = 0.002; 0.12 g/l vs. 0.06 g/l, p < 0.001; respectively). Furthermore, the MPO-ANCA-positive group had higher scores for chronicity index ( p = 0.007), including interstitial fibrosis ( p = 0.001) and tubular atrophy ( p = 0.03) on biopsy specimens. The renal survival rates for MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients were 94.1% at 1 year, 83.2% at 5 years and 79.6% at 10 years; these values were worse when compared with those of the PR3-ANCA-positive group, which were 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients had more severely impaired baseline renal function and less active lupus serology. More severely chronic pathological changes, including interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy on renal specimens, occurred in MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients. We found that MPO-ANCA-positive LN patients had worse renal outcomes.
D-mannose-Coating of Maghemite Nanoparticles Improved Labeling of Neural Stem Cells and Allowed Their Visualization by ex vivo MRI after Transplantation in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Pongrac Igor M. , Radmilović Marina Dobrivojević , Ahmed Lada Brkić , Mlinarić Hrvoje , Regul Jan , Škokić Siniša , Babič Michal , Horák Daniel , Hoehn Mathias , Gajović Srećko
Published: July 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled cells can be used as a non-invasive technique to track stem cells after transplantation. The aim of this study was to (1) evaluate labeling efficiency of D-mannose-coated maghemite nanoparticles (D-mannose(γ-Fe2O3)) in neural stem cells (NSCs) in comparison to the uncoated nanoparticles, (2) assess nanoparticle utilization as MRI contrast agent to visualize NSCs transplanted into the mouse brain, and (3) test nanoparticle biocompatibility. D-mannose(γ-Fe2O3) labeled the NSCs better than the uncoated nanoparticles. The labeled cells were visualized by ex vivo MRI and their localization subsequently confirmed on histological sections. Although the progenitor properties and differentiation of the NSCs were not affected by labeling, subtle effects on stem cells could be detected depending on dose increase, including changes in cell proliferation, viability, and neurosphere diameter. D-mannose coating of maghemite nanoparticles improved NSC labeling and allowed for NSC tracking by ex vivo MRI in the mouse brain, but further analysis of the eventual side effects might be necessary before translation to the clinic.
Factors related to privacy of Somali refugees in health care
Authors: Eklöf Niina , Hupli Maija , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: July 2019

Background:

Privacy is one of the key principles in health care and requires understanding of the cultural aspects of patients’ privacy. In Western cultures privacy is focused on the individual, however, in some non-Western cultures, privacy is linked to the collectivism of the community or religion.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to describe the factors related to the realisation of privacy of Somali refugees in health care by describing the factors related to the patient, healthcare professional and interpreter.

Research design:

The data were collected from Somali refugees (N = 29) using a qualitative questionnaire and were analysed by deductive content analysis based on factors related to the patient, healthcare professional and interpreter.

Ethical consideration:

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Turku, and research permissions were obtained from all participating institutions.

Findings:

Factors related to the patient were as follows: privacy was realised when the patient had self-determination; was able to act according to Somali culture; had knowledge and understanding of treatment; and trusted the healthcare professional. Factors related to the healthcare professional were as follows: the healthcare professional was expected to be of the same gender as the patient, act professionally, focus on the health issues, and to have knowledge and understanding of the Somali culture. Factors related to the interpreter were as follows: the presence and Somali background of the interpreter decreased privacy; the interpreter was expected to be of the same gender as the patient; to have competence and to behave professionally.

Discussion:

Gender congruence, professionalism and caring attitude and common understanding between the Somali patient and Finnish provider increase the privacy of Somali patients.

Conclusion:

Somali patients’ privacy can be improved by increasing healthcare professionals’ understanding of Somali culture, acknowledging the importance of gender concordance in relation to healthcare professionals and interpreters, and the effect of the presence of the interpreter on patients’ privacy.
Clinical capacity of Australian and New Zealand psychiatrists who work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Davies Kimberley , Eagleson Claire , Weise Janelle , Cvejic Rachael C , Trollor Julian N
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To describe the characteristics and clinical capacity of Australian and New Zealand psychiatrists working in intellectual and developmental disability mental health (IDDMH).

Method:

Consultant psychiatrists (n=71) with an interest or expertise in IDDMH completed an online survey about their roles, experience and time spent in intellectual developmental disability (IDD)-related activities.

