bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Person-Centred Future Time Perspective Intervention to Enhance EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate
Authors: Zarrinabadi Nourollah , Ketabi Saeed , Tavakoli Mansoor
Published: July 2017

This study examined the effectiveness of a person-centred future time perspective (FTP) intervention on Iranian EFL students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in English. Through one-on-one interviews with the participants, the researchers tried to build a connection between students’ English learning at school and their goals in future, and to develop positive feelings about the value of speaking English. The quantitative findings followed by qualitative interview data indicated that the intervention was successful in enhancing students’ WTC in English. The results showed that the intervention improved the participants’ WTC by affecting their goal pursuit commitment, autonomy, feelings, and values attached to learning English. The implications of the study are discussed.
‘A wrong done to mankind’: colonial perspectives on the notion of universal crime
Authors: Graf Sinja
Published: July 2017

Current debates on ‘crimes against humanity’ address its history and its potentially neo-imperial effects in international relations. In reference to these issues, this essay abstracts the idea of universal crime from the contemporary concept of ‘crimes against humanity’ and analyzes its mobilizations in early-modern perspectives on the legitimacy of European colonialism. First theorizing the easy union between notions of universal crime and arguments about European imperialism, I then draw on arguments by Vitoria, Gentili, and Grotius. I find that they rely on the idea of an offense injuring all mankind to negotiate colonial relationships between European powers and peoples abroad as well as between European powers vis-à-vis one another, both within Europe and in non-European spaces. The essay concludes by offering three venues for inquiry into the concepts of universal crime and crimes against humanity, namely their political productivity, their historical circulation, and their contemporary neo-imperial character.
The Hidden Face of Violence in Latin America: Assessing the Criminalization of Protest in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Doran Marie-Christine
Published: July 2017

The criminalization of social movements and protest remains underanalyzed as a problem intrinsic to democracy. Comparison of two seemingly different Latin American countries with regard to the degree of violence, Chile and Mexico, suggests that, far from being caused by the dysfunction of the legal system or other institutional factors, criminalization is a specific form of retrenching on well-established civil and political rights, rendering them synonymous with criminal behavior that must be sanctioned legally, and tolerates abusive behavior by state agents toward human rights defenders, who are viewed as enemies. As such, it is key to an understanding of the current violence in Latin America. Fieldwork and interviews of human rights defenders in the two countries suggest that criminalization of collective action is a systemic state response to the intense multifaceted mobilization in favor of democracy and new generations of rights that Latin America has been experiencing “from below” during the past decade.

La criminalización de los movimientos y protestas sociales sigue siendo un problema intrínseco a la democracia pero es poco analizado como tal. Una comparación del grado de violencia en dos países latinoamericanos, Chile y México, sugiere que, lejos de ser el producto del sistema legal u otros factores institucionales, la criminalización es una forma específica de reducir derechos civiles y políticos bien establecidos y convertirlos en sinónimo de comportamiento criminal que debe ser sancionado legalmente. Dicho proceso tolera el comportamiento abusivo por parte de agentes del estado hacia defensores de los derechos humanos, quienes aparecen como enemigos. Esto es crucial para entender la actual violencia en América Latina. La criminalización de la acción colectiva es una respuesta estatal sistémica a una intensa y multifacética movilización de grupos de base a favor de la democracia y nuevos derechos en esta última década.
The Dynamics of Advice Giving by Venture Capital Firms: Antecedents of Managerial Cognitive Effort
Authors: Bacon-Gerasymenko Violetta , Eggers J. P.
Published: July 2017

This study investigates what leads managers to allocate constrained cognitive effort toward new versus familiar aspects of a business. Specifically, we explore advice giving by venture capital firms (VCs) to their portfolio companies, distinguishing between business topics on which a VC has advised other ventures in the past and topics new to the VC that may be outside its areas of expertise. We use both demand-side (venture-driven) and supply-side (VC-driven) perspectives to offer a novel theory about the antecedents of cognitive effort underlying advice giving. Empirical tests in a unique data set of French VCs show that both perspectives explain important aspects of advice-giving dynamics for VCs. VCs facing dynamic environments and capacity constraints strongly respond to stimuli from ventures, but VCs also adjust their behavior as they accumulate experience in ways that reflect both expanding confidence in their ability to add value and concerns about overextension of their efforts, depending on the valence of VC experience. Our findings provide important insights to the antecedents of cognitive effort and to research on the VC–venture relationship by exploring the dynamics of how advice-giving relationships evolve over time as VCs gain experience.
Electing women to new Arab assemblies: The roles of gender ideology, Islam, and tribalism in Oman
Authors: Al Subhi Ahlam Khalfan , Smith Amy Erica
Published: July 2017

