bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truth and falsehood for non-representationalists: Gorgias on the normativity of language
Authors: Bermúdez Juan Pablo
Published: November 2017

Sophists and rhetoricians like Gorgias are often accused of disregarding truth and rationality: their speeches seem to aim only at effective persuasion, and be constrained by nothing but persuasiveness itself. In his extant texts Gorgias claims that language does not represent external objects or communicate internal states, but merely generates behavioural responses in people. It has been argued that this perspective erodes the possibility of rationally assessing speeches by making persuasiveness the only norm, and persuasive power the only virtue, of speech. Against this view, I show how Gorgias’ texts support a robust normativity of language that goes well beyond persuasion while remaining non-representational. Gorgias’ claims that a speech can be persuasive and false, or true and unpersuasive, reveal pragmatic, epistemic, and agonistic constraints on the validity of speech that are neither representational nor reducible to sheer persuasiveness.
Case report of VACTERL association and discussion about its prognostic aspects
Authors: Goes Beathriz Fernanda Reis de , Rodrigues Camila Huss , Hishinuma Gilberto
Published: November 2017

VACTERL Association corresponds to the combination of three or more of the following defects: Vertebral, Anal atresia, Cardiac changes, Tracheo-esophageal fistula, Esophagus atresia, Renal anomalies and Limbs. Its etiology is still unknown, but believed to be multifactorial, associated with mutations in genes as FOXF1 and ZIC3 and maternal risk factors. This report describes a case of VACTERL diagnosed in the Regional University Hospital of Maringá (HURM). L.P.N. female patient, 1 day in life, was referred to neonatal ICU due to respiratory discomfort, cyanosis and salivation in the delivery room, and diagnosed with esophageal atresia. On the 9th day of life surgical repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula was performed. Other malformations were observed by detecting moderate perimembranous ventricular septal defect and absent right kidney, suggesting VACTERL diagnostic. At the age of 3 years and 9 months, presents eutrophic, healthy, and in multiprofessional follow up. Despite being a rare disease, this association requires expertise of health professionals, in order to be early detected and to treat its alterations and complications. Also, if handled correctly, the child shows good performance and prospects of a normal life. The prognosis depends on the extent and severity of associated anomalies, as well as the training of parents and professional staff.
Impaired Central Pulsatile Hemodynamics in Children and Adolescents With Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Grillo Andrea , Salvi Paolo , Marelli Susan , Gao Lan , Salvi Lucia , Faini Andrea , Trifirò Giuliana , Carretta Renzo , Pini Alessandro , Parati Gianfranco
Published: November 2017

Background

Marfan syndrome is characterized by aortic root dilation, beginning in childhood. Data about aortic pulsatile hemodynamics and stiffness in pediatric age are currently lacking.

Methods and Results

In 51 young patients with Marfan syndrome (12.0±3.3 years), carotid tonometry was performed for the measurement of central pulse pressure, pulse pressure amplification, and aortic stiffness (carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity). Patients underwent an echocardiogram at baseline and at 1 year follow‐up and a genetic evaluation. Pathogenetic fibrillin‐1 mutations were classified between “dominant negative” and “haploinsufficient.” The hemodynamic parameters of patients were compared with those of 80 sex, age, blood pressure, and heart‐rate matched controls. Central pulse pressure was significantly higher (38.3±12.3 versus 33.6±7.8 mm Hg;
P
=0.009), and pulse pressure amplification was significantly reduced in Marfan than controls (17.9±15.3% versus 32.3±17.4%;
P
<0.0001). Pulse wave velocity was not significantly different between Marfan and controls (4.98±1.00 versus 4.75±0.67 m/s). In the Marfan group, central pulse pressure and pulse pressure amplification were independently associated with aortic diameter at the sinuses of Valsalva (respectively, β=0.371,
P
=0.010; β=−0.271,
P
=0.026). No significant difference in hemodynamic parameters was found according to fibrillin‐1 genotype. Patients who increased aortic Z‐scores at 1‐year follow‐up presented a higher central pulse pressure than the remaining (42.7±14.2 versus 32.3±5.9 mm Hg;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

Central pulse pressure and pulse pressure amplification were impaired in pediatric Marfan syndrome, and associated with aortic root diameters, whereas aortic pulse wave velocity was similar to that of a general pediatric population. An increased central pulse pressure was present among patients whose aortic dilatation worsened at 1‐year follow‐up.
SDF‐1α (Stromal Cell‐Derived Factor 1α) Induces Cardiac Fibroblasts, Renal Microvascular Smooth Muscle Cells, and Glomerular Mesangial Cells to Proliferate, Cause Hypertrophy, and Produce Collagen
Authors: Jackson Edwin K. , Zhang Yumeng , Gillespie Delbert D. , Zhu Xiao , Cheng Dongmei , Jackson Travis C.
Published: November 2017

Background

Activated cardiac fibroblasts (
CF
s), preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells (
PGVSMC
s), and glomerular mesangial cells (
GMC
s) proliferate, cause hypertrophy, and produce collagen; in this way, activated
CF
s contribute to cardiac fibrosis, and activated
PGVSMC
s and
GMC
s promote renal fibrosis. In heart and kidney diseases,
SDF
‐1α (stromal cell‐derived factor 1α; endogenous
CXCR
4 [C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4] receptor agonist) levels are often elevated; therefore, it is important to know whether and how the
SDF
‐1α/
CXCR
4 axis activates
CF
s,
PGVSMC
s, or
GMC
s.

