bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiapolipoprotein A‐1 Autoantibody Positivity Is Associated with Threatened Abortion
Authors: Vecchié Alessandra , Bonaventura Aldo , Carbone Federico , Maggi Davide , Ferraiolo Antonella , Carloni Beatrice , Andraghetti Gabriella , Affinito Bonabello Laura , Liberale Luca , Fetaud Vanessa , Pagano Sabrina , Dallegri Franco , Cordera Renzo , Montecucco Fabrizio , Vuilleumier Nicolas
Published: March 2020

Background. Autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A‐1 (anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG) were demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular outcomes in several inflammatory diseases. As balanced inflammation is critical for uncomplicated pregnancy, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG and anti‐c‐terminal ApoA‐1 autoantibodies (Ac‐terAA1 IgG) in a cohort of pregnant women and their potential relationship with threatened abortion (TA). Methods. Between 2012 and 2014, 371 consecutive outpatient pregnant women were included in this study and followed until delivery. Anti‐ApoA‐1 and anti‐Ac‐terAA1 IgG were measured by ELISA technique on serum samples collected between the 24th and 26th week of pregnancy. Associations with TA were tested using linear regression analysis and C‐statistics. Results. Median age was 34 with a prevalence of the Caucasian ethnicity (90.5%). TA occurred in 10 women (2.7%). C‐statistics indicated that anti‐ApoA‐1 and anti‐Ac‐terAA1 IgG levels upon study inclusion were predictive of TA (0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69‐0.78, p < 0.001 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.71‐0.80, p = 0.01, respectively). At the prespecified anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG cutoff, the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. For anti‐Ac‐terAA1 IgG, at the optimal cutoff, the NPV was 99%. Linear regression models indicated that risk associations were independent of age and the presence of autoimmune diseases for both autoantibodies (p < 0.001). Anti‐Ac‐terAA1 IgG‐positive individuals were more frequently non‐Caucasians (p = 0.009). Conclusion. Anti‐ApoA‐1 and anti‐Ac‐terAA1 IgG are independently associated with TA during pregnancy with an appealing NPV. The causal biological mechanisms underlying this association as well as the possible clinical relevance of these findings require further investigations.
The Association between Aortic Valve Weight, Echocardiographic Indices, and All-Cause Death in 1,046 Patients Undergoing Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Weber Jonathan , Pollack Simcha , Petillo Florentina , Anagnostopoulos Ana , Cao J. Jane , Barasch Eddy
Published: March 2020

Background: Aortic valve weight (AVW), a flow independent measure of aortic stenosis (AS) severity, is reported to have heterogeneous associations with the echocardiographic variables used for AS evaluation. Controversy exists regarding its impact on survival after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Objective: We sought to determine the association between AVW with echocardiographic measures of AS severity and all-cause mortality after surgical AVR. Methods: One thousand and forty-sixconsecutive patients underwent surgical AVR for AS, the excised valves were weighed, and an echocardiogram was done before surgery. Results: Males had heavier valves than females, for both absolute and body surface are (BSA)-indexed values (2.78 ± 1.23 vs. 2.08 ± 0.68 g, p < 0.001; and 1.38 ± 0.61 vs. 1.19 ± 0.41 g/m2, p < 0.001, respectively). In a restricted cohort of 634 patients with isolated severe AS and normal ejection fraction, the correlations of AVW with echocardiographic variables of AS were modest, the strongest being with the dimensionless index (r = –0.27 and –0.26 for male and female, both p < 0.01). Stratified by stroke volume index and mean gradient (MG), no associations were found in the low-gradient groups (i.e., MG <40 mmHg). At a median follow-up of 3.5 years, there were only 244 deaths in the entire cohort. Mortality was not related to AVW, except in females who displayed an inverse relationship (HR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.47–0.95) only when it was analyzed as a continuous variable. Conclusions: The weak correlation between AVW with the echocardiographic indices of AS may reflect its complex pathophysiology, heterogeneous hemodynamics, and possible pitfalls in the current echocardiographic methods used in clinical practice. The prognostic value of AVW after AVR warrants further evaluation.
A Study of Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Self-Referring Emergency Department Headache Patients: A Comparison with Headache Center Outpatients
Authors: Viganò Alessandro , Savastano Ersilia , Petolicchio Barbara , Toscano Massimiliano , De Sanctis Rita , Maestrini Ilaria , Di Piero Vittorio
Published: March 2020

