bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competing constructions of bath salts use and risk of harm in two mediated contexts
Authors: Kavanaugh Philip R , Biggers Zachariah
Published: March 2018

Drawing on depictions of bath salts use in two different mediated contexts (110 local news reports, 109 individual user reports), in this study we highlight the incongruence between accounts of use and harm in news media versus drug users’ own narratives. Findings reveal that depictions of bath salts use in local news stories drew on three overlapping frames of risk and harm: a medical/health frame, a typifying example/atrocity story frame, and a legal/regulatory frame. User narratives were comparably neutral and richly descriptive, with tempered accounts of drug effects, psychopharmacological and other experiences while using, as well as tactics used to counter unpleasant effects. We find that both media forms limit discussions of drug use and risks of harm and are similarly dependent on a medical/health frame to legitimate them. The problem with news accounts is the denial of complex social and cultural contexts and possibilities regarding alternative drug policies. The problem with user narratives is the extent to which their accounts are moderated or excluded in order to manufacture a coherent public presentation of self, serving alternate ideological aims.
Full neurological recovery following tricyclic overdose associated with absent brainstem reflexes
Authors: Webster Deborah , Datar Priya , Waddy Sam
Published: March 2018

We report the case of an 18-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department following a large overdose of amitriptyline. He was comatose on admission but his neurology further deteriorated to global loss of brainstem reflexes. He made a full but slow neurological recovery. First signs of improving neurology were seen on day 3 of admission; he was extubated on day 6 and discharged home on day 9. There is limited recent literature to help guide prognostication in this group of patients.
Musician interaction via social networking sites
Authors: Krause Amanda E. , North Adrian C. , Heritage Brody
Published: March 2018

Social network sites (SNS) allow for interaction between musicians and fans, including parasocial relationships. The present research approaches the topic from the perspective of psychology and particularly previous research concerning attachment styles, celebrity interest, and their correlates. Using an online survey ( N = 464), we considered whether psychological variables could predict whether individuals interact with musicians on SNS, and their opinions about doing so. Findings demonstrate that users’ celebrity attitudes and relationship attachment styles are important in predicting the extent to which they utilize SNS to interact with musicians. Therefore, it seems that SNS music fan behaviors have an overtly psychological component, such that further research might adopt a psychological rather than technological approach in predicting commercial usage.
Oral Provocation Testing in Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions to Antiretroviral and Antitubercular Therapy: A Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Kaimal Sowmya , Madhukara Jithendriya
Published: March 2018

Aim:

To collect data pertaining to oral drug provocation testing (DPT) in hospitalized patients with antiretroviral (ARV)/antitubercular agent–induced rashes.

Methods:

Patients with cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ARV/antitubercular drugs and who underwent oral DPT during a 5-year period were included in this study.

Results:

Data were collected from the records of 21 patients. Of the 21, 19 had HIV infection. The most commonly implicated drug was nevirapine (NVP), followed by cotrimoxazole and antitubercular agents. Of the 11 ADRs that occurred on rechallenge, the ADR on rechallenge was similar in clinical presentation to the initial ADR in 6 patients, while a different rash was elicited in 5 patients.

Conclusion:

Oral DPT is a safe and effective tool to accurately diagnose ADRs, especially in patients on multiple drugs and in situations such as HIV infection and tuberculosis where second-line agents are expensive and/or not easily available through the national AIDS control/tuberculosis programs.
Pan-SRC kinase inhibition blocks B-cell receptor oncogenic signaling in non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Battistello Elena , Katanayeva Natalya , Dheilly Elie , Tavernari Daniele , Donaldson Maria C. , Bonsignore Luca , Thome Margot , Christie Amanda L. , Murakami Mark A. , Michielin Olivier , Ciriello Giovanni , Zoete Vincent , Oricchio Elisa
Published: March 2018

Key Points

Inhibition of BTK in patients who are resistant to ibrutinib changes signaling tumor dependencies and promotes MYC upregulation. Multitarget inhibition of LYN, FYN, and BLK is therapeutically effective in patients with DLBCL independent of their molecular subtypes.
Incidence of pulmonary hypertension and determining factors in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Coghlan J. Gerry , Wolf Matthias , Distler Oliver , Denton Christopher P. , Doelberg Martin , Harutyunova Satenik , Marra Alberto M. , Benjamin Nicola , Fischer Christine , Grünig Ekkehard
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and determining factors in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) <60% predicted.

In this bicentric, prospective cohort study, patients with SSc were clinically assessed at baseline and after 3 years, including right heart catheterisation (RHC). Analysis of determining factors for the development of PH was performed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

96 patients with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) <25 mmHg at baseline were followed for 2.95±0.7 years (median 3 years). Of these, 71 had a second RHC; 18 of these 71 patients (25.3%) developed PH, and five (7%) developed SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. For patients with an mPAP of 21–24 mmHg at baseline, the likelihood of presenting with PH as opposed to normal pressures on follow-up was significantly higher (p=0.026). Pulmonary vascular resistance, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, diffusion capacity and the size of the inferior vena cava at baseline were independent predictors for the development of PH during follow-up.

