bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Monitoring With Appropriate Reaction to Alerts Was Associated With Improved Outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Wintrich Jan , Pavlicek Valérie , Brachmann Johannes , Bosch Ralph , Butter Christian , Oswald Hanno , Rybak Karin , Mahfoud Felix , Böhm Michael , Ukena Christian
Published: December 2020

Background:

Impedance-based remote monitoring (RM) failed to reduce clinical events in the OptiLink heart failure (HF) trial. However, rates of alert-driven interventions triggered by intrathoracic fluid index threshold crossings (FTC) were low indicating physicians’ inappropriate reactions to alerts.

Methods:

We separated appropriate from inappropriate contacts to FTC transmissions in the OptiLink HF trial (Optimization of Heart Failure Management Using OptiVol™ Fluid Status Monitoring and CareLink™). Appropriate contacts had to meet the following criteria: (1) initial telephone contact within 2 working days after FTC transmission, (2) follow-up contacts according to study protocol, and (3) medical intervention initiated after FTC due to cardiac decompensation. We compared time to cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization between RM patients contacted appropriately or inappropriately and patients with usual care.

Results:

In the RM group, at least one FTC alert was transmitted in 356 patients (70.5%; n=505). Of note, only 55.5% (n=758) of all transmitted FTCs (n=1365) were followed by an appropriate contact. While 113 patients (31.7%; n=356) have been contacted appropriately after every FTC, in 243 patients (68.3%; n=356) at least one FTC was not responded by an appropriate contact. Compared with usual care, RM with appropriate contacts to FTC alerts independently reduced the risk of the primary end point (hazard ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.39–0.95];
P
=0.027).

Conclusions:

RM appropriate reactions to FTC alerts are associated with significantly improved clinical outcomes in patients with advanced HF and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
Temporal Release of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and I and Copeptin After Brief Induced Coronary Artery Balloon Occlusion in Humans
Authors: Árnadóttir Ásthildur , Pedersen Sune , Bo Hasselbalch Rasmus , Goetze Jens P. , Friis-Hansen Lennart J. , Bloch-Münster Anna-Marie , Skov Jensen Jan , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper
Published: December 2020

Background:

Cardiac troponins (cTns) are the cornerstone of diagnosing acute myocardial infarction. There is limited knowledge on the duration of ischemia necessary to induce a measurable release of cTns or the very-early-release kinetics of cTns after an ischemic event. Copeptin may have a supplementary role in ruling out myocardial infarction early. We investigated the release of cTns and copeptin in the first hours after experimental balloon-induced ischemia in humans.

Methods:

Thirty-four patients (median age, 60 years [interquartile range, 51–64]; 15 men, 43%) with angiographically normal coronary arteries were randomly assigned into 4 groups with different durations of induced myocardial ischemia (0, 30, 60, 90 s). Ischemia was induced by inflating a balloon in the left anterior descending artery between the first and second diagonal branch. Blood was collected before balloon inflation (baseline) every 15 minutes for the first 3 hours, and every 30 minutes for the next 3 hours. The cTns were analyzed by 3 high-sensitivity (hs) cTn assays: hs-cTnT (Roche), hs-cTnI (Siemens), and hs-cTnI (Abbott). Copeptin was analyzed by a sandwich immunoluminometric assay.

Results:

None of the patients had any complications. Increased cTn concentrations were detected by all 3 assays, and the magnitude of the increase was associated with the duration of ischemia. Increased hs-cTnI (Siemens) concentrations were first detectable 15 minutes after 90-s ischemia (median 43.7% increase) and increased more steeply and had a higher peak than the other assays. Copeptin levels did not significantly change. Using the cTnT, hs-cTnI (Siemens), and hs-cTnI (Abbott) concentrations at 0 and 180 minutes, 1 (11%), 0, and 0 patients from the 60-s ischemia group and 5 (63%), 2 (25%), and 1 (11%) from the 90-s ischemia group, respectively, fulfilled criteria for a biochemical myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to report the early-release kinetics of cTn concentrations after different durations of experimental coronary balloon occlusion in humans. All assays detected a cTn increase after only 30 s of ischemia. hs-cTnI (Siemens) rose faster and reached a higher peak. Copeptin levels did not change significantly.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03203057.
Temporal Changes in Secondary Prevention and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Revascularization for Peripheral Arterial Disease in Denmark
Authors: Søgaard Mette , Nielsen Peter Brønnum , Skjøth Flemming , Eldrup Nikolaj , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard
Published: December 2020

Background:

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Medical prevention with antithrombotic and statin therapies is a mainstay of treatment to prevent adverse outcomes; nevertheless, patients with PAD are often undertreated. This study describes the temporal changes in medical prevention and adverse outcomes in a national cohort of patients with symptomatic PAD after revascularization.

Methods:

We identified all patients with a first open surgical or endovascular revascularization procedure in the lower extremities or abdomen in Denmark, from 2000 to 2016. We examined temporal changes in the use of aspirin, clopidogrel, and statins and 1-year cause-specific hazard ratios for adverse clinical outcomes, after adjusting for procedure type, treatment indication, age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. The analyses were performed overall and within strata of index procedure (endovascular versus surgical), treatment indication, age, sex, and high-risk comorbidities.