Background: Nonlife-threatening headaches account for 3% of emergency department (ED) admissions, with social and economic negative consequences. We aim to investigate clinical features and risk factors of nonlife-threatening headache patients referring to ED versus those referring to headache outpatient clinics. Methods: During 6 months, we promptly reevaluated in our headache unit (HU) patients discharged from ED. We compared the clinical characteristics of patients who referred to ED with those of HU outpatients visited in the same time interval. Discriminant Function Analysis and Correspondence Analysis were used to determine risk factors for ED referral. Results: We recruited 49 post-ED patients and 126 outpatients. The main reasons for ED admission were poor response to acute treatment and aura-related symptoms. Headache diagnoses made in ED were generally not confirmed later (overall concordance of 47%), except for cluster headache (CH) and migraine with aura (MA). ED patients complained higher headache intensity, longer duration, and prolonged aura compared to outpatients. Aura was the main risk factor associated with ED admission on statistical models, while less prominent risk factors were sex, age, and years from migraine onset. Conclusions: ED patients presented a more severe headache clinical phenotype compared with outpatients. Headache diagnosis remains difficult in the emergency setting and is more easily achieved for the headache forms with standout features, such as MA or CH. According to statistical models, the aura is the most important risk factor for ED admissions.
Genetic, Cellular, and Molecular Heterogeneity in Adrenals With Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma
Authors: De Sousa Kelly , Boulkroun Sheerazed , Baron Stéphanie , Nanba Kazutaka , Wack Maxime , Rainey William E. , Rocha Angélique , Giscos-Douriez Isabelle , Meatchi Tchao , Amar Laurence , Travers Simon , Fernandes-Rosa Fabio L. , Zennaro Maria-Christina
Published: March 2020

Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) cause primary aldosteronism—the most frequent form of secondary hypertension. Somatic mutations in genes coding for ion channels and ATPases are found in APA and in aldosterone-producing cell clusters. We investigated the genetic, cellular, and molecular heterogeneity of different aldosterone-producing structures in adrenals with APA, to get insight into the mechanisms driving their development and to investigate their clinical and biochemical correlates. Genetic analysis of APA, aldosterone-producing cell clusters, and secondary nodules was performed in adrenal tissues from 49 patients by next-generation sequencing following CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients, steroid profiles, and histological features of the tumor and adjacent adrenal cortex. Somatic mutations were identified in 93.75% of APAs. Adenoma carrying
KCNJ5
mutations had more clear cells and cells expressing CYP11B1, and fewer cells expressing CYP11B2 or activated β-catenin, compared with other mutational groups. 18-hydroxycortisol and 18-oxocortisol were higher in patients carrying
KCNJ5
mutations and correlated with histological features of adenoma; however, mutational status could not be predicted using steroid profiling. Heterogeneous CYP11B2 expression in
KCNJ5
-mutated adenoma was not associated with genetic heterogeneity. Different mutations were identified in secondary nodules expressing aldosterone synthase and in independent aldosterone-producing cell clusters from adrenals with adenoma; known
KCNJ5
mutations were identified in 5 aldosterone-producing cell clusters. Genetic heterogeneity in different aldosterone-producing structures in the same adrenal suggests complex mechanisms underlying APA development.
Trends in Antihypertensive Medication Monotherapy and Combination Use Among US Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2016
Authors: Derington Catherine G. , King Jordan B. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Shimbo Daichi , Kronish Ian M. , Saseen Joseph J. , Muntner Paul , Moran Andrew E. , Bress Adam P.
Published: March 2020

Blood pressure (BP) control rates among US adults taking antihypertensive medication have not increased over the past decade. Many adults require 2 or more classes of antihypertensive medication to achieve guideline-recommended BP goals, but the proportion of US adults taking antihypertensive medication monotherapy, versus combination therapy, has not been quantified using contemporary data. We analyzed data from 2005 to 2008, 2009 to 2012, and 2013 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to determine trends in monotherapy and combinations of antihypertensive medication classes among US adults age ≥20 years with hypertension taking antihypertensive medication (n=7837). The proportion of US adults taking antihypertensive medication with uncontrolled BP (ie, systolic BP ≥140 or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg) was 32.3%, 30.2%, and 31.0% in 2005 to 2008, 2009 to 2012, and 2013 to 2016, respectively (
P
trend
=0.37). Between 2005 to 2008 and 2013 to 2016, there was no evidence of changes in the proportions of US adults taking antihypertensive monotherapy (39.5%–40.4%,
P
trend
=0.67), dual-therapy (37.9%–38.3%,
P
trend
=0.75), triple-therapy (17.6%–16.5%,
P
trend
=0.36), or quadruple-therapy (4.4%–4.3%,
P
trend
=0.93). Between 2005 to 2008 and 2013 to 2016, there was no evidence of changes in the proportions of US adults with uncontrolled BP taking antihypertensive monotherapy (39.3%–40.6%,
P
trend
=0.78). A high proportion of US adults with hypertension, including those with uncontrolled BP, are taking one antihypertensive medication class. Increasing the use of dual- and triple-therapy antihypertensive medication regimens may restore the upward trend in BP control rates among US adults.
Enlisting Employees in Improving Payroll Tax Compliance: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Kumler Todd , Verhoogen Eric , Frías Judith
Published: March 2020

