bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moist Static Energy Budget Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Intensification in High-Resolution Climate Models
Authors: Wing Allison A. , Camargo Suzana J. , Sobel Adam H. , Kim Daehyun , Moon Yumin , Murakami Hiroyuki , Reed Kevin A. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Wehner Michael F. , Zarzycki Colin , Zhao Ming
Published: June 2019

Tropical cyclone intensification processes are explored in six high-resolution climate models. The analysis framework employs process-oriented diagnostics that focus on how convection, moisture, clouds, and related processes are coupled. These diagnostics include budgets of column moist static energy and the spatial variance of column moist static energy, where the column integral is performed between fixed pressure levels. The latter allows for the quantification of the different feedback processes responsible for the amplification of moist static energy anomalies associated with the organization of convection and cyclone spinup, including surface flux feedbacks and cloud-radiative feedbacks. Tropical cyclones (TCs) are tracked in the climate model simulations and the analysis is applied along the individual tracks and composited over many TCs. Two methods of compositing are employed: a composite over all TC snapshots in a given intensity range, and a composite over all TC snapshots at the same stage in the TC life cycle (same time relative to the time of lifetime maximum intensity for each storm). The radiative feedback contributes to TC development in all models, especially in storms of weaker intensity or earlier stages of development. Notably, the surface flux feedback is stronger in models that simulate more intense TCs. This indicates that the representation of the interaction between spatially varying surface fluxes and the developing TC is responsible for at least part of the intermodel spread in TC simulation.
Interdecadal Variation in the Synoptic Features of Mei-Yu in the Yangtze River Valley Region and Relationship with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Sun Bo , Wang Huijun , Zhou Botao , Li Hua
Published: June 2019

This study introduces a multivariable covariance index (MVCI) to illustrate the synoptic features of mei-yu in the Yangtze River valley (YRV) region, which contains information of three indicators of mei-yu including precipitation, surface relative humidity, and tropospheric vertical motion. The interdecadal variation in the synoptic features of mei-yu during 1961–2016 is investigated using the MVCI. The date of mei-yu peak and the intensity of mei-yu underwent noticeable interdecadal variations over past decades, which are characterized by a delayed (relatively early) mei-yu peak and a relatively large (small) mei-yu intensity during 1985–97 (1961–80 and 2006–16). The mechanisms of these interdecadal variations are further discussed. The interdecadal variation in the date of mei-yu peak is mainly modulated by the meridional water vapor transport over eastern China during June, which may be partially attributed to an influence of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on the clockwise gyre over the North Pacific during boreal summer. The interdecadal variation in mei-yu intensity is associated with the interdecadal variation of tropospheric vertical motion over the YRV region during boreal summer, which may be partially attributed to an interaction between the PDO and the large-scale tropical east–west circulation during boreal summer. In addition, the interdecadal variation in the water vapor flux budget and relative humidity over the YRV region also exerted an impact on the interdecadal variation of mei-yu intensity in the YRV region.
Changes in Temperature Seasonality in China: Human Influences and Internal Variability
Authors: Qian Cheng , Zhang Xuebin
Published: June 2019

Temperature seasonality, the difference between summer and winter temperatures in mid–high latitudes, is an important component of the climate. Whether humans have had detectable influences on changing surface temperature seasonality at scales smaller than the subcontinental scale, where humans are directly impacted, is not clear. In this study, the first detection and attribution analysis of changes in temperature seasonality in China has been carried out. Detection and attribution of both summer and winter temperatures were also conducted, with careful consideration of observational uncertainty and the inconsistency between observation and model simulations induced by the long coastline and country border in China. The results show that the response to external forcings is robustly detectable in the spatiotemporal pattern of weakening seasonality and in that of warming winter temperature, although models may have underestimated the observed changes. The response to external forcings is detectable and consistent with the observed change in summer temperature averaged over China. Human influences are detectable in changes in seasonality and summer and winter temperatures, most robustly in winter, and these influences can be separated from those of natural forcing when averaged over China. The recent increase in summer temperature was found to be due to external forcings, and the warming hiatus in winter temperature from 1998 to 2013 was due to a statistically significant cooling trend induced by internal variability. These results will give insights into the understanding of the warming hiatus in China, as well as the hot summers and cold winters in recent years.
Climatic Controls on Future Hydrologic Changes in a Subarctic River Basin in Canada
Authors: Shrestha Rajesh R. , Cannon Alex J. , Schnorbus Markus A. , Alford Hunter
Published: June 2019