Results:

Between 2000 and 2016, we identified 32 911 patients who underwent revascularization for symptomatic PAD. The mean age was 69 years and increased over time, as did the burden of comorbidity. The cumulative incidence of medication use increased between 2000 to 2004 and 2013 to 2016, respectively, from 57.3% to 64.3% for aspirin, 3.6% to 24.8% for clopidogrel, and 36.2% to 77.1% for statins. Concurrently, the 1-year outcome rates declined. Compared with 2000 to 2004, the adjusted hazard ratios in 2013 to 2016 were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.62–0.84) for major adverse cardiovascular events, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85–1.00) for major adverse limb events, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.48–0.74) for myocardial infarction, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.75–1.18) for ischemic stroke, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.75–1.12) for major bleeding, 0.54 (95% CI, 0.39–0.76) for cardiovascular death, and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.72–0.88) for all-cause death. These improvements in prognosis were most prominent from 2000 to 2004 to 2005 to 2008 and occurred in all strata of index procedure, treatment indication, sex, age, and comorbidity. In contrast, the adjusted hazard ratio for major amputations was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.90–1.11) when comparing 2013 to 2016 to 2000 to 2004.

Conclusions:

Medical prevention of adverse events has increased considerably over time in patients who underwent revascularization for symptomatic PAD. This increase was accompanied by reductions in all adverse outcomes, except major amputations.
Cognitive Frames of Track Two Practitioners: How Do They Affect (Best) Practice?
Authors: Çuhadar Esra
Published: December 2020

This article explores the extent to which framing affects Track Two diplomacy practice and especially how the cognitive frames used by practitioners shape the design of their interventions. The framing effect is pervasive and shapes every type of action. Peacebuilding and Track Two work are no exception. Track Two practitioners often rely on frames as cognitive heuristics when they design their interventions. This article reports on the results of an online survey of 273 participants, using measures based on categories identified in two previous qualitative studies using the grounded theory approach. Four main frames used by practitioners are presented, along with examples from practice: psychologists, constructivists, capacity-builders, and realistic negotiators. Finally, the implications of being captive to the framing effect for Track Two practice are discussed. Steps are suggested towards making more deliberative and reflective context-specific decisions about interventions rather than “fast thinking” based on heuristics and bias.
Patienthood, Body, and Life Span
Authors: Longwaters Kathleen
Published: December 2020

Changes in medical technologies have increased questions about how best to handle end-of-life care at the same time as raising questions about the extent to which death can be held off or the life span extended. This article is an offshoot from a broader examination of medical approaches to the dying in two South Asian medical traditions. In this piece, tensions between letting go of life and extending it are illuminated by an exploration of patienthood and body in the context of dying via the Carakasaṃhitā, a foundational text of Ayurveda. These tensions continue in the tradition and speak to questions raised in biomedicine as well. An acknowledgment of the limits of medicine comes up against the desire to continually do more, to cure us of our mortality. Much work has been done on the concept of the body in South Asian medicines, but little has focused on the stage of dying.
The Geometridae of Ethiopia III: genus Zamarada (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Ennominae, Cassymini)
Authors: SCIARRETTA ANDREA , HAUSMANN AXEL
Published: December 2020

We present faunistic and taxonomic data for the genus Zamarada (Geometridae, Ennominae, Cassymini) in Ethiopia. With this contribution, the number of Zamarada species in Ethiopia increases from 16 to 23. One species Zamarada erugatoides sp. n. is described as new. Zamarada iobathra Prout, 1932 and Zamarada polyctemon Prout, 1932 are downgraded from species rank to subspecies of Zamarada euryscaphes Prout, 1915 (stat. n.). The female of Zamarada eurygnathus Fletcher, 1974 and Zamarada chrysothyra Hampson, 1909 and the male of Zamarada secutaria (Guenée, 1858) are described for the first time.
A new species of Notacanthurus Tshernova, 1974 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from India
Authors: VASANTH M. , SELVAKUMAR C. , SUBRAMANIAN K. A. , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K. G. , SINHA BIKRAMJIT
Published: December 2020

A new species of Notacanthurus Tshernova, 1974 is described based on larvae from India. Notacanthurus pange Vasanth, Selvakumar & Subramanian sp. nov. can be distinguished from all known species of Notacanthurus by the following combination of characters: (i) gill lamellae 5–6 with accessory lobe; (ii) dorsal surface of femora with scattered spatulate setae (iii) male genitalia having penis lobes fused, ‘V’ shaped apically blunt with me­dian pair of spine-like titillators subapically and mesally; (iv) labrum with anterior portion straight and laterally curved; and (v) lingua of hypopharynx apically broad and convex. The distribution map of the new species is also provided.
Hailstone Shapes
Authors: Shedd Laura , Kumjian Matthew R. , Giammanco Ian , Brown-Giammanco Tanya , Maiden B. Ross
Published: December 2020

