bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Counterfactual theory as an under-utilised analytical framework for studying precarious work experiences
Authors: Manolchev Constantine , Teigen Karl 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore experiences and attitudes associated with “precarious work”, an umbrella term for insecure, casual, flexible, contingency, non-standard and zero-hour types of employment.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was carried-out through two studies. The “outside-in” view was represented by business undergraduates (n=56), responding to a four-item questionnaire on precarious work. It was contrasted with the “inside-out” perspective of migrant, care and hospitality workers (n=72) expressed in 48 in-depth interviews, and four focus groups.FindingsParticipant narratives included counterfactual comparisons that were more often of a downward (“it could have been worse”) than of an upward (“not as good as it could have been”) kind. Precarious participants spontaneously remarked that they were “lucky” (rather than “unlucky”) to be in precarious work.Research limitations/implicationsPrecarious work is likely to give rise to insecurity, uncertainty and vulnerability. However, this study distinguishes between the perspectives of “outside-in” observers, and “inside-out” participants. The former view was aligned with the standard view of work social scientists, yet the latter ran counter to both. Interestingly, the narratives of participants were compatible with the self-evaluations of people exposed to other hardships (like natural disasters).Originality/valueThere is a limited research on how the use of counterfactual thinking and difference of vantage points shapes attitudes and evaluations of precariousness. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which has identified and explained the unprompted use of “luck” in the narratives of precarious workers.
Methadone to buprenorphine/naloxone induction without withdrawal utilizing transdermal fentanyl bridge in an inpatient setting—Azar method
Authors: Azar Pouya , Nikoo Mohammadali , Miles Isabelle 
Published: November 2018

Background and ObjectivesAlthough buprenorphine/naloxone is widely recognized as first‐line therapy for opioid use disorder, the requirement for moderate withdrawal prior to initiation in efforts to avoid precipitated withdrawal can be a barrier to its initiation.MethodsWe present a case utilizing transdermal fentanyl as a bridging treatment to eliminate withdrawal during the transition from methadone to buprenorphine/naloxone in a patient who had ongoing significant intravenous heroin use while on methadone.ResultsPatient was successfully transitioned from methadone to buprenorphine/naloxone without a period of withdrawal utilizing transdermal fentanyl as a bridge in an inpatient setting.Discussion and ConclusionsOur experience indicates a transdermal depot of fentanyl allows for slow release and elimination while buprenorphine doses are introduced during an induction without presence of withdrawal, as quantified by serial clinical opiate withdrawal score.Scientific SignificanceThis case report highlights ways to minimize barriers to induction of first‐line opioid substitution therapy, buprenorphine/naloxone, by eliminating withdrawal during induction phase utilizing a fentanyl bridge within the limitations of a transdermal fentanyl bridge in an inpatient setting. (Am J Addict 2018;XX:1–4)
Treatment with tenofovir alafenamide fumarate worsens the lipid profile of HIV‐infected patients versus treatment with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, each coformulated with elvitegravir, cobicistat, and emtricitabine
Authors: Cid‐Silva Purificación , Fernández‐Bargiela Noelia , Margusino‐Framiñán Luis , Balboa‐Barreiro Vanesa , Mena‐De‐Cea Álvaro , López‐Calvo Soledad , Vázquez‐Rodríguez Pilar , Martín‐Herranz Isabel , Míguez‐Rey Enrique , Poveda Eva , Castro‐Iglesias Ángeles 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTwo elvitegravir/cobicistat‐based therapies combined with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EVG/c/FTC/TDF) or emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (EVG/c/FTC/TAF) are currently available for HIV patients. This study evaluated the modifications in the lipid profile of patients who received these treatments in the last three years at our institution. A retrospective observational study in HIV‐infected patients who received EVG/c/FTC/TDF or EVG/c/FTC/TAF from January 2015 to January 2018 at a reference hospital in northwestern Spain was carried out. Epidemiological, clinical and immunovirological data were recorded. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. A total of 384 EVG/c‐based therapies were initiated during the study period, 151 EVG/c/FTC/TDF and 233 EVG/c/FTC/TAF. A significantly negative influence in all the lipid profile parameters in experienced patients and total cholesterol (TC), and LDL‐C in naïve patients were observed after 48 weeks of treatment with EVG/c/FTC/TAF, while these parameters remained stable in the EVG/c/FTC/TDF group. During follow‐up, a greater proportion of patients had lipid levels above the normal range (63.1% TC, 56.2% LDL‐C) and new lipid‐modifying drugs were prescribed (11.9%) in the EVG/c/FTC/TAF group. The number of cardiovascular risk factors (OR 1.66 [95% CI 1.01‐2.72]; P = 0.043) was recognised as an independent predictor of lipid‐lowering prescription for patients treated with both EVG/c/FTC/TDF and EVG/c/FTC/TAF. For patients treated with EVG/c/FTC/TAF, the mean total cholesterol to HDL ratio in the first 48 weeks of the study treatment was associated with a higher likelihood of lipid‐lowering prescription in multivariate analysis (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.12‐2.52]; P = 0.011). Significant changes in lipid profile have been observed in patients who have received EVG/c/FTC/TAF. It was necessary to prescribe almost twice the number of lipid‐lowering drugs to patients who received EVG/c/FTC/TAF (11.9%) vs EVG/c/FTC/TDF (4.7%).