In a selected cohort of SSc patients with aDLCO<60%, pulmonary pressures appeared to rise progressively during follow-up. In this population, it was possible to identify manifest PH in almost 25% of patients using prospective RHC during follow-up. Therefore, regular clinical assessment including RHC might be useful in patients with SSc.
Laboratory-confirmed respiratory infections as triggers for acute myocardial infarction and stroke: a self-controlled case series analysis of national linked datasets from Scotland
Authors: Warren-Gash Charlotte , Blackburn Ruth , Whitaker Heather , McMenamin Jim , Hayward Andrew C.
Published: March 2018

While acute respiratory tract infections can trigger cardiovascular events, the differential effect of specific organisms is unknown. This is important to guide vaccine policy.

Using national infection surveillance data linked to the Scottish Morbidity Record, we identified adults with a first myocardial infarction or stroke from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014 and a record of laboratory-confirmed respiratory infection during this period. Using self-controlled case series analysis, we generated age- and season-adjusted incidence ratios (IRs) for myocardial infarction (n=1227) or stroke (n=762) after infections compared with baseline time.

We found substantially increased myocardial infarction rates in the week afterStreptococcus pneumoniaeand influenza virus infection: adjusted IRs for days 1–3 were 5.98 (95% CI 2.47–14.4) and 9.80 (95% CI 2.37–40.5), respectively. Rates of stroke after infection were similarly high and remained elevated to 28 days: day 1–3 adjusted IRs 12.3 (95% CI 5.48–27.7) and 7.82 (95% CI 1.07–56.9) forS. pneumoniaeand influenza virus, respectively. Although other respiratory viruses were associated with raised point estimates for both outcomes, only the day 4–7 estimate for stroke reached statistical significance.

We showed a marked cardiovascular triggering effect ofS. pneumoniaeand influenza virus, which highlights the need for adequate pneumococcal and influenza vaccine uptake. Further research is needed into vascular effects of noninfluenza respiratory viruses.
Multicentre observational screening survey for the detection of CTEPH following pulmonary embolism
Authors: Coquoz Nicolas , Weilenmann Daniel , Stolz Daiana , Popov Vladimir , Azzola Andrea , Fellrath Jean-Marc , Stricker Hans , Pagnamenta Alberto , Ott Sebastian , Ulrich Silvia , Györik Sandor , Pasquier Jérôme , Aubert John-David
Published: March 2018

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a severe complication of pulmonary embolism. Its incidence following pulmonary embolism is debated. Active screening for CTEPH in patients with acute pulmonary embolism is yet to be recommended.

This prospective, multicentre, observational study (Multicentre Observational Screening Survey for the Detection of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) Following Pulmonary Embolism (INPUT on PE); ISRCTN61417303) included patients with acute pulmonary embolism from 11 centres in Switzerland from March 2009 to November 2016. Screening for possible CTEPH was performed at 6, 12 and 24 months using a stepwise algorithm that included a dyspnoea phone-based survey, transthoracic echocardiography, right heart catheterisation and radiological confirmation of CTEPH.

Out of 1699 patients with pulmonary embolism, 508 patients were assessed for CTEPH screening over 2 years. CTEPH incidence following pulmonary embolism was 3.7 per 1000 patient-years, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 0.79%. The Swiss pulmonary hypertension registry consulted in December 2016 did not report additional CTEPH cases in these patients. The survey yielded 100% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity. The second step echocardiography in newly dyspnoeic patients showed a negative predictive value of 100%.

CTEPH is a rare but treatable disease. A simple and sensitive way for CTEPH screening in patients with acute pulmonary embolism is recommended.
Associations between blood eosinophils and decline in lung function among adults with and without asthma
Authors: Hancox Robert J. , Pavord Ian D. , Sears Malcolm R.
Published: March 2018

Eosinophilic inflammation and airway remodelling are characteristic features of asthma, but the association between them is unclear. We assessed associations between blood eosinophils and lung function decline in a population-based cohort of young adults.

We used linear mixed models to analyse associations between blood eosinophils and spirometry at 21, 26, 32 and 38 years adjusting for sex, smoking, asthma and spirometry at age 18 years. We further analysed associations between mean eosinophil counts and changes in spirometry from ages 21 to 38 years.

Higher eosinophils were associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratios and lower FEV1% predicted values for both pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry (all p-values ≤0.048). Although eosinophil counts were higher in participants with asthma, the associations between eosinophils and spirometry were similar among participants without asthma or wheeze. Participants with mean eosinophil counts >0.4×109 cells·L−1between 21 and 38 years had greater declines in FEV1/FVC ratios (difference 1.8%, 95% CI 0.7–2.9%; p=0.001) and FEV1values (difference 3.4% pred, 95% CI 1.5–5.4% pred); p=0.001) than those with lower counts.

