bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhance RSS‐Based Indoor Localization Accuracy by Leveraging Environmental Physical Features
Authors: Xiang Peng , Ji Peng , Zhang Dian
Published: July 2018

Indoor localization technologies based on Radio Signal Strength (RSS) attract many researchers’ attentions, since RSS can be easily obtained by wireless devices without additional hardware. However, such technologies are apt to be affected by indoor environments and multipath phenomenon. Thus, the accuracy is very difficult to improve. In this paper, we put forward a method, which is able to leverage various other resources in localization. Besides the traditional RSS information, the environmental physical features, e.g., the light, temperature, and humidity information, are all utilized for localization. After building a comprehensive fingerprint map for the above information, we propose an algorithm to localize the target based on Naïve Bayesian. Experimental results show that the successful positioning accuracy can dramatically outperform traditional pure RSS‐based indoor localization method by about 39%. Our method has the potential to improve all the radio frequency (RF) based localization approaches.
Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Δ9-THC-Hemisuccinate in a Suppository Formulation as an Alternative to Capsules for the Systemic Delivery of Δ9-THC
Authors: ElSohly Mahmoud A. , Gul Waseem , Walker Larry A.
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ascending doses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-hemisuccinate (THC-HS) after rectal administration as suppositories in male volunteers; and (2) to compare the pharmacokinetics of oral administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) with an equivalent amount of Δ9-THC delivered as THC-HS via the suppository formulation. In support of the pharmacokinetic evaluations, an analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of Δ9-THC and for its major circulating metabolites 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in human plasma. Δ9-THC, 11-OH-THC, and THC-COOH were extracted from plasma using solid phase extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantitation for all 3 analytes were 0.25 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. The method was validated over the range of 0.5–25 ng/mL. This method was used to quantify Δ9-THC and any THC-HS as Δ9-THC due to the inclusion of a hydrolysis step as part of the extraction procedure. Therefore, Δ9-THC measured was the total THC (free Δ9-THC plus Δ9-THC derived from THC-HS). The assay was reproducible for the measurement of all 3 analytes, with a variability of 7.2, 13.7, and 8.3%, respectively, at the 1 ng/mL level. The method was then used to assess the pharmacokinetics of Δ9-THC and metabolites from the suppository dosage form in doses equivalent to 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg Δ9-THC per suppository as THC-HS. Systemic exposure to Δ9-THC, administered as THC-HS suppository, increased broadly dose proportionally. Systemic exposure and Cmax (obs) estimates for 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH generally increased subproportionally. The pharmacokinetic profiles of Δ9-THC and metabolites were also compared after oral administration of 10 mg Δ9-THC (as dronabinol capsules) and after administration of 10 mg equivalents of Δ9-THC as THC-HS in suppository form. Total systemic exposure to Δ9-THC was considerably higher following rectal administration of THC-HS than after oral administration. The Δ9-THC area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC(0–∞)) for THC-HS was 2.44-fold higher (90% confidence interval: 1.78, 3.35) than for the capsule administration.
The Intricate Influence of the Placebo Effect on Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Authors: Gertsch Jürg
Published: July 2018

The botanical drug cannabis flos (inflorescence of Cannabis sativa L.) has a unique popular status as being a potent recreational drug and bona fide universal remedy (panacea). Generally, cannabinoids exert therapeutic effects in a broad range of pathophysiologies related to inflammation, pain, metabolic and stress-related conditions in preclinical animal models. However, the translation of such data to humans still lacks an evidence-based foundation. Motivated by the booming cannabis manufacturing industry and the increasing worldwide self-therapy by patients, there are cumulative accounts about broad therapeutic effects of cannabis and legal cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) beyond statistical evidence. The numerous affirming anecdotal reports by patients pose a challenge to physicians and legal authorities. Moreover, the lack of standardization of cannabis products and widely missing randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials largely hinder the scientific assessment of medical cannabis in humans. Given the recent insight that the endocannabinoid system is mediating, at least in part, a placebo effect, psychoactive cannabis and cannabinoids could exert complex neuropharmacological actions. As discussed in this commentary, the meaning response may play a role in the broad palliative and therapeutic effects of medical cannabis unprecedented by other phytopharmaceuticals.
Objective but Not Subjective Short Sleep Duration Is Associated With Hypertension in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ren Rong , Covassin Naima , Yang Linghui , Li Yun , Zhang Ye , Zhou Junying , Tan Lu , Li Taomei , Li Xiao , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Jihui , Wing Yun-Kwok , Li Weimin , Somers Virend K. , Tang Xiangdong
Published: July 2018

