bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portfolio analysis on preeclampsia and pregnancy-associated hypertension research funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Authors: Maric-Bilkan Christine
Published: September 2018

Chronic hypertension and preeclampsia are the most common complications of pregnancy. To clarify the contributions of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to the field and identify potential research gaps, we performed portfolio analysis of awards related to preeclampsia and pregnancy-associated hypertension. A list of National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded awards between fiscal years 2008-present was obtained through an NIH RePORTER search using the following terms: “preeclampsia” and “pregnancy-associated hypertension.” More in-depth analyses were performed on currently active awards supported by the NHLBI. The NHLBI is the lead institute at the NIH in funding research related to pregnancy-associated hypertension and second leading in funding research related to preeclampsia. The NHLBI currently supports 38 awards related to preeclampsia and six awards related to pregnancy-associated hypertension, with a combined total dollar investment of $21 million. Of the currently active, NHLBI-supported awards on preeclampsia and pregnancy-associated hypertension combined, 47% are related to basic science research, 30% to clinical, 14% to clinical trials, and 9% to early translational research. The focus of NHLBI-funded awards is primarily on vascular mechanisms and short and long-term cardiovascular complications of preeclampsia and pregnancy-associated hypertension. Despite steady funding for research on preeclampsia and pregnancy-associated hypertension, several gaps in knowledge exist. NHLBI held a workshop entitled Predicting, Preventing and Treating Preeclampsia to address some of these gaps and inform future research directions for the institute.
Improved, Shorter-Latency Carcinogen-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model in Pigs
Authors: Ho Jason , Ware Matthew , Law Justin , Nagaraj Aaditya , Jain Shilpa , Rios Jesse , Calderon Reynaldo , Toombs Barry , Anderson Andrew , Bray Collin , Curley Steven , Corr Stuart James
Published: September 2018

Large animal models are important tools for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research, especially in studies of hepatic vasculature, interventional techniques, and radiofrequency or microwave hyperthermia. Currently, diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced HCC in pigs is the only large animal model for in situ HCC with a tumor latency of 10–26 months. While phenobarbital (PB) is often used to accelerate DENA-induced HCC in rodents, it has not been previously studied in the porcine model. Therefore, we hypothesize that the addition of PB in the DENA-induced HCC porcine model will accelerate tumor latency compared to DENA alone. HCC and benign lesions were seen on serial MRI and confirmed on histopathology. Liver and tumors were further characterized by CT angiography, vascular corrosion casting, and permittivity measurements.
Retrospective Analysis of 91 Kaposi’s Sarcoma Cases: A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yazici Serkan , Zorlu Ozge , Bulbul Baskan Emel , Balaban Adim Saduman , Aydogan Kenan , Saricaoglu Hayriye
Published: September 2018