As Arab monarchies increasingly adopt and empower consultative assemblies, women’s representation varies markedly across countries. What leads citizens in these new electoral systems to vote for women? This study investigates the determinants of support for women’s representation using the first electoral survey ever conducted in Oman, prior to the October 2015 Majlis al Shura elections. It considers cross-nationally recognized factors – gender ideology and religion – and tribalism, a factor heretofore largely unexplored. Confirming prior studies, citizens with traditional gender ideology are much less supportive of women’s representation. Developing a simultaneous equations model, we show that religiosity and tribalism shape gender ideology. Unlike in Western countries, education is unassociated with attitudes, and there is no generational shift towards equality; younger men are less supportive of women’s representation than are older men. Increasing women’s representation requires not only increasing citizen demand for female leaders, but also changing informal tribal and formal electoral institutions.
Postdenominational Missiology: Developing an Ecumenical Renewalist Approach
Authors: Lord Andy
Published: July 2017

The emergence of postdenominational identities has been recognised as a significant development in approaches to mission. These contribute to a deeper form of ecumenism in the way they integrate different traditions in themselves rather than starting from a confessional or correlational outlook. They also seek to develop over time through ongoing dialogue with different traditions. This article examines one such postdenominational identity, the emerging ‘renewalist’ identity that is particularly shaped by the charismatic tradition. A renewalist approach is contrasted with the ecumenical approaches of Lausanne and the World Council of Churches as represented in their latest agreed statements on mission. We also consider the next stage of renewalist development by asking how it might learn from these mission statements. This article strengthens the claim to significance of postdenominational identities and clarifies the nature of renewalist missiology.
The Indignados protests in the Spanish and Greek press: Moving beyond the ‘protest paradigm’?
Authors: Kyriakidou Maria , Olivas Osuna Jose Javier
Published: July 2017

The protests of the Indignados in Spain and their counterpart of Aganaktismeni in Greece have been the most vocal expression of civic discontent against the ways the Euro crisis has been handled by national governments and the Eurozone. This article studies how these protests have been covered in the mainstream press. Drawing upon the ‘protest paradigm’, which longstanding research has employed to describe the template and biased way protests have been traditionally covered, we have conducted content analysis of mainstream Spanish and Greek newspapers. We argue that the overall coverage moved beyond the protest paradigm. It adopted a more positive tone in reporting the protests, including the individual voices of the protesters and covering the performative aspects of the movement in positive terms. At the same time, however, the protests were overwhelmingly reported as a mere expression of resentment against the status quo rather than as offering valid political alternatives.
Multiscale wavelet-based analysis to detect hidden geodiversity
Authors: Năpăruş-Aljančič Magdalena , Pătru-Stupariu Ileana , Stupariu Mihai Sorin
Published: July 2017

Geodiversity, a relatively new concept in earth sciences, synthesizes information related to abiotic layers and indicates their spatial interactions and interrelations. Geodiversity has been used in mountainous areas to assess both their ecological and economic potential. In this paper, we link geodiversity analysis with a multi-resolution wavelet transform to parse the hidden patterns of geodiversity of a plateau area from the Swiss Jura Mountains. We decomposed a high-resolution digital terrain model using a fractional spline wavelet transform method into four coarser resolution images, ranging from 4 to 32 m, to detect image discontinuities. This generated directional high-pass coefficients, which accumulated in a bottom-up approach to determine the terrain roughness and extract obvious topographical features. In addition, we mapped and quantified total geodiversity using available geological, tectonical and topographical elements on a 32-m square grid. The geodiversity index of the area was computed by adding the terrain roughness derived from a wavelet transform to the traditional formula. The correlation among the geodiversity index, terrain roughness, elevation and slope data was tested with exploratory regression and Spatial Lag regression models. We obtained four images that represent the wavelet-detected terrain roughness at four levels of decomposition, ranging from 4 to 32 m. The geodiversity index, computed based on the wavelet-detected roughness, accurately refined the results obtained with the total geodiversity traditional formula. The distribution of the wavelet-detected topographical features was more heterogenic, with a coarser map resolution and forming areas that correspond to the mapped areas with the most obvious geodiversity patterns. Our findings provide a tool for detecting hidden geodiversity patterns within areas that lack apparent landscape variability, as well as for overcoming traditional methods for assessing geodiversity by introducing the multiscale fractional spline wavelet transform with accurate mapping of the terrain roughness.
Epidemiology of Hip Flexor and Hip Adductor Strains in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes, 2009/2010-2014/2015
Authors: Eckard Timothy G. , Padua Darin A. , Dompier Thomas P. , Dalton Sara L. , Thorborg Kristian , Kerr Zachary Y.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Little research has examined the rates and patterns of hip flexor or hip adductor strains in student-athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of hip flexor and adductor strains in NCAA athletes during the 2009/2010-2014/2015 academic years.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Rates and patterns of hip flexor and adductor strains in collegiate sports were examined in a convenience sample of NCAA varsity teams from 25 sports. Rates and distributions of strains by mechanism, recurrence, and participation restriction time were examined. Injury rate ratios (IRRs) and proportion ratios were calculated to compare rates within and between sports by event type, sex, mechanism, recurrence, and participation restriction time.

