bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Optimization of Soft Start‐Up for Hydroviscous Drive Applied to Scraper Conveyor
Authors: Li Long , Cui Hongwei , Lian Zisheng , Wang Qiliang
Published: September 2019

To improve the soft start‐up performance of a scraper conveyor under different working conditions, the mathematical model of the torque for controllable starting transmission was established. The influences of start‐up time, load values, and moment of inertia on the soft start‐up characteristics of a scraper conveyor are analyzed. Based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the new evaluation system of soft start‐up optimization for hydroviscous drive applied to a scraper conveyor is proposed. Through the joint simulation platform of MATLAB and Isight, the two‐parameter control model for soft start‐up time is established using the method of experimental design and simulated annealing algorithm. The optimal start‐up time under different conditions is determined, and soft start‐up is optimized. The results show that with increasing start‐up time, the objective function value of soft start‐up performance decreases first and then increases. Under different flywheel inertia and load conditions, there is an optimal start‐up time that minimizes the objective function for better soft start‐up performance. The optimal start‐up time decreases with increasing load, and the optimal start‐up time decreases monotonically with the input flywheel inertia. This research provides a new method and theoretical basis for the modeling and performance optimization of soft start‐up for hydroviscous drive applied to a scraper conveyor.
The Topological Type of Equilateral and Almost Equiangular Polygon Spaces
Authors: Kamiyama Yasuhiko
Published: September 2019

Let Pn be the configuration space of equilateral spatial n-gons. For θ∈0,π and k∈0,1,…,n, let Pnkθ be the subspace of Pn consisting of elements whose first k bond angles are θ. Recently, the topological type of Pnkθ was determined for small n, special θ, and k=n or n−2. In this paper, we determine the topological type of Pnn−3θ for general n and θ.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Tensile Failure of Sandstone Specimens with Different Water Contents
Authors: Li Ming , Lin Gang , Zhou Wei , Mao Xianbiao , Zhang Lianying , Mao Rongrong
Published: September 2019

Understanding the effect of water saturation on dynamic failure of rocks is of great importance to tunnel excavation at water‐rich coal mines and prevention of rock bursts by water injection. Dynamic Brazilian disc tests are performed to study mechanical behaviour of sandstones in this paper. The results indicate that water saturation significantly weakens the dynamic tensile strength of sandstones and increases the specimen strain at which the specimen fails. The damage degree of sandstones reduces gradually with increasing water contents. Failure of the sandstone specimen includes the crack initiation at the center of the specimen, macroscopic crack propagation, and stretch of the macroscopic crack through the specimen. In addition, parallel macroscopic crack propagation is found in the specimen with a low water content. From the observation of fracture sections, microstructures are compact in the specimen with high water contents. This is due to the swell of the kaolinite in the specimen after water saturation. The failure mechanism of microstructures is typical brittle failure in the specimen with a high water content, whereas ductile fracture is found in the specimen with a low water content. Different failure processes of microstructures lead to the differences between mechanical properties and macroscopic failure characteristics of the specimens with various water contents.
Renal Dysfunction is a Risk Factor of Death after Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Elderly Patients Aged ≥80 Years
Authors: Okimoto Kenichiro , Arai Makoto , Ishigami Hideaki , Taida Takashi , Saito Keiko , Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nakagawa Tomoo , Katsuno Tatsuro , Kato Naoya
Published: September 2019

Introduction. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) is well accepted. However, its adaptation for elderly patients is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prognosis and long-term outcomes of ESD for EGC in elderly patients aged ≥80 years by comparing their findings to the findings of patients aged <80 years. Materials and Methods. The study included 533 patients (632 lesions). The patients were divided into an elderly group (age, ≥80 years; 108 patients; 128 lesions; mean age, 83.4 ± 2.7 years) and a nonelderly group (age, <80 years; 425 patients; 504 lesions; mean age, 69.6 ± 7.9 years). We compared patient and lesion characteristics, overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) between the 2 groups retrospectively. Multivariate analysis was performed to clarify the risk factors of death after ESD. Results. The rate of curative resection and adverse events was not significantly different between the groups. The mean survival time periods with regard to OS/DSS in the elderly and nonelderly groups were 75.8 ± 5.9 and 122.8 ± 2.6 months (P<0.05)/120.0 ± 3.0 and 136.4 ± 0.6 months (not significant), respectively. In the elderly group, eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 was an independent risk factor of death (hazard ratio = 5.32; 95% confidence interval = 1.39–20.5; P=0.015). Conclusion. ESD for EGC can be performed safely and can achieve high curability with good prognosis in elderly patients aged ≥80 years. After ESD, close attention should be paid to elderly patients with severe chronic kidney disease.
Aspirin Eugenol Ester Reduces H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress of HUVECs via Mitochondria-Lysosome Axis
Authors: Huang Mei-Zhou , Yang Ya-Jun , Liu Xi-Wang , Qin Zhe , Li Jian-Yong
Published: September 2019

