bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging Multiple Actors in Large-Scale Transport Infrastructure Project Appraisal: An Application of MAMCA to the Case of HS2 High-Speed Rail
Authors: Cornet Yannick , Barradale Merrill Jones , Gudmundsson Henrik , Barfod Michael Bruhn
Published: August 2018

The most widespread approach to transport appraisal is to combine cost-benefit analysis (CBA) with environmental assessments and public consultations. However, large-scale transport projects such as the HS2 high-speed rail system in the UK seem to have pushed this approach beyond its limits, leading to broad discontent with the appraisal process. There is a need both to develop new methods capable of integrating a wide range of perspectives in a systematic manner and to test these for large-scale projects. Multicriteria analysis (MCA) has proven useful in supporting transport decision-making by including a broader set of criteria in the appraisal process. Multiactor multicriteria analysis (MAMCA) has extended this approach to include multiple actors and stakeholders in the judgment and decision-making process. This paper builds on the MAMCA method and demonstrates its practicability and usability by applying it to the case of HS2. The purpose of this paper is not to reach a definitive conclusion on the desirability of various project options, but to complement existing transport appraisal methods by making different perspectives explicit. For example, the results for this case show contrasting views for different groups of transport professionals: a favorable assessment of HS2 among transport planners employed in government, but an unfavorable assessment among transport researchers with a background in sustainability. In terms of contribution to the development of data collection methods, this research demonstrates the usefulness of conducting semistructured interviews in conjunction with an online questionnaire for the assessment and weighting process within MCA. Because MCA results are expressed in terms of relative desirability of projects, the approach also effectively systematizes the inclusion and assessment of multiple options. Overall, the proposed method enhances the capacity to analyze conflicting views in large-scale transport project appraisal processes.
Effects of Exercise and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Estrogen Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Matthews Charles E. , Sampson Joshua N. , Brenner Darren R. , Moore Steven C. , Courneya Kerry S. , Ziegler Regina G. , Friedenreich Christine M.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Lowering endogenous estrogen levels is one mechanism whereby physical activity may lower postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Several prospective studies have suggested that increased 2-hydroxylation of estrogens may also reduce postmenopausal breast cancer risk, but whether or not exercise alters estrogen metabolism through this mechanism is unclear.

Methods:

We measured total circulating concentrations of parent estrogens (estrone and estradiol) and 13 estrogen metabolites, including glucuronidated, sulfated, and unconjugated forms, by stable isotope dilution LC/MS-MS in 153 postmenopausal women randomized to 12 months of moderate-to-vigorous exercise and 153 controls. We also explored associations with cardiorespiratory fitness measured by treadmill.

Results:

Although women randomized to exercise averaged 178 minutes/week of exercise over 12 months, their cardiorespiratory fitness was 13% greater than controls at 12 months (P = 0.0001), and total estradiol was reduced by 10% (P = 0.04); there were no statistically significant effects of exercise on circulating concentrations of estrogen metabolites in the 2-, 4-, or 16-pathways, or on the 2-pathway/parent estrogens ratio. However, we observed a statistically significant association between increased fitness and reduced concentration of 2-pathway metabolites (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

We found no evidence that 12 months of moderate-to-vigorous exercise or increased fitness changed estrogen metabolism in a way that might reduce breast cancer risk.

Impact:

The protective effect of exercise on postmenopausal breast cancer is unlikely to be mediated by changes in estrogen metabolism.
Tristetraprolin Is a Prognostic Biomarker for Poor Outcomes among Patients with Low-Grade Prostate Cancer
Authors: Rounbehler Robert J. , Berglund Anders E. , Gerke Travis , Takhar Mandeep M. , Awasthi Shivanshu , Li Weimin , Davicioni Elai , Erho Nicholas G. , Ross Ashley E. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Klein Eric A. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Jenkins Robert B. , Cleveland John L. , Park Jong Y. , Yamoah Kosj
Published: August 2018

Background: We studied the utility of the tumor suppressor Tristetraprolin (TTP, ZFP36) as a clinically relevant biomarker of aggressive disease in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: TTP RNA expression was measured in an RP cohort of patients treated at Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) and obtained from six publically available RP datasets with biochemical recurrence (BCR; total n = 1,394) and/or metastatic outcome data (total n = 1,222). TTP protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray of 153 MCC RP samples. The time to BCR or metastasis based on TTP RNA or protein levels was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were performed on multiple cohorts to evaluate if TTP is a clinically relevant biomarker and to assess if TTP improves upon the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment postsurgical (CAPRA-S) score for predicting clinical outcomes.

Results: In all of the RP patient cohorts, prostate cancer with low TTP RNA or protein levels had decreased time to BCR or metastasis versus TTP-high tumors. Further, the decreased time to BCR in TTP-low prostate cancer was more pronounced in low-grade tumors. Finally, pooled survival analysis suggests that TTP RNA expression provides independent information beyond CAPRA-S to predict BCR.

