bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are digital parties more democratic than traditional parties? Evaluating Podemos and Movimento 5 Stelle’s online decision-making platforms
Authors: Gerbaudo Paolo
Published: November 2019

A number of Western European countries have recently seen the emergence of ‘digital parties’. This term refers to a new wave of political organisations committed to transforming intra-party democracy (IPD) through the adoption of online ‘participatory platforms’, sections of their official websites where registered members can debate and decide on various issues. In this article, I assess the democratic quality of online participatory platforms in the Five Star Movement in Italy and Podemos in Spain, examining various features embedded in them – discussions and proposals, elections of party officials and candidates and referendums – and evaluating their degree of inclusiveness, centralisation and institutionalisation. I argue that contrary to their promise to introduce a more membership-controlled and inclusive democracy, IPD in digital parties is strongly top-down. What these formations offer is a plebiscitarian ‘reactive democracy’ where members have little say over the process and are mostly left with ratifying decisions taken by the party leadership. This state of affairs calls for a critical rethinking of digital technology’s potential for transforming IPD.
Institutional drivers of sustainability reporting in the global tourism industry
Authors: Uyar Ali , Karaman Abdullah S , Kilic Merve
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study is to test whether institutional factors are associated with sustainability reporting adoption (i.e. presence) and the number of sustainability reports (i.e. quantity) in the tourism sector worldwide. We compiled data regarding three pillars of the institutional environment (i.e. governance, social, and environmental performance) and macroeconomic and sector-level control variables from different sources for the years from 2011 to 2016. We ran Panel Logistic and Poisson regression analyses with random effects after preliminary Pooled Logistic and Poisson regression analyses. The findings implied that the overall sustainable development of countries as measured by three indicators (i.e. governance, social, and environmental) are important forces behind a sustainable tourism industry, although they are not all encompassing. In particular, governance and ecological circumstances are more relevant than the social development of nations in disclosing sustainability information regarding the tourism industry.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on 5-year clinical outcomes following successful endovascular revascularization for peripheral artery disease
Authors: Lee Michael S , Choi Byoung Geol , Rha Seung-Woon
Published: November 2019

Endovascular therapy is a viable treatment option for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for PAD. We evaluated the long-term impact of diabetes mellitus in patients with PAD who underwent endovascular therapy. In this prospective registry of 765 patients who underwent endovascular therapy for symptomatic PAD, 560 had diabetes and 205 did not have diabetes. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to adjust for any potential confounders. The primary endpoints were 5-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). After PSM analysis, baseline clinical and limb characteristics were similar in patients with diabetes and in patients without diabetes. Patients with diabetes had a higher rate of major hematoma (> 4 cm) (9.9% vs 3.3%, p = 0.038). At 5-year clinical follow-up, patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes had similar rates of MACE (20.7% vs 20.7%, log rank p = 0.989) and MALE (19.8% vs 24.5%, log rank p = 0.312), as well as the individual endpoints. In subgroup analysis adjusted by PSM, female patients with diabetes had a higher risk of MALE (hazard ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.13–0.69, p = 0.004). Although there was a higher rate of major hematoma, patients with diabetes who underwent endovascular therapy had similar 5-year cardiac and vascular outcomes compared with patients without diabetes. Bleeding avoidance strategies, including optimal antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy, and meticulous vascular access techniques, are needed in patients with diabetes to reduce the risk of bleeding and its deleterious impact on morbidity and mortality.
Female journalists under attack? Explaining gender differences in reactions to audiences’ attacks
Authors: Stahel Lea , Schoen Constantin
Published: November 2019

The literature on public figures attacked by their audiences is unclear why female and male figures react differently to attacks. This study examines why female journalists are more likely than male journalists to use avoidance strategies as a reaction to online attacks. Avoidance includes limiting audience engagement, adapting reporting behavior, and thinking about quitting journalism. Drawing on social role theory and gender stereotypes, this study contrasts two explanatory hypotheses. The results, based on mediation analyses of online survey data of 637 journalists representative of Switzerland, show that women are more likely than men to use avoidance strategies because women are more stressed by attacks. This heightened stress is argued to result from differences in gender role socialization. In contrast, while women are somewhat more severely attacked than men, this cannot explain their greater probability of avoidance. Results contribute a theoretically and empirically rich explanation of gendered reactions to attacks.
Predicting brand equity by text-analyzing annual reports
Authors: Huang Chun-Yao , Liu Ping-Yu , Xie Shao-Ming
Published: November 2019