We describe a state-of-the-art framework for projecting hydrologic impacts due to enhanced warming and amplified moisture fluxes in the subarctic environment under anthropogenic climate change. We projected future hydrologic changes based on phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project global climate model simulations using the Variable Infiltration Capacity hydrologic model and a multivariate bias correction/downscaling method for the Liard basin in subarctic northwestern Canada. Subsequently, the variable importance of key climatic controls on a set of hydrologic indicators was analyzed using the random forests statistical model. Results indicate that enhanced warming and wetness by the end of century would lead to pronounced declines in annual and monthly snow water equivalent (SWE) and earlier maximum SWE. Prominent changes in the streamflow regime include increased annual mean and minimum flows, earlier maximum flows, and either increased or decreased maximum flows depending on interactions between temperature, precipitation, and snow. Using the variable importance analysis, we find that precipitation exerts the primary control on maximum SWE and annual mean and maximum flows, and temperature has the main influence on timings of maximum SWE and flow, and minimum flow. Given these climatic controls, the changes in the hydrologic indicators become progressively larger under the scenarios of 1.5°, 2.0°, and 3.0°C global mean temperature increases above the preindustrial period. Hence, the framework presented in this study provides a detailed diagnosis of the hydrologic changes as well as controls and interactions of the climatic variables, which could be generalized for understanding regional scale changes in subarctic/nival basins.
Attitudes to depression and psychiatric medication amid the enduring financial crisis in Attica: Comparison between 2009 and 2014
Authors: Economou Marina , Peppou Lily Evangelia , Souliotis Kyriakos , Lazaratou Helen , Kontoangelos Konstantinos , Nikolaidi Sofia , Palli Alexandra , Stefanis Costas N
Published: June 2019

Background:

Only a handful of studies have explored the effect of the financial crisis on public attitudes to mental illness.

Aims:

This study examines changes in lay attitudes to depression and psychiatric medication between 2009 and 2014 in Attica region. Furthermore, it explored a potential interaction with employment status.

Methods:

Data were drawn from two surveys conducted in 2009 and 2014 using the same sampling procedure, interview mode, and survey instrument. Specifically, a random and representative sample of 586 people was recruited in 2009 and of 604 in 2014. Attitudes to depression were measured by the Personal Stigma subscale of the Depression Stigma Scale and attitudes to psychiatric medication by a self-constructed scale with good psychometric properties. Data collection occurred via telephone.

Results:

There has been no overall change in lay attitudes to depression. Nonetheless, a positive change was recorded with regard to the belief that depression is a sign of personal weakness and a negative change with respect to people with depression being dangerous. Attitudes to psychiatric medication have worsened during the study period. Employment status was not found to interact with the survey year.

Conclusion:

Anti-stigma efforts should be tailored on counteracting the dangerousness stereotype, while they should prioritize targeting attitudes to psychiatric medication
Strain rate-dependent large deformation inelastic behavior of an epoxy resin
Authors: Tamrakar Sandeep , Ganesh Raja , Sockalingam Subramani , Haque Bazle Z (Gama) , Gillespie John W
Published: June 2019

The objective of this paper is to model high strain rate and temperature-dependent response of an epoxy resin (DER 353 and bis( p-aminocyclohexyl) methane (PACM-20)) undergoing large inelastic strains under uniaxial compression. The model is decomposed into two regimes defined by the rate and temperature-dependent yield stress. Prior to yield, the model accounts for viscoelastic behavior. Post yield inelastic response incorporates the effects of strain rate and temperature including thermal softening caused by internal heat generation. The yield stress is dependent on both temperature and strain rate and is described by the Ree–Erying equation. Key experiments over the strain rate range of 0.001–12,000/s are conducted using an Instron testing machine and a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of temperature (25–120 ℃) on yield stress are studied at low strain rates (0.001–0.1/s). Stress-relaxation tests are also carried out under various applied strain rates and temperatures to obtain characteristic relaxation time and equilibrium stress. The model is in excellent agreement over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures including temperature in the range of the glass transition. Case studies for a wide range of monotonic and varying strain rates and large strains are included to illustrate the capabilities of the model.
An Examination of the Patterns of Substance Use in Activity Spaces and Their Relationship to Problematic Use
Authors: Booth Jaime M. , Urbaeva Zhyldyz , Park Daejun
Published: June 2019

