bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumatic Pulmonary Pseudocyst Mimicking a Congenital Cystic Lung Disease
Authors: Kanj Amjad , Tabaja Hussam , Soubani Ayman O. , Kanj Nadim
Published: July 2018

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst (TPP) is a rare entity that occurs following a trauma to the chest. It usually presents as multiple cystic lesions on thoracic imaging. It is treated conservatively and tends to completely resolve after few months. In the absence of striking signs of trauma such as rib fractures, TPP can be mistaken for other cystic lung diseases. We present a case of TPP in a 17-year-old male who was seen for mild hemoptysis after falling off a cliff. The extent of his right lower lobe cystic lesions along with the lack of major signs of trauma led to an incorrect diagnosis of congenital pulmonary airway malformation. The patient was considered for lobectomy, which he refused. Imaging of the chest repeated one and three years later showed complete resolution of the lesions.
Malposition of Cage in Minimally Invasive Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Kraiwattanapong Chaiwat , Arnuntasupakul Vanlapa , Kantawan Rungthiwa , Keorochana Gun , Lertudomphonwanit Thamrong , Sirijaturaporn Pakkanut , Thonginta Methawut
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion is one of the novel lateral lumbar interbody fusion techniques for which the successful early results have been reported. However, new complications were increasingly reported from ongoing studies. Case Presentation. We report a case of an unusual complication of minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion associated with contralateral nerve root compression due to deep and posterior position of polyetheretherketone cage and discussion of the operating technique for repositioning polyetheretherketone cage. Conclusion. Malposition of polyetheretherketone cage can cause contralateral nerve root compression and neurological complication. The surgical technique to proper pull the polyetheretherketone cage back into the acceptable position should be considered and well prepared.
Influences of Slip Velocity and Induced Magnetic Field on MHD Stagnation-Point Flow and Heat Transfer of Casson Fluid over a Stretching Sheet
Authors: Abd El-Aziz Mohamed , Afify Ahmed A.
Published: July 2018

The steady MHD boundary layer flow near the stagnation point over a stretching surface in the presence of the induced magnetic field, viscous dissipation, magnetic dissipation, slip velocity phenomenon, and heat generation/absorption effects has been investigated numerically. The Casson fluid model is used to characterize the non-Newtonian fluid behavior. The governing partial differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations are reduced into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically using a shooting method with fourth-order Runge-Kutta integration scheme. Comparisons with the earlier results have been made and good agreements were found. Numerical results for the velocity, induced magnetic field, temperature profiles, skin friction coefficient, and Nusselt number are presented through graphs and tables for various values of physical parameters. Results predicted that the magnetic parameter with α<1 has the tendency to enhance the heat transfer rate, whereas the reverse trend is seen with α>1. It is also noticed that the rate of heat transfer is a decreasing function of the reciprocal of a magnetic Prandtl number, whereas the opposite phenomenon occurs with the magnitude of the friction factor.
The Uniqueness Theorem of the Solution for a Class of Differential Systems with Coupled Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Meng Shuman , Cui Yujun
Published: July 2018

We discuss the uniqueness of the solution to a class of differential systems with coupled integral boundary conditions under a Lipschitz condition. Our main method is the linear operator theory and the solvability for a system of inequalities. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the validity of our main results.
Changes in Satiety Hormones in Response to Leptin Treatment in a Patient with Leptin Deficiency
Authors: Roth Christian L. , von Schnurbein Julia , Elfers Clinton , Moss Anja , Wabitsch Martin
Published: July 2018

Background: We tested whether leptin treatment affects secretion of satiety-related gut peptides and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a regulator of energy homeostasis downstream of hypothalamic leptin signaling. Methods: We report the case of a morbidly obese 14.7-year-old girl with a novel previously reported homozygous leptin gene mutation, in whom hormone secretion was evaluated in 30-min intervals for 10 h (07.30–17.30) to assess BDNF, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), ghrelin, and peptide YY (PYY) secretion before as well as 11 and 46 weeks after start of metreleptin treatment. Results: Leptin substitution resulted in strong reductions of body fat and calorie intake. Insulin secretion increased by 58.9% after 11 weeks, but was reduced by –44.8% after 46 weeks compared to baseline. Similarly, GLP-1 increased after 11 weeks (+15.2%) and decreased after 46 weeks. PYY increased consistently (+5%/ +13.2%, after 11/46 weeks). Ghrelin decreased after 46 weeks (–11%). BDNF secretion was not affected by leptin treatment. Conclusion: The strong increase in insulin and GLP-1 secretion after 11 weeks of metreleptin treatment cannot be explained by reduced adiposity and might contribute to improved central satiety. Observed changes of PYY can lead to increased satiety as well. However, leptin replacement does not seem to affect circulating BDNF levels.
Thinking-While-Moving Exercises May Improve Cognition in Elderly with Mild Cognitive Deficits: A Proof-of-Principle Study
Authors: de Boer Casper , Echlin Holly V. , Rogojin Alica , Baltaretu Bianca R. , Sergio Lauren E.
Published: July 2018