A firm’s public disclosure, such as its annual report, usually carries information of what it has done and/or will do. Since brand equity is a result of a firm’s branding efforts resulting from its long-term culture, strategy, and execution, an interesting but understudied issue is whether the information revealed in the text of a firm’s public disclosure predicts its brand equity. In this study, we propose that how managers think and therefore what the firm behind a brand does will help predict brand equity, with the thoughts and deeds of concern reflected in the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) component of the firm’s annual reports (i.e., 10-K filings). Through text analysis and regression analysis on annual reports, we empirically demonstrate that a firm’s degree of customer orientation and a set of word categories as inferred from its MD&A component in the annual reports significantly predict its brand equity (as measured by the four dimensions of Young & Rubicam’s Brand Asset Valuator, i.e., BAV).
A mixture of linear-linear regression models for a linear-circular regression
Authors: Sikaroudi Ali Esmaieeli , Park Chiwoo
Published: November 2019

We introduce a new approach to a linear-circular regression problem that relates multiple linear predictors to a circular response. We follow a modelling approach of a wrapped normal distribution that describes angular variables and angular distributions and advances them for a linear-circular regression analysis. Some previous works model a circular variable as projection of a bivariate Gaussian random vector on the unit square, and the statistical inference of the resulting model involves complicated sampling steps. The proposed model treats circular responses as the result of the modulo operation on unobserved linear responses. The resulting model is a mixture of multiple linear-linear regression models. We present two EM algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation of the mixture model, one for a parametric model and another for a nonparametric model. The estimation algorithms provide a great trade-off between computation and estimation accuracy, which was numerically shown using five numerical examples. The proposed approach was applied to a problem of estimating wind directions that typically exhibit complex patterns with large variation and circularity.
Destigmatising dementia: The dangers of felt stigma and benevolent othering
Authors: Fletcher James R
Published: November 2019

The destigmatisation of dementia through awareness raising campaigns and associated activities has become a key pillar of dementia studies and related activism. This anti-stigma agenda is undermined by a poor evidence base and inadequate operationalisations of stigma. Scambler’s distinction between felt stigma and enacted stigma provides a conceptual basis for improvement. Felt stigma encompasses negative self-appraisals and fears regarding the reactions of others, while enacted stigma describes active discriminatory behaviours. Awareness campaigns based around high-profile spokespeople and pathology-based models of dementia may effectively tackle enacted stigma, but they may also unintentionally exacerbate felt stigma. Distinguishing people with dementia as an exceptional group to elicit public sympathies promotes benevolent othering, unwittingly implying their negative otherness. This is problematic because felt stigma is typically more prevalent and deleterious to wellbeing than enacted stigma.
A Guide to Co-Teaching for the SLP: A Tutorial
Authors: Heisler Lori A. , Thousand Jacqueline S.
Published: November 2019

Co-teaching is when two or more people share instructional responsibility for all of the students assigned to them. There are many benefits to students when speech–language pathologists (SLPs) participate in co-teaching relationships with other educators and specialists by working on functional goals in the natural environment of the classroom. With co-teaching, SLPs are able to provide services to students who are eligible for special education and also support their school community through a model of multitiered system of support for all children. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide SLPs with a rationale for collaborative interventions and co-teaching, information about the four co-teaching approaches, planning and collaboration issues partners need to address, and tips for success.
Refining Interventions Through Formative Research: A Focus on Ethical Considerations in a Family-Based Home-Based Counseling and Testing (FBCT) Intervention in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Essack Zaynab , Ngcobo Nkosinathi , Van der Pol Natasha , Knight Lucia , Rochat Tamsen , Mkhize Mirriam , Van Rooyen Heidi
Published: November 2019

Conducting formative research is a scientific, ethical, and community engagement imperative. This article describes how formative research refined ethical processes for a family-based home-based counseling and testing (FBCT) intervention in KwaZulu-Natal. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore community ( n = 20) and key stakeholders’ ( n = 20) needs, concerns, and perspectives on the FBCT model, including ethical issues for working with children and families. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Four key ethical considerations emerged, namely, respect for community norms and cultural practices; confidentiality, privacy, and forced disclosure; identifying potential risks and benefits; and voluntariness and capacity to consent. Data were used to refine the intervention and address participants’ concerns by engaging the community, providing ethics training for intervention staff, and incorporating independent consent mechanisms for adolescent HIV testing that supported opportunities for family-based testing and disclosure.
The Effectiveness of a Non-Invasive Shot Blocking Device for Reducing Pain of In-office Injections in Hand Surgery
Authors: Rinker Brian D. , Atashroo David A. , Stout Megan A. , Wermeling F. Ryan
Published: November 2019