Background: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal angioproliferative tumor involving primarily the skin. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, demographic, histopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcome of 91 KS patients, and compare them with other contemporary research. Methods: Medical records of 91 KS patients followed between January 2005 and September 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Most of our patients were male (male-to-female ratio was 4.05). The median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range, 6–93 years). The duration of the lesions varied between 3 and 25 years. The lower extremities were the most commonly involved area (51.6%). Of the 91 patients, classic type KS was seen in 75 patients. Radiotherapy was used successfully in approximately half of our patients. Recurrence was observed in approximately one third of the patients. All KS patients in this study except 1 were classic KS. Conclusion: The clinical and demographic characteristics of our patients were compatible with the previous literature suggesting that KS is a tumor that tends to be limited to the skin. Close follow-up of patients is important to monitor for recurrence. This is the largest report from Turkey to date.
Endovascular Reperfusion for Acute Isolated Cervical Carotid Occlusions: The Concept of “Hemodynamic Thrombectomy”
Authors: de Castro-Afonso Luís Henrique , Nakiri Guilherme Seizem , Moretti Monsignore Lucas , Dias Francisco Antunes , Aléssio-Alves Frederico Fernandes , Rezende Marco Túlio , Trivelato Felipe Padovani , Pontes-Neto Octávio Marques , Abud Daniel Giansante
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Endovascular treatment improves the outcomes of patients presenting with acute large vessel occlusions. Isolated proximal carotid occlusions presenting with hemodynamic ischemic stroke may probably also benefit from endovascular treatment. We aimed to assess the clinical and radiological data findings on patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke related to an isolated cervical carotid artery occlusion. Methods: Of a consecutive series of 223 patients who were admitted with acute ische­mic stroke and were treated by thrombectomy, we included 9 patients with isolated cervical internal carotid occlusions. Results: The mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 11.8. Complete carotid recanalization was achieved in 5 of the 9 patients (55.5%). In 2 patients, vertebral angioplasty was performed to improve the collateral flow. All patients had a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 3 at the end of the procedures. A good neurological outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at the 3-month follow-up, was observed in 6 patients (66.7%). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages or deaths occurred during the 3 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The endovascular recanalization of isolated cervical carotid occlusions presenting with acute ischemic stroke symptoms is feasible. Because isolated cervical carotid occlusions are associated with hemodynamic ischemic symptoms, if carotid recanalization cannot be achieved, stenting other cervical arteries’ stenoses, with a focus on intracranial flow improvement, appears to be a reasonable strategy. Large controlled studies are necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of recanalization of acute isolated cervical carotid occlusions.
Novel Targets in Pancreatic Cancer Therapy - Current Status and Ongoing Translational Efforts
Authors: Bisht Savita , Feldmann Georg
Published: September 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, pancreatic cancer) carries one of the poorest overall prognoses of all human malignancies known to date. Despite the introduction of novel therapeutic regimens, the outcome has not markedly improved over the past decades, the incidence rates are almost identical to the mortality rates, and PDAC is projected to soon become the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in Western countries. Despite this clear medical need to develop novel therapeutic strategies against this dire malady, this need has so far not been addressed with sufficient institutional attention and support in terms of research funding and strategical programs. Given the still growing life expectancy and projected demographic changes with a growing proportion of senior citizens in many European societies, this discrepancy is likely to become even more pressing in the future. This article provides a brief overview of ongoing preclinical efforts to identify novel targets and, based on this, to develop novel strategies to treat advanced pancreatic cancer and improve survival and the quality of life of patients suffering from this malignancy.
ADAM17 Mediates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy Induced by Angiotensin II
Authors: Ohtsu Haruhiko , Dempsey Peter J. , Frank Gerald D. , Brailoiu Eugen , Higuchi Sadaharu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Nakashima Hidekatsu , Eguchi Kunie , Eguchi Satoru
Published: September 2018

Background—

Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) transactivation mediated through a metalloprotease-dependent shedding of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). However, the identity of the metalloprotease responsible for this process remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

To identify the metalloprotease required for Ang II-induced EGFR transactivation, primary cultured aortic VSMCs were infected with retrovirus encoding dominant negative (dn) mutant of ADAM10 or ADAM17. EGFR transactivation induced by Ang II was inhibited in VSMCs infected with dnADAM17 retrovirus but not with dnADAM10 retrovirus. However, Ang II comparably stimulated intracellular Ca
2+
elevation and JAK2 tyrosine phosphorylation in these VSMCs. In addition, dnADAM17 inhibited HB-EGF shedding induced by Ang II in A10 VSMCs expressing the AT
1
receptor. Moreover, Ang II enhanced protein synthesis and cell volume in VSMCs infected with control retrovirus, but not in VSMCs infected with dnADAM17 retrovirus.

Conclusion—

ADAM17 activated by the AT
1
receptor is responsible for EGFR transactivation and subsequent protein synthesis in VSMCs. These findings demonstrate a previously missing molecular mechanism by which Ang II promotes vascular remodeling.
Theories of Law and Development
Authors: Harding Andrew
Published: September 2018

This article takes a long look at the law and development movement and its attempts to entrench the rule of law in developing countries in Asia via the means of legal technical assistance (LTA) designed to reform judiciaries and judicial bodies. It does so with special reference to Myanmar, being the latest instance of LTA in Asia. Currently there are more than 30 organisations working directly on rule of law LTA in Myanmar. Such efforts ought to represent the state of the art after half a century of LTA. The article looks at the trajectory of law and development since the 1960s, noting that the phases of law and development have led us through inaugural, critical, revivalist “moments” to a “post-moment” that appears to be pluralistic, and contextually nuanced. It notes that judicial reform has always featured in LTA through all of these “moments”, and discusses whether or in what circumstances judicial reform is the most desirable or justifiably prioritised approach to rule of law LTA. It concludes that in the current phase of law and development too much emphasis is placed on judicial reform, explaining why this is so and why other approaches could be more profitable. The argument leads to a conclusion that we might now usefully identify a “Burmese” moment in law and development—one in which we realise that one size will never fit all cases, that law and development is multi-faceted and needs to be broken down into distinct modes of operation. In this dispensation, the opportunity is offered to secure real and ongoing gains in rule of law technology.
Regulation of Religion and Granting of Public Holidays
Authors: Radics George , Sinha Vineeta
Published: September 2018