Results:

Psychiatrists had worked in IDDMH for a median of 11.34 years and half (53.5%) reported expertise in the area. One-fifth of psychiatrists reported IDDMH as their main area of practice. The majority of respondents (85.1%) reported that they were working clinically with people with IDD. Respondents practicing clinically worked a median of 8 hours in clinical and 3 hours in non-clinical IDD-related work per week.

Conclusions:

Surveyed psychiatrists had considerable experience in IDDMH. However, their work in IDDMH represented a relatively small proportion of their overall work hours, and a minority of respondents were responsible for a large proportion of clinical work. Exploring ways to broaden capacity is crucial to ensuring the mental health needs of people with IDD are met.
Canine circoviral hemorrhagic enteritis in a dog in Connecticut
Authors: Van Kruiningen Herbert J. , Heishima Mizuki , Kerr Kirklyn M. , Garmendia Antonio E. , Helal Zeinab , Smyth Joan A.
Published: July 2019

A 5-mo-old Bassett Hound–Labrador Retriever cross was autopsied following a bout of lethargy, inappetence, and bleeding gums. Mucous membranes were white, and the small intestine was blue-black; the colon contained black feces. The spleen was swollen, and multiple lymph nodes were enlarged and hemorrhagic. Microscopically, the small intestine had focal crypt cell necrosis and circumferential transmural vasculitis, the latter the cause of infarction and the blue-black coloration. Lymphocytes were necrotic in spleen and lymph nodes, and erythrophagocytosis was present in some nodes. Vasculitis was present in brain, meninges, lung, liver, and kidneys. Electron microscopy revealed aggregates of 15–18 nm round viral particles in damaged crypt cells and in the endothelium of small blood vessels. Electron-dense intracytoplasmic inclusions consisting of paracrystalline-arrayed virus were demonstrated in macrophages in medullary lymph node sinuses. These virions were identified as circovirus, which was confirmed by real-time PCR and sequencing.
Effect of shape memory alloy actuator geometric non-linearity and thermomechanical coupling on the response of morphing structures
Authors: Machairas Theodoros T , Solomou Alexandros G , Karakalas Anargyros A , Saravanos Dimitris A
Published: July 2019

The response of adaptive structures entailing shape memory alloy actuators is investigated both numerically and experimentally in this work. Emphasis is placed on the inclusion of large displacements and rotations, as well as thermomechanical coupling in the simulation of the shape memory alloy actuators. Reduced multi-field beam finite element models for shape memory alloy actuators, encompassing a co-rotational formulation for large displacements and capability to provide the thermomechanically coupled transient response, are briefly overviewed. Prototypes of two adaptive structure configurations are developed, experimentally characterized, and numerically modeled. The measured response of the two prototypes is correlated with respective numerical results that consider both the geometric non-linearity and the thermomechanical coupling of the shape memory alloy actuators. Hence, the influence of these two effects on the predicted response of both the actuator and the adaptive structure is demonstrated. The results quantify also the interactions between geometric non-linearity and thermomechanical coupling terms. As it is shown, better agreement with experimental data is obtained when considering both effects.
Ensuring Teachers’ Job Suitability: A Missing Component of Instructional Leadership
Authors: Shaked Haim
Published: July 2019

Instructional leadership can be defined as an educational leadership approach whereby the school principal is involved in a wide range of activities aiming to improve teaching and learning for all students. Surprisingly, the literature about instructional leadership practices has not mentioned school leaders’ practices for hiring appropriate teachers and for determining whether existing teachers are the “right people” for the job. This suggests that instructional leaders are not necessarily expected to ensure that the right people are on board. The current study’s goal was to explore principals’ perceptions regarding their role in ensuring teachers’ job suitability and its relation to instructional leadership. Data collection included interviews with a diverse sample of 59 Israeli principals. Data analysis revealed that school principals perceived the issue of teacher hiring/firing as complicated. Therefore, they often regarded related tasks—such as deciding which attributes are most important for effective teachers, determining how such effective teachers can be proficiently screened for hire, and executing dismissal of ineffective teachers—as impossible or impractical. The current study suggests that this perception led principals to refrain from considering the activities involved in ensuring teacher suitability as means to improve teaching and learning. Practical implications and further research are discussed.
Touch-and-Go: Interior Tactile Communication in Armored Fighting Vehicles
Authors: Katzman Nuphar , Oron-Gilad Tal
Published: July 2019

In armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), the vehicle commander (VC) and crew communicate through an audio system that all crew members inside the AFV can hear. This can be distracting and inconvenient, especially for effective communication between the VC and the driver.