Background: The gate control theory asserts that non-painful stimuli can block pain perception. The ShotBlocker™ device is a plastic disk with blunt projections that rests on the skin, and we hypothesize that it will reduce pain during hand injections. Methods: This is a prospective randomized trial of 117 patients undergoing injections for common hand conditions. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: device, placebo (device with projections removed), and control. Patients recorded on an analog pain scale the pain severity of the injection, as well as their most recent tetanus shot. A normalized pain score was obtained from the difference between the injection and tetanus shot pain scores. The mean non-normalized and normalized scores for each treatment group were compared to the control group using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: There were 91 women and 26 men. Common diagnoses included trigger finger (n = 53), DeQuervain’s tendonitis (n = 33), and basal joint arthritis (n = 22). The groups did not differ significantly in age, gender, or diagnosis. Mean pain score in the device group was 5.2 out of 10, and it was 5.7 for the control group. The normalized pain score in the device group was significantly lower than the control group. Normalized and non-normalized pain scores for the placebo group were not significantly lower than the control group. Conclusions: The shot blocking device effectively reduced pain of injection versus controls when pain scores were normalized for pain tolerance. The modified device did not reduce the pain of injection, suggesting that gate control is the mechanism of action.
Factors Associated With Poor Outcomes in Acute Forearm Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Dafang , Janssen Stein J. , Tarabochia Matthew , von Keudell Arvind , Earp Brandon E. , Chen Neal , Blazar Philip
Published: November 2019

Background: There is limited literature on risk stratification of patients with acute forearm compartment syndrome. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute forearm compartment syndrome. Methods: We retrospectively identified 130 patients with acute compartment syndrome of 130 forearms treated with fasciotomies from January 2000 to June 2015 at 2 Level 1 trauma centers. Poor outcome was defined as a composite variable, including: (1) death; (2) limb amputation; (3) persistent neurological deficit; and (4) contracture. Patient- and treatment-related variables were collected. Bivariate analyses were used to screen for variables associated with poor outcome, and explanatory variables with a value of P < .05 were included in our multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Of the 130 patients, 43 (33%) with acute forearm compartment syndrome had poor outcomes, including 5 deaths, 5 limb amputations, 21 persistent neurological deficits, and 31 contractures. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that elevated serum creatine kinase at presentation ( P < .05) was associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute forearm compartment syndrome. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a serum creatine kinase cutoff of 300 U/L yields 92% sensitivity and a serum creatine kinase cutoff of 10 000 U/L yields 95% specificity for poor outcomes in acute forearm compartment syndrome. Conclusions: Elevated creatine kinase levels above 300 U/L are a useful screening test for the highest risk patients with acute forearm compartment syndrome. Levels above 10 000 U/L may play a role in informed consent and counseling regarding expectations.
Trigger Finger Corticosteroid Injection With and Without Local Anesthetic: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Patrinely J. Randall , Johnson Shepard P. , Drolet Brian C.
Published: November 2019

Background: The first-line treatment for trigger finger is a corticosteroid injection. Although the injectable solution is often prepared with a local anesthetic, we hypothesize that patients receiving an injection with anesthetic will experience more pain at the time of injection. Methods: C Patients with trigger finger were prospectively randomized into 2 cohorts to receive triamcinolone (1 mL, 40 mg) plus 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (1 mL) or triamcinolone (1 mL, 40 mg) plus normal saline (1 mL, placebo). Both patient and surgeon were blinded to the treatment arm. The primary outcome was pain measured using a (VAS) immediately following the injection. Results: Seventy-three patients with a total of 110 trigger fingers were enrolled (57 lidocaine with epinephrine and 53 placebo). Immediate postinjection pain scores were significantly higher for injections containing lidocaine with epinephrine compared with placebo (VAS 3.5 vs 2.0). Conclusions: In the treatment of trigger finger, corticosteroid injections are effective and have relatively little associated pain. This study shows there is more injection-associated pain when lidocaine with epinephrine is included with the corticosteroid. Therefore, surgeons looking to decrease injection pain should exclude the anesthetic, but they should discuss the trade-off of foregoing short-term anesthesia with patients. Using only a single drug (ie, corticosteroid alone) is not only less painful but is also more simple, efficient, and safe; this has therefore become our preferred treatment method.
The RISE trial: A Randomized Trial on Intra-Saccular Endobridge devices
Authors: Raymond Jean , Januel Anne-Christine , Iancu Daniela , Roy Daniel , Weill Alain , Carlson Andrew , Darsaut Tim E
Published: November 2019

Background

Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) are a difficult subset of aneurysms to successfully repair endovascularly, and a number of treatment adjuncts have been designed to improve on the results of coiling, including stenting and flow diversion of the parent vessel. Surgical clipping is commonly performed for certain WNBAs, such as middle cerebral aneurysms, in some centres. Intra-saccular flow diversion (ISFD) using the Woven Endo-Bridge (WEB) or similar devices, has been developed as a new endovascular alternative to coiling for WNBAs. Meta-analyses of case series suggest satisfactory results, both in terms of safety and efficacy, but in the absence of randomized evidence, whether ISFD leads to better outcomes for patients with WNBA remains unknown. There is a need to offer ISFD within the context of a randomized care trial.

