bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failures in Phase III: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Seruga Bostjan , Ocana Alberto , Amir Eitan , Tannock Ian F.
Published: October 2015

Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCT) in oncology fail to lead to registration of new therapies more often than RCTs in other medical disciplines. Most RCTs are sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, which reflects industry's increasing responsibility in cancer drug development. Many preclinical models are unreliable for evaluation of new anticancer agents, and stronger evidence of biologic effect should be required before a new agent enters the clinical development pathway. Whenever possible, early-phase clinical trials should include pharmacodynamic studies to demonstrate that new agents inhibit their molecular targets and demonstrate substantial antitumor activity at tolerated doses in an enriched population of patients. Here, we review recent RCTs and found that these conditions were not met for most of the targeted anticancer agents, which failed in recent RCTs. Many recent phase III RCTs were initiated without sufficient evidence of activity from early-phase clinical trials. Because patients treated within such trials can be harmed, they should not be undertaken. The bar should also be raised when making decisions to proceed from phase II to III and from phase III to marketing approval. Many approved agents showed only better progression-free survival than standard treatment in phase III trials and were not shown to improve survival or its quality. Introduction of value-based pricing of new anticancer agents would dissuade the continued development of agents with borderline activity in early-phase clinical trials. When collaborating with industry, oncologists should be more critical and better advocates for cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 21(20); 4552–60. ©2015 AACR.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Innovations to Speed Drug Development.”
Targeting of BCL2 Family Proteins with ABT-199 and Homoharringtonine Reveals BCL2- and MCL1-Dependent Subgroups of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Klanova Magdalena , Andera Ladislav , Brazina Jan , Svadlenka Jan , Benesova Simona , Soukup Jan , Prukova Dana , Vejmelkova Dana , Jaksa Radek , Helman Karel , Vockova Petra , Lateckova Lucie , Molinsky Jan , Maswabi Bokang Calvin Lenyeletse , Alam Mahmudul , Kodet Roman , Pytlik Robert , Trneny Marek , Klener Pavel
Published: October 2015

Purpose: To investigate the roles of BCL2, MCL1, and BCL-XL in the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Experimental designs: Immunohistochemical analysis of 105 primary DLBCL samples, and Western blot analysis of 18 DLBCL cell lines for the expression of BCL2, MCL1, and BCL-XL. Pharmacologic targeting of BCL2, MCL1, and BCL-XL with ABT-199, homoharringtonine (HHT), and ABT-737. Analysis of DLBCL clones with manipulated expressions of BCL2, MCL1, and BCL-XL. Immunoprecipitation of MCL1 complexes in selected DLBCL cell lines. Experimental therapy aimed at inhibition of BCL2 and MCL1 using ABT-199 and HHT, single agent, or in combination, in vitro and in vivo on primary cell-based murine xenograft models of DLBCL.

Results: By the pharmacologic targeting of BCL2, MCL1, and BCL-XL, we demonstrated that DLBCL can be divided into BCL2-dependent and MCL1-dependent subgroups with a less pronounced role left for BCL-XL. Derived DLBCL clones with manipulated expressions of BCL2, MCL1, and BCL-XL, as well as the immunoprecipitation experiments, which analyzed MCL1 protein complexes, confirmed these findings at the molecular level. We demonstrated that concurrent inhibition of BCL2 and MCL1 with ABT-199 and HHT induced significant synthetic lethality in most BCL2-expressing DLBCL cell lines. The marked cytotoxic synergy between ABT-199 and HHT was also confirmed in vivo using primary cell-based murine xenograft models of DLBCL.

Conclusions: As homoharringtonine is a clinically approved antileukemia drug, and ABT-199 is in advanced phases of diverse clinical trials, our data might have direct implications for novel concepts of early clinical trials in patients with aggressive DLBCL. Clin Cancer Res; 22(5); 1138–49. ©2015 AACR.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Clavicle in an Adult: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Udaka Toru , Susa Michiro , Kikuta Kazutaka , Nishimoto Kazumasa , Horiuchi Keisuke , Sasaki Aya , Kameyama Kaori , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Chiba Kazuhiro , Morioka Hideo
Published: October 2015

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) usually occurs in children under the age of 10 years with a predilection for the skull, spine, rib and humerus. Solitary LCH occurring in an adult clavicle is uncommon with limited reports to date. The lesion in our patient was curetted with the intent to make a diagnosis, which subsequently lead to the remission of the symptom and the disease. At the final follow-up after 1 year, no local recurrence or metastasis is observed.
Incorporating edoxaban into the choice of anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Eikelboom John , Weitz Jeffrey I.
Published: October 2015