Comparing two sources of wage data in Mexico—firms' reports to the social security agency and individuals' responses to a household survey—we document extensive underreporting of wages by formal firms, with compliance better in larger firms. We also present evidence that the 1997 Mexican pension reform, which tied pension benefits more closely to reported wages for younger workers, led to a relative decline in underreporting for younger age groups. The results suggest that giving employees incentives and information to improve the accuracy of employer reports can be an effective way to improve payroll tax compliance.
Making the Grade: The Sensitivity of Education Program Effectiveness to Input Choices and Outcome Measures
Authors: Kerwin Jason T. , Thornton Rebecca L.
Published: March 2020

This paper demonstrates the acute sensitivity of education program effectiveness to the choices of inputs and outcome measures, using a randomized evaluation of a mother-tongue literacy program. The program raises reading scores by 0.64 SD and writing scores by 0.45 SD. A reduced-cost version instead yields statistically insignificant reading gains and some large negative effects (−0.33 SDs) on advanced writing. We combine a conceptual model of education production with detailed classroom observations to examine the mechanisms driving the results; we show they could be driven by the program initially lowering productivity before raising it, and potentially by missing complementary inputs in the reduced-cost version.
Informational Shocks and Street-Food Safety: A Field Study in Urban India
Authors: Daniele Gianmarco , Mookerjee Sulagna , Tommasi Denni
Published: March 2020

We investigate whether improvements in street-food safety can be achieved by providing information to vendors in the form of a training. Among randomly assigned vendors in Kolkata, India, we find large improvements in knowledge and awareness but little change in observed behavior. We provide two main explanations for these findings. First, information acquisition by itself does not make it significantly easier for vendors to provide customers with safer food options. Second, although consumers have a positive willingness to pay for perceived hygiene, they struggle to distinguish between safe and contaminated food. We recommend policies targeting supply-side constraints and consumers' awareness.
The Effects of Changes in Local Bank Health on Household Consumption
Authors: Cooper Daniel , Peek Joe
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the relationship between credit availability and household consumption using a novel approach to separate credit demand and supply. We find that a deterioration in local-bank health reduces household consumption, with the strongest effects occurring for households that are more likely to need credit—especially those experiencing a negative income shock and having limited liquid assets. The main contributions of the study are the use of an arguably exogenous measure of local-bank health and multifaceted indicators of constrained households. Our findings contribute to the discussion of the linkages between the financial sector and real economic activity.
Incentives and Careers in Academia: Theory and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Checchi Daniele , De Fraja Gianni , Verzillo Stefano
Published: March 2020

We study career concerns in italian academia. We mold our empirical analysis on the standard model of contests, formalized in the multiunit all-pay auction. The number of posts, the number of applicants, and the relative importance of the criteria for promotion determine academics' effort and output. In Italian universities, incentives operate only through promotion, and all appointment panels are drawn from strictly separated and relatively narrow scientific sectors. Thus, the parameters affecting payoffs can be measured quite precisely, and we take the model to a newly constructed data set that collects the journal publications of all Italian university professors. Our identification strategy is based on a reform introduced in 1999, parts of which affected different academics differently. We find that individual researchers respond to incentives in the manner described by the theoretical model: roughly, more capable researchers respond to increases in the importance of the publications for promotion and in the competitiveness of the scientific sector by exerting more effort; less able researchers are discouraged by competition and do the opposite.
Farmer Field Days and Demonstrator Selection for Increasing Technology Adoption
Authors: Emerick Kyle , Dar Manzoor H.
Published: March 2020

Inadequate learning is an oft-cited friction impeding the adoption of improved agricultural technology in the developing world. We provide experimental evidence that farmer field days, an approach used throughout the world where farmers meet, learn about new technology, and observe its performance, alleviate learning frictions and increase adoption of an improved seed by 40%. Further analysis demonstrates that these field days are both cost-effective and have a greater impact on poorer farmers. In contrast, we find no evidence that selecting the first adopters of new technology in participatory village meetings has any effect on future adoption.
Lowering Standards to Wed? Spouse Quality, Marriage, and Labor Market Responses to the Gender Wage Gap
Authors: Shenhav Na'ama
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the effect of the female-to-male wage ratio, “relative wage,” on women's spouse quality, marriage, and labor supply over three decades. Exploiting task-based demand shifts as a shock to relative pay, I find that a higher relative wage (a) increases the quality of women's mates, as measured by higher spousal education; (b) reduces marriage without substitution to cohabitation; and (c) raises women's hours of work. These effects are consistent with a model in which a higher relative wage increases the minimum nonpecuniary benefits (“quality”) women require from a spouse and therefore reduce marriage among low-quality husbands.
The Exploitation of Oceanic Methane Hydrate: Legal Issues and Implications for China
Authors: Chang Yen-Chiang
Published: March 2020