We assessed the feasibility and usability of a tactile system for direct communication between the VC and the driver in addition to (or instead of) the existing auditory system. Field experiment results show that, with or without auditory commands, tactile cues can be utilized to direct AFV drivers during operational tasks. Hence, specific design and implementation of a tactile interface should be considered for internal communication traffic.
When Do Female MPs Represent Women’s Interests? Electoral Systems and the Legislative Behavior of Women
Authors: Höhmann Daniel
Published: July 2019

Research on women’s political representation has repeatedly shown that female legislators represent women’s interest more strongly than their male colleagues. However, a growing body of literature shows that the parliamentary behavior of female members of parliament (MPs) and the relationship between descriptive and substantive representation of women is affected by a number of institutional variables. This paper contributes to this debate by analyzing the effect of the electoral incentive structure on the substantive representation of women. Drawing on the Competing Principals Theory, it is expected that female legislators more frequently act on behalf of women if their re-election does not depend on the representation of local interests in electoral districts. The empirical analysis uses the German mixed electoral system and analyzes the representation of women’s issues in oral and written parliamentary questions tabled in the German Bundestag between 2005 and 2013. The results of a hurdle regression model show that female MPs are more likely to concentrate on the representation of women’s interests if their re-election is secured and if they do not have to fight for additional local votes from their district.
Semi-active vibration control of a rotating flexible plate using stiffness and damping actively tunable joint
Authors: Hu Wei , Gao Yulong , Sun Xiaoqing , Yang Yikun , Yang Bintang
Published: July 2019

Lighter structures are increasingly required for flexible spacecraft. However, low frequency and large amplitude vibration problems are unavoidable due to external disturbances or attitude maneuvering especially when working under a microgravity environment. Therefore, a new methodology involving a semi-active technique using an actively tunable joint with variable stiffness and damping control, capable of handling such issues is proposed in this study. The incentive active joint was conceived with a compact structure, based on the electromagnetic direct drive principle. First, a dynamic model of rotating flexible plate was established. Then, a prototype was fabricated and tested. Finally, on the one hand, numerical simulations and experimental results indicated that, when the joint torsional stiffness changed, a frequency shift phenomenon occurred. On the other hand, two types of noncontact periodic vibration excitation methods along the rotation direction were proposed and the experimental results validated that the major frequency bandwidth of interference signal was 0.08–0.52 Hz with a significant vibration attenuation of 5.5–31.5 dB in effective bandwidth. Moreover, in the low frequency range (0.08–0.43 Hz), variable damping was found to be the main factor and variable stiffness was the secondary factor. However, in the high frequency range (around 0.52 Hz), variable stiffness was dominant and variable damping was inferior. These findings are expected to effectively suppress the low frequency and large amplitude vibration of solar panels with flexible joints.
Vibration control of bridges under simultaneous effects of earthquake and moving loads using steel pipe dampers
Authors: Nikkhoo Ali , Eskandari Ardalan Bahrami , Farazandeh Ali , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: July 2019