Hailstone growth results in a variety of hailstone shapes. These shapes hold implications for modeling of hail processes, hailstone fall behaviors including fall speeds, and remote sensing signatures of hail. This study is an in-depth analysis of natural hailstone shapes, using a large dataset of hailstones collected in the field over a 6-yr period. These data come from manual measurements with digital calipers and three-dimensional infrared laser scans. Hailstones tend to have an ellipsoidal geometry with minor-to-major axis ratios ranging from 0.4 to 0.8, and intermediate-to-major axis ratios between 0.8 and 1.0. These suggest hailstones are better represented as triaxial ellipsoids as opposed to spheres or spheroids, which is commonly assumed. The laser scans allow for precise sphericity measurements, for the first time. Hailstones become increasingly nonspherical with increasing maximum dimension, with a typical range of sphericity values of 0.57 to 0.99. These sphericity values were used to estimate the drag coefficient, which was found to have a typical range of 0.5 to over 0.9. Hailstone maximum dimension tends to be 20%–50% larger than the equivalent-volume spherical diameter. As a step toward understanding and quantifying hailstone shapes, this study may aid in better parameterizations of hail in models and remote sensing hail detection and sizing algorithms.
Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastasis With Obesity
Authors: Inoue Yoshihiro , Ishii Masatsugu , Fujii Kensuke , Nihei Kentaro , Suzuki Yusuke , Ota Masato , Kitada Kazuya , Kuramoto Toru , Shima Takafumi , Kodama Hiroyuki , Matsuo Kentaro , Miyaoka Yuta , Miyamoto Takahiro , Yokohama Keisuke , Ohama Hideko , Imai Yoshiro , Tanaka Ryo , Sanda Mariko , Osumi Wataru , Tsuchimoto Yusuke , Terazawa Tetsuji , Ogura Takeshi , Masubuchi Shinsuke , Yamamoto Masashi , Asai Akira , Shirai Yasutsugu , Inoue Masaya , Fukunishi Shinya , Nakahata Yoshikatsu , Takii Michiaki , Goto Masahiro , Kimura Fumiharu , Higuchi Kazuhide , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in obese patients has been reported to be particularly challenging owing to technical difficulties and various comorbidities.

Methods

The safety and efficacy outcomes in 314 patients who underwent laparoscopic or open nonanatomical liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were analyzed retrospectively with respect to the patients’ body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat area (VFA).

Results

Two hundred and four patients underwent LLR, and 110 patients underwent open liver resection (OLR). The rate of conversion from LLR to OLR was 4.4%, with no significant difference between the BMI and VFA groups ( P = .647 and .136, respectively). In addition, there were no significant differences in terms of operative time and estimated blood loss in LLR ( P = .226 and .368; .772 and .489, respectively). The incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or higher complications was not significantly different between the BMI and VFA groups of LLR ( P = .877 and .726, respectively). In obese patients, the operative time and estimated blood loss were significantly shorter and lower, respectively, in LLR than in OLR ( P = .003 and < .001; < .001 and < .001, respectively). There was a significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, organ/space surgical site infections, and postoperative bile leakage between the LLR and OLR groups ( P = .017, < .001, and < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

LLR for obese patients with CRLM can be performed safely using various surgical devices with no major difference in outcomes compared to those in nonobese patients. Moreover, LLR has better safety outcomes than OLR in obese patients.
Breast Cancer Screening in Inner City and County Populations: A Tale of Two Centers
Authors: Castaldi Maria , Smiley Abbas , Butler Jonathan , Latifi Rifat
Published: December 2020

Background

New York’s statewide “Get Screened, No Excuses” campaign has been one of the nation’s most aggressive actions to improve access to breast cancer screening. Inner city and suburban county medical centers’ initiatives were studied to compare outcomes of breast cancer screening and factors that influence access to care.

Methods

Women delinquent in breast cancer screening one year or greater were offered patient navigator services to aid in timely breast cancer screening. Time-to-event completion rates among different stages of breast cancer screening stages in City and County women were compared. Time-to-event completion rates among different stages of breast cancer screening stages.

Results

2505 women aged ≥40 years accepted PN services. Mean (SD) age of patients was 56.2 (10) years. The mean (SD) age of those who completed breast screening vs. those who did not was 56.8 (10) and 52.5 (.9) years, respectively ( P < .01). The rates of screening completion during physical examination, mammography and biopsy stages were 74%, 78% and 100% in City vs. 98%, 85% and 100% in County, respectively ( P < .001). Screening phase was the significant predictor of time to completion for breast cancer screening in Cox regression analysis. Over 85% of women completed the breast cancer screening, 74% in City and 97.6% in County ( P < .001).

Discussion

Screening phase is an important predictor of time-to complete breast cancer screening. Center location served as the effect modifier of the relationship. The rate of completing the screening was significantly higher and faster among Suburban County compared to Inner City women.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols. Does Frailty Play a Role?
Authors: Studniarek Adam , Borsuk Daniel J. , Marecik Slawomir J. , Park John J. , Kochar Kunal
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The 5-modified frailty index (mFI) is a valid predictor of 30-day mortality after surgery. With the wide implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in colorectal patients, the predictive power of frailty and its contribution to morbidity and length of stay (LOS) can be underestimated.