Extremes of sleep duration and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are both associated with hypertension. We aimed to explore whether sleep duration modifies the relationship between OSA and prevalent hypertension, using both objective and subjective measures of total sleep duration. A total of 7107 OSA patients and 1118 primary snorers were included in the study. Hypertension was defined based either on direct blood pressure measures or on diagnosis by a physician. Objective sleep duration was derived by polysomnography and subjective sleep duration was self-reported. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between objective/subjective sleep duration and hypertension prevalence in OSA and primary snorers. Compared with primary snorers, OSA combined with objective sleep duration of 5 to 6 hours increased the odds of hypertension by 45% (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.84), whereas OSA combined with objective sleep duration <5 hours further increased the odds of hypertension by 80% (odds ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–2.42). These results were independent of major confounding factors frequently associated with OSA or hypertension. In stratified analysis by sleep duration, risk of hypertension in those with extremely short sleep (<5 hours) was not significantly different between OSA and primary snorers, whereas odds were significant for OSA in the other 4 sleep duration strata (5–6, 6–7, 7–8, and >8 hours). No significance was evident using subjective sleep duration. We conclude that objective short sleep duration is associated with hypertension in OSA patients. Extremely short sleep duration in itself may actually be even more detrimental than OSA in terms of hypertension risk.
DPP (Dipeptidyl Peptidase)-4 Inhibition Potentiates the Vasoconstrictor Response to NPY (Neuropeptide Y) in Humans During Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibition
Authors: Hubers Scott A. , Wilson Jessica R. , Yu Chang , Nian Hui , Grouzmann Eric , Eugster Philippe , Shibao Cyndya A. , Billings Frederic T. , Jafarian Kerman Scott , Brown Nancy J.
Published: July 2018

DPP (dipeptidyl peptidase)-4 inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs that may increase heart failure in high-risk patients. NPY (neuropeptide Y) is coreleased with norepinephrine, causes vasoconstriction via the Y1 receptor, and is degraded by DPP4 to NPY (3–36) in vitro. NPY (3–36) decreases release of norepinephrine via the Y2 receptor. We tested the hypothesis that DPP4 inhibition would potentiate the vasoconstrictor effect of NPY. Eighteen nonsmokers (12 healthy controls and 6 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) participated in 1 of 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover studies. First, subjects were randomized to order of treatment with sitagliptin 100 mg/d versus placebo for 7 days separated by 4-week washout. On the last day of treatment, NPY was infused by brachial artery and forearm blood flow was measured using plethysmography. Blood samples were collected after each dose. NPY infusions were repeated after 90-minute washout and intra-arterial enalaprilat. Second, 5 healthy subjects were randomized to crossover treatment with sitagliptin 100 mg/d plus valsartan 160 mg/d versus placebo plus valsartan. NPY infusions were performed on the seventh day of treatment. NPY caused dose-dependent vasoconstriction. During enalaprilat, sitagliptin significantly potentiated NPY-induced vasoconstriction in controls and diabetics (
P
≤0.02 for forearm blood flow in either group). Baseline norepinephrine release was increased during sitagliptin and enalaprilat, but not further by NPY. Sitagliptin increased the ratio of NPY to NPY (3–36). During valsartan, sitagliptin also significantly potentiated NPY-induced vasoconstriction (
P
=0.009 for forearm blood flow). Potentiation of endogenous NPY could contribute to cardiovascular effects of DPP4 inhibitors in patients taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker.
Body Mass Index and Sudden Cardiac Death in Japanese Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Data From the JCAD Study and HIJAMI‐II Registry
Authors: Shiga Tsuyoshi , Kohro Takahide , Yamasaki Hiro , Aonuma Kazutaka , Suzuki Atsushi , Ogawa Hiroshi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Nagai Ryozo , Kasanuki Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Background

Although an “obesity paradox” exists in patients after myocardial infarction, the association between obesity and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity is associated with an increased risk of SCD in Japanese survivors of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

Pooled data from 2 cohort studies in Japan, JCAD (Japanese Coronary Artery Disease) study and the Heart Institute of Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction‐II (HIJAMI‐II) registry, comprising of 6216 patients (mean age 65±11 years, 75.2% male) with acute myocardial infarction who were discharged alive, were studied. The patients were categorized into the following body mass index (BMI) groups at baseline according to the World Health Organization classification for Asian populations: BMI <18.5 kg/m
2
(n=335), 18.5 to 23 kg/m
2
(n=2371), 23 to 27.5 kg/m
2
(n=2823), and ≥27.5 kg/m
2
(n=687). The main outcomes were all‐cause mortality and SCD. During an average follow‐up period of 3.6±1.4 years, all‐cause mortality was 10.1%, and SCD was 1.2%. Patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m
2
had the highest rate of all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–2.16), but high BMI (≥27.5 kg/m
2
) was not associated with mortality compared with patients in the group with BMI ≥18.5 and <23 kg/m
2
. However, the long‐term risk of SCD was increased in the group with BMI ≥27.5 kg/m
2
(adjusted hazard ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–7.15). Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI ≥27.5 kg/m
2
was associated with an increased risk of SCD (hazard ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–5.74).