This study aims to develop a practical methodology based on the eigenfunction expansion method to assess the effects of simultaneous action of vertical earthquake excitation and moving vehicle loads in single-span and multi-span simply-supported bridges. While the effects of vertical earthquake ground motions are generally ignored in common design practice, it is shown that the influence of simultaneous vertical earthquake excitation and vehicle loads can considerably affect the structural response of the bridge, especially in near-field earthquakes with high amplitude vertical components. To address this issue, a novel vibration suppression system is proposed using steel pipe dampers and its reliability is investigated for a wide range of bridge flexural rigidity under seven different earthquake records. The results indicate that the proposed system can significantly (up to 75%) suppress the vertical vibrations generated in the bridge, especially for the systems with lower flexural rigidity. For the same maximum deflection limits, application of pipe dampers could reduce the required flexural rigidity of the bridge (up to 50%), and therefore, lead to more economic design solutions with lower structural weight.
Suppression of MAP4K4 Signaling Ameliorates Motor Neuron Degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Molecular Studies Toward New Therapeutics
Authors: Watts Michelle E , Wu Chen , Rubin Lee L
Published: July 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common motor neuron (MN) disease of adults, is characterized by the degeneration of upper MNs in the motor cortex and lower MNs in the brain stem and spinal cord. Our recent work suggests that a MAP kinase family member, MAP4K4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4), regulates MN degeneration in ALS. Activation of MAP4K4 occurs prior to MN death and inhibition of MAP4K4 improves neurite integrity and neuronal viability in a cell autonomous manner. The mechanism through which MAP4K4 reduction specifically modulates MN viability can be attributed to the attenuation of the c-Jun apoptotic pathway, as well as to the activation of FoxO1-mediated autophagy that reduces the accumulation of protein aggregates. We additionally show the feasibility of MAP4K4 as a drug target using a MAP4K4-specific inhibitor, which improves the survival of both primary and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs. Our studies are thus far the first to highlight a MAP4K4-initiated signaling cascade that contributes to MN degeneration in ALS, providing a new mechanism underlying MN death in disease and a druggable target for new therapeutics. We propose exciting future directions and unexplored avenues based upon this work.
Health needs, utilization of services and access to care among Medicaid and uninsured patients with chronic disease in health centres
Authors: Liang Hailun , Beydoun May A. , Eid Shaker M.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Understanding the role of Medicaid for health centre patients with chronic diseases can aid policymakers in designing and improving programmes to effectively meet the needs of this vulnerable segment of the population. This study compares the number of chronic conditions, health services utilization and access to care between patients with Medicaid coverage and uninsured patients seen at US health centres.

Methods

We used data from the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey. Measures included number of chronic conditions, number of physician visits, number of prescription drugs used, access to a usual source of care, the receipt of a routine checkup, unmet need for care and unmet need for prescription drugs. We conducted bivariate analyses to determine differences of outcome measures between the Medicaid and uninsured patient groups. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were conducted to test associations of Medicaid and other health-related factors with outcome measures.

Results

Bivariate results indicated there were no differences between Medicaid and uninsured patients in number of chronic diseases, having a usual source of care and receipt of a routine checkup. Significant differences existed in health services utilization measures and unmet health needs measures. After controlling for confounding factors, the differences in these measures were still apparent. Uninsured status was linked to a reduced physician visit frequency by −3.03 (95% CI: −4.05, −2.00) as compared with Medicaid patients (p < 0.001) and was associated with a reduced frequency of prescription drugs used by −0.38 (95% CI: −0.67, −0.10, p < 0.01) after controlling for the other covariates.

Conclusion

Despite having comparable needs to Medicaid patients, uninsured patients with chronic conditions continue to have substantial unmet needs for health care services and limited access to the health care system. Health centres serve an important role in eliminating such disparity regardless of insurance status. In addition, Medicaid eligibility may also have a substantial and positive impact on improving health services utilization and access to care among these low-income patients.
Do Brain Decoders Have an Ontological Mind of Their Own? Response to Nikolas Rose
Authors: Halberg Claus
Published: July 2019

In a recent article published in Body & Society, Nikolas Rose considers what he takes to be possible historical–ontological implications of recent developments in brain-decoding technologies. He argues that such technologies embody the premise that the brain is the real locus of mental states and processes, hence that a new materialist ontology of thought may be in the process of emerging through technological demonstration rather than through philosophical resolution. In this reply, I offer some reasons for being sceptical about such claims. I argue that the ontology in question hardly amounts to anything particularly new, that technologies cannot demonstrate anything in these matters independently of philosophical inclinations of some kind and that it is at least an open issue whether the ontology in question can secure its claim to be a materialist ontology of thought.
Using fathers as a negative control exposure: Implications of measurement bias
Authors: Rita Venugopal Lekshmi , Varghese M Tom
Published: July 2019

Negative control exposure analysis is a very effective tool in evaluating the effect of unmeasured confounding in observational epidemiological studies. Several biases, including recall bias, time-varying confounding factors, measurement bias and so on, can affect the credibility of negative control exposure analysis for causal interpretations. The article focuses on the implications of differential measurement error across exposed group and negative controls to causal interpretations on negative control exposure analysis.
Traumatic brain injury in Denmark 2008–2012
Authors: Mateu Nuri Cayuelas
Published: July 2019