Conclusions: TTP is a promising prostate cancer biomarker for predicting which RP patients will have poor outcomes, especially for low-grade prostate cancer patients.

Impact: This study suggests that TTP RNA expression can be used to enhance the accuracy of CAPRA-S to predict outcomes in patients treated with RP. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1376–83. ©2018 AACR.
A Prospective Study of Aspirin Use and Prostate Cancer Risk by TMPRSS2:ERG Status
Authors: Stopsack Konrad H. , Gonzalez-Feliciano Amparo G. , Peisch Samuel F. , Downer Mary K. , Gage Riley A. , Finn Stephen , Lis Rosina T. , Graff Rebecca E. , Pettersson Andreas , Pernar Claire H. , Loda Massimo , Kantoff Philip W. , Ahearn Thomas U. , Mucci Lorelei A.
Published: August 2018

Background: In a case–control study, aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of a common prostate cancer molecular subtype, the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion. We sought to validate this finding in a prospective cohort.

Methods: In the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, 49,395 men reported on aspirin use on biennial questionnaires and were followed for prostate cancer incidence over 23 years. TMPRSS2:ERG status was assessed by IHC for presence of ERG on archival tumor specimens for 912 patients with prostate cancer, of whom 48% were ERG-positive.

Results: In multivariable models, we found no association between regular use of aspirin and risk of ERG-positive prostate cancer (HR, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–1.23), nor any association with duration or frequency of aspirin use. In restricting to cases with either high Gleason grade or advanced stage disease, there remained no association with aspirin use.

Conclusions: Data from this prospective study with repeated assessments of aspirin use do not support the hypothesis that aspirin use is associated with a lower risk of ERG-positive prostate cancer.

Impact: Aspirin use is unlikely to lower the risk of this common molecular subtype of prostate cancer. However, there is emerging data supporting the role of other lifestyle and genetic factors underlying the development of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1231–3. ©2018 AACR.
Methylomic Analysis of Ovarian Cancers Identifies Tumor-Specific Alterations Readily Detectable in Early Precursor Lesions
Authors: Pisanic Thomas R. , Cope Leslie M. , Lin Shiou-Fu , Yen Ting-Tai , Athamanolap Pornpat , Asaka Ryoichi , Nakayama Kentaro , Fader Amanda N. , Wang Tza-Huei , Shih Ie-Ming , Wang Tian-Li
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) typically remains undiagnosed until advanced stages when peritoneal dissemination has already occurred. Here, we sought to identify HGSOC-specific alterations in DNA methylation and assess their potential to provide sensitive and specific detection of HGSOC at its earliest stages.

Experimental Design:

MethylationEPIC genome-wide methylation analysis was performed on a discovery cohort comprising 23 HGSOC, 37 non-HGSOC malignant, and 36 histologically unremarkable gynecologic tissue samples. The resulting data were processed using selective bioinformatic criteria to identify regions of high-confidence HGSOC-specific differential methylation. Quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR (qMSP) assays were then developed for 8 of the top-performing regions and analytically validated in a cohort of 90 tissue samples. Lastly, qMSP assays were used to assess and compare methylation in 30 laser-capture microdissected (LCM) fallopian tube epithelia samples obtained from cancer-free and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) positive women.

Results:

Bioinformatic selection identified 91 regions of robust, HGSOC-specific hypermethylation, 23 of which exhibited an area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) value ≥ 0.9 in the discovery cohort. Seven of 8 top-performing regions demonstrated AUC values between 0.838 and 0.968 when analytically validated by qMSP in a 90-patient cohort. A panel of the 3 top-performing genes (c17orf64, IRX2, and TUBB6) was able to perfectly discriminate HGSOC (AUC 1.0). Hypermethylation within these loci was found exclusively in LCM fallopian tube epithelia from women with STIC lesions, but not in cancer-free fallopian tubes.

Conclusions:

A panel of methylation biomarkers can be used to accurately identify HGSOC, even at precursor stages of the disease.
Validation of miR-31-3p Expression to Predict Cetuximab Efficacy When Used as First-Line Treatment in RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Laurent-Puig Pierre , Grisoni Marie-Lise , Heinemann Volker , Liebaert François , Neureiter Daniel , Jung Andreas , Montestruc François , Gaston-Mathe Yann , Thiébaut Raphaële , Stintzing Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

MiR-31-3p expression has been shown to be associated with response to anti-EGFR therapy. We investigated the predictive role of this biomarker in the FIRE-3 study population, including its ability to differentiate outcomes between patients receiving anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF therapy.

