bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Reform and Productivity Convergence in China
Authors: Kang Lili , Peng Fei
Published: June 2018

This article investigates the effect of physical and human capital formation on the productivity growth of China. We focus on the market reform factors including ownership shifts, population policy, openness and fiscal expenditures on education, and the convergence of productivity growth within the traditional four economic regions of China. We find that Chinese economic miracle is mainly pushed by the (physical) capital service rather than human capital. The physical capital inputs contribute even more to the economic growth of China since the returns to education decrease with the education expansion and increasing tuition fees after 1994. The four economic regions of China show different growth patterns. The capital inputs mostly help the labour productivity (LP) growth of the West region and the wage growth of the interior region, but human capital formation contributes to the total factor productivity (TFP) of all four regions. Moreover, provinces within each region present strong evidence of convergence of productivity growth. The convergence is most prominent for the provinces within the Northeast and Coastal regions for LP and TFP growth, suggesting fast technology spillovers within these regions.
Does music help children grow up? Parental views from a longitudinal panel study
Authors: Kreutz Gunter , Feldhaus Michael
Published: June 2018

Previous research has identified families as hubs for musical development, but little is known about the reciprocal effects on familial dynamics. Here, we address the long-term associations between familial music and parental perceptions of their children’s personality. To these ends, we analysed a subset of data from the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics study, a longitudinal cohort study. A total of 839 data sets from parents with their children, covering four waves over a period of six years, served as our database. The frequency of engagement in Singing and Playing Musical Instruments, Reading Books or Storytelling and Shopping represented independent measures, whereas the ratings of Prosocial Behaviour, Intimacy, Admiration, and C onflicts served as dependent measures in the panel regression models. A substantial decline in everyday activities was noted as children grew older, with the exception of Shopping. Parental education, but not family net income, was found to be correlated with familial music activities. These activities were correlated with three facets of children’s personality, Prosocial Behaviour, Intimacy, and Admiration, based on both fixed- and random-effects models. The correlations, however, were partially weakened when Reading or Storytelling and Shopping were entered into the models. Our findings suggest that familial music activities may exert long-term and causal influences on familial dynamics, as reflected through important facets of children’s personality.
Three-Dimensional Printing of Personalized Nasal Stents for Patients With Cleft Lip
Authors: Luo Dongyuan , Li Ting , Wang Hongtao , Chen Yiyang
Published: June 2018

Objective:

This report describes the design and printing of personalized nasal stents for cleft lip using 3-dimensional (3D) technology.

Materials and Methods:

We used silicone rubber to make the impressions, a 3D laser scanner to obtain 3D data, and Dental SG resin cartridges as printing material. We printed the personalized nasal stents using a photosensitive resin printer.

Results:

We placed the stents in patients after cleft lip surgery. They enabled personalized adjustment and good anastomosis, with a low probability of slipping from the nasal cavity.

Conclusion:

With this technique, we can provide good nasal support for patients with cleft lip.
Development of a Mobile App on Contraceptive Options for Young African American and Latina Women
Authors: Akinola Motolani , Hebert Luciana E. , Hill Brandon J. , Quinn Michael , Holl Jane L. , Whitaker Amy K. , Gilliam Melissa L.
Published: June 2018

Young African American and Latina women aged 15 to 24 are more likely to adopt short-acting forms of contraception over long-acting reversible contraception. Mobile applications and other forms of digital media may be useful for providing adolescents with information about sexual and reproductive health both inside and outside of the health care setting. The miPlan app was designed in accordance with principles of user experience design, and its content was informed by the theory of planned behavior and the transtheoretical model of behavior change. A university-based design team engaged young African American and Latina women to inform app development and provide input on app design, conducting multiple rounds of usability testing. Researchers then evaluated the acceptability of the miPlan app in family planning clinics among African American and Latina women aged 15 to 24. Participants rated the app highly acceptable, finding it both easy to use and highly informative. We demonstrate that mobile applications designed in conjunction with user populations may be effective at providing health information due to users’ ability to identify with them and their accessibility.
Translation of attribution and news credibility
Authors: Hong Jungmin
Published: June 2018

This study aims to investigate the translation of attribution, one of the key journalistic conventions to ensure news credibility, in the context of South Korea. An examination on how attribution is translated can address one of the major challenges facing today’s news industry: the erosion of credibility. While the growth of new media threatens news credibility, the norms and process of news translation can aggravate this credibility. Based on the attribution principles for Korean and English news, this study compares 359 Korean-language articles and their English translations collected from the websites of South Korea’s three major newspapers to investigate whether and how the meanings and functions of attribution change in the process of translation and what impact the changes may have on news credibility. The findings show that the meanings and functions of attribution change in the process of translation, and the consequence is not insignificant because it can weaken credibility, which in turn calls for more scholarly and practical attention to the translation of attribution in this fast-changing media landscape.
School tracking and social selection in northern Italy
Authors: Polesel John , Leahy Mary
Published: June 2018