The oxidative stress of vessel endothelium is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disorders. Antioxidative stress drugs are widely used in cardiovascular therapy. Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a new pharmaceutical compound synthesized by esterification reaction of aspirin with eugenols and possesses antioxidative activity. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism how AEE protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from H2O2-induced oxidative stress. H2O2 was given to the HUVECs with or without AEE pretreatment. Changes in the oxidative stress-related factors, including those related to the mitochondria-lysosome axis, were determined with Western blotting, cellular immunofluorescence, and enzyme activity test. The results showed that, in the HUVECs, 300 μM H2O2 treatment significantly increased the apoptosis rate, MDA concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, expression of Bax and mature cathepsin D (CTSD), and activity of CTSD and Caspase3 (Cas3) but decreased the expression of Bcl2 and lysosomal membrane stability, while in the HUVECs pretreated with AEE, the above changes caused by either the stimulatory or the inhibitory effect of H2O2 on the relevant factors were significantly reduced. AEE pretreatment significantly enhanced the activity of cellular superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the HUVECs. Our findings suggest that AEE effectively reduced H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the HUVECs via mitochondria-lysosome axis.
Decreased Serum microRNA-21, microRNA-25, microRNA-146a, and microRNA-181a in Autoimmune Diabetes: Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Possible Involvement in Pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Ma Minglei , Yu Jie , Ping Fan , Zhang Huabing , Li Wei , Xu Lingling , Li Yuxiu
Published: September 2019

Objective. Previous studies have revealed dysregulated circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here, we explored the serum levels of miR-21, miR-25, miR-146a, and miR-181a in patients with autoimmune diabetes (T1D and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA)) compared with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nondiabetic individuals. Design, patients, and measurements. The serum levels of miR-21, miR-25, miR-146a, and miR-181a in patients with T1D (n = 29), LADA (n = 16), and T2D (n = 31) and in nondiabetic individuals (n = 19) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were evaluated to determine the discriminatory performances of these four miRNAs. Furthermore, target genes and pathways potentially modulated by these four miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatics analysis to investigate the possible functions of these miRNAs in autoimmune diabetes. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for autoimmune diabetes, and a nomogram was established. Results. miR-21, miR-25, miR-146a, and miR-181a were significantly downregulated in the serum of patients with autoimmune diabetes compared with those in T2D patients and nondiabetic individuals (p<0.001). The areas under the ROC curves of these four miRNAs were greater than 0.80 (p<0.001). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that miR-21, miR-25, miR-146a, and miR-181a regulated multiple genes in pathways associated with immunity, inflammatory responses, hyperglycemia, and metabolism, which are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified miR-25 (odds ratio (OR): 0.001, p<0.05), miR-146a (OR: 0.136, p<0.05), and fasting C-peptide levels (OR: 0.064, p<0.05) as independent predictors of autoimmune diabetes. Conclusions. miR-25 and miR-146a may serve as potential circulating biomarkers and provide insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes.
Using NCI-Designated Cancer Center Catchment-Area Data to Understand an Ignored but High-Need Constituent: People Uncertain or Avoidant about Their Cancer Risk
Authors: Hay Jennifer L. , Kiviniemi Marc T. , Orom Heather , Waters Erika A.
Published: September 2019

In 2016, the NCI provided supplemental funding to 15 NCI-designated cancer centers to enhance cancer centers' capacity to collect critical catchment-area data across behavioral and psychosocial domains [March 2019 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (CEBP)—CEBP Focus]. In response, we highlight opportunities for cancer risk perception research when collecting and utilizing catchment-area data given the remarkably high proportions of individuals who report they are at average cancer risk, high levels of cancer risk information avoidance, and extremely negative (“death”) associations with cancer. First, we advocate for enhanced measurement specificity regarding whether some participants may be uncertain regarding their cancer risk. Second, we advocate for examination of whether the large proportion of people who rate their risk as average have common (demographic and attitudinal) characteristics, which may dictate specific and targeted cancer prevention and control intervention. Finally, we advocate for further examination of cancer risk information avoidance and negative cancer associations to clarify subgroups that may fail to engage with risk information. Given the ubiquity of risk uncertainty, information avoidance, and negative cancer associations, further research into these prevalent beliefs will enhance our ability to bring the latest information regarding cancer prevention and control to the general population of the United States.
Acquired Resistance to EGFR TKIs Mediated by TGFβ1/Integrin β3 Signaling in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Wang Tao , Lv Dacheng , Li Ling , Yue Jinnan , Chen Hong-Zhuan , Xu Lu
Published: September 2019