Experimental Design:

MiR-31-3p expression was measured in primary tumors obtained from 340 patients with RAS WT mCRC enrolled in the FIRE-3 Trial. This included 164 patients randomized to receive FOLFIRI plus cetuximab (FOLFIRI+Cetux) and 176 to FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (FOLFIRI+Beva). Patients were divided into subgroups defined by low or high miR-31-3p expression using a prespecified cut-off and by treatment arm. Analyses were performed to assess treatment efficacy by subgroup. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models. Investigator-assessed objective response (iOR), early tumor shrinkage at 6 weeks (ETS), and centrally reviewed objective response (cOR) were analyzed using logistic regression models. The predictive value of miR-31-3p expression level was assessed through a treatment interaction test using multivariate models adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results:

Low miR-31-3p expressers benefited from cetuximab compared with bevacizumab for PFS [HR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–1.00; P = 0.05], OS (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41–0.88; P < 0.01), iOR (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.9–8.2; P < 0.01), ETS (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.1–7.7; P < 0.01 and cOR (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.3–10.5; P < 0.01) in multivariate analyses. There was no difference in outcomes for high expressers between treatment arms. MiR-31-3p expression level was predictive of treatment effect for PFS (P = 0.03), OS (P = 0.05), iOR (P = 0.02), ETS (P = 0.04), and cOR (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

MiR-31-3p expression level was validated as a predictive biomarker of cetuximab therapy efficacy for patients with RAS WT mCRC.
Biochemical and Epigenetic Insights into L-2-Hydroxyglutarate, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Renal Cancer
Authors: Shelar Sandeep , Shim Eun-Hee , Brinkley Garrett J. , Kundu Anirban , Carobbio Francesca , Poston Tyler , Tan Jubilee , Parekh Vishwas , Benson Daniel , Crossman David K. , Buckhaults Phillip J. , Rakheja Dinesh , Kirkman Richard , Sato Yusuke , Ogawa Seishi , Dutta Shilpa , Velu Sadanandan E. , Emberley Ethan , Pan Alison , Chen Jason , Huang Tony , Absher Devin , Becker Anja , Kunick Conrad , Sudarshan Sunil
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Elevation of L-2-hydroxylgutarate (L-2-HG) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is due in part to reduced expression of L-2-HG dehydrogenase (L2HGDH). However, the contribution of L-2-HG to renal carcinogenesis and insight into the biochemistry and targets of this small molecule remains to be elucidated.

Experimental Design:

Genetic and pharmacologic approaches to modulate L-2-HG levels were assessed for effects on in vitro and in vivo phenotypes. Metabolomics was used to dissect the biochemical mechanisms that promote L-2-HG accumulation in RCC cells. Transcriptomic analysis was utilized to identify relevant targets of L-2-HG. Finally, bioinformatic and metabolomic analyses were used to assess the L-2-HG/L2HGDH axis as a function of patient outcome and cancer progression.

Results:

L2HGDH suppresses both in vitro cell migration and in vivo tumor growth and these effects are mediated by L2HGDH's catalytic activity. Biochemical studies indicate that glutamine is the predominant carbon source for L-2-HG via the activity of malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2). Inhibition of the glutamine-MDH2 axis suppresses in vitro phenotypes in an L-2-HG–dependent manner. Moreover, in vivo growth of RCC cells with basal elevation of L-2-HG is suppressed by glutaminase inhibition. Transcriptomic and functional analyses demonstrate that the histone demethylase KDM6A is a target of L-2-HG in RCC. Finally, increased L-2-HG levels, L2HGDH copy loss, and lower L2HGDH expression are associated with tumor progression and/or worsened prognosis in patients with RCC.

Conclusions:

Collectively, our studies provide biochemical and mechanistic insight into the biology of this small molecule and provide new opportunities for treating L-2-HG–driven kidney cancers.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Patient-matched Head and Neck Cancer Cells: A Preclinical Pipeline for Metastatic and Recurrent Disease
Authors: Nisa Lluís , Barras David , Medová Michaela , Aebersold Daniel M. , Medo Matúš , Poliaková Michaela , Koch Jonas , Bojaxhiu Beat , Eliçin Olgun , Dettmer Matthias S. , Angelino Paolo , Giger Roland , Borner Urs , Caversaccio Marco D. , Carey Thomas E. , Ho Liza , McKee Thomas A. , Delorenzi Mauro , Zimmer Yitzhak
Published: August 2018

Metastases and tumor recurrence have a major prognostic impact in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, cellular models that comprehensively characterize metastatic and recurrent HNSCC are lacking. To this end, we obtained genomic, transcriptomic, and copy number profiles of the UM-SCC cell line panel, encompassing patient-matched metastatic and recurrent cells. UM-SCC cells recapitulate the most prevalent genomic alterations described in HNSCC, featuring common TP53, PI3K, NOTCH, and Hippo pathway mutations. This analysis identified a novel F977Y kinase domain PIK3CA mutation exclusively present in a recurrent cell line (UM-SCC14B), potentially conferring resistance to PI3K inhibitors. Small proline-rich protein 2A (SPRR2A), a protein involved in epithelial homeostasis and invasion, was one of the most consistently downregulated transcripts in metastatic and recurrent UM-SCC cells. Assessment of SPRR2A protein expression in a clinical cohort of patients with HNSCC confirmed common SPRR2A downregulation in primary tumors (61.9% of cases) and lymph node metastases (31.3%), but not in normal tissue. High expression of SPRR2A in lymph node metastases was, along with nonoropharyngeal location of the primary tumor, an independent prognostic factor for regional disease recurrence after surgery and radiotherapy (HR 2.81; 95% CI, 1.16–6.79; P = 0.02). These results suggest that SPRR2A plays a dual role in invasion and therapeutic resistance in HNSCC, respectively through its downregulation and overexpression.