The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are replacing warfarin for stroke prevention in many patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Edoxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, is the newest entrant in this class. Results of the Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation (ENGAGE AF) study demonstrate that edoxaban is noninferior to warfarin for prevention of stroke and systemic embolic events, and is associated with significantly less major bleeding, including intracranial bleeding, and reduced cardiovascular mortality. With a net clinical benefit over warfarin, edoxaban is well positioned as a choice among the NOACs, which include dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. But how will clinicians choose amongst them? The purpose of this paper is to (a) place the ENGAGE AF trial results into context with results of the studies with the other NOACs, and (b) aid clinicians in selection of the right anticoagulant for the right atrial fibrillation patient.
Accuracy of Computed Tomographic Angiography and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography–Acquired Myocardial Perfusion Imaging for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Carli Marcelo F. Di , Cerci Rodrigo , George Richard T. , Chen Marcus Y. , Dewey Marc , Niinuma Hiroyuki , Vavere Andrea L. , Betoko Aisha , Plotkin Michail , Cox Christopher , Clouse Melvin E. , Arai Andrew E. , Rochitte Carlos E. , Lima Joao A.C. , Brinker Jeffrey , Miller Julie M.
Published: October 2015

Background—

Establishing the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients allows appropriately allocating preventative measures. Single-photon emission computed tomography (CT)–acquired myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) is frequently used for the evaluation of CAD, but coronary CT angiography (CTA) has emerged as a valid alternative.

Methods and Results—

We compared the accuracy of SPECT-MPI and CTA for the diagnosis of CAD in 391 symptomatic patients who were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter study after clinical referral for cardiac catheterization. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CTA and SPECT-MPI for identifying patients with CAD defined as the presence of ≥1 coronary artery with ≥50% lumen stenosis by quantitative coronary angiography. Sensitivity to identify patients with CAD was greater for CTA than SPECT-MPI (0.92 versus 0.62, respectively;
P
<0.001), resulting in greater overall accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.88–0.94] versus 0.69 [0.64–0.74];
P
<0.001). Results were similar in patients without previous history of CAD (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.92 [0.89–0.96] versus 0.67 [0.61–0.73];
P
<0.001) and also for the secondary end points of ≥70% stenosis and multivessel disease, as well as subgroups, except for patients with a calcium score of ≥400 and those with high-risk anatomy in whom the overall accuracy was similar because CTA’s superior sensitivity was offset by lower specificity in these settings. Radiation doses were 3.9 mSv for CTA and 9.8 for SPECT-MPI (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

CTA is more accurate than SPECT-MPI for the diagnosis of CAD as defined by conventional angiography and may be underused for this purpose in symptomatic patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00934037.
Characteristics and Survival of Malignant Cardiac Tumors
Authors: Oliveira Guilherme H. , Al-Kindi Sadeer G. , Hoimes Christopher , Park Soon J.
Published: October 2015

Background—

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, histopathology, demographics, and survival associated with primary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCTs).

Methods and Results—

We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registry from the National Cancer Institute for all PMCTs diagnosed from 1973 to 2011. We describe PMCT histopathology and incidence, comparing characteristics and survival of these patients with those of patients with extracardiac malignancies of similar histopathology. From a total of 7 384 580 cases of cancer registered in SEER, we identified 551 PMCTs (0.008%). The incidence of PMCT diagnosis is 34 cases per 100 million persons and has increased over time (25.1 in 1973–1989, 30.2 in 1990–1999, and 46.6 in 2000–2011). Most patients are female (54.1%) and white (78.6%) with median age at diagnosis of 50 years. The most common PMCTs are sarcomas (n=357, 64.8%), followed by lymphomas (n=150, 27%) and mesotheliomas (n=44, 8%). Most patients are diagnosed with tissue sample (96.8%). Although use of chemotherapy is not documented in SEER, 19% of patients received radiation and 44% had surgery. After a median follow-up of 80 months, 413 patients had died. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 46%, 22%, and 17% and have improved over the eras, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 32%, 17%, and 14% for 1973 to 1989 and 50%, 24%, and 19% for 2000 to 2011 (
P
=0.009). Cardiac sarcomas and mesotheliomas are the most lethal PMCTs, with 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of 47%, 16%, and 11% and of 51%, 26%, and 23% compared with 59%, 41%, and 34% for lymphomas, respectively (log rank test
P
<0.001). Patients with cardiac lymphomas and sarcomas are younger and have worse survival than patients with extracardiac disease of similar histopathology (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

PMCTs are extremely rare and continue to be associated with poor prognosis. Over the past 5 decades, the incidence and survival of patients diagnosed with PMCT appear to have increased. Compared with those with extracardiac cancers of similar histopathology, patients with PMCTs are often younger and have worse survival.
Feasibility and Accuracy of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Whole‐Heart Inverse Potential Mapping of Sinus Rhythm and Idiopathic Ventricular Foci
Authors: Bhagirath Pranav , van der Graaf Maurits , van Dongen Elise , de Hooge Jacques , van Driel Vincent , Ramanna Hemanth , de Groot Natasja , Götte Marco J. W.
Published: October 2015

Background

Inverse potential mapping (
IPM
) noninvasively reconstructs cardiac surface potentials using body surface potentials. This requires a volume conductor model (
VCM
), usually constructed from computed tomography; however, computed tomography exposes the patient to harmful radiation and lacks information about tissue structure. Magnetic resonance imaging (
MRI
) is not associated with this limitation and might have advantages for mapping purposes. This feasibility study investigated a magnetic resonance imaging–based
IPM
approach. In addition, the impact of incorporating the lungs and their particular resistivity values was explored.