Methods and Results

Here we investigated whether
SDF
‐1α activates
CF
s,
PGVSMC
s, and
GMC
s to proliferate, hypertrophy, or produce collagen. DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) inactivates
SDF
‐1α and previous experiments show that growth‐promoting peptides have greater effects in cells from genetically‐hypertensive animals. Therefore, we performed experiments in the absence and presence of sitagliptin (
DPP
4 inhibitor) and in cells from normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Our studies show (1) that spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar–Kyoto rat
CF
s,
PGVSMC
s, and
GMC
s express
CXCR
4 receptors and
DPP
4 activity; (2) that chronic treatment with physiologically relevant concentrations of
SDF
‐1α causes concentration‐dependent increases in the proliferation (cell number) and hypertrophy (
3
H‐leucine incorporation) of and collagen production (
3
H‐proline incorporation) by
CF
s,
PGVSMC
s, and
GMC
s; (3) that sitagliptin augments these effects of
SDF
‐1α; (4) that interactions between
SDF
‐1α and sitagliptin are greater in spontaneously hypertensive rat cells; (5) that
CXCR
4 antagonism (
AMD
3100) blocks all effects of
SDF
‐1α; and (6) that
SDF
‐1α/
CXCR
4 signal transduction likely involves the
RACK
1 (receptor for activated C kinase 1)/Gβγ/PLC (phospholipase C)/PKC (protein kinase C) signaling complex.

Conclusions

The
SDF
‐1α/
CXCR
4 axis drives proliferation and hypertrophy of and collagen production by
CF
s,
PGVSMC
s, and
GMC
s, particularly in cells from genetically hypertensive animals and when
DPP
4 is inhibited.
Systematic position of the Afrotropical species described in Trachyphloeini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: BOROVEC ROMAN , SKUHROVEC JIŘÍ
Published: November 2017

The Afrotropical species described as Trachyphloeini Lacordaire, 1863 were examined and their taxonomic status is revised. Atrachyphloeus Voss, 1962 is proposed as a junior synonym of Phaylomerinthus Schoenherr, 1842, Cathormiocerus africanus Hoffmann, 1965 as a junior synonym of Tapinomorphus sylvicola Voss, 1962 and Trachyphloeus pustulifer Voss, 1959 as a junior synonym of Platycopes tuberculatus Marshall, 1906. Atrachyphloeus convergens Voss, 1962 is transferred to the genus Phaylomerinthus Schoenherr, 1842, Trachyphloeus hardenbergi Marshall, 1923 and T. notulatus Boheman, 1842 to Glyptosomus Schoenherr, 1847, Trachyphloeus nanus Fåhraeus, 1871 to Pentatrachyphloeus Voss, 1974, Trachyphloeus pustulifer Voss, 1959 to Platycopes Schoenherr, 1823 and Trachyphloeus setiger Fåhraeus, 1871 to Phaylomerinthus Schoenherr, 1842. “Trachyphloeosoma” brevicolle Voss, 1974, “Trachyphloeus” brevis Boheman, 1842, “T”. nodifrons Hoffmann, 1968 and “T”. squalidus Boheman, 1842 are provisionally left in their current genera, but new genera for them will be described in future papers. The genus Phaylomerinthus Schoenherr, 1842 has been redefined and redescribed. Lectotypes for the following species are designated (current names added in brackets where different): Cathormiocerus africanus Hoffmann, 1965 (Tapinomorphus sylvicola Voss, 1962), Trachyphloeus hardenbergi Marshall, 1923 (Glyptosomus hardenbergi (Marshall, 1923)), Trachyphloeus nanus Fåhraeus, 1871 (Pentatrachyphloeus nanus (Fåhraeus, 1871)), Trachyphloeus notulatus Boheman, 1842 (Glyptosomus notulatus (Boheman, 1842)), Trachyphloeus pustulifer Voss, 1959 (Platycopes tuberculatus (Marshall, 1906)), Trachyphloeus setiger Fåhraeus, 1871 (Phaylomerinthus setiger (Fåhraeus, 1871)), “Trachyphloeus” brevis Boheman in Schoenherr, 1842 and “Trachyphloeus” squalidus Boheman in Schoenherr, 1842. Two paralectotypes of Cathormiocerus africanus Hoffmann, 1965 from Tanzania are described as a new species, Tapinomorphus franzi sp. n. All type specimens are illustrated.
Quantifying the Rain-Shadow Effect: Results from the Peak District, British Isles
Authors: Stockham Alexander J. , Schultz David M. , Fairman Jonathan G. , Draude Adam P.
Published: November 2017