Investigation of novel molecular mechanisms is essential to develop strategies to overcome acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Integrin has been demonstrated as a regulator of cancer progression. The aim of this study was to identify which specific integrins are involved and regulated in acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. The expression levels of integrin subunits were examined in EGFR-mutant lung cancer cells and xenograft tumors with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs. Manipulation of integrin β3 was performed to explore whether integrin β3 overexpression was associated with TKI resistance, anoikis resistance, EMT, and cancer stemness in resistant lung cancer. To explore the mechanism, TGFβ1 level was examined, and TGFβ1 inhibitor was then used. Integrin β3 was dramatically and consistently overexpressed in acquired gefitinib- or osimertinib-resistant lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Integrin β3 was also involved in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma. Antagonizing integrin β3 increased the TKI sensitivity and delayed the occurrence of TKI resistance in vitro and in vivo, as well as suppressed proliferation, anoikis resistance, and EMT phenotype in lung cancer cells. Overexpression of integrin β3 was also associated with the enhanced cancer stemness that was acquired in the development of resistance and suppressed by antagonizing integrin β3. Mechanistically, integrin β3 was induced by increased TGFβ1 levels in acquired TKI-resistant lung cancer. Our study identified the TGFβ1/integrin β3 axis as a promising target for combination therapy to delay or overcome acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs in EGFR-mutant lung cancer.
Choques no Spread de Crédito Bancário e suas Implicações para a Condução da Política Monetária no Brasil
Authors: Nunes André Francisco Nunes de , Portugal Marcelo Savino
Published: September 2019

O trabalho busca analisar a transmissão dos choques no spread de crédito bancário para as demais variáveis da economia e suas implicações para a condução da política monetária no Brasil. Para isso, foi estimado um modelo DSGE com fricções financeiras. A inclusão do spread de crédito não altera a resposta do modelo DSGE em relação aos choques exógenos tradicionais. Porém, quando existem choques exógenos sobre o spread de crédito, o impacto sobre o ciclo econômico foi significativo e a adoção de uma regra de política monetária ajustada pelo spread pode estabilizar a economia mais rapidamente.
Yin Yang 1 Suppresses Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Fibrosis Through Regulation of
Bmp7
and
Ctgf
Authors: Tan Chia Yee , Wong Jing Xuan , Chan Pui Shi , Tan Hansen , Liao Dan , Chen Weiming , Tan Lek Wen , Ackers-Johnson Matthew , Wakimoto Hiroko , Seidman Jonathan G. , Seidman Christine E. , Lunde Ida Gjervold , Zhu Feng , Hu Qidong , Bian Jinsong , Wang Jiong-Wei , Foo Roger S. , Jiang Jianming
Published: September 2019

Rationale:

Pathogenic variations in the lamin gene (
LMNA
) cause familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
LMNA
insufficiency caused by
LMNA
pathogenic variants is believed to be the basic mechanism underpinning
LMNA
-related DCM.

Objective:

To assess whether silencing of cardiac
Lmna
causes DCM and investigate the role of Yin Yang 1 (
Yy1
) in suppressing
Lmna
DCM.

Methods and Results:

We developed a
Lmna
DCM mouse model induced by cardiac-specific
Lmna
short hairpin RNA. Silencing of cardiac
Lmna
induced DCM with associated cardiac fibrosis and inflammation. We demonstrated that upregulation of
Yy1
suppressed
Lmna
DCM and cardiac fibrosis by inducing
Bmp7
expression and preventing upregulation of
Ctgf
. Knockdown of upregulated
Bmp7
attenuated the suppressive effect of
Yy1
on DCM and cardiac fibrosis. However, upregulation of
Bmp7
alone was not sufficient to suppress DCM and cardiac fibrosis. Importantly, upregulation of
Bmp7
together with
Ctgf
silencing significantly suppressed DCM and cardiac fibrosis. Mechanistically, upregulation of
Yy1
regulated
Bmp7
and
Ctgf
reporter activities and modulated
Bmp7
and
Ctgf
gene expression in cardiomyocytes. Downregulation of
Ctgf
inhibited TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)/Smad signaling in DCM hearts. Regulation of both
Bmp7
and
Ctgf
further suppressed TGFβ/Smad signaling. In addition, co-modulation of
Bmp7
and
Ctgf
reduced CD3+ T cell numbers in DCM hearts.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate that upregulation of
Yy1
or co-modulation of
Bmp7
and
Ctgf
offer novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of DCM caused by
LMNA
insufficiency.
Changes in the Prevalence of Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy, United States, 1970 to 2010
Authors: Ananth Cande V. , Duzyj Christina M. , Yadava Stacy , Schwebel Marlene , Tita Alan T.N. , Joseph K.S.
Published: September 2019