Blood eosinophils are associated with airflow obstruction and enhanced decline in lung function, independently of asthma and smoking. Eosinophilia is a risk factor for airflow obstruction even in those without symptoms.
Embodied modeling approach to explore tumour cells drug resistance
Authors: Sohail Ayesha , Sherin Lubna , Li Zhiwu , Chaudhry Qasim Ali
Published: March 2018

Mathematical modelling provides mechanistic insight of an infirmity by emulating the course of disease on individual or group level under various interventions and hence makes pragmatic contribution to complement conventional biomedical research modalities. Subsequently, real-world effectiveness is observed in the prediction of experimental outcome that leads to optimized clinical therapies. This article addresses with the aid of mathematical modelling, the drug pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic along with treatment responses. This article uses an agent based model to discuss the effects of chemotherapy on angiogenesis as well as tumor microenvironment and establishes pertinency between numerical and experimental results. This study supports the emerging “discrete analysis ” which, in the near future, is anticipated to be a promising major tool, for designing rational dosage regimes and effective dosage forms.
Isoflurane Impacts Murine Melanoma Growth in a Sex-Specific, Immune-Dependent Manner: A Brief Report
Authors: Meier Angela , Gross Emilie T. E. , Schilling Jan M. , Seelige Ruth , Jung Yujin , Santosa Endi , Searles Stephen , Lin Tuo , Tu Xin M. , Patel Hemal H. , Bui Jack D.
Published: March 2018

The impact of volatile anesthetics on cancer progression has been observed for decades, but sex differences have not been described. Male and female immune systems vary considerably, and the immune system plays an important role in limiting cancer growth. Currently, mouse models describing the impact of volatile anesthetics on cancer growth are limited to same-sex models. In this brief report, we describe a sex-specific impact of isoflurane on melanoma growth observed in wild-type but not in immune-deficient mice. Future experimental designs related to anesthesia and cancer should evaluate the biological variable of sex in a systematic manner.
Novel practical SNR determination method for MRI using double echo with longest second echo time (DELSET)
Authors: Ohno Naoki , Miyati Tosiaki , Niwa Yoshiaki , Kan Hirohito , Ishida Shota , Kasai Harumasa , Shibamoto Yuta , Gabata Toshifumi
Published: March 2018

Objective:

We devised a practical method using double echo with the longest second echo time (DELSET) for simple and accurate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement of MRIs.

Methods:

The DELSET method is based on the double-echo sequence in which the first and second echo times (TE) are set, respectively, as the clinically acceptable time for the signal image and as the longest time for the noise image. The second TE needs to be at least 8 times longer than T  2 (for spin-echo) or T  2* (for gradient-echo) of the objective tissue. For example, second TE > 560 ms for the case of T  2 = 70 ms: the real part of signal intensity theoretically reaches the same order of magnitude as the quantization limit, due to the T  2 relaxation process. SNR was calculated by dividing mean signal intensity in the first echo image by signal standard deviation (SD) in the second echo image in identical regions of interest after necessary noise correction. We determined the SNRs of cylindrical phantom images with different coils [quadrature (QD) and array coils] and sequences (spin-echo and spoiled gradient-echo sequences) and compared them between the DELSET and subtraction or background methods. The ratio of the mean signal intensity and SD in the second echo image with QD coil was determined to confirm whether the signal intensity had reached noise level.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the phantom SNRs with both coils and sequences when DELSET was compared with the other two methods (p > 0.05 for all). The ratios of mean signal intensity and SD in the second echo images with both sequences were found to be in general agreement with a theoretical value. It was possible to obtain SNR images of the phantom, brain and abdomen with the DELSET method.

Conclusion:

The DELSET method enables simple and accurate SNR quantification. This practical method is applicable to in vivo parallel imaging.

Advances in knowledge:

Practical SNR quantification based on the DELSET method is feasible for application in MRI systems used clinically.
Funding knowledgebases: Towards a sustainable funding model for the UniProt use case
Authors: Gabella Chiara , Durinx Christine , Appel Ron
Published: March 2018

Millions of life scientists across the world rely on bioinformatics data resources for their research projects. Data resources can be very expensive, especially those with a high added value as the expert-curated knowledgebases. Despite the increasing need for such highly accurate and reliable sources of scientific information, most of them do not have secured funding over the near future and often depend on short-term grants that are much shorter than their planning horizon. Additionally, they are often evaluated as research projects rather than as research infrastructure components.

In this work, twelve funding models for data resources are described and applied on the case study of the Universal Protein Resource (UniProt), a key resource for protein sequences and functional information knowledge. We show that most of the models present inconsistencies with open access or equity policies, and that while some models do not allow to cover the total costs, they could potentially be used as a complementary income source.