Methods

The proposed trial is a multicentre, randomized controlled care trial comparing ISFD and best conventional management option (surgical or endovascular), as determined by the treating physician prior to randomized allocation. At least 250 patients will be recruited in at least 10 centres over a four-year period, and followed for one year, to show that ISFD can increase the incidence of successful therapy from 75 to 90% of patients, defined as complete or near-complete occlusion of the aneurysm AND a good clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at one year. The trial will be followed by an independent data safety monitoring committee to assure the safety of participants.

Conclusion

Introduction of intra-saccular flow diversion can be accomplished within a care trial context.
Experimental study of granular bed erosion and sedimentation subjugated to the secondary flow structures in curved ducts
Authors: Duarte Claudio Faria , Nadim Nima , Chandratilleke Tilak T
Published: November 2019

This article presents an experimental study on the dynamic behaviour of granular material that forms the bed of a curved fluid flow passage. The secondary vortex structures induced by the passage curvature profoundly influence the stability of the granular material and determine the varying bed profiles subjected to the processes of erosion and sedimentation in the flow passage. For examining the characteristics of the bed profile, the current study develops a non-intrusive measurement method whereby transient changes occurring at the granular bed interface are captured for a range of flow operating conditions. The test results indicate three distinct regimes of onset, transition and quasi-stable erosion–sedimentation in the curved passage over the experimental test range. Each stage is analysed and discussed for the observed intricacies of the flow structures and the bed reshaping behaviour, with respect to the timescale of these occurrences, influences of the flow rate and granular particle size.
Nonparticipation reasons in a randomized international trial of a new latent tuberculosis infection regimen
Authors: Hedges Kimberley N Chapman , Borisov Andrey S , Saukkonen Jussi J , Scott Nigel A , Hecker Emily J , Bozeman Lorna , Dukes Hamilton Carol , Kerrigan Amy , Bessler Patricia , Moreno-Martinez Antonio , Arevalo Bert , Goldberg Stefan V
Published: November 2019

Background/aims

Efficient recruitment of eligible participants, optimizing time and sample size, is a crucial component in conducting a successful clinical trial. Inefficient participant recruitment can impede study progress, consume staff time and resources, and limit quality and generalizability or the power to assess outcomes. Recruitment for disease prevention trials poses additional challenges because patients are asymptomatic. We evaluated candidates for a disease prevention trial to determine reasons for nonparticipation and to identify factors that can be addressed to improve recruitment efficiency.

Methods

During 2001–2009, the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium conducted Study 26 (PREVENT TB), a randomized clinical trial at 26 sites in four countries, among persons with latent tuberculosis infection at high risk for tuberculosis disease progression, comparing 3 months of directly observed once-weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid with 9 months of self-administered daily isoniazid. During March 2005–February 2008, non-identifying demographic information, risk factors for experiencing active tuberculosis disease, and reasons for not enrolling were collected from screened patients to facilitate interpretation of trial data, to meet Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials standards, and to evaluate reasons for nonparticipation.

Results

Of the 7452 candidates screened in Brazil, Canada, Spain, and the United States, 3584 (48%) were not enrolled, because of ineligibility (41%), site decision (10%), or patient choice (49%). Among those who did not enroll by own choice, and for whom responses were recorded on whether they would accept treatment outside of the study (n = 1430), 68% reported that they planned to accept non-study latent tuberculosis infection treatment. Among 1305 patients with one or more reported reasons for nonparticipation, study staff recorded a total of 1886 individual reasons (reason count: median = 1/patient; range = 1–9) for why patients chose not to enroll, including grouped concerns about research (24% of 1886), work or school conflicts (20%), medication or health beliefs (16%), latent tuberculosis infection beliefs (11%), and patient lifestyle and family concerns (10%).

Conclusion

Educational efforts addressing clinical research concerns and beliefs about medication and health, as well as study protocols that accommodate patient-related concerns (e.g. work, school, and lifestyle) might increase willingness to enter clinical trials. Findings from this evaluation can support development of communication and education materials for clinical trial sites at the beginning of a trial to allow study staff to address potential participant concerns during study screening.
A struggle for translation: An actor-network analysis of Chilean school violence and school climate policies
Authors: López Verónica , Sisto Vicente , Baleriola Enrique , García Antonio , Carrasco Claudia , Núñez Carmen Gloria , Valdés René
Published: November 2019