Methods

We reviewed all colectomy patients undergoing ERAS protocol at a single, tertiary care institution from January 2016-January 2019. The 5-mFI score was calculated based on the presence of 5 comorbidities: Congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, functional status, and hypertension (HTN). Multivariate analysis was used to assess the impact of 5-mFI score on morbidity, emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and LOS.

Results

360 patients were evaluated including 163 elderly patients. Frailer patients had a higher rate of ED visits ( P = .024), readmissions ( P = .029), and LOS ( P < .001). Patients with CHF had a higher chance of prolonged LOS, whereas patients with HTN had a higher chance of ED. Elderly patients with an mFI score of 3 and 4 were likely to have longer LOS ( P = .01, P = .07, respectively). Elderly patients with an mFI score of 4 were 15 times more likely to visit ED and 22 times more likely to be readmitted than patients with an mFI score of 0.

Discussion

An increase in 5-mFI for elderly patients undergoing colorectal procedures increases ED visits or readmissions, and it correlates to a higher LOS, especially in elderly patients. This instrument should be used in the assessment of frail, elderly patients undergoing colorectal procedures.
Diverting Loop Ileostomy for Clostridium Difficile Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shellito Adam D. , Russell Marcia M.
Published: December 2020

Diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) with colonic lavage has been proposed as an alternative to total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for fulminant Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Controversy exists regarding the mortality benefit and outcomes of this surgical approach. We conducted a MEDLINE database search for articles between 1999 and 2019 pertaining to DLI for the surgical treatment of CDI. Five articles met the inclusion criteria. Four studies were retrospective and one was a prospective matched cohort study. 3683 patients were included in the 5 studies; 733 patients (20%) underwent DLI, while 2950 patients (80%) underwent TAC. The only shared outcome measure across all 5 studies was mortality. The overall mortality rate for the entire cohort undergoing both procedures was 30.3%. There was no statistically significant difference in pooled mortality between DLI and TAC (OR: .73; 95% CI, .45-1.2; P = .22). Reporting of other postoperative outcomes was variable. Fulminant CDI remains a life-threatening condition with high mortality. Loop ileostomy may be a viable surgical alternative to total colectomy with similar mortality; however, further work is needed to determine specific patient characteristics that warrant routine use of DLI.
Evaluating the Evolving Morbidity of Omentoplasty for Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease
Authors: Swann Noah , LeTendre Nobel , Cox Brian , Recabaren James
Published: December 2020

Mortality for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) surgery ranges from 2-22% with morbidity ranging from 15-45%. Traditionally, these had been repaired with vagotomy and antrectomy or pyloroplasty with smaller perforations repaired with an omentoplasty. Laparoscopic repair has become increasingly prevalent and demonstrated to have shorter length of stay (LOS) and fewer complications. We are evaluating the surgical repair of PPU with omentoplasty to determine trends of utilization and surgical outcomes. We conducted a 13-year (2005-2017) retrospective review, utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. A total of 6873 patients had open or laparoscopic repair of a PPU, with 2285 patients identified as utilizing omentoplasty. Five hundred eighty-eight omentoplasty patients were further identified as having a laparoscopic technique. We compared patient demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative morbidity and mortality for surgical patients between 2005-2011 and 2012-2017. We trended the perioperative outcomes across the study intervals. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to evaluate outcomes. Between 2005 and between 2017, laparoscopic surgical repair with omentoplasty has increased from 3.8% to 34.6%. Overall mortality for open operations declined during this interval (12.7%-9.3%) while it remained unchanged for laparoscopic operations (4.6%-4.2%), there was not a significant difference between the laparoscopic and open 30-day mortality. Both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery are being used on an increasingly healthy cohort (increased functional status decreased predicted perioperative morbidity). Relative to the 2005-2011, the laparoscopic surgery 2012-2017 cohort had increases in both serious and overall morbidity, although this was not statistically significant. Compared to the 2005-2011, the 2012-2017 open surgery cohort had increasing serious morbidity (OR 2.03) and overall morbidity (OR 1.91). There was a trend of decreasing LOS and increased return to the operating room for patients with laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic Graham patch repair of peptic ulcers significantly increased, although open repair still constitutes the majority of the cases. Despite Graham patch repair being utilized on a healthier patient population, morbidity and mortality for laparoscopic repair have remained unchanged. Postoperative morbidity and mortality for open surgery have increased. This indicates that laparoscopic repair is more commonly utilized for low- or medium risk patients, leaving an increasingly sick patient population selected to open repair.
Predictors of Progression of Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm to Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Sueda Stefanie , Young Stephanie , Sung Michael , Hotta Mayo , O’Connor Victoria , Leung Anna M.
Published: December 2020

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) can present with a spectrum of disease. Predicting factors in development of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) from AMN could aid in management and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine factors predictive of PMP from AMN. This was a retrospective multicenter study of all patients diagnosed with AMN from 2006-2017. Diagnosis of PMP was compared by (1) patient demographics, (2) tumor characteristics, and (3) surgery. Secondary end points were disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS).

