bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-European student mobility and the different meanings of ‘Europe’
Authors: Van Mol Christof
Published: March 2019

One of the main aims of the Erasmus programme is to promote a sense of European identity. Whereas several empirical studies have already investigated this relationship, few studies investigate what students actually mean when they refer to ‘Europe’. Therefore, in this paper I investigate the different latent dimensions of the concept Europe, as well as which of these dimensions are particularly associated with an exchange period abroad. The analyses are based on an online survey conducted with higher education students in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Poland and Sweden in 2011 ( n = 4278). The presented models reveal four latent dimensions, namely a ‘cultural’, ‘political’, ‘rights’ and ‘experiential’ dimension. Furthermore, the analyses suggest that exchange students are largely a self-selected group, being a priori more likely to identify with Europe and score higher on the four dimensions.
Geological conditions of coalbed methane accumulation in the Hancheng area, southeastern Ordos Basin, China: Implications for coalbed methane high-yield potential
Authors: Guo Chen , Xia Yucheng , Ma Dongmin , Sun Xueyang , Dai Gelian , Shen Jian , Chen Yue , Lu Lingling
Published: March 2019

The Hancheng area is a hot spot for coalbed methane exploration and exploitation in China. Structure is a key factor affecting coalbed methane accumulation and production in the Hancheng area. For a better understanding of the coalbed methane accumulation conditions and high-yield potential, this study investigates the structural patterns and evolution, the hydrogeological conditions, and the geothermal field in the coal-bearing strata in the Hancheng area. Then, the spatial distribution of the coalbed methane content and the tectonic deformation of the coal seam are evaluated. Finally, the critical depth for coalbed methane enrichment and a high-yield potential are revealed, and the favorable areas for coalbed methane development are predicted. The following conclusions are obtained: (1) Under the Yanshanian SE–NW trending maximum principle stress, the Hancheng overturned anticline was formed and subsequently subjected to uplift and erosion along its axis, which led to the NW limb of the anticline forming the current uniclinal structure of the Hancheng area; (2) Four degrees of tectonic deformation in the coal seam are identified based on structural curvature analysis. The moderately deformed area shallower than 800 m would benefit coalbed methane production with higher permeability. Most of the locations of coal and gas outburst events that occur during coal mining were distributed along the highly and very highly deformed areas; (3) The gas content gradually increases along the NW-trending inclination of the coal seam. 400 m and 800 m are discriminated as the critical depth levels for controlling coalbed methane accumulation and a high yield. Secondary biogenic methane was generated in the shallow formations; and (4) The Hancheng area is divided into four ranks for determining coalbed methane development potential. From high to low, they are ranked A, B-1, B-2, and C. Most of the high-yield wells are located in the areas ranked A and B-1.
Horner Syndrome Secondary to Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Neck: A Case Series
Authors: Lele Saudamini , Derise Natalie , Medlin Tara , Takalkar Amol , Nathan Cherie-Ann
Published: March 2019

Background:

Horner syndrome caused by metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is not common, and when diagnosed, may have serious clinical implications. We aim at highlighting the clinical significance of this finding.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed charts of 6 patients with Horner syndrome secondary to metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the neck.

Results:

All 6 patients had pathologically confirmed nodal metastatic HNSCC. There was one unknown primary and in the remaining 5 patients the primary tumor was identified in the oropharynx, larynx, and oral cavity. Three patients died within 1 month of diagnosis, before initiation of any treatment. One patient received radiation only while 2 patients received chemoradiation with cisplatin as the tumors were unresectable given carotid sheath involvement. Median survival was 4.5 months. Only 1 out of the 6 patients survived and had complete resolution of Horner syndrome after treatment.

Conclusion:

This is the first case series of neck metastasis from mucosal HNSCC as an unusual cause of Horner syndrome and is usually associated with very poor prognosis.
‘Neither invisible nor abnormal!’ Exploring the invisibility and pathologisation of LGBT people in the Greek National Health System
Authors: Giannou Dimitra , Ioakimidis Vasilios
Published: March 2019

This article presents findings from a research study aiming at exploring in-depth experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and communities in the Greek healthcare system. This was the first study of its kind in Greece. Data collected from interviews with LGBT groups and individuals, as well as doctors, suggest that homophobia and transphobia are profound factors of systematic exclusion and restriction from access to good quality healthcare. Our findings suggest that within the healthcare context, LGBT people are routinely invisibilised and/or pathologised. The authors emphasise the urgent need for challenging chronic and institutionalised invisibility experienced by LGBT people as a necessary precondition of social equality and genuine universalism within the Greek Health System.
Multi-Objective Stochastic Optimization Algorithms to Calibrate Microsimulation Models
Authors: Karimi Mohammad , Miriestahbanati Maryam , Esmaeeli Hamed , Alecsandru Ciprian
Published: March 2019

