bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of top managers in determining investment in innovation: The case of small and medium-sized enterprises in India
Authors: Collins Jamie D , Reutzel Christopher R
Published: February 2017

This article examines the role of top managers in shaping the innovation investment actions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. Survey responses from 477 top managers of Indian SMEs suggest that investment in innovation is influenced by top manager perceptions of innovation opportunity attractiveness, as well as ability to appropriate innovation investment value. Specifically, the results indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between top manager entrepreneurial orientation and firm investment in innovation. They also suggest that top manager perceptions of environmental munificence, firm resource management capabilities, and organizational controls are positively related to firm investment in innovation.
High Value-Added Business Angels at post-investment stages: Key predictors
Authors: Hoyos-Iruarrizaga Jon , Fernández-Sainz Ana , Saiz-Santos María
Published: February 2017

This article examines the differences and features displayed by business angels (BAs), depending on the extent of their involvement with, and support for, the start-ups they finance measured by expertise, experience and contacts. With a sample of 293 Spanish BAs, using data obtained from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey, our results indicate that investors who develop more rigorous screening processes in the pre-investment process and hold regular meetings with founder teams are more likely to become High Value-Added Business Angels (HVBAs). Accordingly, the ability of BAs to transfer so-called ‘smart capital’ is conditioned by the levels of screening and assessment applied at the pre-investment stage in terms of both the quality of projects and founder teams and the extent to which the expectations and profiles of the two parties match.
Subordinated complacency, ferocious rivalry, or equitable work
Authors: Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D. , Martinez-Villa Basilio A.
Published: February 2017

This article presents three deviations from the Separation of Powers Principle ( trias politica) as they have taken place in Mexico and Venezuela: the increment in the amount of state powers, the subordination of powers to the agenda of a unique political tendency with the subsequent nullification of the power that is acting in an independent way, and the creation of constitutional autonomous institutes or entities. It suggests that governments can become complex self-referential systems that avoid public consultation of political decisions and the free formation of citizens’ informed and educated opinions that are much needed for a country’s development in a democracy.
Multiple Risk Behaviors Among African American and Hispanic Boys
Authors: Yarnell Lisa M. , Pasch Keryn E. , Perry Cheryl L. , Komro Kelli A.
Published: February 2017

This study examined multiple risk behaviors (violence, delinquency, and substance use) among 240 African American and 262 Hispanic preadolescent boys from urban schools in the Midwest United States. Latent transition analysis allowed patterns of multivariate risk to emerge uniquely within and across these ethnic groups, highlighting patterns for subgroups that are overlooked by common aggregate statistics. Results revealed four risk classes for each ethnic group, with nuanced probabilities of endorsement and transition across classes and ethnic groups. Involvement with police and more severe use of substances were distinguishing factors of higher risk classes. African American boys showed a tendency to transition between risk classes over time, while Hispanic boys tended to exhibit stability. Personal involvement in school and community action among parents were highlighted as protective factors. Suggestions for prevention programming based on results include early timing, addressing criminal justice involvement, providing academic enrichment programs, and promoting community action among parents.
Direct tension-dependent flexural behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes
Authors: Nguyen Duy-Liem , Thai Duc-Kien , Kim Dong-Joo
Published: February 2017

This research investigated the effects of direct tensile response on the flexural resistance of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes by performing sectional analysis. The correlations between direct tensile and flexural response of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes were investigated in detail for the development of a design code of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete flexural members as follows: (1) the tensile resistance of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes right after first-cracking in tension should be higher than one-third of the first-cracking strength to obtain the deflection-hardening if the ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes show tensile strain-softening response; (2) the equivalent bottom strain of flexural member at the modulus of rupture is always higher than the strain capacity of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes in tension; (3) the softening part in the direct tensile response of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes significantly affects their flexural resistance; and (4) the moment resistance of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete girders is more significantly influenced by the post-cracking tensile strength rather than the tensile strain capacity. Moreover, the size and geometry effects should be carefully considered in predicting the moment capacity of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete beams.
Optimal reactive power controller for wind-driven stand-alone doubly fed induction generators
Authors: Navin Sam K , Kumaresan N , Ammasai Gounden N , Katyal R
Published: February 2017