With the growth of global energy demand, States are actively considering the exploration for new energy. Methane hydrate is one of the world’s new energy sources with high energy density and abundant reserves, which have great strategic significance. This article focuses on three aspects, namely, project preparation, risk prevention and accident management, and addresses the risk issues arising from the exploration of methane hydrate. It is important to apply the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other treaties, as well as customary international law, while examining the rules applicable to the exploration of methane hydrate. State practice such as those of the United States, Russia, Japan, the European Union and China, are also discussed. The article puts forward some suggestions on the development of China’s methane hydrate resources. The core objective is to achieve a balanced approach to the development of environmental protection and energy development.
The Legislative and Institutional Framework for War-affected Land Rights in Iraq: Up to the Task Post-ISIS?
Authors: Unruh Jon D.
Published: March 2020

Land and property rights in Iraq are an important component of recovery, particularly subsequent to the ISIS conflict. The return of 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the ISIS conflict are encountering claimants who were dislocated from previous wars and expropriations. This results in numerous land conflicts that if not dealt with will contribute to the country’s instability. Of primary importance in this regard is an ongoing discussion in government and the international community which focuses on a central question—are the current laws and institutions in Iraq, made for stable socio-political settings, able to manage the large-scale land and property problems emerging and ongoing in the country? This article considers this question by examining and critiquing the current legislative and institutional framework in Iraq in the context of the historical-to-present trajectories of land rights problems and development of land and property laws and institutions.
Application of CISG in Kuwait
Authors: al-Mukhaizeem Bashayer
Published: March 2020

This article examines the impact of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) (signed 11 April 1980, entered into force 1 January 1988) on Kuwait as a non-Contracting State. By examining the potential application of CISG to countries around the world, it becomes clear that the applicability of this Convention is inevitable. This article identifies and examines the cases where CISG can be applied, according to its rules, and the process by which CISG, as a foreign law, would be applied in Kuwait. As this article shows, this can be achieved through the autonomy of the parties, Kuwaiti conflict-of-laws rules, or through customary law. This article also examines the cases where CISG cannot be applied in Kuwait and the implications of Kuwaiti’s ratification of CISG.
Origin, diversity, and conservation of karst-associated Bent-toed Geckos (Genus Cyrtodactylus) in Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: Lee Grismer L. , Perry L. Wood , Quah Evan S.H. , Thura Myint Kyaw
Published: March 2020

Fifty-eight percent of the 43 known species of the Bent-toed Geckos (Cyrtodactylus) from Myanmar are found only in karstic habitats in the Shan Plateau and Salween and Ayeyarwady basins. A stochastic character mapping analysis indicated that the occupation of karstic habitats evolved at least four times independently in Burmese lineages with both Sundaic and Indian origins. Karstic habitats not only serve as foci for speciation but are refugia for species extirpated from the surrounding forested habitats due to agricultural development. Despite the high levels of biodiversity and site-specific endemism in karstic habitats in Myanmar, they are some of the least protected ecosystems. The immense financial returns from unsustainable resource extraction (cement manufacturing) makes the challenge of legal karst conservation extremely difficult. Sadly, their continued exploitation for limestone shows no signs of abating. Until karst habitats in Myanmar are thoroughly investigated, a significant portion of this country’s herpetological diversity will remain underestimated and unprotected.
Industrial Design and Artistic Expression
Authors: Pasa Barbara
Published: March 2020

The complex nature of industrial design, which combines functional and aesthetic elements, allows for different modes of protection, with cumulative, separate or partially overlapping regimes applicable according to different legal systems. The legal framework is rapidly changing, especially in Europe where the principle of cumulation of a special sui generis regime for protecting industrial design with copyright rules has been established. Over the last decade, the national courts of some Member States construed the “cumulative regime” with a peculiar meaning, while other courts enforced design rights in line with the interpretation given by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The copyright/design interface is presented here to a wider, non-specialist audience, taking as a starting point the notion of industrial design derived from design studies, on the borderline between art and science. Other challenges which will need to be confronted urgently over the coming years are also raised.
Effects of Cardiovascular Health Factors and Personal Listening Behaviors on Hearing Sensitivity in College-Aged students
Authors: Alessio Helaine , Marron Kathleen Hutchinson , Cramer Ian M. , Hughes Michael , Betz Kendrah , Stephenson Sarah , Wagner Sarah , Loughridge Theresa , Sproat Brittany , Bunger Allison L.
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

This study examined the association between pure tone hearing sensitivity and music listening behaviors among traditional college-aged students and sought to determine factors that mediate hearing sensitivity, including health and fitness levels, gender, and personal listening device (PLD) use.