We propose the Infrastructure Model as a sustainable and equitable model for all core data resources in the life sciences. With this model, funding agencies would set aside a fixed percentage of their research grant volumes, which would subsequently be redistributed to core data resources according to well-defined selection criteria. This model, compatible with the principles of open science, is in agreement with several international initiatives such as the Human Frontiers Science Program Organisation (HFSPO) and the OECD Global Science Forum (GSF) project. Here, we have estimated that less than 1% of the total amount dedicated to research grants in the life sciences would be sufficient to cover the costs of the core data resources worldwide, including both knowledgebases and deposition databases.
Variable phenotypic presentations of renal involvement in Fabry disease: a case series
Authors: McCloskey Sarah , Brennan Paul , Sayer John A
Published: March 2018

Fabry disease is an X-linked genetic deficiency in the alpha-galactosidase enzyme resulting in intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids and multisystem organ dysfunction. Typically 50% of males and 20% of affected females have renal involvement, ranging from proteinuria or reduced renal function, renal parapelvic cysts and progressive renal disease ultimately requiring transplantation or dialysis. The phenotypic presentation of Fabry disease is incredibly varied and will even vary between family members with the same confirmed genetic mutation. In a cohort of patients affected by Fabry disease in the North East of England we examine the different phenotypic presentations of eight index cases (6 male, 2 female) with predominantly renal disease and the renal manifestations within their family members. The mean age of presentation was 40 years of age (range 23-59 years). Various multisystem manifestations were observed including cardiac, neurological, cerebrovascular and skin involvement. Two of the male index patients reached end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy. Two female index patients had phenotypes limited to hypertension and proteinuria at presentation and the remaining patients had either stable or progressive chronic kidney disease at the time of diagnosis. We demonstrate the need for a high index of suspicion in order to consider Fabry disease as a diagnosis and the importance of cascade genetic screening to identify affected family members so that treatment can be initiated in a timely fashion.
BULLS CONSUMPTION AND USE OF DIET SUBSTANCES BY PROBIOTICS VETOSPORIN SUSPENSION
Authors: Вагапов Фаргат , Vagapov Fargat , Гизатова Наталья , Gizatova Natalya
Published: March 2018

The purpose of research is increase the efficiency of the use of nutrients for rations by Simmental breed bulls with various doses of Vetosporin Suspension. Bulls were fed by probiotic in the amount of 0.1; 1 and 2 ml per 10 kg of live weight. It has been established that the use of rations including the feed supplement studied, in the feeding of experimental groups, promoted an increase in feed intake. Thus, the young growth of the three experimental groups exceeded the analogues of the control group for the consumption of hay grass by 37-118 kg (1.47-4.68%), green weight – by 31-71 kg (1.74-3.98%). Concentrates, molas-ses, fodder, and salt were given to the animals in the same amount. It can be stated that feeding to the Simmental bulls of different doses of the Vetosporin drug suspension had a positive effect on the digestibil-ity of the nutrients of the diet and their assimilation by the body. It is evident that in animals of experimental groups there is a certain superiority in certain indices over analogues of the control group. In this case, the animals of group I were inferior to the experimental groups by a digestibility factor of 1.03-2.24%, raw fat by 0.43-0.77%. For the rest of the indicators, there was a similar trend. When fattening Simmental bull calves, full-fledged and, importantly, balanced feeding was organized. Taking this into account, the use of probiotic fodder supplement, Vetosporin Suspension, contributed to greater consumption of all types of feed, nutrients and energy by animal test groups. In this case, the greatest effect was observed with the use of an approved additive in a dose of 1.0 ml per 10 kg of alive weight.
Median Europe and Its Thinkers to Give a New European Narrative after 1945
Authors: Nowicki Joanna
Published: March 2018

This short text contains a few layers: first, it reports on the author’s evolving interest in and work on what she calls Median Europe; second, it tries to define Median Europe, third, it presents the role the thinkers of that part of Europe playin its quest for self‑understanding and definition; fourth, it puts forth the thesis that these thinkers have much to offer to those who search for a new narrative on Europe now; fifth, it explains why these Median European voices are not betterheard, especially in France; and sixth, drawing practical conclusions from the above points, the author presents a large research and editorial project she is involved in that is meant to change this situation.
Naród, narodowość, nacjonalizm we współczesnej Europie. Baskijskie i katalońskie narracje tożsamościowe
Authors: Orzechowska-Wacławska Joanna
Published: March 2018

Nation, Nationality and Nationalism in Contemporary Europe. Basque and Catalan Identity Narratives

This article explores the identity processes that are currently taking place in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Its main focus is the Basque/Catalan identity which is understood as a form of local, regional and/or national form of collective identification. In particular, the paper analyzes how contemporary Basques and Catalans define, declare and manifest their collective identity, whether they see it as a national identity (or not), and what the political implications of these identity choices are. Based on the results deriving from the latest research on self-identification of the members of the Basque and Catalan society, this article explores the relationship between 1) Basque/Catalan local identity, which is a wide category that encompasses various forms of socio-cultural identification, 2) Basque/Catalan national identity, which is based on the conviction that Basques/Catalans are not just nationalities (have important and particular social and cultural features), but they are in fact nations of their own (this identity has therefore an important political dimension), and 3) Basque/Catalan nationalistic identity, which is understood as a form of identity, that resides on the belief that the Basques and Catalans constitute separate national communities, and this very fact is used to fuel certain rhetoric and ideology: separate nationhood becomes the basic element of identification and social mobilization.
The Political and Economic Situation of Iceland in the Context of EU Application Withdrawal
Authors: Pokrzycka Lidia
Published: March 2018