Aims: To examine the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Denmark, including the relative frequency, distribution of injuries and the external causes across the days of the week, sex and age. Methods: I carried out a nationwide register-based study of the full population aged 16–65 years with a diagnosis of TBI between 2008 and 2012, a total of 27,030 hospital contacts. I calculated the average annual relative frequency and the sex risk ratio for four TBI diagnoses across age. I report the distribution of five external causes and the odds ratio of acquiring a TBI during the weekend. Results: The relative frequency of TBI peaked among 16- to 35-year-olds for all diagnosis except for haemorrhages, which increase with age. During weekends, the relative frequency of concussions increases for men, whereas the relative frequency of severe TBI increases for young men and decreases for older men. The relative frequency of TBI is stable throughout the week for women aged 16–35 years, but decreases for women aged 36–65 years. For 16- to 35-year-olds, the main external causes of TBI are falls and road traffic accidents. During the weekend, the risk of violence-, sport- and fall-related TBI increases for 16- to 35-year-olds, whereas the risk of TBI related to road traffic accidents decreases for women and older men. The risk of sports-related TBI increases during weekends for older men. Conclusions: Injury patterns and external causes across TBI diagnoses differ substantially across sex, age and the day of week, indicating differences in the behavioural patterns that result in a TBI.
Can economic indicators predict infectious disease spread? A cross-country panel analysis of 13 European countries
Authors: Hunter Paul R. , Colón-González Felipe J. , Brainard Julii , Majuru Batsirai , Pedrazzoli Debora , Abubakar Ibrahim , Dinsa Girmaye , Suhrcke Marc , Stuckler David , Lim Tek-Ang , Semenza Jan C.
Published: July 2019

Aims: It is unclear how economic factors impact on the epidemiology of infectious disease. We evaluated the relationship between incidence of selected infectious diseases and economic factors, including economic downturn, in 13 European countries between 1970 and 2010. Methods: Data were obtained from national communicable disease surveillance centres. Negative binomial forms of the generalised additive model (GAM) and the generalised linear model were tested to see which best reflected transmission dynamics of: diphtheria, pertussis, measles, meningococcal disease, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis A and salmonella. Economic indicators were gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc), unemployment rates and (economic) downturn. Results: GAM models produced the best goodness-of-fit results. The relationship between GDPpc and disease incidence was often non-linear. Strength and directions of association between population age, tertiary education levels, GDPpc and unemployment were disease dependent. Overdispersion for almost all diseases validated the assumption of a negative binomial relationship. Downturns were not independently linked to disease incidence. Conclusions: Social and economic factors can be correlated with many infections. However, the trend is not always in the same direction, and these associations are often non-linear. Economic downturn or recessions as indicators of increased disease risk may be better replaced by GDPpc or unemployment measures.
Hitting the white ceiling: Structural racism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university graduates
Authors: Plater Suzanne , Mooney-Somers Julie , Barclay Lesley , Boulton John
Published: July 2019

This article reports on a study that explored what it means to be a mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university graduate in the context of age, life-stage, history, culture, socioeconomic status, race and place. Using narrative interview data and fieldwork observation, we focus on the graduates’ workplace experiences and take a case study approach to amplify their voices. We argue that the data challenges the ideological construct of Australia as a ‘post-racial’ society and illustrates how interrelated variants of structural racism function to sanction, silence and control educated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, divide communities into quasi-hierarchies, and sustain white power and privilege. We show how these variants are expressed as low expectations, shadeism, culturism and privilege protectionism, and argue that their enactment can erect an invisible barrier to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professional progression: a ‘white ceiling’ above which many graduates struggle to ascend.
Visual transcriptions as socio-technical assemblages
Authors: Aarsand Pål , Sparrman Anna
Published: July 2019

With the development of visual digital technologies it has become more common in the social sciences to both use and present research visually. This article explores different strategies for working with and including images in ethnomethodology and conversation analysis (EMCA) transcriptions. The purpose is to investigate how, and if, the ontology of the transcript changes when verbal transcripts become visual transcripts. The article explores what ensures that a transcript is still a transcript and what happens to the reflexive interpretative strategy fundamental to EMCA when new digital technologies make it possible to incorporate images in transcripts. The article’s focus is on the social life of methods as well as methodological productivity showing how images can enact different social ‘realities’ and scientific knowledge.
Shopping cues: Conceptualization, scale development, and validation
Authors: Ahmed Sohel , Ting Ding Hooi
Published: July 2019