During the colonial period, the Straits Settlements government formalised through law the declaration of public holidays marking religious festivals for the different communities. This practice was continued by the post-colonial state, apportioning public holidays “equally” amongst its citizenry. Adopting a historical perspective, this paper theorises the Singapore state’s allocation of public holidays for its citizens with a specific focus on the Singaporean Hindu community. The paper traces the journey of Tai Pucam as a declared public holiday in colonial Singapore to the 1950s when the Hindu community had two gazetted public holidays to 1968 when Tai Pucam was removed from the list of public holidays, a situation which persists into the present. The “making and unmaking of Tai Pucam as a public holiday” remains a controversial issue for Singaporean Hindus who express unhappiness over the fact that their religious community is granted only one religious holiday, when the norm in Singapore is such that each ethnic community has two holidays. This inequality is cited by Hindus and Indians in Singapore as a discriminatory practice. In 2015, a recent case, Vijaya Kumar s/o Rajendran and Others v. Attorney General, the controversial ban on musical instruments during a Tai Pucam celebration triggered yet again the sensitive issue of Tai Pucam as a “non holiday”.
The Use and Misuse of Uneven and Combined Development: A Critique of Anievas and Nişancıoğlu
Authors: Post Charles
Published: September 2018

Aneivas and Nişancıoğlu’s provocative book,How the West Came to Rule, attempts to provide an alternative account of the origins of capitalism to both ‘Political Marxism’ and ‘World-Systems Theory’. By making uneven and combined development a universal dynamic of human history and by utilising a flawed concept of ‘Eurocentrism’, however, they introduce a high degree of causal pluralism into their analysis. Despite important insights into the specific dynamics of different pre-capitalist forms of social labour, their account of the origins of capitalism inHow the West Came to Rulesuffers from causal indeterminacy and historical inaccuracies.
Institutional Models under Directive 2014/54: Advantages and Disadvantages for Free Movement of Workers and their Family Members
Authors: Jakulevičienė Lyra , Valutytė Regina , Daukšienė Inga
Published: September 2018

Despite many efforts to empower the EU citizens and their family members to benefit from the free movement of workers, numerous well-documented obstacles are still present within the EU. The EU intends to eliminate the gap between the rights on paper and in practice in Directive 2014/54 by establishing four procedural pillars—promotion, support, analysis and monitoring. The functions are entrusted to the institution(s) designated by the Member States leaving them a wide discretion to choose the most appropriate institutional model. This article focuses on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of three possible institutional setups—establishment of a new institution, extension of the mandate of an existing body and assignment of the tasks to several existing national bodies. The study examines which model is more suitable to meet the aims of the Directive, taking into consideration the nature and content of the abovementioned pillars and specific situation in the different Member States.
Minimal Mindreading and Animal Cognition
Authors: Strasser Anna
Published: September 2018

Human and non-human animals are social beings, both have social interactions. The ability to anticipate behavior of others is a fundamental requirement of social interactions. However, there are several ways of how agents can succeed in this. Two modes of anticipation, namely mindreading and behavior-reading, shape the animal mindreading debate. As a matter of fact, no position has yet convincingly ruled out the other. This paper suggests a strategy of how to argue for a mentalistic interpretation as opposed to a behavioral interpretation. The first step suggests considering a pluralistic approach in order to allow for shortcomings such as not having a natural language. Second, a critical examination of the principle called Morgan’s Canon will show that this principle cannot be used as a final argument to rule out mentalistic approaches. Finally, the author argues that the setting of current experiments is responsible for the indistinguishability of mindreading versus behavior-reading and she suggests alternative experimental designs.
Intrinsic Dispositional Properties and Immanent Realism
Authors: Livanios Vassilis
Published: September 2018

Tugby (2013a) and Yates (2016) have recently argued that immanent realism is incompatible with the existence of intrinsic but (at least partially) relationally constituted genuine dispositional properties. The success of Tugby’s and Yates’ arguments depends either on a strong or on a weak assumption about the interworld identity of dispositional properties. In this paper, the author evaluates the strength of the arguments in question under those two assumptions. He also offers an alternative metaphysical picture for the fundamental dispositional properties which rejects these assumptions and, consequently, undermines the arguments themselves.
The Principle of Accessibility as a Core Element of a Human Rights-Based Approach to Undocumented Migrants’ Right to Health
Authors: Gionco Marta , Celoria Eleonora
Published: September 2018

Seventy years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, access to health care remains strongly unequal. Undocumented migrants represent a particularly discriminated group in many countries. With the aim of investigating the root causes of such inequality, the article provides a theoretical analysis of the right to health care in the international and regional legal frameworks. On such basis, it examines, from a comparative perspective, the different health care systems adopted in France, Italy and Switzerland and the concrete obstacles to accessibility that ensue from each system. The study adopts a human rights-based approach which focuses on four interrelated dimensions of the principle of accessibility which are pivotal in linking a legal system to its application: non-discrimination, physical accessibility, economic accessibility and information accessibility. This article concludes by arguing that the adoption of a human rights-based approach centred on the principle of accessibility can contribute to a better understanding of the obstacles to undocumented migrants’ effective access to health care and therefore to the full implementation of their rights.
A new species of the Polyonyx sinensis group (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Porcellanidae) from the Central Philippines
Authors: OSAWA MASAYUKI
Published: September 2018

A new species of porcelain crab, Polyonyx angustus n. sp., is described on the basis of material collected from Panglao Island, the Central Philippines. It is morphologically allied to P. boucheti Osawa, 2007, P. pilosibrachium Osawa, Naruse & Ng, 2018, and P. utinomii Miyake, 1943, but distinguished by the shape of the carapace and rostrum. Re-examination of the specimens from the Maldives previously referred to P. utinomii has showed that they belong to the new species instead. The present knowledge suggests that P. utinomii is distributed only in the Japanese main islands from central Honshu to Kyushu.
Synopsis of Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of the Mascarene Islands, with description of a new species of Leiochrotella Jeannel, 1953 from Réunion
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER , KOCIAN MATÚŠ
Published: September 2018

The new species, Leiochrotella lequettei Hlaváč & Kocian, sp. n., is described from Réunion. A synopsis of all Pselaphinae of the Mascarenes (Réunion, Mauritius and Rodriguez) is provided.
How Well Are Clouds Simulated over Greenland in Climate Models? Consequences for the Surface Cloud Radiative Effect over the Ice Sheet
Authors: Lacour A. , Chepfer H. , Miller N. B. , Shupe M. D. , Noel V. , Fettweis X. , Gallee H. , Kay J. E. , Guzman R. , Cole J.
Published: September 2018

Using lidar and radiative flux observations from space and ground, and a lidar simulator, we evaluate clouds simulated by climate models over the Greenland ice sheet, including predicted cloud cover, cloud fraction profile, cloud opacity, and surface cloud radiative effects. The representation of clouds over Greenland is a central concern for the models because clouds impact ice sheet surface melt. We find that over Greenland, most of the models have insufficient cloud cover during summer. In addition, all models create too few nonopaque, liquid-containing clouds optically thin enough to let direct solar radiation reach the surface (−1% to −3.5% at the ground level). Some models create too few opaque clouds. In most climate models, the cloud properties biases identified over all Greenland also apply at Summit, Greenland, proving the value of the ground observatory in model evaluation. At Summit, climate models underestimate cloud radiative effect (CRE) at the surface, especially in summer. The primary driver of the summer CRE biases compared to observations is the underestimation of the cloud cover in summer (−46% to −21%), which leads to an underestimated longwave radiative warming effect (CRELW= −35.7 to −13.6 W m−2compared to the ground observations) and an underestimated shortwave cooling effect (CRESW= +1.5 to +10.5 W m−2compared to the ground observations). Overall, the simulated clouds do not radiatively warm the surface as much as observed.
The Fast Response of the Tropical Circulation to CO2 Forcing
Authors: Plesca Elina , Buehler Stefan A. , Grützun Verena
Published: September 2018

Atmosphere-only CMIP5 idealized climate experiments with quadrupling of atmospheric CO2 are analyzed to understand the fast response of the tropical overturning circulation to this forcing and the main mechanism of this response. A new metric for the circulation, based on pressure velocity in the subsidence regions, is defined, taking advantage of the dynamical stability of these regions and their reduced sensitivity to the GCM’s cloud and precipitation parameterization schemes. This definition permits us to decompose the circulation change into a sum of relative changes in subsidence area, static stability, and heating rate. A comparative analysis of aqua- and Earth-like planet experiments reveals the effect of the land–sea contrast on the total change in circulation. On average, under the influence of CO2 increase without surface warming, the atmosphere radiatively cools less, and this drives the 3%–4% slowdown of the tropical circulation. Even in an Earth-like planet setup, the circulation weakening is dominated by the radiatively driven changes in the subsidence regions over the oceans. However, the land–sea differential heating contributes to the vertical pattern of the circulation weakening by driving the vertical expansion of the tropics. It is further found that the surface warming would, independently of the CO2 effect, lead to up to a 12% slowdown in circulation, dominated by the enhancement of the static stability in the upper troposphere. The two mechanisms identified above combine in the coupled experiment with abrupt quadrupling, causing a circulation slowdown (focused in the upper troposphere) of up to 18%. Here, the independent effect of CO2 has a considerable impact only at time scales less than one year, being overtaken quickly by the impact of surface warming.
Using a Clinical Decision Support Tool to Increase Chlamydia Screening Across a Large Primary Care Pediatric Network
Authors: Karas David , Sondike Stephen , Fitzgibbon James , Redding Mark , Brown Miraides
Published: September 2018

We aim to demonstrate increased chlamydia screening across a large pediatric network using an electronic health record–based intervention. We developed a pop-up notification that alerted providers that chlamydia screening was recommended during a well adolescent visit, when appropriate. We compared chlamydia screening rates before and after the implementation of the alert. The screening rate for chlamydia improved from 2.40% in the year before intervention to 5.01% in the year after intervention ( P < .01). In conclusion, an electronic health record intervention was successfully able to significantly increase rates of chlamydia screening across a large pediatric network.
“Big Data” in Educational Administration: An Application for Predicting School Dropout Risk
Authors: Sorensen Lucy C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose: In an era of unprecedented student measurement and emphasis on data-driven educational decision making, the full potential for using data to target resources to students has yet to be realized. This study explores the utility of machine-learning techniques with large-scale administrative data to identify student dropout risk. Research Methods: Using longitudinal student records data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, this article assesses modern prediction techniques, with a focus on tree-based classification methods and support vector machines. These methods incorporate 74 predictors measures from Grades 3 through 8, including academic achievement, behavioral indicators, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Findings: Two of the assessed classification algorithms predict high school graduation and dropping out correctly for more than 90% of an out-of-sample student cohort. Findings reveal a shift toward lower dropout incidence in regions hit hardest by the economic recession of 2008, especially for male students. Implications for Research and Practice: Machine-learning procedures, as demonstrated in this study, offer promise for allowing administrators to reliably identify students at risk of dropping out of school so as to provide targeted, intensive programs at the lowest possible cost.
Reconsidering the Number of Women With HIV Infection Who Give Birth Annually in the United States
Authors: Nesheim Steven R. , FitzHarris Lauren F. , Lampe Margaret A. , Gray Kristen Mahle
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

The annual number of women with HIV infection who delivered infants in the United States was estimated to be 8700 in 2006. An accurate, current estimate is important for guiding perinatal HIV prevention efforts. Our objective was to analyze whether the 2006 estimate was consistent with the number of infants with HIV infection observed in the United States and with other data on perinatal HIV transmission.

Methods:

We compared the number of infants born with HIV in 2015 (n = 53) with data on interventions to prevent perinatal HIV transmission (eg, maternal HIV diagnosis before and during pregnancy and prenatal antiretroviral use). We also estimated the annual number of deliveries to women living with HIV by using the number of women of childbearing age living with HIV during 2008-2014 and the estimated birth rate among these women. Finally, we determined any changes in the annual number of infants born to women with HIV from 2007-2015, among 19 states that reported these data.

Results:

The low number of infants born in the United States with HIV infection and the uptake of interventions to prevent perinatal HIV transmission were not consistent with the 2006 estimate (n = 8700), even with the best uptake of interventions to prevent perinatal HIV transmission. Given the birth rate among women with HIV (estimated at 7%) and the number of women aged 13-44 living with HIV during 2008-2014 (n = 111 273 in 2008, n = 96 363 in 2014), no more than about 5000 women with HIV would be giving birth. Among states consistently reporting the annual number of births to women with HIV, the number declined about 14% from 2008 to 2014.

Conclusion:

The current annual number of women with HIV infection delivering infants in the United States is about 5000, which is substantially lower than the 2006 estimate. More accurate estimates would require comprehensive reporting of perinatal HIV exposure.
Commuting, Communication, and Community Engagement From a Communication Infrastructure Theory Perspective
Authors: Jung Eunjean , Kim Yong-Chan
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study is to test hypotheses regarding the effects of commuting on commuters’ access to community-based communication resources and their level of community engagement. This study is guided by communication infrastructure theory. Online survey interviews were conducted with 1,028 Seoul residents between May 30 and June 17, 2014. We found that (1) commuters showed a higher level of community engagement than noncommuters; (2) among commuters, there was a negative relationship between commuting time and a sense of neighborhood belonging; (3) commuting time showed a positive relationship with access to community-based communication resources (i.e., integrated connectedness to community storytelling network [ICSN]) and community participation; (4) among four place-based identity groups (integrators, home-dominant group, workplace-dominant group, and disconnectors), integrators, who connected to both home and workplace, showed the highest level of ICSN and community engagement; and (5) ICSN mediated between commuting variables and community engagement variables.
The Impact of Job Expectations, Workload, and Autonomy on Work-Related Stress Among Prison Wardens in the United States
Authors: Schiff Mara , Leip Leslie
Published: September 2018

Prison wardens manage both external pressures and internal challenges that affect work-related stress. Using data from a national survey of prison wardens, we examined the impact of conflicting job expectations, workload, and job autonomy on work-related stress among prison wardens. The ordered logistic regression results showed a significant and positive relationship between conflicting job expectations and work-related stress. The results also showed a significant and positive relationship between unmanageable workloads and stress on the job. We found a negative and significant relationship between job autonomy and work-related stress, though the relationship was relatively weak. The importance of this study lies in its ability to help isolate factors that affect job stress among prison wardens, which in turn may produce better organizational support, management, and human resources policy to improve conditions for prison wardens, staff, and inmates.
Imagining Experiencing an Event in the Future Inflates Certainty That It Occurred in the Past
Authors: Calvillo Dustin P. , Flores Andrea N. , Lara Paul M. , Hawkins Whitney C. , Boman Larry D. , Smelter Thomas J.
Published: September 2018

Imagination inflation occurs when participants increase their certainty that they have experienced an event after they imagine the event occurring. Two experiments (with a total of 291 participants) examined the effects of imagining events in the future on participants’ certainty they had experienced those events in the past. Participants rated their certainty in having experienced events and then imagined experiencing some of those events either in the future or in the past. One or two weeks later, participants completed certainty ratings a second time and completed some individual difference measures. In both imagination conditions (future and past), certainty ratings increased more for imagined events than for control events. Autobiographical memory specificity and self-concept clarity did not significantly predict this effect. These findings suggest that imagining events in the future makes people more certain that they have happened in the past.
3D closed-loop swimming at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Oulmas Ali , Andreff Nicolas , Régnier Stéphane
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the mobility matrix of helical microswimmers is investigated to compute the magnetic torque as a function of the angular velocities of the helical robot to achieve a 3D path following in closed-loop. Thus, the helical swimmer kinematics are expressed in the Serret–Frenet frame considering the weight of the robot and lateral disturbances using the compensation inclination and direction angles, respectively. A new chained formulation is used to design a stable controller. The approach is simple and quite general and can be used for different non-holonomic autonomous systems. The 3D path following is validated by presenting experimental results using a scaled-up helical microswimmer actuated magnetically. Different trajectories were tested: a spatial straight line, a helix trajectory, and an inclined sinusoidal trajectory. Several conditions have been tested experimentally, namely: different velocity profiles, compensation inclination angles, liquid viscosities, control gains and boundary effects, and their impact on the performance of the path following. To illustrate the robustness and accuracy of the visual servo control to disturbances presenting in the environment such as the magnetic field gradient and boundary effects, it is compared with the open-loop control. The results show the robustness of the controller and a submillimetric accuracy during the path following.
Systematic Procedures for the Analysis of Agency and User Costs of Bridge Repair Actions
Authors: Fereshtehnejad Ehsan , Hur Jieun , Shafieezadeh Abdollah , Brokaw Mike , Noll Brad , Backs Jared , Waheed Amjad
Published: September 2018

A primary goal of bridge management systems is to identify maintenance, repair, and replacement (MR&R) strategies that maximize benefits and minimize losses, often expressed in terms of cost. A major factor that greatly impacts outcomes of these frameworks, that is, the most appropriate MR&R strategies, is the cost of implementation and associated consequences of performing such actions. Given that the inventory of bridges maintained by a state department of transportation (DOT) is significantly large, this study is aimed at developing a systematic procedure to reliably estimate the costs through effective utilization of DOTs’ databases. The considered costs include agency cost of administration, engineering, and mobilization; agency direct cost of performing MR&R actions; agency cost of maintenance of traffic; and user cost incurred from traffic delays, vehicle operation, and excess emissions. The study develops a set of models to estimate the duration of various MR&R work plans. These models are subsequently used to propose analytical formulations and algorithms for the estimation of the above costs. The proposed procedures are employed to estimate the agency and user costs associated with a series of light to extensive repair actions for three bridges in Ohio. Independent calculation of some of these costs by Ohio DOT engineers indicated good agreement with results obtained from the proposed systematic methods. The verified procedures for cost estimation developed in this study enable state DOTs and other entities to reliably estimate implementation costs of actions for their large inventory of bridges and identify the most cost-effective MR&R strategies and work plans.
Validating the Performance of the FHWA Work Zone Model Version 1.0: A Case Study along I-91 in Springfield, Massachusetts
Authors: Berthaume Andrew , Jackson Lauren , Berg Ian , O’Donnell Brian , Melson Christopher L.
Published: September 2018

Central to the effective design of work zones is being able to understand how drivers behave as they approach and enter a work zone area. States use simulation tools in modeling freeway work zones to predict work zone impacts and to select optimal design and deployment strategies. While simple and complex microscopic models have been used over the years to analyze driver behavior, most models were not designed for application in work zones. Using data collected from an instrumented research vehicle and model components from two PhD dissertations, FHWA created the Work Zone Driver Model and programed the Work Zone Driver Model DLL v1.0, a software that could override car-following in commercial microsimulation software packages so that practitioners can better predict work zone impacts. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of the FHWA Work Zone Driver Model DLL v1.0, interfaced with VISSIM and tested on an Interstate work zone in Springfield, Massachusetts. The dynamic link library’s (DLL’s) performance is compared with field data collected using an instrumented research vehicle and to Weidemann 99 in VISSIM. Performance metrics were selected to align with state department of transportation work zone management efforts. Results showed acceptable performance from the DLL, as it predicted queue locations and travel speeds that were near field observations. Limitations of the DLL and interface are discussed, and opportunities for improving version 2.0 are described.
Validation and Calibration of Freeway Reliability Methodology in the Highway Capacity Manual: Method and Case Studies
Authors: Karmakar Nabaruna , Aghdashi Seyedbehzad , Rouphail Nagui M. , Williams Billy M.
Published: September 2018

Traffic congestion costs drivers an average of $1,200 a year in wasted fuel and time, with most travelers becoming less tolerant of unexpected delays. Substantial efforts have been made to account for the impact of non-recurring sources of congestion on travel time reliability. The 6th edition of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) provides a structured guidance on a step-by-step analysis to estimate reliability performance measures on freeway facilities. However, practical implementation of these methods poses its own challenges. Performing these analyses requires assimilation of data scattered in different platforms, and this assimilation is complicated further by the fact that data and data platforms differ from state to state. This paper focuses on practical calibration and validation methods of the core and reliability analyses described in the HCM. The main objective is to provide HCM users with guidance on collecting data for freeway reliability analysis as well as validating the reliability performance measures predictions of the HCM methodology. A real-world case study on three routes on Interstate 40 in the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina is used to describe the steps required for conducting this analysis. The travel time index (TTI) distribution, reported by the HCM models, was found to match those from probe-based travel time data closely up to the 80th percentile values. However, because of a mismatch between the actual and HCM estimated incident allocation patterns both spatially and temporally, and the fact that traffic demands in the HCM methods are by default insensitive to the occurrence of major incidents, the HCM approach tended to generate larger travel time values in the upper regions of the travel time distribution.
Assessing Driving Simulator Validity: A Comparison of Multi-Modal Smartphone Interactions across Simulated and Field Environments
Authors: McWilliams Thomas , Ward Nathan , Mehler Bruce , Reimer Bryan
Published: September 2018

The use of a driving simulator as a tool to evaluate secondary task performance elicits the question of simulator validity. After upgrading an existing driving simulator from a medium-fidelity to a high-fidelity configuration with a new software environment, a study was run to benchmark this simulator against previously published highway-driving data. A primary goal was to assess relative and absolute validity in a simulated highway environment. Data from 72 participants who performed manual and voice-based contact dialing tasks with a center-stack-mounted smartphone in either the driving simulator or driving on the highway in one of two vehicles is considered. This analysis compared secondary task demand between the simulator and on-road vehicles by primarily considering driver off-road glance behavior. Mean total eyes-off-road time, mean single-glance duration, and the number of long off-road glances showed similar patterns relative to the manual versus voice-based tasks in the simulator and the two on-road vehicles. A driving performance metric, percentage change of standard deviation of velocity, showed differing results between the simulator and on-road vehicles. It is concluded that these data make a strong argument for relative validity, and in some cases absolute validity, for this simulator for studying glance behavior associated with in-vehicle devices under a highway-driving scenario.
Reliability Generalization of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire Subscales
Authors: Semma Brandie , Henri Maria , Luo Wen , Thompson Christopher G.
Published: September 2018

Meaning in life is a psychological construct linked to several subjective well-being indicators. One commonly used meaning in life measure is the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), a 10-item self-report measure that assesses perceived presence of and search for meaning in life. Despite its extensive use, the variability of the questionnaire’s reliability across samples has not been examined. This study synthesized reliability evidence for the Meaning in Life Questionnaire from 232 articles. Average reliabilities for both subscales were greater than .85. Results indicated that, though, overall, the MLQ is highly reliable across samples, the questionnaire’s reliability varies as a function of several sample characteristics. Furthermore, we found some evidence of reporting bias. Implications for the conceptualization of meaning in life across diverse samples and potential underreporting of low reliability estimates are discussed.
Ethnographie et lien social. Pratique et éthique de la recherche auprès des résidents des foyers d’urgence
Authors: Bruneteaux Patrick
Published: September 2018

Cet article vise à explorer plus avant une certaine façon de pratiquer l’ethnographie, que j’ai développée au cours des deux dernières décennies. Elle consiste, sur la base du principe de commune humanité, à créer des relations de longue durée avec le public enquêté, en l’occurrence des « SDF ». Ceci ne va sans soulever certaines contradictions, voire tensions, dès lors que la recherche suppose aussi un principe d’efficacité. J’ai ainsi été conduit à mettre en œuvre des usages qui peuvent prêter à polémique, dont une certaine dose de secret dans le prélèvement des données. Dans la première partie du texte, je critique notamment la centralité de l’observation et le recours aux entretiens classiques dans la pratique voire la représentation de l’ethnographie, dans des termes généralisables à différents terrains ; dans la seconde partie, je reviens en détail sur ma pratique pour mieux faire valoir ma conception de l’éthique, laquelle s’inscrit dans mon engagement plus global au service du changement social en faveur des (sous)-prolétaires.
Some Contributions from Geometry to Linear Models’ Construction in Social Sciences
Authors: Lebaron Frédéric , Castro T. Andrés F.
Published: September 2018

Are we cautious enough when using linear models? After the 1970s linear models became the most common method for quantitative social scientists. More discussion on their scope and limitations is needed. We focus on one stage of the modeling process, namely, variable selection. We show that a rigorous comparison between bivariate and multivariate regression models should be done in this stage as non-orthogonality among predictors can lead to ambiguous estimates. Further, we use geometrical representations of linear models for two purposes. First, to visualize sources of instability and the causes of ambiguous results. Second, to support residual regression as an alternate approach. We illustrate our ideas using data collected by Cukierman et al. (2002) on the relationship between government regulation and inflation in 26 countries. Our conclusions stress the need to assess structural effects and support parsimonious models with few predictors.
Scope and Burden of Non–Standard of Care Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Leukodystrophy Patients
Authors: Bonkowsky Joshua L. , Wilkes Jacob , Shyr David C.
Published: September 2018

Inherited leukodystrophies are a group of diseases affecting central nervous system myelin that lead to death or significant health problems. Although for most leukodystrophies there are no curative treatments, for a handful of diseases hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT; bone marrow transplant) can stop disease progression, and if initiated in a timely fashion, prevent many or all neurologic and other systems involvement. However, HSCT is a complex procedure with significant morbidity and mortality risks. The study goal was to determine whether HSCT was being more widely used outside of those leukodystrophies for which HSCT is typically employed. The authors conducted a 2-year retrospective review of HSCT performed across the United States in 51 children’s hospitals that are part of the Pediatric Health Information System. The authors screened for 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) codes for leukodystrophies in which HSCT is “nonstandard,” including sphingolipidoses, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, and Niemann-Pick disease, and excluded patients who had ICD-10 codes for leukodystrophies that are HSCT candidates, specifically X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, and Hurler disease. The authors identified 91 patients (from a total cohort of 937) with one of the nonstandard leukodystrophies who had HSCT. HSCT was performed at 20 of the hospitals, with the majority performed at only 6 hospitals. Average costs ($786 846) per patient were more than 6 times higher than patients who did not have HSCT. The data show that an unexpectedly large number of leukodystrophy patients are receiving transplants for conditions in which HSCT is not typically used, and which are associated with high medical costs.
Factors Influencing Safety Efficacy: Examining Past Experience, Mind-Set, and Emotion Management
Authors: Logan TK
Published: September 2018

Safety efficacy, or the perceived capability of preventing or deterring a personal safety threat, has emerged as a potentially important construct in personal safety outcomes. However, there has been limited research on factors that may facilitate or inhibit safety efficacy. The overall goal of this study was to examine indices of past history, mind-set, and emotion regulation associated with safety efficacy as informed by the self-efficacy literature. This study used a national sample of 821 women who completed a survey on personal safety concerns and responses. There were four main findings from this study: (a) although victimization experiences in this study were high, there were no differences in past or recent victimization experiences by safety efficacy group; (b) responding passively and feeling uncomfortable and nervous in interpersonal conflict situations were significantly associated with lower safety efficacy; (c) those with lower safety efficacy felt less confident in protecting themselves, were less likely to feel they could affect the outcome of external events, were less likely to seek information about their personal safety, and were more likely to feel personal characteristics increased their risk of victimization; and (d) discomfort when thinking about personal safety as well as emotion regulation problems were negatively associated with safety efficacy, yet have received limited research attention with regard to their role in personal safety outcomes. More research is needed to build on the success of various interventions that have shown evidence of increased safety efficacy and decreased revictimization as well as to reach women who may actively avoid prevention programs because they are not comfortable thinking about their safety.