One-hundred thirty-eight patients with AMN were identified. Thirty-six patients (26.1%) had a ruptured appendix at presentation, and 12 patients (8.7%) were diagnosed with PMP during the study period. Eight patients presented with PMP at the time of surgery. No demographic factors were predictive of PMP. Operative approach and extent of initial resection did not correlate with PMP. Tumor rupture at presentation was the only factor associated with PMP, though only 14% of patients who presented with simple rupture eventually progressed to PMP.

OS was not different between those who were diagnosed with PMP and those who were not. DSS was significantly lower for the group diagnosed with PMP ( P = .007). Tumor rupture at presentation did not influence OS or DSS. The only factor found to be significantly associated with PMP was tumor rupture at presentation. Diagnosis of PMP did not affect OS but did lead to decreased DSS.

In conclusion, though a majority of patients who presented with rupture did not go on to develop PMP, tumor rupture at presentation was the only factor significantly associated with PMP. Diagnosis of PMP did not affect OS at 5 years. In patients with AMN who present with a ruptured appendix on final pathology, we recommended continued surveillance, though overall risk of PMP is relatively low.
Long and Short-Term Impact of Papers in Applied Spectroscopy
Authors: Griffiths Peter R. , Blades Michael W.
Published: December 2020

In 1955, Eugene Garfield introduced the concept of a journal impact factor as a metric for measuring the importance or influence of scholarly journals. These days a journal's fate is often tied strongly to the impact factor. It is a topic that comes up regularly and a source of concern for the journal because of the slavish focus on metrics in the publishing world and in the academic community. From our perspective, the impact factor is shown to be a poor metric for illustrating the long-term significance of papers published in Applied Spectroscopy. The five-year impact factor is a better indicator for the short-term impact of the papers published in this journal, while the cited half-life and the citing half-life both provide a better measure of the long-term impact of papers published in Applied Spectroscopy. Of the most highly cited papers published in this journal, those that describe innovative data processing techniques have been cited more than papers that describe specific applications of a given technique such as infrared (IR), Raman, or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).
A Life-Course Approach to Understanding Differential Relevance of Deviant Peers for Predicting Cocaine/Crack Use
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: December 2020

Deviant peer association has been identified as a risk factor for cocaine/crack use. However, understanding is more limited regarding the stability in the salience of this effect across the life-course. The present study utilized the Pathways to Desistance data to test for variance in the magnitude of the relationship between deviant peer association and cocaine/crack use using mixed effects ordered logistic modeling. Results indicated that cocaine/crack use frequency varied as a quadratic function of time. The interactions between deviant peer association and age variables indicated that the magnitude of this relationship first declined during adolescence, but then increased during early adulthood. Implications are discussed.
Assessing the Role of Opportunity and Low Self-Control in Juvenile Hacking
Authors: Holt Thomas J. , Cale Jesse , Brewer Russell , Goldsmith Andrew
Published: December 2020

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime argues individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in crime on and off-line. There is less research considering the role of opportunity, as low self-control should increase individuals’ willingness to act on opportunities to offend. The importance of opportunity is distinct for cybercrime, as technology access may be differentially impacted by various demographic factors. This study surveyed 1,411 South Australian adolescents enrolled at secondary schools across a large metropolitan region to examine the relationships between opportunity and self-control for four forms of computer hacking. A series of binary logistic regression models illustrated that distinct opportunity factors and low self-control are associated with each form of hacking.
Measuring the Industrial Concentration and Regional Specialisation of Major Indian Industrial States
Authors: Pal Samidh
Published: December 2020

This article analyses the influence of industrial disparity and centralisation (concentration) on major industrial states in India. Accordingly, we are using two mathematical models: (a) localisation coefficients to identify major industries that are suffering by industrial concentration and (b) location quotient to measure regional industrial specialisation. Consequently, it shows the natural tendency of distribution of industries in a particular way between the six major Indian industrial states. Therefore, we determine the reasons for lack of industrialisation within those states. Afterwards, this research helps to understand that those regions are either little specialised regions or concentrated with few industries. Especially, policy makers can easily equally distribute through location quotient and localisation coefficient, all manufacturing industries in all six regions. Moreover, this research can reduce the tendency of lack of industrialisation.
On the Position and the Slope of the w–r Curve, the Ranging of Techniques and the Changes of Prices due to a Change of the Income Distribution
Authors: Stamatis Georg
Published: December 2020