Methods and Results

Three volunteers and 8 patients with premature ventricular contractions scheduled for ablation underwent 65‐electrode body surface potential mapping. A
VCM
was created using magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiac surface potentials were estimated from body surface potentials and used to determine the origin of electrical activation. The
IPM
‐defined origin of sinus rhythm corresponded well with the anatomic position of the sinus node, as described in the literature. In patients, the
IPM
‐derived premature ventricular contraction focus was 3‐dimensionally located within 8.3±2.7 mm of the invasively determined focus using electroanatomic mapping. The impact of lungs on the
IPM
was investigated using homogeneous and inhomogeneous
VCM
s. The inhomogeneous
VCM
, incorporating lung‐specific conductivity, provided more accurate results compared with the homogeneous
VCM
(8.3±2.7 and 10.3±3.1 mm, respectively;
P
=0.043). The interobserver agreement was high for homogeneous (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.862,
P
=0.003) and inhomogeneous (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.812,
P
=0.004)
VCMs
.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging–based whole‐heart IPM enables accurate spatial localization of sinus rhythm and premature ventricular contractions comparable to electroanatomic mapping. An inhomogeneous VCM improved IPM accuracy.
Religion and Value Orientations in Europe
Authors: Schnabel Annette , Grötsch Florian
Published: October 2015

Sociological literature on Europe often claims a close relationship between religion and values on the one hand and shared values and social cohesion on the other: This article empirically tests the first half of this equation. On the basis of the European Social Survey 2004 comprising of the Schwartz’ Human Value Scale, we analyse if value orientations of religious people differ from those preferred by non-religious people and if such patterns are stable across Europe. We find that religious people in Europe differ from non-religious people in being more conservative and perceiving rules and customs as very important in their lives. We use different indicators for individual religiousness in order to test their different impacts on individual value formation. Despite popular expectations, we were able to establish that value orientations are less influenced by theological knowledge than practicing religion.
Lacuneolimna gen. nov., Lacuneolimna zalokariae comb. nov. and Lacuneolimna novagallia spec. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) from the French Guiana diatom freshwater flora
Authors: Tudesque Loïc , Le Cohu René , Coste Michel , Lange-Bertalot Horst
Published: October 2015

The freshwater diatoms of the French Guiana have received little attention so far. A new diatom genus, Lacuneolimna, based on the species Eolimna zalokariae, is described from a small rainforest stream. Numerous ultrastructural features differ from the genus Eolimna, notably the pluriseriate striae lying between relief-like elevated virgae and depressed externally. In addition, another species new to science, L. novagallia, belonging to this new genus, was discovered in the same place. Detailed light and scanning electron microscope observations are used to characterize the morphology and the ultrastructure of these two new taxa.
Tropicoporus boehmeriae sp. nov. (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) from Thailand, a new member of the Inonotus linteus complex
Authors: Wu Fang , Qin Wen-Min , Euatrakool Oratai , Zhou Li-Wei
Published: October 2015

The genus Tropicoporus was recently introduced for accommodating species of the Inonotus linteus complex in Hymenochaetaceae. It is characterized by annual to perennial, resupinate, effused-reflexed to pileate basidiocarps with homogeneous to duplex context, a monomitic to dimitic hyphal system in context/subiculum and dimitic in trama, presence of hymenial setae, absence of hyphoid setae, and ellipsoid, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose, colored, slightly thick- to thick-walled basidiospores. Tropicoporus is similar to Sanghuangporus, which was another newly introduced genus for species of the Inonotus linteus complex, but the two genera are in two distinct clades in phylogeny. In addition, the latter accommodates perennial and pileate species only. In this study, two specimens recently collected from Chiang Mai, Thailand were described as Tropicoporus boehmeriae sp. nov. based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The new species is characterized by annual and exclusively resupinate basidiocarps and the smallest basidiospores (2.2–2.9 × 2–2.5 μm) within the Inonotus linteus complex. Tropicoporus boehmeriae mostly resembles T. tropicalis; however, T. tropicalis has larger basidiospores (3–4.5 × 2.5–4 μm) and was originally described from Brazil. The differences between Tropicoporus boehmeriae and other species possibly belonging to Tropicoporus, viz. Fulvifomes cesatii, F. glaucescens and F. minisporus, are discussed.
A new Batillipedidae (Tardigrada, Arthrotardigrada) from Argentina
Authors: MENECHELLA AGUSTÍN G. , BULNES VERÓNICA N. , CAZZANIGA NÉSTOR J.
Published: October 2015