This article provides a conceptualization that encompasses the essence of shopping cues while offering consistency with the literature on the related construct. Using the construct definition as a basis, we develop and validate a higher-order (second-order) scale for shopping cues. The scale development process begins with construct definitions and is followed by a four-phase procedure: (1) qualitative exploration of relevant dimensions and items, (2) incorporation of qualitative findings with the established literature, (3) scale development, and (4) establishment of nomological validity. Empirical results reveal that the scale has sound psychometric properties and demonstrates its unique position in relation to established shopping-cue constructs. This article advances knowledge in the emerging literature on shopping cues (through a qualitative study) and redefines and improves the shopping-cue construct (through a quantitative study). Applying the scale in retail marketing practice offers a new way for retail managers to manage cues, enhance shoppers’ experiences, and increase demand.
Exploring public perceptions and understanding of dementia: Analysing narratives from the Mass Observation Project
Authors: Olsen Veronica , Taylor Lou , Whiteley Kirsty , Ellerton Annie , Kingston Paul , Bailey Jan
Published: July 2019

Over 850,000 people living in the United Kingdom have been diagnosed with dementia, yet knowledge about this condition amongst the general population remains relatively poor. Many studies have evaluated the level of public knowledge and understanding about dementia from a research and professional service perspective; however, none have considered this condition from the perspective of the wider public. In this preliminary overview, we analyse and describe high-level narratives collected from 143 respondents to a Dementia Directive commissioned to the Mass Observation Project. These narratives present a perspective on the public knowledge and understanding about dementia not previously considered, where respondents have written openly about their own experiences, and reflected on their perception of the wider public’s knowledge and understanding about dementia. This unique perspective importantly enhances our knowledge about the public’s understanding and awareness of dementia, and informs the main areas of public concern found in the analysis: care responsibilities, impact on relationships, and fears about developing dementia.
Every picture tells a story: Combining interpretative phenomenological analysis with visual research
Authors: Bartoli Angie
Published: July 2019

This article will present a methodological critique of the research process which combines participant-generated imagery with interpretative phenomenological analysis. This critique is based upon a research study which aimed to understand how social work practitioners experience their transition into first-line management. This study was particularly concerned with understanding feelings associated with role transitions within social work, as it is an under-researched area of practice. The data (verbal and visual) collected from the study was analysed using an adaptation of the interpretative phenomenological analysis’s six-stage process. A rationale is provided to illustrate the synergy between the underlying principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis as a research methodology and the social work profession, together with the need to adopt a nuanced and innovative approach through the utilisation of visual research methodology. Limitations and possibilities associated with combining these two research approaches will be illustrated through a series of examples from the study. It will conclude that the synergy of research approaches contributes to a deeper understanding of lived experience.
“Boots on the ground” state-building: Using Action Research to improve local governance in Afghanistan
Authors: Ledet Richard , Turner Pete
Published: July 2019

This paper explains how the authors applied Action Research during Operation Enduring Freedom in the course of U.S. Department of Defense operations intended to improve local governance in Afghanistan. Serving as civilian field researchers in 2011–2012, we were tasked, in part, with observing how informal custom and authority interacted with the functioning of local government. Assisted greatly by Action Research’s participatory nature, we were able to systematically develop a crucial relationship with an influential government official in a rural area. The partnership that resulted ultimately led to the implementation of planning procedures that were well suited to meet the needs of the district and more transparent to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and entities working with the U.S. Department of Defense. We argue that adopting and training for Action Research would increase the probability of success for current and future “non-lethal” U.S. Department of Defense activities.
Do Tournaments With Superstars Encourage or Discourage Competition?
Authors: Babington Michael , Goerg Sebastian J. , Kitchens Carl
Published: July 2019

To test and replicate the superstar effect reported by Brown, we empirically study contests where a single entrant has an exogenously higher probability of winning. Unlike the previous literature, we test for the presence of the superstar effect in several new contexts. Ultimately, we collect and explore data from four sources: men’s and women’s professional golf, and men’s and women’s professional alpine skiing. Empirically, we find little robust evidence of the superstar effect in any of our data sets. In our replication exercise, we approximate the findings of Brown; however, we cannot reject the null that the presence of a superstar has no impact on high ranked competitors. In our new settings, we cannot reject the null that superstars have no influence on the performances of highly ranked competitors.
Professional Development and Coaching: Addressing the “Last Mile” Problem in Educational Research
Authors: Lemons Christopher J. , Toste Jessica R.
Published: July 2019