Implications:

The current study reveals translationally relevant mechanisms underlying metastasis and recurrence in HNSCC and represents an adjuvant tool for preclinical research in this disease setting. Underlining its discovery potential this approach identified a PIK3CA-resistant mutation as well as SPRR2A as possible theragnostic markers.
New data on the distribution of aquatic bugs (Hemiptera) from eastern Morocco with notes on chorology
Authors: TAYBI ABDELKHALEQ FOUZI , MABROUKI YOUNESS , CHAVANON GUY , BERRAHOU ALI , MILLÁN ANDRÉS
Published: August 2018

New faunistic and distributional data on aquatic Hemiptera from the Oriental Region of Morocco and the Moulouya River basin, covering an area of 119,268 km2, are presented. An annotated list of 45 species, 21 genera and 11 families is provided. Nine species are new records for the entire studied area, and two for the Moulouya River basin. We rediscovered Velia noualhieri iberica and Notonecta viridis after eight decades. We also provide novel records for Aphelocheirus pemae and Hebrus atlas, which were recently described from Morocco, and for the invasive corixid Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis. The dominance of species with broad distributions points to the high dispersal dynamics of the Hemiptera community in the study area, similar to that of other areas where a semiarid climate prevails.
Polarization-Corrected Temperatures for 10-, 19-, 37-, and 89-GHz Passive Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Cecil Daniel J. , Chronis Themis
Published: August 2018

Coefficients are derived for computing the polarization-corrected temperature (PCT) for 10-, 19-, 37- and 89-GHz (and similar) frequencies, with applicability to satellites in the Global Precipitation Measurement mission constellation and their predecessors. PCTs for 10- and 19-GHz frequencies have been nonexistent or seldom used in the past; developing those is the main goal of this study. For 37 and 89 GHz, other formulations of PCT have already become well established. We consider those frequencies here in order to test whether the large sample sizes that are readily available now would point to different formulations of PCT. The purpose of the PCT is to reduce the effects of surface emissivity differences in a scene and draw attention to ice scattering signals related to precipitation. In particular, our intention is to develop a PCT formula that minimizes the differences between land and water surfaces, so that signatures resulting from deep convection are not easily confused with water surfaces. The new formulations of PCT for 10- and 19-GHz measurements hold promise for identifying and investigating intense convection. Four examples are shown from relevant cases. The PCT for each frequency is effective at drawing attention to the most intense convection, and removing ambiguous signals that are related to underlying land or water surfaces. For 37 and 89 GHz, the older formulations of PCT from the literature yield generally similar values as ours, with the differences mainly being a few kelvins over oceans. An optimal formulation of PCT can depend on location and season; results are presented here separated by latitude and month.
Adopting a stance: Bandura and Vygotsky on professional development
Authors: Eun Barohny
Published: August 2018

Although the importance of professional development for improved student learning is widely recognized and many studies have been devoted to enhancing its effectiveness, the specific mechanism underlying teacher learning and how it translates into actual classroom practices are not well understood. This paper is an attempt to fill this gap in understanding by grounding professional development models in two theories of human development. Adopting a theoretical stance provides an explanation of the processes underlying teacher development. In addition, theories also allow an understanding of what factors might contribute to effective professional development implementation. The social cognitive theory and the sociocultural theory are chosen based on numerous empirical studies indicating their validity in explaining and predicting human development and change. These theories provide foundations for understanding why professional development leads to teacher development and guidelines for translating teacher learning into improved classroom instruction.
Exploring Police Use of Force Decision-Making Processes and Impairments Using a Naturalistic Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Hine Kelly A. , Porter Louise E. , Westera Nina J. , Alpert Geoffrey P. , Allen Andrea
Published: August 2018

As part of their duties, police regularly engage with citizens, which can result in the use of force. While we know how often and under what circumstances officers use force, little is known about officers’ decision-making processes that lead to force. The study took a naturalistic decision-making approach to analyze debrief sessions between 91 recruits and their trainers after partaking in a use-of-force assessment scenario. Results show recruit’s decision making was more aligned with an intuitive style rather than an analytical style. Recruits reported experiencing perceptual, cognitive, and physiological impairments that influenced the way they assessed the situation and affected their ability to successfully execute force techniques. The findings provide valuable insights into the theoretical knowledge around police decision making and how officers are making use-of-force decisions in the field. This has real-world implications for training/education and could help reduce the effects of decision-making impairments.
21st Century Citizen Pharma: The FDA & Patient-Focused Product Development
Authors: Paradise Jordan
Published: August 2018