In the last six years, Chile has carried out major reforms in school climate policy. However, these reforms are tied to two different realities that conflict with each other: a formative reality, which promotes a school climate of local decision-making and the improvement of school performance; and a punitive reality, which prioritizes improvement in the school climate through accountability protocols and regulations. We used Actor-Network Theory to describe the network of actors that underlie these realities. We analyzed key documents and conducted active interviews with actors responsible for the design and implementation of these policies. Results show that the assembled network enacts an accountability reality by means of the Law on Assurance of the Quality of Education, with key devices and s-objects performing the network. However, this enacted reality is at odds with a logic of school improvement that is still defended by the Ministry of Education, an actor that is no longer the main source of translation in the network. These results are discussed in light of the so-called “global triumph” of New Public Management through the dissemination of specific instruments that bring together subjects and objects in enacting the reality of accountability.
Examining the Preparation of School Human Resource Officers on Developing a Racially Diverse Educator Workforce Post Brown
Authors: Goings Ramon B. , Hotchkins Bryan , Walker Larry J.
Published: November 2019

Given the rapid decline of teachers and school leaders after the Brown v. Board of Education decision, there has been an increased conversation on diversifying the educator workforce. Furthermore, little is known about the preparation of human resource officers (HROs) who share responsibility for teacher candidate selection and hiring. This study focuses on 12 HROs’ views on how their formal education prepared them to hire a diverse educator workforce. Findings suggest that HROs did not receive adequate training in their educational leadership program on workforce diversity and hiring. This study provides implications for educational leadership programs that train school-based HROs.
Plasma metabolomic profile in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Heresi Gustavo A. , Mey Jacob T. , Bartholomew John R. , Haddadin Ihab S. , Tonelli Adriano R. , Dweik Raed A. , Kirwan John P. , Kalhan Satish C.
Published: November 2019

We aimed to characterize the plasma metabolome of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients using a high‐throughput unbiased omics approach. We collected fasting plasma from a peripheral vein in 33 operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients, 31 healthy controls, and 21 idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients matched for age, gender, and body mass index. Metabolomic analysis was performed using an untargeted approach (Metabolon Inc. Durham, NC). Of the total of 862 metabolites identified, 362 were different in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension compared to controls: 178 were higher and 184 were lower. Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, 147 metabolites were different in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: 45 were higher and 102 were lower. The plasma metabolome allowed us to distinguish subjects with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and healthy controls with a predictive accuracy of 89%, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension versus idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with 80% accuracy. Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and healthy controls, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients had higher fatty acids and glycerol; while acyl cholines and lysophospholipids were lower. Compared to healthy controls, both idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients had increased acyl carnitines, beta‐hydroxybutyrate, amino sugars and modified amino acids and nucleosides. The plasma global metabolomic profile of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension suggests aberrant lipid metabolism characterized by increased lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and ketogenesis, concomitant with reduced acyl choline and phospholipid moieties. Future research should investigate the pathogenetic and therapeutic potential of modulating lipid metabolism in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Menopause, cognition and dementia – A review
Authors: Pertesi S , Coughlan G , Puthusseryppady V , Morris E , Hornberger M
Published: November 2019

There is increasing evidence that menopausal changes can have an impact on women’s cognition and potentially, the future development of dementia. In particular, the role of reduced levels of estrogen in postmenopausal changes has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia in observational studies. Not surprisingly, this has led to several clinical trials investigating whether postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy can potentially delay/avoid cognitive changes and subsequently, the onset of dementia. However, the evidence of these trials has been mixed, with some showing positive effects while others show no or even negative effects. In the current review, we investigate this controversy further by reviewing the existing studies and trials in cognition and dementia. Based on the current evidence, we conclude that previous approaches may have used a mixture of women with different genetic risk factors for dementia which might explain these contradicting findings. Therefore, it is recommended that future interventional studies take a more personalised approach towards hormone replacement therapy use in postmenopausal women, by taking into account the women’s genetic status for dementia risk.
Role of a digital tool in preoperative lung resection surgery assessment
Authors: Rispoli Marco , Perrotta Fabio , Buono Salvatore , Corcione Antonio
Published: November 2019

The assessment of patients likely to undergo lung resection surgery is a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, surgeons and anaesthesiologists. In thoracic surgery, medical operability is also a calculation of postoperative lung function. A mobile application – PreParAPP MSD – to calculate postoperative lung function has been developed with the endorsement of the Italian Society of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care and with the unconditional support of MSD Italia. Thanks to a simple graphic interface, the calculation becomes fast and intuitive, while the possibility of storing and sharing data in an analytical and computerised way with other clinicians might help with the full assessment of patients without forcing them to undergo several medical examinations. These simple calculated parameters are performed by a minority of clinicians, generally anaesthesiologists. In our facility, there is a team involved in the perioperative evaluation of lung resection surgery (13 pulmonologists, 9 surgeons and 5 anaesthesiologists). In order to evaluate the possible Awareness towards postoperative lung function calculation better, we organised an internal survey with 27 clinicians who are members of such a team before and after the introduction of the PreParAPP MSD. It was found that after the introduction of PreParAPP MSD, the percentage of clinicians involved in postoperative lung function calculation rose from 18% to 70%. The implementation of a digital tool may help to improve guideline adherence, in accordance with other experiences in which such tools represented the start for various quality improvement purposes throughout the medical field.
An Exploration of Virtual Reality Use and Application Among Older Adult Populations
Authors: Brown Julie A.
Published: November 2019