Conclusions

Obesity (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m
2
) was associated with the risk of SCD in Japanese patients after myocardial infarction, although an obesity paradox was found for all‐cause mortality.
Aberrant Mitochondrial Fission Is Maladaptive in Desmin Mutation–Induced Cardiac Proteotoxicity
Authors: Alam Shafiul , Abdullah Chowdhury S. , Aishwarya Richa , Miriyala Sumitra , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Peretik Jonette M. , Orr A. Wayne , James Jeanne , Robbins Jeffrey , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin
Published: July 2018

Background

Desmin filament proteins interlink the contractile myofibrillar apparatus with mitochondria, nuclei and the sarcolemma. Mutations in the human desmin gene cause cardiac disease, remodeling, and heart failure but the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods and Results

Cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression of mutated desmin (a 7 amino acid deletion R172‐E178, D7‐Des Tg) causes accumulations of electron‐dense aggregates and myofibrillar degeneration associated with cardiac dysfunction. Though extensive studies demonstrated that these altered ultrastructural changes cause impairment of cardiac contractility, the molecular mechanism of cardiomyocyte death remains elusive. In the present study, we report that the D7‐Des Tg mouse hearts undergo aberrant mitochondrial fission associated with increased expression of mitochondrial fission regulatory proteins. Mitochondria isolated from D7‐Des Tg hearts showed decreased mitochondrial respiration and increased apoptotic cell death. Overexpression of mutant desmin by adenoviral infection in cultured cardiomyocytes led to increased mitochondrial fission, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and activation of cellular toxicity. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission by mitochondrial division inhibitor mdivi‐1 significantly improved mitochondrial respiration and inhibited cellular toxicity associated with D7‐Des overexpression in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

Aberrant mitochondrial fission results in mitochondrial respiratory defects and apoptotic cell death in D7‐Des Tg hearts. Inhibition of aberrant mitochondrial fission using mitochondrial division inhibitor significantly preserved mitochondrial function and decreased apoptotic cell death. Taken together, our study shows that maladaptive aberrant mitochondrial fission causes desminopathy‐associated cellular dysfunction.
Periprocedural Cardiopulmonary Bypass or Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Patlolla Sri Harsha , Sandhyavenu Harigopal , Vallabhajosyula Saarwaani , Barsness Gregory W. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Greason Kevin L. , Holmes David R. , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: July 2018

Background

There are limited data on the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (
VA
‐
ECMO
) or cardiopulmonary bypass (
CPB
) to provide hemodynamic support periprocedurally during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study sought to evaluate patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement with concomitant use of
CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
.

Methods and Results

We systematically reviewed the published literature from 2000 to 2018 for studies evaluating adult patients requiring
CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
periprocedurally during transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Studies reporting short‐term and long‐term mortality were included. Given the significant methodological and statistical differences between published studies, meta‐analysis of the association of
CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
with mortality was not performed. Of the 537 studies identified, 9 studies representing 5191 patients met our inclusion criteria. Median ages were between 75 and 87 years with 33% to 75% male patients. Where reported, the Edwards
SAPIEN
™ transcatheter heart valve was the most frequently used. A total of 203 (3.9%) patients received periprocedural hemodynamic support with
CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
. Common indications for
CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
included left ventricular or aortic annular rupture, rapid hemodynamic deterioration, aortic regurgitation, cardiac arrest, and left main coronary artery obstruction. The use of
CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
was predominantly an emergent strategy and was used for durations of 1 to 2 hours. Short‐term mortality (in‐hospital and 30‐day) was 29.8%, and 1‐year mortality was 52.4%. Major complications such as bleeding, vascular injury, tamponade, stroke, and renal failure were noted in 10% to 50% of patients.

Conclusions

CPB
/
VA
‐
ECMO
was used in 4% in the early experience of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, most commonly for periprocedural complications. There are limited data on preprocedural planned use of
VA
‐
ECMO
, and the characteristics of this population remain poorly defined.
Absence of a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation–Induced Lower Limb Corticomotor Response Does Not Affect Walking Speed in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Anjali , Madhavan Sangeetha
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is used to measure the functional integrity of the corticomotor system via motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in stroke. The association between corticomotor mechanisms and walking recovery is still not completely understood. This study determined the association between transcranial magnetic stimulation–induced MEPs and walking outcomes and examined the contribution of the contralesional hemisphere to walking recovery.

Methods—

Contralateral and ipsilateral transcranial magnetic stimulation responses from the contralesional and ipsilesional hemispheres were collected from 61 chronic stroke survivors. Clinical assessments included gait speeds, 6-minute walk distance, Timed Up and Go test, Fugl Meyer lower extremity scale, and strength measurements.

Results—

Stroke participants were classified based on the presence (MEP+ [n=28]) or absence (MEP− [n=33]) of MEPs in the paretic tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles. A between-group analyses showed no significant differences for any gait variable. MEP+ group showed significantly higher Fugl Meyer lower extremity and ankle dorsiflexor strength. Ipsilateral conductivity was not significantly different between groups. Finally, in the MEP+ group, MEP parameters did not predict gait recovery.