Perpetual debate regarding the delicate balance between access and innovation and the protection of the public health and safety dominate discussions of the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). Established chiefly as a command and control federal administrative agency, iterative changes in legislation have shaped the FDA's activity in drug, biologic, and medical device regulation over the course of the last one hundred plus years. The most recent fundamental reframing of the agency's authority and directive presented itself in the 21st Century Cures Act, reflecting an important role for patient perspectives in the regulatory process. This Article explores recent developments in patient-focused product development efforts at the FDA and offers modest insights on the increasing role of patients, and patient advocacy groups, in agency decision-making. The Article terms this era “21st century citizen pharma.”
The differences between the measured heat flow and BSR heat flow in the Shenhu gas hydrate drilling area, northern South China Sea
Authors: Dong Miao , Zhang Jian , Xu Xing , Wu Shi-Guo
Published: August 2018

Temperature is an important factor that affects the stability of a gas hydrate. To investigate the geothermal characteristics in the gas hydrate drilling area, heat flow measurements were performed in the surrounding area of the SH2 well. The measured heat flow was compared with the bottom simulating reflector heat flow, which was calculated by using the depth of the bottom simulating reflector in the seismic data. Combined with the geological background of the Shenhu drilling area, we analyzed the reasons for the differences between the measured heat flow and the bottom simulating reflector heat flow. In addition to analyzing the differences caused by the calculation parameters, we calculated the 3-D topographic effects on the measured heat flow by using the finite element numerical simulation method. The results show that the measured heat flow was seriously affected by the topography and produced a −50–30% error in the study area. After terrain correction of the measured heat flow, we found that the data were greater than the bottom simulating reflector heat flow at almost all sites. Therefore, we considered the impact of fluid activity and calculated the relationship among the thickness of the gas hydrate stability zone, the fluid flux and the heat flow. The results show that when the base of the bottom simulating reflector was at a certain depth, the geothermal gradient increased with the increasing upward migration of the fluid flux. Therefore, when upward fluid migration is present, the measured heat flow in the seafloor sediments is greater than the heat flow in the deep layers. In general, we showed that the influences of the topography and fluid activity are the main factors leading to the inconsistency between the bottom simulating reflector heat flow and the measured heat flow in the Shenhu gas hydrate drilling area.
Potential Cytochrome P450 Drug‐Drug Interactions among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy
Authors: Faria John , Solverson Matthew , Faria Madlin , Benoit Margo , McCormick Michael
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate the frequency of potential cytochrome P450 (CYP) drug‐drug interactions affecting opioid metabolism among children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 1000 patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The discharge medication reconciliation form was reviewed. Each patient's list of medications was compared with various published sources to determine whether medications causing CYP inhibition or induction were present.

Results

There were 157 unique medications with systemic absorption given postoperatively to this patient cohort. Eight percent of patients were on at least 5 medications after surgery other than their posttonsillectomy medication. The 5 most commonly prescribed medications were albuterol, cetirizine, fluticasone nasal spray, montelukast, and polyethylene glycol. Per a list of known CYP inducers and inhibitors published by the US Food and Drug Administration, 30 (3%) patients were on a medication that inhibited CYP3A4; 1 patient was on a CYP3A4 inducer, prednisone; and 46 (5%) patients were on a medication that inhibited CYP2D6.

Conclusions

A small fraction of patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy are on medications that potentially alter the metabolism of opioid pain medications. Given the narrow therapeutic index of opioids and increased sensitivity to opioids among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, drug‐drug interactions need to be considered as they relate to whether an opioid is appropriate and at what dose.
A qualitative study of patient-centered goal-setting in geriatric rehabilitation: patient and professional perspectives
Authors: van Seben Rosanne , Smorenburg Susanne M , Buurman Bianca M
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To characterize how rehabilitation goals of older patients change over time and to explore professionals’ attitudes toward patient-centered goal-setting and their perspectives on rehabilitation goals.

Design:

Qualitative interview study.

Setting:

Three geriatric rehabilitation centers.

Subjects:

Ten patients (aged ⩾ 80), who had recently received inpatient geriatric rehabilitation, and seven professionals were purposively recruited.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews. Patients were interviewed in the third or fourth week after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, to reflect on their inpatient goals and to investigate long-term goals now that they were at home. A thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

During inpatient rehabilitation, participants’ main goals were regaining independence in self-care activities and going home. Post-discharge, patients were not at their baseline functioning level. Rehabilitation goals appeared to shift over time, and once at home, patients formulated more ambitious rehabilitation goals that were related to regaining full independence and being able to perform activities. Although professionals thought goal-setting together with the patient is important, they also stated that older individuals often are either unable to formulate goals or they set unrealistic ones. In addition, professionals indicated that goals have to be related to discharge criteria, such as performing basic self-care activities, and rehabilitation revolves around getting patients ready for discharge.