A new species of marine tardigrade, Batillipes acuticauda sp. n., has been found in midlittoral sand sediments collected at Monte Hermoso beach (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). The new species differs from all other members of Batillipedidae by its combination of caudal apparatus, lateral processes and toe patterns. It is the first description of an arthrotardigrade from Argentina.
Influence of Synoptic Sea-Breeze Fronts on the Urban Heat Island Intensity in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
Authors: Hu Xiao-Ming , Xue Ming
Published: October 2015

When assessed using the difference between urban and rural air temperatures, the urban heat island (UHI) is most prominent during the nighttime. Typically, nocturnal UHI intensity is maintained throughout the night. The UHI intensity over Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Texas, however, experienced frequent “collapses” (sudden decreases) around midnight during August 2011, while the region was experiencing an intense heat wave. Observational and modeling studies were conducted to understand this unique phenomenon. Sea-breeze passage was found to be ultimately responsible for the collapses of the nocturnal UHI. Sea-breeze circulation developed along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico during the daytime. During the nighttime, the sea-breeze circulation was advected inland (as far as ~400 km) by the low-level jet-enhanced southerly flow, maintaining the characteristics of sea-breeze fronts, including the enhanced wind shear and vertical mixing. Ahead of the front, surface radiative cooling enhanced the near-surface temperature inversion in rural areas through the night with calm winds. During the frontal passage (around midnight at DFW), the enhanced vertical mixing at the leading edge of the fronts brought warmer air to the surface, leading to rural surface warming events. In contrast, urban effects led to a nearly neutral urban boundary layer. The enhanced mechanical mixing associated with sea-breeze fronts, therefore, did not increase urban surface temperature. The different responses to the sea-breeze frontal passages between rural (warming) and urban areas (no warming) led to the collapse of the UHI. The inland penetration of sea-breeze fronts at such large distances from the coast and their effects on UHI have not been documented in the literature.
Predictors of Posterior Glottic Stenosis
Authors: Hillel Alexander T. , Karatayli-Ozgursoy Selmin , Samad Idris , Best Simon R.A. , Pandian Vinciya , Giraldez Laureano , Gross Jennifer , Wootten Christopher , Gelbard Alexander , Akst Lee M. , Johns Michael M. ,   North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC)
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To assess intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors in the development of posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) in intubated patients.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with PGS between September 2012 and May 2014 at 3 tertiary care university hospitals were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, duration of intubation, endotracheal tube (ETT) size, and indication for intubation were recorded. Patients with PGS were compared to control patients represented by patients intubated in intensive care units (ICU).

Results:

Thirty-six PGS patients were identified. After exclusion, 28 PGS patients (14 male, 14 female) and 112 (65 male, 47 female) controls were studied. Multivariate analysis demonstrated ischemia ( P < .05), diabetes ( P < .01), and length of intubation ( P < .01) were significant risk factors for the development of PGS. Fourteen of 14 (100%) males were intubated with a size 8 or larger ETT compared to 47 of 65 (72.3%) male controls ( P < .05). Posterior glottic stenosis ( P < .01), length of intubation ( P < .001), and obstructive sleep apnea ( P < .05) were significant risk factors for tracheostomy.

Conclusion:

Duration of intubation, ischemia, diabetes mellitus, and large ETT size (8 or greater) in males were significant risk factors for the development of PGS. Reducing the use of size 8 ETTs and earlier planned tracheostomy in high-risk patients may reduce the incidence of PGS and improve ICU safety.
Office-Based Subglottic Evaluation in Children With Risk of Subglottic Hemangioma
Authors: Chun Robert H. , McCormick Michael E. , Martin Timothy , Drolet Beth A. , Kerschner Joseph E.
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

Children with V3 cutaneous infantile hemangiomas (IH) and PHACE syndrome have a high incidence for airway hemangioma, 29% and 52%, respectively. Therefore, a clinical evaluation for these high-risk children is essential. We report our experience with in-office lower airway evaluation (OLAE) in these high-risk children.

Results:

Since 2003, 5 children with IH of the V3 cutaneous distribution and 3 children with PHACE syndrome underwent OLAE. Average age of presentation was 2.75 months. Two children had stridor at initial evaluation, and 1 child had subglottic hemangioma. This child was evaluated serially with OLAE to monitor disease progression and treatment response. A total of 10 upper tracheoscopies were performed on the 8 patients without respiratory complications.