Conclusions—

Our study investigated the association between walking outcomes and neurophysiological parameters of lower limb function in a large cohort of stroke survivors. We did not find an associations between transcranial magnetic stimulation–induced tibialis anterior and rectus femoris MEPs and walking speeds. Further work is required to develop more comprehensive models in stroke for predicting walking recovery.
Treatment and Long-Term Outcomes of Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis
Authors: de Boysson Hubert , Arquizan Caroline , Touzé Emmanuel , Zuber Mathieu , Boulouis Grégoire , Naggara Olivier , Guillevin Loïc , Aouba Achille , Pagnoux Christian
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis according to the different therapeutic strategies used to induce remission.

Methods—

We assessed the rate of prolonged remission (defined by the absence of relapse at ≥12 months after diagnosis) and the functional status at last follow-up in patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis included in the French cohort, who achieved a first remission according to the 3 main groups of treatments administered: glucocorticoids only (group 1); induction treatment with glucocorticoids and an immunosuppressant, but no maintenance (group 2); and combined treatment with glucocorticoids and an immunosuppressant for induction followed by maintenance therapy (group 3). Good functional status was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at the last follow-up.

Results—

Remission was achieved with the initial induction treatment in 106 (95%) of the 112. Prolonged remission without relapse was observed in 70 (66%) patients after 57 (12–198) months of follow-up. A good functional status at last follow-up (ie, modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) was observed in 63 (56%) patients. Overall mortality was 8%. The initial severity and the radiological presentations were comparable in the 3 treatment groups. More prolonged remissions (
P
=0.003) and a better functional status at the last follow-up (
P
=0.0004) were observed in group 3. In multivariate analysis, the use of maintenance therapy was associated with prolonged remission (odds ratio, 4.32 [1.67–12.19];
P
=0.002) and better functional status (odds ratio, 8.09 [3.24–22.38];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

This study suggests that maintenance therapy with an immunosuppressant combined with glucocorticoids lead to the best long-term clinical and functional outcomes in patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis after having achieved remission with either glucocorticoids alone or in combination with another immunosuppressant.
Influences of the discourse on language endangerment and multilingualism on young European language minorities members
Authors: Dołowy-Rybińska Nicole
Published: July 2018

Influences of the discourse on language endangerment and multilingualism on young members of European language minoritiesThis article provides an analysis of the discourse on language endangerment used by the young members of European language minorities. The narratives come from a 100 interviews with young people who are engaged in activities on behalf of minority languages such as Kashubian in Poland, Upper Sorbian in Germany, Breton in France and Welsh in the UK. The way they formulate ideas on language endangerment and arguments they choose to encourage others to use these languages bears a strong resemblance to the discourse produced by international organizations, researchers and publicists. The analysis concerns three aspects of the discourse of young minority activists: appropriation of the dominant discourse of language endangerment and its role; constructing a collective identity as a part of a language movement through the discourse of responsibility for the future of the languages; discursive strategies of presenting the advantages of multilingualism and, in so doing, of learning and using a minority language. Wpływ dyskursu zagrożenia języków i wielojęzyczności na młodych przedstawicieli europejskich mniejszości językowychArtykuł przedstawia analizę dyskursu zagrożenia języków, używanych przez młodych przedstawicieli mniejszości językowych Europy. Wypowiedzi pochodzą ze stu wywiadów z młodymi ludźmi, którzy są zaangażowani w działania na rzecz języków mniejszościowych, takich jak kaszubski w Polsce, górnołużycki w Niemczech, bretoński we Francji oraz walijski w Wielkiej Brytanii. Sposób, w jaki formułują oni myśli dotyczące zagrożenia języków i argumenty, które wybierają, żeby zachęcić innych do używania tych języków, bardzo przypomina dyskurs używany przez organizacje międzynarodowe, badaczy i publicystów. Analiza dotyczy trzech aspektów dyskursu młodych aktywistów językowych: internalizacji dominującego dyskursu zagrożenia języków i jego roli; konstruowania zbiorowej tożsamości jako części ruchu na rzecz języków poprzez zakorzenianie dyskursu odpowiedzialności za przyszłość tych języków; dyskursywnych strategii przedstawiania zalet wielojęzyczności i, w związku z tym, uczenia się i używania języków mniejszościowych.
Pijąc wódkę z antysemitami. Case study „relacji polsko-żydowskich” współcześnie
Authors: Zawadzka Anna
Published: July 2018