Methods:

A convenience sample of college students (N = 182; 133 females, 49 males, mean age = 19.8 ± 1.4 year, average PLD use = 1.52 ± 7.1 hours•day−1) completed hearing assessments, music listening behavior questionnaires, and health and fitness tests.

Results:

Most students listened to music at safe intensity levels (<80 dBA), though 18% had higher hearing levels (≥25 dB HL at one of the measured frequencies). Longer listening duration behavior approached but did not reach a statistical association with compromised hearing sensitivity. Of all variables measured, including cardiovascular health, fitness, and music listening, two variables: total cholesterol: triglycerides (TC:TG) and total cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (TC:HDL) significantly associated with hearing sensitivity at 2 kHz. The odds hearing loss occurring at 4 kHz was 59% lower in females compared with males.

Conclusion:

The majority of college students had healthy music listening behavior and fitness, contributing to normal hearing sensitivity in most. In cases where greater hearing threshold levels at one or more frequencies was detected, TC:HDL and TC:TG were statistically related and at 2 kHz, males were more likely to demonstrate higher listening levels compared with females of similar health and fitness level.
Childhood maltreatment and its mental health consequences among Indian adolescents with a history of child work
Authors: Pandey Rakesh , Gupta Shulka , Upadhyay Aakanksha , Gupta Rajendra Prasad , Shukla Meenakshi , Mishra Ramesh Chandra , Arya Yogesh Kumar , Singh Tushar , Niraula Shanta , Lau Jennifer Yun Fai , Kumari Veena
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Although the prevalence and mental health consequences of childhood maltreatment among adolescents have been studied widely, there are few data addressing these issues in Asian lower middle–income countries. Here, we assessed the prevalence and types of childhood maltreatment and, for the first time, examined their association with current mental health problems in Indian adolescents with a history of child work.

Methods:

One hundred and thirty-two adolescents (12–18 years; 114 males, 18 females) with a history of child work were interviewed using the Child Maltreatment, Conventional Crime, and Witnessing and Indirect Victimisation modules of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Potential psychiatric diagnoses and current emotional and behavioural problems were assessed using the culturally adapted Hindi versions of the Youth’s Inventory–4R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively.

Results:

A large proportion of the sample reported childhood abuse or neglect (83.36%), direct or indirect victimisation (100%) and experienced symptoms of one or more psychiatric disorders (83.33%). Of the most common maltreatment types, physical abuse was present for 72.73% (extra-familial 56.25%, intra-familial 42.71%), emotional abuse for 47.7% (extra-familial 74.6%, intra-familial 12.9%), general neglect for 17.4% and unsafe home for 45.5% of the adolescents. All these maltreatment types were associated with poor mental health, with emotional abuse showing the strongest and wide-ranging impact.

Conclusions:

Indian adolescents with a history of child work are at an extremely high risk of extra-familial physical and emotional abuse as well as victimisation. They also experience a range of psychiatric symptoms, especially if they suffered emotional abuse. There is an urgent need for routine mental health screening and to consider emotional abuse in all current and future top-down and bottom-up approaches to address childhood maltreatment, as well as in potential interventions to ameliorate its adverse effects on mental health and well-being, of child and adolescent workers.
Non–FDA-Reviewed Imported European Formula Use Among Parents in Urban Pediatric Private Practice
Authors: Du Nan , DiMaggio Dina M. , Williams Jamila K. , Leus Ine , Shabanova Veronika , Song Xuemei , Porto Anthony F.
Published: March 2020

In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned consumers over the increasing use of imported infant formulas. The purpose of this study was to assess the usage of imported European infant formula among parents in a large urban private practice. An anonymous survey was distributed at well-child appointments to a convenience sample of parents at an urban private pediatric practice from November 2017 to March 2018. Of the 750 eligible respondents, 552 (74%) completed the survey. Of the parents using formula, 20% were using imported European infant formulas. The most commonly used formula was Holle (33%), and 72% were acquired from web-based third-party vendors. Parents chose to use these formulas because they believed that European formulas contained better ingredients. Only 8% of parents received information about European infant formula from their pediatricians. Pediatricians need to be aware of these formulas and their risks to educate families on the use and safety of these formulas.
Pulmonary Manifestations in Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Barfield Elaine , Deshmukh Farah , Slighton Elisabeth , Lentine Jennifer , Lu Yao , Ma Xiaoyue , Christos Paul J. , Sockolow Robbyn E. , Loughlin Gerald , Pillai Sophia
Published: March 2020