Although rain shadows (i.e., leeside reductions of precipitation downwind of orography) are commonly described in textbooks, quantitative climatologies of the rain-shadow effect are rare. To test quantitatively a classic rain-shadow locality of the Peak District, United Kingdom, precipitation from 54 observing stations over 30 years (1981–2010) are examined. Under 850-hPa westerlies, annual and daily precipitation amounts are on average higher in Manchester in the west and the Peak District than in Sheffield in the east. More precipitation falls—and falls more frequently—frequently in Manchester than Sheffield on 197 westerly flow days annually. In contrast, more precipitation falls—and falls more frequently—in Sheffield than Manchester on 28 easterly flow days annually. These bulk precipitation statistics support a climatological rain shadow. However, when individual days are investigated, only 17% of westerly flow days occur where daily rainfall data might exhibit the rain-shadow effect (defined here as Manchester with precipitation and Sheffield with no precipitation). In contrast, only 10% of easterly flow days occur where daily rainfall data might exhibit the rain-shadow effect (Sheffield with precipitation and Manchester with no precipitation). Thus, westerly winds are more likely to exhibit a rain-shadow effect than easterly winds. Although the distribution of precipitation observed across the Peak District can sometimes be explained by the rain-shadow effect, the occurrence of the rain-shadow effect by our admittedly strict definition is not as frequent as one might expect to explain the local precipitation climate for which it has sometimes been previously credited. Thus, an attempt to understand the climatological relevance of the rain-shadow effect from one location reveals ambiguity in the definition of a rain shadow and in its interpretation from real rainfall data.
Seasonal Prediction of Winter Precipitation Anomalies over Central Southwest Asia: A Canonical Correlation Analysis Approach
Authors: Rana Sapna , Renwick James , McGregor James , Singh Ankita
Published: November 2017

Central southwest Asia (CSWA; 20°–47°N, 40°–85°E) is a water-stressed region prone to significant variations in precipitation during its winter precipitation season of November–April. Wintertime precipitation is crucial for regional water resources, agriculture, and livelihood; however, in recent years droughts have been a notable feature of CSWA interannual variability. Here, the predictability of CSWA wintertime precipitation is explored based on its time-lagged relationship with the preceding months’ (September–October) sea surface temperature (SST), using a canonical correlation analysis (CCA) approach. For both periods, results indicate that for CSWA much of the seasonal predictability arises from SST variations in the Pacific related to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). Additional sources of skill that play a weaker predictive role include long-term SST trends, North Atlantic variability, and regional teleconnections. CCA cross-validation skill shows that the regional potential predictability has a strong dependency on the ENSO phenomenon, and the strengthening (weakening) of this relationship yields forecasts with higher (lower) predictive skill. This finding is validated by the mean cross-validated correlation skill of 0.71 and 0.38 obtained for the 1980/81–2014/15 and 1950/51–2014/15 CCA analyses, respectively. The development of cold (warm) ENSO conditions during September–October, in combination with cold (warm) PDO conditions, is associated with a northward (southward) shift of the jet stream and a strong tendency of negative (positive) winter precipitation anomalies; other sources of predictability influence the regional precipitation directly during non-ENSO years or by modulating the impact of ENSO teleconnection based on their relative strengths.
Variations of Climate, Surface Energy Budget, and Minimum Snow/Ice Extent over Canadian Arctic Landmass for 2000–16
Authors: Trishchenko Alexander P. , Wang Shusen
Published: November 2017

Snow and ice over land are important hydrological resources and sensitive indicators of climate change. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) dataset at 250-m spatial resolution generated at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) is used to derive the annual minimum snow and ice (MSI) extent over the Canadian Arctic landmass over a 17-yr time span (2000–16). The smallest MSI extent (1.53 × 105 km2) was observed in 2012, the largest (2.09 × 105 km2) was observed in 2013; the average value was 1.70 × 105 km2. Several reanalyses and observational datasets are assessed to explain the derived MSI variations: the ERA-Interim reanalysis, North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) radiative fluxes, and European Space Agency’s GlobSnow dataset. Comparison with the Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI) showed two important facts: 1) the semipermanent snowpack in the Canadian Arctic that persists through the entire melting season is a significant component relative to the ice caps and glacier-covered areas (up to 36% or 5.58 × 104 km2), and 2) the MSI variations are related to variations in the local climate dynamics such as warm season average temperature, energy fluxes, and snow cover. The correlation coefficients (absolute values) can be as high as 0.77. The reanalysis-based MSI estimates agree with satellite MSI results (average bias of 2.2 × 103 km2 or 1.3% of the mean value).
A Probabilistic Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Scheme Based on the Selective Consensus of Ensemble Prediction Systems
Authors: Zhang Xiping , Yu Hui
Published: November 2017