Drinking vodka with anti-Semites. A case study of ‘Polish-Jewish relations’ todayThis text analyzes the events that occurred between December 31, 2016 and January 6, 2017, namely the ‘scandal’ at the Café Foksal pub in Warsaw and its ramifications, as well as the simultaneous attacks on the Prince Kebab shop in Ełk. Both events were local or, many would venture to say, marginal. It is not my intention to attribute great importance to them. I rather treat them as meaningful case studies which exemplify how anti-Semitism operates in Polish culture at present and, probably more importantly, the roadblock encountered when problematizing anti-Semitism. These allegedly insignificant events from the turn of 2016–2017 are an excellent illustration of the conditions that Jews and other individuals perceived to be non-Polish have to accept in order to ensure relative safety to themselves. I discuss these events as a certain spectacle, whose actors played either the roles they chose or the only roles available to them (perpetrator, victim, bystander, and mediator). I also suggest viewing these events from the point of view of certain elements of Polish history. Pijąc wódkę z antysemitami. Case study „relacji polsko‑żydowskich” współcześnieTekst stanowi analizę zdarzeń, które miały miejsce między 31 grudnia 2016 a 6 stycznia 2017: „afery” w warszawskiej Cafe Foksal i jej następstw oraz dziejących się równolegle ataków na bar Prince Kebab w Ełku. Zdarzeń o charakterze lokalnym, a wielu powiedziałoby także: marginalnym. Moim celem nie jest przypisywanie im wielkiego znaczenia. Traktuję je natomiast jako symptomatyczne case study, na przykładzie którego widać funkcjonowanie antysemityzmu w polskiej kulturze dzisiaj i – co może bardziej istotne – blokady, na jakie napotyka jego problematyzowanie. Te pozornie nieistotne zdarzenia z przełomu 2016–2017 znakomicie pokazują, na jakie warunki muszą przystać Żydzi i inne jednostki postrzegane jako nie-polskie, by zapewnić sobie względne bezpieczeństwo. Omawiam te zdarzenia jako swoisty spektakl, podczas którego określone podmioty wchodziły w wybrane lub w jedyne dostępne im role (sprawcy, ofiary, świadka, rozjemcy). Proponuję także, by na zdarzenia te spojrzeć przez pryzmat wybranych elementów polskiej historii.
The dilemmas of a gardener: discussing the arguments against language revitalisation
Authors: Mętrak Maciej
Published: July 2018

The dilemmas of a gardener: discussing the arguments against language revitalisationThe article restates and comments on the most common arguments against language maintenance and revitalisation found in popular texts and discussion articles from academic journals. By grouping them and assessing their validity we may better see which objections must be faced and which are based on easily disproven misconceptions. The described counterarguments are divided into four groups and based on the ideas of linguistic natural selection, peaceful death of a language, reductionist approach to the language, and sociopolitical factors. Most of them seem to use overgeneralisations and fail to recognise the deeper causes behind language obsolescence. The most valid, depending on the individual situation, are the arguments based on socio-political reasons. Generalisations and essentialising discourse, however, are also found in the opinions of the proponents of language maintenance. The author claims that the truly universal arguments in favour of language maintenance are in fact only those based on the subjective convictions of the people involved, as all rational arguments can be undermined in certain contexts. Dylematy ogrodnika: dyskusja z argumentami przeciwko rewitalizacji językowejW artykule streszczone i skomentowane zostały najczęstsze argumenty przeciwko rewitalizacji języków zagrożonych obecne w mediach niespecjalistycznych i czasopismach naukowych. Usystematyzowanie i analiza tych opinii pozwala stwierdzić, które zastrzeżenia oparte są na błędnych założeniach i łatwe do zakwestionowania, a które należy traktować jako rzeczywiste wyzwanie. Kontrargumenty, podzielone na cztery główne grupy, opierają się na redukcjonistycznym stosunku do języka, koncepcjach językowego doboru naturalnego i spokojnej śmierci, oraz czynnikach społeczno-politycznych. Większość z nich posługuje się daleko idącą generalizacją i nie bierze pod uwagę głębszych przyczyn wymierania języków. Najbardziej zasadne w konkretnych sytuacjach okazują się zazwyczaj argumenty odwołujące się do kwestii społeczno-politycznych. Ponieważ łatwe do zanegowania tezy, bazujące na uproszczeniach i dyskursie esencjalistycznym, są obecne również w opiniach zwolenników rewitalizacji, jedynymi prawdziwie uniwersalnymi argumentami na rzecz lingwistyki zaangażowanej wydają się być argumenty idealistyczne, oparte na subiektywnych przekonaniach konkretnych osób.
Synthesis and application of an alkaline crosslinking agent containing acrylamide as the durable press finishing agent on cotton fabric
Authors: Li Fuqiang , Wang Hongchen , He Jinxin
Published: July 2018