The well-known w–r relation results from the price equation system and the normalisation equation, that is, the equalisation of price of the normalisation commodity (numéraire) with a positive constant. In this article, we show that the w–r relation is neither that of the given technique nor that of the given production system, but that of the normalisation subsystem, that is, the subsystem which, using the above-mentioned technique, produces the normalisation commodity as its own net product. So, the maximum nominal wage rate, the slope and the maximum profit rate of the w–r relation vary with the normalisation commodity and the above constant. In inference of them, (a) the comparison and the ranking of given techniques concerning our profitability as the choice of the most profitable of them too is in reality a comparison, a ranking and a choice of the corresponding normalisation subsystems; (b) the phenomena of re-switching appear and disappear due to the change of the normalisation commodity; and (c) the comparison, the ranking, the choice of techniques and the ascertainment of the re-switching phenomenon are impossible. Finally, the normalisation subsystem tenders an index magnitude to solving the as yet unsolved problem of how the prices change with income distribution.
Non-destructive modification of aramid fiber by building nanoscale-coating solution to enhance the interfacial adhesion properties of the fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Zengxiao , Zhang Hao , Hu Zuming , Yu Junrong , Wang Yan , Zhu Jing
Published: December 2020

The poor interfacial adhesion between the aramid fiber (AF) and the matrix limits the application of the final composites. In this study, a novel coating method was adopted to modify AF Through metallization/grafting reaction, the copolymer synthesized by the low-temperature poly-condensation of p-phenylenediamine (PPDA), 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) and terephthaloyl dichloride (TPC), was added into the dimethyl sulfoxide/sodium hydride (DMSO/NaH) solution, and a nano AF solution was obtained. Then epoxy groups were introduced to the amide bond by grafting Epichlorohydrin (ECH). By further grafting on Poly (propylene glycol) bis (2-aminopropyl ether) (PEA), more functional groups were introduced, which could increase the polarity of the fiber and the interfacial adhesion of the composites. The results show that not only the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the flexural strength of the aramid-reinforced composites has a significant increase compared with the untreated fibers, but the modification still maintains the mechanical properties of the fiber, indicating that building nanoscale coating solution is a very effective method to achieve non-destructive modification to ehance its interfacial adhesion with epoxy resin.
Simultaneous Fluorescent Identification of Odontoblasts and Ameloblasts
Authors: Isono K. , Takahashi E. , Miyoshi I. , Tsuneto M. , Hikosaka-Kuniishi M. , Yamane T. , Yamazaki H.
Published: December 2020

The tooth is mainly composed of dentin and enamel. Identification of dentin-producing odontoblasts and enamel-producing ameloblasts using reporter techniques is useful to study tooth development and regeneration with tissue engineering. Ameloblasts express Amelogenin, Ameloblastin, Enamelin, and Amelotin, whereas odontoblasts express Dentin sialophosphoprotein ( Dspp) and Dentin matrix protein1 ( Dmp1). Although there are several transgenic lines using promoter elements or bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to label odontoblasts and ameloblasts, there is a possibility that the expression patterns vary from the endogenous genes. Here, we established 2 lines of mice where tdTomato was knocked into the second exon of X-chromosomal Amelogenin ( Amelx), and green fluorescent protein (GFP) was knocked into the second exon of Dspp. tdTomato and GFP were highly expressed on secretory ameloblasts and secretory and fully differentiated odontoblasts, respectively. In addition, DSPP and AMELX were not produced in the dentin matrix and enamel matrix of Dspp GFP/GFP and Amelx tdTomato male mice (as representative of AmelxtdTomato/Y hemizygous male mice), respectively. Moreover, micro–computed tomography analysis of Amelx tdTomato male mice revealed a notable reduction in enamel volume but increased dentin mineral density. Dspp GFP/GFP mice had reduced dentin mineral density. To identify odontoblasts and ameloblasts from developing tooth, we examined the expression of mesenchymal cell surface molecules CD90, CD166 and epithelial cell surface molecules CD49f, Epcam1 with fluorescence on odontoblasts and ameloblasts in these mice. We found that GFP+ odontoblasts and tdTomato+ ameloblasts in tooth germ from 0.5-d-old DsppGFP/+ mice and Amelx tdTomato male mice were enriched in CD45−/Ter119−/Epcam1−/CD90+/Integrin α4+cell fractions and CD45−/Ter119−/Epcam1+/CD49f+/CD147+ cell fractions, respectively. By using antibodies against mesenchymal and epithelial cell surface molecules and fluorescence, we can easily distinguish odontoblasts from ameloblasts and isolate each cell for further studies. These mice would serve as useful models for tooth development and regeneration as well as provide concurrent observation for the differentiation processes of odontoblasts and ameloblasts in vivo and in vitro.
Consumer Self-Control and the Biological Sciences: Implications for Marketing Stakeholders
Authors: Zheng Yanmei , Alba Joseph W.
Published: December 2020

The authors argue that appreciation of the biological underpinnings of human behavior can alter the beliefs and actions of multiple marketing stakeholders in ways that have immense welfare implications. However, a biological perspective often deviates from the lay perspective. The realization of improved welfare depends in part on narrowing this gap. The authors review biological evidence on self-control and report ten empirical studies that examine lay response to biological characterizations of self-control. The authors contrast lay response with scientific understanding and then offer implications of biology—as well as the gap between the scientific and lay perspectives—for policy makers, firms, consumers, marketing educators, and scholars. The authors also identify opportunities for future research. They conclude that marketing scholars can and should play an active role in narrowing the gap between the scientific and lay perspectives in the service of both theory development and human welfare.
Articulatory Evidence for the Syllable-final Nasal Merging in Taiwan Mandarin
Authors: Chiu Chenhao , Lu Yu-An
Published: December 2020

Syllable-final nasals /n/ and /ŋ/ in Taiwan Mandarin have been reported to be undergoing merging. Perceptual studies have reported that the alleged merging is context-sensitive and the merging directions are vowel-dependent. These findings have been mostly attributed to dialectal and social factors. The current study uses ultrasonography to capture postures of the entire tongue during the production of syllable-final nasals. The results, though confirming previous findings that the merging directions of syllable-final nasals are vowel-dependent, are best accounted for by the biomechanics of the tongue, as supported by computational 3D model simulations. Furthermore, for some speakers, although nasals were merged in terms of tongue posture, the degrees of nasalization of the preceding vowel were contrastive, suggesting that the merging process may be incomplete.
Optimizing Optimal Experiences: Practical Strategies to Facilitate Flow for 21st-Century Music Educators
Authors: Tan Leonard , Sin Hui Xing
Published: December 2020

In 1990, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi warned against an excessive emphasis on how well music learners perform rather than on the experiential aspect of music in and of itself. Whereas the former approach is, in his words, “a source of psychic disorder,” the latter approach offers access to “flow”: the optimal, enjoyable, meaningful, and happy state. What might an approach to music education that aims to optimize optimal experiences (i.e., flow) look like? This article presents concrete strategies to facilitate flow experiences in music classrooms and rehearsal halls by drawing on flow theory, research findings, and the authors’ own professional and applied experiences. The authors clarify the nature of the flow experience, sketch the benefits of flow, and propose ten strategies to facilitate flow for music educators.
Brokering science, blaming culture: The US–South Korea ecological survey in the Demilitarized Zone, 1963–8
Authors: Hyun Jaehwan
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the planning, execution, and closure of the US–Korea Cooperative Ecological Survey project in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the 1960s. In this period, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) initiated bilateral scientific cooperation between the NAS and similar organizations in developing countries along the line of the developmental turn of U.S. foreign assistance. Working closely with the NAS, U.S. conservationists used this scheme to introduce nature conservation practices and the discipline of ecosystem ecology to developing countries. In this context, by way of the NAS’s Pacific Science Board, two countries’ biologists initiated the preliminary cooperative project in the DMZ in 1966. Korean and U.S. scientists soon began to realize that their collaboration was marked by dissonance. The U.S. side attributed the cooperation failure to Korean culture while the Korean side criticized the unequal structure of their cooperation. Joining the global historiography of Cold War scientific collaboration, this paper pays particular attention to the intermediaries of the collaborative project and their rivalry. It argues that political struggles revolving around the position of go-betweens – as what I call knowledge brokers – on the recipient side provoked contestation between American and Korean scientists. The contention between the two sides played out in the collaboration coming to an end, albeit partially. Throughout this analysis, this study suggests paying more serious attention to the politics of scientific exchange among actors on the recipient side as an outset from which to analyze the heterogeneity of the Korean side without losing sight of their active role in the building process of American hegemony.
Sociology Departments and Program Review: Chair Perspectives on Process and Outcomes
Authors: Senter Mary Scheuer , Ciabattari Teresa , Amaya Nicole V.
Published: December 2020

Sociology faculty are accountable to multiple stakeholders to demonstrate that our academic programs are effective and that students are learning. Despite the ubiquity of mandated program review practices, which often include the assessment of student learning, research is lacking on the extent to which these efforts lead to improvements in departmental outcomes and student experiences. Similarly, little research exists on how department leaders experience and evaluate the utility of these efforts. This article uses data from a national survey of sociology departments to document how program review and assessment are enacted in sociology departments and to explore chairs’ perspectives on program review processes and its outcomes. The article concludes with a series of recommendations for improving these processes so that faculty time is used well and the experiences of sociology students are enhanced.
Meaning in life, connectedness, academic self-efficacy, and personal self-efficacy: A winning combination
Authors: Yuen Mantak , Datu Jesus Alfonso D.
Published: December 2020

Limited research has been conducted so far to explore how meaning in life can promote key academic and psychological benefits in a school context. The research reported here aimed to address this issue by assessing how meaning in life is associated with dimensions of connectedness, academic self-efficacy (Study 1) and personal self-efficacy (Study 2). Participants were two samples of Hong Kong secondary school students. Study 1 revealed that meaning in life was associated with a higher level of connectedness to parents, school, peers, and teachers, and academic self-efficacy (study skills, time management, critical and creative thinking, and involvement in learning). Most connectedness dimensions were linked to lower academic self-efficacy, apart from connectedness to school. Study 2 showed that meaning in life was linked to higher levels of connectedness and personal self-efficacy dimensions (positive self-concept, problem-solving, self-management, and self-reflection). Apart from connectedness to school, other connectedness dimensions were associated with lower personal self-efficacy. Across studies, meaning in life had indirect effects on both self-efficacy through the mediating influence of connectedness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The Comparison of Physical Fitness, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Visual Acuity of Goalball Players with Their Right Shot Performance
Authors: Kimyon Bulent , Ince Gonca
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

This study investigated the relationship between physical fitness, anthropometric characteristics, visual acuity of athletes with visual impairments, and their right shot performance.