Conclusion:

During inpatient rehabilitation, patient goals are related to going home. After discharge, patients have ambitious goals, related to their premorbid functioning level. Rehabilitation services should distinguish between goals that are important while patients are inpatient and goals that are important after discharge.
Thyrotropin levels and severity of symptoms in migraine patients of tertiary headache center
Authors: Starikova Natalia L , Baidina Tatiana V , Kalashnikova Tatiana P
Published: August 2018

Background

The role of thyroid regulation in migraine is poorly understood, and data is contradictory.

Objective

To study the possible association of clinical features of migraine with patients’ thyroid function.

Patients and methods

One hundred and thirty migraine patients of a tertiary headache center took part in an open-label, cross-sectional comparative study. The Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Vanderbilt’s Questionnaire of Pain Management, Gothenburg Quality of Life Questionnaire and Migraine-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire were used. The effectiveness of the attacks’ therapy was assessed according to the Migraine Assessment of Current Therapy questionnaire. Levels of thyrotropine (thyroid stimulating hormone), thyroxine, and triiodothyronine were studied by standard immune chemiluminescent method using the Immulite-2000 set.

Results

An inverse correlation between levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in serum and duration of headache attacks was revealed. The effectiveness of abortive therapy for attacks showed a statistically significant positive correlation with thyroid stimulating hormone level. Quality of life measured by a general quality of life questionnaire, as well as the functional and social indices of a migraine-specific questionnaire, showed direct correlation with serum thyroid stimulating hormone.

Conclusion

These results show an association of a more severe clinical course of migraine with lower thyroid stimulating hormone levels.
One group analysis and many. Response to Farhad Dalal’s ‘One group analysis or many?’
Authors: Staats Hermann
Published: August 2018

Responding to Farhad Dalal’s question ‘one group analysis or many?’ the author looks at contextual factors of working with groups, claiming that group therapists are different in different groups and adjusting to setting variables. He describes aspects of the ‘Goettingen Model of Group Psychotherapy’. This model offers variability in conducting groups within one theoretical concept. Different scientific approaches are integrated in order to adjust to different patients and settings. Many aspects (e.g. a marked intersubjective approach and working with an ‘responsive’ mode (‘antwortender modus’) are close to Dalal’s thinking. In contrast to Dalal, however, empirical evidence and evidence based therapies are seen as valuable parts of group psychotherapies and group analysis. Within this conceptual frame, working in and with groups is both—one group analysis and many.
Hysteretic damping characteristics of a mechanical tensioner: Modeling and experimental investigation
Authors: Zhu Hao , Hu Yumei , Pi Yangjun , Zhu Weidong
Published: August 2018

The aim of this article is to investigate hysteretic damping characteristics of a typical tensioner used in engine accessory drive systems. An experiment device is developed to measure the friction coefficients of three contact pairs within the tensioner. Statistic results of test data show that the friction coefficient is linearly dependent on normal forces, and thus a linear function is used to describe it. An exact mathematical model and an accurate three-dimensional finite element model are proposed in this study to calculate the relationship of friction torque and rotation angle as well as the damping characteristics of the tensioner. The mathematical model and three-dimensional finite element model are verified through an experiment. Comparison indicates that both the mathematical and finite element model can accurately predict the working torque of the tensioner during operation process, while the finite element model has better accuracy in predicting the damping characteristics than the mathematical model.
Design of an integer order proportional–integral/proportional–integral–derivative controller based on model parameters of a certain class of fractional order systems
Authors: Yumuk Erhan , Güzelkaya Müjde , Eksin İbrahim
Published: August 2018

In this study, we deal with systems that can be represented by single fractional order pole models and propose an integer order proportional–integral/proportional–integral–derivative controller design methodology for this class. The basic principle or backbone of the design methodology of the proposed controller relies on using the inverse of the fractional model and then approximating this fractional controller transfer function by a low integer order model using Oustaloup filter. The emerging integer order controller reveals itself either in pre-filtered proportional–integral or proportional–integral–derivative form by emphasizing on the dominancy concept of pole-zero configuration. Parameters of the proposed controllers depend on the parameters of the single fractional order pole model and the only free design parameter left is the overall controller gain. This free design parameter is determined via some approximating functions relying on an optimization procedure. Simulation results show that the proposed controller exhibits either satisfactory or better results with respect to some performance indices and time domain criteria when they are compared to classical integer order proportional–integral–derivative and fractional order proportional–integral–derivative controllers. Moreover, the proposed controller is applied to real-time liquid level control system. The application results show that the proposed controller outperforms the other controllers.
Infantile Myofibromatosis With Intracranial Extradural Involvement and PDGFRB Mutation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Al Qawahmed Raniah , Sawyer Sarah L , Vassilyadi Michael , Qin Wen , Boycott Kym M , Michaud Jean
Published: August 2018