The links between tracked secondary schooling and social selection form part of a complex narrative regarding educational inequality in European schools. The relative contribution of family and school to unequal educational outcomes has dominated educational debates across the continent for more than 50 years. This article contributes to this debate by focusing on a sample of students in the final year of schooling in three schools in northern Italy. It asks whether there are social differences in enrolments and aspirations across the three different types of schools. It also considers whether aspirations can be linked to differences in levels of family support or to school-related factors. To examine these links, we consider four main ways of conceptualising aspirations and propose an approach that draws on theories explaining preference formation and choice.
What does it mean to be an ‘engaged university’? Reflections from a university and school-community engagement project
Authors: Cherrington Avivit M , Scheckle Eileen , Khau Mathabo , De Lange Naydene , Du Plessis Andre
Published: June 2018

This article seeks to address what it means to be an ‘engaged’ university and, in so doing, to contribute to current discourses – in a fast growing field – about how to collaborate with communities for meaningful social transformation. As a group of researchers from the faculty of education in a South African university, we share our thinking and the theoretical notions that underpinned our planning and executing of a 3-year engagement with a rural secondary school. In asking ‘How might dialogic engagement of the university community and the community the university serves, enable agency towards active citizenship in the context of education?’, a collaborative engagement project between and within a school-community and the university was initiated. In this conceptual article, we unpack and discuss a critical university and school-community engagement with, and interpretation of, three key concepts that underpinned it: dialogic engagement, community and active citizenship. We conclude with a discussion on how we put these three key elements into practice. It is therefore argued that to be truly engaged requires constant dialogue, reflection, and the intentionality and commitment of all parties towards collaboration that is aimed at promoting mutual learning through socially just processes. Such university and school-community engagement is key in addressing complex social issues requiring collaborative intervention to enable social transformation.
Conservatives Report Greater Meaning in Life Than Liberals
Authors: Newman David B. , Schwarz Norbert , Graham Jesse , Stone Arthur A.
Published: June 2018

Conservatives report greater life satisfaction than liberals, but this relationship is relatively weak. To date, the evidence is limited to a narrow set of well-being measures that ask participants for a single assessment of their life in general. We address this shortcoming by examining the relationship between political orientation and well-being using measures of life satisfaction, affect, and meaning and purpose in life. Participants completed well-being measures after reflecting on their whole life (Studies 1a, 1b, and 2), at the end of their day (Study 3), and in the present moment (Study 4). Across five studies, conservatives reported greater meaning and purpose in life than liberals at each reporting period. This finding remained significant after adjusting for religiosity and was usually stronger than the relationships involving other well-being measures. Finally, meaning in life was more closely related to social conservatism than economic conservatism.
The role of national courts between EU obligations and national standards of protection of fundamental rights
Authors: Lucifora Annalisa
Published: June 2018

This article focuses on the role of national courts in the implementation of the EU legal system. Since Simmenthal and Costa v. E.N.E.L., these courts are called upon, as part of their duty of sincere cooperation, to ensure the full application of EU law in all Member States and to protect the rights which that law confers on individuals. The duty to set aside conflicting provisions may be problematic in criminal cases. The issue has recently been put in the spotlight again by the Taricco case, which shows how the removal of an inconsistency between domestic legislation and EU law could sometimes lead to an infringement of constitutional criminal law principles. The Taricco case also calls into question the relationship between the primacy of EU law and the protection of fundamental rights.
Shed-MEDS: pilot of a patient-centered deprescribing framework reduces medications in hospitalized older adults being transferred to inpatient postacute care
Authors: Petersen Alec W. , Shah Avantika S. , Simmons Sandra F. , Shotwell Matthew S. , Jacobsen J. Mary Lou , Myers Amy P. , Mixon Amanda S. , Bell Susan P. , Kripalani Sunil , Schnelle John F. , Vasilevskis Eduard E.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Polypharmacy is common in hospitalized older adults. Deprescribing interventions are not well described in the acute-care setting. The objective of this study was to describe a hospital-based, patient-centered deprescribing protocol (Shed-MEDS) and report pilot results.

Methods:

This was a pilot study set in one academic medical center in the United States. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 40 Medicare-eligible, hospitalized patients with at least five prescribed medications. A deprescribing protocol (Shed-MEDS) was implemented among 20 intervention and 20 usual care control patients during their hospital stay. The primary outcome was the total number of medications deprescribed from hospital enrollment. Deprescribed was defined as medication termination or dose reduction. Enrollment medications reflected all prehospital medications and active in-hospital medications. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between the intervention and usual care groups using simple logistic or linear regression for categorical and continuous measures, respectively.