In this study, acrylamide-containing crosslinking agents 2,4-diacrylamidebenzenesulfonic acid (AC-DABS1) and 2,5-diacrylamidebenzenesulfonic acid (AC-DABS2) were synthesized and applied to cotton fabric as durable press finishing agents under alkaline conditions. The target products were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The stability of the acrylamide group in alkaline solution was investigated by model compound para-acrylamidebenzenesulfonic acid. The efficiency of AC-DABS1 and AC-DABS2 as durable press finishing agents was examined and compared by testing the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA), tearing strength retention (TSR) and washing durability under different conditions using the steaming process. The performance of fabric treated with 1,3,5-triacroylaminohexahydro-s-triazine (FAP) was also investigated and compared with those treated with acrylamide-containing crosslinking agents. The results showed that the anti-crease effects of FAP were better than those of the new synthesized agents. However, the new synthesized agents have the advantage of water solubility and low cost. The fabric treated with new synthesized agents presented satisfactory WRA and TSR, indicating that AC-DABS1 and AC-DABS2 can be utilized as effective alkaline crosslinking agents. In addition, the different performance of the FAP-treated fabric and fabric treated with the new synthesized agents was illustrated by the HPLC method.
Estimating Income Statistics from Grouped Data: Mean-constrained Integration over Brackets
Authors: Jargowsky Paul A. , Wheeler Christopher A.
Published: July 2018

Researchers studying income inequality, economic segregation, and other subjects must often rely on grouped data—that is, data in which thousands or millions of observations have been reduced to counts of units by specified income brackets. The distribution of households within the brackets is unknown, and highest incomes are often included in an open-ended top bracket, such as “$200,000 and above.” Common approaches to this estimation problem include calculating midpoint estimators with an assumed Pareto distribution in the top bracket and fitting a flexible multiple-parameter distribution to the data. The authors describe a new method, mean-constrained integration over brackets (MCIB), that is far more accurate than those methods using only the bracket counts and the overall mean of the data. On the basis of an analysis of 297 metropolitan areas, MCIB produces estimates of the standard deviation, Gini coefficient, and Theil index that are correlated at 0.997, 0.998, and 0.991, respectively, with the parameters calculated from the underlying individual record data. Similar levels of accuracy are obtained for percentiles of the distribution and the shares of income by quintiles of the distribution. The technique can easily be extended to other distributional parameters and inequality statistics.
How do different sources of partisanship influence government accountability in Europe?
Authors: Whiteley Paul , Kölln Ann-Kristin
Published: July 2018

The possibility of holding representatives to account through regular elections is one of the cornerstones of representative democracy. The precise role of partisanship in doing this has not been extensively examined. Using survey data from Europe (2002–2012), we show that partisanship can weaken or strengthen accountability, depending on its sources. If it is an affective-psychological attitude, as the Michigan school suggests, then it weakens accountability because it acts as a perceptual screen. If, however, it is a calculation of party performance which is constantly updated by citizens, then it strengthens accountability. The findings suggest that partisanship in Europe has been quite responsive to performance over the ten-year period. Instead of acting as a screen that inhibits accountability, partisanship appears rooted in calculations of party performance and so enhances accountability. However, the effects are asymmetric with left-leaning partisans more sensitive to the performance of their governments than right-leaning partisans.
The relationship between CEO personal power, CEO competencies, and company performance
Authors: Amedu Samson , Dulewicz Victor
Published: July 2018

This article examines the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) power (formal and informal) on company performance and investigates the relationship between the CEO’s power and the company’s financial performance: share price performance, return on assets (ROA), and Tobin’s Q. The research employed both primary and secondary data. A questionnaire collected data from 391 professionals (respondents) in the market and comprised two scales, one adapted from existing research on personal competencies of directors and the second on CEO personal power dimension and demographics. Seven hypotheses were tested. Seven were supported for share price performance, four for ROA and three for Tobin’s Q. The CEO’s is a key role in general management, probably the most important. This is the only study found in the extant literature, which investigates the links between CEO power, competencies, and company performance. It identifies some of the most important characteristics of the effective CEO.
Implementing HPWS among the indigenous companies in China
Authors: Min Min , Zhu Ying , Bambacas Mary
Published: July 2018

Given the increasing influence of high-performance work systems (HPWS) in China under economic reform, so far most research has been focusing on MNCs in China, but not many studies have been undertaken on indigenous companies. In addition, most publications have investigated the relevant issues from a managerial perspective only. Therefore, we have designed this research by investigating the relevant issues among the indigenous companies in China from both managerial and employee perspectives. Based on semi-structured interviews with both managers and employees, we found (1) HPWS practices have been adopted by indigenous companies in China but at different levels with mixed HPWS and indigenous HRM practices, (2) managers and employees have different perceptions of the key elements of HPWS being adopted and (3) employees’ perceptions of HPWS policies and practices influence their attitude and behaviour. The outcomes suggest that positive employee–manager relationships enhance employee attitudes, and trust from management creates feelings of recognition, accomplishment and belonging. This research contributes to HRM research by filling the gaps in studies of the adoption by indigenous companies of mixed HRM practices incorporating indigenous HRM and foreign influences, such as HPWS, as well as highlighting the effect on employees.
What Is in a Name? A Historical Review of Intelligence Test Score Labels
Authors: Woods Isaac L. , Floyd Randy G. , Singh Leah J. , Layton Haley K. , Norfolk Philip A. , Farmer Ryan L.
Published: July 2018