We estimated changes in the prevalence of chronic hypertension among pregnant women and evaluated the extent to which changes in obesity and smoking were associated with these trends. We designed a population-based cross-sectional analysis of over 151 million women with delivery-related hospitalizations in the United States, 1970 to 2010. Maternal age, year of delivery (period), and maternal year of birth (birth cohort), as well as race, were examined as risk factors for chronic hypertension. Prevalence rates and rate ratios with 95% CIs of chronic hypertension in relation to age, period, and birth cohort were derived through age-period-cohort models. We also examined how changes in obesity and smoking rates influenced age-period-cohort effects. The overall prevalence of chronic hypertension was 0.63%, with black women (1.24%) having more than a 2-fold higher rate than white women (0.53%; rate ratio, 2.31; 95% CI, 2.30–2.32). In the age-period-cohort analysis, the rate of chronic hypertension increased sharply with advancing age and period from 0.11% in 1970 to 1.52% in 2010 (rate ratio, 13.41; 95% CI, 13.22–13.61). The rate of hypertension increased, on average, by 6% (95% CI, 5–6) per year, with the increase being slightly higher among white (7%; 95% CI, 6%–7%) than black (4%; 95% CI, 3%–4%) women. Adjustments for changes in rates of obesity and smoking were not associated with age and period effects. We observed a substantial increase in chronic hypertension rates by age and period and an over 2-fold race disparity in chronic hypertension rates.
Metabolomics Identifies Placental Dysfunction and Confirms Flt-1 (FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase Receptor 1) Biomarker Specificity
Authors: Austdal Marie , Silva Gabriela Brettas , Bowe Sophie , Thomsen Liv Cecilie Vestrheim , Tangerås Line Haugstad , Bjørge Line , Bathen Tone Frost , Iversen Ann-Charlotte
Published: September 2019

Clinical end-stage parameters define the pregnancy disorders preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction while classification of the underlying placental dysfunction is missing and urgently needed. Flt-1 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1) is the most promising placenta-derived predictive biomarker for preeclampsia. We aimed to classify placental dysfunction in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction at delivery by metabolic profiling and authenticate the biomarker Flt-1 for placental dysfunction. We studied 143 pregnancies with or without preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction delivered by cesarean section. Metabolic placenta profiles were created by high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the resulting placental phenotypes obtained by hierarchical clustering. Placental Flt-1 expression (membrane-bound and soluble isoforms combined) and maternal serum Flt-1 expression (soluble isoforms) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. We identified 3 distinct placenta groups by 21 metabolites and diagnostic outcome parameters; normal placentas, moderate placental dysfunction, and severe placental dysfunction. Increased placental Flt-1 was associated with severe placental dysfunction, and increased serum Flt-1 was associated with moderate and severe placental dysfunction. The preeclamptic pregnancies with and without placental dysfunction could be distinguished by 5 metabolites and placental Flt-1. Placental Flt-1 alone could separate normal pregnancies with and without placental dysfunction. In conclusion, metabolomics could classify placental dysfunction and provide information not identified by traditional diagnostics and metabolites with biomarker potential were identified. Flt-1 was confirmed as precision biomarker for placental dysfunction, substantiating its usefulness for identification of high-risk pregnancies for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction with placental involvement.
Number of Cardiologists per Cardiovascular Beds and In‐Hospital Mortality for Acute Heart Failure: A Nationwide Study in Japan
Authors: Kanaoka Koshiro , Okayama Satoshi , Nakai Michikazu , Sumita Yoko , Onoue Kenji , Soeda Tsunenari , Nishimura Kunihiro , Kawakami Rika , Okura Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Yasuda Satoshi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Komuro Issei , Ogawa Hisao , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: September 2019

Background

Little evidence is available about the number of cardiologists required for appropriate treatment of heart failure (
HF
). Our objective was to determine the association between the number of cardiologists per cardiology beds for treating patients with acute
HF
and in‐hospital mortality.

Methods and Results

This was a cross‐sectional study, and we used the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases Diagnosis Procedure Combination discharge database. The data of patients with HF on emergency admission from April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2014, were extracted. The patients were categorized into 4 groups by the quartiles of the numbers of cardiologists per 50 cardiovascular beds (first group: median, 4.4 [interquartile range, 3.5–5.0]; second group: median, 6.7 [interquartile range, 6.5–7.5]; third group: median, 9.7 [interquartile range, 8.8–10.1]; and fourth group: median, 16.7 [interquartile range, 14.0–23.8]). Using multilevel mixed‐effect logistics regression, we determined adjusted odds ratios for in‐hospital mortality. We identified 154 290 patients with HF on emergency admissions. There were 29 626, 36 587, 46 451, and 41 626 patients in the first, second, third, and fourth groups, respectively.
HF
severity, on the basis of New York Heart Association classification, was similar in the 3 groups. Adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for in‐hospital mortality were 0.92 (0.82–1.04;
P
=0.20), 0.82 (0.72–0.92;
P
<0.001), and 0.70 (0.61–0.80;
P
<0.001) for the second, third, and fourth groups, respectively. The proportion of medication used, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, β blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, was positively correlated to the number of cardiologists.

Conclusions

Patients hospitalized for
HF
in hospitals with larger numbers of cardiologists per cardiovascular beds had lower 30‐day mortality.
Flat Panel Computed Tomography Pooled Blood Volume and Infarct Prediction in Endovascular Stroke Treatment
Authors: Mueller Aneka , Wagner Marlies , Hattingen Elke , Seiler Alexander , You Se-Jong , Samp Patrick , Singer Oliver C.
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Patients with large-vessel stroke frequently need to be transferred to comprehensive stroke centers for endovascular treatment. An update of physiological perfusion parameters and stroke progression on arrival is desirable. We examined the reliability of preinterventional pooled blood volume (PBV)-maps acquired by flat-panel detector computed tomography (CT) in the interventional angiography suite.

Methods—

The volumes of preinterventional perfusion deficit in flat-panel detector CT-PBV source images were compared with final infarct volume on follow-up multislice-CT after endovascular treatment of 29 consecutive patients with occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or the distal internal carotid artery (ICA).

Results—

Endovascular treatment was successful in 26 patients (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction, 2b-3). Overall, the median preinterventional PBV-deficit was 9×larger than median final infarct volume on multislice-CT (86.4 mL [10.3; 111.6] versus 9.6 mL [3.6; 36.8]). This was especially evident in the subgroup of successful recanalization (PBV-deficit: 87.5 mL [10.6; 115.1], final infarct: 8.7 mL [3.6; 29]). In futile recanalization, the final infarct tended to be underestimated (PBV-deficit: 86.4 mL [5.9; –] and final infarct: 116.4 mL [3.5; –]).

Conclusions—

Flat panel detector CT-PBV is not reliable in predicting the final infarct volume and should not be used in clinical decision making for endovascular treatment of acute cerebral artery occlusions.
Marasmiellus griseobrunneus sp. nov. (Omphalotaceae) from Kerala State, India

Authors: SHARAFUDHEEN SHAHINA A. , MANIMOHAN PATINJAREVEETTIL
Published: September 2019

Marasmiellus griseobrunneus sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India, on the basis of both morphology and molecular phylogeny. This species is characterized by a grayish brown, sulcate-striate pileus with a fimbriate margin, weakly to strongly intervenose lamellae, pip-shaped to short lanceolate or lacrymoid basidiospores, versiform cheilo- and pleurocystidia, subregular hymenophoral trama, and the presence of appressed or ascending setae on the pileipellis and stipitipellis. A detailed description, comparison with both morphologically and phylogenetically related species, photographs of both the basidiocarps and the microscopic structures, and a Maximum Likelihood phylogram, based on the sequence of the Internal Transcribed Spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, depicting the placement of the new species are provided.
Get Ready for Being Chauffeured
Authors: Mühl Kristin , Strauch Christoph , Grabmaier Christoph , Reithinger Susanne , Huckauf Anke , Baumann Martin
Published: September 2019

Objective

We investigated passenger’s trust and preferences using subjective, qualitative, and psychophysiological measures while being driven either by human or automation in a field study and a driving simulator experiment.

Background

The passenger’s perspective has largely been neglected in autonomous driving research, although the change of roles from an active driver to a passive passenger is incontrovertible. Investigations of passenger’s appraisals on self-driving vehicles often seem convoluted with active manual driving experiences instead of comparisons with being driven by humans.

Method

We conducted an exploratory field study using an autonomous research vehicle ( N = 11) and a follow-up experimental driving simulation ( N = 24). Participants were driven on the same course by a human and an autonomous agent sitting on a passenger seat. Skin conductance, trust, and qualitative characteristics of the perceived driving situation were assessed. In addition, the effect of driving style (defensive vs. sporty) was evaluated in the simulator.

Results

Both investigations revealed a close relation between subjective trust ratings and skin conductance, with increased trust and by trend reduced arousal for human compared with automation in control. Even though driving behavior was equivalent in the simulator when being driven by human and automation, passengers most preferred and trusted the human-defensive driver.

Conclusion

Individual preferences for driving style and human or autonomous vehicle control influence trust and subjective driving characterizations.

Application

The findings are applicable in human-automation research, reminding to not neglect subjective attributions and psychophysiological reactions as a result of ascribed control duties in relation to specific execution characteristics.
Health needs and challenges of women and children in Uganda’s refugee settlements: Conceptualising a role for social work
Authors: Mwenyango Hadijah , Palattiyil George
Published: September 2019

With 1.36 million refugees, Uganda has witnessed Africa’s highest refugee crisis and is confronted with subsequent protection and assistance demands. The Government of Uganda and its partners are trying to support refugees to overcome the associated debilitating health conditions, and it recently shot to prominence in refuge management. Despite this, there are still gaps in health service provision for refugees. This article discusses the health situation of refugee women and children living in Uganda’s refugee settlements, explores the existing health service gaps, and argues that there is a need to extend the role of social work in health services for refugees.
Political Risk Insurance: A New Firm-level Data Set
Authors: Arel-Bundock Vincent , Peinhardt Clint , Pond Amy
Published: September 2019

When do governments impose costs on foreign firms? Many studies of foreign direct investment focus on incentives for government expropriation, but scholars are often forced to rely on indirect measures of expropriation to conduct empirical analyses. This article introduces a data set which includes information on over 5,000 political risk insurance contracts issued by the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation since 1961, and on all the claims filed by investors under these contracts. These detailed insurance data allow us to study the determinants of foreign investors’ losses from a variety of sources, including expropriation, inconvertibility, and violent conflict. To illustrate the benefits of these data for hypothesis testing, we adopt a comprehensive empirical approach and explore both shared and distinct causes across risk categories.
Parliamentary Disqualification for Financial Conflicts
Authors: Orr Graeme
Published: September 2019