Infantile myofibroma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor that presents as solitary or multiple lesions (myofibromatosis) in the skin, soft tissue, bone, or internal organs. It most commonly affects the head and neck of infants and young children, but it can also affect adults. Intracranial involvement is reported to be extremely rare, and its clinical picture has been poorly characterized. Recently, it has been demonstrated that germline and somatic mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) are associated with familial infantile myofibromatosis. We report a case of infantile myofibromatosis with predominant posterior fossa extradural involvement in a 14-year-old adolescent girl with a confirmed mutation in the PDGFRB gene.
Effects and mechanisms of differently cued and non-cued motor imagery in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Seebacher Barbara , Kuisma Raija , Glynn Angela , Berger Thomas
Published: August 2018

Background:

Walking impairment and fatigue are prevalent symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Motor imagery (MI) with rhythmic auditory cueing improved walking in PwMS, but so far, the underlying mechanisms are not fully explored.

Objective:

This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of differently cued and non-cued MI on walking, fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in PwMS.

Methods:

A total of 60 PwMS with mild to moderate disability were randomised to music- and verbally cued MI (MVMI), music-cued MI (MMI) or MI. Participants practised cued or non-cued MI of walking for 17 minutes, six times per week for 4 weeks at home. Primary outcomes were walking speed (timed 25-foot walk) and walking distance (6-minute walk test).

Results:

A total of 59 participants completed the study. All interventions induced significant improvements in walking speed and distance, while MVMI was superior. After cued MI, fatigue and QoL significantly improved, with greatest changes seen after MVMI. All participants showed high MI ability. Post-intervention, sensorimotor synchronisation (SMS) was significantly more accurate after cued MI.

Conclusion:

All interventions significantly improved walking. MVMI was superior in improving walking, fatigue and QoL. Results suggest that MI and SMS were mechanisms of action.
Archive of the Ordinary: Jason Lazarus, Too Hard to Keep
Authors: Smith Shawn Michelle
Published: August 2018

This article considers snapshot photography and affect through a reading of artist Jason Lazarus’s Too Hard to Keep. Lazarus’s project is an archive and shifting installation of anonymous photographs that donors can no longer bear to keep. It highlights the dual nature of the photographic snapshot – simultaneously banal and emotionally charged, tedious and intensely affecting, private and public, a site of cultural normativity as well as resistance. The article proposes that because viewers of Lazarus’s installations cannot know what specific feelings any of the images previously evoked, they are encouraged to contemplate shared practices of photography and the diffuse affective charge of ordinary photographs.
Fuzzy fault tree analysis for gas explosion of coal mining and heading faces in underground coal mines
Authors: Shi Shulei , Jiang Bingyou , Meng Xiangrui , Yang Li
Published: August 2018

During the past decade, gas explosions have been one of the most serious types of disasters in China, threatening the lives of miners and causing significant losses in terms of national property. This article, by constructing the fuzzy fault tree model of gas explosion on the coalface and heading face, deduces the minimum cut sets and minimum path of the fault tree, analyzes the importance of the fault tree structure, and obtains the ratio of gas explosion. The results show that the isolation of gas and heat sources is the most effective way to prevent gas explosion. In addition, a close detection of gas concentration and appropriate treatment can also avoid explosive accidents by reducing the ratio of explosion to below 0.059%, which is the critical value of explosion. The probability of gas explosion occurred in coal working face is about 0%–2.055%, and the most likely probability is 0.059%. However, the probability of gas explosion occurred in heading face is about 0%–8.543%, and the most probability likely to occur is 0.772% which is larger than that in coal working face. The fuzzy fault tree can not only be applied in the analysis of the coal mining gas explosion, but it also provides the theoretical basis for the precaution and prevention of coal mining accidents.
Buckling analysis of nano-scale magneto-electro-elastic plates using the nonlocal elasticity theory
Authors: Park Weon-Tae , Han Sung-Cheon
Published: August 2018

Buckling analysis of nonlocal magneto-electro-elastic nano-plate is investigated based on the higher-order shear deformation theory. The in-plane magnetic and electric fields can be ignored for magneto-electro-elastic nano-plates. According to magneto-electric boundary condition and Maxwell equation, the variation of magnetic and electric potentials along the thickness direction of the magneto-electro-elastic plate is determined. To reformulate the elastic theory of magneto-electro-elastic nano-plate, the nonlocal differential constitutive relations of Eringen is applied. Using the variational principle, the governing equations of the nonlocal theory are derived. The relations between local and nonlocal theories are studied by numerical results. Also, the effects of nonlocal parameters, in-plane load directions, and aspect ratio on buckling response are investigated. Numerical results show the effects of the electric and magnetic potentials. These numerical results can be useful in the design and analysis of advanced structures constructed from magneto-electro-elastic materials.
After tragedy: Melodrama and the rhetoric of realism
Authors: Levine Daniel J
Published: August 2018