Results:

A total of 770 hip flexor and 621 hip adductor strains were reported, resulting in overall injury rates of 1.60 and 1.29 per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AEs), respectively. In men, the rate of hip flexor strains was 1.81 per 10,000 AEs, and that for hip adductor strains was 1.71 per 10,000 AEs. In women, the rate of hip flexor strains was 1.59 per 10,000 AEs, and the rate of hip adductor strains was 1.15 per 10,000 AEs. The highest rates of strains were found in men’s soccer and men’s ice hockey (range, 2.47-3.77 per 10,000 AEs). Most hip flexor and hip adductor strains occurred in practice, but both had higher rates in competition. In sex-comparable sports, hip flexor strain rates did not differ between the sexes (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.96-1.36), but the rate of hip adductor strains was higher in men than women (IRR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22-1.81). Noncontact was the most common mechanism for both types of strains (hip flexor strains, 59.4%; hip adductor strains, 62.5%); 10.1% of hip flexor strains and 11.1% of hip adductor strains were recurrent. The highest rates of recurrence of both types of strain were found in men’s and women’s ice hockey (range, 16.0%-30.6%). Most hip flexor and hip adductor strains resulted in <1 week of participation restriction (hip flexor strains, 83.8%; hip adductor strains, 82.9%).

Conclusion:

The NCAA sports with the highest rates of hip flexor and hip adductor strains were men’s soccer and men’s ice hockey. In sex-comparable sports, men had a higher rate of hip adductor, but not hip flexor, strains. Recurrence rates were remarkably high in ice hockey. Male sports teams, especially soccer and ice hockey, should place an emphasis on prevention programs for hip adductor strains. Secondary prevention programs involving thorough rehabilitation and strict return-to-play criteria should be developed and implemented to curb the high recurrence rate of these injuries, particularly in ice hockey.
An instrument can hide many others: Or how multiple instruments grow into a polymorphic instrumentation
Authors: Simoulin Vincent
Published: July 2017

The development of an instrument is often analysed in a rather heroic fashion, as though it had single-handedly brought about the evolution of a whole scientific field. But instruments can also be regrouped within a wider instrumentation, in which they may be regularly reconstructed and rearticulated in such a way as to serve many different scientific purposes. This flexibility has a cost, which is on one hand the task of reconstruction, and on the other the monitoring systems that must be designed in order to discover scientific perspectives with the greatest potential, and the instrumental set-ups to develop in order to implement them. This article analyses a rare and complex instrumentation – a synchrotron – to determine links between instruments, and types of organization behind the functioning and evolution of these links.
The Debate over Neighborhood Density in Dubai: Between Theory and Practicality
Authors: Alawadi Khaled , Benkraouda Ouafa
Published: July 2017

This research surveys and compares the opinions of specialists, residents, and government officials on the feasibility of implementing compact forms in the development of Dubai neighborhoods. Results reveal that while experts and policy makers appreciate the virtues of density, Dubai’s citizens perceive density as a threat to their economic and social statuses. While density constitutes a morphological ideal for generating better urban landscapes, findings reveal that it is insufficient to adopt this intellectual stance without taking into account cultural nuances. Approaching the city with a careful understanding of context and challenges to implementation holds better promise for encouraging sustainable local urbanism.
Personal Bullying and Nurses’ Turnover Intentions in Pakistan: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Malik Omer Farooq , Sattar Abdul , Shahzad Asif , Faiz Rafia
Published: July 2017

In this study, quantitative and qualitative data are presented to examine the direct and mediated effect of personal bullying on nurses’ turnover intentions via job stress. The study also investigates the moderating role of political skill on the association between personal bullying and job stress. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. In the first, quantitative phase of the study, data were collected from a sample of 324 registered nurses working in public sector hospitals of Pakistan using a self-administered questionnaire. Results from variance-based structural equation modeling showed that personal bullying has a direct as well as an indirect effect on nurses’ turnover intentions through job stress. Furthermore, results showed that political skill attenuates the effect of personal bullying on job stress. The second, qualitative phase was conducted as a follow-up to the quantitative results involving individual interviews from 11 nurses. Overall, the qualitative data validated the key quantitative results. The study is among the first to employ a mixed methods design to investigate the direct and mediated effects of personal bullying on nurses’ turnover intentions and the stress-buffering role of political skill.
Emancipated Foster Youth and Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploration of Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Katz Colleen C. , Courtney Mark E. , Sapiro Beth
Published: July 2017