When should financial interests bar someone from election to or service in Parliament? This article critically analyses the case law on the Constitution’s provisions on pecuniary interests and offices of profit. These cases are seeing the High Court sculpting new law out of old stone. The article is structured both chronologically and thematically, and explores the case law’s litigational and political context, and its relationship to pecuniary interest registers, as well as its jurisprudential value. Ultimately, the Court is found to be grappling with—and somewhat at sea in — fixing workable and consistent purposes for the constitutional provisions, especially given the need to fit these provisions within the broader values of parliamentary and electoral law and practice. The article concludes by assaying and proposing reform options.
Does Sentence Type and Length Matter? Interactions of Age, Race, Ethnicity, and Gender on Jail and Prison Sentences
Authors: Cassidy Michael , Rydberg Jason
Published: September 2019

The current work explores the direct and interaction effects of age, race, ethnicity, and gender disparity on sentence lengths, considering differences between jail and prison sanctions. The liberation hypothesis suggests that increased judicial discretion in cases involving less serious crimes results in greater extralegal disparity; however, this prediction may not be consistent with how sentencing guidelines structure discretion. Drawing on 7 years of data (2004-2010) from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, we employ quantile regression models to account for the structure of sentencing guidelines, while examining variation in jail and prison sentence length outcomes. Results indicate that punishment severity varies across age, race, ethnicity, and gender subgroups, but not in ways that offer support for the liberation hypothesis or fit with opportunities to exercise discretion under sentencing guidelines. Substantive, methodological, and policy implications are discussed.
The Importance of Taking Psychology: A Comparison of Three Levels of Exposure
Authors: Landrum R. Eric , Gurung Regan A. R. , Amsel Eric
Published: September 2019

We compared the performance of senior psychology majors, introductory psychology students, and similarly aged individuals with no college psychology on seven different outcome measures including multiple-choice knowledge tests, attitudes, and open-ended scenarios requiring qualitative responses. On all measures, both senior psychology majors and introductory psychology students significantly outperformed individuals with no college psychology. However, the absolute magnitude of introductory psychology student performance would be depicted as a failing grade at most institutions (i.e., below 60% correct). We discuss this pattern of results in the context of judging the effectiveness of the major, the role of the introductory psychology course, and judging the effectiveness of the assessment/outcome measures utilized.
Mir-142-3p Regulates Inflammatory Response by Contributing to Increased TNF-α in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Qing Xiang , Zhang Yongquan , Peng Ya , He Guangxiang , Liu An , Liu Huowang
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Previous studies suggested that microRNAs played an important role in the progression of inflammation and remodeling of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. However, the abnormal expression of microRNAs and regulation cytokine expression in nasal polyposis are not clear.

Method:

The miR-142-3p and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression levels in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The miR-142-3p and TNF-α levels in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpC) after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were detected by qRT-PCR. Moreover, HNEpCs were transfected by miR-142-3p mimics or inhibitor or cotransfected with si-TNF-α to evaluate the regulation of miR-142-3p on TNF-α which affects the production of inflammatory factors.

Results:

The miR-142-3p and TNF-α were significantly higher in nasal mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps patients compared to normal human. MiR-142-3p and TNF-α expression levels were increased after LPS stimulation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Knockdown of miR-142-3p in HNEpCs downregulated TNF-α expression at both messenger RNA and protein levels.

Conclusions:

It is indicated that miR-142-3p may participate in the regulation of the body’s inflammatory response through the LPS-TLR-TNF-α signaling pathway in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
Chinese International Undergraduate Students’ English Language Ability, Advice From Domestic and International Friends, and Psychosocial Adjustment to College
Authors: Wilson Steven R. , Billotte Verhoff China , Yue Cen April , Dorrance Hall Elizabeth , McNallie Jenna
Published: September 2019

This study explores how advice from friends predicts Chinese international students’ college adjustment. First-year international Chinese ( N = 95) undergraduates reported on their English language ability (ELA), advice seeking and evaluation with domestic and international friends, and psychosocial adjustment. Chinese students with lower self-reported ELA sought advice from their closest domestic friend less often, perceived advice from that friend as lower in quality, and were less psychosocially adjusted. Advice processes partially mediated the association between ELA and psychosocial adjustment.
Associations of Early Adolescents’ Best Friendships, Peer Groups, and Coolness With Overt and Relational Aggression
Authors: Wang Joy Huanhuan , Kiefer Sarah M. , Smith Nicholas David W. , Huang Liang , Gilfix Hannah L. , Brennan Erin M.
Published: September 2019

This study examined associations of best friend and peer group aggressive characteristics with students’ overt and relational aggression, and whether coolness moderated these associations across the fall and spring of the first year in middle school. Students ( N = 174; 57% females) self-reported best friendship and peer group members, as well as peer-nominated coolness and aggression (overt, relational). Results indicated positive relations of best friend and peer group aggressive characteristics with subsequent aggression, and that coolness moderated these associations. Specifically, non-cool youth had higher levels of subsequent overt and relational aggression with aggressive best friends, but lower levels of later relational aggression when in relationally aggressive peer groups. In contrast, cool youth had lower levels of subsequent relational aggression with relationally aggressive best friends, but higher levels of later relational aggression when in relationally aggressive peer groups. Implications for examining multiple peer contexts and coolness during early adolescence are discussed.
Invisibilizing politics: Accepting and legitimating ignorance in environmental sciences
Authors: Jeon June
Published: September 2019

Although sociologists have explored how political and economic factors influence the formation of ignorance in science and technology, we know little about how scientists comply with external controls by abandoning their prior research and leaving scientific innovations incomplete. Most research in science and technology studies (STS) on ignorance has relied on structural and historical analyses, lacking in situ studies in scientific laboratories. Drawing on ethnographic research, this article examines the habitus of ignorance as a mechanism of the social production of ignorance. Scientists have a set of dispositions that establish practical contexts enabling them to ignore particular scientific content. Leaders of the organization repeatedly legitimate the abandonment of unfinished projects, while ordinary laboratory scientists internalize the normalized view that the scientific field is inherently opportunistic and that unfunded research should be left undone. A cycle of legitimation and acceptance of ignorance by actors at distinctive positions within the organization provides a mechanism of social control of scientific knowledge. As the mechanism is habitually self-governed by the rules of the game of current scientific institutions, the result is an indirect, although deeply subjugating, invisible and consolidating form of political and economic domination of the scientific field.
The landscape of soil carbon data: Emerging questions, synergies and databases
Authors: Malhotra Avni , Todd-Brown Katherine , Nave Lucas E , Batjes Niels H , Holmquist James R , Hoyt Alison M , Iversen Colleen M , Jackson Robert B , Lajtha Kate , Lawrence Corey , Vindušková Olga , Wieder William , Williams Mathew , Hugelius Gustaf , Harden Jennifer
Published: September 2019

Soil carbon has been measured for over a century in applications ranging from understanding biogeochemical processes in natural ecosystems to quantifying the productivity and health of managed systems. Consolidating diverse soil carbon datasets is increasingly important to maximize their value, particularly with growing anthropogenic and climate change pressures. In this progress report, we describe recent advances in soil carbon data led by the International Soil Carbon Network and other networks. We highlight priority areas of research requiring soil carbon data, including (a) quantifying boreal, arctic and wetland carbon stocks, (b) understanding the timescales of soil carbon persistence using radiocarbon and chronosequence studies, (c) synthesizing long-term and experimental data to inform carbon stock vulnerability to global change, (d) quantifying root influences on soil carbon and (e) identifying gaps in model–data integration. We also describe the landscape of soil datasets currently available, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses and synergies. Now more than ever, integrated soil data are needed to inform climate mitigation, land management and agricultural practices. This report will aid new data users in navigating various soil databases and encourage scientists to make their measurements publicly available and to join forces to find soil-related solutions.
Grounding nationalism: Randall Collins and the sociology of nationhood
Authors: Malešević Siniša
Published: September 2019

This paper explores the ways nationalism has been theorised in classical and contemporary sociology. More specifically, the author analyses the relevance of Randall Collins’s contribution to theories of nationalism. Since Collins’s work is firmly rooted in the classical tradition, including the reinterpretation and synthesis of Weber, Durkheim and Goffman, the first part of this paper zooms in on the classics of sociology and their treatment of nations and nationalism. The second part of the paper outlines the key features of Collins’s approach and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of this position. The final part builds on the footsteps of Collins and others to articulate an alternative approach focused on the coercive organisational, ideological and micro-interactional grounding of nationalisms.
Facebooking for Good: Online Contact to Address Offline Conflict
Authors: Bouchillon Brandon C.
Published: September 2019

The present study examined the benefits of meeting new people on Facebook for social capital. Results of a two-wave national web survey ( N = 387) indicate that using the site to meet and interact with new people relates to trusting more in the average person over time. Facebook sociability also moderates the negative association between neighborhood diversity and trust over time. Diversity has less of a negative impact on trust locally for users who interact with new people online. Novel interactions on sites like Facebook improve perceptions of difference, demonstrating value for reconnecting the populace.
Career Education: Concluding Remarks
Authors: Cinamon Rachel Gali , Flum Hanoch , Hardin Erin E.
Published: September 2019

The interventions presented in the current special issue have the potential to decrease social and economic gaps. At the same time, several important aspects that are central to the rapid changes in education and in the world of work were not included or given minimal attention in these interventions. In this concluding article, we reflect upon these issues in the hope that future studies and career education work will focus and elaborate upon theme.
Feedback controller designs for an electromagnetic micromanipulator
Authors: Böyük Mustafa , Eroğlu Yakup , Ablay Günyaz , İçöz Kutay
Published: September 2019