Responding to renewed interest in political rhetoric among contemporary International Relations (IR)–realists, this article advances three main claims. First, it suggests that tragedy—the dominant aesthetic-narrative mode to which these realists have turned in their rhetorical considerations—is ill-suited to the contemporary political moment. In the context of a late-modern “nuclear condition,” the turn to classical tragedy seems set to reproduce the resentful, anti-realist hubris that its promulgators hope to dispel or disenchant. Second, it suggests that late modern politics is widely experienced not in tragic terms but in melodramatic ones, and that contemporary reflexive realists would do well to alter their rhetorical approaches accordingly. Third, it explores rhetorical frameworks that might better meet the challenges posed by politics experienced in such terms.
Social Media Sellout: The Increasing Role of Product Promotion on YouTube
Authors: Schwemmer Carsten , Ziewiecki Sandra
Published: August 2018

Since its foundation in 2005, YouTube, which is considered to be the largest video sharing site, has undergone substantial changes. Over the last decade, the platform developed into a leading marketing tool used for product promotion by social media influencers. Past research indicates that these influencers are regarded as opinion leaders and cooperate with brands to market products on YouTube through electronic-word-of-mouth mechanisms. However, surprisingly little is known about the magnitude of this phenomenon. In our article, we make a first attempt to quantify product promotion and use an original dataset of 139,475 videos created by German YouTube channels between 2009 and 2017. Applying methods for automated content analysis, we find that YouTube users indeed are confronted with an ever-growing share of product promotion, particularly in the beauty and fashion sector. Our findings fuel concerns regarding the social and economic impact of influencers, especially on younger target groups.
Making a Case for the Critical Examination of Assignments of Responsibilities in the Reproductive Realm: Insights From South Sudan
Authors: Kane Sumit , Kok Maryse , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. , Rial Matilda , Dieleman Marjolein
Published: August 2018

Drawing on interviews with purposefully selected informants ( n = 44) and on focus group discussions ( n = 5), this article critically examines and reflects upon the gendered assignments of responsibilities in the reproductive realm, in the context of South Sudan. Through this examination, it provides insight into the social practices of assigning and apportioning responsibilities in the reproductive realm; it exposes the nature of social relations, social positions, and vulnerabilities they signal, and the normative expectations they communicate, reiterate, and reproduce. In doing so, the social inequalities and entrenched gendered privileges in the society are made visible. The article argues that the ongoing social disruption in South Sudan offers a unique opportunity for intervening to renegotiate and reestablish a more equitable social compact. A case is made for public health policies to prioritize social interventions which challenge patriarchal privilege without simplistically problematizing men’s roles and actions in the reproductive realm.
Biomechanical study of optimum anchorage in dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Takahashi Toshiaki , Takahashi Manabu , Yamamoto Haruyasu , Miura Hiromasa
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

There has been no report to date on any biomechanical study regarding the strength of fixation at the osteotomy site in dome-shaped high tibial osteotomy (HTO). In this study, we evaluated the biomechanical strength of a spacer that we improved and determined the medial site of HTO.

Methods:

HTO correction angles of 15° and 20° were used in all experiments, which were performed on lower leg specimens from pigs ( n = 12). The osteotomy site was fixed by a locking plate and screws with a spacer. Compression (600 N/min until 1100 N) and extended cyclic loading (200 cycles at 1000–2000 N) were performed to compare initial displacements in HTO specimens with and without spacers.

Results:

The reduction ratios of displacement with and without spacers at HTO correction angles of 15° and 20° were 37% and 27%, respectively. No effect of the spacer at the correction angle of 15° was observed in the cyclic loading; however, the maximum displacement and amplitude were reduced with the spacer at the correction angle of 20°.

Conclusions and clinical relevance:

When the HTO correction angle is small, the effect of the spacer is uncertain. However, the spacer is effective at an HTO correction angle of 20°.
Biases of Online Political Polls: Who Participates?
Authors: Hargittai Eszter , Karaoglu Gokce
Published: August 2018

With a large portion of the population online and the high cost of phone-based surveys, querying people about their voter preference online can offer an affordable and timely alternative. However, given that there are biases in who adopts various sites and services that are often used as sampling frames (e.g., various social media), online political polls may not represent the views of the overall population. How are such polls biased? Who is most likely to participate in them? Drawing on a national survey of voter-eligible American adults administered in summer 2016, this paper shows that background characteristics (i.e., age, gender, race, education, and employment status) as well as Internet experiences and skills relate to who casts votes in online political polls.