Conclusion:

An airway evaluation is essential to evaluate and manage this high-risk population. Typically, operative endoscopy requires general anesthesia. However, in these high-risk children, we have performed OLAE without sedation to evaluate the trachea. High-speed recording and playback is essential in this method. Our series demonstrates that awake OLAE is possible and may be a safe technique to evaluate and monitor disease progression in these high-risk patients. These patients avoided general anesthesia and delay in diagnosis and did not incur any complications during or after OLAE.
Speech Recognition in Noise by Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Vermeire Katrien , Knoop Allart , Boel Carolien , Auwers Silke , Schenus Laura , Talaveron-Rodriguez Marilina , De Boom Chloë , De Sloovere Marleen
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

Purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of aging on temporal resolution and speech understanding in noise.

Methods:

Twenty-seven young and 33 older normal hearing adults participated in this study. Temporal resolution was investigated using the Gaps in Noise (GIN) test. Understanding sentences in noise was investigated using a Dutch sentences (LIST) test.

Results:

Results demonstrated that older adults have significantly worse temporal resolution scores and significantly greater difficulty understanding sentences in noise than younger adults. In the group of older adults, the ability to understand sentences in noise correlated with hearing and age. A stepwise regression analysis showed that age was the best predictor for the speech in noise results. However, temporal resolution correlated with hearing, not with age. Results from the GIN test did not correlate with the results from the LIST test.

Conclusions:

The present study shows that with advancing age, both temporal resolution and speech understanding in noise significantly diminish. Temporal resolution correlates with hearing, not age, while speech understanding correlates more with age than hearing. These results could have implications for the outcome of auditory prostheses in older adults, as both diminished temporal resolution and speech understanding have to be taken into account.
Decoupling Corporate Social Orientations: A Cross-National Analysis
Authors: Jain Tanusree
Published: October 2015

This study examines the variations in corporate social orientations (CSOs) across developed and developing countries in the context of a legitimacy threat. Conceptualizing CSO as signals, the author develops and validates a seven-code index of CSO that identifies executive orientations toward multiple stakeholders. Using this index on CEO shareholder letters from the United States, Germany, and India, the author finds that firms signal a multi-stakeholder image toward employees, communities, and environment during good times to enhance their social license to operate, and yet such signals are not carried through during the threat period. This disconnect in signaling in the wake of a legitimacy threat is indicative of decoupling in corporate orientations and exposes the multi-dimensionality of the CSO concept. By adding a cross-national and temporal dimension, this research contributes toward better understanding the complexity behind CSOs and opens new areas for future research.
Experimental and numerical investigation of AS4/8552 interlaminar shear strength under impact loading conditions
Authors: Perogamvros Nikolaos G , Lampeas George N
Published: October 2015

The interlaminar shear behavior of AS4/8552 laminated short beam shear (SBS) coupons were experimentally and numerically investigated under static and impact loading conditions. Experiments were conducted in a range from quasi-static (1.7 × 10−5 m/s) to 3.9 m/s impact velocity using a testing device (ILSS device) that has been developed and adapted in a universal testing machine and a drop tower apparatus. Regarding the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) values, the experimental investigation showed a low to medium strain rate sensitivity with a 23% maximum ILSS decrease observed at the samples which were tested with the maximum impact speed. In the finite element framework, the novel “stacked shell” or “2.5D” approach is investigated in the simulation of the SBS impact tests; models comprising four stacked sublaminate arrangements were capable of predicting the respective experimental results, with the maximum deviations from the respective experimental data to appear in the cases of high impact velocity.
Understanding Cultural Identification Through Intersubjective Cultural Representation
Authors: Wan Ching
Published: October 2015

Intersubjective cultural representation refers to a collective’s common representation of a culture. Such representation provides a meaningful basis for individuals to develop identification with the culture. Specifically, the more an individual’s personal values are aligned with values intersubjectively represented to be important to a culture, the more strongly the individual would identify with the culture. Consideration of the role of intersubjective representation in cultural identification has implications for future research on the development of cultural identity, especially in multicultural contexts.
Extensive Reading Coursebooks in China
Authors: Renandya Willy A. , Hu Guangwei , Xiang Yu
Published: October 2015

This article reports on a principle-based evaluation of eight dedicated extensive reading coursebooks published in mainland China and used in many universities across the country. The aim is to determine the extent to which these coursebooks reflect a core set of nine second language acquisition and extensive reading principles. Our analysis shows that while some of the coursebooks contain features that comply with these principles to an extent, the rest exhibit features of traditional intensive reading coursebooks. Most of these coursebooks contain reading materials that are linguistically too demanding and tasks that are cognitively and affectively unappealing. As a result, they are unlikely to achieve their designated purposes.
Numerical and experimental studies of a radial truck tire with tread pattern
Authors: Wang Wei , Yan Shan , Zhao Yayuan
Published: October 2015