During adolescence, adolescents are given more freedom to independently interact with a variety of social contexts. The eco-developmental model suggests that the activity spaces where adolescents spend their time affect substance-use behaviors beyond peer influences, and that the relationships may differ based on the adolescent’s demographic characteristics. This study examines adolescent patterns of reported substance use across activity spaces to determine whether the patterns of use are related to problematic substance use, and whether the relationships differ based on the participants’ race. Cross-sectional survey data from the study, Drug Use Among Young American Indians: Epidemiology and Prediction, 1993-2006 and 2009-2013, were used. Five patterns of adolescent alcohol use and six patterns of adolescent drug use in activity spaces were identified. There were significant differences in the relationship between class membership and problematic substance use by race, suggesting that contexts may be interacting with an adolescent’s race to influence use.
Fibrinogen levels and postoperative chest drain blood loss in low-weight (<10 kg) children undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Ranucci Marco , Bianchi Paolo , Cotza Mauro , Beccaris Camilla , Silvetti Simona , Isgrò Giuseppe , Giamberti Alessandro , Baryshnikova Ekaterina
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Low-weight (<10 kg) children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are prone to dilution and consumption of soluble coagulation factors and fibrinogen. Low levels of fibrinogen may represent a possible cause of severe postoperative chest drain blood loss. The present study investigates the association between post–cardiopulmonary bypass fibrinogen levels and postoperative chest drain blood loss and severe bleeding, aiming to identify possible cut-off values to trigger specific interventions.

Methods:

Prospective cohort study on 77 patients weighing <10 kg undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Haemostasis and coagulation data were collected before surgery (standard tests and thromboelastometry), after protamine (thromboelastometry) and at the arrival in the intensive care unit (standard tests). The primary outcome variable was severe bleeding (chest drain blood loss >30 ml kg-1/24h).

Results:

Factors being independently associated with severe bleeding were the international normalized ratio and the fibrinogen levels at the arrival in the intensive care unit. Once corrected for other confounders, fibrinogen levels had an odds ratio of 0.2 (95% confidence interval = 0.011-0.54) per 1 gL-1 for severe bleeding. The discrimination power was fair (area under the curve = 0.770). The best cut-off value was identified at a fibrinogen level of 150 mg dL-1, with a sensitivity of 52%, a specificity of 85% and a positive predictive value of 60% for severe bleeding.

Conclusion:

Both a prolonged international normalized ratio and low fibrinogen levels were predictive for severe bleeding, underscoring the role of coagulation factors dilution and consumption in this specific patient population.
Blister Packaging Medications for Adherence for American Indians/Alaska Natives in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Navin LT Sean
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To compare adherence one year before and after blister pack implementation in America Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients and to describe the patient population who used blister packs in the outpatient setting.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of AI/AN patients receiving blister packs was performed to determine medication adherence as measured by a variable medication possession ratio (MPR). Patient characteristics and the reason for blister pack initiation were also assessed.

Results:

Of the 25 patients receiving blister packs, 76% were female, 56% were elderly and 60% had cognitive impairment. The three most common types of medications used were hypertension meds, vitamins and diabetes meds. The average MPR one year before blister pack implementation was 67.4% and significantly increased to 86.0% one year after.

Conclusion:

Blister packs significantly increased the average MPR after one year of implementation in a small group of AI/AN patients. Blister packs were utilized most commonly in patients who were female, had cognitive impairment, and who were taking numerous medications with a high pill burden in the outpatient setting.
Numerical investigation of strake profile and maximum thickness position in the ram-rotor
Authors: Han Ji-ang , Guan Jian , Zhong Jingjun , Zhao Zi-an
Published: June 2019

Numerical investigation of ram-rotors with different strake profiles and maximum thickness positions has been performed. Four types of strake profiles are modeled firstly and the results show that total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency of the ss-sym, ss-ps, and ss-ss schemes are improved in different degrees compared with the sym-sym scheme, in which the comprehensive performance of the ss-ss scheme is relatively optimal, and its total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency are increased by 26.275% and 2.554%, respectively. The results of different strake maximum thickness positions indicate that the total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency are gradually increasing with the backward movement of starting point of maximum thickness, and the pressure rising capacity can come to a peak value. As the ending point of maximum thickness moves backward, there both exist peak values of the total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency. Compared with the ss-ss scheme, the scheme that combines optimal starting and ending point positions of maximum thickness takes advantage of these two schemes to achieve a higher aerodynamic performance, with total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency increasing 0.182% and 1.928%, respectively. Moreover, in comparison to the original sym-sym scheme, the total pressure ratio and the adiabatic efficiency of the combination scheme are improved much by 26.50% and 4.53%.
Influence of structural modification on the properties of poly(amide–imide)s
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Yu Huang , Lu Guangming , Luo Zhonglin , Shao Ningning , Cao Meng , Wang Biaobing
Published: June 2019