Method:

The participants of the study involved 34 male athletes with different visual acuities who participated in the 2015 Visually Impaired Schools Goalball Championship in Alanya, Turkey. The means of the participants’ age, body weight, height, and sport age were 14.95 ± 1.28 years, 52.06 ± 8.89 kilograms, 163.58 ± 10.39 centimeters, 02.39 ± 1.50 years, respectively. The participants’ physical fitness, body fat percentage, handgrip (right–left), and spine flexibility were measured. Upper and lower extremity lengths were obtained through anthropometric measurements, and the athletes’ right shot performance was calculated. To analyze the data, the Shapiro–Wilk test was used, and one-way analysis of variance and independent sample t-test were performed, because the data showed a normal distribution ( p = .106). In addition, multivariate regression model analysis was utilized to investigate the relationship between all parameters and the athletes’ right shot performance.

Results:

A significant difference was found among the groups’ right shot performance ( p = .03), specifically on behalf of the athletes with low vision. When the participants’ anthropometric features, physical fitness values, and their right shot performance were examined, a positive relationship was observed between their dominant (right) handgrip strength and right shot performance (stepwise method; p = .03, R2 = 0.14). However, no significant difference emerged between their anthropometric characteristics and right shot performance.

Discussion:

It is considered that visual acuity and upper extremity muscle strength are of vital importance in goalball.

Implications for practitioners:

Whereas the International Blind Sports Federation applies rules according to visual acuity to offer equal conditions for some areas of sport, in goalball such a rule does not exist. It is important to make a change in the regulations for competition groupings according to visual acuities in goalball like in other sports for individuals with visual impairments. More frequent workout oriented to upper extremity muscle strength during right shot performance is suggested in the training sessions.
Effect of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in Adults That Only Have Symptoms of Chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, With a 1-Year Follow-Up: Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Formánek Martin , Formánková Debora , Školoudík Lukáš , Zeleník Karol , Chrobok Viktor , Komínek Pavel
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Balloon eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is a promising therapeutic option for eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. However, data are lacking on the effect of BET in adults with symptoms of chronic ET dysfunction but without a contributing pathology. This study investigated the effect of BET in adult patients with only symptoms of chronic ET dysfunction.

Methods:

This prospective clinical trial included adult patients with aerated physiological middle ears and symptoms of ET dysfunction for more than 6 months. Compliance with follow-up was 93.3%. We evaluated the effects of BET with tympanometry, assessment of the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuver with tympanometry verification, a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), and pure-tone audiometry. Data were recorded 1 day before surgery and 2, 6, and 12 months after BET. Therapy was considered successful when the patient exhibited a newly acquired ability to perform the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuver or when the ETDQ-7 score improved by 20% or more.

Results:

We included 14 ears in the analysis. After 2, 6, and 12 months, therapy was successful, according to the ETDQ-7, in 11/14 (78.6%; 95% CI: 48.8-94.3), 13/14 (92.9%; 95% CI: 64.2-99.6), and 12/14 (85.7%; 95% CI: 56.2-97.5) ears, respectively. These results were statistically significant. The ETDQ-7 scores also significantly decreased at 2, 6, and 12 months after the BET, when any change was observed. All patients experienced improvement. Only 1 patient reported temporary deterioration after 2 months. Treatment was more frequently successful in patients without nasal polyps or pollinosis.

Conclusions:

Adults with only symptoms of chronic ET dysfunction benefitted more and had longer lasting results from BET, compared to patients with pathologies caused by ET dysfunction. Balloon eustachian tuboplasty could be recommended for these patients.
Is Touch in Romantic Relationships Universally Beneficial for Psychological Well-Being? The Role of Attachment Avoidance
Authors: Debrot Anik , Stellar Jennifer E. , MacDonald Geoff , Keltner Dacher , Impett Emily A.
Published: December 2020

Affectionate touch is crucial for well-being. However, attachment avoidance is associated with negative attitudes toward touch. We tested two preregistered hypotheses about how attachment avoidance influences the association between touch in romantic couples and psychological well-being. We examined whether greater attachment avoidance is associated with a reduced link between touch and well-being, and/or whether reduced touch mediates the relationship between attachment avoidance and lower well-being. Across three studies, including two dyadic ones, we measured retrospective self-reports (Studies 1 and 2), laboratory observations (Study 2), and daily experiences (Study 3) of touch. Touch and well-being were positively associated, and attachment avoidance was associated with lower well-being and less frequent touch. Touch was associated with greater well-being regardless of level of attachment avoidance, and less frequent touch mediated the negative association between attachment avoidance and well-being in most analyses. This underscores the importance of touch, even for those valuing distance and autonomy.