Under the influence of the crisis of 17 July 2009, Iceland presented its application for accession to the European Union, and a year later began accession negotiations. However, a problematic issue is catch limits as instead of 200‑mile fishingbelt they won during the Cod Wars there would be just 12 miles of fisheries intended for Icelanders. Therefore, the accession negotiations stood at a standstill, the more that the current situation of the euro does not encourage Iceland to join the EU. Recently it turned out that Iceland does not want to join the European Union. In this article, I introduce arguments for and against Iceland joining the European Union. I introduce the economic, political and social situation in Iceland based on my own research on the island from 2010. In 2013, I completed a journalism internship in the editorial team of the Icelandic weekly Reykjavik Grapevine.
Kontestacja wspólnej polityki bezpieczeństwa i obrony w Parlamencie Europejskim na przykładzie działań UE w Afganistanie w latach 2005-2013
Authors: Zubek Marcin
Published: March 2018

Contestation of the common foreign and security policy in European Parliament. The case of EU actions in Afghanistan in 2005‑2013

Foreign policy, including the security policy, has traditionally been considered a domain of the public policy, where lower standards of parliamentary democratic control and scrutiny can be employed. There is a belief among the policy‑makers, that in order to act effectively in this field, they should not be limited by the legislative power. This democratic deficit is even amplified on the international level, whenever an international organization is involved in implementing security policy. In spite of that fact, parliaments still retained the right to scrutinize security policies via debates, which reveal MPs approach towards state’s security policy. The main aim of this article is to analyze a case of democratic control over security policy on the international level, namely the security policy towards Afghanistan between 2005 and 2013 and its contestation in the European Parliament (EP). In order to do so a qualitative analysis of the plenary debates in the EP will be employed, which will reveal arguments used by the MEPs in order to justify certain policies, political claims directed to national and international institutions and contestation of the process of the formulation of the EU policy towards this particular security issue.
Strategiczne uwarunkowania użycia sił zbrojnych RFN w latach 1955-1989
Authors: Polończyk Agnieszka
Published: March 2018

Strategic conditions of using the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany in the period 1955‑1989 The aim of the article is to determine the strategic conditions of use of the armed forces of West Germany (the Bundeswehr) since its inception in 1955 until its unification with the National People’s Army (1989/1990). In the first part the features of the security environment in Germany have been shown and the main political, military and economic threats identified. As the result of the presented strategic analysis of the state environment as well as the parallel description ofthe set of values, interests and political goals in the security field, the conceptions of using the Bundeswehr as the army of the national state and a member of the NATO have been characterized.
Sources of the legitimacy of Vladimir Putin’s power in today’s Russia
Authors: Nadskakuła-Kaczmarczyk Olga
Published: March 2018

The aim of this article is to present the legitimacy of power in Russia. The special emphasis is placed on the correlations between Russian political culture and the legitimacy of the power of Vladimir Putin. Taking into consideration that socialacceptance and support given to the authorities are the result of the relationship between the values pursued by the government and the values recognized by the society, the author presents the example of this mechanism in Russia. Asmany theorists note, investigation of the degree of legitimacy of the authorities should be determined by the compatibility of arguments that are used by the rulers and values and attitudes approved by the society. Therefore, this paper willpresent the relations between the authorities and society as well as the perception of Vladimir Putin’s domestic and foreign policy by residents of the Russian Federation.
Hiszpańska partia Podemos a mediatyzacja polityki
Authors: Głuszek-Szafraniec Dagmara
Published: March 2018

The Spanish Party Podemos and the Mediatization of Politics The article focus on the Spanish party Podemos, which has received in recent years a very strong support of the electorate in several elections. The author analyzes the media strategy of the party in the context of the theory of media systemsand the mediatization of politics and the politicization of the media. The aim of the article is to show how Podemos used mass media, especially television, to realize their own political assumptions.
Service Design for Value Networks: Enabling Value Cocreation Interactions in Healthcare
Authors: Patrício Lia , de Pinho Nelson Figueiredo , Teixeira Jorge Grenha , Fisk Raymond P.
Published: March 2018