The studies in the special series focus on the measurement of teacher practices and approaches for facilitating and evaluating school personnel’s use of data to inform instructional decisions that promote student achievement. In this commentary, the importance of conducting research on professional development and coaching is highlighted. The need to consider a broader framework within which professional development and coaching are contextualized and directions for future research are discussed.
Assessing Trustworthiness in Research: A Pilot Study on CV Verification
Authors: Phillips Trisha , Saunders R. Kyle , Cossman Jeralynn , Heitman Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

When scholars express concern about trust in science, they often focus on whether the public trusts research findings. This study explores a different dimension of trust and examines whether and how frequently researchers misrepresent their research accomplishments when applying for a faculty position. We collected all of the vitae submitted for faculty positions at a large research university for 1 year and reviewed a 10% sample for accuracy. Of the 180 applicants whose vitae we analyzed, 141 (78%) claimed to have at least one publication, and 79 of these 141 (56%) listed at least one publication that was unverifiable or inaccurate in a self-promoting way. We discuss the nature and implications of our findings, and suggest best practices for both applicants and search committees in presenting and reviewing vitae.
Ethical Concerns in Suicide Research: Results of an International Researcher Survey
Authors: Andriessen Karl , Reifels Lennart , Krysinska Karolina , Robinson Jo , Dempster Georgia , Pirkis Jane
Published: July 2019

Researchers and research ethics committees share a common goal of conducting ethically sound research. However, little is known of researchers’ experiences in obtaining ethics approval for suicide-related studies. This study aimed to investigate what concerns researchers have received on suicide-related ethics applications and how they dealt with it. Thirty-four respondents, recruited through the International Association for Suicide Prevention, filled out an online survey. The study found that researchers have received important concerns regarding potential harm and researchers’ responsibilities to participants. Researchers modified their application and/or consulted their research ethics committee in response to the concerns, which had a positive/neutral impact on their given study. Anticipating concerns and improved collaboration between researchers and research ethics committees should protect the quality of suicide prevention research.
Engineering of three-dimensional near-net-shape weave structures for high technical performance in carbon fibre–reinforced plastics
Authors: Schindler Stefan , Bauder Hans-Jürgen , Wolfrum Jürgen , Seibold Jürgen , Stipic Nemanja , von Wascinski Larissa , Tilebein Meike , Gresser Götz Theodor
Published: July 2019

To tap the full potential of reinforcing fibres for lightweight construction of sustainable carbon fibre–reinforced plastic components, woven three-dimensional reinforcement structures open up innovative approaches by integrating functional features. In this work, a novel three-dimensional shuttle weaving technology was taken advantage of to study carbon reinforcement structures with uninterrupted load trajectories from three points of view. Mechanical principals, economic and environmental issues were focused to provide an overall picture. Near-net-shape reinforcement fabrics with load trajectory–compliant yarn paths and interconnected layers that are interwoven in thickness direction were objects of investigation. The effects of a closed fabric selvedge, only producible by shuttle weaving, were investigated too. The here presented novel technology enables complex woven reinforcement structures that otherwise would demand several fabric layers leading to limited properties and lower performance of the carbon fibre–reinforced plastics due to missing interconnections between the layers. The studies on exemplary rods revealed a close relationship between different three-dimensional weave structures and the carbon fibre–reinforced plastic’s mechanical properties. The three-dimensional structures were woven in a single-step process and subsequently infiltrated with epoxy resin in the Vacuum Assisted Process (VAP®) and mechanically tested. Rounding off, universal guidelines for the layout of three-dimensional fabrics for rods were derived therefrom. The economic and environmental aspects of the complete process line were compared to the conventional manufacturing procedures for carbon fibre–reinforced plastic by material flow cost accounting. Looking at sustainability, material flow cost accounting showed that lightweight three-dimensional components with integrated features can be produced cost-effectively with less environmental impact by the novel weaving technology. Its capability for high-quality serial production of three-dimensional reinforcement structures is evident, which was one major result of the work.
Burnout Syndrome in UK Intensive Care Unit staff: Data from all three Burnout Syndrome domains and across professional groups, genders and ages
Authors: Vincent Laura , Brindley Peter G , Highfield Julie , Innes Richard , Greig Paul , Suntharalingam Ganesh
Published: July 2019

Introduction

This is the first comprehensive evaluation of Burnout Syndrome across the UK Intensive Care Unit workforce and in all three Burnout Syndrome domains: Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalisation and lack of Personal Accomplishment.