In this study, the influence of length of flexible groups on the properties of poly(amide–imide)s (PAIs), three-model polymers (poly(amide–imide)-4-aminobutyric acid, poly(amide–imide)-6-aminocaproic acid, and poly(amide–imide)-11-aminoundecanoic acid) possessing different flexible methylene units ((CH2)3, (CH2)5, and (CH2)10) in the main chain were designed. With increasing the number of methylene units, it is found that the tensile strength of PAIs decreased from 75 MPa to 55 MPa; meanwhile, the elongation at break increased from 6% to 15%. On the other hand, the glass transition temperature decreased from 207°C to 112°C; fortunately, the starting decomposition temperature kept almost same with a high point around 400°C. Furthermore, the PAI with (CH2)10 unit in the main chain is a semicrystalline polymer, while the one with (CH2)5 or (CH2)3 unit is an amorphous material. In other words, the length of the flexible chain in the polymer backbone not only plays an important role in mechanical and thermal performances but also affects their phase transition. These findings highlight the important role of structural modification in high-performance polymers and may help in the further development of novel PAIs for their potential applications in advanced technology.
Earnings Management and Performance of IPO Firms: Evidence from India
Authors: Mangala Deepa , Dhanda Mamta
Published: June 2019

Disclosure through corporate annual reports is intended to enhance transparency and reduce information asymmetry during public issues. Ritter (1991) revealed that there is something fishy in the financial reports of the companies coming out with public issues. Earnings management has been recognised as a foremost contributor to such misleading financial reports. The short term overperformance of initial public offerings (IPO) of companies increases the expectations of potential investors and leads to a subsequent decline of performance in long run leaving the investors in distraught. The observed phenomenon is omnipresent and thus affects the investors across the globe. The present article empirically investigates the presence of earnings management in IPOs in India. The study is based on Modified Jones Model, the best known model to measure accruals earnings management. Preliminary results exhibit that earnings management in Indian IPOs is much higher than in developed countries. The study further discovers that the earnings performance of IPO companies is abnormally higher in IPO year as compared with post-offer period. Both the results taken together reinforce that post-issue earnings performance is a derivation of issue year earnings management in India.
Book review: T. V. Paul (Ed.), The China–India Rivalry in the Globalization Era
Authors: Bhalla Madhu
Published: June 2019

T. V. Paul (Ed.), The China–India Rivalry in the Globalization Era. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2019, ₹1195, pp. 351. ISBN: 978-93-5287-520-7.
Prediction of the central venous pressure in trauma patients on the basis of non-invasive parameters using artificial neural network
Authors: Moinadini Shiva , Tajoddini Shahrad , Hedayat Amir Ahmad
Published: June 2019

Background:

Generally, in traumatic patients, uncontrolled bleeding leads to shock and ultimately death. So, any early detection of shock can reduce the likelihood of a patient’s death. At present, the precise method for estimating the body’s need for fluids is to measure central venous pressure (CVP). However, this method is invasive and time consuming.

Objective:

This study aimed to predict the central venous pressure value and range of trauma patients through non-invasive parameters such as caval index, lactate clearance, base excess and shock index.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was performed in 100 trauma patients. Written informed consent was obtained from patient(s) or relatives for their anonymized information to be published in any article.

Results:

It indicated that parameters such as caval index (at a proposed cutoff point of 35%), lactate clearance (at a cutoff point of 6%) and base excess (at a proposed cutoff point of 6 mmol/L) are approximately of the same level of accuracy for estimating the central venous pressure range, while parameter shock index (at a cutoff point of 1.25) is of the least level of accuracy to predict the central venous pressure range. Results also showed that among all proposed predictive models for estimating the central venous pressure value, which were on the basis of either non-linear regression or artificial neural network, the most accurate model was the one on the basis of the artificial neural network. Among parameters lactate clearance, base excess and shock index used to form the artificial neural network-based model, parameters base excess and lactate clearance were of the highest and lowest level of importance, respectively.

Conclusion:

Among all proposed models and non-invasive parameters to predict the central venous pressure range, CVPLC model (at a cutoff point of 9), which is a non-linear regression model and is in terms of parameter lactate clearance, was the most accurate model.
Validity and Reliability of the Violence Risk Scale–Youth Sexual Offense Version
Authors: Rojas Erika Y. , Olver Mark E.
Published: June 2019

The present study examined the validity and reliability of a youth sexual offense risk assessment and treatment planning tool, the Violence Risk Scale–Youth Sexual Offense Version (VRS-YSO), on a sample of 102 court-adjudicated youth referred to assessment and/or treatment outpatient services followed up an average of 11.7 years in the community. VRS-YSO scores demonstrated “good” to “excellent” interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] = .64-.83). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the static and dynamic items identified three latent dimensions consistent with the extant risk literature labeled Sexual Deviance, Antisocial Tendencies, and Family Concerns. VRS-YSO scores showed strong patterns of convergence with scores from the Estimate of Risk for Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism (ERASOR), Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol–II (J-SOAP-II), and the Juvenile Sexual Offense Recidivism Risk Assessment Tool–II (J-SORRAT-II). VRS-YSO scores, in turn, demonstrated moderate to high predictive accuracy for sexual, violent (sexual and nonsexual), and general recidivism (significant areas under curve [AUCs] = .67-.88). Examination of pre–posttreatment change data on the subset of youth who attended treatment services found VRS-YSO change scores to be significantly associated with reductions in general recidivism, but not other recidivism outcomes. Future research and clinical applications of the VRS-YSO in youth sexual offense assessment and treatment planning are discussed.
Exact determination of critical damping in multiple exponential kernel-based viscoelastic single-degree-of-freedom systems
Authors: Lázaro Mario
Published: June 2019