Selective consensus and a grand ensemble based on an ensemble prediction system (EPS) have been found to be effective in improving deterministic tropical cyclone (TC) track forecasts, while little attention has been paid to quantitative applications of the forecast uncertainty information provided by EPSs. In this paper the forecast uncertainty information is evaluated for two operational EPSs and their grand ensemble. Then, a probabilistic TC track forecast scheme is proposed based on the selective consensus of the two EPSs; this scheme is composed of member picking, mean track shifting, and probability ellipses. The operational EPSs are from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF-EPS) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP-GEFS). Evaluation exhibits that the hit ratios of ECMWF-EPS are above 80% for the 70% probability ellipses at all lead times until 120 h and are used in the proposed scheme. The other components of the proposed scheme are about picking potentially good EPS members. A picking ratio of 1/2 is found to be the best choice, and the member-picking technique is used for the grand ensemble but only for lead times out to 48 h. For lead times longer than 48 h, all of the grand ensemble members are used in obtaining the mean track. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme shows a 10% improvement in the mean track forecast errors over the grand ensemble and a 4.5% improvement in the hit ratio of 70% probability ellipses over the ECMWF-EPS at 24 h, demonstrating its good potential to be applied in operations.
The Duality of the Peer Effect: The Interplay Between Peer Support and Peer Criminality on Offending and Substance Use During Reentry
Authors: Mowen Thomas J. , Boman John H.
Published: November 2017

Differential association theory and the closely linked differential coercion/social support theory suggest that peers exert both criminogenic and protective influences on individuals. Yet, little is known about how dimensions of peer criminality and peer support affect reentry outcomes independently and interdependently. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, mixed-effects models demonstrate that peer criminality relates to significantly higher odds of substance use and criminal offending, whereas peer support relates to significantly lower odds of substance use and offending. Interaction terms between suggest the two exert independent, and not interactive, influences on recidivism. Although peer crime exerts a more robust effect, peer support must be understood as a mechanism that drives desistance independently of peer crime.
Freud, Dora, and Compulsory Sexuality
Authors: Margolin Leslie
Published: November 2017

In this examination of Freud’s Dora, I show that Freud insisted that Dora’s comments and gestures reflected her underlying sexual motivations, despite her repeated denials and objections. The main point is that, just as Freud “ruled in” certain ways of talking, defining Dora’s sexual fantasies and dreams as acceptable and valid representations of her feelings, so also, Freud “ruled out” other kinds of talking, in particular, Dora’s accounts of nonsexual motivation. In treating those accounts as false and meaningless, as so much cover for her “true” sexual feelings, Freud not only imposed his vision of sexuality onto a patient, he showed an entire historical period how to read sexuality into everything people say and do.
The Lives of Douglass, Du Bois, and Washington: Self-Actualization Among African American Males
Authors: Jones William James
Published: November 2017

Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Booker T. Washington are pioneering examples of African American leaders who realized the fullness of their potentialities despite profound obstacles toward growth. It was through their abilities to respond to the shared needs of the African American community that they culturally epitomized the spirit of what Abraham Maslow defined as self-actualization. The researcher utilized text-based data to examine the process of development among the three historic figures as they relate to Maslow’s theory of self-actualization. The researcher analyzed published autobiographical books, essays, and speeches authored by each of the three men while integrating the cultural and historical context of their lived experiences through the humanistic and positive psychological lens of Maslow’s theory of self-actualization. Through a qualitative autobiographical analysis of the three men, the researcher discovered 15 common attributes in their process of self-actualization. Low self-esteem, depression, and learned helplessness are negatively affecting many aspects of the African American community; therefore, community leaders, mental health practitioners, and other advocates for underserved communities of color have an opportunity to provide enhanced training and treatment to help slow the tide of unrealized potential within key sectors of the African American community.
Doing Special Things to Special People in Special Places: Psychologists in the CIA Torture Program
Authors: Welch Michael
Published: November 2017

Since 2014, detailed correspondence between the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reveal the extent to which operational psychologists coordinated with the Bush administration’s enhanced interrogation program. Key revelations expose the ethical maneuvering intended to defend the participation of certain psychologists in interrogation, abuse, and torture, including waterboarding. This critique takes aim at the controversy over the psychological planning and subsequent practice of torture during the Bush administration. Analysis is informed by Robert Jay Lifton and his book The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide.
Ungating the city: A permeability perspective
Authors: Sun Guibo , Webster Chris , Chiaradia Alain
Published: November 2017

China is seeking to prohibit the construction of any new gated communities and to gradually open existing schemes after three decades of growth of large-block gated estates. In this article, we use permeability analysis to explore the ‘what if?’ question posed by the policy: what if gated communities became permeable? We ask the question in respect of non-motorised access. We use two permeability metrics, closeness and betweenness, as outcome measures of gated and non-gated versions of the city. We construct a bespoke complete pedestrian network, rather than using the road network, for our permeability modelling. Nanchang, a medium-sized Chinese city with widespread gated communities, is our study area. A series of permeability analyses with and without gated communities is conducted using GIS and spatial design network analysis (sDNA). On the basis of these analyses, we sequentially sort the gated compounds whose opening will maximise permeability gains with minimum expropriation of property rights through coercive ungating. We offer the analysis to urban scholars, planners and governments by way of a quantified simulation. This study and methodology, which is transferable without high data requirements, can assist urban practitioners in reconfiguring urban form to promote a healthier living environment (more walking) and more economically viable local service centres (greater pedestrian footfall concentrations).
Forecasting Seasonal Tourism Demand Using a Multiseries Structural Time Series Method
Authors: Chen Jason Li , Li Gang , Wu Doris Chenguang , Shen Shujie
Published: November 2017