A control strategy has been proposed for minimising the machine loss by optimally sharing the reactive power at the stator and rotor terminals of stand-alone doubly fed induction generator. For achieving this, fixed capacitor along with static synchronous compensator at the stator terminals has been employed apart from battery inverter system at the rotor terminals. A TMS320LF2407A digital signal processor–based controller has been developed for maintaining the stator voltage magnitude and frequency. A method has been developed for calculating the optimal reactive power at the stator terminals using the steady-state equivalent circuit of the proposed system. An analogue circuit–based optimal reactive power controller has been designed and fabricated in the laboratory for supplying this optimal reactive power at the stator terminals for all operating conditions. The salient feature of the proposed optimal reactive power controller is that it needs to monitor only the reference value of reactive power at the stator terminals for any operating conditions. The successful working of the proposed controller has been amply demonstrated through extensive analytical and experimental results obtained on a three-phase, four-pole, 415 V, 50 Hz, 5 kVA doubly fed induction generator.
Association of the Female Athlete Triad Risk Assessment Stratification to the Development of Bone Stress Injuries in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Carlson Jennifer L. , Chang Audrey , Sainani Kristin L. , Shultz Rebecca , Kim Jae Hyung , Cutti Phil , Golden Neville H. , Fredericson Michael
Published: February 2017

Background:

The female athlete triad (referred to as the triad) contributes to adverse health outcomes, including bone stress injuries (BSIs), in female athletes. Guidelines were published in 2014 for clinical management of athletes affected by the triad.

Purpose:

This study aimed to (1) classify athletes from a collegiate population of 16 sports into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories using the Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment score and (2) evaluate the predictive value of the risk categories for subsequent BSIs.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 323 athletes completed both electronic preparticipation physical examination and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Of these, 239 athletes with known oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea status were assigned to a low-, moderate-, or high-risk category. Chart review was used to identify athletes who sustained a subsequent BSI during collegiate sports participation; the injury required a physician diagnosis and imaging confirmation.

Results:

Of 239 athletes, 61 (25.5%) were classified into moderate-risk and 9 (3.8%) into high-risk categories. Sports with the highest proportion of athletes assigned to the moderate- and high-risk categories included gymnastics (56.3%), lacrosse (50%), cross-country (48.9%), swimming/diving (42.9%), sailing (33%), and volleyball (33%). Twenty-five athletes (10.5%) assigned to risk categories sustained ≥1 BSI. Cross-country runners contributed the majority of BSIs (16; 64%). After adjusting for age and participation in cross-country, we found that moderate-risk athletes were twice as likely as low-risk athletes to sustain a BSI (risk ratio [RR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.3-5.5) and high-risk athletes were nearly 4 times as likely (RR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.8-8.0). When examining the 6 individual components of the triad risk assessment score, both the oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea score ( P = .0069) and the prior stress fracture/reaction score ( P = .0315) were identified as independent predictors for subsequent BSIs (after adjusting for cross-country participation and age).

Conclusion:

Using published guidelines, 29% of female collegiate athletes in this study were classified into moderate- or high-risk categories using the Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment Score. Moderate- and high-risk athletes were more likely to subsequently sustain a BSI; most BSIs were sustained by cross-country runners.
Simulating Data for Clinical Research: A Tutorial
Authors: Beaujean A. Alexander
Published: February 2017

Simulation studies use computer-generated data to examine questions of interest that have traditionally been used to study properties of statistics and estimating algorithms. With the recent advent of powerful processing capabilities in affordable computers along with readily usable software, it is now feasible to use a simulation study to aid in clinical decision making. By simulating large quantities of data that mimic clinical situations, it is possible to understand the ramifications of different decisions better than using tangentially relevant data or intuition. In this tutorial article, I describe the general steps in conducting a simulation study with particular emphasis on clinical decision making. I conclude with a didactic example taken from clinical literature on identifying a specific learning disability.
Comparison of the electrochemical machinability of electron beam melted and casted gamma titanium aluminide TNB-V5
Authors: Klocke Fritz , Herrig Tim , Zeis Markus , Klink Andreas
Published: February 2017

Additive manufacturing technologies are becoming more and more important for the implementation of efficient process chains. Due to the possibility of a near net shape, manufacturing time for finish-machining can significantly be reduced. Especially for conventionally hard to machine materials like gamma titanium aluminides (γ-TiAl), this manufacturing process is very attractive. Nevertheless, for most applications, a rework of these generative components is necessary. Independently of the mechanical material properties, electrochemical machining is one promising technology of machining these materials. Major advantages of electrochemical machining are its process-specific characteristics of high material removal rates in combination with almost no tool wear. But electrochemical machining results are highly dependent on the microstructure of the material regarding the surface roughness. Therefore, this article deals with research on electrochemical machining of electron beam melted γ-TiAl TNB-V5 compared to a casted form of this alloy. The difference between the specific removal rates as a function of current density is investigated using electrolytes based on sodium nitrate and sodium chloride. Moreover, the dissolving behavior of the electron beam melted and casted structure is analyzed by potentiostatic polarization curves. The surface roughness is heavily dependent on a homogeneous dissolution behavior of the microstructure. Thus, the mean roughness as a function of current density is investigated as well as rim zone analyses of the different structures.
Essence or experience? A new direction for African psychology
Authors: Long Wahbie
Published: February 2017