The calibration process for microscopic models can be automatically undertaken using optimization algorithms. Because of the random nature of this problem, the corresponding objectives are not simple concave functions. Accordingly, such problems cannot easily be solved unless a stochastic optimization algorithm is used. In this study, two different objectives are proposed such that the simulation model reproduces real-world traffic more accurately, both in relation to longitudinal and lateral movements. When several objectives are defined for an optimization problem, one solution method may aggregate the objectives into a single-objective function by assigning weighting coefficients to each objective before running the algorithm (also known as an a priori method). However, this method does not capture the information exchange among the solutions during the calibration process, and may fail to minimize all the objectives at the same time. To address this limitation, an a posteriori method (multi-objective particle swarm optimization, MOPSO) is employed to calibrate a microscopic simulation model in one single step while minimizing the objectives functions simultaneously. A set of traffic data collected by video surveillance is used to simulate a real-world highway in VISSIM. The performance of the a posteriori-based MOPSO in the calibration process is compared with a priori-based optimization methods such as particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, and whale optimization algorithm. The optimization methodologies are implemented in MATLAB and connected to VISSIM using its COM interface. Based on the validation results, the a posteriori-based MOPSO leads to the most accurate solutions among the tested algorithms with respect to both objectives.
Understanding menstruation: Influence of gender and ideological factors. A study of young people's social representations
Authors: Mondragon Nahia Idoiaga , Txertudi Maitane Belasko
Published: March 2019

This research investigates social representations of menstruation. It analyses firstly how young Spanish people understand menstruation in their everyday lives. And secondly, it explores how gender and ideological factors (liberal vs. conservative; feminist vs. non-feminist) impact on the meaning of menstruation and its implications for acceptance of this process. A free association exercise elicited by the word “menstruation” was answered by 250 people and the content was examined by lexical analysis. The results divided social representations of menstruation into two levels: firstly, a traditionalist level that is clearly linked to a negative stigmatized discourse about menstruation; and, secondly, a progressive level where two different discourses emerge, one representing liberal men and the other representing feminist women. The results show that only the feminist conception of menstruation provides an empowered and emotionally positive representation. The concept of menstruation is concluded to emerge from various sources of information, values and social conventions that are somewhat removed from its scientific meaning. The representation of menstruation is therefore understood to be situated within a social, ideological and emotional context. Accordingly, health education campaigns should frame their discourse about menstruation within a feminist perspective as their point of departure, thereby increasing their effectiveness.
Sooner Rather Than Later: Precrastination Rather Than Procrastination
Authors: Rosenbaum David A. , Fournier Lisa R. , Levy-Tzedek Shelly , McBride Dawn M. , Rosenthal Robert , Sauerberger Kyle , VonderHaar Rachel L. , Wasserman Edward A. , Zentall Thomas R.
Published: March 2019

Putting things off as long as possible (procrastination) is a well-known tendency. Less well known is the tendency to attempt to get things done as soon as possible, even if that involves extra effort ( precrastination). Since its discovery in 2014, precrastination has been demonstrated in humans and animals and has recently been revealed in an analogous tendency called the mere-urgency effect. Trying to get things done as soon as one can may reflect optimal foraging, but another less obvious factor may also contribute—reducing cognitive demands associated with having to remember what to do when. Individual differences may also play a role. Understanding precrastination will have important implications for explaining why hurrying happens as often as it does and may help reduce the chance that haste makes waste.
Beers and blurred boundaries: The spatial and gendered organisation of pre-match venues for English football fans
Authors: Richards Jessica , Parry Keith D.
Published: March 2019

Academic research into sports fans has grown in recent years with studies examining a variety of aspects associated with fandom. However, recent changes in the professionalisation and commercialisation of sport have resulted in the creation of new spaces for fan experiences. In this article, we examine one of these created spaces, the fan zone. Through a case study on matchgoing fans from Everton Football Club we explore how this new space sits alongside traditional pre-match gathering places such as the ‘pub’ and examine the gendered organisation of these spaces. Drawing on Bale’s concept of boundaries within sports fan communities we show that traditional venues for pre-match activities enhance, maintain and legitimise masculine boundaries within sports fandom. We argue that fan zones provide an alternative match day atmosphere and experience that is centred on a family-friendly or at least family-inclusive culture.
Agency, Authority, and Epideictic Rhetoric: A Case Study of Bottom-Up Organizational Change
Authors: Sharp Matthew R.
Published: March 2019

By analyzing a case study of organizational decision making at a large research university, this article argues that the agency to make a difference within organizations—to effect organizational change—is not exclusive to those in positions of authority. This case study demonstrates how subordinate members of a university affected management’s decision-making process through their use of rhetorical identification. Specifically, these organizational members gained this agency by reproducing certain values and identities through epideictic rhetoric in order to encourage collective action and effect organizational change from the bottom up.
A Phase II Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Efficacy and Safety Study of SPN-812 (Extended-Release Viloxazine) in Children With ADHD
Authors: Johnson Janet K. , Liranso Tesfaye , Saylor Keith , Tulloch Gabriela , Adewole Toyin , Schwabe Stefan , Nasser Azmi , Findling Robert L. , Newcorn Jeffrey H.
Published: March 2019