Multivariate forecasting methods are intuitively appealing since they are able to capture the interseries dependencies, and therefore may forecast more accurately. This study proposes a multiseries structural time series method based on a novel data restacking technique as an alternative approach to seasonal tourism demand forecasting. The proposed approach is analogous to the multivariate method but only requires one variable. In this study, a quarterly tourism demand series is split into four component series, each component representing the demand in a particular quarter of each year; the component series are then restacked to build a multiseries structural time series model. Empirical evidence from Hong Kong inbound tourism demand forecasting shows that the newly proposed approach improves the forecast accuracy, compared with traditional univariate models.
UK-trained junior doctors' intentions to work in UK medicine: questionnaire surveys, three years after graduation
Authors: Surman Geraldine , Goldacre Michael J , Lambert Trevor W
Published: November 2017

Objective

To report on the career intentions, three years after qualification, of 12 national cohorts of UK-trained doctors who qualified between 1974 and 2012, and, specifically, to compare recent UK medical graduates’ intentions to work in medicine in the UK with earlier graduates.

Design

Questionnaire surveys of cohorts of UK medical graduates defined by year of graduation.

Setting

UK.

Participants

30,272 UK medical graduates.

Main outcome measures

Stated level of intention to pursue a long-term career in medicine in the UK.

Results

The response rate was 62% (30,272/48,927). We examined responses to the question ‘ Apart from temporary visits abroad, do you intend to practise medicine in the United Kingdom for the foreseeable future?' Of doctors from UK homes, 90% had specified that they would ‘definitely or probably’ practise medicine in the UK in the surveys of 1977–1986, 81% in 1996–2011 and 64% in 2015. Those who said that they would probably or definitely not practise medicine in the UK comprised 5% in 1977–1986, 8% in 1996–2011 and 15% in 2015. Most who were not definite about a future career in UK medicine indicated that they would wish to practise medicine outside the UK rather than to leave medicine.

Conclusions

The wish to remain in UK medical practice in the 2015 survey was unprecedentedly low in this unique series of 40 years of surveys.
K–12 Technology Accessibility
Authors: Shaheen Natalie L. , Lazar Jonathan
Published: November 2017

This study examined state education technology plans and technology accessibility statutes to attempt to answer the question—is K–12 instructional technology accessibility discussed in state-level technology accessibility statutes and education technology plans across the 50 United States? When a K–12 school district is planning the construction or acquisition of a new digital technology, are the legal requirements for making that digital environment accessible to people with disabilities part of the decision process? Just like built environments, digital environments can either be accessible or inaccessible to people with disabilities; the digital environment can either support or impede the inclusion of people with disabilities. At the federal level, statutes, regulations, and policy guidance make it clear that technology must be accessible to students with disabilities in K–12 schools. The message from the federal government is consistent. But what messages are state governments communicating, through statutes and policies, to K–12 educators about technology accessibility?
Children’s challenge and threat appraisals vary by discrete emotion, age, and gender
Authors: Sillars Angela A. , Davis Elizabeth L.
Published: November 2017

Three decades of research have examined children’s challenge and threat appraisals, yet unresolved issues remain. This study provides new insight about three central, open questions in this field: How do challenge and threat appraisals relate to events eliciting discrete negative emotions? How do challenge appraisals develop across childhood, and are there gender differences across development? In this cross-sectional study, 172 children (three age groups: 3–5 years, 6–8 years, and 9–11 years) and 89 young adults (ages 17–26) described sad, scary, and anger-provoking autobiographical experiences and were asked whether the event was something they could handle (a challenge appraisal) or whether it was just too much (a threat appraisal). Challenge appraisals were associated with anger-eliciting events more often than with sad or scary events. In line with predictions, challenge appraisals steadily increased across age groups. In early childhood, girls made more challenge appraisals than boys, but young adult men made more challenge appraisals than young adult women. Findings highlight the importance of understanding the developmental progression of appraising difficult events and experiences as a challenge rather than a threat, and provide new information about the etiology of adaptive appraisal processes in early life.
Does Aggression Deter or Invite Reciprocal Behavior? Considering Coercive Capacity
Authors: Benard Stephen , Berg Mark T. , Mize Trenton D.
Published: November 2017