Labels for scores stemming from intelligence tests have been employed since their inception in the United States. The purpose of this study was to systematically identify and document score labels for IQs used during the past 102 years. Using pairs of reviewers, score labels from 40 tests were reviewed, and 61 unique labels were identified. Comparative analyses by score range and decade were completed. Results indicate a paradigm shift beginning in the 1980s that has slowly resulted in more common, but not universal, use of terminology that focuses on the statistical aspect of scores, rather than employing value-laden and potentially stigmatizing terms. A universal score label system would help to avoid confusion, miscommunication, and biased decision making.
Response of stone wool–insulated building barriers under severe heating exposures
Authors: Andres Blanca , Livkiss Karlis , Hidalgo Juan P , van Hees Patrick , Bisby Luke , Johansson Nils , Bhargava Abhishek
Published: July 2018

This article presents the experimental results of stone wool–layered sandwich constructions, with either steel or gypsum claddings, tested under four different heating exposures: 7 kW/m2 incident radiant heat flux exposure, 60 kW/m2 incident radiant heat flux exposure, parametric time–temperature curve exposure and ISO 834 standard time–temperature exposure. The test apparatus used were a movable radiant panel system, a mid-scale furnace (1.5 m3) and a large-scale furnace (15 m3). The results show that reduced-scale tests are capable of reproducing the heat transferred through the construction at large scale provided there is limited mechanical degradation. The results indicate that the availability of oxygen is fundamental to the fire behaviour of the sandwich composites tested. Reactions occurring in stone wool micro-scale testing, such as oxidative combustion of the binder or crystallisation of the fibres, have a limited effect on the temperature increase when wool is protected from air entrainment.
Spectral Tuning of White Light Allows for Strong Reduction in Melatonin Suppression without Changing Illumination Level or Color Temperature
Authors: Souman Jan L. , Borra Tobias , de Goijer Iris , Schlangen Luc J. M. , Vlaskamp Björn N. S. , Lucassen Marcel P.
Published: July 2018

Studies with monochromatic light stimuli have shown that the action spectrum for melatonin suppression exhibits its highest sensitivity at short wavelengths, around 460 to 480 nm. Other studies have demonstrated that filtering out the short wavelengths from white light reduces melatonin suppression. However, this filtering of short wavelengths was generally confounded with reduced light intensity and/or changes in color temperature. Moreover, it changed the appearance from white light to yellow/orange, rendering it unusable for many practical applications. Here, we show that selectively tuning a polychromatic white light spectrum, compensating for the reduction in spectral power between 450 and 500 nm by enhancing power at even shorter wavelengths, can produce greatly different effects on melatonin production, without changes in illuminance or color temperature. On different evenings, 15 participants were exposed to 3 h of white light with either low or high power between 450 and 500 nm, and the effects on salivary melatonin levels and alertness were compared with those during a dim light baseline. Exposure to the spectrum with low power between 450 and 500 nm, but high power at even shorter wavelengths, did not suppress melatonin compared with dim light, despite a large difference in illuminance (175 vs. <5 lux). In contrast, exposure to the spectrum with high power between 450 and 500 nm (also 175 lux) resulted in almost 50% melatonin suppression. For alertness, no significant differences between the 3 conditions were observed. These results open up new opportunities for lighting applications that allow for the use of electrical lighting without disturbance of melatonin production.
Professionals’ Perceptions of Female Child Sexual Offenders
Authors: Christensen Larissa S.
Published: July 2018

The aims of the current study were to (a) obtain an in-depth understanding about professionals’ perceptions of female child sexual offenders and (b) identify where system efforts should be focused to better address and acknowledge female child sexual offenders. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted one-on-one with a diverse group of professionals (police officers, social workers, counselors, case managers, child and family support workers, and a legal professional; N = 21) involved in the community response and justice sector, which allowed for unique views across diverse vantage points. Four core themes were identified through thematic analysis: (a) female child sexual offenders are a heterogeneous group, (b) negative impact of female-perpetrated sexual abuse, (c) gender of perpetrator is predominantly insignificant in case dealings, and (d) the need for a more open discourse on female child sexual offenders. Professionals in the current study acknowledged that female child sexual offenders can inflict serious and persistent negative impacts on victims and that the gender of the offender is insignificant in their individual professional dealings of child sexual abuse cases. While these findings appear to be a positive step forward, away from earlier perceptions identified in the literature, it was evident that the gender of the perpetrator may still play a significant role in some dealings across professions and among colleagues. Two areas identified by professionals as requiring system efforts were (a) professional development along with the dissemination of appropriate research to better inform professionals and (b) the need for a more open discussion in society concerning female-perpetrated sexual abuse. The findings of the current study may assist with appropriate recognition, protection, and intervention for victims of female-perpetrated sexual abuse.
Impacts of Low Self-Control and Delinquent Peer Associations on Bullying Growth Trajectories Among Korean Youth: A Latent Growth Mixture Modeling Approach
Authors: Cho Sujung , Lee Jin Ree
Published: July 2018