This article examines the attempts of psychologists in South Africa to “Africanize” the discipline. Beginning with a brief history of psychology on the continent, it contextualizes the call for an African psychology by outlining the state of the broader discipline in post-apartheid South Africa as well as the emergence of Afrocentric psychology in the United States. The article interrogates further the notion of an “African worldview” and suggests that Afrocentric psychologists remain beholden to Eurocentric audiences—the result of their continued marginalization by a Eurocentric discipline. Drawing on Fanon’s image of a Manichean psychology, the paper argues that African psychology—instead of organizing itself around cultural questions—must commit itself to a psychological analysis of the violence that exemplifies life in South Africa.
The e-book war in Denmark
Authors: Worsøe-Schmidt Lisbeth
Published: February 2017

The aim is to investigate how digitisation and in particular e-books have changed relations between private players and public institutions within the Danish book world through a case study of eReolen, a private-public partnership functioning as common platform for public libraries’ lending of e-books in Denmark. Traditional and new models of the book world are discussed as the basis of understanding relations between the players. A new way of analysing the field outlined by literary sociologist, Professor Johan Svedjedal, is adopted. The main conclusions are that the lending of e-books has disrupted the traditional understanding and interaction between the public library system and the commercial book market. In addition, the Danish library system through the partnership has taken on a new function in relation to the commercial market, namely acting as the engine in building a market for Danish e-books.
A novel gearbox fault feature extraction and classification using Hilbert empirical wavelet transform, singular value decomposition, and SOM neural network
Authors: Merainani Boualem , Rahmoune Chemseddine , Benazzouz Djamel , Ould-Bouamama Belkacem
Published: February 2017

There are growing demands for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of rotating machinery to lower unscheduled breakdown. Gearboxes are one of the fundamental components of rotating machinery; their faults identification and classification always draw a lot of attention. However, non-stationary vibration signals and low energy of weak faults makes this task challenging in many cases. Thus, a new fault diagnosis method which combines the Hilbert empirical wavelet transform (HEWT), singular value decomposition (SVD), and self-organizing feature map (SOM) neural network is proposed in this paper. HEWT, a new self-adaptive time-frequency analysis was applied to the vibration signals to obtain the instantaneous amplitude matrices. Then, the singular value vectors, as the fault feature vectors were acquired by applying the SVD. Last, the SOM was used for automatic gearbox fault identification and classification. An electromechanical model comprising an induction motor coupled with a single stage spur gearbox is considered where the vibration signals of four typical operation modes were simulated. The conditions include the healthy gearbox, input shaft slant crack, tooth cracking, and tooth surface pitting. Obtained results show that the proposed method effectively identifies the gearbox faults at an early stage and realizes automatic fault diagnosis. Moreover, performance evaluation and comparison between the proposed HEWT–SVD method and Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT)–SVD approach show that the HEWT–SVD is better for feature extraction.
Structural control and biomechanical tremor suppression: Comparison between different types of passive absorber
Authors: Gebai Sarah , Hammoud Mohammad , Hallal Ali , AL Shaer Ali
Published: February 2017

Active and semi-active control devices can be used as advanced and accurate controllers to reduce the undesired vibration of a structure. However, some of these controllers may have a complex design, especially for systems excited with multi-degree-of-freedom frequencies, which demand the use of high anti-fatigue material properties, and others that may require a large power source. So, improvements in the design of passive controllers are of high interest for researchers. These controllers have a very simple design and aim to counteract vibration with no power requirements. In this paper, six different passive controllers were designed to analyze and compare their performance. The performance is considered in terms of the percentage of reduction in the primary system’s displacement amplitude and the bandwidth of each designed passive controller. The system of interest is taken as the three-degree-of-freedom dynamic hand system reflecting the behavior of Parkinsonian patients. Four joint muscles operating at two resonance harmonic excitation frequencies are considered to produce movements. Each controller was attached to the forearm of the hand set in the horizontal plane to analyze their capability in reducing the rest tremor (3–7 Hz) at the proximal joint. The dual series elastic–viscous absorber is shown to be a very effective controller. It is formed from a series connection between an elastic absorber (mass–spring) and a viscous absorber (mass–dashpot). It causes about 80% reduction in tremor amplitude with 4 Hz wide frequency band at the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. This range of operational frequency is close to that of healthy cases, 4.5 Hz.
Employing MPI_T in MPI Advisor to optimize application performance
Authors: Gallardo Esthela , Vienne Jérôme , Fialho Leonardo , Teller Patricia , Browne James
Published: February 2017