In this paper, exact closed forms of critical damping manifolds for multiple-kernel-based nonviscous single-degree-of-freedom oscillators are derived. The dissipative forces are assumed to depend on the past history of the velocity response via hereditary exponential kernels. The damping model depends on several parameters, considered variables in the context of this paper. Those parameter combinations which establish thresholds between induced overdamped and underdamped motion are called critical damping manifolds. If such manifolds are represented on a coordinate plane of two damping parameters, then they are named critical curves, so that overdamped regions are bounded by them. Analytical expressions of critical curves are deduced in parametric form, considering certain local nondimensional parameters based on the Laplace variable in the frequency domain. The definition of the new parameter (called the critical parameter) is supported by several theoretical results. The proposed expressions are validated through numerical examples showing perfect fitting of the determined critical curves and overdamped regions.
One-Year Follow-Up Results From the Observational, Multicenter, Prospective, and Controlled Registry: The WALTZ All-Comers Study
Authors: Rodriguez Alfredo E , Larribau Miguel , Fernandez-Pereira Carlos , Iravedra Jorge , Santaera Omar , Haiek Carlos , Lloberas Juan , Montoya Mario , Sisu Elias , Menendez Marcelo , Pavlovsky Hernan , Rodriguez-Granillo Alfredo M , Mieres Juan , Romero Graciela , Ming Zheng , Pan William , Antoniucci David
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate 1-year follow-up results in an all “comers” population treated with a new cobalt chromium bare-metal stent (BMS) design. Since August 2016 to March 2017, 201 (9.7% of screening population) consecutive patients undergoing coronary stent implantation in 11 centers in Argentina were prospectively included in our registry. The inclusion criteria were multiple-vessel disease and/or unprotected left main disease, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with at least one severe (⩾70%) stenosis in any of major epicardial vessel. In-stent restenosis, protected left main stenosis, or impossibility to receive dual-antiplatelet therapy was an exclusion criterion. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were the primary endpoint and included cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR); also, all components of the primary endpoint were separately analyzed. Completeness of revascularization was analyzed as post hoc data using residual SYNTAX or ERACI risk scores. Demographic characteristics showed that 6.5% of patients were very elderly, 22.5% have diabetes, 47% have multiple-vessel disease, 67% have ACS, and 32% have ST elevation MI. At a mean of 376 ± 18.1 days of follow-up, MACE was observed in 10.4% of patients: death + MI + cardiovascular accident (CVA) in 3% (6 of 201) and cardiac death + MI + CVA in 1.5% (3 of 201). Residual ERACI score ⩽5 was associated with 98% of event-free survival ( P < .04). In conclusion, this prospective, multicenter, and observational all-comers registry with this novel BMS design showed a low incidence of adverse events at 1 year mainly due to coronary restenosis.
Music in our lives: Using the concept of “Bildung” to understand the role of music education policy in England
Authors: Bjørnsen Egil , Woddis Jane
Published: June 2019

This article considers whether the German concept of “ Bildung”, meaning human personal growth—a term not often used in English debates about culture or education—can help in understanding differing pedagogical and philosophical approaches to recent music education policy in England. It explores connections between two conceptions of Bildung: “object-oriented” and “subject-oriented”; two key approaches to education: “traditional” and “progressive”; and two models of cultural policy: cultural democracy and democratisation of culture, in explaining one of the significant debates in music pedagogy about how to engage children and young people in music education. In considering these questions, the article examines recent developments in the provision of music education in the English school system, particularly the National Plan for Music Education, Music Education Hubs and the independent Musical Futures initiative. We conclude that recent government policies incorporate ideas of the authority of teachers and a musical canon, while other approaches give more priority to children’s own musical references and activity. Our three related theories shed light on this continuing debate about value and engagement in music education, and on the place of children and young people in their musical learning.
Investigation of Generalized EEG Paroxysms Accompanying Focal Epilepsies
Authors: Atalar Arife Çimen , Vanlı-Yavuz Ebru Nur , Yılmaz Ebru , Bebek Nerses , Baykan Betül
Published: June 2019