How do people respond to aggression? Theory differs on whether aggressive behavior deters antagonists or provokes retaliation, and the empirical evidence is mixed. We bridge contradictory findings in the literature by identifying a previously unexamined moderating variable: the extent to which individuals can increase their coercive capability (which we call escalating). We argue that when escalating is costly, aggression deters potential antagonists. In contrast, when escalating is less costly, behaving aggressively fails to deter aggressive partners. We test these predictions in two behavioral experiments that manipulate the cost of escalating and whether interaction partners are aggressive or deferential. We find support for deterrence predictions when escalating is either high or low cost but not when it is medium cost. Taken together, we provide evidence that the cost of escalation plays a key role in decisions about aggression.
Proceedings of the 2017 National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium
Authors: Elmore Susan A. , Aeffner Famke , Bangari Dinesh S. , Crabbs Torrie A. , Fossey Stacey , Gad Shayne C. , Haschek Wanda M. , Hoane Jessica S. , Janardhan Kyathanahalli , Kovi Ramesh C. , Pearse Gail , Wancket Lyn M. , Quist Erin M.
Published: November 2017

The 2017 annual National Toxicology Program Satellite Symposium, entitled “Pathology Potpourri,” was held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s 36th annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers’ talks along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Various lesions and other topics covered during the symposium included renal papillary degeneration in perinatally exposed animals, an atriocaval mesothelioma, an unusual presentation of an alveolar–bronchiolar carcinoma, a paraganglioma of the organ of Zuckerkandl (also called an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma), the use of human muscle samples to illustrate the challenges of manual scoring of fluorescent staining, intertubular spermatocytic seminomas, medical device pathology assessment and discussion of the approval process, collagen-induced arthritis, incisor denticles, ameloblast degeneration and poorly mineralized enamel matrix, connective tissue paragangliomas, microcystin-LR toxicity, perivascular mast cells in the forebrain thalamus unrelated to treatment, and 2 cases that provided a review of the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND) bone nomenclature and recommended application of the terminology in routine nonclinical toxicity studies.
The Electrification of Colonial Calcutta: Role of the Innovators, Bureaucrats and Foreign Business Organization, 1880–1940
Authors: Sarkar Suvobrata
Published: November 2017

From as early as the 1880s until today, electrical power has served as a useful medium for ushering an urban industrial era throughout the world. This article examines the process of electrification in a colonial setting—Calcutta, the capital of British India till 1911. Access to electricity depended upon economics and technological advances, as well as a combination of local community and regional characteristics such as location, landscape, demographics, politics and culture. Western techno-scientific discourse occupied an extremely important place in the colonization of India. It is known that Western technology and ideas manipulated various technological projects in the colony, including electrification. Was there something unique about Calcutta and its plan that led to the electrification of a colonial metropolis almost simultaneously with other Western industrial nations? By the middle of the twentieth century, electricity, with its elaborate infrastructure of wires, generation stations and poles, emerged as the industrial era’s most prominent symbol of progress in Calcutta. The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd (CESC), with its head office in London, played the most vital role, debating and resolving various technical questions, such as load factor, fuel sources, operating generation stations and electricity supply to industry, traction and population centres. This article, based on extensive archival research, shows how, despite colonial derivatives, the resulting electrical systems were locally initiated and customized to the needs and characteristics of the region.
Adolescents’ Conceptualizations of Kindness and its Links with Well-being: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Cotney Jessica L. , Banerjee Robin
Published: November 2017

There has been a recent surge of interest from researchers, policy makers, and the general public in how kindness can promote well-being. Even though adolescence is a key period for the development of relevant value systems and mental health, little is known about adolescents’ understanding of kindness. Six focus groups were conducted with 11- to 15-year-olds, exploring their conceptualizations of kindness. Thematic analysis revealed a multifaceted understanding, identifying 10 different categories of kind behavior that are influenced by situational antecedents as well as specific self- and other-focused goals. Crucially, participants also identified a number of moderators including contextual and dispositional factors (e.g., features of social relationships, levels of empathy) that support and extend current theoretical frameworks. Responses from participants reinforced the idea that kindness contributes to well-being for the recipient and the giver. These findings have implications for the future design and efficacy of kindness-based well-being interventions for adolescents.
Pornography, provocative sexual media, and their differing associations with multiple aspects of sexual satisfaction
Authors: Leonhardt Nathan D. , Willoughby Brian J.
Published: November 2017

Recent research has suggested that sexual content and sexual satisfaction are multifaceted. Yet, no study has parceled out how distinct aspects of sexual content may be associated with multiple aspects of sexual satisfaction. In this study of 858 individuals in a committed romantic relationship, we used structural equation models to evaluate how two components of sexual content (pornography use and provocative sexual media use) were associated with several components of sexual satisfaction (time spent on foreplay, variety, overall satisfaction, frequency, love and affection, and time spent on intercourse) for both men and women. The specific path coefficients of the models revealed that higher pornography use was significantly associated with lower satisfaction with sexual variety and time spent on intercourse for men, yet not associated with any sexual satisfaction outcomes for women. However, greater use of provocative sexual media for men and women was significantly associated with lower satisfaction with the love and affection in the sexual relationship. Provocative sexual media use for women was also associated with lower satisfaction with sexual variety, overall sexual satisfaction, and time spent on intercourse. Our results supported the differentiation of different components of sexual content viewed and sexual satisfaction in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of both constructs.
Hypothermia Promotes Cell-Protective and Chondroprotective Effects After Blunt Cartilage Trauma
Authors: Riegger Jana , Zimmermann Madeleine , Joos Helga , Kappe Thomas , Brenner Rolf E.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Cryotherapy is routinely administered after sports injuries of synovial joints. Although positive clinical effects on periarticular swelling and pain have been described, the effects on the cell biological activities of cartilage and synovial cells remain largely unknown so far.