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of SPN-812 (extended-release viloxazine) for ADHD in children aged 6 to 12 years. Method: In an 8-week study, 222 participants were randomized to placebo or SPN-812 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/day. Measurements included ADHD Rating Scale (RS)-IV total score and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores. Safety assessments included laboratory and electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements, suicidality monitoring (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale), and adverse event (AE) reporting. Results: Significant improvements in ADHD-RS-IV total score were observed for 200, 300, and 400 mg dose groups versus placebo ( p < .05; effect size [ES] = 0.547, 0.596, and 0.623). CGI-I score for the 300 mg group and CGI-S score for all SPN-812 groups except for 100 mg improved significantly ( p < .05) versus placebo. The most frequent AEs (≥15%) were somnolence, headache, and decreased appetite. Conclusion: SPN-812 significantly reduced the severity of ADHD symptoms and was well tolerated. The efficacy and safety of SPN-812 are being investigated in Phase III trials.
Development of a Biosecurity Checklist for Laboratory Assessment and Monitoring
Authors: Brizee Sabrina , Passel Mark W. J. van , Berg Linda M. van den , Feakes Daniel , Izar Ana , Lin Kathryn Tham Bee , Podin Yuwana , Yunus Zalini , Bleijs Diederik A.
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Laboratory biosecurity is of continuously growing interest due to increasing concerns about deliberate misuse of biological materials and emerging biological risks. These risks continue to be magnified by globalization, the rapid pace of scientific development, and dual-use technologies. Worldwide laboratory capacities are expanding, which calls for concrete actions to improve laboratory biosafety and biosecurity practices to protect researchers and the community. Hence, laboratories require comprehensive biorisk management programs to minimize the risk of accidental and deliberate release of infectious biological materials.

Objective:

Malaysia has prioritized the concern of national biosecurity and aims to consolidate laboratory biosecurity performance to detect and prevent the deliberate release of biological agents.

Methods:

Two 3-day workshops were organized over the course of four months in which Malaysia collaborated with The Netherlands. This bilateral engagement aimed to integrate biosecurity practices in their national biorisk management programs, and resulted into a comprehensive biosecurity checklist for laboratory assessment and monitoring.

Results:

This biosecurity checklist is based on Malaysian and Dutch expert opinions and national and international guidelines and regulations. The biosecurity checklist is a survey-driven tool that consists of a set of concrete questions for each key biosecurity area, which are discussion points for assessment.

Conclusion:

We display a practical biosecurity checklist for laboratory assessment and monitoring. Although the presented checklist was the template for the specific Malaysia checklist, it could serve as a template for other countries.
Emotions and Coping Strategies During Breast Cancer in Latina Women: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Castillo Anabel , Mendiola Jennifer , Tiemensma Jitske
Published: March 2019

We conducted three focus groups among Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors ( N = 23). The aim was to qualitatively identify how Latina women cope with BC treatment, what emotions arose during their treatment, and if they experienced any medical barriers during their journey. Women were also asked about a potential online resource. Specific emotions of anger and fear were commonly identified but related to different contexts. Family support and spirituality were frequently cited as two positive coping resources during BC and its treatment. Additionally, women expressed what they believe would be essential in an online community that would provide aid with BC support. Given the importance of reaching this vulnerable minority group, we recommend that future studies contextualize Latina women’s emotional experiences and coping skills associated with BC as indicators of well-being. Along with previous studies, this study highlights the importance of developing culturally appropriate interventions. Additionally, we address alternative forms of resources that may be more accessible.
Study on dynamic characteristics and compensation of wire rope tension based on oil pressure sensor
Authors: Lei Gaoyang , Xu Guiyun , Zhang Xiaoguang , Tian Baolai
Published: March 2019