A Non-Randomized Procedure for Large-Scale Heterogeneous Multiple Discrete Testing Based on Randomized Tests
Authors: Dai Xiaoyu , Lin Nan , Li Daofeng , Wang Ting 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn the analysis of next-generation sequencing technology, massive discrete data are generated from short read counts with varying biological coverage. Conducting conditional hypothesis testing such as Fisher's Exact Test at every genomic region of interest thus leads to a heterogeneous multiple discrete testing problem. However, most existing multiple testing procedures for controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) assume that test statistics are continuous and become conservative for discrete tests. To overcome the conservativeness, in this article, we propose a novel multiple testing procedure for better FDR control on heterogeneous discrete tests. Our procedure makes decisions based on the marginal critical function (MCF) of randomized tests, which enables achieving a powerful and non-randomized multiple testing procedure. We provide upper bounds of the positive FDR (pFDR) and the positive false non-discovery rate (pFNR) corresponding to our procedure. We also prove that the set of detections made by our method contains every detection made by a naive application of the widely-used q-value method. We further demonstrate the improvement of our method over other existing multiple testing procedures by simulations and a real example of differentially methylated region (DMR) detection using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data.
This Land is My Land: Absence and Ruination in the American Dream of (Mobile) Homeownership
Authors: Formanack Allison 
Published: November 2018

AbstractManufactured homes occupy a unique space in the American sociopolitical landscape. Colloquially referred to as “mobile homes” or “trailers,” manufactured housing’s ambiguous social, legal, and financial categorization produces continuous displacement pressure for millions of mobile‐homeowners living in for‐profit mobile home communities (MHCs). This article examines the consequences of mobile‐homeowner disparagement as “trailer trash” through the case study of Isabel, a mobile‐homeowner whose twofold eviction—of both owner and home—was justified based on her possession of socially undesirable (mobile) housing. Drawing on fieldwork in urban MHCs from 2011 to 2016, this article reconstructs Isabel’s story via the materiality of eviction and demonstrates a methodology for urban ethnographers who encounter displacement after the fact. Whereas corporate and municipal narratives attempt to delegitimize mobile home residents as “not quite” homeowners, reintroducing Isabel as an absent subject illustrates how potent sociocultural disdain produces, and even anticipates, the material ruination of “trailer trash.” [Housing; United States; Absence; Materiality; Ruination; Mobile Homes]
Epicardial fat thickness: A new predictor of successful electrical cardioversion and atrial fibrillation recurrence
Authors: Dereli Seçkin , Bayramoğlu Adil , Yontar Osman Can , Cerşit Sinan , Gürsoy Mustafa Ozan 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveIn recent years, epicardial fat tissue (EFT) has been found to be strongly associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and post‐ablation long‐term recurrence. The current study investigated the procedural success rate of electrical cardioversion (ECV) and potential predictors of treatment failure in patients with nonvalvular persistent AF.MethodsA total of 262 nonvalvular persistent AF patients who were scheduled for elective ECV were included in this prospective study. Routine transthoracic echocardiography was performed before the procedure and EFT thickness was measured. The presence of left atrial appendage thrombus was evaluated by transesophageal echocardiography. The patients were followed up for 6 months to examine any recurrence after ECV.ResultsThe success rate of ECV was 85% and the recurrence rate was 35% during the 6‐month follow‐up period. The mean EFT thickness was 8.67 ± 1.2 mm in the persistent AF group with unsuccessful ECV and 6.81 ± 0.8 in the patients in whom sinus rhythm (SR) was maintained, the EFT was significantly thicker in the AF group (P = 0.001). EFT (P = 0.001) and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameters (LVEDD) (P = 0.001) were significantly different between those who had maintained SR and those with recurrent AF during the 6‐month follow‐up period after ECV. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, LVEDD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.320 (1.023–1.703 95% confidence interval [CI]), P = 0.032)] and EFT [OR: 3.029 (1.013–9.055 95% CI), P = 0.047)] were identified as independent predictors of successful ECV.ConclusionEpicardial fat tissue thickness can be effectively used for the prediction of successful ECV and AF recurrence during follow‐up in AF patients.
Values, institutions and the rise of Eastern Europe
Authors: Zoega Gylfi , Phelps Edmund S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe study the convergence of output per capita in a sample of 37 European countries to the German real GDP per capita level during the period 1999–2014 with the aim of testing whether the speed of convergence is uniform or depends on institutions, such as membership of the European Union, the euro, or values. The results suggest that the post‐communist economies are converging more rapidly than other countries in the sample and more so the closer they are integrated into the European Union. Moreover, we find that certain values are conducive to the catching up process and that it has generated increased job satisfaction and male labour force participation.
Opto nongenetics inhibition of neuronal firing
Authors: Ait Ouares Karima , Beurrier Corinne , Canepari Marco , Laverne Gwenaelle , Kuczewski Nicola 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOptogenetics is based on the selective expression of exogenous opsins by neurons allowing experimental control of their electrical activity using visible light. The interpretation of the results of optogenetic experiments is based on the assumption that light stimulation selectively acts on those neurons expressing the exogenous opsins without perturbing the activity of naive ones. Here, we report that light stimulation, of wavelengths and power in the range of those normally used in optogenetic experiments, consistently reduces the firing activity of naive Mitral Cells (MCs) and Tufted Neurons in the olfactory bulb as well as in Medium Spiny Neurons (MSNs) in the striatum. No such effect was observed for cerebellar Purkinje and hippocampal CA1 neurons. The effects on MC firing appear to be mainly due to a light‐induced increase in tissue temperature, between 0.1 and 0.4°C, associated with the generation of a hyperpolarizing current and a modification of action potential (AP) shape. Therefore, light in the visible range can affect neuronal physiology in a cell‐specific manner. Beside the implications for optogenetic studies, our results pave the way to investigating the use of visible light for therapeutic purposes in pathologies associated with neuronal hyperexcitability.
Online accounts of gene expression profiling in early‐stage breast cancer: Interpreting genomic testing for chemotherapy decision making
Authors: Ross Emily , Swallow Julia , Kerr Anne , Cunningham‐Burley Sarah 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundGenomic techniques are being developed within oncology and beginning to be experienced within routine cancer care. Little is known about how these tools feature in patients’ experiences of treatment decision making.ObjectiveThis research explores the ways in which women interpret and discuss gene expression profiling for breast cancer treatment decision making, as articulated within online accounts.DesignThis study used a qualitative approach to analyse written exchanges focusing on gene expression profiling in the UK (Oncotype DX test). Accounts are taken from online forums hosted by two UK cancer charity websites, comprising 132 discussion threads from a total of seven forums. Authors qualitatively analysed the data and developed key themes drawing on existing literature from medical sociology.FindingsWomen used online spaces to share and discuss results of gene expression profiling. Women interpreted results in the context of indirect experience of cancer treatment, and sociocultural depictions of cancer and chemotherapy. Users largely represented the test positively, emphasizing its ability to “personalize” treatment pathways, though many also pointed to inherent uncertainties with regards the possibility of cancer recurrence.Discussion and ConclusionsWe highlight the complex contexts in which genomic techniques are experienced, with these shaped by personal biographies, online environments and pervasive cultural narratives of cancer and its treatment. We highlight tensions between the claims of genomic testing to aid treatment decision making and patient reflections on the capability of these techniques to resolve uncertainties surrounding treatment decisions.