Hypothesis:

Local hypothermia alleviates synovial reactions and prevents chondrocyte death as well as cartilage destructive processes after blunt cartilage trauma.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Human cartilage explants were impacted by a drop-tower apparatus (0.59 J) and cultured at 24 hours or 7 days in different temperature conditions (2 hours [short term], 16 hours [medium term], or throughout [long term] at 27°C; afterwards or throughout at 37°C). Besides, isolated human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were stimulated with traumatized cartilage conditioned medium and cultured as mentioned above up to 4 days. The effects of hypothermia were evaluated by cell viability, gene expression, type II collagen synthesis and cleavage, as well as the release of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)–2, MMP-13, and interleukin 6 (IL-6).

Results:

Seven days after trauma, hypothermic treatment throughout improved cell viability (short term: 10.1% [ P = .016]; medium term: 6% [ P = .0362]; long term: 12.5% [ P = .0039]). Short-term hypothermia attenuated the expression of catabolic MMP-13 (mRNA: –2.2-fold [ P = .0119]; protein: –2-fold [ P = .0238]). Whereas type II collagen synthesis (1.7-fold [ P = .0227]) was increased after medium-term hypothermia, MMP-13 expression (mRNA: –30.8-fold [ P = .0025]; protein: –10.3-fold [ P < .0001]) and subsequent cleavage of type II collagen (–1.1-fold [ P = .0489]) were inhibited. Long-term hypothermia further suppressed MMP release (pro–MMP-2: –3-fold [ P = .0222]; active MMP-2: −5.2-fold [ P = .0183]; MMP-13: −56-fold [ P < .0001]) and type II collagen breakdown (–1.6-fold [ P = .0036]). Four days after FLS stimulation, hypothermia significantly suppressed the gene expression of matrix-destructive enzymes after medium-term (MMP-3: –4.1-fold [ P = .0211]) and long-term exposure (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 [ADAMTS4]: –4.3-fold [ P = .0045]; MMP-3: –25.8-fold [ P = .014]; MMP-13: –122-fold [ P = .0444]) and attenuated IL-6 expression by trend.

Conclusion:

After blunt cartilage trauma, initial hypothermia for only 2 hours and/or 16 hours induced significant cell-protective and chondroprotective effects and promoted the anabolic activity of chondrocytes, while the expression of matrix-destructive enzymes by stimulated FLS was attenuated by prolonged hypothermia.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings of this preliminary ex vivo investigation indicate that optimized cryotherapy management after cartilage trauma might prevent matrix-degenerative processes associated with the pathogenesis of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.
Gown, Town, and Neighborhood Change: An Examination of Urban Neighborhoods with University Revitalization Efforts
Authors: Ehlenz Meagan M.
Published: November 2017

Universities are expanding their missions to encompass neighborhoods and revitalization strategies, yet there is an inadequate understanding of how targeted neighborhoods have changed. This study combines institutional survey data with 1990 and 2010 Census metrics to examine twenty-two neighborhoods with university revitalization initiatives. It explores market and socioeconomic change for target tracts relative to their regions, finding significant positive changes in target tract median home and rent values. The research suggests universities use revitalization efforts to respond to place-based deficits and, in doing so, align their neighborhoods with concurrent national trends toward growing enrollment and urban revitalization.
Commentary on the Absence of Experiments in Planning
Authors: Honey-Rosés Jordi , Stevens Mark
Published: November 2017