Magnetic micromanipulators are capable of generating wide range of magnetic forces to manipulate magnetic microparticles for biomedical applications. In this study, a multipole magnetic micromanipulator system including electromagnets, driver circuitry and control unit is designed, modeled and implemented. The micromanipulator can produce a broad range of magnetic forces up to 25 pN on a single magnetic microparticle (1–10 µm diameter) that is 5 mm away from the electromagnet core tip. Both linear and nonlinear controllers are designed and implemented, and the proposed nonlinear controller produces smooth control currents to assure closed-loop stability of the system with 1 s non-overshoot transient response and zero steady-state tracking error. The maximum output current of the driver circuitry is set to 1 A. The single particle at the center is moved at a speed of 5 mm/s. The fully automatic system can be utilized in applications related to single cell or microparticle manipulations.
Short-wave near infrared spectroscopy for the quality control of milk
Authors: Asaduzzaman Mohammad , Kerschbaumer Martin , Bodner Martina , Haman Nabil , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: September 2019

The present study aims to demonstrate the potential use of short-wave near infrared spectroscopy for the quality control of raw cow milk samples, collected from high mountain areas. The sampling plan comprised three farms, all located within the same Alpine region (South Tyrol, Italy), but located at different altitudes (1900 m, 1050 m and 950 m a.s.l). Each farm used a similar extensive grassland-based farming system. For comparison, raw milk samples were also collected from a farm located in the valley (Milan, Italy), at 200 m a.s.l. and subjected to an intensive farming system. From each location, the samples were collected 10 times within one month of production. All the milk samples were analysed by diffuse trans-reflectance in the wavelength range from 850 to 1350 nm. Principal component analysis of the spectra revealed that the short-wave near infrared bands, respectively, 847, 1084, and 1095 nm, were the most important to distinguish milk between farms. The signal intensities of these wavelengths were used to build a multivariate control chart based on the Hotelling T2 statistic. The results showed that short-wave near infrared spectroscopy can be successfully used to monitor milk products in a fast, simple and on-line way.
Fatherhood Matters: An Integrative Review of Fatherhood Intervention Research
Authors: Henry Joi B. , Julion Wrenetha A. , Bounds Dawn T. , Sumo Jen’nea
Published: September 2019

Positive father involvement is critical to the healthy social, emotional, and academic outcomes of children at all stages of development. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify, categorize, and evaluate the potential impact of fatherhood interventions on father and child outcomes. A systematic search of four major research databases yielded 44 studies published between 1988 and 2018 that met study inclusion criteria. The most effective interventions were delivered in the community, with fathers convened in groups. Content focused on promoting positive parenting, co-parenting, and father/child relationships. Consequently, father involvement and child cognitive and socioemotional development were improved. Academic settings were underutilized in the fatherhood interventions in this review. We conclude that in order to optimize healthy child development, school officials must adopt a more inclusive stance toward the involvement of fathers in their children’s education. Future randomized trials of fatherhood interventions delivered within school-based settings are warranted.
Promoting Academic and Nonacademic Behaviors in Students With EBD Using the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction: A Mathematics Example
Authors: Pulos Joshua M. , Peltier Corey , Williams-Diehm Kendra L. , Martin James E.
Published: September 2019

Teaching self-determination to students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) may empower them to become self-regulated problem solvers. This article, using the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), outlines a framework for teachers to facilitate mathematics instruction and goal attainment relative to in-school and postschool outcomes. The SDLMI’s three phases enable teachers to promote self-directed learning in their students with EBD. These increased opportunities of self-regulated learning can improve students’ in-school and postschool success.
Differences in Clinical Presentation, Rate of Pulmonary Embolism, and Risk Factors Among Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis in Unusual Sites
Authors: Porfidia Angelo , Porceddu Enrica , Feliciani Daniela , Giordano Marzia , Agostini Fabiana , Ciocci Giulia , Cammà Giulia , Giarretta Igor , Gaetani Eleonora , Tondi Paolo , Pola Roberto
Published: September 2019

Unusual site deep vein thrombosis (USDVT) is an uncommon form of venous thromboembolism with heterogeneous signs and symptoms, unknown rate of pulmonary embolism (PE), and poorly defined risk factors. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 107 consecutive cases of USDVTs, discharged from our University Hospital over a period of 2 years. Patients were classified based on the site of thrombosis and distinguished between patients with cerebral vein thrombosis, jugular vein thrombosis, thrombosis of the deep veins of the upper extremities, and abdominal vein thrombosis. We found statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age ( P < .0001) and gender distribution ( P < .05). We also found that the rate of symptomatic patients was significantly different between groups ( P < .0001). Another interesting finding was the significant difference between groups in terms of rate of PE ( P < .01). Finally, we found statistically significant differences between groups in terms of risk factors for thrombosis, in particular cancer ( P < .01). Unprovoked cases were differently distributed among groups ( P < .0001). This study highlights differences between patients with USDVT, which depend on the site of thrombosis, and provides data which might be useful in clinical practice.