MPI_T, the MPI Tool Information Interface, was introduced in the MPI 3.0 standard with the aim of enabling the development of more effective tools to support the Message Passing Interface (MPI), a standardized and portable message-passing system that is widely used in parallel programs. Most MPI optimization tools do not yet employ MPI_T and only describe the interactions between an application and an MPI library, thus requiring that users have expert knowledge to translate this information into optimizations. In contrast, MPI Advisor, a recently developed, easy-to-use methodology and tool for MPI performance optimization, pioneered the use of information provided by MPI_T to characterize the communication behaviors of an application and identify an MPI configuration that may enhance application performance. In addition to enabling the recommendation of performance optimizations, MPI_T has the potential to enable automatic runtime application of these optimizations. Optimization of MPI configurations is important because: (1) the vast majority of parallel applications executed on high-performance computing clusters use MPI for communication among processes, (2) most users execute their programs using the cluster’s default MPI configuration, and (3) while default configurations may give adequate performance, it is well known that optimizing the MPI runtime environment can significantly improve application performance, in particular, when the way in which the application is executed and/or the application’s input changes. This paper provides an overview of MPI_T, describes how it can be used to develop more effective MPI optimization tools, and demonstrates its use within an extended version of MPI Advisor. In doing the latter, it presents several MPI configuration choices that can significantly impact performance, shows how use of information collected at runtime with MPI_T and PMPI can be used to enhance performance, and presents MPI Advisor case studies of these configuration optimizations with performance gains of up to 40%.
Impact of DPP-4 inhibition on acute and chronic endothelial function in humans with type 2 diabetes on background metformin therapy
Authors: Widlansky Michael E , Puppala Venkata K , Suboc Tisha M , Malik Mobin , Branum Amberly , Signorelli Kara , Wang Jingli , Ying Rong , Tanner Michael J , Tyagi Sudhi
Published: February 2017

Cell culture and animal work indicate that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition may exert cardiovascular benefits through favorable effects on the vascular endothelium. Prior human studies evaluating DPP-4 inhibition have shown conflicting results that may in part be related to heterogeneity of background anti-diabetes therapies. No study has evaluated the acute response of the vasculature to DPP-4 inhibition in humans. We recruited 38 patients with type 2 diabetes on stable background metformin therapy for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of DPP-4 inhibition with sitagliptin (100 mg/day). Each treatment period was 8 weeks long separated by 4 weeks of washout. Endothelial function and plasma markers of endothelial activation (intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)) were measured prior to and 2 hours following acute dosing of sitagliptin or placebo, as well as following 8 weeks of intervention with each pill. Thirty subjects completed the study and were included in analyses. Neither acute nor chronic sitagliptin therapy resulted in significant changes in vascular endothelial function. While post-acute sitagliptin ICAM-1 levels were lower than that post-chronic sitagliptin, the ICAM-1 concentration was not significantly different than pre-acute sitagliptin levels or levels measured in relationship to placebo. There were no significant changes in plasma VCAM-1 levels at any time point. Acute and chronic sitagliptin therapies have neutral effects on the vascular endothelium in the setting of metformin background therapy. In conclusion, our findings suggest DPP-4 inhibition has a neutral effect on cardiovascular risk in patients without a history of heart failure or renal insufficiency. Trial Registration: NCT01859793
Selling and consuming the nation: Understanding consumer nationalism
Authors: Castelló Enric , Mihelj Sabina
Published: February 2017

In recent years, nations have regained prominence as central symbols of political unity and mobilization, and proved capable of serving political goals across the political spectrum. Yet, the current revival of the national extends well beyond the realm of politics; it is anchored in the logic of global capitalism, and has become inextricably intertwined with the practices of promotion and consumption. Our article seeks to map the interface between nationalism and economic life, and bring some clarity to the so far fragmented debate on the topic, which developed under diverse headings such as ‘economic nationalism’, ‘nation branding’, ‘consumer ethnocentrism’ and ‘commercial nationalism’. We focus more closely on developing the concept of consumer nationalism, which received little sustained attention in cultural studies and in social sciences and humanities more generally. We offer a definition of consumer nationalism, situate it vis-a-vis the broader phenomena of economic nationalism and political consumerism, and propose an analytical distinction between political consumer nationalism and symbolic consumer nationalism. Drawing on existing literature we then consider a range of examples and examine how these two forms of consumer nationalism become involved in the reproduction of nationalism, taking into account both consciously nationalist discourses and practices as well as the more banal, everyday forms of nationalism.
Dose-dependent immunomodulating effects of endotoxin in allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Adhikari Atin
Published: February 2017

How very high exposure levels to endotoxin in a farming environment provide protection against respiratory allergic symptoms and low-to-moderate levels of endotoxin in urban homes promote allergic response is unclear. Dose-specific bacterial endotoxin or LPS-induced tolerance mechanisms can affect lung inflammations, coupled with the Th2 immune responses. Here, we explored the effects of intranasal exposure of LPS at two different doses (based on occupational exposures during handling of agricultural wastes) in OVA-sensitized allergic wild type (WT) and TLR4-KO mice, particularly, with respect to Th2 cytokines and Tregs level. Low-dose LPS (100 ng) exposure prohibited airway tolerance and failed to generate T-cell-dependent protection against lung inflammations in allergic mice. Furthermore, low Tregs at the inflammatory site and induced Th2 cytokines, as well as IL-6 and IL-25, suggested that low-dose LPS might be associated with the suppression of tolerance mechanisms. In contrast, high-dose LPS (20 µg) favored the suppression of Th2 cytokines, IL-6 and IL-25, but failed to induce Th1 cytokines (e.g. IFN-γ). Our results suggest that low-dose LPS can enhance airway allergic inflammation through failing of antigen-dependent immune regulatory homeostasis. The exposure levels of LPS can determine the generation of inflammatory responses in airway allergy.
Timing of Lower Extremity Injuries in Competition and Practice in High School Sports
Authors: Nagle Kyle , Johnson Bernadette , Brou Lina , Landman Tyler , Sochanska Ada , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: February 2017

Background:

Laboratory-based experiments demonstrate that fatigue may contribute to lower extremity injury (LEI). Few studies have examined the timing of LEIs during competition and practice, specifically in high school athletes across multiple sports, to consider the possible relationship between fatigue and LEIs during sport events.

Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to describe the timing of LEIs in high school athletes within games and practices across multiple sports, with a hypothesis that more and severe injuries occur later in games and practices.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Using the National High School RIO (Reporting Information Online) sport injury surveillance system, LEI severity and time of occurrence data during practice and competition were extracted for 9 high school sports.

Results:

During the school years 2005-2006 through 2013-2014, 16,967,702 athlete exposures and 19,676 total LEIs were examined. In all sports surveyed, there was a higher LEI rate, relative risk for LEI, and LEI requiring surgery during competition than practice. During practice, the majority of LEIs occurred over an hour into practice in all sports. In quarter-based competition, more LEIs occurred in the second (31% to 32%) and third quarters (30% to 35%) than in the first (11% to 15%) and fourth quarters (22% to 26%). In games with halves, the majority (53% to 66%) of LEIs occurred in the second half. The greater severity LEIs tended to occur earlier in games.

Conclusion:

Fatigue may play a role in the predominance of injuries in the second half of games, though various factors may be involved. Greater severity of injuries earlier in games may be because of higher energy injuries when athletes are not fatigued.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings can help prepare sports medicine personnel and guide further related research to prevent LEIs.
Reducing the blame culture through clinical audit in nuclear medicine: a mixed methods study
Authors: Ross P , Hubert J , Wong WL
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To identify the barriers and facilitators of doctors’ engagement with clinical audit and to explore how and why these factors influenced doctors’ decisions to engage with the NHS National Clinical Audit Programme.

Design

A single-embedded case study. Mixed methods sequential approach with explorative pilot study and follow-up survey. Pilot study comprised 13 semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected consultant doctors over a six-month period. Interview data coded and analysed using directed thematic content analysis with themes compared against the study’s propositions. Themes derived from the pilot study informed the online survey question items. Exploratory factor analysis using STATA and descriptive statistical methods applied to summarise findings. Data triangulation techniques used to corroborate and validate findings across the different methodological techniques.

Setting

NHS National PET-CT Clinical Audit Programme.

Participants

Doctors reporting on the Audit Programme.

Main Outcome measures

Extent of engagement with clinical audit, factors that influence engagement with clinical audit.

Results

Online survey: 58/59 doctors responded (98.3%). Audit was found to be initially threatening (79%); audit was reassuring (85%); audit helped validate professional competence (93%); participation in audit improved reporting skills (76%). Three key factors accounted for 97.6% of the variance in survey responses: (1) perception of audit’s usefulness, (2) a common purpose, (3) a supportive blame free culture of trust. Factor 1 influenced medical engagement most.

Conclusions

The study documents performance feedback as a key facilitator of medical engagement with clinical audit. It found that medical engagement with clinical audit was associated with reduced levels of professional anxiety and higher levels of perceived self-efficacy.
Venous haemodynamics of Jet Impulse Technology within a lower limb fibreglass cast: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Braithwaite Irene , Mackintosh Stephen , Buchanan Samantha , Schwarzenlander Kerstin , De Ruyter Bernadette
Published: February 2017

Objectives

We investigated popliteal venous haemodynamics of the VenaJet Jet Impulse Technology system within a below-knee fibreglass cast.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Participants

Twenty-four healthy participants aged 18–54 had both feet placed within the Jet Impulse Technology system and were randomised for one or other leg to be within a below-knee fibreglass cast.

Setting

Pacific Radiology, Lower Hutt, Wellington

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome variable was peak systolic velocity (cm/s) compared between legs with and without the cast at 60 min (after 10 min Jet Impulse Technology activation), using a mixed linear model and a non-inferiority bound of 4.8 cm/s. Secondary outcome variables were the difference in peak systolic velocity between the casted limb and the non-casted limb at baseline and 40 min after casting, and the difference in mean flow velocity (cm/s), vein diameter (mm), and total volume flow (L/min) between the casted limb and the non-casted limb at baseline, 40 and 60 min.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) peak systolic velocity was 4.6(1.5), 4.8(1.1), 28.8(16.1), and 4.3(1.2), 4.8(1.4) and 29.3(19.0) cm/s at baseline, 40 and 60 min in the casted and non-casted leg, respectively. The difference (95% confidence interval) between cast and no-cast at 60 min was −0.8 (−6.5 to 4.9) cm/s, P = 0.78. The peak systolic velocity, flow velocity and total volume flow at 40 min were not statistically significantly different from baseline for both casted and non-casted limb.

Conclusion

In healthy volunteers, the popliteal venous haemodynamics of the Jet Impulse Technology system was similar between the legs with and without a below-knee fibreglass cast. In-cast Jet Impulse Technology may provide a non-pharmacological option for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for lower-limb cast-immobility.
Concurrent subarachnoid haemorrhage and ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Tan Joon H , Uddin Akhlaque , Fernandez Juan P
Published: February 2017

Rare case of concurrent subarachnoid haemorrhage and ST elevation myocardial infarction, highlighting the importance of detailed history in an emergency.
An essential role of virus-infected B cells in the marmoset experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model
Authors: ’t Hart Bert A , Kap Yolanda S
Published: February 2017

Infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with an enhanced risk of genetically susceptible individuals to develop multiple sclerosis (MS). However, an explanation for the contrast between the high EBV infection prevalence (60–90%) and the low MS prevalence (0.1%) eludes us. Here we propose a new concept for the EBV–MS association developed in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model in marmoset monkeys, which are naturally infected with the EBV-related γ1-herpesvirus CalHV3. The data indicate that the infection of B cells with a γ1-herpesvirus endows them with the capacity to activate auto-aggressive CD8+ T cells specific for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein.
What Factors Are Associated With Medicaid Patients’ Use of Health Centers?
Authors: Gao Yihe N. , Nocon Robert S. , Sharma Ravi , Huang Elbert S.
Published: February 2017

Objective: To identify patient and neighborhood factors associated with health center (HC) use. Methods: A cross-sectional study of Medicaid fee-for-service claims in 2009 comparing HC users and nonusers. Results: Dually eligible patients (odds ratio [OR] 95% CI = [0.60, 0.61]) and those with high chronic disease burden (OR 95% CI = [0.73, 0.74]) had lower odds of HC use. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families participants (OR 95% CI = [1.20, 1.24]), black (OR 95% CI = [1.33, 1.36]) and Hispanic (OR 95% CI = [1.22, 1.25]) beneficiaries had higher odds. Local HC presence predicted higher HC use (OR 95% CI = [2.63, 2.70]). Conclusion: Findings may be useful in steering HC policies affecting critical access for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Functional outcome of patients with unstable pelvic ring fracture
Authors: Kokubo Yasuo , Oki Hisashi , Sugita Daisuke , Takeno Kenichi , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Negoro Kohei , Nakajima Hideaki
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that correlated with unsatisfactory short- and long-term outcome in patients who sustained unstable pelvic ring fracture. The study subjects of this study were those of type B and C pelvic ring fractures (82 patients; mean age 54 years). Age, gender, associated injuries, fracture type, Injury Severity Score rating and treatment methods were assessed, and Majeed score for functional outcome and radiographic studies at 1 year after injury (short-term) and at final follow-up (long-term), with mean follow-up of 98 months were analyzed. Significant univariate factors ( p < 0.05) were entered in a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the independent predictors of unsatisfactory functional outcome. Univariate analysis showed that fractures of the lower extremity, nerve damage, conservative treatment, and radiological outcome correlated with unsatisfactory short-term functional outcome, while female gender, brain injury, nerve damage, conservative treatment, fracture location at the posterior portion of pelvic ring, radiological outcome, and pure sacroiliac dislocation only for type C fracture correlated with unsatisfactory long-term outcome. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified fractures of the lower extremity (odds ratio (OR): 5.364), conservative treatment (OR: 13.690), and nerve damage (OR: 21.392) as determinants of unsatisfactory short-term functional outcome and nerve damage (OR: 66.926) and poor radiological results (OR: 33.944) as determinant of long-term functional outcome. In patients with unstable pelvic ring injury, fractures of the lower extremity, conservative therapy, and nerve damage influenced short-term functional outcome, while that nerve damage and the pelvic ring displacement over 20 mm negatively affected long-term outcome.
An urban sprawl index based on multivariate and Bayesian factor analysis with application at the municipality level in Valencia
Authors: Gielen Eric , Riutort-Mayol Gabriel , Palencia-Jiménez José Sergio , Cantarino Isidro
Published: February 2017

Urban sprawl is now a common and threatening phenomenon in Europe, severely affecting environmental and economic sustainability. An analytical characterization and measurement of urban sprawl are required to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon and to propose the possible solutions. Traditional factor analysis techniques, especially Principal Component Analysis and Factor Analysis, have been commonly used. In this paper, we additionally test Independent Component Analysis with the aim to obtain a multidimensional characterization of the sprawl phenomenon. We also use Bayesian Factor Analysis to obtain a single (unidimensional) measuring index of sprawl, which also allows us to obtain the uncertainty of the inferred index, in contrast to traditional approaches. All these techniques have been applied to study the phenomenon of urban sprawl at the municipality level in Valencia, Spain using a wide set of variables related to the characteristics and patterns of urban land use.
Case Series of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangiomas
Authors: Kim Han , Wang Angeline , Mititelu Mihai
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To describe circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) management in the era of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 11 patients (4 men and 7 women; mean age: 47 years) who were treated at University of Wisconsin for CCH between January 1, 2009 and June 1, 2015, using photodynamic therapy (PDT), intravitreal bevacizumab, or a combination of both PDT and bevacizumab. We define change in visual acuity with each treatment as change in Snellen visual acuity from the day of treatment compared to the follow-up appointment closest to the 3-month posttreatment time point. We report visual acuity score (VAS) by converting Snellen visual acuity using the formula, VAS = 100 − 50 × logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution.

Results:

We treated 7 eyes with PDT only, 1 eye with bevacizumab only, and 4 eyes with combined PDT and bevacizumab. In the PDT-only group, visual acuity improved in 4 eyes, stabilized in 2 eyes, and worsened in 1 eye (average +7.8 letters by VAS). In the 1 eye treated with bevacizumab alone, visual acuity improved by 2.6 letters by VAS. In the combined group, visual acuity improved in 3 eyes and stabilized in 1 eye (average +6.2 letters by VAS).

Conclusion:

Our study supports the effectiveness and safety of PDT as a primary treatment modality. In addition, our study suggests the independent efficacy of bevacizumab monotherapy in select patients, the synergistic response to bevacizumab with repeated PDT, and potentially reduction of PDT treatments by adding bevacizumab to the treatment protocol.
C-reactive protein level predicts mortality in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leuzzi Giovanni , Galeone Carlotta , Taverna Francesca , Suatoni Paola , Morelli Daniele , Pastorino Ugo
Published: February 2017

The prognostic role of baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial. In order to clarify this issue, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the predictive effect of baseline CRP level in COPD patients. 15 eligible articles focusing on late mortality in COPD were included in our study. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis, and assessed heterogeneity and publication bias. We pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimates and their 95% confidence intervals on mortality for the comparison between the study-specific highest category of CRP levelversusthe lowest category. In overall analysis, elevated baseline CRP levels were significantly associated with higher mortality (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.32–1.77,I2=68.7%, p<0.001). Similar results were observed across subgroups. However, higher mortality risk was reported in studies using a cut-off value of 3 mg·L−1(HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12–2.30) and in those enrolling an Asiatic population (HR 3.51, 95% CI 1.69–7.31). Our analysis indicates that baseline high CRP level is significantly associated with higher late mortality in patients with COPD. Further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these data.
Acute high-altitude sickness
Authors: Luks Andrew M. , Swenson Erik R. , Bärtsch Peter
Published: February 2017

At any point 1–5 days following ascent to altitudes ≥2500 m, individuals are at risk of developing one of three forms of acute altitude illness: acute mountain sickness, a syndrome of nonspecific symptoms including headache, lassitude, dizziness and nausea; high-altitude cerebral oedema, a potentially fatal illness characterised by ataxia, decreased consciousness and characteristic changes on magnetic resonance imaging; and high-altitude pulmonary oedema, a noncardiogenic form of pulmonary oedema resulting from excessive hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction which can be fatal if not recognised and treated promptly. This review provides detailed information about each of these important clinical entities. After reviewing the clinical features, epidemiology and current understanding of the pathophysiology of each disorder, we describe the current pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
Vortices: On “Critical Climate Change” As a Project
Authors: Cohen Tom , Colebrook Claire
Published: February 2017

The project of critical climate change refuses the exclusive disjunction offered by the Anthropocene. We contest the notion that there is an “anthropos” disclosed by way of its recognition of the destructiveness of the species, while also sustaining a critical conception of what has inscribed itself as humanity. Neither posthuman nor neohumanist, we define the project of critical climate change as the task of opening new critical climates and horizons capable of reading the reactive resurgence of “anthropos” in the twenty-first century's witnessing of extinction, depletion, destruction, and nonfuturity.
Lively Multispecies Communities, Deadly Racial Assemblages, and the Promise of Justice
Authors: Kirksey Eben
Published: February 2017