A recent review by Jacques Du Toit, Nelius Boshoff, and Niclesse Mariette finds that planners rarely use experimental research designs. This commentary examines why experimentation is rare in planning and discusses the legitimate challenges involved with conducting experiments in a planning context. In doing so, we aim to foster a discussion on the feasibility of conducting experimental research in our field. While not all planning policies are amenable to experimentation, we see untapped potential in many areas of planning, especially on questions of public engagement. Collectively we hope that planners can begin to identify more instances in which experimental research is possible.
Enhanced cytocompatibility and osteoinductive properties of sol–gel-derived silica/zirconium dioxide coatings by metformin functionalization
Authors: Śmieszek Agnieszka , Szydlarska Joanna , Mucha Aleksandra , Chrapiec Martyna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pro-osteogenic properties of sol–gel-derived silica/zirconium dioxide coatings functionalized with 1 mM of metformin. The matrices were applied on 316L stainless steel using dip-coating technique. First of all, physicochemical properties of biomaterials were evaluated. Surface morphology and topography was determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The chemical composition was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, wettability and surface free energy were characterized. Cytocompatibility of biomaterials was tested in vitro using model of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue. The influence of biomaterials on cells morphology and proliferation was determined. Osteogenic effect of obtained biomaterials was evaluated in terms of their influence on secretory activity of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue and matrix mineralization. Analysis was performed in relation to the control cultures i.e. maintained on pure SS316L substrate and SS316L covered with silica/zirconium dioxide. Obtained results indicate that silica/zirconium dioxide_metformin coatings ameliorated metabolic and proliferative activity of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue, as well as promoted their proper growth and adhesion. The human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue cultured on biomaterials were characterized by typical fibroblast-like morphology. The addition of metformin to the silica/zirconium dioxide coatings improved functional differentiation of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue. Osteogenic cultures on silica/zirconium dioxide_metformin were characterized by formation of well-developed osteonodules rich in calcium and phosphorous. Moreover, human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue cultured on silica/zirconium dioxide_metformin synthesized increased amount of alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteopontin, both on messenger RNA and protein level. Obtained biomaterials modulate cellular plasticity of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue promoting their osteogenic differentiation, thus may find application in broadly defined tissue engineering.
Rapid in situ cross-linking of hydrogel adhesives based on thiol-grafted bio-inspired catechol-conjugated chitosan
Authors: Zeng Zhiwen , Mo Xiumei
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a novel chitosan derivative, thiol-grafting bio-inspired catechol-conjugated chitosan was synthesized. The chemical structure of the synthesized catechol-conjugated chitosan was verified by 1H NMR, and its contents of thiol group and catechol group were determined by UV-vis spectrum. Four percent of catechol-conjugated chitosan aqueous solution could form hydrogels rapidly in situ in 1 min or less with the addition of sodium periodate. Rheological studies showed that the mechanical properties depend on the concentrations of catechol-conjugated chitosan and the molar ratio of sodium periodate to catechol groups. Additionally, the adhesive properties of the resulting adhesives were evaluated, and the adhesion strength of obtained adhesives was as high as 50 kPa because of the complex and multiple interactions, especially the anti-oxidation mechanism of thiol group. The in vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated an excellent biocompatibility of the catechol-conjugated chitosan hydrogels. Benefiting from the in situ fast cured, desired mechanical strength, biocompatibility and relatively high adhesion performance, these properties suggested that catechol-conjugated chitosan hydrogel adhesives have potential applications as tissue adhesive for soft tissues.
In Search of Growth: New Ideas for Tax-Exempt Organizations
Authors: Flannery Thomas P.
Published: November 2017

Many tax-exempt organizations (TEOs) are making major investments, but not just in technology or tangible related assets. Increasingly, a TEO is the sole investor in new ventures or with other TEO partners, or in joint ventures with for-profit companies designed to provide the parent organization with new income streams. These new investments have an impact on reward professionals, providing opportunities to be creative and to be strategic partners with management. Many will be key advisors on the structure, design and implementation of compensation programs that reflect the needs of these new operations. This article examines five of the top questions we hear when TEOs consider these investments.
The Westminster system under the Cameron coalition: ‘Promiscuous partisanship’ or institutional resilience?
Authors: Diamond Patrick
Published: November 2017

This article applies Aucoin's paradigm of New Political Governance derived from the comparative literature on Westminster systems to review changes in the UK machinery of government during the Coalition era from 2010 to 2015. The paper examines whether coalition government imposed ‘checks and balances’ that prevented Conservative ministers from enacting a further wave of New Public Management-style reforms of the permanent bureaucracy comparable to New Political Governance. The central argument of the article is that the institutional resilience of Westminster systems, particularly their capacity to safeguard norms of public service impartiality and non-partisanship in the face of the politicisation and externalisation of the policy-making process, has been underestimated. Nevertheless, Aucoin's concerns about the erosion of non-partisan affiliation in the civil service of the Anglophone countries remain apposite.
Comparative fuel economy, cost and emissions analysis of a novel mild hybrid and conventional vehicles
Authors: Awadallah Mohamed , Tawadros Peter , Walker Paul , Zhang Nong
Published: November 2017

Mild hybrid vehicles have been explored as a potential pathway to reduce vehicle emissions cost-effectively. The use of manual transmissions to develop novel hybrid vehicles provides an alternate route to producing low cost electrified powertrains. In this paper, a comparative analysis examining a conventional vehicle and a mild hybrid electric vehicle is presented. The analysis considers fuel economy, capital and ongoing costs and environmental emissions, and includes developmental analysis and simulation using mathematical models. Vehicle emissions (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) and fuel economy are computed, analysed and compared using a number of alternative driving cycles and their weighted combination. Different driver styles are also evaluated. Studying the relationship between the fuel economy and driveability, where driveability is addressed using fuel-economical gear shift strategies. Our simulation suggests the hybrid concept presented can deliver fuel economy gains of between 5 and 10%, as compared to the conventional powertrain.