Due to their high rates of parental maltreatment and violence exposure, youth in the foster care system are considered particularly vulnerable to experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in adolescence and young adulthood. Those who have emancipated from foster care may be at a heightened risk, as they are significantly more likely to struggle in a variety of critical domains (i.e., mental health, substance use, and delinquency). This longitudinal study is the first to explore the impact of demographic, individual, family, and foster care system factors on IPV involvement for foster care alumni at age 23/24. Analyses were conducted on three waves of quantitative data from the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth (the Midwest Study). We find that approximately 21% of the young adults in our sample were involved in some type of IPV at age 23/24, with bidirectional violence the most commonly reported form. Males were more likely than females to report IPV victimization, whereas females were more likely than males to report IPV perpetration and bidirectional violence. Young adults who reported parental IPV prior to foster care entry were more likely to be involved in bidirectionally violent partnerships than nonviolent partnerships in young adulthood, as were young adults who reported neglect by a foster caregiver and those who reported greater placement instability while in the foster care system. Anxiety at baseline increased the odds of IPV perpetration at age 23/24, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at baseline decreased the odds of IPV perpetration at age 23/24. Understanding the characteristics and experiences that place these young adults at risk for IPV will allow for more effective and targeted prevention efforts.
The New Mortality Tables, Life Expectancy and Pension Plans
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: July 2017

The Internal Revenue Service will adopt new regulations replacing outdated mortality tables RP-2000 and improvement factor AA with RP-2014 and MP-2016 (RP for “retirement plan” and MP for “mortality projection”) for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The new tables will affect plan valuation (that drive employer contributions), Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s variable rate premiums and the calculation of lump sum distributions. They will substantially increase the cost of sponsoring a traditional defined benefit pension plan. This article explains the workings and function of mortality tables and life expectancy, traces the development of the new tables by the Society of Actuaries and their adoption by the IRS, assesses their likely impact and examines probable responses by plan sponsors.
Longitudinal Association Between Subjective Fatigue and Future Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcomes in the Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS)
Authors: Kamitani Tsukasa , Yamamoto Yosuke , Kurita Noriaki , Yamazaki Shin , Fukuma Shingo , Otani Koji , Sekiguchi Miho , Onishi Yoshihiro , Takegami Misa , Ono Rei , Konno Shinichi , Kikuchi Shinichi , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: July 2017

Objective:We examined the longitudinal association between the severity of fatigue and falls in community-dwelling older adults. Method: Subjective fatigue was assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) Vitality subscale and classified into four categories by quartile (mildest, mild, moderate, severe). The main outcome was the incidence of any falls during the 2-year follow-up period. Results: Of the 751 participants, 236 (31.4%) experienced falls during the 2-year period. In multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for possible confounding factors, the adjusted odds ratios (and 95% confidence intervals) for mild, moderate, and severe categories (vs. mildest category) of 1.60 (0.94-2.75), 1.87 (1.12-3.11), and 2.15 (1.23-3.76), respectively ( p for trend = .007). Discussion: Our results suggest that the severity of fatigue is associated with the risk of subsequent falls for community-dwelling older adults even after adjustment for possible confounding factors.
Joint incorporation of randomised and observational evidence in estimating treatment effects
Authors: Ferguson John , Alvarez-Iglesias Alberto , Newell John , Hinde John , O’ Donnell Martin
Published: July 2017

In evidence-based medicine, randomised trials are regarded as a gold standard in estimating relative treatment effects. Nevertheless, a potential gain in precision is forfeited by ignoring observational evidence. We describe a simple estimator that combines treatment estimates from randomised and observational data and investigate its properties by simulation. We show that a substantial gain in estimation accuracy, compared with the estimator based solely on the randomised trial, is possible when the observational evidence has low bias and standard error. In the contrasting scenario where the observational evidence is inaccurate, the estimator automatically discounts its contribution to the estimated treatment effect. Meta-analysis extensions, combining estimators from multiple observational studies and randomised trials, are also explored.
Assessment of Artificial Liver Support Technology
Authors: Yarmush Martin L. , Dunn James C. Y. , Tompkins Ronald G.
Published: July 2017

Despite more than 30 yr of research and development, an artificial liver has still not yet become clinical reality. Although previous attempts using a multiplicity of techniques including hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, plasma exchange, extracorporeal perfusion, and crosshemodialysis have shown minor improvement in patients with acute hepatic failure, limited clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any survival benefit. Encouraged by the progress on techniques that maintain long-term cultures of hepatocytes, more recent efforts have been directed at the use of hepatocytes as the basis of liver support. This review takes a critical look at past and present concepts in the development of artificial liver supports and both qualitatively and quantitatively evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the available methodology.
Embedded Adrenal Cells Graft Reduced Local and Early Nonspecific Inflammatory Phenomena Which Follow Agarose Beads Implantation
Authors: Cadic Ch. , Vitiello S. , Gin H. , Neveu P.J. , Dupuy B.
Published: July 2017