The oil pressure sensors are installed on the hydraulic connection device to monitor the tension of wire ropes. The change of acceleration during the operation process of hoist causes the tension change of each wire rope. It leads to impact on the cylinder of hydraulic connection device, enlarges the pressure loss, and makes the non-linear friction become more complex which affects the monitoring accuracy. In this article, the mathematical model of hydraulic connection device is established. To analyze the dynamic characteristics of the hydraulic connection system, the model of single hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic connection device is established and simulated by AMESim software. Then, the friction and pressure compensation in the working process of hydraulic connecting device are obtained by LuGre friction model and corresponding formulas of pressure loss. Finally, the monitoring system is designed and real-time compensation test is carried out. The results show that the compensation improves the accuracy of the real-time measurement system of wire rope tension.
EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS LACROSSE HEADGEAR MANDATE IN THE REDUCTION OF HEAD AND FACE INJURIES
Authors: Veasley Shayla , Baron Samuel L. , Nguyen Michael , Anil Utkarsh , Alaia Michael , Cardone Dennis , Testa Noel
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Due to a large number of eye injuries in girls’ lacrosse, US Lacrosse instituted a rule making protective eye-wear mandatory starting in the 2004-2005 season. Although the eye-wear was shown to significantly reduce injuries to the eyes, injuries to the head and face are still commonly reported despite body checks and stick checks to the body being illegal. In 2016, US lacrosse ruled that headgear could be used by its teams as long as it meets ASTM standard F3137*. There has been continued controversy over whether or not headgear in women’s lacrosse could make players more aggressive and/or lead to fewer dangerous call penalties by the officials, thus increasing the head and face injury rate. In 2017, the Public Schools Athletic League, which governs most scholastic sports in New York City, became the first high school organization in the country to mandate ASTM standard F3137 headgear for all women’s lacrosse players. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of ASTM standard F3137 approved headgear on the rate of head and face injuries in high school girls’ lacrosse.

METHODS:

This was a prospective cohort study. The study group included three JV and five varsity girls’ lacrosse teams, as well as their game opponents, who were mandated to wear headgear for all practice and game events over the course of the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 lacrosse seasons. Certified athletic trainers assessed and documented all injuries that occurred as a result of participation on the lacrosse teams and athlete exposures were estimated based on the number of team practice and game events. Injury rates were compared with those from the High School RIO (Reporting Information Online) injury data reports from the 2008-2009 to 2015-2016 lacrosse seasons as well as an external publication based on RIO data that provided concussion injury rates.

RESULTS:

Over the study period, 17 total injuries were reported during 22397 athlete exposures (AEs), for an injury rate of 0.76 injuries per 1000 AEs. Two total head/face injuries (2 concussions) were reported during the study for both a head/face and concussion rate of 0.09 per 1000 AEs. There was a significant decrease in injury rates for total injuries (RR 0.4927; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.3037-0.7995; P-value 0.004) and head/face injuries (RR 0.2232; 95% CI, 0.2232-0.055; p-value 0.016) when comparing this data to the HS RIO study reports. When compared to the concussion data provided by the external RIO publication, there was a lower injury rate that was not found to be significant (RR 0.26; 95% CI, 0.0630 -1.033; p-value: 0.03879).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

Headgear use did not increase the injury rate for the head/face when compared to data before the optional headgear use rule. This may help to dispel fears over an injury rate that would increase due to more aggressive play or less cautious officiating.
Addition of Subdiaphragmatic Vessels in Evaluation of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants
Authors: Guthrie Joy
Published: March 2019

Although there are various echocardiographic measurements that can determine the hemodynamic significance of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), there are few quantifiable measures to determine if there is a vascular steal secondary to a large PDA from the abdominal organs. If the PDA is as large as the branch pulmonary arteries, then effectively one-third of the blood that should go to the abdomen is pushed back toward the lungs. This suggests a vascular steal from the abdomen, causing potential ischemia to the bowel and kidneys. Our original research resulted in a diagnostic marker (PDAM) to assist clinicians with the management of PDAs. The superior mesenteric artery and renal artery spectral Doppler waveforms were added to the PDAM score to evaluate perfusion in infants with PDA. The absence of diastolic flow or staccato flow, in which there is a loss of end-systolic flow, is prognostic of a vascular steal phenomenon.
How I manage anticoagulant therapy in older individuals with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism
Authors: Chan Noel C. , Eikelboom John W.
Published: March 2019

Anticoagulant therapy is the most effective strategy to prevent arterial and venous thromboembolism, but treating older individuals is challenging, because increasing age, comorbidities, and polypharmacy increase the risk of both thrombosis and bleeding. Warfarin and non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are underused and often underdosed in the prevention of stroke in older patients with atrial fibrillation because of concerns about the risk of bleeding. Poor adherence to anticoagulant therapy is also an issue for older patients with atrial fibrillation and those at risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism. In this review, we present 5 clinical cases to illustrate common challenges with anticoagulant use in older patients and discuss our approach to institute safe and effective antithrombotic therapy.
Leukemoid reaction in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia patients undergoing surgery: perioperative management recommendations
Authors: Patel Ami B. , Pettijohn Erin M. , Abedin Sameem M. , Raps Evan , Deininger Michael W.
Published: March 2019

Key Points

CMML patients comprise an elderly and frail patient population with comorbidities that often require surgical intervention. Postsurgical leukemoid reaction, a life-threatening complication in CMML patients, may be driven by molecular mechanisms.
Predictive and prognostic value of ZEB1 protein expression in breast cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Ziping , Zhang Lei , Xu Shuguang , Lin Yanping , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinglu , Sha Rui , Sheng Xiaonan , Zhou Liheng , Lu Jinsong
Published: March 2019

Background

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a molecule involved in the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various kinds of cancers. Here, we aimed to determine whether the expression of the ZEB1 protein is related to the response of patients to neoadjuvant therapy as well as their survival outcome.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on paraffin-embedded tumor samples from core needle biopsy before neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the associations between the protein expression of ZEB1 and the pathological complete response (pCR) outcome. Kaplan–Meier plots and log-rank tests were used to compare disease-free survival (DFS) between groups. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidential interval (95% CI).