Objectives. The available literature on pulmonary disease in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease is limited. We evaluated the prevalence of pulmonary manifestations in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and their association with disease severity. Methods. Patients completed the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), a self-reported measure of quality of life in patients with pulmonary disease. Chart review provided demographic information and Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores. Regression models were utilized to evaluate associations between SGRQ score and clinical risk factors. Results. The prevalence of pulmonary manifestations was 9.62% (95% confidence interval = 5.48% to -15.36%). PCDAI scores in Crohn’s disease patients with pulmonary symptoms were significantly higher (SGRQ mean = 10.71 ± 10.94) than in patients without such symptoms. SGRQ score was also higher in patients with indeterminate colitis (8.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.72-16.57, P = .03), when compared with Crohn’s disease. Conclusions. Additional investigations including pulmonary function tests and imaging could provide further insight into this issue.
The Association Between Care Coordination and Preventive Care Among Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Ramirez Glenda M. , Kum Pamela , Kelly Julia J.
Published: March 2020

Care coordination (CC) has shown positive outcomes among children with special health care needs (CSHCN); however, the association between CC and well-child care (WCC) visits is unknown. We hypothesize that CSHCN who receive CC are more likely to attend the recommended WCC visits. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of patients aged 15 months attending the Arizona Children’s Center clinic. Logistic regression models explored the association between children receiving CC and attending the recommended minimum WCC visits before 15 months of age. CC was associated with higher odds of proper WCC attendance (any CC service, adjusted odds ratio = 2.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.75-2.62; high level of CC, adjusted odds ratio = 2.61, 95% confidence interval = 1.73-3.94). Pediatric CC is associated with greater up-to-date status of the WCC schedule among CSHCN 15 months of age, and higher odds among children who receive higher levels of CC. Further research is needed to validate findings.
University stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact and benefits of, and barriers to, human resource information systems in Spanish universities
Authors: Ramírez Yolanda , Tejada Ángel
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to examine university stakeholders’ perception of the importance and benefits of, and barriers to, transmitting information on human resources collected in human resource information systems in universities; and (2) to understand stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of the effective implementation of human resource information systems on university efficiency. To this end, a questionnaire was developed and sent to all members of the social councils of Spanish public universities. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and linear regression analysis were used to answer the research questions. Our main findings revealed a strong emphasis on the need for universities to transmit information about their human resources from the implementation of human resource information systems. Specifically, university stakeholders perceive as very relevant the provision of information about the academic and professional qualifications of the teaching and research staff, the mobility of teachers and researchers, scientific productivity, and teaching capacities and competences. Likewise, findings suggest that increased transparency, quick responses and easy access to information were the main benefits of the implementation of human resource information systems, while the lack of commitment from top management and insufficient financial support were perceived as the greatest barriers to human resource information systems in selected universities. Finally, the results confirm that a well-implemented human resource information system has the potential to enhance human capital efficiency in universities. The findings provide some insights into the performance and applications of human resource information systems in Spanish universities that could help human resource management practitioners to get a better understanding of the current uses, benefits and problems of human resource information systems, which, in turn, will improve their effectiveness in Spanish universities.

Points for practitioners

A well-implemented human resources information system has the potential to improve the efficiency of human capital management. This study contributes to practical knowledge by helping professionals in charge of human resources management to better understand the benefits of and barriers to implementing human resource information systems in universities, enabling the better future management of human resources in them. Likewise, this article provides managers with a greater understanding of the effects of human resource information systems on efficiency and shows that they represent a key factor in improving university performance.
A Case Study of Federal Leadership Perspectives on Special Education
Authors: Kleinhammer-Tramill Jeannie , Karanxha Zorka , Broughton A. Joy
Published: March 2020

This article is part of an illustrative study of federal leadership in special education based on interviews with persons who served as Assistant Secretaries in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and Directors of the Office of Special Education Programs. The perspectives cover the time period since the inception of the HEW—Bureau of Education for the Handicapped in 1967 until 2012. A phenomenological approach to interpreting the data revealed that these leaders faced similar barriers in their efforts to implement their vision, that their family background experiences influenced the policies they pursued, that their accomplishments frame major evolutions of the field, and, that their work represents a lifelong commitment to improving education and services for students with disabilities and special needs. We believe what we learned has value not only in helping to understand the challenges and accomplishments that have passed but also in its potential for guiding the future of federal and other legislation protecting the rights of and improving and sustaining the services needed for individuals with disabilities.
Carbon Price Impacts on the Chinese Tourism Industry
Authors: Meng Samuel , Pham Tien , Dwyer Larry , Grant Bligh
Published: March 2020

This study simulates the short-run effects of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and two auxiliary policies on the Chinese tourism industry. The results show that the ETS alone will increases energy prices and have significant adverse impacts on China’s economy. The adverse impacts are relatively stronger on the energy sectors than they are on tourism. Two auxiliary policies—a tourism subsidy and a reduced goods and services tax (GST)—are examined as policy options to soften the negative impacts of the ETS. Results show that the tourism-subsidy policy is more effective than the GST reduction policy.
Teaching about Animals: Incorporating Nonhuman Animals into Sociology Classrooms
Authors: Grauerholz Liz , Weinzimmer Julianne , Kidder Erin N. , Owens Duffy Nicole
Published: March 2020

The topic of human–animal studies (HAS) remains largely ignored within the sociology classroom. While a few sociologists have encouraged teaching about animals, none has assessed whether incorporating nonhuman animals into the curriculum is effective. In this study, three instructors at two universities incorporated animal-related materials in their sociology courses in a variety of ways. Data analyzed from course exam responses and student papers as well as end-of-semester student surveys indicate that student learning and enjoyment were enhanced. We provide suggestions for instructors on how to incorporate such material in their courses. We argue that teaching about nonhuman animals can serve as a powerful gateway to introducing students to a wide variety of social issues and concepts, thereby adding another useful instrument to our pedagogical tool kit in sociology.
In Search of Greater Understanding: The Impact of Mastery Learning on Social Science Education
Authors: Cundiff Patrick R. , McLaughlin Olivia , Brown Katherine , Grace Keiondra
Published: March 2020

Mastery learning approaches were designed to improve student learning and elevate the level of understanding across a broader swath of students. These approaches operate under the belief that all students are capable of learning if given enough time. Little research has examined the utility or applicability of a mastery learning approach for social sciences outside of research methods courses. This study provides a review of the relevant literature on mastery learning, a discussion of the applicability of this approach to the teaching and learning of social sciences, and a review of the process and results of the conversion of more traditionally organized and taught courses to a mastery learning approach. Overall, our evaluation provides evidence that a mastery learning approach can make a significant impact on student learning.
Individual Differences in Attitude Consistency Over Time: The Personal Attitude Stability Scale
Authors: Xu Mengran , Briñol Pablo , Gretton Jeremy D. , Tormala Zakary L. , Rucker Derek D. , Petty Richard E.
Published: March 2020

This research finds evidence for reliable individual differences in people’s perceived attitude stability that predict the actual stability of their attitudes over time. Study 1 examines the reliability and factor structure of an 11-item Personal Attitude Stability Scale (PASS). Study 2 establishes test–retest reliability for the PASS over a 5-week period. Studies 3a and 3b demonstrate the convergent and discriminant validity of the PASS in relation to relevant existing individual differences. Studies 4 and 5 show that the PASS predicts attitude stability following a delay period across several distinct topics. Across multiple attitude objects, for people with high (vs. low) scores on the PASS, Time 1 attitudes were more predictive of their Time 2 attitudes, indicative of greater attitudinal consistency over time. The final study also demonstrates that the PASS predicts attitude stability above and beyond other related scales.
Update on extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal: a comprehensive review on principles, indications, efficiency, and complications
Authors: Staudinger Thomas
Published: March 2020

Technology:

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal means the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood across a gas exchange membrane without substantially improving oxygenation. Carbon dioxide removal is possible with substantially less extracorporeal blood flow than needed for oxygenation. Techniques for extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal include (1) pumpless arterio-venous circuits, (2) low-flow venovenous circuits based on the technology of continuous renal replacement therapy, and (3) venovenous circuits based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology.

Indications:

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal has been shown to enable more protective ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, even beyond the so-called “protective” level. Although experimental data suggest a benefit on ventilator induced lung injury, no hard clinical evidence with respect to improved outcome exists. In addition, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal is a tool to avoid intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease failing non-invasive ventilation. This concept has been shown to be effective in 56-90% of patients. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal has also been used in ventilated patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure to correct acidosis, unload respiratory muscle burden, and facilitate weaning. In patients suffering from terminal fibrosis awaiting lung transplantation, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal is able to correct acidosis and enable spontaneous breathing during bridging. Keeping these patients awake, ambulatory, and breathing spontaneously is associated with favorable outcome.

Complications:

Complications of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal are mostly associated with vascular access and deranged hemostasis leading to bleeding. Although the spectrum of complications may differ, no technology offers advantages with respect to rate and severity of complications. So called “high-extraction systems” working with higher blood flows and larger membranes may be more effective with respect to clinical goals.
Twelve Carnarvon Writing Boards and their Provenances
Authors: Lilyquist Christine
Published: March 2020

Research for the final report of a large Middle Kingdom tomb dug jointly by the fifth Earl of Carnarvon and The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides provenance information for 12 writing boards from Carnarvon tombs on the West Bank at Luxor. Through disparate records at the Griffith Institute Oxford, Egyptian Museum Cairo, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, the tablets can now be assigned to a small area below or adjacent to Hatshepsut’s valley temple. The results put the texts into a broader cultural context at the same time that the study illustrates the fragility of information from excavations that deserve to be accurately and widely known.
Validation of Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress and Perceived Safety for Children
Authors: Ferenchak Nicholas N. , Marshall Wesley E.
Published: March 2020