Microencapsulation of adrenal cells is proposed for reducing the nonspecific inflammatory reaction observed around polymer implants. This hypothesis was tested by comparing both host cellular reaction and the surrounding graft cell populations which appeared either when agarose embedded cells or when empty agarose beads were implanted. Our results showed that the fibrotic material that surrounded the implanted empty agarose microbeads was not as severe and important when adrenal cells were present. Similarly, T lymphocyte population surrounding the graft was considerably reduced together with the percentage of CD4and CD8positive cell subpopulations. The activation macrophage marker IaDdisappeared. Our results support the hypothesis that embedded adrenal cells may be a suitable solution for reducing early inflammatory events due to microcapsules implantation.
Article Commentary: Epidermal Wound Healing: The Clinical Implications of a Simple Mathematical Model
Authors: Sherratt Jonathan A. , Murray J.D.
Published: July 2017

The role of biochemical regulation in the healing of epidermal wounds remains the subject of much biological debate. We have previously developed a mathematical model which focusses on the role of mitogenic autoregulation in reepithelialization (23–25). Here, we discuss some predictions of our model and their clinical relevance. We investigate both the effects of adding mitotic regulators to healing wounds and the dependence of healing time on wound shape. The latter study suggests a possible mechanism for the control of changes in wound shape during healing. The predictions we make are amenable to experimental verification, and suggest new ideas for experimental research.
Complement Deposition and Cell Death after Myoblast Transplantation
Authors: Skuk Daniel , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: July 2017

One of the problems limiting myoblast transplantation (MT) is the early death of the transplanted cells. Because complement can be fixed by myoblasts in vitro, and because it has the capacity to induce cell lysis, its possible role in the early death of transplanted myoblasts was investigated. CD1 mice and Macaca mulata monkeys were used as recipients for MT. In some mice, C3 was depleted before MT using Cobra Venom Factor. Mice were sacrificed during the first hour and up to 3 days after MT. Monkeys were biopsied 1 to 4 h after MT. Myoblast necrosis was assessed by the presence of intracellular calcium. Complement deposition was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry with anti-C3 and anti-C5b-9 neoantigen antibodies. In mice, C3 deposition was observed in damaged muscle fibers and in regions containing necrosed myoblasts. Complement depletion did not diminish the proportion of necrosed cells. In monkeys, only a small percentage of transplanted myoblasts showed C3 or C5b-9 deposition, mostly intracellular. Complement activation seems not to be implicated in directly damaging the transplanted cells, but seems secondary to cellular death. Taking into account its chemotactic functions, complement could be implicated in the migration of neutrophils and macrophages into the clusters of transplanted cells. © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
In Situ Assessment of Cell Viability
Authors: Yang Hongyou , Acker Jason , Chen Austin , McGann Locksley
Published: July 2017

Cryobiologlcal studies of tissues often require the simultaneous assessment of tissue structure and in situ cellular function. Localization of damage during cryopreservation occurs as a consequence of tissue structure and morphology and as a result of biophysical constraints imposed by diffusion and heat transfer. This study used five experimental model tissue systems: cells in suspension, cells attached to a substrate, a monolayer of cells attached to a substrate, porcine corneas, and intact porcine articular cartilage to examine the efficacy of assessing cell recovery using a novel fluorescent stain (SYTO-13). A graded freezing protocol was used to induce varying degrees of tissue damage. Recovery was assessed in the different tissue model systems using SYTO with ethidium bromide, fluorescein diacetate (FDA) with ethidium bromide, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). In each of the tissue model systems, the SYTO/EB assessment technique was shown to be equally effective as the existing techniques for the determination of cell recovery. In addition, the properties of fluorescence intensity and rate of release for SYTO were significantly better than those obtained using FDA. Assessment of in situ cell viability was clearly demonstrated using porcine corneas and articular cartilage. The SYTO/EB assay is superior to the existing techniques used for the localization of cell damage in tissues after cryopreservation. © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
Comparison of Porcine Hepatocytes with Human Hepatoma (C3A) Cells for Use in a Bioartificial Liver Support System
Authors: Wang Lisheng , Sun Junhong , Li Li , Mears Douglas , Horvat Margret , Sheil AG Ross
Published: July 2017