Results

A total of 75 patients were included in the IHC test. High ZEB1 protein expression was associated with a low pCR rate in both univariate (OR = 0.260, 95% CI 0.082–0.829, p = 0.023) and multivariate (OR = 0.074, 95% CI 0.011–0.475, p = 0.006) logistic regression analyses. High ZEB1 protein expression was also associated with a short DFS according to both the log-rank test (p = 0.023) and Cox proportional hazard model (HR = 9.025, 95% CI 1.024–79.519, p = 0.048). In hormone receptor positive (HorR-positive) patients, high ZEB1 protein expression was also associated with a lower pCR (OR = 0.054, 95% CI 0.007–0.422, p = 0.005) and a poorer DFS (HR = 10.516, 95% CI 1.171–94.435, p = 0.036) compared with low ZEB1 protein expression. In HER2-overexpressing patients, ZEB1 protein expression was also associated with poor survival (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Our results showed that high ZEB1 protein expression was a negative predictive marker of pCR and DFS in neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients and in HorR-positive and HER2-overexpressing subgroups.

Trial registration NCT, NCT02199418. Registered 24 July 2014—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02199418?term=NCT02199418&rank=1. NCT, NCT 02221999. Registered 21 August 2014—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02221999?term=NCT02221999&rank=1
Duplication of uniqueness: electrotyping in nature printing and its application in contemporary art
Authors: Ljubić Tobisch Valentina , Selimović Albina , Artaker Anna , Klobassa Martin , Kautek Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

The nature printing technique was designed for the electrotyping reproduction of leaves and other natural products. Authentic impressions could be performed by inserting leaves between two lead plates or pressing leaves into the lead plate by a press. The impression obtained in the soft lead plate could then be further reproduced by copper electroplating. Electrochemically deposited copper is hard-wearing and therefore very suitable for the production of printing plates. However, depending on the technical implementation and the choice of the materials used, decisive differences in the faithfulness of reproductions of original motifs may occur during the electrochemical deposition. A central topic in electroforming of printing plates is the choice of the conductive layer on the mould. In the present study, it has been shown that graphite powder represents a conductive phase on the siloxane mould superior to silver and copper powder. The grain size of the copper electrodeposit depended on the powder grain size. The copper plate deposited on graphite powder showed the lowest grain size (5–20 µm) and the highest homogeneity of the print background. Hand polishing of the printing plate resulted in a much better faithfulness of the motif details than that of the machine polished version. However, the background of the print derived from the machine polished plate was the most homogeneous. Electrochemical investigation showed that remnants of the silver powder could result in local elements that could enhance corrosion and thus impair the durability of the printing plates. This phenomenon was negligible with the conductive layers consisting of graphite and copper.
A new prototype melt-electrospinning device for the production of biobased thermoplastic sub-microfibers and nanofibers
Authors: Koenig Kylie , Beukenberg Konrad , Langensiepen Fabian , Seide Gunnar
Published: March 2019

Sub-microfibers and nanofibers have a high surface-to-volume ratio, which makes them suitable for diverse applications including environmental remediation and filtration, energy production and storage, electronic and optical sensors, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. However, the use of such materials is limited by the low throughput of established manufacturing technologies. This short report provides an overview of current production methods for sub-microfibers and nanofibers and then introduces a new melt-electrospinning prototype based on a spinneret with 600 nozzles, thereby providing an important step towards larger-scale production. The prototype features an innovative collector that achieves the optimal spreading of the fiber due to its uneven surface, as well as a polymer inlet that ensures even polymer distribution to all nozzles. We prepared a first generation of biobased fibers with diameters ranging from 1.000 to 7.000 μm using polylactic acid and 6% (
w
/w) sodium stearate, but finer fibers could be produced in the future by optimizing the prototype and the composition of the raw materials. Melt electrospinning using the new prototype is a promising method for the production of high-quality sub-microfibers and nanofibers.
Harnessing Clinical Sequencing Data for Survival Stratification of Patients With Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Shen Ronglai , Martin Axel , Ni Ai , Hellmann Matthew , Arbour Kathryn C. , Jordan Emmet , Arora Arshi , Ptashkin Ryan , Zehir Ahmet , Kris Mark G. , Rudin Charles M. , Berger Michael F. , Solit David B. , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Arcila Maria , Ladanyi Marc , Riely Gregory J.
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

Broad-panel sequencing of tumors facilitates routine care of people with cancer as well as clinical trial matching for novel genome-directed therapies. We sought to extend the use of broad-panel sequencing results to survival stratification and clinical outcome prediction.