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element tire model with detailed tread pattern and a smooth tread tire model for comparison are constructed. The tire–rim and tire–road interactions are considered in these tire models. The static vertical loading and rolling procedures of the tire are simulated by using the ABAQUS code. Presented in this paper are the relationship between vertical loading and tire deflection, and the contact footprints, along with the pressure distribution achieved by the pressure-sensing pad experiment and the finite element tire modeling. The predicted results via the modeling method proposed in this study are in good agreement with experiments. In addition, the forces of belts, the deformation and strain energy density of tread blocks obtained from the tire model are also presented when the tire is in braking and traction rolling situations. The reliability of the proposed tire modeling methodology is validated.
Using Internet Search Data to Produce State-level Measures: The Case of Tea Party Mobilization
Authors: DiGrazia Joseph
Published: October 2015

This study proposes using Internet search data from search engines like Google to produce state-level metrics that are useful in social science research. Generally, state-level research relies on demographic statistics, official statistics produced by government agencies, or aggregated survey data. However, each of these data sources has serious limitations in terms of both the availability of the data and its ability to capture important concepts. This study demonstrates how state-level Google search measures can be produced and then demonstrates the effectiveness of such measures in an empirical case: predicting state-level Tea Party movement mobilization. Drawing on existing studies of the Tea Party movement and theories of right-wing and conservative mobilization, state-level Google search measures for anti-immigrant sentiment and economic distress are developed and compared to traditional metrics that are typically used to measure these concepts, such as the unemployment rate and the international immigration rate in their ability to successfully predict Tea Party event counts. The results show that the Google search measures are effective in predicting Tea Party mobilization in a way that is consistent with existing theory, while the traditional measures are not.
Anxiety and Depression in Bidirectional Relations Between Pain and Smoking
Authors: Zale Emily L. , Maisto Stephen A. , Ditre Joseph W.
Published: October 2015

Pain and tobacco smoking are highly prevalent and comorbid conditions that impose considerable burdens on individuals and health care systems. A recently proposed reciprocal model suggests that these conditions interact in a bidirectional manner, resulting in greater pain and the maintenance of tobacco addiction. Anxiety and depression are common among smokers in pain and have been identified as central mechanisms of interest. There is emerging evidence that smokers with anxiety/depression may experience more severe pain and functional impairment, greater pain-induced motivation to smoke, and increased sensitivity to pain during periods of smoking abstinence. Based on empirical findings, we hypothesize that these experiences may engender expectations that abstaining from smoking will exacerbate both pain and negative affect, thus eroding self-efficacy for smoking cessation and increasing perceived barriers to quitting. The goal of this narrative review is to examine the role of anxiety/depression in complex pain–smoking relations so as to advance evolving theoretical perspectives and inform the development of tailored interventions.
Team Turnover and Task Conflict: A Longitudinal Study on the Moderating Effects of Collective Experience
Authors: Kuypers Tom , Guenter Hannes , van Emmerik Hetty
Published: October 2015

Team turnover can be harmful to a team in many ways. This study examined whether a team’s collective experience (team organizational tenure) attenuates the association between team turnover and task conflict changes. Differing from prior research, our study used a longitudinal design to assess the effects of team turnover, accounting for the competence of those leaving the team. We built on context-emergent turnover theory and tested a random coefficient growth model by utilizing data from 74 health-care teams. We found support for the hypothesized interaction: The more collective experience the team had, the less likely it was that team turnover associated with increases in task conflict. We discuss implications for theory and practice.
The parameters of policy portfolios: verticality and horizontality in design spaces and their consequences for policy mix formulation
Authors: Howlett Michael , del Rio Pablo
Published: October 2015

Policies increasingly come in complex packages and understanding the nature of design criteria for such portfolios is increasingly important. However, existing studies of policy mixes fail to carefully define the dependent variable of the inquiry. As a result, theorization of policy design has lagged, the cumulative impact of empirical studies has not been great and understanding of the phenomena, despite many observations of its significance in policy studies, has not improved significantly over the past three decades. This paper aims to revitalize this important aspect of policy design work and policy studies by distinguishing between mix types and their impact on policy formulation. It defines key types and subtypes of mixes based on the complexity of design variables such as the number of goals, the number of policies and the number of levels of government and sectors involved in the design of a policy bundle. The taxonomy is then used to assess the validity and applicability of oft-cited but under-examined portfolio design principles and precepts.
The rugged border: Surveillance, policing and the dynamic materiality of the US/Mexico frontier
Authors: Boyce Geoffrey A
Published: October 2015