Interictal focal EEG features were frequently observed in generalized, epilepsies, but there is limited information about interictal, epileptiform/nonepileptiform generalized paroxysms in focal epilepsies. We aimed to report the frequency and associated factors of generalized EEG discharges in focal epilepsy with unknown cause (FEUC) and mesial, temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS). A total of 200 patients (FEUC in 90 patients; MTLE-HS in 110 patients) were included. Generalized epileptiform (spike/sharp waves simultaneously in all regions) and nonspecific generalized discharges (paroxysmal slow waves) were investigated. All clinical and laboratory findings of 2 groups were compared with each other and with remaining control group, without generalized paroxysms, statistically. Generalized EEG features were present in 22 (11%; 4 males) patients; 9 in the FEUC group (10%; 2) and 13 in the MTLE-HS group (11.8%). Female gender ( P < .021), febrile seizure ( P < .034), precipitant factors ( P < .025), and parental consanguinity ( P < .033) were significantly higher in the group with generalized EEG findings. Monotherapy rates were lower in the MTLE-HS group ( P < .05). The relationship of generalized EEG features with female gender and parental consanguinity may point out to a genetic property among focal epilepsies, while the relationship with febrile seizures and precipitant factors may be a clue about mechanisms with more extensive involvement of the neuronal networks.
Struggles for Life: Smallholder Farmers’ Resistance and State Land Relations in Contemporary Cambodia
Authors: Diepart Jean-Christophe , Ngin Chanrith , Oeur Il
Published: June 2019

Struggles revolving around questions of land access and control occupy a central place in the political and social life of contemporary Cambodia. In this study, we examine three cases of struggles against economic [State] land concessions. In a context of unequal power distribution among the actors involved, we elicit the place of the peasantry and its agency to resist and engage in negotiations with multi-level State authorities and market actors. We show how conflict management occurs through hybrid institutions to produce contingent rules that are specific outcomes of the negotiation between actors. Despite the shrinking space of contestation in Cambodia, these contingent rules reveal that opportunities for negotiation can be created for smallholder farmers to protect their land resources. Beyond the specificities of each particular conflict transformation trajectory, we also argue that State land management is a dynamic process that combines a calculus by authorities to retain social legitimacy and reproduce their sovereign power in respect of land.
An Updated Phylogeny of mtDNA Haplogroup R8 Based on Complete Mitogenomes
Authors: Sylvester Charles , Rao J. S. , Chandrasekar Adimoolam , Krishna M. S.
Published: June 2019

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences reveal maternal phylogeny to trace back the demographic histories to construct phylogeny of a population. In this study, we update the phylogeny of the autochthonous Indian-specific mtDNA haplogroup R8 to give regional relationships between the members of haplogroup R8 in India and neighbouring areas. A set of 31 complete mitogenomes sequences from a Melakudiya tribal population of Southern India revealed two subclades of R8-R8a and R8b clustered with other tribal and caste populations of India. The updated coalescence age of haplogroup R8 in South Asia is dated ~43.3 ± 8.1 Kya, subclades R8a and R8b are dated ~40.6 ± 8.8 Kya and 15.4 ± 4.3 Kya, respectively. This study updated the deep in situ distribution of Indian-specific R8 lineages and added new daughter branches to the previously described branches of the haplogroup R8 in India.
Two-grid full-waveform Rayleigh-wave inversion via a genetic algorithm — Part 1: Method and synthetic examples
Authors: Xing Zhen , Mazzotti Alfredo
Published: June 2019

When reliable a priori information is not available, it is difficult to correctly predict near-surface S-wave velocity models from Rayleigh waves through existing techniques, especially in the case of complex geology. To tackle this issue, we have developed a new method: two-grid genetic-algorithm Rayleigh-wave full-waveform inversion (FWI). Adopting a two-grid parameterization of the model, the genetic algorithm inverts for unknown velocities and densities at the nodes of a coarse grid, whereas the forward modeling is performed on a fine grid to avoid numerical dispersion. A bilinear interpolation brings the coarse-grid results into the fine-grid models. The coarse inversion grid allows for a significant reduction in the computing time required by the genetic algorithm to converge. With a coarser grid, there are fewer unknowns and less required computing time, at the expense of the model resolution. To further increase efficiency, our inversion code can perform the optimization using an offset-marching strategy and/or a frequency-marching strategy that can make use of different kinds of objective functions and allows for parallel computing. We illustrate the effect of our inversion method using three synthetic examples with rather complex near-surface models. Although no a priori information was used in all three tests, the long-wavelength structures of the reference models were fairly predicted, and satisfactory matches between “observed” and predicted data were achieved. The fair predictions of the reference models suggest that the final models estimated by our genetic-algorithm FWI, which we call macromodels, would be suitable inputs to gradient-based Rayleigh-wave FWI for further refinement. We also explored other issues related to the practical use of the method in different work and explored applications of the method to field data.
Adaptive correction of craniofacial defects in pre-metamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles involves thyroid hormone-independent tissue remodeling
Authors: Pinet Kaylinnette , Deolankar Manas , Leung Brian , McLaughlin Kelly A.
Published: June 2019