METHODS

By using sequencing results from a cohort of 1,054 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas, we developed OncoCast, a machine learning tool for survival risk stratification and biomarker identification.

RESULTS

With OncoCast, we stratified this patient cohort into four risk groups on the basis of tumor genomic profile. Patients whose tumors harbored a high-risk profile had a median survival of 7.3 months (95% CI, 5.5 to 10.9 months) compared with a low-risk group with a median survival of 32.8 months (95% CI, 26.3 to 38.5 months) with a hazard ratio of 4.6 ( P < .001), far superior to any individual gene predictor or standard clinical characteristics. We found that comutations of both STK11 and KEAP1 are strong determinants of unfavorable prognosis with currently available therapies. In patients with targetable oncogenes (eg, EGFR, ALK, ROS1) who received targeted therapies, the tumor genetic background additionally differentiated survival with mutations in TP53 and ARID1A, which contributed to a higher risk score for shorter survival.

CONCLUSION

A mutational profile derived from broad-panel sequencing presents an effective genomic stratification for patient survival in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. OncoCast is available as a public resource that facilitates the incorporation of mutational data to predict individual patient prognosis and compare risk characteristics of patient populations.
Association of Serum Paraoxonase/Arylesterase Activity With All-Cause Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Suematsu Yasunori , Goto Masaki , Park Christina , Nunes Ane C F , Jing WangHui , Streja Elani , Rhee Connie M , Cruz Siobanth , Kashyap Moti L , Vaziri Nosratola D , Narayanaswami Vasanthy , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Moradi Hamid
Published: March 2019

Context

In end-stage renal disease (ESRD), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is not an accurate predictor of mortality, partly because it does not necessarily correlate with indices of HDL function. Paraoxonase (PON) is a major enzyme constituent of HDL and a key component of HDL antioxidant activity. Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-1) is the core HDL structural protein that plays a major role in various aspects of HDL function.

Objective

We sought to examine PON activity and Apo A-I levels in patients with ESRD vs healthy controls.

Design and Setting

PON/arylesterase activity was measured in 499 patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and 24 healthy controls with similar distributions of age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Serum acrolein-modified Apo A-I was measured in 30 patients with MHD and 10 healthy controls.

Main Outcome Measures

Multilevel Cox models were used to assess associations among PON activity, Apo A-I, and HDL-C levels with 12-month all-cause mortality.

Results

PON activity was significantly lower in patients with MHD vs controls. Furthermore, acrolein-modified Apo A-I levels were higher in patients with MHD vs controls. In fully adjusted models, high PON activity was associated with lower 12-month mortality, whereas no difference of mortality risk was observed across HDL-C levels. The combination of high PON and low Apo A-I compared with low PON and low Apo A-I was associated with lower mortality risk.

Conclusions

In patients with MHD, PON activity had a stronger association with 12-month mortality than HDL-C. Future studies are needed to examine the role of these markers as potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools in ESRD.
Driving and Epilepsy: Ethical, Legal, and Health Care Policy Challenges
Authors: Kass Joseph S. , Rose Rachel V.
Published: March 2019

Although the principle of autonomy allows patients to refuse interventions their physicians recommend, patients are not free to ignore legally mandated restrictions on driving, and physicians are ethically justified in constraining their patients’ driving rights in compliance with state law. Furthermore, the standard of care for treatment of patients with epilepsy includes counseling about lifestyle modifications that promote patient safety and compliance with the law. Neurologists should not only counsel their patients with epilepsy about legally mandated driving restrictions but also document this counseling in the medical record. Failure to counsel and to document may result in legal liability if patients experience seizures while driving and injure either themselves or third parties. The neurologist’s duty of care may be limited to the patient in some jurisdictions but may be extended to injured third parties in others. Furthermore, a patient’s own contributory negligence may limit or completely foreclose recovery against the physician to varying degrees, depending on the state in which the injury occurred.
Blood Substitutes and Oxygen Therapeutics: A Review
Authors: Jahr Jonathan S. , Guinn Nicole R , Lowery David R. , Shore-Lesserson Linda , Shander Aryeh
Published: March 2019

Despite the exhaustive search for an acceptable substitute to erythrocyte transfusion, neither chemical-based products such as perfluorocarbons nor hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers have succeeded in providing a reasonable alternative to allogeneic blood transfusion. However, there remain scenarios in which blood transfusion is not an option, due to patient’s religious beliefs, inability to find adequately cross-matched erythrocytes, or in remote locations. In these situations, artificial oxygen carriers may provide a mortality benefit for patients with severe, life-threatening anemia. This article provides an up-to-date review of the history and development, clinical trials, new technology, and current standing of artificial oxygen carriers as an alternative to transfusion when blood is not an option.
Estimating the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Absorbent Performance Differences on Absorbent Cost During Low-Flow Anesthesia
Authors: Feldman Jeffrey M. , Lo Christopher , Hendrickx Jan
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND:

Reducing fresh gas flow when using a circle anesthesia circuit is the most effective strategy for reducing both inhaled anesthetic vapor cost and waste. As fresh gas flow is reduced, the amount of exhaled gas rebreathed increases, but the utilization of carbon dioxide absorbent increases as well. Reducing fresh gas flow may not make economic sense if the increased cost of absorbent utilization exceeds the reduced cost of anesthetic vapor. The primary objective of this study was to determine the minimum fresh gas flow at which absorbent costs do not exceed vapor savings. Another objective is to provide a qualitative insight into the factors that influence absorbent performance as fresh gas flow is reduced.