Macrophage populations show an M1‐to‐M2 transition in an experimental model of coronal pulp tissue engineering with mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gu B. , Kaneko T. , Zaw S. Y. M. , Sone P. P. , Murano H. , Sueyama Y. , Zaw Z. C. T. , Okiji T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo assess M1/M2 macrophage phenotypes in a coronal pulp regeneration model in rats, under the hypothesis that there are dynamic M1/M2 phenotype changes during the different stages of the pulp regeneration.MethodologyThe maxillary first molars of Wistar rats were pulpotomized, and biodegradable hydrogel‐made scaffolds carrying rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were implanted in the pulp chamber. After 3, 7 and 14 days, samples were processed for (i) histological analysis and double immunoperoxidase staining for CD68 (a general macrophage marker) and one of either CCR7 (an M1 marker), CD163 (an M2 marker) or CD206 (an M2 marker); (ii) real‐time PCR for AIF1 (an M1 marker), CD163, CD206, IL‐10 and TNF‐α mRNA expression; and (iii) Western blotting for the detection of CD68, CCR7 and CD206 proteins.ResultsHistological analysis of the implanted region revealed sparse cellular distribution at 3 days, pulp‐like tissue with a thin dentine bridge‐like structure at 7 days, and dentine bridge‐like mineralized tissue formation and resorption of most scaffolds at 14 days. CCR7+ macrophages had the highest density at 3 days, and then significantly decreased until 14 days (P < 0.05). In contrast, M2 marker (CD163 or CD206) expressing macrophages had the lowest density at 3 days and significantly increased until 14 days (P < 0.05). AIF1 and TNF‐α mRNA levels, and CD68 and CCR7 protein levels were highest at 3 days. CD163 and CD206 mRNA levels, and CD206 protein levels increased with time and showed the highest at 14 days. IL‐10 mRNA was highest at 3 days, decreased at 7 days and increased at 14 days.ConclusionsMacrophages in the regenerating pulp tissue underwent a distinct transition from M1‐dominant to M2‐dominant, suggesting that the M1‐to‐M2 transition of macrophages plays an important role in creating a favourable microenvironment necessary for pulp tissue regeneration.
Sodium percarbonate as a novel intracoronal bleaching agent: assessment of the associated risk of cervical root resorption
Authors: Zoya A. , Tewari R. K. , Mishra S. K. , Faisal S. M. , Ali S. , Kumar A. , Moin S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the extraradicular peroxide release from sodium percarbonate compared to sodium perborate as an intracoronal bleaching agent.MethodologySixty mandibular single‐rooted premolars with intact CEJ were selected. After root filling, gutta‐percha was removed 4 mm apical to CEJ and 2 mm of GIC was condensed over the root filling. Intracoronal bleaching agents were placed into six groups of teeth (n = 10): sodium perborate with distilled water (SPW); sodium percarbonate with distilled water (SPCW); sodium perborate with 30% hydrogen peroxide (SPHP); sodium percarbonate with 30% hydrogen peroxide (SPCHP); 30% hydrogen peroxide as positive control (HP) and distilled water as negative control (CL). The teeth were then mounted in vials filled with distilled water, kept in an incubator and taken out at 1, 3 and 6 days for spectrophotometric analysis. Extraradicular peroxide release was quantified by the ferrothiocyanate method. Statistical analysis was undertaken with one‐way anova and Scheffe post hoc tests.ResultsThe greatest peroxide release occurred in the HP group, followed by the SPCHP and SPHP groups, and then by the SPCW and SPW groups. Intergroup comparison revealed that there was no significant difference in peroxide release among the groups SPCW and SPW on days 1, 3 and 6 (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was found between the SPCHP and SPHP treated groups on days 1, 3 and 6 (P > 0.05).ConclusionExtraradicular peroxide release from sodium percarbonate was comparable to that of sodium perborate, as the differences were not significant.
Giant dielectric constant and tunable phase‐transition characteristics of ZnF2/BaF2‐modified BaTiO3 thick films
Authors: Key Sung Hun , Oh Hyo Chan , Han Chan Su , Cho Yong Soo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHigh performance capacitors have been investigated to meet higher integration density with optimized charge‐storing capability. Here, we introduce nonconventional thick film dielectric compositions based on 95BaTiO3–xZnF2–(2−x)BaF2–3glass (x = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) where the relative content of ZnF2/BaF2 is critical in controlling dielectric behavior. The thick films were prepared on Cu foils by regular screen‐printing and then firing at 950°C in inert atmosphere. As an optimal example, thick film composition modified with 1.0ZnF2/1.0BaF2 exhibited a dielectric constant of ~1903 and a dielectric loss of ~0.04 at 1 MHz with dispersive dielectric relaxation behavior, which are far better than any reported corresponding values so far. Particularly, it was very interesting to observe that Curie temperature was tunable from −19 to +34°C, depending on the relative content of fluoride additives only within the 2 mol% range. Dependency of the relative contents of the fluorides is primarily investigated with regard to microstructure and dielectric properties.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and potential of heather (Erica spp.) extracts in the control of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Santos Anabela , Luís Ângelo , Ferreira Susana , Duarte Ana P. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this work, heather and its flowers were studied regarding their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Plants were subjected to ultrasound‐assisted methanolic extraction followed by fractionation. A phytochemical characterisation of extracts content in total phenols and flavonoids, and their antioxidant activity was performed. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration and by bioautography. Following, studies on the antilisterial potential were carried out by: time‐kill curves, inhibition of biofilm formation and tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to adverse conditions. The results evidenced the antioxidant activity in both extracts, as well as, the antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Concerning the evaluation of the antilisterial potential, a bacteriostatic behaviour and inhibition of biofilms formation ability were observed. Listeria monocytogenes showed an increased susceptibility to adverse conditions when preincubated with extracts. Thus, heather and its flowers may be a source of new compounds with antilisterial activity potential.
Extended care unit: a feasible economic solution for longer‐term palliative inpatients
Authors: Wong Aaron K. , Moran Juli A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPalliative patients who cannot go home are placed into nursing homes. This involves moving between up to five locations in the final weeks of life. We censored all inpatients on a single day from a large tertiary centre to investigate the feasibility of a proposed extended care unit to accommodate patients with a prognosis of less than 90 days, unable to return home, and with nursing home referral process commenced. This study identifies a present demand for an extended care unit (15 patients identified), outlines admission criteria, and proposes a funding model that is predicted to save hospital costs (savings of $207.70 per patient per bed day). This patient‐focused approach is a feasible economic solution to the current unmet needs of this patient demographic.
Experience of establishing an acute geriatric outreach service versus subacute service to nursing homes
Authors: Chan Daniel K. Y. , Liu Frank X. , Irwanto Deni , Prasetyo Davin , Ozorio Gerard , Li Feika , Smith Matthew , Sharma Anurag , Chen Jack 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo share our experience of establishing an acute outreach service to nursing homes and to evaluate the impact of such service on emergency department presentations, data were drawn from a pre‐existing database from 2013 to 2017. Of the 986 acute patients treated in 12 nursing homes over a 23‐month period, the acute geriatric outreach service was shown to be safe, with few adverse events (one allergic reaction) and 5.3% of patients required transfer to hospital. The acute service decreased emergency department presentation of nursing home patients by 10% compared to the subacute service (incidence rate ratio = 0.90; 95% confidence interval: 0.84–0.96; P = 0.001). Cost–benefit analysis showed for every $1 spent, a saving of $5 was realised.
C‐reactive protein levels in acute respiratory exacerbations of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kathriachchige Gayan , Daley Christopher , Pallin Michael , Polkinghorne Kevan , King Paul T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractC‐reactive protein (CRP) levels increase in response to bacterial infection and have been used to guide the use of antibiotics. We assessed CRP levels in a cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of their lung disease, requiring treatment with broad‐spectrum antibiotics. In this group, most subjects had CRP levels of less than 20 mg/L, including patients who had pneumonia. The clinical utility of the CRP in guiding antibiotic use in exacerbations of CF is limited.