Although it is well established that some organisms can regenerate lost structures, the ability to remodel existing malformed structures has been less well studied. Therefore, in this study we examined the ability of pre-metamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles to self-correct malformed craniofacial tissues. We found that tadpoles can adaptively improve and normalize abnormal craniofacial morphology caused by numerous developmental perturbations. We then investigated the tissue-level and molecular mechanisms that mediate the self-correction of craniofacial defects in pre-metamorphic X. laevis tadpoles. Our studies revealed that this adaptive response involves morphological changes and the remodeling of cartilage tissue, prior to metamorphosis. RT-qPCR and RNA-seq analysis of gene expression suggests a thyroid hormone-independent endocrine signaling pathway as the potential mechanism responsible for triggering the adaptive and corrective remodeling response in these larvae that involves mmp1 and mmp13 upregulation. Thus, investigating how malformed craniofacial tissues are naturally corrected in X. laevis tadpoles has provided valuable insights into the maintenance and manipulation of craniofacial morphology in a vertebrate system. These insights may help in the development of novel therapies for developmental craniofacial anomalies in humans.
Trade-Induced Structural Change and the Skill Premium
Authors: Cravino Javier , Sotelo Sebastian
Published: June 2019

We study how international trade affects manufacturing employment and the relative wage of unskilled workers when goods and services are traded with different intensities. Manufacturing trade reduces manufacturing prices worldwide, which reduces manufacturing employment if manufactures and services are complements. International trade also raises real income, which reduces manufacturing employment if services are more income elastic than manufactures. Manufacturing production is unskilled-labor-intensive, so that these changes increase the skill premium. We incorporate these mechanisms in a quantitative trade model and show that reductions in trade costs had a negative impact on manufacturing employment and the relative wage of unskilled workers. (JEL F16, J24, J31, L60)
Forward Guidance and Heterogeneous Beliefs
Authors: Andrade Philippe , Gaballo Gaetano , Mengus Eric , Mojon Benoît
Published: June 2019

Central banks’ announcements that rates are expected to remain low could signal either a weak macroeconomic outlook, which would slow expenditures, or a more accommodative stance, which may stimulate economic activity. We use the Survey of Professional Forecasters to show that, when the Fed gave guidance between 2011:III and 2012:IV, these two interpretations coexisted despite a consensus on low expected rates. We rationalize these facts in a New-Keynesian model where heterogeneous beliefs introduce a trade-off in forward guidance policy: leveraging on the optimism of those who believe in monetary easing comes at the cost of inducing excess pessimism in non-believers. (JEL D83, E12, E43, E52, E58, E65)
Comparison of effects of propofol versus sevoflurane for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass cardiac surgery
Authors: Tang Shaoqun , Huang Wei , Zhang Kun , Chen Wei , Xie Tao
Published: June 2019

Objective: To compare the effects of propofol versus sevoflurane on the outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods: A total of 110 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB in our hospital from January 2015 to June 2017 were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=55): Group A, in which anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane, and Group B, in which anesthesia was maintained with propofol. The MMSE score before and after operation, perioperative laboratory index, incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and incidence of adverse events between the two groups were compared.

Results: The MMSE score was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A after anesthesia (p<0.05). Serum levels of the brain injury markers neuron-specific enolase, S100β and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (p<0.05). POCD incidence at 12 hour and 24 hour after operation was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of low cardiac output and thoracotomy bleeding between two groups.

Conclusion: Compared with sevoflurane, the use of propofol during cardiac surgery with CPB can efficiently improve postoperative cognitive function without increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.1279

How to cite this:Tang S, Huang W, Zhang K, Chen W, Xie T. Comparison of effects of propofol versus sevoflurane for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass cardiac surgery. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1072-1075. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.1279

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Evaluation of kidney injury molecule-1 as a disease progression biomarker in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Abid Khan Fatima , Fatima Syeda Sadia , Khan Ghulam Mustafa , Shahid Sana
Published: June 2019

Background & Objective: Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a peptide whose release into circulation is specific to tubular injury. This study aimed to estimate levels of kidney injury molecule-1 in diabetic patients with and without kidney disease. And evaluate the role of KIM-1 as an early screening marker of progressive kidney injury.