In the increasingly complex service environment, value is cocreated through webs of interactions between provider networks and customer networks. This is evident in healthcare services, where well-being can be achieved only through the joint efforts of professional healthcare networks and patient networks. Addressing the challenge of creating network-level services, the service design for value networks (SD4VN) method designs services as enablers of many-to-many value cocreating interactions among network actors. By integrating previous research on value networks and service design, SD4VN develops a process and a set of models beyond supporting dyadic (customer–service provider) interactions to understanding the interrelated activities, interactions, and goals of network actors and designing services to support the different actors in reaching their goals with balanced centricity. Following a design science research approach, this paper presents the SD4VN method and reports on a case application of the method used to design the Portuguese national electronic health record service Plataforma de Dados da Saúde (PDS). The case application involved focus groups, in-depth interviews, and participatory design sessions with over 170 participants at different service design stages, showing the importance of designing a balanced, integrated service. The case application also shows how SD4VN can support a wider adoption of the service and improve the health service system.
Gender-based analysis of working-carer men: a North American scoping review
Authors: Maynard Kevin , Ilagan Chloe , Sethi Bharati , Williams Allison
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this scoping review is to find all existing North American literature on male working carers and compare this information with female working carers. Searches were performed using various databases, published between 1996 and 2016. A total of 506 articles were found and 45 (n = 45) met all inclusion criteria. Five qualitative themes were identified: caregiving characteristics; motives for caring; work impacts; health impacts; and caring in the workplace and coping strategies. This review narrows the gap in the literature with respect to the similarities and differences between male and female working carers, and the way in which they approach caregiving tasks.
Twenty-first century vampires: From the Dracula myth to new (American) superheroes
Authors: Louis Stella
Published: March 2018

Taking into consideration Julie Sanders’ distinction between adaptation and appropriation and Julie Grossman’s notion of ‘elastextity’, this article focuses on how contemporary adaptations of an archetypal vampiric text have progressively led to its appropriation by another cinematographic narrative genre. Dracula is the model of the ultimate vampire in the public eye, but also in the minds of modern creators, who began to exploit the ‘elastextity’ of the traditional vampire codes, ethics and images. After undergoing a process of humanization, ‘new’ vampires started appearing at the turn of the current century such as Stephen Norrington’s Blade (1998) and till Gary Shore’s recent representation of Dracula (Dracula Untold, 2014). They represent a new kind of vampire, one associated with the aesthetic of American superhero films. With this evolution vampires have come to represent a new model of superhero expression linked, by virtue of their nature, to sacrifice, redemption and hope.
Evaluation of Different Natural Dye Sources in Terms of Metamerism
Authors: Bahtiyari M. İbrahim , Yιlmaz Fazlιhan
Published: March 2018

Herbal products have been used in textile dyeing since ancient times. Based on current consumer demands, use of natural dyes in dyeing is increasing once again. The main goal of this study is to investigate the metameric properties of natural dyes, an important issue for textile dyeing. For this aim, wool fabrics were dyed with different natural dyes according to the pre-mordanting method. Spectral measurements of dyed samples were performed and color changes under different illuminants were assessed for metamerism. It was statistically observed that the type of natural dye, dye concentration, and the type of mordanting agent were responsible for metamerism to different extents. From the results, madder showed the greatest metamerism, while alkanet root showed the least.
PARAMETER PENENTU PENGGUNAAN TRANSPORTASI UMUM DI PERKOTAAN PATI
Authors: Winarno Bekti , Manullang Okto Risdianto
Published: March 2018

The research aims to analyze and assess determining parameters for public transportation usage for choice user group among the labours that work in Pati Urban Area; therefor the most dominant parameters will be known. User satisfaction recently used in public transportation researches and widely believed as determinant of mode choice. This research is using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) Analysis with 150 sampels of Pati Urban Area labours (including public servant and private workers) choosen by purposive sampling technique. The findings of the reasearh are : connectivity, accessibility and service quality have positive and significant impact toward user disatisfaction and user disatisfaction influences traveller behaviour to unuse public transportation services, while influence of travel cost couldn’t be explained and estimated. Finally, answering the research question, research reveals that connectivity’s parameters (0,563 influence rate), i.e waiting time, desireable arrival schedule and travel time, are the most dominant to determine public transportation usage with accessibility’s parameters (0,462) at the next ranking. At the lower rangking but also significant are service quality’s parameters with 0,451 influence rate.
Effect of distraction task on driving performance of experienced taxi drivers
Authors: Seo Sang-Hyeok , Kwak Seung-Hyun , Chung Soon-Cheol , Kim Hyung-Sik , Min Byung-Chan
Published: March 2018

Background

Driving performance is influenced by human, vehicular, and environmental factors.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of distraction tasks, such as sending a text message (STM) and searching a navigation device (SN), on the driving performance of experienced taxi drivers.

Methods

Twelve male taxi drivers (age: 56.3 ± 4.4 y; experience: 28.4 ± 6.4 y) and 14 female taxi drivers (age: 55.5 ± 3.5 y; experience: 19.4 ± 5.0 y) drove in a simulator at a constant speed (90 km/h) for 2 min while maintaining a gap of 30 m from the car in front, also traveling at 90 km/h. Participants were instructed to drive only for the first 1 min (control phase). For an additional 1 min (task phase), they were instructed to drive only, drive + STM, or drive + SN.