Cells from primary porcine hepatocytes (PPH) and the immortalized human hepatoma cell line C3A are both used in bioartificial liver support systems (BALSS). In this work the viability and metabolic capacity of PPH and C3A cells cultured in different media were compared. Also, because the cells come into direct or indirect contact with human blood components in BALSS, the effects of human complement on survival and functions of the cells was evaluated. For short-term culture, maintenance of PPH viability was essential for retention of P450IA1 activity ( r = 0.882, p < 0.01) and effective ammonia clearance ( r = −0.791, p < 0.01). When cell viability was below 60% P450IA1 activity could not be recorded and nitrogen elimination activity significantly diminished. In contrast to PPH, ammonia levels were markedly increased for C3A cells in all culture media tested ( p < 0.01). Ammonia increase correlated with C3A viability ( r = 0.896, p < 0.05). PPH metabolic function was superior to that of the C3A cell line when evaluated by P450IA1 activity, ammonia removal, and amino acid metabolism. When PPH were incubated in human plasma (HP) or human serum (HS) there was rapid and irreversible deterioration of viability occurring within 9 h. This toxic effect could be prevented by the inactivation of complement. When sodium citrate dissolved in dextrose was added to medium, there was considerable damage to both PPH and the C3A cell line. However, there was no demonstrable toxic effect when hepatic cells of either type were exposed to heparin. We conclude that PPH cultivated in complement-inactivated HP or HS are to be preferred to C3A for clinical application of BALSS, and that heparin should be preferred for anticoagulation in BALSS. © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
Introduction: Reconsidering the Region in India
Authors: Koskimaki Leah , Upadhya Carol
Published: July 2017

In this introduction to a special issue on ‘Reconsidering the Region in India’, we aim to develop a synthetic and theoretically nuanced account of the multifarious ways in which the idea of region has been imbricated in diverse spatial, political, cultural and socio-economic configurations. We draw from various bodies of anthropological, geographic and historical literature to elaborate on three themes that we believe are central to understanding contemporary processes of region-making in India: trans-regional mobilities and connections; the actors who produce and perform regional imaginaries; and changing regional politics of development.
Precarious jobs: Where are they, and how do they affect well-being?
Authors: Lewchuk Wayne
Published: July 2017

By the end of the 20th century, there was general agreement that most labour markets were in transition and that employment was becoming less secure. However, official labour market data have not shown a dramatic increase in temporary or casual employment. This article takes a new look at the changing characteristics of employment and offers a new method to measure employment security: the Employment Precarity Index. We use the Employment Precarity Index to assess how insecure employment associated with a ‘gig’ economy might affect well-being and social relations, including health outcomes, household well-being and community involvement.
Evaluation of a LENA-Based Online Intervention for Parents of Young Children
Authors: Gilkerson Jill , Richards Jeffrey A. , Topping Keith
Published: July 2017

The efficacy of a pilot version of an online parent intervention that combined Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA)–based automated language environment feedback technology with Internet capabilities was investigated. Seventy-two parents of typically developing children aged 9 to 21 months were assigned to immediate- or delayed-treatment (control) conditions. During the treatment phase, parents completed 10 recordings over a 3-month period while engaging in a web-based program supporting interpretation of LENA feedback reports and strategies for increasing talk and interaction. Parents completed additional recordings and language assessments over a 9-month follow-up phase. Aggregate analyses found no differences in language behaviors between immediate-treatment versus delayed-treatment groups. However, parents who started from below average ratings on automated language measures demonstrated significant postintervention increases which held longitudinally. Importantly, participant children showed significant elevations in language ability. Results suggest that an online intervention approach can help some parents increase talk and interaction in the home. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Participants’ Understanding of Informed Consent for Biobanking: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eisenhauer Elizabeth R. , Tait Alan R. , Rieh Soo Young , Arslanian-Engoren Cynthia M.
Published: July 2017

Nurses are increasingly asked to obtain consent from participants for biobanking studies. Biobanking has added unique complexities to informed consent. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate participants’ level of understanding of the information presented during the informed consent process unique to the donation of biological specimens for research. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized to conduct the review. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest bibliographic databases were searched. Results indicated that elements of informed consent unique to biobanking were poorly understood. Most studies had authors or funding associated with a biobank. Only one study disclosed and assessed participants’ understanding of moral risks. Increased disclosures, values-clarification, and presenting information via multiple modalities may facilitate understanding. There is a need to improve the quality of informed consent for biobanking studies by utilizing standardized instruments, definitions, and encouraging research about informed choice outside the biobanking industry.
Assessment of Oral Anticoagulant Use in Residents of Long-Term Care Homes: Evidence for Contemporary Suboptimal Use
Authors: Rojas-Fernandez Carlos H. , Goh Joslin , Hartwick Jennifer , Auber Ruth , Zarrin Aein , Warkentin Melissa , Hudani Zain
Published: July 2017