METHODS:

A mathematical model was developed to compare the vapor savings with the cost of carbon dioxide absorbent as a function of fresh gas flow. Parameters of the model include patient size, unit cost of vapor and carbon dioxide absorbent, and absorbent capacity and efficiency. Boundaries for fresh gas flow were based on oxygen consumption or a closed-circuit condition at the low end and minute ventilation to approximate an open-circuit condition at the high end. Carbon dioxide production was estimated from oxygen consumption assuming a respiratory quotient of 0.8.

RESULTS:

For desflurane, the cost of carbon dioxide absorbent did not exceed vapor savings until fresh gas flow was almost equal to closed-circuit conditions. For sevoflurane, as fresh gas flow is reduced, absorbent costs increase more slowly than vapor costs decrease so that total costs are still minimized for a closed circuit. Due to the low cost of isoflurane, even with the most effective absorbent, the rate of absorbent costs increase more rapidly than vapor savings as fresh gas flow is reduced, so that an open circuit is least expensive. The total cost of vapor and absorbent is still lowest for isoflurane when compared with the other agents.

CONCLUSIONS:

The relative costs of anesthetic vapor and carbon dioxide absorbent as fresh gas flow is reduced are dependent on choice of anesthetic vapor and performance of the carbon dioxide absorbent. Absorbent performance is determined by the product selected and strategy for replacement. Clinicians can maximize the performance of absorbents by replacing them based on the appearance of inspired carbon dioxide rather than the indicator. Even though absorbent costs exceed vapor savings as fresh gas flow is reduced, isoflurane is still the lowest cost choice for the environmentally sound practice of closed-circuit anesthesia.
Use of the Novel C-MAC Video Stylet in a Case of Predicted Difficult Intubation: A Case Report
Authors: Pius James , Ioanidis Khrystyna , Noppens Ruediger R.
Published: March 2019

Video laryngoscopes are commonly used to manage difficult airways, among other devices. However, they present a challenge when inserting the blade in patients with a limited mouth opening, and an adequate visualization of the glottis does not always translate into successful intubation. The C-MAC Video-Stylet—with its small diameter and flexible tip—offers an effective alternative. We describe the successful use of the novel C-MAC Video-Stylet to secure the airway in a patient with minimal mouth opening due to the side effects of previous neck surgery and radiation therapy.
Somatic support cells regulate germ cell survival through the Baz/aPKC/Par6 complex
Authors: Brantley Susanna E. , Fuller Margaret T.
Published: March 2019

Local signals and structural support from the surrounding cellular microenvironment play key roles in directing development in both embryonic organs and adult tissues. In Drosophila, male germ cells are intimately associated and co-differentiate with supporting somatic cells. Here we show that function of the Baz/aPKC/Par6 apical polarity complex in somatic cyst cells is required stage-specifically for survival of the germ cells they enclose. Although spermatogonia enclosed by cyst cells in which function of the Par-complex had been knocked down survive and proliferate, newly formed spermatocytes enclosed by cyst cells lacking Par complex proteins died soon after onset of meiotic prophase. Loss of Par complex function resulted in stage specific overactivation of the Jun-kinase (JNK) pathway in cyst cells. Knocking down expression of JNK pathway components or the GTPase Rab35 in cyst cells lacking Par complex function rescued survival of neighboring spermatocytes, suggesting that action of the apical polarity complex ensures germ cell survival by preventing JNK pathway activation, and that the mechanism by which cyst cells lacking Par complex function kill neighboring spermatocytes requires intracellular trafficking in somatic cyst cells.
ArhGEF37 assists dynamin 2 during clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Viplav Abhiyan , Saha Tanumoy , Huertas Jan , Selenschik Philipp , Ebrahimkutty Mirsana P. , Grill David , Lehrich Julia , Hentschel Andreas , Biasizzo Monika , Mengoni Simone , Ahrends Robert , Gerke Volker , Cojocaru Vlad , Klingauf Jürgen , Galic Milos
Published: March 2019