Results

Compared with driving only, during driving + STM or driving + SN, the drivers’ skin conductance level was relatively increased, suggesting that the distraction task increased the drivers’ workload and sympathetic nervous system activity. Compared with driving only, during driving + STM or driving + SN, the average distance from the car in front, speed deviation, and anterior–posterior and medial–lateral coefficients of variation increased, suggesting that maintaining the instructed gap and speed, and the longitudinal and transverse control of the car, was more difficult because of the distraction task.

Conclusions

Even for highly experienced taxi drivers, distraction tasks increased workload, increased the difficulty of vehicle control, and detracted from safe driving.
Plato’s Gorgias and the Power of Λόγος
Authors: Duke George
Published: March 2018

Recent interpretations of the opening exchange between Socrates and Gorgias in Plato’s Gorgias have tended to focus on the question of whether the rhetorician believes that justice and injustice are the subject matter of rhetoric. This paper argues that Gorgias is interested in the just and the unjust only insofar as being a persuasive speaker on these topics is a prerequisite for the successful exercise of power in the political domain. Although Gorgias’ orientation by power and overestimation of the power of speech have been noted by many interpreters, my intention is to clarify Gorgias’ claims for the power of rhetoric and explain the significance of these claims for one important aspect of Plato’s broader condemnation of sophistry.
Note on the fast decay property of steady Navier–Stokes flows in the whole space
Authors: Nakatsuka Tomoyuki
Published: March 2018

We investigate the pointwise asymptotic behavior of solutions to the stationary Navier–Stokes equation in

{\mathbb{R}^{n}}

(

{n\geq 3}

).
We show the existence of a unique solution

{\{u,p\}}

such that

{|\nabla^{j}u(x)|=O(|x|^{1-n-j})}

and

{|\nabla^{k}p(x)|=O(|x|^{-n-k})}

(

{j,k=0,1,\ldots}

) as

{|x|\rightarrow\infty}

, assuming the smallness of the external force and the rapid decay of its derivatives.
The solution

{\{u,p\}}

decays more rapidly than the Stokes fundamental solution.
Features of globular cluster’s dynamics with an intermediate-mass black hole
Authors: Ryabova Marina V. , Gorban Alena S. , Shchekinov Yuri A. , Vasiliev Evgenii O.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we address the question of how a central intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) in a globular cluster (GC) affects dynamics, core collapse, and formation of the binary population. It is shown that the central IMBH forms a binary system that affects dynamics of stars in the cluster significantly. The presence of an intermediate-mass black hole with mass ≥ 1.0-1.7%of the total stellar mass in the cluster inhibits the formation of binary stars population.
A FEROS Survey of Hot Subdwarf Stars
Authors: Vennes Stéphane , Németh Péter , Kawka Adela
Published: March 2018

We have completed a survey of twenty-two ultraviolet-selected hot subdwarfs using the Fiber-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) and the 2.2-m telescope at La Silla. The sample includes apparently single objects as well as hot subdwarfs paired with a bright, unresolved companion. The sample was extracted from our GALEX catalogue of hot subdwarf stars. We identified three new short-period systems (P = 3.5 hours to 5 days) and determined the orbital parameters of a long-period (P = 62d.66) sdO plus G III system. This particular system should evolve into a close double degenerate system following a second common envelope phase.We also conducted a chemical abundance study of the subdwarfs: Some objects show nitrogen and argon abundance excess with respect to oxygen. We present key results of this programme.
Spectral energy distributions and colours of hot subluminous stars
Authors: Heber Ulrich , Irrgang Andreas , Schaffenroth Johannes
Published: March 2018

Photometric surveys at optical, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths provide ever-growing datasets as major surveys proceed. Colour-colour diagrams are useful tools to identify classes of star and provide large samples. However, combining all photometric measurements of a star into a spectral energy distribution will allow quantitative analyses to be carried out. We demonstrate how to construct and exploit spectral energy distributions and colours for sublumious B (sdB) stars. The aim is to identify cool companions to hot subdwarfs and to determine atmospheric parameters of apparently single sdB stars as well as composite spectrum sdB binaries.We analyse two sdB stars with high-quality photometric data which serve as our benchmarks, the apparently single sdB HD205805 and the sdB + K5 binary PG 0749+658, briefly present preliminary results for the sample of 142 sdB binaries with known orbits, and discuss future prospects from ongoing all-sky optical space- (Gaia) and ground-based (e.g. SkyMapper) as well as NIR surveys.
John Lydus’ knowledge of Latin and language politics in sixth-century Constantinople
Authors: Dmitriev Sviatoslav
Published: March 2018

This article contextualizes an old debate about the extent of knowledge of Latin by John Lydus, a state official and an erudite from sixth-century Constantinople, within a broader issue of the role of Latin in early Byzantium. It is argued here that Lydus’ startling etymological explanations had no relation to his level of knowledge of Latin, but reflected the declining official use of Latin in Byzantium by resurrecting the theory about Latin as a dialect of Greek.
A Consequential Contingent Valuation Referendum: Still Not Enough to Elicit True Preferences for Public Goods!
Authors: Zawojska Ewa
Published: March 2018