Objective: To describe the quality of warfarin use in residents of long-term care facilities and investigate potential predictors oral anticoagulant use. Design: Retrospective chart review (August 2013 to September 2014). Setting: Thirteen long-term care (LTC) and assisted living facilities (ALF). Participants: Residents from LTC or ALF settings who ( a) received warfarin or direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and ( b) residents with a valid indication for oral anticoagulants such as atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, but were not receiving these drugs. Primary Outcome: Time in therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) range (TTR). Results: A total of 563 residents (70% female) with an average age of 85 years were identified. Participants had an average of 7.5 comorbidities and 9 medications. A total of 391 (69%) residents with indications for OACs were receiving such medications. Indications were atrial fibrillation (63%), venous or pulmonary embolism (16%), cardiac valves (0.4%); 26% did not have documented indications. Warfarin and DOACs were prescribed for 213 (38%) and 178 (32%) respectively, and 172 (31%) received no OACs The TTR ranged from 56%-75% (mean 63%). The frequency of INR determinations ranged from every 7 to 20 days, (mean 13 days) with no apparent relationship between frequency of testing and TTR. Conclusion: The TTR was higher (63.8%) than literature average (50%), but remains suboptimal given expected benefits of TTRs >75% versus TTRs circa 60%. Documentation of indications for OACs needs improvement, and it is possible that OACs are underused. Further work is necessary to understand how OAC use may be optimized in these facilities.
What’s Left to Tax? Partisan Reallocation of Trade Taxation in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Ha Eunyoung , Rogers Melissa
Published: July 2017

Trade liberalization has reduced trade tax revenue in most less developed countries (LDCs). The options to replace this tax, which has historically been LDCs’ primary source of tax revenue, are limited by competitive pressures in the global economy. Using time-series error correction models, we assess how partisan politics shaped the reallocation of taxes in thirty-eight LDCs from 1975 to 2009. We argue that leftist governments have a vested interest in recovering lost revenue to fund spending that benefits their constituencies but they are highly constrained by the market signaling effects of increasing taxes. We find that leftist governments retained higher levels of falling tax revenue and offset trade tax losses with progressive personal income taxes (PITs). Nonetheless, leftist governments appeared reluctant to increase revenue from corporate income or social security taxes, which impose costs on business. To make up for the trade revenue loss, leftists instead relied more heavily on regressive consumption taxes, which are the most lucrative and market-friendly supplements to preferred PIT. Leftist parties in LDCs demonstrate redistributive concerns, but their tools and the lasting effects of their reforms are limited by strong market constraints.
Outcomes of Lisfranc Injuries in an Active Duty Military Population
Authors: Hawkinson Michael P. , Tennent David J. , Belisle Jeffrey , Osborn Patrick
Published: July 2017

Background:

Traumatic injuries to the tarsometatarsal or Lisfranc joints can be complex problems associated with long-term morbidity. Currently there is no clear consensus regarding optimal fixation methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between time from injury to treatment and treatment method with outcome. It is hypothesized that patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) more acutely would have higher return to duty rates.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective review of 171 low-energy closed tarsometatarsal dislocations and fracture dislocations in patients identified using a Department of Defense trauma registry. Outcomes were defined as return to active duty and separation from service. Patients were categorized into cohorts by surgical treatment: ORIF, primary arthrodesis (PA), or having required a salvage arthrodesis (SA).

Results:

The data demonstrate no significant difference between ORIF and PA as well as significantly lower return to duty rates in those who underwent SA. There was no association between increased time from injury to treatment and the observed outcomes.

Conclusion:

This study not only reinforces the importance of initial anatomic reduction and the poor outcomes of posttraumatic osteoarthritis but also suggests that SA portends poor outcomes in a highly active population. Most notably it found no significant difference in return to duty rates between ORIF and PA despite the inclusion of more “missed” and chronic injuries in the PA group. This suggests that PA may be a viable option in a young and active population regardless of treatment timing.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Assessment of Somatization and Medically Unexplained Symptoms in Later Life
Authors: van Driel T. J. W. , Hilderink P. H. , Hanssen D. J. C. , de Boer P. , Rosmalen J. G. M. , Oude Voshaar R. C.
Published: July 2017

The assessment of medically unexplained symptoms and “somatic symptom disorders” in older adults is challenging due to somatic multimorbidity, which threatens the validity of somatization questionnaires. In a systematic review study, the Patient Health Questionnaire–15 (PHQ-15) and the somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90-item version (SCL-90 SOM) are recommended out of 40 questionnaires for usage in large-scale studies. While both scales measure physical symptoms which in younger persons often refer to unexplained symptoms, in older persons, these symptoms may originate from somatic diseases. Using empirical data, we show that PHQ-15 and SCL-90 SOM among older patients correlate with proxies of somatization as with somatic disease burden. Updating the previous systematic review, revealed six additional questionnaires. Cross-validation studies are needed as none of 46 identified scales met the criteria of suitability for an older population. Nonetheless, specific recommendations can be made for studying older persons, namely the SCL-90 SOM and PHQ-15 for population-based studies, the Freiburg Complaint List and somatization subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory 53-item version for studies in primary care, and finally the Schedule for Evaluating Persistent Symptoms and Somatic Symptom Experiences Questionnaire for monitoring treatment studies.
Implementing Practical Pavement Management Systems for Small Communities: A South Dakota Case Study
Authors: He Zhaoxiang , Qin Xiao , Wang Hao , Comes Chad
Published: July 2017