Background: Noninvasive interventions to aid healthy cognitive aging are considered an important healthcare priority. Traditional approaches typically focus on cognitive training or aerobic exercise training. In the current study, we investigate the effect of exercises that directly combine cognitive and motor functions on visuomotor skills and general cognition in elderly with various degrees of cognitive deficits. Subjects and Methods: A total of 37 elderly, divided into four groups based on their level of cognition, completed a 16-week cognitive-motor training program. The weekly training sessions consisted of playing a videogame requiring goal-directed hand movements on a computer tablet for 30 minutes. Before and after the training program, all participants completed a test battery to establish their level of cognition and visuomotor skills. Results: We observed an overall change in visuomotor behavior in all groups, as participants completed the tasks faster but less accurately. More importantly, we observed a significant improvement in measures of overall cognition in the subaverage cognition group and the mild-to-moderate cognitive deficits group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that (1) cognitive-motor exercises induce improved test scores, which is most prominent in elderly with only mild cognitive deficits, and (2) cognitive-motor exercises induce altered visuomotor behavior and slight improvements in measures of general cognition.
Serum Calcification Propensity and Fetuin-A: Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bostom Andrew , Pasch Andreas , Madsen Tracy , Roberts Mary B. , Franceschini Nora , Steubl Dominik , Garimella Pranav S. , Ix Joachim H. , Tuttle Katherine R. , Ivanova Anastasia , Shireman Theresa , Gohh Reginald , Merhi Basma , Jarolim Petr , Kusek John W. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Liu Simin , Eaton Charles B.
Published: July 2018

Background: “T50,” shortened transformation time from primary to secondary calciprotein particles may reflect deranged mineral metabolism predisposing to vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The glycoprotein fetuin-A is a major T50 determinant. Methods: The Folic Acid For Vascular Outcome Prevention In Transplantation (FAVORIT) cohort is a completed, large, multiethnic controlled clinical trial cohort of chronic, stable kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We conducted a longitudinal case-cohort analysis using a randomly selected subcohort of patients, and all individual cases who developed CVD. Serum T50 and fetuin-A were determined in this total of n = 685 FAVORIT trial participants at randomization. Results: During a median surveillance of 2.18-years, 311 incident or recurrent CVD events occurred. Shorter T50 (minutes) or reduced fetuin-A concentrations (g/L) were associated with CVD after adjustment for treatment assignment, systolic blood pressure, age, sex, race, preexisting CVD and diabetes, smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, kidney allograft vintage and type, calcineurin inhibitor, or lipid-lowering drug use, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and urinary albumin/creatinine: tertile 1 (lowest) to tertile 3 (highest) comparisons, T50, (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86; 95% CI 1.20–2.89); fetuin-A, (HR 2.25; 95% CI 1.38–3.69). Elevated high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) was an effect modifier of both these associations. Conclusions: Shortened T50, as well as reduced fetuin-A levels, ostensible promoters of vascular calcification, remained associated with greater risk for CVD outcomes, after adjustment for major CVD risk factors, measures of kidney function and damage, and KTR clinical characteristics and demographics, in a large, multiethnic cohort of long-term KTRs. Increased hsCRP was an effect modifier of these CVD risk associations.
Effects of FGFR1 Gene Polymorphisms on the Risk of Breast Cancer and FGFR1 Protein Expression
Authors: Wu Junqiang , Wang Yuhang , Liu Jing , Chen Qianlin , Pang Da , Jiang Yongdong
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is widely considered to play an important role in mammary carcinogenesis. Some common variants in FGFR1 might be associated with its expression, and further affect breast cancer risk. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FGFR1 on breast cancer susceptibility and FGFR1 protein expression. Methods: SNPs rs17182023, rs17175624 and rs10958704 in FGFR1 were genotyped in 747 breast cancer cases and 716 healthy controls by SNaPshot method. The associations between SNPs and breast cancer were examined by logistic regression. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect FGFR1 protein expression, and the association of FGFR1 polymorphisms with its protein expression was analyzed by Pearson’s chi-square test. Additionally, Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the association between FGFR1 protein expression and breast cancer prognosis. Results: The minor allele of rs17182023 in FGFR1 was significantly associated with reduced breast cancer risk, with an odds ratio of 0.800 (95%CI = 0.684-0.935). No significant associations were detected between other SNPs and breast cancer. Moreover, rs17182023 was correlated to FGFR1 protein expression (P = 0.006), and patients with high FGFR1 protein expression tended to have poor outcomes. Conclusions: SNP rs17182023 was correlated to reduced breast cancer risk, and was associated with FGFR1 protein expression. High FGFR1 protein expression was an independent risk factor of breast cancer, and resulted in poor prognosis.
CDK13 RNA Over-Editing Mediated by ADAR1 Associates with Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Dong Xiuqing , Chen Geng , Cai Zhixiong , Li Zhenli , Qiu Liman , Xu Haipo , Yuan Yuan , Liu Xiao-Long , Liu Jingfeng
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Aberrant RNA editing, mediated by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR), serves as a post-transcriptional event participating in tumorigenesis and prognosis. However, the RNA editing profiles during HCC progression and their clinical correlations remain unclear. Methods: Multiple tissue samples were collected from an advanced HCC patient. RNA-seq was performed to obtain the RNA editing profiles for each sample. Two RNA editing sites from CDK13 were further validated in 60 HCC patients; and their potential regulatory mechanisms were investigated. Results: In-depth analysis of the RNA-seq data revealed a significant number of editing sites (632-816) in coding regions for each tissue sample, showing branched evolution during tumorigenesis and metastasis. Two editing sites (Q103R and K96R) in CDK13 showed significant over-editing in tumor, and these phenomenon were validated in 60 HCC patients. Furthermore, the clinicopathological analysis revealed that these CDK13 over-editing sites were positively associated with TNM, PVTT and poor prognosis. In addition, the editing level of these sites were significantly correlated with the expression of ADAR1. Loss of function assays further proved that these CDK13 over-editing sites were mediated by ADAR1 in HCC cells. Conclusions: CDK13 RNA over-editing sites mediated by ADAR1 may serve as novel cancer driver events in HCC progression.
“One of the Most Difficult Points in the Bible”
Authors: van Vlastuin Willem
Published: July 2018

This article investigates Edwards’s concept of the new heaven and new earth. It appears that, as a young tutor, he believed in a material new earth but later, during his ministry, he became convinced that the new heaven and new earth had to be interpreted spiritually. So, in Edwards’s view, there is no expectation of a re-creation of earth. The future of the risen saints will not be on a new earth, but in heaven. But Edwards speaks about the destruction of the old heaven, and the renewal of heaven. This article not only investigates the development of Edwards’s thought, but also provides an analysis of the theological structures and tensions in Edwards’s concept.
Public Goods and International Investment Law: Does the New Generation of iias Better Protect Human Rights?
Authors: Šturma Pavel
Published: July 2018

The implicit inclusion of human rights and other public goods in international investment law by way of interpretation is always contingent on various factual and legal elements. Consequently, it cannot ensure that all investment arbitration tribunals will arrive to the same or at least similar conclusions when it comes to the inclusion of human rights. That is why the trend to include explicit provisions or references into the newly negotiated iias seems to be advisable. The article aims at presenting some new trends in both treaties (bits and other iias) and awards of investment tribunals.
The Margin of Appreciation Debate over Novel Cigarette Packaging Regulations in Philip Morris v. Uruguay
Authors: Yang Pei-Kan
Published: July 2018

The margin of appreciation doctrine, developed by the European Court of Human Rights, generally refers to how much deference the Court decides to accord individual States in fulfilling their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. This concept has been borrowed by the Tribunal of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (icsid) in Philip Morris v. Uruguay, an investment dispute involving novel cigarette packaging regulations, requiring single presentation for each cigarette brand. While Philip Morris claimed the single presentation requirements (spr) infringed investors’ rights to use its trademark, the Tribunal applied the doctrine confirming Uruguay’s rights to regulate for the benefit of public health. However, one arbitrator submitted a dissenting opinion rejecting its applicability to the investment dispute given the spr was adopted without sufficient evidence and due consideration by the Uruguayan government.

This paper tries to examine whether and how the margin of appreciation doctrine can be applied by an investment tribunal to evaluate the legality of a newly introduced tobacco control regulation devoid of supporting scientific evidences. This paper argues that such doctrine should be applied cautiously to avoid having an easy excuse for the tribunal to refrain from substantive reviews over investor’s claims, and this doctrine can be adjusted by investment tribunals to establish a balanced standard of review theory, accommodating both the States’ rights to regulate and the private rights of investors.
Two new species of blue-eyed Trimma (Pisces; Gobiidae) from New Guinea
Authors: WINTERBOTTOM RICHARD , ERDMANN MARK V.
Published: July 2018

Two new species of Trimma are described from New Guinea, one at the southeastern end at Normanby Island (Milne Bay Province), the other from Cendrawasih Bay, West Papua, on the north-east coast. The dorsal surface of the eye of both species is blue in life, a characteristic not reported elsewhere in the genus. Although the two species look very similar in life, and both occupy similar mesophotic rubble habitats in the 50-70 m depth range, they are separated both genetically (7.7% pairwise genetic distance in COI) and morphologically. Trimma blematium has 16 pectoral fin rays, a branched 5th pelvic fin ray, and 7 papillae in row p, whereas T. meityae has 17–18 pectoral fin rays, an unbranched 5th pelvic fin ray, and 8 papillae in row p. In live specimens, the blue colour over the top of the eyes is much darker in T. blematium than in T. meityae. The type localities are separated by almost 2,000 km (straight-line distance).
Family Social Capital, Family Social Bonds, and Juvenile Delinquency
Authors: Hoffmann John P. , Dufur Mikaela J.
Published: July 2018

There is a long history in criminology of examining the effects of social bonds on criminal behavior. A similar conceptual framework that developed in sociology is social capital theory. Studies using these models have addressed the effects of parent–child relationships on adolescent behavior. However, social bond theory tends to predominate as an explanation of juvenile delinquency. We developed a comparative analysis of measures of family social bonds and family social capital using nationally representative data on youth ( N = 6,432). Measurement models suggested that family social capital is a more parsimonious latent construct than family social bonds. Moreover, it is a more efficient predictor of delinquent behavior. Thus, we encourage criminologists to adopt family social capital as a promising concept and empirical variable in their quest to understand delinquent behavior.
“I’m Not a Traditional Woman”: Tranquilizer Misuse as Self-Medication Among Adult Women
Authors: Dollar Cindy Brooks , Hendrix Joshua A.
Published: July 2018

Research consistently finds that men use all types of drugs more frequently and extensively than women. However, the misuse of prescription tranquilizers provides an exception. Recent research has found that women are more likely to misuse tranquilizers than men, yet few efforts have been made to systematically understand why this is the case and whether there are gendered factors that might help explain their misuse. Building on general strain theory and other scholarship concerning the links between psychological strain, mental–emotional health, and illicit drug use, we employed a mixed-methods design to investigate the interrelationships between gender, mental health, and tranquilizer misuse. Using data from the 2010 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, we examined tranquilizer misuse among women using various social, demographic, and health-related characteristics. Following this, we drew on nine in-depth interviews with adult women aged 21 to 69 years who reported a history of misusing tranquilizers. The quantitative data reveal that the odds of tranquilizer misuse are nearly two times higher for each unit increase on the poor mental health scale. Whereas being married increases the risk of misuse, having young children is associated with a decreased risk. Our analysis of the interview data reveals three main themes, related to tranquilizer access, reasons for misuse, and shame related to misuse. The interviews clearly uncover tranquilizer misuse as an attempt by women to manage competing demands between their work and home lives, and more specifically as a means of promoting success in both devotions. We conclude by arguing that women’s misuse of tranquilizers is a gendered behavior in response to gender-specific strains, which in turn reproduces gendering as an institution as well as in individual lives. The implications of these findings for general strain theory are also discussed.
‘ISeeYou’: A woman-centred care education and research project in Dutch bachelor midwifery education
Authors: Fontein-Kuipers Yvonne , Romeijn Enja , Zwijnenberg Arwen , Eekhof Willemijn , van Staa AnneLoes
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To examine how student midwives in higher education learn to become competent and confident woman-centred practitioners.

Design:

Participant observation study using a ‘buddy’ approach.

Setting:

Bachelor of Midwifery students in one higher education institution in the Netherlands

Methods:

First-year student midwives followed one woman throughout the continuum of childbirth. The students attended a minimum of five of the woman’s antenatal care encounters and a minimum of one postnatal care encounter. In addition, students explored the woman’s professional care network. Student midwives used participant observation, structured interview techniques and reflective practice to focus on (1) the woman and to gain insight into her wishes and experiences of care throughout the continuum of pregnancy, birth and postpartum period; (2) the impact of the caregiver on the woman; and (3) the woman’s experience of the partnership. Lectures, peer-debriefing, competency assessments, research activities and a logbook supported students’ learning.

Results:

Learning was achieved through the student’s relational continuity and active engagement with the individual woman. Students gained insight into the experiences of individual pregnant and postpartum women, the individual practice of healthcare practitioners and the interaction between the woman and the healthcare practitioner. Students’ development of critical thinking and reflective practice was enhanced to begin to form a vision of woman-centred care.

Conclusion:

The project was successful in equipping Bachelor of Midwifery students with competencies to support them in their learning of providing woman-centred care and offered them unique and in-depth experiences supporting and augmenting their personal, professional and academic development.
Stress concentration and strength prediction of 2×2 twill weave fabric composite with a circular hole
Authors: Özaslan Emre , Yetgin Ali , Acar Bülent
Published: July 2018

Stress concentration and strength prediction of 2 × 2 twill weave carbon fiber reinforced composite specimens with different hole sizes are investigated on numerical and analytical basis. Stress distribution around the hole is obtained using Lekhnitskii’s model together with Tan’s finite width correction factor and also finite element analysis. Validity of Lekhnitskii’s formula together with Tan’s correction is demonstrated for 2 × 2 twill weave composites with different w/d ratios. Tan’s correction factor is compared with finite element analysis results at a characteristic distance away from hole tip where the stresses are important for strength prediction. Applicability of point stress criteria and average stress criteria strength prediction methods for open hole specimens to 2 × 2 twill weave material is demonstrated. The performances of the point stress criteria and average stress criteria methods are compared in the case of eccentric tension loading. All analytical and numerical results are verified by experimental study.
Mechanical analysis of three-dimensional braided composites by using realistic voxel-based model with local mesh refinement
Authors: Fang Guodong , Chen Chenghua , Meng Songhe , Liang Jun
Published: July 2018

The elastic and failure analysis of three-dimensional braided composites is conducted by using realistic geometry model with local mesh refinement. The realistic geometry model is reconstructed by using micro computed tomography images. The voxel meshes are utilized to overcome the difficulties of mesh discretization for realistic geometry model of three-dimensional braided composites with complex meso-geometrical configurations. In order to improve the computational efficiency, the local voxel meshes at the braid yarn boundaries are refined to capture the detailed geometries of braid yarn and reduce the number of mesh. The stress averaging technique is applied to alleviate the local artificial stress spurious introduced from voxel meshes at braid yarn boundaries. Three kinds of computation models are used to predict the tensile properties of the braided composites, which are also compared with experimental results. The effects of braid yarn twist angle and mesh sizes on the predicted tensile behavior of the braided composites are studied further. A systematic way is provided to analyze mechanical properties of three-dimensional braided composites by using realistic voxel-based model.
Postmortem Identity Work in Territorial-colonialist Alaska
Authors: Anahita Sine
Published: July 2018

Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical ideas about impression management are applied to analyze four historical photographs of deceased children. The photographs are archived at the Alaska State Library and were taken during Alaska’s territorial-colonialist era. This article explains how living photographic subjects, who are often unseen but are symbolized through items visible in the photograph, work with viewers to co-construct social identities of themselves and of the dead children in the photographs. I propose that participants—the seen and unseen subjects, the photographer, and the receiving audience—engage in what Goffman calls frontstage and backstage work to co-construct social identities for the dead children and for the living survivors and to manage the impressions given by the visual images. Further, I propose that the social identities portrayed in the photographs were shaped by social forces and symbol systems external to the persons and settings visible in the images. This article demonstrates that the social systems of family, religion, ethnicity, and gender are especially powerful in co-constructing the symbolic social identities of the participants in the photographs under study. Other issues considered are the social systems of racism, ethnocentrism, and assimilationist policies that targeted Native and immigrant peoples.
Religious Orientations and Consumer Ethics
Authors: Chowdhury Rafi M. M. I.
Published: July 2018

This study examines the roles of intrinsic religiosity, quest religiosity and personal moral philosophies (idealism and relativism) as predictors of consumers’ ethical beliefs. An online survey was conducted with 500 US consumers to identify these relationships. The results indicate that intrinsic religiosity and quest religiosity lead to negative beliefs regarding unethical consumer actions (actively benefiting from illegal actions, passively benefiting from the mistakes of the seller and actively benefiting from legal but questionable actions) and positive beliefs regarding pro-social actions mediated through idealism. Quest religiosity also leads to positive beliefs regarding unethical consumer actions (passively benefiting from the mistakes of the seller) mediated through relativism. Supplementing these indirect effects, intrinsic religiosity and quest religiosity have direct influences on some, but not all, dimensions of consumer ethics. Considering the mediating roles of idealism and relativism in relation to the effects of religiosity on consumer ethics, policies and practices that enhance idealism and reduce relativism should be supported to encourage ethical consumption.
A Qualitative Analysis of Early Career Women’s Adjustment to Work in Professional Psychology: Practitioners’ Reflections
Authors: Scalise Dominick , Sukumaran Niyatee , Merson Erica S. , Pursell Corin , Grossman Laura , Johnson Clarissa , Elliot Jennifer F.
Published: July 2018

The experiences of early career psychologists (ECPs) have become a focal point within the profession of psychology, with trends reflecting increasing financial burdens and career struggles. Despite these trends, few attempts to directly explore themes among the experiences of ECP women’s career adjustment in clinical settings have been published. In this study, consensual qualitative research (CQR) methodology was used to extract themes among a sample of recently licensed ECPs ( N = 13) identifying as women in clinical positions who were licensed between 1 and 3 years since graduating. Specific themes related to struggles (e.g., the licensing process, financial burdens, and lack of mentorship) as well as strengths (e.g., family, peer, and workplace support) are discussed. Implications for career development research, theory, and practice are suggested for stakeholders interested in the career development of ECP women in clinical settings.
The Bumpy Road of Nonprofit Creation: An Examination of Start-Up Problems Encountered by Nonprofit Entrepreneurs
Authors: Andersson Fredrik O.
Published: July 2018

New nonprofit organizations are formed through a multifaceted process, and along the way, founding nonprofit entrepreneurs are likely to encounter various problems. This research note examines the extent to which 77 nascent nonprofit entrepreneurs encountered start-up problems during the earliest phase of the formation process, what types of problems they encountered, and how these problems impacted their attempt to start up a new nonprofit. The results indicate successful and unsuccessful nascent nonprofit entrepreneurs do not differ in terms of how many start-up problems they encountered. However, the type of the problems encountered had an effect on start-up success; two had negative effects (financial and information problems), and one had positive effects (regulatory problems). Ultimately, many attempts to found a new nonprofit are unsuccessful, indicating a need for researchers and those advising nascent nonprofit entrepreneurs to learn more about start-up problems and how to handle them.
The study on crossover layouts of multi-layer winding grooves in deep mine hoists based on transverse vibration characteristics of catenary rope
Authors: Peng Xia , Gong Xian-Sheng , Liu Jin-Jun
Published: July 2018

In a deep mine winding hoist system, the lateral oscillation of the catenary rope is an important evaluation index of orderly rope arrangement and engineering safety. Different boundary excitations will appear when the wire rope winds on symmetrical or asymmetrical grooves, which results in the different dynamic responses of the hoisting system. In this article, the vibration equations of a deep mine hoisting system are established by using the Hamilton principle, and excitation functions of different crossover zone layouts are deduced. The operation curves are introduced to conduct the experiment based on a certain experimental platform. The lateral oscillation of the catenary rope is recorded by high-speed cameras, and an effective image processing method is proposed to obtain the vibration response of a certain point in the catenary rope. The numerical simulations are compared with the experimental results to prove the vibration models derived in this article are valid. The models could provide reliable basis for the grooves type selection in deep mine hoisting.
Little Ice Age summer temperatures in western Norway from a 700-year tree-ring chronology
Authors: Svarva Helene Løvstrand , Thun Terje , Kirchhefer Andreas Joachim , Nesje Atle
Published: July 2018

A ring-width Pinus sylvestris chronology from Sogndal in western Norway was created, covering the period AD 1240–2008 and allowing for reconstruction of monthly mean July temperatures. This reconstruction is the first of its kind from western Norway and it aims to densify the existing network of temperature-sensitive tree-ring proxy series to better understand past temperature variability in the ‘Little Ice Age’ and diminish the spatial uncertainty. Spatial correlation reveals strong agreement with temperatures in southern Norway, especially on the western side of the Scandinavian Mountains. Five prominent cold periods are identified on a decadal timescale, centred on 1480, 1580, 1635, 1709 and 1784 and ‘Little Ice Age’ cooling spanning from 1450 to the early 18th century. High interannual and decadal agreement is found with an independent temperature reconstruction from western Norway, which is based on data from grain harvests and terminal moraines. The reconstructed temperatures also correlate with other tree-ring-based temperature reconstructions from Fennoscandia, most strongly with data from central Sweden. Tree growth in Sogndal is correlated to the Scandinavian teleconnection index in the summer months, at least in the last half of the 20th century, and is positively correlated to the summer expression of the North Atlantic Oscillation in the early half of the 20th century. A significant response to major volcanic forcing in the Northern Hemisphere was found, and extreme years seem to be related to the dominance of high and low geopotential height that in turn represents variability in the path of the storm tracks over Fennoscandia. When compared with the variation in frontal positions with time of Nigardsbreen, an eastern outlet glacier from the Jostedalsbreen glacier in western Norway, cold summers in the early 18th century relates to the culmination of a rapid glacial advance that lead up to the 1748 ‘Little Ice Age’ maximum extent.
On adaptive propensity score truncation in causal inference
Authors: Ju Cheng , Schwab Joshua , van der Laan Mark J
Published: July 2018

The positivity assumption, or the experimental treatment assignment (ETA) assumption, is important for identifiability in causal inference. Even if the positivity assumption holds, practical violations of this assumption may jeopardize the finite sample performance of the causal estimator. One of the consequences of practical violations of the positivity assumption is extreme values in the estimated propensity score (PS). A common practice to address this issue is truncating the PS estimate when constructing PS-based estimators. In this study, we propose a novel adaptive truncation method, Positivity-C-TMLE, based on the collaborative targeted maximum likelihood estimation (C-TMLE) methodology. We demonstrate the outstanding performance of our novel approach in a variety of simulations by comparing it with other commonly studied estimators. Results show that by adaptively truncating the estimated PS with a more targeted objective function, the Positivity-C-TMLE estimator achieves the best performance for both point estimation and confidence interval coverage among all estimators considered.
From ‘Plantation Workers’ to Naukrānī
Authors: Banerjee Supurna
Published: July 2018

The tea plantations of Dooars in West Bengal are founded on a gendered division of labour. The recent economic crisis faced by the tea plantations brought long-established labour practices into question. Mounting expenses and closures led to rising migration of plantation workers to distant urban areas in North and South India, in search of alternative employment. Many of these women found employment as domestic workers and care workers in Delhi and Gurgaon. Drawing on the in-depth narratives of these migrant domestic workers, this article explores self-perceptions and representations of work and brings to the forefront the ongoing process of skill acquisition on the one hand and its constant invisibilization on the other. This reproduces paid domestic and care work not only as women’s natural labour but as low skilled and low status work that is particularly suitable for migrant women. The women’s own perceptions help problematize and nuance otherwise monolithic understandings of labour in general and domestic labour in particular.
Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated With Sepsis After Coronary Artery Bypass and Open Heart Valve Surgeries
Authors: Karamnov Sergey , Brovman Ethan Y. , Greco Katherine J. , Urman Richard D.
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Sepsis causes significant morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery and carries a significant burden on health care costs. There is a general association of increased risk of post–cardiac surgery sepsis in patients with postoperative complications. We sought to investigate significant patient and procedural risk factors and outcomes associated with sepsis after cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 531 coronary artery bypass grafting and open heart valve surgery cases that developed postoperative sepsis in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2007 and 2014. Patient-based and surgery-based parameters were analyzed for risk factors and outcomes reported in the 30 days postoperatively. The association between sepsis and patient outcomes was assessed in a propensity-matched cohort using univariable logistic regression. Results. Modifiable and nonmodifiable patient characteristics, including age >80, poor preoperative functional status, chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease with serum creatinine ⩾1.5, as well as serum albumin <3.5 and emergent nature of the case were associated with post–cardiac surgery sepsis. Surgical outcomes associated with sepsis included mortality (15.4% vs 4.5%), unplanned intubation (29.8% vs 8.2%), transfusion (53.4% vs 48.4%), acute kidney injury (7.1% vs 1.4%), postoperative dialysis (18.8% vs 3.5%), and return to the operating room (29.8% vs 8.2%). Conclusions. We identified multiple patient and surgical characteristics as well as postoperative outcomes associated with postoperative sepsis development in the high-risk population of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Early identification of patients who are at high risk for postoperative sepsis can facilitate early treatment interventions.
Can we predict the refractive outcome after triple Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty?
Authors: Augustin Victor A , Weller Julia M , Kruse Friedrich E , Tourtas Theofilos
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To analyze and correlate corneal parameters with refractive shift after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery (triple Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty).

Methods:

This single-center retrospective observational case series included 152 eyes of 152 consecutive patients undergoing triple Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in the first eye for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Patients were examined preoperatively, as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The main outcome measures were: refractive shift (predicted refractive outcome based on intraocular lens calculation compared to actual postoperative refractive outcome), central corneal thickness, corneal volume, anterior and posterior corneal curvature, and corneal densitometry. These parameters were analyzed and correlated with the refractive shift after surgery.

Results:

After 3 months from surgery, a mean refractive shift of +1.12 ± 1.10 D was observed and remained stable until the last follow-up at 12 months (+1.24 ± 1.07 D). Correlation analysis showed a weak but significant positive correlation between refractive shift and preoperative posterior curvature (rho = 0.314; p = 0.002) or preoperative posterior densitometry (rho = 0.227; p = 0.008). No correlation was found between refractive shift and preoperative central corneal thickness, corneal volume, anterior curvature, or anterior/mid-cornea densitometry.

Conclusion:

Changes of the posterior cornea may have an influence on the refractive shift. Patients with flatter posterior corneal curvature or higher posterior corneal density seem to exhibit a higher hyperopic shift. The weak correlations indicate a poor predictive value of any preoperative parameter used in our study.
Electronic consultation impact from the primary care clinician perspective: Outcomes from a national sample
Authors: Olayiwola J. Nwando , Potapov Anna , Gordon Alden , Jurado Jaime , Magana Candy , Knox Margae , Tuot Delphine
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Electronic consultations (eConsults) provide asynchronous, store-and-forward communication between primary care clinicians (PCCs) and specialists using web-based platforms, electronic health records or mobile applications. eConsults have demonstrated benefits in many areas of the Quadruple Aim, including educational value for PCCs. In this study, we explored the connection between eConsults and the Quadruple Aim using a unique national dataset of PCC-reported eConsult outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study analysing registry data from the RubiconMD electronic consultation platform used by PCCs in 34 US states. We analysed PCC-reported outcomes from eConsults that took place between March 2017 and January 2018. PCCs were asked to select one or more of the following options after each eConsult: improved care plan, educational, avoided unnecessary diagnostics/procedures, avoided referral altogether or to wrong specialty, or no effect.

Results

PCCs reported an outcome for 3872 eConsults. eConsults for dermatology, endocrinology, and haematology-oncology were most common. Over one in four PCCs reported that the eConsult avoided a referral altogether or to the wrong specialty (26.3%) and avoided unnecessary diagnostics/procedures (26.1%). In 75% of eConsults, PCCs reported an improved care plan. Fifty percent reported that the eConsult was educational.

Discussion

PCCs in diverse practice settings reported substantial benefits from eConsults. In over half of eConsults, PCCs reported that the eConsult avoided unnecessary diagnostics/procedures, avoided a referral altogether or avoided a referral to the wrong specialty. Findings suggest that eConsults demonstrate important educational benefits, but may also influence PCC decision-making in a way that yields tremendous cost-saving potential and improved patient experience.
Thirty-five years of ISLA on form-focused instruction: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kang Eun Young , Sok Sarah , Han ZhaoHong
Published: July 2018

This meta-analysis offers a snapshot of thirty-five years (1980–2015) of research on instructed second language acquisition (ISLA). Fifty-four empirical studies involving a total of 5,051 second language learners – sampled from six applied linguistics journals, Applied Linguistics, Language Learning, Language Teaching Research, The Modern Language Journal, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, and TESOL Quarterly – were aggregated for the effects of second language (L2) instruction, yielding an overall large effect size, g = 1.06, 95 % CI = 0.84−1.29. Data were further analysed to identify factors that can modulate the efficacy of instruction. While a minor difference was detected between explicit and implicit instruction, statistically significant effects were found for modes of outcome measures, learners’ onset L2 proficiency, research settings, and intensity of instruction.
ISLA: How implicit or how explicit should it be? Theoretical, empirical, and pedagogical/curricular issues
Authors: Leow Ronald P.
Published: July 2018

Instructed second language acquisition (ISLA) research has recently attracted more focal attention due to the publications of three books and as the theme of the 2016 Second Language Research Forum (SLRF) conference that celebrated its 35th anniversary in the field of second language acquisition (SLA). Recent definitions (e.g. Loewen, 2015) have underscored the context (instructed vs. naturalistic setting), the ‘mechanisms of learning’ (cognitive processes), and the potential manipulation of these processes or the conditions under which such processes take place by instructional intervention. This article goes a step further to consider the curricular aspect of the ISLA context that exists within the language curriculum, the type of learning that does take place in an instructed environment and should be promoted in the instructed setting, and the pedagogical implications for the instructed L2 environment, given its curricular status (Leow & Cerezo, 2016). To this end, this article (1) provides a critical discussion of the context of ISLA, (2) presents a succinct overview of cognitive processes reported to play a role in the L2 learning process, (3) reports the findings of empirical research on implicit/incidental and explicit/intentional learning, and (4) reports on one recent study that purports to acknowledge these variables. Recommendations for future ISLA research are provided.
A systematic review of parent–infant interaction in infants at risk of autism
Authors: Wan Ming Wai , Green Jonathan , Scott Jordan
Published: July 2018

Social communicative precursors to autism spectrum disorder may influence how infants who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder interact with their social partners and the responses they receive, thus bidirectionally influencing early social experience. This systematic review aimed to identify a developmental timeline for parent–infant interaction in the first 2 years of life in at-risk infants and in emergent autism spectrum disorder, and to examine any parent–infant interaction associations with later social-communicative outcomes. In total, 15 studies were identified investigating parent–infant interaction in infants at familial autism risk (i.e. with an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder). Starting from the latter part of the first year, infants at risk of autism spectrum disorder (and particularly infants with eventual autism spectrum disorder) showed parent–infant interaction differences from those with no eventual autism spectrum disorder, most notably in infant gesture use and dyadic qualities. While parental interactions did not differ by subsequent child autism spectrum disorder outcome, at-risk infants may receive different ‘compensatory’ socio-communicative inputs, and further work is needed to clarify their effects. Preliminary evidence links aspects of parent–infant interaction with later language outcomes. We discuss the potential role of parent–infant interaction in early parent-mediated intervention.
Piston dynamics, lubrication and tribological performance evaluation: A review
Authors: Delprete Cristiana , Razavykia Abbas
Published: July 2018

Mechanical power loss of lubricated and bearing surfaces serves as an attractive domain for study and research in the field of internal combustion engines. Friction reduction at lubricated and bearing surface is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce gas emission and improve internal combustion engines’ efficiency. This thus motivates automotive industries and researchers to investigate tribological performance of internal combustion engines. Piston secondary motion has prime importance in internal combustion engines and occurs due to unbalanced forces and moments in a plane normal to the wrist pin axis. Consequently, piston executes small translations and rotations within the defined clearance during the piston reciprocating motion. Mechanical friction power loss and lubrication at piston skirt/liner and radiated engine noise are dramatically affected by piston secondary dynamics. The lubrication mechanism, piston secondary motion and tribological performance are affected by piston design parameters (piston/liner clearance, wrist pin offset, skirt profile, etc.), lubricant rheology, oil transport mechanism and operating conditions. Therefore, this review is devoted to summarize the synthesis of main technical aspects, research efforts, conclusions and challenges that must be highlighted regarding piston skirt/liner lubrication and piston dynamics and slap.