Whether respondents disclose their preferences truthfully in surveys that are used to assess the values of public goods remains a crucial question for the practical application of stated preference methods. The literature suggests that in order to elicit true preferences, respondents should see a valuation survey as consequential: they must believe in the actual consequences that may follow from the survey result. Drawing on recent empirical findings, we develop a model depicting the importance of the consequentiality requirement for truthful preference disclosure in a survey that evaluates a public policy project based on a referendum-format value elicitation question. First, we show that a respondent’s belief that his vote may influence the outcome of the referendum plays a central role for revealing his preferences truthfully. Second, we find that the subjectively perceived probabilities of the successful provision of the public good and of the collection of the payment related to the project implementation not only need to be positive but also to be in a particular relationship with each other. This relationship varies in respondents’ preferences towards risk.
Effect of Flammulina velutipes (golden needle mushroom, eno-kitake) polysaccharides on constipation
Authors: Xin Xin , Zheng Kangwei , Niu Yingying , Song Miaomiao , Kang Wenyi
Published: March 2018

Flammulina velutipes, (Curt. ex Fr.) Sing, a popularly edible fungus, has been widely used both as a restorative drug and a tonic food in China. In the current study, the effect of F. velutipes polysaccharides was evaluated with a constipated rat model induced by loperamide hydrochloride. The rats were divided into six groups: normal group, model group, positive control group, F. velutipes polysaccharides high, moderate and low dose groups. Rats were given 2 mL of Loperamide hydrochloride (3 mg·kg·d), by intragastric administration 2 times per day for 10 days. F. velutipes polysaccharides at the doses of 600, 400 and 200 mg/kg (1 mL/100g weight) were administered to treat rats with constipation for 7 days. The gastrointestinal hormones, including motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), substance P (SP), somatostatin (SS), and intestinal propulsive rate and feces weight at 24 hours after treatment were used as the indexes to evaluate the effects of F. velutipes polysaccharides on constipation. The levels of MTL, GAS and SP in serum significantly increased and the levels of SS in serum of rats significantly decreased after the treatment of rats with F. velutipes polysaccharides as compared with those of rats in the model group.
Experimental study on the regulation of the cholinergic pathway in renal macrophages by microRNA-132 to alleviate inflammatory response
Authors: Wu Ming , Li Nana , Xu Ji , Wu Lefeng , Li Mingli , Tong Huansheng , Wang Feng , Liu Wenlan , Feng Yongwen
Published: March 2018

MicroRNA-132 (miR-132) is correlated with inflammatory response regulation, although its effect on acute kidney injury to provide protection against hemorrhagic shock remains currently unknown. AChE in macrophages of the kidney subjected under hemorrhagic shock is presumed to be regulated by miR-132 after its transcription to alleviate the inflammatory response accordingly. Antagonists such as acetylcholine (Ach) (concentration 10−4mol/L) and galanthamine (Gal) (concentration 10μmol/L) were added into separate groups 1 hour after the macrophages in the kidney were isolated and cultured to induce injury under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and then cultured for 24 hours. To analyze the effect of miR-132, we placed the renal epithelial cells transfected with miR-132 plasmids with stable expression over the renal macrophages to create a double cell culture system. The expression levels of inflammatory factors and apoptosis under OGD were significantly higher in renal macrophages than in other experimental groups. Moreover, the expression of miR-132 in macrophages of the double cell culture system showing stable expression of miR-132 increased, whereas that of several inflammatory factors was significantly inhibited. The expression levels of AChE mRNA and protein in the macrophages significantly decreased. The cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in renal macrophages is regulated by miR-132 via inhibition of the hydrolytic activity of cholinesterase to alleviate inflammatory response, which may play a role in the prevention and treatment of kidney injury caused by hemorrhagic shock.
Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. fabricated ZnO nano falcates and its photocatalytic and dose dependent in vitro bio-activity
Authors: Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad
Published: March 2018

Zinc oxide nano falcates of sickle shape have been synthesized from Prunus cerasifera pomological extract as a reducing cum stabilizing agent via novel, biomimetic and non-toxic route. Zinc oxide nano falcates were analyzed via ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Highly stable zinc oxide nano falcates synthesized at 200°C and 400°C calcination temperatures expressed intense UV-vis peak at 398 nm. Phenolic and amino groups were revealed by FTIR in pomological extract. Wurtzite crystalline structure of zinc oxide nano falcates was confirmed by XRD with average crystal size of 4.93 nm. SEM sizes ranged between 72.11-120 nm and 56.57-107.70 nm, respectively and shown higher polydispersity levels for two calcination temperatures. Augmented photocatalytic degradation of methyl red and bromophenol blue under direct solar irradiance shown pseudo first order kinetics (R2= 0.99 and 0.96). Furthermore, biomedical and agriculturally important pathogenic strains i.e., Xanthomanas axonopodis pv. citri and Pseudomonas syringae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium solani and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were remarkably inhibited. Enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity reveals zinc oxide nano falcates promising prospects in nano bioremediation of polluted water and conversion into green nano pesticides.