A pavement management system (PMS) can assist decision makers in finding optimum strategies for maintaining pavements; however, local agencies in small communities often face implementation challenges, such as a limited budget, lack of manpower and technical resources, and insufficient and inaccurate data. The available literature focuses on the general process of establishing and implementing PMS for small communities but does not discuss specific solutions in detail. Madison, South Dakota, is used as a case study in this article to discuss the issues small communities face in creating PMS, and to present practical, cost-effective solutions. The intent is to transfer and advance the knowledge surrounding the preservation of pavements and promote the use of PMS in small communities.
Linear-In-Flux-Expressions Methodology: Toward a Robust Mathematical Framework for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Simulators
Authors: McQuade Sean T , Abrams Ruth E , Barrett Jeffrey S , Piccoli Benedetto , Azer Karim
Published: July 2017

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) modeling is increasingly used as a quantitative tool for advancing mechanistic hypotheses on the mechanism of action of a drug, and its pharmacological effect in relevant disease phenotypes, to enable linking the right drug to the right patient. Application of QSP models relies on creation of virtual populations for simulating scenarios of interest. Creation of virtual populations requires 2 important steps, namely, identification of a subset of model parameters that can be associated with a phenotype of disease and development of a sampling strategy from identified distributions of these parameters. We improve on existing sampling methodologies by providing a means of representing the structural relationship across model parameters and describing propagation of variability in the model. This gives a robust, systematic method for creating a virtual population. We have developed the Linear-In-Flux-Expressions (LIFE) method to simulate variability in patient pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics using relationships between parameters at baseline to create a virtual population. We demonstrate the importance of this methodology on a model of cholesterol metabolism. The LIFE methodology brings us a step closer toward improved QSP simulators through enhanced capture of the observed variability in drug and disease clinical data.
Ophthalmology in North America: Early Stories (1491-1801)
Authors: Leffler Christopher T , Schwartz Stephen G , Wainsztein Ricardo D , Pflugrath Adam , Peterson Eric
Published: July 2017

New World plants, such as tobacco, tomato, and chili, were held to have beneficial effects on the eyes. Indigenous healers rubbed or scraped the eyes or eyelids to treat inflammation, corneal opacities, and even eye irritation from smoke. European settlers used harsh treatments, such as bleeding and blistering, when the eyes were inflamed or had loss of vision with a normal appearance (gutta serena). In New Spain, surgery for corneal opacity was performed in 1601 and cataract couching in 1611. North American physicians knew of contralateral loss of vision after trauma or surgery (sympathetic ophthalmia), which they called “sympathy.” To date, the earliest identified cataract couching by a surgeon trained in the New World was performed in 1769 by John Bartlett of Rhode Island. The American Revolution negatively affected ophthalmology, as loyalist surgeons were expelled and others were consumed with wartime activities. After the war, cataract extraction was imported to America in earnest and academic development resumed. Charles F Bartlett, the son of John, performed cataract extraction but was also a “rapacious privateer.” In 1801, a doctor in the frontier territory of Kentucky observed anticholinergic poisoning by Datura stramonium (Jimsonweed) and suggested that this agent be applied topically to dilate the pupil before cataract extraction. John Warren at Harvard preferred couching in the 1790s, but, after his son returned from European training, recommended treating angle closure glaucoma by lens extraction. Other eye procedures described or advertised in America before the 19th century included enucleation, resection of conjunctival lesions or periocular tumors, treatment of lacrimal fistula, and fitting of prosthetic eyes.
The relationship between negative responses to HIV status disclosure and psychosocial outcomes among people living with HIV
Authors: Cama Elena , Brener Loren , Slavin Sean , de Wit John
Published: July 2017

This report examines rates of HIV status disclosure and negative responses to disclosure among people living with HIV in Australia. Among 697 people living with HIV, most (>90%) had disclosed their status to friends, sexual partners and health providers. Almost a third had not disclosed to family, and half had not told any work colleagues. Negative responses to disclosure (e.g. blame, rejection) by all groups were associated with increased HIV-related stigma, psychological distress and diminished social support and health satisfaction. These results shed light on rates of disclosure among people living with HIV in Australia and the adverse health impacts of negative responses to disclosure.