Despite increased research on virtual reality (VR) platforms in recent years, there are very few studies that specifically examine its application within a gerontological context. This study examines the usability, preferences, and application considerations of a mobile VR platform by individually interviewing community-dwelling older adults both before and after trying the Samsung Gear VR. Participants were asked to self-select and view short VR videos (30 s-3 min) that were filmed within the local community (e.g., walking path and art museum). Semi-structured interview questions explored participant perceptions of using the device and was followed with two focus group sessions. Thematic analysis was employed when reviewing observational notes and transcribed audio recordings. Ten adults (aged 63-89) participated and themes identified include (a) usability, (b) video subject matter preferences, and (c) application. These themes highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of VR use among a wide range of older populations and provided greater insight with its exploration and application in future studies. This included potential use among those older adults who have notable functional limitations, such as those who are immobile, or reside within a care facility.
The rural moneylender, 1888: The Dufferin Report for west UP
Authors: Moosvi Shireen
Published: November 2019

The published volume of the Dufferin enquiries (1888) reproduces the district reports in the case of only one province, namely the North-Western Provinces and Oudh (now Uttar Pradesh). From this volume, whose copies have become very rare, much information can be obtained about how rural credit was organised at the time. This article extracts information on this subject from three detailed reports based on actual information obtained from the debtors and some moneylenders. Interest rates as high as 37.5 per cent per annum prevailed, except in the forested areas where low rents seem to have brought down the interest rates. It also turns out that usury was a profession which zamindars and other relatively prosperous rural strata, including upper peasants and successful artisans, could also take to, though the central figure remained the village ‘banya’.
Shifting baselines in coral conservation
Authors: Braverman Irus
Published: November 2019

Reef-building corals are increasingly exposed to warming ocean temperatures. Their immediate response to this rise in temperature is to expel their symbiotic algae and turn white, or bleach. It is mainly for these reasons that corals have been perceived by scientists as both a sign and a measure of the imminent catastrophe facing life in the oceans and, subsequently, on earth. To measure coral decline across space and time, coral scientists have come up with maps, indexes, and color-coded representations. Yet they soon realized that what they regard as today’s healthy reef is, in fact, yesterday’s depleted reef. This problem, referred to as the shifting baselines syndrome, renders most comparisons across time difficult and frustrates the ability to predict the future. The problem is exacerbated in the context of oceans, and further yet in the context of coral reefs, because of the lack of reliable historical records. In fact, many of the coral scientists I have interviewed perceive shifting baselines as one of the key challenges facing coral conservation scientists and managers in their attempts to accurately calculate coral decline—a project that is typically deemed necessary for effective management policies and restoration practices. My article will critically explore the application of, and the assumptions behind, the shifting baselines concept in the context of reef coral science. Specifically, I will draw on interviews with coral scientists to describe the practices and devices embedded in the creation of baselines for corals and, finally, I will explore how certain scientists are challenging the conceptions of nature and time that underlie their operations.
Psychological Science Needs a Standard Practice of Reporting the Reliability of Cognitive-Behavioral Measurements
Authors: Parsons Sam , Kruijt Anne-Wil , Fox Elaine
Published: November 2019

Psychological science relies on behavioral measures to assess cognitive processing; however, the field has not yet developed a tradition of routinely examining the reliability of these behavioral measures. Reliable measures are essential to draw robust inferences from statistical analyses, and subpar reliability has severe implications for measures’ validity and interpretation. Without examining and reporting the reliability of measurements used in an analysis, it is nearly impossible to ascertain whether results are robust or have arisen largely from measurement error. In this article, we propose that researchers adopt a standard practice of estimating and reporting the reliability of behavioral assessments of cognitive processing. We illustrate the need for this practice using an example from experimental psychopathology, the dot-probe task, although we argue that reporting reliability is relevant across fields (e.g., social cognition and cognitive psychology). We explore several implications of low measurement reliability and the detrimental impact that failure to assess measurement reliability has on interpretability and comparison of results and therefore research quality. We argue that researchers in the field of cognition need to report measurement reliability as routine practice so that more reliable assessment tools can be developed. To provide some guidance on estimating and reporting reliability, we describe the use of bootstrapped split-half estimation and intraclass correlation coefficients to estimate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. For future researchers to build upon current results, it is imperative that all researchers provide psychometric information sufficient for estimating the accuracy of inferences and informing further development of cognitive-behavioral assessments.
Genome editing of HBG1 and HBG2 to induce fetal hemoglobin
Authors: Métais Jean-Yves , Doerfler Phillip A. , Mayuranathan Thiyagaraj , Bauer Daniel E. , Fowler Stephanie C. , Hsieh Matthew M. , Katta Varun , Keriwala Sagar , Lazzarotto Cicera R. , Luk Kevin , Neel Michael D. , Perry S. Scott , Peters Samuel T. , Porter Shaina N. , Ryu Byoung Y. , Sharma Akshay , Shea Devlin , Tisdale John F. , Uchida Naoya , Wolfe Scot A. , Woodard Kaitly J. , Wu Yuxuan , Yao Yu , Zeng Jing , Pruett-Miller Shondra , Tsai Shengdar Q. , Weiss Mitchell J.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Cas9 editing of the γ-globin gene promoters in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) increases red cell HbF by ≤40%. No deleterious effects on hematopoiesis or off-target mutations were detected 16 weeks after xenotransplantation of edited HSCs.
Thrombus stability explains the factor V Leiden paradox: a mouse model
Authors: Shaya S. A. , Westrick R. J. , Gross P. L.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

FVL homozygous mice have increased thrombus size and reduced pulmonary embolism burden compared with WT mice. FVL carriers develop more stable thrombi, which become clinical deep vein thrombosis more often than noncarriers, explaining the FVL paradox.
Accelerated evolution at chaperone promoters among Antarctic notothenioid fishes
Authors: Bogan Samuel N. , Place Sean P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Antarctic fishes of the Notothenioidei suborder constitutively upregulate multiple inducible chaperones, a highly derived adaptation that preserves proteostasis in extreme cold, and represent a system for studying the evolution of gene frontloading. We screened forHsf1-binding sites, asHsf1is a master transcription factor of the heat shock response, and highly-conserved non-coding elements within proximal promoters of chaperone genes across 10 Antarctic notothens, 2 subpolar notothens, and 17 perciform fishes. We employed phylogenetic models of molecular evolution to determine whether (i) changes in motifs associated withHsf1-binding and/or (ii) relaxed purifying selection or exaptation at ancestralcis-regulatory elements coincided with the evolution of chaperone frontloading in Antarctic notothens.

Results

Antarctic notothens exhibited significantly fewerHsf1-binding sites per bp at chaperone promoters than subpolar notothens and Serranoidei, the most closely-related suborder to Notothenioidei included in this study. 90% of chaperone promoters exhibited accelerated substitution rates among Antarctic notothens relative to other perciformes. The proportion of bases undergoing accelerated evolution (i) was significantly greater in Antarctic notothens than in subpolar notothens and Perciformes in 70% of chaperone genes and (ii) increased among bases that were more conserved among perciformes. Lastly, we detected evidence of relaxed purifying selection and exaptation acting on ancestrally conservedcis-regulatory elements in the Antarctic notothen lineage and its major branches.

Conclusion

A large degree of turnover has occurred in Notothenioidei at chaperone promoter regions that are conserved among perciform fishes following adaptation to the cooling of the Southern Ocean. Additionally, derived reductions inHsf1-binding site frequency suggestcis-regulatory modifications to the classical heat shock response. Of note, turnover events within chaperone promoters were less frequent in the ancestral node of Antarctic notothens relative to younger Antarctic lineages. This suggests thatcis-regulatory divergence at chaperone promoters may be greater between Antarctic notothen lineages than between subpolar and Antarctic clades. These findings demonstrate that strong selective forces have acted uponcis-regulatory elements of chaperone genes among Antarctic notothens.
Comparative myoanatomy of Tardigrada: new insights from the heterotardigrades Actinarctus doryphorus (Tanarctidae) and Echiniscoides sigismundi (Echiniscoididae)
Authors: Persson Dennis Krog , Halberg Kenneth Agerlin , Neves Ricardo Cardoso , Jørgensen Aslak , Kristensen Reinhardt Møbjerg , Møbjerg Nadja
Published: November 2019

Background

Tardigrada is a group of microscopic invertebrates distributed worldwide in permanent and temporal aquatic habitats. Famous for their extreme stress tolerance, tardigrades are also of interest due to their close relationship with Arthropoda and Cycloneuralia. Despite recent efforts in analyzing the musculature of a number of tardigrade species, data on the class Heterotardigrada remain scarce. Aiming to expand the current morphological framework, and to promote the use of muscular body plans in elucidating tardigrade phylogeny, the myoanatomy of two heterotardigrades, Actinarctus doryphorus and Echiniscoides sigismundi, was analyzed by cytochemistry, scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D imaging. We discuss our findings with reference to other tardigrades and internal phylogenetic relationships of the phylum.

Results

We focus our analyses on the somatic musculature, which in tardigrades includes muscle groups spanning dorsal, ventral, and lateral body regions, with the legs being musculated by fibers belonging to all three groups. A pronounced reduction of the trunk musculature is seen in the dorsoventrally compressed A. doryphorus, a species that generally has fewer cuticle attachment sites as compared to E. sigismundi and members of the class Eutardigrada. Interestingly, F-actin positive signals were found in the head appendages of A. doryphorus. Our analyses further indicate that cross-striation is a feature common to the somatic muscles of heterotardigrades and that E. sigismundi—as previously proposed for other echiniscoidean heterotardigrades—has relatively thick somatic muscle fibers.

Conclusions

We provide new insights into the myoanatomical differences that characterize distinct evolutionary lineages within Tardigrada, highlighting characters that potentially can be informative in future phylogenetic analyses. We focus our current analyses on the ventral trunk musculature. Our observations suggest that seven paired ventromedian attachment sites anchoring a large number of muscles can be regarded as part of the ground pattern of Tardigrada and that fusion and reduction of cuticular attachment sites is a derived condition. Specifically, the pattern of these sites differs in particular details between tardigrade taxa. In the future, a deeper understanding of the tardigrade myoanatomical ground pattern will require more investigations in order to include all major tardigrade lineages.
Desiccation resistance and pigmentation variation reflects bioclimatic differences in the Drosophila americana species complex
Authors: Davis Jeremy S. , Moyle Leonie C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Disentangling the selective factors shaping adaptive trait variation is an important but challenging task. Many studies—especially inDrosophila—have documented trait variation along latitudinal or altitudinal clines, but frequently lack resolution about specific environmental gradients that could be causal selective agents, and often do not investigate covariation between traits simultaneously. Here we examined variation in multiple macroecological factors across geographic space and their associations with variation in three physiological traits (desiccation resistance, UV resistance, and pigmentation) at both population and species scales, to address the role of abiotic environment in shaping trait variation.

Results

Using environmental data from collection locations of three North AmericanDrosophilaspecies—D. americana americana, D. americana texanaandD. novamexicana—we identified two primary axes of macroecological variation; these differentiated species habitats and were strongly loaded for precipitation and moisture variables. In nine focal populations (three per species) assayed for each trait, we detected significant species-level variation for both desiccation resistance and pigmentation, but not for UV resistance. Species-level trait variation was consistent with differential natural selection imposed by variation in habitat water availability, although patterns of variation differed between desiccation resistance and pigmentation, and we found little evidence for pleiotropy between traits.

Conclusions

Our multi-faceted approach enabled us to identify potential agents of natural selection and examine how they might influence the evolution of multiple traits at different evolutionary scales. Our findings highlight that environmental factors influence functional trait variation in ways that can be complex, and point to the importance of studies that examine these relationships at both population- and species-levels.
Organelle genome composition and candidate gene identification for Nsa cytoplasmic male sterility in Brassica napus
Authors: Sang Shi-Fei , Mei De-Sheng , Liu Jia , Zaman Qamar U. , Zhang Hai-Yan , Hao Meng-Yu , Fu Li , Wang Hui , Cheng Hong-Tao , Hu Qiong
Published: November 2019

Background

Nsa cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a novel alloplasmic male sterility system derived from somatic hybridization between Brassica napus and Sinapis arvensis. Identification of the CMS-associated gene is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the origin and molecular mechanism of this CMS. With the development of genome sequencing technology, organelle genomes of Nsa CMS line and its maintainer line were sequenced by pyro-sequencing technology, and comparative analysis of the organelle genomes was carried out to characterize the organelle genome composition of Nsa CMS as well as to identify the candidate Nsa CMS-associated genes.

Results

Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome showed a higher collinearity with that of S. arvensis than B. napus, indicating that Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome was mainly derived from S. arvensis. However, mitochondrial genome recombination of parental lines was clearly detected. In contrast, the chloroplast genome of Nsa CMS was highly collinear with its B. napus parent, without any evidence of recombination of the two parental chloroplast genomes or integration from S. arvensis. There were 16 open reading frames (ORFs) specifically existed in Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome, which could not be identified in the maintainer line. Among them, three ORFs (orf224, orf309, orf346) possessing chimeric and transmembrane structure are most likely to be the candidate CMS genes. Sequences of all three candidate CMS genes in Nsa CMS line were found to be 100% identical with those from S. arvensis mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic and homologous analysis showed that all the mitochondrial genes were highly conserved during evolution.

Conclusions

Nsa CMS contains a recombined mitochondrial genome of its two parental species with the majority form S. arvensis. Three candidate Nsa CMS genes were identified and proven to be derived from S. arvensis other than recombination of its two parental species. Further functional study of the candidate genes will help to identify the gene responsible for the CMS and the underlying molecular mechanism.