Results:

There was no significant difference between groups in mean age, sex or Charlson comorbidity index. The intervention and control groups had a comparable number of medications at enrollment, 25.2 (±6.3) and 23.4 (±3.8), respectively. The number of prehospital medications in each group was 13.3 (±4.6) and 15.3 (±4.6), respectively. The Shed-MEDS protocol compared with usual care significantly increased the mean number of deprescribed medications at hospital discharge and reduced the total medication burden by 11.6 versus 9.1 ( p = 0.032) medications. The deprescribing intervention was associated with a difference of 4.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5–6.7, p < 0.001] in deprescribed medications and a 0.5 point reduction (95% CI −0.01 to 1.1) in the drug burden index.

Conclusions:

A hospital-based, patient-centered deprescribing intervention is feasible and may reduce the medication burden in older adults.
Policy preferences in a post-war environment
Authors: Hadzic Dino
Published: June 2018

Can reminders of violence committed in the past influence citizens’ policy preferences in the present? Prior work has found that under the threat of violence individuals prioritize safety and adopt policy views aimed at reducing the threat. Elites can then strategically employ concerns over personal safety and security to shape the public’s preferences. I contribute to this literature by conducting an exploratory study of whether invocations of violence committed in the past shape preferences in the long-term, years after the actual violence has ended. To do so, I fielded an experiment on a large ( N = 1125) and nationally representative sample of respondents in Bosnia, the site of a major ethnic civil war in 1992–1995. I did not find evidence that reminders of wartime violence in and of themselves affect policy preferences. Ultimately, this study represents a first cut at a neglected question in the literature and has implications that could motivate future research on the relationship between violent conflict and policy preferences.
Relationship Analysis between Website Traffic, Domain Age and Google Indexed Pages of E-commerce Websites
Authors: Chakrabortty Kalpita , Jose Ebbin
Published: June 2018

Increasing popularity of online business (e-commerce) has played an important role in the changing business scenario. The success of online business depends to a large extent on the online traffic e-commerce websites can pull in. Discovering the relationship between website traffic, domain age and Google indexed pages can help them to plan their actions to accommodate growth and maintain or increase their share on the web traffic. Though designing the right strategy to capitalize the online market in a specific category is vital, due to increasing competition and the changing trends it becomes challenging. Exploring the trends in strategies for pulling in traffic by different websites can further help the online business firms to understand the segment tactics for their business. In this article, we have carried out Multiple Linear Regression Analysis to identify the effect of domain age and Google indexed pages on total monthly page views. We used the data gathered through web analysis tools such as SimilarWeb, SmallSeoTools and Pingler on 60 websites from India accessible to us. We deployed ANOVA to explore the differences in average paid search traffic, social media traffic, mail traffic, referrals traffic and display traffic with respect to different website categories. The results thus obtained clearly demonstrate that domain age and Google indexed pages have a weak impact on website traffic but there is a significant difference in average organic search traffic, paid search traffic, social media traffic and referrals traffic with respect to those website categories.
Competency Education Implementation: Examining the Influence of Contextual Forces in Three New Hampshire Secondary Schools
Authors: Scheopner Torres Aubrey , Brett Jessica , Cox Joshua , Greller Sara
Published: June 2018

Competency education, a K–12 reform aimed to ensure that all students meet high expectations, requires that students demonstrate mastery of competencies to advance and earn credit, typically through assessments where students apply knowledge. Students receive more time and possibly personalized instruction to demonstrate mastery if needed. Competency education demands changes to traditional practices, including scheduling and grading. This qualitative case study describes how three districts in New Hampshire implemented this reform in secondary schools. Findings reveal that despite over 6 years of progress at each site, the reform had not been fully implemented due to inertial, technical, normative, and political challenges. Changes to grading and assessment were particularly difficult to implement.
Actual Conditions of Leisure Activity Among Older Community-Dwelling Japanese Adults
Authors: Iwasa Hajime , Yoshida Yuko
Published: June 2018

For healthy longevity, according to the theoretical framework of “successful aging,” it is not only essential to avoid disease and disability, and to keep high levels of mental and physical functioning, but also to engage with life. Thus, satisfactory leisure activity is important for the aged. We examined actual conditions of leisure activity among older adults in Japan, which can contribute to the development of a standardized leisure activity scale. Participants were 843 community-dwellers (390 men and 453 women, 70.5 ± 6.9 years old) who completed 58 draft leisure activity items. Three procedures (including item selection, factor analyses, and correlation analyses) were conducted to finalize the leisure activity list and evaluate its psychometric properties. Through item selection procedures, 15 items were regarded as inappropriate and were omitted from the analysis. The factor analyses resulted in an 11-factor solution with 43 items. Correlation analysis revealed that Factors 2 (social-public), 5 (social-private), 7 (technology use), 8 (travel), and 10 (developmental activity) had relationships with health outcomes (including functional capacity, social network, subjective well-being, and health literacy). A standardized leisure activity list among modern middle-aged and elderly people was developed, and was associated in part with health outcomes.
Aggressive B-cell lymphomas in patients with myelofibrosis receiving JAK1/2 inhibitor therapy
Authors: Porpaczy Edit , Tripolt Sabrina , Hoelbl-Kovacic Andrea , Gisslinger Bettina , Bago-Horvath Zsuzsanna , Casanova-Hevia Emilio , Clappier Emmanuelle , Decker Thomas , Fajmann Sabine , Fux Daniela A. , Greiner Georg , Gueltekin Sinan , Heller Gerwin , Herkner Harald , Hoermann Gregor , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Kolbe Thomas , Kornauth Christoph , Krauth Maria-Theresa , Kralovics Robert , Muellauer Leonhard , Mueller Mathias , Prchal-Murphy Michaela , Putz Eva Maria , Raffoux Emmanuel , Schiefer Ana-Iris , Schmetterer Klaus , Schneckenleithner Christine , Simonitsch-Klupp Ingrid , Skrabs Cathrin , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Staber Philipp Bernhard , Strobl Birgit , Valent Peter , Jaeger Ulrich , Gisslinger Heinz , Sexl Veronika
Published: June 2018

Inhibition of Janus-kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) is a mainstay to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Sporadic observations reported the co-incidence of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas during treatment of MPN with JAK1/2 inhibitors. We assessed 626 patients with MPN, including 69 with myelofibrosis receiving JAK1/2 inhibitors for lymphoma development. B-cell lymphomas evolved in 4 (5.8%) of 69 patients receiving JAK1/2 inhibition compared with 2 (0.36%) of 557 with conventional treatment (16-fold increased risk). A similar 15-fold increase was observed in an independent cohort of 929 patients with MPN. Considering primary myelofibrosis only (N = 216), 3 lymphomas were observed in 31 inhibitor-treated patients (9.7%) vs 1 (0.54%) of 185 control patients. Lymphomas were of aggressive B-cell type, extranodal, or leukemic with high MYC expression in the absence of JAK2 V617F or other MPN-associated mutations. Median time from initiation of inhibitor therapy to lymphoma diagnosis was 25 months. Clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements were already detected in the bone marrow during myelofibrosis in 16.3% of patients. Lymphomas occurring during JAK1/2 inhibitor treatment were preceded by a preexisting B-cell clone in all 3 patients tested. Sequencing verified clonal identity in 2 patients. The effects of JAK1/2 inhibition were mirrored in Stat1−/− mice: 16 of 24 mice developed a spontaneous myeloid hyperplasia with the concomitant presence of aberrant B cells. Transplantations of bone marrow from diseased mice unmasked the outgrowth of a malignant B-cell clone evolving into aggressive B-cell leukemia-lymphoma. We conclude that JAK/STAT1 pathway inhibition in myelofibrosis is associated with an elevated frequency of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Detection of a preexisting B-cell clone may identify individuals at risk.
Increasing rate of pulmonary embolism diagnosed in hospitalized children in the United States from 2001 to 2014
Authors: Carpenter Shannon L. , Richardson Troy , Hall Matt
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Rates of pediatric PE in hospitalized patients increased 184% from 2001 to 2014. Mortality as a result of PE in children has decreased over time and is now comparable to that from VTE.
Protecting Adolescents in Low- And Middle-Income Countries from Interpersonal Violence (PRO YOUTH TRIAL): Study Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the Strengthening Families Programme 10-14 (“Familias Fuertes”) in Panama
Authors: Mejia Anilena , Emsley Richard , Fichera Eleonora , Maalouf Wadih , Segrott Jeremy , Calam Rachel
Published: June 2018

Background

Interpersonal violence can significantly reduce adolescents’ opportunities for becoming happy and healthy adults. Central America is the most violent region in the world and it is estimated that adolescents are involved in 82% of all homicides in this region. Family skills training programmes have been designed to prevent interpersonal violence in adolescents. Several studies in high-income countries suggest they are effective. However, there are no published trials assessing effectiveness of these programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of the Strengthening Families Programme 10–14 (SFP 10–14 or “Familias Fuertes”) in Panama, a LMIC in Central America. An embedded process evaluation will examine the extent to which the intervention is delivered as intended, variation across trial sites, influences on implementation and intervention-context interactions. Cost-effectiveness will also be assessed.

Methods

This is a cluster randomised controlled trial. The 28 townships with the highest homicide rates in Panama will be randomly allocated to implementation of SFP 10–14 alongside services-as-usual or to services-as-usual only. Approximately 30 families will be recruited in each township, a total sample of 840 families. Families will be assessed at baseline, approximately eight weeks after baseline (i.e. post intervention), six months and 12 months after. The primary outcome measure will be the parent reported externalising subscale of the Child Behaviour Checklist at T3 (i.e., which is approximately 12 months after baseline). For the process evaluation, recruitment, attendance, fidelity and receipt will be measured. Qualitative interviews with facilitators, trainers, parents and adolescents will explore barriers/facilitators to implementation and intervention receipt. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, service use information will be gathered from parents and adolescents with a three-month recall period. Costs and consequences associated with implementation of the intervention will be identified.

Discussion

This trial will be the first to evaluate SFP 10–14 in a LMIC. Results have the potential to guide public policies for the prevention of interpersonal violence in Central America and beyond.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, 14023111. Registered on 13 July 2017.
An efficient ray-tracing method and its application to Gaussian beam migration in complex multilayered anisotropic media
Authors: Xu Qianru , Mao Weijian
Published: June 2018

We have developed a fast ray-tracing method for multiple layered inhomogeneous anisotropic media, based on the generalized Snell’s law. Realistic geologic structures continuously varying with embedded discontinuities are parameterized by adopting cubic B-splines with nonuniformly spaced nodes. Because the anisotropic characteristic is often closely related to the interface configuration, this model parameterization scheme containing the natural inclination of the corresponding layer is particularly suitable for tilted transverse isotropic models whose symmetry axis is generally perpendicular to the direction of the layers. With this model parameterization, the first- and second-order spatial derivatives of the velocity within the interfaces can be effectively obtained, which facilitates the amplitude computation in dynamic ray tracing. By using complex initial conditions for the dynamic ray system and taking the multipath effect into consideration, our method is applicable to Gaussian beam migration. Numerical experiments of our method have been used to verify its effectiveness, practicability, and efficiency in memory storage and computation.
Quantifying the error level in computed magnetic amplitude data for 3D magnetization inversion
Authors: Coleman Camriel , Li Yaoguo
Published: June 2018

Three-dimensional inversion plays an important role in the quantitative interpretation of magnetic data in exploration problems, and magnetic amplitude data can be an effective tool in cases in which remanently magnetized materials are present. Because amplitude data are typically calculated from total-field anomaly data, the error levels must be characterized for inversions. Lack of knowledge of the error in amplitude data hinders the ability to properly estimate the data misfit associated with an inverse model and, therefore, the selection of the appropriate regularization parameter for a final model. To overcome these challenges, we have investigated the propagation of errors from total-field anomaly to amplitude data. Using parametric bootstrapping, we find that the standard deviation of the noise in amplitude data is approximately equal to that of the noise in total-field anomaly data when the amplitude data are derived from the conversion of total-field data to three orthogonal components. We then illustrate how the equivalent source method can be used to estimate the error in total-field anomaly data when needed. The obtained noise estimate can be applied to amplitude inversion to recover an optimal inverse model by applying the discrepancy principle. We test this method on synthetic and field data and determine its effectiveness.
Family therapy and schizophrenia: a brief theoretical overview and a framework for clinical practice
Authors: Burbach Frank R.
Published: June 2018

Family or systemic therapy is often contrasted with psychoeducational approaches, but their historical differences have become blurred with the increasing development of integrated family interventions for psychosis. This article describes the theoretical context for the development of integrated family interventions and provides a framework for practice. It presents a collaborative, resource-oriented integrated family intervention for working with families and wider support networks within seven phases: the sharing of information and provision of emotional and practical support; identification of patient, family and wider network resources; encouraging mutual understanding; identification and alteration of unhelpful patterns of interaction; improving stress management, communication and problem-solving skills; coping with symptoms and relapse prevention planning; ending and ensuring that each session is a mini-intervention. It also includes guidelines for family intervention practice, as well as ideas for service development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Understand the theoretical developments in the field

•

Be able to apply the integrated framework to family intervention in practice

•

Consider different ways of developing family-based services

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase II Study of Temozolomide in Combination With Either Veliparib or Placebo in Patients With Relapsed-Sensitive or Refractory Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pietanza M. Catherine , Waqar Saiama N. , Krug Lee M. , Dowlati Afshin , Hann Christine L. , Chiappori Alberto , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Woo Kaitlin M. , Cardnell Robert J. , Fujimoto Junya , Long Lihong , Diao Lixia , Wang Jing , Bensman Yevgeniva , Hurtado Brenda , de Groot Patricia , Sulman Erik P. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Chen Alice , Fleisher Martin , Heymach John V. , Kris Mark G. , Rudin Charles M. , Byers Lauren Averett
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Both temozolomide (TMZ) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are active in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This phase II, randomized, double-blind study evaluated whether addition of the PARP inhibitor veliparib to TMZ improves 4-month progression-free survival (PFS).

Patients and Methods

A total of 104 patients with recurrent SCLC were randomly assigned 1:1 to oral veliparib or placebo 40 mg twice daily, days 1 to 7, and oral TMZ 150 to 200 mg/m2/day, days 1 to 5, of a 28-day cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Response was determined by imaging at weeks 4 and 8, and every 8 weeks thereafter. Improvement in PFS at 4 months was the primary end point. Secondary objectives included overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety and tolerability of veliparib with TMZ. Exploratory objectives included PARP-1 and SLFN11 immunohistochemical expression, MGMT promoter methylation, and circulating tumor cell quantification.

Results

No significant difference in 4-month PFS was noted between TMZ/veliparib (36%) and TMZ/placebo (27%; P = .19); median OS was also not improved significantly with TMZ/veliparib (8.2 months; 95% CI, 6.4 to 12.2 months; v 7.0 months; 95% CI, 5.3 to 9.5 months; P = .50). However, ORR was significantly higher in patients receiving TMZ/veliparib compared with TMZ/placebo (39% v 14%; P = .016). Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia more commonly occurred with TMZ/veliparib: 50% versus 9% and 31% versus 7%, respectively. Significantly prolonged PFS (5.7 v 3.6 months; P = .009) and OS (12.2 v 7.5 months; P = .014) were observed in patients with SLFN11-positive tumors treated with TMZ/veliparib.

Conclusion

Four-month PFS and median OS did not differ between the two arms, whereas a significant improvement in ORR was observed with TMZ/veliparib. SLFN11 expression was associated with improved PFS and OS in patients receiving TMZ/veliparib, suggesting a promising biomarker of PARP-inhibitor sensitivity in SCLC.
Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening and the Cervical Cancer Care Continuum in Rural Guatemala: A Mixed-Method Analysis
Authors: Austad Kirsten , Chary Anita , Xocop Sandy Mux , Messmer Sarah , King Nora , Carlson Lauren , Rohloff Peter
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Cervical cancer is an important cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Although screening technologies continue to improve, systems of care remain fragmented. It is important to better understand factors that affect use of screening services and loss to follow-up along the care continuum.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study of a cytology-based screening program in rural Guatemala. A retrospective electronic chart review was performed on data from all patients from 2013 to 2014. We analyzed progression through care and calculated loss–to–follow-up rates. We also analyzed the prior experiences of patients with cervical cancer screening on the basis of self-reported historical data available in the chart review. Structured interviews with a subset of individuals to explore social supports and barriers to screening and engagement in care were conducted at the time of screening.

Results

The analysis included 515 women (median age, 36 years). Cytologic screening showed concern for neoplastic changes in 0.83%; half resulted in biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. An additional 9.9% showed severe inflammation. The rate of loss to follow–up was 11.3%. All losses to follow-up occurred for severe inflammation, not for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Historical data showed that 73% of the cohort had previously been screened and had high levels of loss to follow-up (57.4%). Qualitative interviews revealed factors that promoted loss to follow-up; these included cost, lack of social supports, transportation, distrust in public facilities, long turn-around times, and failure to return test results or offer follow-up treatments.

Conclusions

Taken together, these quantitative and qualitative results highlight the need for cervical cancer screening programs in Guatemala to improve uptake of screening services by eligible women and to improve follow-up after a first abnormal screen.
Why do mammals hop? Understanding the ecology, biomechanics and evolution of bipedal hopping
Authors: McGowan Craig P. , Collins Clint E.
Published: June 2018

Bipedal hopping is a specialized mode of locomotion that has arisen independently in at least five groups of mammals. We review the evolutionary origins of these groups, examine three of the most prominent hypotheses for why bipedal hopping may have arisen, and discuss how this unique mode of locomotion influences the behavior and ecology of modern species. While all bipedal hoppers share generally similar body plans, differences in underlying musculoskeletal anatomy influence what performance benefits each group may derive from this mode of locomotion. Based on a review of the literature, we conclude that the most likely reason that bipedal hopping evolved is associated with predator avoidance by relatively small species in forested environments. Yet, the morphological specializations associated with this mode of locomotion have facilitated the secondary acquisition of performance characteristics that enable these species to be highly successful in ecologically demanding environments such as deserts. We refute many long-held misunderstandings about the origins of bipedal hopping and identify potential areas of research that would advance the understanding of this mode of locomotion.
Experimental huts trial of the efficacy of pyrethroids/piperonyl butoxide (PBO) net treatments for controlling multi-resistant populations of Anopheles funestus s.s. in Kpomè, Southern Benin
Authors: Akoton Romaric , Tchigossou Genevieve M. , Djègbè Innocent , Yessoufou Akadiri , Atoyebi Michael Seun , Tossou Eric , Zeukeng Francis , Boko Pelagie , Irving Helen , Adéoti Razack , Riveron Jacob , Wondji Charles S. , Moutairou Kabirou , Djouaka Rousseau
Published: June 2018

Background:Insecticides resistance inAnophelesmosquitoes limits Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) used for malaria control in Africa, especially Benin. This study aimed to evaluate the bio-efficacy of current LLINs in an area whereAn. funestuss.l.andAn. gambiaehave developed multi-resistance to insecticides, and to assess in experimental huts the performance of a mixed combination of pyrethroids and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) treated nets on these resistant mosquitoes.

Methods:The study was conducted at Kpomè, Southern Benin. The bio-efficacy of LLINs againstAn. funestus and An. gambiaewas assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) cone and tunnel tests. A released/recapture experiment following WHO procedures was conducted to compare the efficacy of conventional LLINs treated with pyrethroids only and LLINs with combinations of pyrethroids and PBO. Prior to huts trials, we confirmed the level of insecticide and PBO residues in tested nets using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results:Conventional LLINs (Type 2 and Type 4) have the lowest effect against local multi-resistantAn. funestus s.s. and An. coluzziipopulations from Kpomè. Conversely, when LLINs containing mixtures of pyrethroids and PBO (Type 1 and Type 3) were introduced in trial huts, we recorded a greater effect against the two mosquito populations (P < 0.0001). Tunnel test withAn. funestus s.s.revealed mortalities of over 80% with this new generation of LLINs (Type 1 and Type 3),while conventional LLINs produced 65.53 ± 8.33% mortalities for Type 2 and 71.25 ±7.92% mortalities for Type 4. Similarly, mortalities ranging from 77 to 87% were recorded with the local populations ofAn. coluzzii.

Conclusion:This study suggests the reduced efficacy of conventional LLINs (Pyrethroids alone) currently distributed in Benin communities whereAnophelespopulations have developed multi-insecticide resistance. The new generation nets (pyrethroids+PBO) proved to be more effective on multi-resistant populations of mosquitoes.
Status Climbing vs. Bridging: Multinational Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
Authors: Nartey Lite J. , Henisz Witold J. , Dorobantu Sinziana
Published: June 2018

Multinational corporations seeking to overcome the “liability of foreignness” through partnerships with stakeholders in their overseas markets face an important tension in choosing between two alternative strategies. Firms who build relationships with high-status local stakeholders may experience increased cooperation and reduced conflict with other stakeholders. However, the short-term benefits of this status climbing strategy may be difficult to sustain because stakeholders with low-status, particularly those outside the formal political structure, are more likely to increase their conflict as the firm becomes increasingly distant from them. An alternative strategy of bridging structural holes in the host country stakeholder network also faces theoretical limits as access to scarce information and resources is likely to engender conflict with other stakeholders. The status climbing strategy is more attractive where insider connections dominate (i.e., the rule of law is weak) while the bridging strategy is more attractive in countries with stronger rule of law. In other words, we show that as the rule of law strengthens, multinational entrants focus more on what they know rather than whom they know. Our analyses use a hand-coded data set of almost 52,000 media-reported stakeholder interactions that capture the network of relationships among 4,623 stakeholders from 19 gold-mining companies operating 26 mines in 20 countries, and the evolution of these networks from 1993 until 2008.
KUNST UND KAPITAL: SKIZZE EINER LEIDENSCHAFTLICHEN AFFÄRE
Authors: Oberprantacher Andreas
Published: June 2018

In dem Maße, wie sich ein gewisses Selbstverständnis von künstlerischer Kreativität seit den gesellschaftlichen Umbrüchen um 1968 als Ressource für eine Reorganisation kapitalistischer Interessen, ja für eine kapitalistische Revolution abseits von industrieller Massenfertigung und disziplinären Zwängen erwiesen hat, welche Unmengen von Menschen zu prekären Beschäftigungen und depressiven Phasen verurteilt, kann und muss die Frage gestellt werden, ob Kunst und Kapital so sehr voneinander profitieren, dass Widerstand kaum noch denkbar ist. Wie mit diesem Beitrag skizziert werden soll, wäre es jedenfalls eine unkritische Simplifizierung, würde man das künstlerische Engagement dem kapitalistischen Entrepreneurship prinzipiell gegenüberstellen, als ob das Eine nichts mit dem Anderen gemein hätte. Das Verhältnis von Kunst und Kapital ist insofern ein historisch kompliziertes, d.h. ein von verschiedenen Komplizen*innenschaften geprägtes, als sich wiederholte Male zeigt, wie sich kapitalistische Interessen und künstlerische Tätigkeiten - gerade im Namen der Kritik - miteinander arrangieren, und zwar so, dass sie sich wechselseitig regenerieren und legitimieren. Anders als jene Studien, die auf die Vermarktung von Artefakten fokussieren und betonen, wie sich Kunst und Kapital den Markt miteinander teilen und verwandte Marketingstrategien entwickeln, soll mit dieser Skizze illustriert werden, dass diese Komplizenschaft auch eine von kreativem Vermögen und depressiver Schuld ist, zumal in neokapitalistischer Diktion von Menschen verlangt wird, sie mögen sich wie Virtuosi selbst vorausgeben, ohne Rücksicht auf eigene Verluste.
Avaliação de desempenho de sistemas produto-serviço: revisão de literatura e agenda de pesquisa
Authors: Moro Suzana Regina , Ensslin Sandra Rolin
Published: June 2018

Com a necessidade de as organizações oferecerem novas soluções para seus clientes, baseadas na mudança de foco no produto para a oferta integrada de soluções que gerem valor, os Sistemas Produto-Serviço representam uma tendência emergente promissora para essas organizações. Contudo, a transição para modelos de servitização necessita que as organizações também mudem a gestão de seus processos e, por consequência, a forma de avaliar seu desempenho. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar os trabalhos da área de Sistemas Produto-Serviço que propõem Avaliações de Desempenho e analisá-los sob a perspectiva da literatura conceitual de Avaliação de Desempenho (AD), sugerindo oportunidades de pesquisa futura integrando as duas áreas. Para tal, utilizou-se o instrumento Knowledge Development Process-Constructivist (ProKnow-C) para selecionar a literatura pertinente, além de identificar, analisar e refletir sobre as características das publicações com enfoque na Avaliação de Desempenho. Com base no Portfólio Bibliográfico composto por 30 artigos, foi verificado que a Avaliação de Desempenho de Sistemas Produto-Serviço ainda está em desenvolvimento, e que 50% dos trabalhos utilizam ferramentas de AD para avaliar as soluções Sistemas Produto-Serviço, a maioria de forma qualitativa. É apresentada uma agenda de pesquisa com base nos artigos selecionados, destacando-se que é necessário o desenvolvimento e aprimoramento dos indicadores de desempenho para avaliar as soluções em diversos aspectos, tais como sustentabilidade, desenvolvimento de soluções e processos operacionais e de gestão. Além disso, promover uma mensuração integrada dos aspectos relacionados aos Sistemas Produto-Serviço e seus efeitos, em todas as fases do ciclo de vida do Sistema de Avaliação de Desempenho, mostra-se como lacuna ainda não explorada.
The Finnish Great Depression of the 1990s: reconciling theory and evidence
Authors: Kuusi Tero
Published: June 2018

This paper reconciles quantitative macroeconomic theory of the Finnish Great Depression and the empirical evidence. The main controversy is that the existing theoretical work assigns a larger role for the collapse of the trade with the Soviet Union than the empirical evidence would suggest. This paper argues that explaining the Finnish crisis warrants a model with involuntary unemployment, and that the collapse resulted mainly from increased financial constraints, not the Soviet trade collapse. While it has been argued and that a large Soviet-trade contribution would result from costly reallocation of resources away from the Soviet sector, and trade-induced income effects that hit the consumption in the domestic sector, this paper finds it hard to reconcile them with the actual evidence. The economic collapse was wide-spread, and the domestic sector collapse reflects decline in investment rather than consumption.
Mercury fractionation in gypsum using temperature desorption and mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Pavlin Majda , Popović Arkadij , Jaćimović Radojko , Horvat Milena
Published: June 2018

A quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to study the thermal release of mercury from wet flue gas desulphurization (WFGD) gypsum using temperature-programmed desorption/decomposition (TPD). The inability in direct detection of low concentrations of mercury halogenides in gypsum by mass spectrometry is discussed in detail. The hydrolysis of HgCl2 vapours under specific experimental conditions in the mass spectrometer was considered theoretically and proved experimentally. The mercury concentration in different gypsum fractions varies from 0.22 mg kg-1 (3.27-148 μm, coarse particles) to 20.6 mg kg-1 (0.41-88.0 μm, fine particles). All samples had a similar, symmetrical, single-peak (peak maximum 253–266°C) in the TPD spectra. In the present study, the use of ‘wet’ methods for preparing mercury compounds is introduced in addition to the mercury standards prepared using the ‘dry’ method, as commonly found in TPD. The study showed that selected metals, such as Fe enriched in gypsum samples, significantly influence the shape and the maximum temperature of the Hg TPD curves and that during the mercury compound preparation and the TPD process, Hg species undergo transformations that prevent the identification of their original identity.
Phytosynthetic Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles: Semiconducting green remediators
Authors: Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Jaffri Shaan Bibi
Published: June 2018

Highly stable semiconducting silver doped zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized via facile, biomimetic and sustainable route, through utilization of Zinc acetate dihydrate (C4H6O4Zn · 2H2O) as host, Silver nitrate (AgNO3) as dopant and phytochemicals of angiospermic medicinal plantPrunus cerasiferaas the reducing agents. Synthesis of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles was done in a one pot synthetic mode by varying the amount of dopant from 0.2 – 2.0%. Synthesized photocatalyst nanoparticles were analyzed via UV-vis, FTIR, XRD and SEM. Commendable alleviation in the direct band gap i.e. 2.81 eV was achieved as a result of doping. Silver doped zinc oxide nanoparticles size ranged between 72.11 – 100 nm with rough surface morphology and higher polydispersity degree. The XRD patterns revealed the hexagonal wurtzite geometry of crystals with an average crystallite size of 2.99 nm. Persistent organic dyes Methyl Orange, Safranin O and Rhodamine B were sustainably photodegraded in direct solar irradiance with remarkable degradation percentages up to 81.76, 74.11 and 85.52% in limited time with pseudo first order reaction kinetics (R2=0.99, 0.99 and 0.97). Furthermore, efficient inhibition against nine microbes of biomedical and agriculturally significance was achieved. Synthesized nanoparticles are potential green remediators of polluted water and perilous pathogens.