Methods

A questionnaire was emailed to UK Intensive Care Society members, incorporating the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for medical personnel. Burnout Syndrome domain scores were stratified by ‘risk’. Associations with gender, profession and age-group were explored.

Results

In total, 996 multi-disciplinary responses were analysed. For Emotional Exhaustion, females scored higher and nurses scored higher than doctors. For Depersonalisation, males and younger respondents scored higher.

Conclusion

Approximately one-third of Intensive Care Unit team-members are at ‘high-risk’ for Burnout Syndrome, though there are important differences according to domain, gender, age-group and profession. This data may encourage a more nuanced understanding of Burnout Syndrome and more personalised strategies for our heterogeneous workforce.
Renovation in Hospitals: Pressurization Strategies by Healthcare Contractors in the United States
Authors: Mousavi Ehsan S. , Bausman Dennis
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify current practices utilized by contractors in healthcare renovation projects.

Background:

Renovation in healthcare facilities comprises nearly half of all healthcare construction. Since a complete shutdown of the healthcare facility during renovation is typically not feasible, efforts must be taken to isolate ongoing functions of the hospital from activities in the construction zone. There are numerous documented cases of morbidity and mortality related to construction activities in the hospital. Hence, guidelines recommend negative pressurization of the construction zone to prevent the migration of dust and potential pathogenic agents into the functioning zone.

Method:

To accomplish the paper objective, a questionnaire was developed to address pressurization strategies, the use of backup systems and anterooms, and workforce training for healthcare projects. One hundred twenty-nine project managers and superintendents from top healthcare construction companies in the United States participated in the study.

Results:

Results show that owners influence pressurization strategy, but contractors typically assume a primary role in establishing pressurization levels, monitoring conformance, and training construction personnel. However, without solid evidence of effectiveness, pressurization levels often vary from Center for Disease Control standards.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to establish evidence-based practices and to develop training modules for construction crews to support these best practices. Promoting evidence-based training can improve patient safety and minimize adverse patient outcomes.
Angiogenic profile identifies pulmonary hypertension in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Bush Douglas , Wolter‐Warmerdam Kristine , Wagner Brandie D. , Galambos Csaba , Ivy D.Dunbar , Abman Steven H. , McMorrow Deven , Hickey Francis
Published: July 2019

Past studies have shown that lung angiogenic signaling may be abnormal in children with Down syndrome, but whether differences in circulating angiogenic proteins can identify pulmonary hypertension in children with Down syndrome is unknown. A prospective study of 78 children from birth to 21 years of age was conducted to evaluate clinical data, echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterizations. Four patient populations were enrolled, including children with Down syndrome who have pulmonary hypertension (Down syndrome + pulmonary hypertension, n = 12); control children without Down syndrome who have pulmonary hypertension (C + pulmonary hypertension, n = 15); children with Down syndrome without a known diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (Down syndrome − pulmonary hypertension, n = 26); and children without Down syndrome or a known diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (C − pulmonary hypertension, n = 25). Blood samples were collected at enrollment and concentrations for 11 proteins were evaluated. A classification tree was created to identify angiogenic peptide signals that may be associated with pulmonary hypertension in children with Down syndrome compared with controls. Findings identified elevated endostatin levels (>4.98 log10 pg/ml) were associated with Down syndrome. Platelet‐derived growth factor AA levels (>2.51 log10 pg/ml) were higher in non‐Down syndrome patients with pulmonary hypertension (C + pulmonary hypertension), whereas lower angiogenin (<5.428 log10 pg/ml) or lower angiogenin with elevated angiopoietin‐1 levels (>3.59 log10 pg/ml) distinguished pulmonary hypertension in those with Down syndrome from the other groups. This study suggests that children with Down syndrome have high endostatin levels, but low levels of angiogenin levels in children with Down syndrome more often identified pulmonary hypertension than Down syndrome subjects without pulmonary hypertension or non‐Down syndrome children. We speculate that these changes in circulating peptides support the concept of dysregulated angiogenesis in children with Down syndrome and pulmonary hypertension, which may further support potential utility as biomarkers for identifying subjects with Down syndrome at risk for pulmonary hypertension in this population.