Methods: This follow-up study included n=85 subjects from the diabetic clinic of Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center (JPMC) in collaboration with Aga Khan University from November 2016 till September 2017 They were divided as: i) Group A1 (n=30) participants with diabetes for <5 years without microalbuminuria ii) Group A2 (n= 30) subjects with diabetes for 6-10 years with microalbuminuria; iii) Group B (n=25) subjects as healthy control group. All study participants were followed for 6 months and their blood glucose, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, albuminuria and serum KIM-1 were assayed.

Results: High KIM-1 at baseline was present in group A2 patients as compared to controls and group A1 (p<0.001). Higher levels were seen after six months in group A1 along with the presence of micro albuminuria (p<0.001) suggesting kidney damage. Moderate positive association were seen for KIM1 with creatinine levels (r=0.530; p<0.001), and HbA1c (r=0.576; p<0.001) in all patients. While a strong positive association was seen for blood urea nitrogen as a marker for kidney function both at baseline (r= 0.728; p=0.000) and follow up (r=0.747; p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression controlling for age showed that KIM1 was independently associated with BUN (r=0.727; p<0.001), creatinine (r=0.510; p<0.001) and HbA1c (r=0.401; p=0.008) in all groups.

Conclusion: Rising KIM-1 levels with progressive kidney damage with or without derangement of kidney function is reported in this study. This finding may pave a way towards identifying KIM1 as a prognostic marker for kidney injury.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.154

How to cite this:Khan FA, Fatima SS, Khan GM, Shahid S. Evaluation of kidney injury molecule-1 as a disease progression biomarker in diabetic nephropathy. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):992-996. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.154

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effects of topical Vancomycin Dressing on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) positive diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Saif Anas bin , Jabbar Sohail , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Mushtaq Ahmed , Tariq Mansoor
Published: June 2019

Objective: To compare the effects of simple saline dressings versus topical vancomycin dressings on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus positive chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: It was quasi experimental study conducted in Combined Military Hospital Kohat and PNS-Shifa Hospital Karachi from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. A total of 23 patients were included based on non-probability convenient sampling who had diabetes and presented with foot ulcers for more than two weeks showing positive growth of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. The patients were treated with simple saline soaked dressings and debridement at first for three weeks followed by three weeks of topical vancomycin dressings with debridement. Thus patients served as their own controls

Results: The average change in surface area with saline dressing was +1.73 ±1.53cm2 per week whereas with vancomycin soaked dressing it was --0.06±1.60 cm2 per week (p <0.05). The average exudate also decreased from 1.78±1.23 to 0.99±0.72 (p<0.05) and same trend was observed in percentage of slough covering the ulcer from 45% ± 22.3% to 24.3% ±12.90% (p<0.05) with vancomycin dressing. Moreover, fifteen patients had negative culture for MRSA within 2 weeks.

Conclusion: Vancomycin impregnated dressing in MRSA positive Diabetic foot may help achieve early healing as compared to simple conventional dressings with no systemic toxicity.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.368

How to cite this:Saif AB, Jabbar S, Akhtar MS, Mushtaq A, Tariq M. Effects of topical Vancomycin Dressing on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) positive diabetic foot ulcers. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1099-1103. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.368

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Updating the national checklist of marine fishes in Spanish waters: An approach to priority hotspots and lessons for conservation
Authors: BÁEZ JOSÉ CARLOS , RODRÍGUEZ-CABELLO CRISTINA , BAÑÓN RAFAEL , BRITO ALBERTO , FALCÓN JESÚS M. , MAÑO TOÑO , BARO JORGE , MACÍAS DAVID , MELÉNDEZ MARÍA JOSÉ , CAMIÑAS JUAN ANTONIO , ARIAS-GARCÍA ALBERTO , GIL JUAN , FARIAS CARLOS , ARTEXE IÑAKI , SÁNCHEZ FRANCISCO
Published: June 2019

In response to a request from the Spanish Ministry of Farming, Fishing, Food, and Environment (Spanish: Agricultura, Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente) in 2015, a fish expert group was formed to provide a reference list of marine fish species according to five regions (marine demarcations) established by Spanish Law 41/2010 on the protection of the marine environment. The objective of this article was to update and analyse the data compiled in the marine fish species checklist in order to: 1) provide a complete list of marine fish species in the Spanish Exclusive Economic Zone; 2) compare this checklist between bio-geographical areas; and 3) identify possible priority hotspots for their conservation. We applied several indices, such as the total number of species in each area, species richness, and the Biodiversity Conservation Concern index. We discuss gaps in knowledge and the lessons learned for conservation purposes. A total of 1075 marine fishes were reported in Spanish waters. Most of these fish were well determined, whereas a few were treated as uncertain. The marine demarcation with the most species is the Canary Islands with 795 species, followed by the Spanish north coast demarcation with 506 species. However, the marine demarcations with the most species per area are the Spanish coast of the Gulf of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar-Alboran Sea.