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) engages over 30 proteins to secure efficient cargo and membrane uptake. While the function of most core CME components is well established, auxiliary mechanisms crucial for fine-tuning and adaptation remain largely elusive. In this study, we identify ArhGEF37, a currently uncharacterized protein, as a constituent of CME. Structure prediction together with quantitative cellular and biochemical studies present a unique BAR domain and PI(4,5)P2-dependent protein–membrane interactions. Functional characterization yields accumulation of ArhGEF37 at dynamin 2-rich late endocytic sites and increased endocytosis rates in the presence of ArhGEF37. Together, these results introduce ArhGEF37 as a regulatory protein involved in endocytosis.
Blockchain technologies for leveraging security and privacy
Authors: Vassilakis Costas
Published: March 2019

The contemporary internet has developed into a complex ecosystem involving humans, services, applications, machines and applications that interact exchanging information, ranging from e-mail messages and social media content to crowdsourcing data and videoconferencing. In this context, a number of security threats such as viruses and malware exist, while additionally the users’ privacy is jeopardized by threats such as personal data leakage, usage pattern monitoring, and so forth. The IoT trend renders the Internet ecosystem even more complex, by adding a rich set of services, applications and machines, many of them backed by new user roles; these elements are weaved into everyday life and industry alike. This increases both the number of opportunities available to threat agents for exploitation and the volume and value of the underlying infrastructure and data, increasing thus the user risk level. In this paper, we explore how the Blockchain technology can be used to leverage security and privacy in the modern Internet, both by providing underpinnings for preventive measures and by facilitating digital forensic evidence collection storage, safeguarding and controlled access.
Blockchain: A mechanism of “unorthodox” trust
Authors: Grigoriadou Valentini
Published: March 2019

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology which is expected to cut off proxies, reduce cost and increase speed and range. It offers transparency, safety and traceability and considerable high levels of trust. In contrast with traditional hierarchical structures and central data-bases where trust lies within institutions, blockchain’s trust is technology. It could possibly constitute the core of a new type of internet. The fact that it is developing rapidly in various fields simultaneously, will inevitably change the way of communication in the future. Although, since its onset, it was mainly used for financial exchange; it becomes evident that it is applicable in every form of exchange. Thus the new digital trust through encryption could have a determining role in redeveloping higher education. In such a context, students, instructors and teachers are in direct relationship with one another; as a result new forms of interaction are generated. The main objective is to examine on the one hand blockchain’s application in the educational sector, focusing on its potential to change educational mechanisms for the better and on the other hand its reception and the influence this technology could have on the socio-psychological reality of the involved subjects. Its application on the field of education will undoubtedly be beneficial but it is an imperative that we inspect any potential dangers as well. Since people have the need of an institution that they can trust, the creation of a world of decentralised trust is a challenge.
Desenvolvimento regional e resiliência de cluster: uma proposta teórica
Authors: Schmidt Vitor Klein , Zen Aurora Carneiro
Published: March 2019

Clusters têm sido objeto de pesquisa durante décadas devido as vantagens competitivas locais que impulsionam o desenvolvimento regional. Entretanto, grande parte dos estudos desconsideraram o desenvolvimento de suas estruturas ao longo do tempo. Recentemente, acadêmicos passaram a desenvolver abordagens dinâmicas que conseguissem explicar os padrões de desenvolvimento dos clusters. A resiliência de cluster é um constructo utilizado para entender como os cluster adaptam as suas estruturas a fim de superar choques, entretanto ainda é um conceito bastante embrionário. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a resiliência econômica dos clusters, buscando identificar os principais elementos que impactam na sua capacidade de resistência, recuperação e adaptação após um choque externo. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um framework teórico baseado nos recentes avanços da literatura de geografia econômica evolucionária. Como principais contribuições, este artigo redefiniu resiliência de cluster e seus principais elementos.
Obscured Transparency? Compensation Benchmarking and the Biasing of Executive Pay
Authors: de Vaan Mathijs , Elbers Benjamin , DiPrete Thomas A.
Published: March 2019

The disclosure of compensation peer groups is argued to provide shareholders with valuable information that can be used to scrutinize chief executive officer (CEO) compensation. However, research suggests that there are substantial incentives for executives and directors to bias the compensation peer group upward such that the CEO can extract additional rent. We leverage the idea that reciprocated peer nominations are unlikely to be biased to construct counterfactual peer groups that allow us to measure the bias of disclosed peer groups. Analyses of 11 years of comprehensive data on compensation peer groups demonstrate that the average firm uses an upwardly biased peer group. The size of the bias increases when incentives and opportunities to do so are more pronounced. Specifically, results show that bias is larger when financial targets are not met and when exercising discretion in the selection of peer firms is justifiable. More importantly, upward bias in compensation peer groups is highly predictive of an increase in CEO compensation, suggesting that there is a strong incentive for CEOs to strategically select peers. Finally, although average peer group bias has gone down in recent years, the predictive effect of bias on pay has gone up. These findings call into question the practical impact of recent efforts to introduce greater transparency into the process for determining executive compensation.

This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations.