bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female Electoral Success in Taiwan Using sntv with Reserved Female Seats under Authoritarianism and Democracy
Authors: Batto Nathan F.
Published: February 2019

There is a debate over whether democracy is beneficial to female representation. Taiwan’s experience supports Krook’s (2013) contention that democracy may be necessary for gender quotas to produce sustainable female representation. Taiwan has employed gender quotas in single non-transferable vote (sntv) elections since the early 1950s, but this same system has had markedly different effects when embedded in different contexts. During the authoritarian era, female representation stagnated and the women who won often needed to invoke the reserved seat rule. After democratisation, women won larger seat shares and needed to invoke the reserved seat rule far less frequently. Parties were the critical actors, since with multiparty competition parties had an incentive to cultivate female political talent in order to prevent competing parties from winning seats at a discount. This paper analyses sntv electoral results in Taiwan from 1954 to 2014 in six different types of national and local elected assemblies.
Gathering Souls: Jesuit Missions and Missionaries in Oceania (1668–1945)
Authors: Coello de la Rosa Alexandre
Published: February 2019

This article deals with the missionary work of the Society of Jesus in today’s Micronesia from the 17th to the 20th century. Although the Jesuit missionaries wanted to reach Japan and other Pacific islands, such as the Palau and Caroline archipelagos, the crown encouraged them to stay in the Marianas until 1769 (when the Society of Jesus was expelled from the Philippines) to evangelize the native Chamorros as well as to reinforce the Spanish presence on the fringes of the Pacific empire. In 1859, a group of Jesuit missionaries returned to the Philippines, but they never officially set foot on the Marianas during the nineteenth century. It was not until the twentieth century that they went back to Micronesia, taking charge of the mission on the Northern Marianas along with the Caroline and Marshall Islands, thus returning to one of the cradles of Jesuit martyrdom in Oceania.
Two new species of Amphisphaeria (Amphisphaeriaceae) from northern Thailand
Authors: SAMARAKOON MILAN C. , LIU JIAN-KUI (JACK) , HYDE KEVIN D. , PROMPUTTHA ITTHAYAKORN
Published: February 2019

Amphisphaeria flava and A. thailandica sp. nov. collected from dead woody branches in northern Thailand, are described and illustrated in this study. Both taxa share ascomata with a brown outer peridium and 1-septate brown ascospores in uniseriate asci. Amphisphaeria flava is characterized by a pale yellow host surface around the ostiole, a comparatively thin peridium and multi-guttulate mature ascospores. Amphisphaeria thailandica is characterized by subglobose to oval ascospores. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of a combined LSU and ITS DNA sequence matrix shows that A. flava and A. thailandica are distinct from other Amphisphaeria species (with molecular data available) in family Amphisphaeriaceae. A key to accepted Amphisphaeria species is provided.
New species and distribution records for Mexican and Central American
Cerambycidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: BEZARK LARRY G.
Published: February 2019

Championa santossilvai sp. nov. and Trypanidius kitayamai sp. nov. are described from Oaxaca and Veracruz, Mexico, respectively. New country records are provided for Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. New state records for Mexico are detailed from a dozen states.
Two new species of the genus Pristaulacus (Hymenoptera, Evanioidea, Aulacidae) from Japan
Authors: KONISHI KAZUHIKO , MATSUMOTO RIKIO
Published: February 2019

Two new species of the genus Pristaulacus, P. ohishii sp. nov. and P. uenoi sp. nov. are described from Japan. The former species belongs to the comptipennis species group in having the strongly concaved occipital margin, and is peculiar in the species group in having the combination of the interrupted occipital carina and a broadly rounded and shallow occipital medial groove. The latter species resembles P. ryukyuensis in having the occipital carina not interrupted, the anterior margin of mesoscutum in lateral view acute and veins M+Cu, r-m and Cu of hind wing not pigmented, but they can be easily distinguished by the coloration of mesosoma and the dark spots of fore wing.
Identities of the millipede genera Skleroprotopus Attems, 1901 and Ansiulus Takakuwa, 1940 (Diplopoda: Julida: Mongoliulidae), with emphasis on the postembryonic development of Skleroprotopus coreanus (Pocock, 1895)
Authors: MIKHALJOVA ELENA V.
Published: February 2019

Based on a study of postembryonic growth of Skleroprotopus coreanus (Pocock, 1895), the following new synonyms and combinations are proposed: Skleroprotopus Attems, 1901 = Ansiulus Takakuwa, 1940, syn. n., Skleroprotopus coreanus (Pocock, 1895) = Skleroprotopus schmidti Golovatch, 1979, syn. n., Skleroprotopus aberrans (Mikhaljova & Korsós, 2003), comb. n. = Ansiulus aberrans Mikhaljova & Korsós, 2003; Skleroprotopus legitimus (Golovatch, 1980), comb. n. = Ansiulus legitimus (Golovatch, 1980); Skleroprotopus deminutus (Mikhaljova, 2001), comb. n. = Ansiulus deminutus Mikhaljova, 2001; Skleroprotopus matumotoi (Takakuwa, 1940), comb. n. = Ansiulus matumotoi Takakuwa, 1940, the valid names being the former. 13 postembryonic stadia of males of Skleroprotopus coreanus were revealed: sexual dimorphism appears at stadium VIII, maturity is achieved in stadium XI.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of subfamilial placement of Haplotropis Saussure, 1888 (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers
Authors: SUKHIKH IGOR , BLINOV ALEXANDER , BUGROV ALEXANDER
Published: February 2019

The genus Haplotropis Sauss. is a relatively small genus in the family Pamphagidae (Orthoptera: Caelifera). Historically, there has been a discussion on the placement of this genus, whether it belongs in the subfamily Pamphaginae or in the subfamily Thrinchinae. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI, COII) and the ITS2 rRNA nuclear region of multiple species of the family Pamphagidae and related taxa. Our results clearly support the placement of the genus Haplotropis, and other species of the tribe Haplotropidini, in the subfamily Thrinchinae.
The Abstract Police: A conceptual exploration of unintended changes of police organisations
Authors: Terpstra Jan , Fyfe Nicholas R , Salet Renze
Published: February 2019

As a consequence of the 2013 police reforms in the Netherlands and Scotland, the police in both countries have made a shift towards a fundamentally different kind of organisation: the Abstract Police. The increasing abstract character resulted in changes in the internal and external relations of the police. The police became more formalised and dependent on rigid systems and system information. Citizens and communities became more at a distance. Gradual and long-term processes may have similar consequences. For that reason it may be expected that the increasingly abstract character of the police may also be found elsewhere.
The Disarticulation of the Administrative State (and Public Administration)
Authors: Resh William G.
Published: February 2019

The author takes the opportunity to review two compelling contributions to the field of Public Administration (PA) to expose how either would not ostensibly identify with the scholarly field of PA itself. Both of the works advance their theses through the integration of disciplines, though less than a self-identifying “public administration” scholar might like. Nonetheless, they do so better than PA scholarship has done beyond its own limited readership. The author argues that pathologies of managerial and political silos that largely ignore “rule of law” as a pillar of the administrative state make Public Administration—as an academic enterprise—largely silent (or incapable) in conversations about critical issues of governmental legitimacy and crisis.
Specific Learning Disabilities Identification: Do the Identification Methods and Data Matter?
Authors: Maki Kathrin E. , Adams Sarah R.
Published: February 2019

Specific learning disabilities (SLD) identification has consistently been shown to be problematic; however, research has largely focused on SLD identification using test scores only. The present study, therefore, examined SLD identification decisions across identification methods and student evaluation data levels, including test scores, background information, and observations. Participants included 461 school psychologists who were randomly assigned to one of 12 conditions to make identification decisions. Results indicated that response to intervention (RtI) methods resulted in greater identification consistency than ability-achievement discrepancy while pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) resulted in lower identification consistency than ability-achievement discrepancy. However, background information and observation data did not impact SLD identification consistency. Implications for practice and research are also discussed.
Simulation Models of Ethnocentrism and Diversity: An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Edmonds Bruce , Hales David , Lessard-Phillips Laurence
Published: February 2019

The theme and key ideas behind the special issue are discussed, in particular the terms: “ethnocentrism” and “diversity.” It picks out three very influential simulation models in this area, pointing out that these are at the abstract end of the simulation spectrum, thus not strongly related to any data and overinterpreted by many subsequent readers. It also briefly discusses four themes that emerged in an associated workshop. Finally, the four papers in the special issue are outlined, and this concludes with a plea for research which (a) makes greater use of social science data, (b) is more open minded about the assumptions made, and (c) is more cautious as to the interpretation of simulations.
Synthesis of a new W-type of functional polymer for improving intermolecular charge transfer processes at donor/acceptor interfaces
Authors: Zhang Yun-Fan , Wu Fawen
Published: February 2019

Optimizing charge transfer (CT) processes at donor/acceptor interfaces is an important subject to improving photocurrent density. Geometries of functional polymers play important roles in design of new types of polymers, which were used as electron donor to improve effective separation of electron-hole pairs at donor/acceptor interfaces. In this article, a novel W-type of polymer, poly(1-[4-(9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole-3-yl)]phenylazo-2-phenylazoacenaphthylene), was synthesized by a Suzuki coupling reaction for improving interaction between polymers and electron acceptors to enhance intermolecular CT. Geometry of combination of the polymer and C60 shows that main-chain of the polymer could sufficiently touch C60 derivatives. The polymer exhibited a broadband light absorption at the wavelength range from 250 to 650 nm. Ultraviolet–visible spectra and cyclic voltammetry curve suggest that the highest occupied, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels, and energy gap values are −5.09, −3.18 and 1.91 eV. Fluorescence quenching experiments shows that 99.9% of emission fluorescence of the polymer was quenched by added C60. Therefore, excited electrons at the polymer would be completely transferred to C60 molecules. This article suggests a new W-type functional polymer for improving intermolecular CT processes at donor/acceptor interfaces.
Perforated H-beam implant can be used in femoral neck fracture
Authors: Jafarov Afgan , Erbay Elibol Fatma Kübra , Alizadeh Chingiz , Gülşen Mahir , Toğrul Emre , Demir Teyfik
Published: February 2019