This paper explores US Department of Homeland Security surveillance programs in the United States/Mexico borderlands, with an emphasis on the quotidian role of a dynamic more-than-human landscape in frustrating the department’s enforcement practices and ambitions. The paper is based on several years’ ethnographic research in southern Arizona, archival research, and semi-structured interviews with current and former government personnel. By unpacking the quotidian challenges confronted by Homeland Security personnel, the paper contributes to a post-humanist theory of terrain, shifting the focus of geographic inquiry to the ways that the qualities of certain spaces, objects, and conditions may resist or impede everyday navigation, centralized vision or administrative practice. Yet, as the long saga of Department of Homeland Security surveillance initiatives would suggest, the impediments of terrain are by no means final or determinant. To think through this indeterminacy and its implications for the geographic composition of state practice, the paper proposes that the latter be approached “metabolically,” with state security and surveillance practices continuously animated by a dynamic exterior as agents and agencies seek to overcome tactical and strategic limitations by incorporating, digesting and subjecting ever-greater kinds and volumes of objects, bodies, landscapes, and data to centralized legibility and control.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio: a novel marker for predicting hospital mortality of patients with acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Kalkan Mehmet Emin , Kalkan Ali Kemal , Gündeş Ahmet , Yanartaş Mehmed , Oztürk Semi , Gurbuz Ahmet Seyfeddin , Ozturk Derya , Iyigun Taner , Akcakoyun Mustafa , Emiroglu Mehmet Yunus , Tuncer Mehmet Altuğ , Koksal Cengiz
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

The inflammatory process has been reported to be associated with aortic dissection (AD) from the development to the prognosis. The aim of the study was to investigate a relationship between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) who underwent surgical repair.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty-four patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of type A AAD who underwent surgical repair at two large tertiary hospitals. According to their NLR, 91 patients had high NLR (>6.0) and 93 patients had low NLR (⩽6.0).

Results:

The frequency of major bleeding, hospital-related infection, multi-organ dysfunction and mortality in hospital were higher in the high NLR group compared to the low NLR group. NLR, WBC count and operation duration were found to be independent predictors for in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions:

The novel inflammatory marker NLR may be used to predict worse outcomes and hospital mortality in patients with AAD treated by surgical repair.
Medial Subluxation of the Tibia After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture as Revealed by Standing Radiographs and Comparison With a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Thein Ran , Boorman-Padgett James , Khamaisy Saker , Zuiderbaan Hendrik A. , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Imhauser Carl W. , Pearle Andrew D.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Biomechanical studies indicate that the tibia shifts medially and has a more valgus orientation in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee. However, it is not known whether these differences can be detected on standing radiographs.

Purpose:

To determine whether medial subluxation and more changes in coronal alignment of the tibia are detectable in both weightbearing radiographs and a cadaveric model simulating quiet standing.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4, and Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Radiographic data were available for a cross-section of 74 patients with unilateral ACL tears. Tibial subluxation and coronal limb alignment were measured on hip-to-ankle weightbearing radiographs. Eight cadaveric knees were mounted on a 6 degree of freedom robot. Mediolateral position and varus-valgus alignment of the tibia relative to the femur were measured in response to 300-N axial compression simulating quiet standing at 5° and 15° of flexion with the ACL intact and sectioned.

Results:

Across all 74 patients included in the clinical study, the ACL-injured knee experienced 1.6 ± 2.3 mm (mean ± SD) of medial tibial subluxation compared with the contralateral uninjured knee ( P < .001). The 24 patients with isolated ACL rupture exhibited 2.0 ± 1.8 mm of medial subluxation ( P < .001). The mean coronal alignment of all 74 patients in the study was 0.7° ± 2.8° varus in the injured limb and 1.3° ± 2.6° varus in the uninjured contralateral limb ( P = .0187). In the cadaveric model, the tibia translated 0.4 ± 0.5 mm more medially after sectioning of the ACL at 15° of flexion ( P = .0485); however, no changes in coronal alignment were detected.

Conclusion:

The tibia shifts medially and is less varus in the ACL-deficient knee on standing radiographs. The medial tibial shift is reproduced in an axially loaded cadaveric model.

Clinical Relevance:

Medial tibiofemoral subluxation seen on frontal plane standing radiograph is an underappreciated sequela of isolated ACL rupture. The ability of ACL reconstruction to restore this aspect of ACL injury is not well understood and should be investigated further. Cadaveric models may be used to directly measure the mechanical effect of subtle changes in mediolateral position on articular contact stress as an indicator of the importance of this finding.
Tinospora cordifolia inhibits autoimmune arthritis by regulating key immune mediators of inflammation and bone damage
Authors: Sannegowda KM , Venkatesha SH , Moudgil KD
Published: October 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints leading to tissue damage. Despite the availability of potent drugs including the biologics, many patients fail to respond to them, whereas others suffer adverse effects following long-term use of these drugs. Accordingly, the use of natural herbal products by RA patients has been increasing over the years. However, limited information about the mechanism of action of these natural products is a major shortcoming that prevents the widespread acceptance of herbal therapy by professionals and patients alike. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-arthritic activity of Tinospora cordifolia extract (TCE) using the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model of human RA and elaborated the immune mechanisms underlying this effect. TCE treatment suppressed arthritic inflammation and bone and cartilage damage. The anti-inflammatory effect of TCE was mediated via reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as: IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17; the frequency of IL-17-producing T cells; and the production of chemokines such as RANTES. Furthermore, TCE treatment limited bone damage by shifting the balance of mediators of bone remodeling (e.g., receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand [RANKL] and MMP-9) in favor of anti-osteoclastic activity. Our results suggest that TCE and its bioactive components should be evaluated for their utility as therapeutic adjuncts to conventional drugs against RA.
Making an Opportunity
Authors: Ho Ming-sho
Published: October 2015

The debate over “political opportunity structure” has been a central issue in the contemporary social movement study. This article seeks to move beyond the structure/agency dispute by looking at how social movements make an opportunity by transforming an initially unfavorable political structure. I analyze Taiwan’s environmentalism, particularly the anti-Kuokuang Petrochemical Park movement (2005–2011) and the post-Fukushima antinuclear movement (2011–2014), to understand the process in which hostile or indifferent political elites were converted into a pro-environmental stand. I use the term strategic bipartisanship to identify the effort to build the nexus to mainstream parties while maintaining the façade of neutrality, which was made possible because of the dissolution of the previously tight movement-party nexus that allowed activists to leverage party competition to their own advantage.
Economic Threat and Protest Behavior in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Dodson Kyle
Published: October 2015

Resurgent interest in the role of economic threat in fostering movement participation has highlighted the importance of economic change. However, many of the insights of this approach are drawn from case studies of specific movements. Comparative research on economic threat has been relatively absent, leaving open the possibility that the influence of threat is limited to certain contexts. To remedy the empirical gap, this study takes advantage of a standardized, cross-national dataset (the 2004 International Social Survey Programme) to evaluate the recent claims. Using changes in the unemployment rate as a measure of economic threat, the results suggest that the mobilizing effects of economic uncertainty are strongest among those individuals who are most vulnerable to economic change—in this case, manual workers in liberal welfare states. By contrast, workers with more economic protection—either by virtue of their occupational position or their access to a more generous welfare system—are largely unresponsive to changing labor market conditions. The findings highlight the relevance of two sources of economic protection: social class at the individual level and welfare policies at the national level. The importance of focusing on the intersection of these levels and the benefits of a comparative approach to understanding the emergence of economic threat are discussed in conclusion.
Expanding worldwide urban solid waste recycling: The Brazilian social technology in waste pickers inclusion
Authors: Rutkowski Jacqueline E , Rutkowski Emília W
Published: October 2015

‘If an integrated urban waste management system includes the informal recycling sector (IRS), there is a good chance that more solid waste is recycled’ is common sense. However, informal integration brings additional social, environmental, and economic benefits, such as reduction of operational costs and environmental impacts of landfilling. Brazil is a global best practice example in terms of waste picker inclusion, and has received international recognition for its recycling levels. In addition to analysing the results of inclusive recycling approaches, this article evaluates a selection of the best Brazilian inclusive recycling practices and summaries and presents the resulting knowledge. The objective is to identify processes that enable the replication of the inclusion of the informal recycling sector model as part of municipal solid waste management. Qualitative and quantitative data have been collected in 25 Brazilian cities that have contracted waste pickers co-operatives for door-to-door selective collection of recyclables. Field data was collected in action research projects that worked with waste pickers co-operatives between 2006 and 2013. The Brazilian informal recycling sector integration model improves municipal solid waste recycling indicators: it shows an increase in the net tonness recycled, from 140 to 208 t month-1, at a much lower cost per tonne than conventional selective collection systems. Inclusive systems show costs of US$35 per tonne of recyclables collected, well below the national average of US$195.26. This inclusive model improves the quality of collected material and the efficiency of municipal selective collection. It also diminishes the negative impacts of informal recycling, by reducing child labour, and by improving the conditions of work, occupational health and safety, and uncontrolled pollution. Although treating the Brazilian experience as a blueprint for transfer of experience in every case is unrealistic, the results suggest that this approach to informal sector integration can be considered among the global best practices for informal sector integration. The article closes with recommendations for deploying technology in other urban areas throughout the world.
Fast methodology to design the optimal collection point locations and number of waste bins: A case study
Authors: Boskovic Goran , Jovicic Nebojsa
Published: October 2015

This paper concerns the development of a methodology aimed at determining the optimal number of waste bins as well optimizing the location of collection points. The methodology was based on a geographic information system, which handled different sets of information, such as street directions, spatial location of objects and number of inhabitants, location of waste bins, and radius of their coverage. The study was conducted in a district in the central area of the city of Kragujevac. Due to a lack of information about the existing situation, all necessary data was collected by fieldwork and by using GPS equipment. By using the developed methodology, the results indicated a reduction of 24% in the number of collection points and 33.5% in the number of waste bins, without reducing the quality of the provided services. It has led to cost and time savings for waste collection and environmental benefits. All users of the services were covered within a 75-m radius, and the usage of bins is more efficient. According to the reduction in the number of waste bins, a total amount of €26 000 may be achieved. In addition, the time for waste collection was reduced, resulting in a €1700 saving per year in fuel costs, as well as 4.5 tons of emitted CO2 into the atmosphere.