Indigenous people from West Papua, a territory under Indonesian rule, are foraging for food in spaces by the side of the road, in the ruins of recently logged forests. Living on the margins of market economies and transportation infrastructures comes with opportunities as well as risks. Emergent ecosystems are teeming with grasshoppers, katydids, praying mantises, and other edible insects, as well as marsupial game animals. Children are finding happiness in the hap of what happens in these multispecies worlds. At the same time, plans by technocrats in distant metropolitan centers to turn nomadic hunter-gatherers into a governable population have gone awry. Infrastructures and modern medical practices protect some people in Indonesia from tropical diseases like malaria, while Papuans die. Black lives matter. But some black lives matter more than others. The case of one black boy who was shot dead along the side of the road in June 2015 while hunting with friends is part of an ongoing process of genocide in West Papua. Race, nationality, and class all help determine who has full personhood before the law. In pursuing the elusive promise of justice in West Papua, indigenous people are pushing back against powerful assemblages and infrastructures, creating the conditions for continued life in multispecies communities.
Multiple routes of endocytic internalization of PDGFRβ contribute to PDGF-induced STAT3 signaling
Authors: Jastrzębski Kamil , Zdżalik-Bielecka Daria , Mamińska Agnieszka , Kalaidzidis Yannis , Hellberg Carina , Miaczynska Marta
Published: February 2017

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) is a receptor tyrosine kinase which upon activation by PDGF-BB stimulates cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Ligand binding induces intracellular signaling cascades but also internalization of the receptor, eventually resulting in its lysosomal degradation. However, endocytic trafficking of receptors often modulates their downstream signaling. We previously reported that internalization of PDGFRβ occurs via dynamin-dependent and -independent pathways but their further molecular determinants remained unknown. Here we show that, in human fibroblasts expressing endogenous PDGFRβ and stimulated with 50 ng/ml PDGF-BB, ligand–receptor uptake proceeds via the parallel routes of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE). CME involves the canonical AP2 complex as a clathrin adaptor, while CIE requires RhoA–ROCK, Cdc42 and galectin-3, the latter indicating lectin-mediated internalization via clathrin-independent carriers (CLICs). Although different uptake routes appear to be partly interdependent, they cannot fully substitute for each other. Strikingly, inhibition of any internalization mechanism impaired activation of STAT3 but not of other downstream effectors of PDGFRβ. Our data indicate that multiple routes of internalization of PDGFRβ contribute to a transcriptional and mitogenic response of cells to PDGF.
A high-sensitivity bi-directional reporter to monitor NF-κB activity in cell culture and zebrafish in real time
Authors: Kuri Paola , Ellwanger Kornelia , Kufer Thomas A. , Leptin Maria , Bajoghli Baubak
Published: February 2017

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB transcription factors play major roles in numerous biological processes including development and immunity. Here, we engineered a novel bi-directional NF-κB-responsive reporter, pSGNluc, in which a high-affinity NF-κB promoter fragment simultaneously drives expression of luciferase and GFP. Treatment with TNFα (also known as TNF) induced a strong, dose-dependent luciferase signal in cell culture. The degree of induction over background was comparable to that of other NF-κB-driven luciferase reporters, but the absolute level of expression was at least 20-fold higher. This extends the sensitivity range of otherwise difficult assays mediated exclusively by endogenously expressed receptors, as we show for Nod1 signaling in HEK293 cells. To measure NF-κB activity in the living organism, we established a transgenic zebrafish line carrying the pSGNluc construct. Live in toto imaging of transgenic embryos revealed the activation patterns of NF-κB signaling during embryonic development and as responses to inflammatory stimuli. Taken together, by integrating qualitative and quantitative NF-κB reporter activity, pSGNluc is a valuable tool for studying NF-κB signaling at high spatiotemporal resolution in cultured cells and living animals that goes beyond the possibilities provided by currently available reporters.
Recent advances in understanding/assessing toxicity to the epigenome
Authors: Sweder Kevin
Published: February 2017

The ability of non-genotoxic agents to induce cancer has been documented and clearly requires a reassessment of testing for environmental and human safety. Drug safety testing has historically relied on test batteries designed to detect DNA damage leading to mutation and cancer. The standard genetic toxicology testing battery has been a reliable tool set to identify small molecules/chemicals as hazards that could lead to genetic changes in organisms and induction of cancer. While pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies have extensively used the standard battery, it is not suitable for compounds that may induce epigenetic changes. Additionally, many pharmaceutical companies have changed their product portfolios to include peptides and/or other biological molecules, which are not expected to be genotoxic in their own right. If we are to best use our growing knowledge regarding chemicals and biomolecules that induce heritable changes via epigenetic mechanisms, then we must ask what changes may be needed in our testing paradigm to predict long-term downstream effects through epigenetic mechanisms.