This biomechanical study evaluated comparison osteosynthesis of the femoral neck fracture model by 3 cannulated screw implants and new perforated H beam implants under different loading conditions with 45 third generation right proximal femur bones. A standardized Pauwels Type 3 of the femoral neck fracture was performed in the femur models. For assessing the rigidity and strength of fixation methods, the proximal femur bones after their osteosynthesis were then mechanically tested in axial compression, and torsional and dynamic axial compression loading. To determine the structural advantage of the new implant system, perforated and nonperforated new implant systems were comparing about pull out performance. When loading the samples, photographs were taken continuously. The reference parameters were described and measured from unloaded and loaded photographs of the static and dynamic tests. There was no significant difference between stiffness values of two fixation methods under static and rotational loading. Under dynamic loading, the displacement of the superior point of femoral head at the fracture line showed a significant decrease between the new implant system and cannulated screws. Comparing the relative motion at the mid line of the fracture in femoral neck between groups, a significant increase was found in H Beam implant group. Perforated H beam implants have similar static and torsion properties with golden standard. Although there was significant difference under dynamic loading which simulate movement early after surgery, the patient was not allowed to move early after surgery in the clinical practice. Therefore, the differences due to the perforated “H” beam implant would not cause clinical insecurity. Therefore, it is assumed that the perforated “H” beam implant can be used for internal fixation as an alternative to cannulated screws in the treatment of instable femoral neck fracture.
Bowenoid papulosis unveiling a rare cause of immunosuppression
Authors: Ambooken Betsy , Asokan N , Philip Prizey , Jisha KT
Published: February 2019

Bowenoid papulosis (BP) is a premalignant condition usually caused by oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) presenting clinically as warty genital papules. Adult T-cell leukaemia–lymphoma (ATLL) is a peripheral T-cell leukaemia–lymphoma caused by the retrovirus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). We report a case of BP initially mistaken as genital warts; on detailed evaluation the patient had features of chronic immunosuppression. The presence of leukaemic cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow and skin along with a positive HTLV-1 serology confirmed the diagnosis of ATLL.
Successful treatment of gonococcal osteomyelitis with one week of intravenous antibiotic therapy
Authors: Gharamti Amal A , Pinto Natalia C , Henao-SanMartin Valentina , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Henao-Martínez Andrés F
Published: February 2019

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In a minority of cases, a disseminated infection can occur including gonococcal osteoarticular disease. With the steep and sustained increase in STIs in the US, we could see invasive gonococcal disease more often. Most cases of gonococcal osteomyelitis receive prolonged courses of antibiotic therapy. We report here the successful treatment of gonococcal osteomyelitis with one week of antibiotic therapy. Given the emergence of bacterial resistance worldwide and associated side effects, it is crucial to limit antibiotic exposures to the smallest effective dose possible.
Validity of hemoglobin A1c for diagnosing diabetes among people with and without HIV in Uganda
Authors: Muchira James , Stuart-Shor Eileen , Manne-Goehler Jen , Lo Janet , Tsai Alexander C , Kakukire Bernard , Okello Samson , Siedner Mark J
Published: February 2019

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is facing a growing co-epidemic of chronic HIV infection and diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) may underestimate glycemia among people living with HIV (PLWH). We estimated the validity of A1c to diagnose diabetes among PLWH and HIV-uninfected persons in rural Uganda. Data were derived from a cohort of PLWH and age- and gender-matched HIV-uninfected comparators. We compared A1c to fasting blood glucose (FBG) using Pearson correlations, regression models, and estimated the sensitivity and specificity of A1c for detecting diabetes with FBG ≥126 mg/dL as reference standard. Approximately half (48%) of the 212 participants were female, mean age of 51.7 years (SD = 7.0) at enrollment. All PLWH (n = 118) were on antiretroviral therapy for a median of 7.5 years with mean CD4 cell count of 442 cells/µL. Mean FBG (89.7 mg/dL) and A1c (5.6%) were not different between PLWH and HIV-uninfected ( P > 0.50) groups, but the HIV-uninfected group had a higher prevalence of A1c >5.7% (33% vs. 20%, P = 0.024). We found a relatively strong correlation between A1c and FBG (r = 0.67). An A1c ≥6.5% had a poor sensitivity (46%, 95% CI 26–67%) but high specificity (98%, 95% CI 96–99%) for detecting diabetes. More work is needed to define an optimal A1c for screening diabetes in SSA.
Not just a one-man revolution: the multifaceted anti-asylum watershed in Italy
Authors: Micheli Giuseppe A
Published: February 2019

The Italian psychiatric ‘revolution’ is the story of a range of flexible, changing formulas, exposed to many ‘contaminations’. Historical reconstructions have remained anchored to the lure of a founding myth and an eponymous hero. This essay aims to shed light on the multi-faceted concept of the Italian ‘moral management revolution’. We especially focus on: the circumstances which triggered the innovation in its various form; the ‘prototypes’ available in other countries which have been variously recombined in the different local contexts; the ‘special path’ of action strategies which has driven the change towards radical closure of the asylums; and the cause–effect relationship between the above ‘special path’ and several aspects of the current state of deadlock.
Equality in theory: From a heteronormative to an inclusive psychology of romantic love
Authors: Thorne Sapphira R. , Hegarty Peter , Hepper Erica G.
Published: February 2019

Since 1970, research on romantic relationships has burgeoned, but its theories and methods were shaped by a heteronormative cultural context. Heteronormativity is an ideology that implicitly holds that heterosexuality is, and should be, the only, dominant, or taken-for-granted sexuality for all. The movement towards sexual equality, particularly legal recognition of equal marriage, now allows psychologists to investigate romantic love in a more equal manner than ever before. To orient psychology towards less heteronormative theories of love, we make explicit how researchers in the past have (a) defined love and relationships as heterosexual, (b) presumed heterosexual patterns of love generalize to all, (c) used methodologies that introduce heterosexual bias, and (d) located differences in same-gender couples rather than between same-gender and opposite-gender couples. We conclude with recommendations on how critical thinking at all stages of research can make the difference between heteronormative and inclusive research on romantic love and relationships.
Effect of Surface treatment of Glass Fiber on Erosion damage of Frp
Authors: Kim Dong-Seop , Kubouchi Masatoshi , Tsuda Ken
Published: February 2019

The effect of surface treatment of glass fiber on sand erosion of FRP have studied with using three kinds of coupling agents. The erosion rate decreased with increase of interface strength between fiber and matrix. The mechanism was discussed with observation of fracture behavior of glass fiber.
Bone Sarcoma With EWSR1-NFATC2 Fusion: Sarcoma With Varied Morphology and Amplification of Fusion Gene Distinct From Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Yau Derek Tsz Wai , Chan John K. C. , Bao Siyu , Zheng Zongli , Lau Gene Tze Chin , Chan Alexander Chak Lam
Published: February 2019

Ewing sarcomas are typified by EWSR1 fusion to ETS gene family members. Tumors with fusion partners other than ETS family members and atypical histologic features pose significant diagnostic challenges and controversies as to their classification. In this article, we report a tumor with EWSR1-NFATC2 fusion in the left femur of a 43-year-old man and with unusual morphologic features that resemble undifferentiated high-grade sarcoma. Analysis together with reported cases in the literature shows that tumors with EWSR1-NFATC2 exhibit distinctive clinicopathologic features, including predilection for young male adults, highly variable histology that varies from round cell tumors frequently associated with nuclear irregularity, short spindle cells with nuclear pleomorphism, to myoepithelial tumor-like with or without myxohyaline matrix. They show variable positivity to CD99, frequent expression of cytokeratins, and consistent high-level amplification of EWSR1-NFATC2 fusion gene with distinctive gene expression profile. These tumors thus deserve classification separate from Ewing sarcoma.
The U-Turn in Government Facilitation: How Dutch Water Authorities Facilitate Nongovernmental Initiatives
Authors: Grotenbreg Sanne
Published: February 2019

Public authorities in infrastructure, aiming to facilitate societal initiatives, explore new forms of collaboration with nongovernmental actors. A comparative case study of two Dutch initiatives is conducted: energy generation at a public dam and the realization of a nature reserve. It is analyzed how and why the authorities’ strategy regarding their nongovernmental partners changes over time. Authorities’ strategy change is modeled on two axes: governmental investments and governmental influence, and a differentiation is made between limited facilitation, invitational facilitation, partnering, and Design, Build, Finance, Maintain, and Operate. A U-turn-shaped pattern in authorities’ strategy is found: Authorities move from partnering to limited facilitation and subsequently revert to invitational facilitation. Institutional factors, process factors, and initiative characteristics are identified that explain the strategy changes. It is concluded that government facilitation is a dynamic, interactive process and that authorities adapt their strategy to the initiative at hand and are pragmatic in their approach.
Visual prognosis of posterior and combined persistent fetal vasculature
Authors: Promelle Veronique , Bryselbout Sophie , Milazzo Solange
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

The persistent fetal vasculature refers to congenital anomalies of the globe resulting from the abnormal persistence of the hyaloid vascular system. It can present as anterior, posterior, or combined form. The aim of this study was to report the visual outcomes of posterior and combined forms of persistent fetal vasculature.

Methods:

This retrospective, single-center study included every patient referred to our outpatient clinic with a posterior or combined form of persistent fetal vasculature. The primary endpoint was the visual acuity of the impaired eye, or of the best eye if bilateral, at the end of follow-up.

Results:

In total, 18 eyes of 14 patients (10 males) were included. The combined form was the most prevalent (12 of 18 eyes), and 4 of 14 patients had bilateral impairment. The range of assessed visual acuity was from 20/2000 to 20/25. The best visual acuity in patients having undergone a surgical procedure was 20/63 (cataract extraction = 3, combined phacovitrectomy = 1). In patients who had been treated for amblyopia with patching, without surgery, the best visual acuity measured was 20/100 (5 patients). Among patients who had neither surgery nor patching therapy, there was one 63-year-old patient with a 20/25 visual acuity; the other ones had a low visual acuity of less than 20/200. All included eyes presented with nystagmus, amblyopia, and/or strabismus at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion:

The posterior and combined forms of persistent fetal vasculature are of poor visual prognosis. The severe or occulting presentations require surgery to obtain the same visual outcomes as the moderate forms treated for amblyopia with patching therapy.
Sociability among European Migrants
Authors: Bartram David
Published: February 2019

Research on migration often finds that migrants typically experience decreased social connectedness after migration, at least temporarily. Cultural differences and language difficulties are said to impede social ties with natives; at a minimum, making new friends in a new location takes time. This picture, however, emerges mainly from qualitative research investigating a limited range of migration streams. This article develops a broader analysis of sociability among migrants moving within Europe, using data from the European Social Survey enabling comparison of migrants with stayers in the countries the migrants left. While migrants in some streams do experience lower levels of sociability (compared with rates among stayers in the corresponding origin countries), migrants in other streams experience significantly higher sociability. The consequences of migration for sociability are by no means as uniform as previous research might suggest. The pattern of varying outcomes is consistent with the notion that migrants adapt to the levels of sociability prevailing in the destination country.
Association of angiotensin ІІ type 1 receptor gene A1166C polymorphism with cancer risk: An updated meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Xue , Chen Jing
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor ( AGTR1) gene A1166C polymorphism and cancer risk has been investigated in many studies. However, the results have been inconclusive. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain a more precise estimation of the relationship.

Methods:

The PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for published literature. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strengths of association.

Results:

Ten studies, including 1553 patients and 1904 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, there were no significant associations between the AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism and cancer risk in the general population (CC vs AA: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.50–2.37; AC vs AA: OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.81–2.91; dominant model: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.77–2.79; recessive model: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.84–1.49). In a subgroup analysis by nationality and cancer type, the results also showed no association between this polymorphism and cancer risk.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis demonstrated that the AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism does not appear to be related to the risk of cancer.
Low-coherent fiber-optic interferometry for in situ monitoring the corrosion-induced expansion of pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes
Authors: Wei Heming , Liao Kaixing , Zhao Xuefeng , Kong Xianglong , Zhang Pinglei , Sun Changsen
Published: February 2019

The corrosion-induced expansion of pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes shapes a major determining factor in the durability of most pipeline systems. However, a structure extended in a very large span and accompanied by a slow corrosion-induced structural damage is still a challenge in practice. Here, a low-coherent fiber-optic interferometry is proposed for in situ measuring the corrosion-induced expansion by directly circling the sensing optical fiber on the outer surface of the pipe. Since the accuracy of the absolute deformation measurement by the low-coherent fiber-optic interferometry can reach 3–5 μm, we are able to improve the sensitivity by choosing the length of the sensing fiber. In the experiment, we employ 50-m sensing fiber; therefore, a resolution of about 0.1 microstrains had been approached. We chose 12 places along the pipeline as the corrosion-induced expansion monitoring points. On monitoring for about half a year, a non-uniform interface in structure, such as the repaired places, was found as a key factor of the corrosion-induced expansion development, which could be a reference for the further health care of the pipeline structures.
White lighting and colour preference, Part 1: Correlation analysis and metrics validation
Authors: Huang Z , Liu Q , Pointer MR , Luo MR , Wu B , Liu A
Published: February 2019

In this work, the correlation between the whiteness of lighting and the preference for the colour of lighting was comprehensively investigated based on four psychophysical studies. Different sets of experimental light sources, two of constant correlated colour temperatures (CCT) and two of different CCTs were adopted to illuminate multiple experimental objects with different illuminance levels (200 lx or 500 lx). The observers were asked to rate their colour preference towards the illuminated objects and rate their white perception towards the illuminated environment of the empty light booth. It was found that for the studies with same CCT but different chromaticities, people indeed preferred whiter illumination. However, for the cases with multiple CCTs, that statement is only valid between 2500 K and 5500 K, since too white a light source impaired colour preference. In addition, based on the whiteness rating data, the performance of three typical metrics for white lighting was assessed. The findings of this study may contribute to a deeper understanding of colour and whiteness perception in lighting, especially for lighting designers and manufacturers.
The Relative Importance of Selected Communication Skills for Positive Peer Relations: American Adolescents’ Opinions
Authors: Reed Vicki A. , Trumbo Susan
Published: February 2019

Typically developing, American adolescents in Grade 10 ( n = 38) ranked the relative importance of 14 communication skills in their friends’ communication with them. The skills were considered those associated with figurative language (e.g., appropriate slang use), empathy (e.g., vocal tone comprehension), or discourse management (e.g., appropriate topic selection). Five skills emerged as more important and were primarily considered to be empathy-related communication skills. Four skills, representing a mix of figurative language and discourse management skills, were ranked as lower in importance. The remaining five skills were of intermediate or variable importance and a mix of discourse management and empathy-related communication skills. Results were similar to those of previous investigations with Australian adolescents. Adolescents’ gender did not result in different rankings. Knowing what adolescents opine to be more and less important communication skills for positive peer relationships can help speech-language pathologists decide on intervention objectives to improve adolescents’ peer relationships.
Endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas with sinus drainage: Do we really need to protect the sinus?
Authors: Kortman Hans , Boukrab Issam , Sluzewski Menno , van Rooij Willem Jan , Peluso Jo PP , Majoie Charles
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with direct antegrade sinus drainage have a benign natural history but bruit can be disabling. Disconnection of the draining sinus is considered curative. We present the treatment results of 14 patients with a dural arteriovenous fistula with antegrade sinus return with emphasis on functionality of the involved sinus and the need for sinus patency.

Materials and methods

Between January 2009 and January 2018, 14 patients with a DAVF with direct antegrade sinus drainage were treated in our institution. There were two men and 12 women (1: 6) with a mean age of 61 years (median 61, range 43–78). Clinical presentation was unbearable pulsatile bruit in all cases. Thirteen were draining in the sigmoid or transverse sinus and one drained into the inferior petrosal sinus.

Results

Twelve of 14 (86%) patients had a draining sinus non-functional for the brain. In ten of these 12 patients the sinus was occluded with liquid embolic or coils. In the two patients with a functional sinus, the fistula was successfully occluded without occluding the sinus. One patient with inferior petrosal sinus drainage required transvenous embolization. There were no permanent adverse events of treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with DAVFs with direct antegrade sinus drainage were cured using a strategy of endovascular transarterial and transvenous embolization. Most patients had a non-functional sinus that could be occluded for cure.
Thrombus perviousness is not associated with first-pass revascularization using stent retrievers
Authors: Byun Jun-Soo , Nicholson Patrick , Hilditch Christopher A , Chun On Tsang Anderson , Mendes Pereira Vitor , Krings Timo , Fang Yibin , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

Recent studies suggest that thrombus imaging characteristics such as Hounsfield unit (HU) and perviousness assessed on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) can predict successful recanalization. We assessed whether these thrombus imaging characteristics could predict successful first-pass recanalization.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of mechanical thrombectomy over a three-year period in which patients received a multiphase CTA and were treated with a stent retriever on first pass. Thrombus attenuation, thrombus enhancement on arterial- and delayed-phase CTA and percentage washout were calculated and their association with first-pass recanalization, successful recanalization and distal embolic complications was studied.

Results

Fifty-two mechanical thrombectomy patients were included. First-pass recanalization was achieved in 59.6% and complete revascularization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale 2b/3) was achieved in 84.6%. There was no correlation between first-pass recanalization with thrombus density on NCCT ( p = 0.94), percentage enhancement on arterial ( p = 0.61) and delayed-phase CTA ( p = 0.23) or thrombus length ( p = 0.16). There was no correlation between number of passes and either thrombus density on NCCT ( p = 0.91) or percentage enhancement on arterial- ( p = 0.79) and delayed-phase ( p = 0.14) CTA or thrombus length ( p = 0.34). Clot length was significantly higher in patients with distal embolic complications than in those without (18.5 ± 7.9 vs 11.4 ± 6.6 mm, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that thrombus imaging characteristics on multiphase CTA cannot predict first-pass recanalization or successful revascularization in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with stent retrievers. Longer clot length was associated with higher risk of distal embolic complications.
Rapidly exploring Random Tree* with a sampling method based on Sukharev grids and convex vertices of safety hulls of obstacles
Authors: Véras Luiz GDO , Medeiros Felipe LL , Guimarães Lamartine NF
Published: February 2019

The path planning for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ensures that a dynamically feasible and collision-free path is planned between a start and an end point within a navigation environment. One of the most used algorithms for path planning is the Rapidly exploring Random Tree, where each one of its nodes is randomly collected from the navigation environment until the start and end navigation points are connected through them. The Rapidly exploring Random Tree algorithm is probabilistically complete, which ensures that a path, if one exists, will be found if the quantity of sampled nodes increases infinitely. However, there is no guarantee that the shortest path to a navigation environment will be planned by Rapidly exploring Random Tree algorithm. The Rapidly exploring Random Tree* algorithm is a path planning method that guarantees the shorter path length to the UAV but at a high computational cost. Some authors state that by informing sample collection to specific positions on the navigation environment, it would be possible to improve the planning time of this algorithm, as example of the Rapidly exploring Random Tree*-Smart algorithm, that utilize intelligent sampling and path optimization procedures to this purpose. This article introduces a novel Rapidly exploring Random Tree*-based algorithm, where a new sampling process based on Sukharev grids and convex vertices of the security hulls of obstacles is proposed. Computational tests are performed to verify that the new sampling strategy improves the planning time of Rapidly exploring Random Tree*, which can be applied to real-time navigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The results presented indicate that the use of convex vertices and grid of Sukharev accelerate the planning time of the Rapidly exploring Random Tree* and show better performance than the Rapidly exploring Random Tree*-Smart algorithm in several navigation environments with different quantities and spatial distributions of polygonal obstacles.
Investigational drug labeling variability
Authors: Duhamel Amélie , Thibault Maxime , Lebel Denis , Bussières Jean-François , Tanguay Cynthia
Published: February 2019

Background/aims

In comparison with commercial drugs, there are few regulations concerning the labeling of investigational drugs. This leads to variability in their content and layout. This increases the risk of errors during storage, validation, compounding, dispensing and administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conformity and variability of investigational drug labels. Additional exploratory aims were to evaluate the use of an automated script to describe the labels and to identify the factors associated with the ease of finding a kit number.

Methods

An 87-criterion list was developed to evaluate content, format and readability. It included eight criteria to evaluate the conformity to the Canadian Food and Drugs Regulation. A systematic cross-sectional evaluation of all investigational drug labels in our 500-bed mother–child center was performed. All active protocols during the period of 14–22 February 2018 were included. Labels from drugs that were sourced locally were excluded. Labels affixed to the outside (external) and inside (internal) containers, as well as labels from American and European sponsors, were compared with the chi-square and Student’s t tests. A script was developed in Python to automatically determine key information (number of words, main colors and their proportion). A short survey was conducted with a convenience sample of pharmacists to rate the ease of finding the kit number on labels. Correlation was evaluated with different factors.

Results

A total of 27 protocols were included (24 internal and 34 external labels). The majority (33/34) of external labels were compliant with the Regulation. Some internal labels did not state the expiry date (9/13), the sponsor address (2/13) or storing conditions (1/13). A total of 10 criteria were different between internal and external labels, for instance, the number of languages was higher on external labels (median 3 (2–14) vs 10 (2–50); p = 0.013). Five criteria were different depending on the sponsors’ location, for instance, European sponsors were more prone to use bold characters (25% vs 61%, p = 0.034). There was a mean of 146 ± 111 words and 78.3% ± 7.3% empty space per label. These were positively correlated (p < 0.001). The proportion of free space on a label was also correlated with the ease of finding the kit number (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

We measured a high variability in the labeling of investigational drugs. Key information was missing from labels affixed to internal containers, despite the use of a high number of pages. The automation worked well and further work is needed to identify criteria that may improve readability and reduce error risk. Detailed and harmonized international guidelines are needed.
“It Would ‘Mean Little’ Absent Governmental Recognition”: Theorizing State Power and the New Jurisprudence of Dignity
Authors: Moore Chelsea , Rodman Emma
Published: February 2019

Dignity is increasingly central to the justificatory logic of US Supreme Court decisions. Yet the perils inherent in this jurisprudence of dignity, which we argue frames the right to dignity as a right to recognition, have been overlooked. Understanding dignity as synonymous with recognition clarifies its effects: dignity dethrones the autonomous, rights-bearing individual, instead figuring individuals as intersubjectively vulnerable and dependent upon institutional recognition. Dignity also casts state action as innocent, elides structural harms, and exacerbates injuries of marginalization. Applying our theoretical frame to Obergefell v. Hodges, we argue that the effects of the emerging jurisprudence of dignity are troubling.
Nucleation and growth controlled reduced graphene oxide–supported palladium electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Ng Jen Chao , Tan Chou Yong , Ong Boon Hoong , Matsuda Atsunori , Basirun Wan Jefrey , Tan Wai Kian , Singh Ramesh , Yap Boon Kar
Published: February 2019

In spite of advantages of direct methanol fuel cells, low methanol oxidation reaction and fuel crossover from anode to cathode, there remains a challenge that inhibits it from being commercialized. Active electrocatalysts are in high demand to promote the methanol oxidation reaction. The methanol reached at the anode can be immediately reacted, and thus, less methanol to cross to the cathode. The performance of electrocatalysts can be significantly influenced by varying the concentration of precursor solution. Theoretically, concentrated precursor solution facilitates rapid nucleation and growth; diluted precursor solution causes slow nucleation and growth. Rapid nucleation and slow growth have positive effect on the size of electrocatalysts which plays a significant role in the catalytic performance. Upon the addition of appropriate concentration of graphene oxide, the graphene oxide was reported to have stabilizing effect towards the catalyst nanoparticles. This work synthesized reduced graphene oxide–supported palladium electrocatalysts at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg mL−1) with fixed volume and mass ratio of reduced graphene oxide to palladium by microwave-assisted reduction method. Results showed that reduced graphene oxide–supported palladium synthesized at a concentration of 1.0 mg mL−1 gave the best methanol oxidation reactivity (405.37 mA mg−1) and largest electrochemical active surface area (83.57 m2 g−1).
Real‐life data on Selexipag for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Barnikel Michaela , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Klenner Friederike , Waelde Andrea , Arnold Paola , Sonneck Torben , Behr Jürgen , Neurohr Claus , Milger Katrin
Published: February 2019

Selexipag is an orally available selective IP prostacyclin‐receptor agonist licensed since 2016 for the therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We aimed to describe real‐life data of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) treated with selexipag. We analyzed all patients initiated with selexipag from July 2016 to April 2018 at the Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Munich. Non‐invasive and invasive parameters corresponding to the risk assessment were collected at baseline and follow‐up (FU). Furthermore, we recorded tolerability. Twenty‐six patients were treated with selexipag, of whom 23 had PAH and three had chronic thromboembolic PH. At baseline, most patients were in function class (FC) II or III (42% and 54%, respectively). All patients were under medical treatment for PH, mostly dual therapy (92%). One or more side effects were noted in 19 patients, while seven reported no side‐effects. FU assessment was available in 20 patients after 149 ± 80 days of treatment. Nt‐proBNP (median, baseline 1641 pg/mL, FU 1185 pg/mL, P = 0.05) and PVR (mean ± SD, baseline 8.5 ± 4.3 WU, FU 5.6 ± 1.1 WU; P < 0.05) improved significantly. At FU, at least one risk assessment parameter improved in nine patients (45%), all parameters remained in the same risk group in seven patients (35%), and at least one parameter deteriorated in four patients (20%). Interestingly, patients with any side effect throughout the dose titration had a better treatment response than those without any side effects. In our real‐life cohort, the majority of patients with PH treated with selexipag showed a stable or improved risk assessment at FU.
Beta-blockers for post-acute coronary syndrome mid-range ejection fraction: a nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Montenegro Sá Fernando , Carvalho Rita , Ruivo Catarina , Santos Luís Graça , Antunes Alexandre , Soares Francisco , Belo Adriana , Morais João ,   on behalf of the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background:

Patients with mid-range ejection fraction (40–49%) are in focus due to the newly defined entity of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. Acute coronary syndromes are a major aetiology for heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. We aim to evaluate which therapeutic decisions are associated with inhospital survival benefit in post-acute coronary syndrome patients categorised according to the ejection fraction.

Methods and results:

The authors analysed a cohort of a multicentre national registry enrolling acute coronary syndrome patients between 2010 and 2016, classified according to their ejection fraction before hospital discharge. Patients with previously known heart failure or with no ejection fraction evaluation were excluded. A total of 9429 patients were included and categorised in three groups: (a) ejection fraction of 50% or greater ( n=6113, 65%); (b) ejection fraction of 40–49% ( n=1926, 20%); and (c) ejection fraction less than 40% ( n=1390, 15%). The primary endpoint was inhospital mortality. To eliminate confounding factors, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, including acute coronary syndrome type, baseline characteristics, pharmacological treatment, clinical data, laboratory data and coronary anatomy when known. The overall inhospital mortality was 2.8% ( n=263): 0.9% ( n=53) in group 1, 2.4% ( n=37) in group 2 and 11.4% ( n=159) in group 3. After multivariate analysis, an invasive strategy had a positive impact in all groups, inhospital beta-blocker administration had a positive impact for groups 2 and 3, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and spironolactone had a positive impact on group 3.

Conclusion:

Post-acute coronary syndrome mid-range ejection fraction patients represent an intermediate risk group in which beta-blocker administration was associated with inhospital survival benefit. An invasive strategy was a survival predictor for all groups, regardless of ejection fraction category.
Do Policy Statements on Media Effects Faithfully Represent the Science?
Authors: Elson Malte , Ferguson Christopher J. , Gregerson Mary , Hogg Jerri Lynn , Ivory James , Klisanin Dana , Markey Patrick M. , Nichols Deborah , Siddiqui Shahbaz , Wilson June
Published: February 2019

Professional advocacy associations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and American Academy of Pediatrics commonly release policy statements regarding science and behavior. Policymakers and the general public may assume that such statements reflect objective conclusions, but their actual fidelity in representing science remains largely untested. For example, in recent decades, policy statements related to media effects have been released with increasing regularity. However, they have often provoked criticisms that they do not adequately reflect the state of the science on media effects. The News Media, Public Education and Public Policy Committee (a standing committee of APA’s Division 46, the Media Psychology and Technology division) reviewed all publicly available policy statements on media effects produced by professional organizations and evaluated them using a standardized rubric. It was found that current policy statements tend to be more definitive than is warranted by the underlying science, and often ignore conflicting research results. These findings have broad implications for policy statements more generally, outside the field of media effects. In general, the committee suggests that professional organizations run the risk of misinforming the public when they release policy statements that do not acknowledge debates and inconsistencies in a field, or limitations of methodology. In formulating policy statements, advocacy organizations may wish to focus less on claiming consensus and more on acknowledging areas of agreement, areas of disagreement, and limitations.