The emergence of studies applying Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) self-control theory to offending behaviors has produced empirical support confirming the position that individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in deviant behaviors. However, few have examined its effects with opportunity factors. The present study examines the time-invariant effect of low self-control, as well as the time-concurrent and lagged effects of opportunity factors (parental attachment and delinquent peer associations), on bullying growth trajectories. The findings in the latent growth curve analysis demonstrate that low self-control is significantly related to both the initial levels and change in bullying over time, even after controlling for delinquent peer associations in homogeneous populations. The new approach described within the latent class growth modeling framework (i.e., growth mixture) incorporates a categorical latent trajectory variable representing latent classes (i.e., distinct subgroups), having similar patterns of bullying growth trajectories. Three groups of students emerged from the student-reported data at five time points from ages 11 to 15, decreasers (90%), moderate late peakers (7%), and high late peakers(3%), defined by different predictors and sequelae. Low self-control was rendered insignificant for both moderate late peakers and high late peakers relative to decreasers; delinquent peer associations had a time-concurrent effect for moderate late peakers than decreasers; and high late peakers had a time-lagged effect relative to moderate late peakers.
India’s Trade Potential and Prospects with Sri Lanka: 1991 to 2015
Authors: Garg Sadhna
Published: July 2018

Under the wave of regionalism, India like other developing countries started to integrate at regional level. At the initial stage, it wanted to establish strong trade relations with its neighbouring countries. It (India) signed its first free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka in 1998, which became operational from 2000. Thereafter, bilateral trade continued to increase with increasing rate. It is in this context, the present study attempts to explore India’s trade potential and prospects with Sri Lanka, utilised revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and trade intensity Index (TII). The results of RCA show that India has strong and sustainable trade specialisation (RCA > 1) in the export of edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers, coffee, tea mate and spices, cotton etc to Sri Lanka. This comparative advantage helps not only to diversify product baskets, but also lead to increased volume of trade. India has no comparative advantage in the import of any product from Sri Lanka. India has intensity of trade with Sri Lanka since 1991. India has sustainable trade potential and prospects with Sri Lanka and been a net exporter to it. Efforts should be made to utilise this potential.
Labour and Labour Welfare in Special Economic Zones in India with Special Reference to Gujarat
Authors: Parwez Sazzad
Published: July 2018

This article discusses welfare measures in the formal sector being constrained by labour legislation which is, at best, empirically fragile. This very fragility requires us to view labour laws and possible reforms using conceptual frames that are not preoccupied with de jure legislation but rather focus on the actual implementation of the law considering judicial and executive practice. Various factors taken together complemented by empirical work in Gujarat reflect that while labour laws are supposed to be operational in a special economic zones (SEZ), they are almost absent in practice. This study is based on both theoretical and empirical methods. This study suggests systematic non-implementation of labour welfare measures that have a negative implication on workers in each and every way possible. This has led the workers in SEZs to earn their living in an atmosphere of threat, fear and uncertainty.
Financial Inclusion in South Asia—Relative Standing, Challenges and Initiatives
Authors: Mani Mukta
Published: July 2018

Financial Inclusion is eminent for sustained growth in South Asia. This study is an attempt to measure and comparatively analyze the levels of financial inclusion in South Asian countries. On the basis of eighty-nine parameters, it is found that the situation of financial inclusion in South Asia is modest as compared to other regions of the world. The usage of banking services, use of debit and credit cards, bank-borrowing, deposit of savings is at low levels. The use of e-banking is also extremely low; however, the mobile-banking is picking up. The gender bias is high in most of the countries as there are more male users as compared to female users. Many initiatives are being taken to promote financial inclusion and the situation has also improved data-wise, but there is still is a long way to go. This study is distinguished in providing a comparative picture of South Asian countries.
Correlates of Maternal Mortality
Authors: Radkar Anjali
Published: July 2018

Maternal death is an indicator of quality and efficiency of reproductive health services and is regarded as a composite measure of the country’s progress. Reduction in maternal mortality is one of the eight globally accepted Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To achieve the goal of 109, by 2015, the developing world needs to take challenge where the burden of maternal mortality is 99 per cent. This study attempts to understand the strength of relationship of the correlates of maternal mortality with actual maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to come out with policy implications to lessen maternal deaths. Based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3 data on maternal health indicators and sample registration systems (SRS) estimates of maternal mortality, the relationships are explored. Maternal deaths would significantly reduce when fertility declines, that is, when contraception increases, when status of women enhances, they are sufficiently fed to have normal body mass index (BMI) and have awareness of reproductive health issues. The most prominent correlate is utilization of reproductive health care services. When all antenatal, natal and postnatal services are utilized to a large extent, maternal deaths would diminish significantly. Effective implementation of services is a key to trim down maternal mortality.