The level of traffic stress (LTS) methodology was developed to measure, track, and improve the suitability of bicycle networks. Thanks to the simplicity of its data needs and interpretation, LTS has been implemented by several states, regions, cities, non-profits, and researchers. However, relatively few validations of the methodology exist. There is a specific gap in relation to safety perceptions for children, an important group since it serves as the critical population for LTS 1. This study validates LTS using a survey of parents in Denver, Colorado, in which they are asked about perceived safety and biking allowance relative to roadway design characteristics. After the LTS score and biking allowance rates for 612 roadway scenarios are determined, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the suitability of LTS for children. Findings suggest that while LTS 1 and LTS 4 align well with stated preferences, parents told that their children would be able to tolerate some roadway conditions—when allowing for adult supervision—that are currently considered LTS 2 or even LTS 3. These scenarios are primarily on low-volume roadways that have bike lanes. By further refining LTS, it is hoped to ensure that all populations have access to safe and comfortable bicycle facilities.
Spatial Characteristics of Transit-Integrated Ridesourcing Trips and Their Competitiveness with Transit and Walking Alternatives
Authors: Terry Jacob , Bachmann Chris
Published: March 2020

Municipal transit agencies are exploring integrations with ridesourcing vehicles to extend the reach of their fixed-route transit networks. Ridesourcing integrations have been piloted in some regions, but these pilots tend not to be externally evaluated because of an inability to access the trip data. The primary objective of this research was to determine the types of trips passengers are taking through a transit-integrated ridesourcing pilot, and their competitiveness with transit and walking alternatives. The analysis focused on the 903 Flex pilot operated by the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. A set of 585 completed ridesourcing trips (rides) were studied and compared with the alternative transit and walking trips. Each ride was assigned a type, based on its proximity to transit and walking alternatives, for calculation and comparison of trip attributes. Terminology for types of rides is introduced and the categorization process applied to the ridesourcing pilot. Trip categories include: feeders, transit replacements, inconvenient trips, and remote trips. Results suggest that most trips in the study operated on an indirect feeder-like system (65%), which brought passengers between virtual ridesourcing stops and a transit stop, but not the transit stop closest to them. The alternative fixed-route transit trips mainly operated on 30-min headways, and alternative walking times were often long. The trips were found to mostly support or maintain transit usage, but the transit agency should be cautious of cases in which rides occur alongside transit (18%), instead of bringing people to it.
Two-Stream Multi-Channel Convolutional Neural Network for Multi-Lane Traffic Speed Prediction Considering Traffic Volume Impact
Authors: Ke Ruimin , Li Wan , Cui Zhiyong , Wang Yinhai
Published: March 2020

Traffic speed prediction is a critically important component of intelligent transportation systems. Recently, with the rapid development of deep learning and transportation data science, a growing body of new traffic speed prediction models have been designed that achieved high accuracy and large-scale prediction. However, existing studies have two major limitations. First, they predict aggregated traffic speed rather than lane-level traffic speed; second, most studies ignore the impact of other traffic flow parameters in speed prediction. To address these issues, the authors propose a two-stream multi-channel convolutional neural network (TM-CNN) model for multi-lane traffic speed prediction considering traffic volume impact. In this model, the authors first introduce a new data conversion method that converts raw traffic speed data and volume data into spatial–temporal multi-channel matrices. Then the authors carefully design a two-stream deep neural network to effectively learn the features and correlations between individual lanes, in the spatial–temporal dimensions, and between speed and volume. Accordingly, a new loss function that considers the volume impact in speed prediction is developed. A case study using 1-year data validates the TM-CNN model and demonstrates its superiority. This paper contributes to two research areas: (1) traffic speed prediction, and (2) multi-lane traffic flow study.
Predictive Group Maintenance Model for Networks of Bridges
Authors: Hadjidemetriou Georgios M. , Xie Xiang , Parlikad Ajith K.
Published: March 2020

Recent progress in the monitoring and prediction of the condition of infrastructure using sensing technologies has motivated researchers and infrastructure owners to explore the benefits of asset predictive maintenance, as an alternative to reactive maintenance. However, the application of predictive group maintenance for multi-system multi-component networks (MSMCN) has not received much attention in the literature or in practice. The paper presents an approach that prioritizes the maintenance of MSMCN of bridges, using a deterioration model of components with uncertainty, a lifecycle cost model, a predictive model for the optimal time for maintenance based on the latest inspection, a group maintenance model to reduce setup cost, and a scheduling model considering budget constraints. This model has been applied to a network of 15 bridges constituted by multiple heterogeneous components, and, compared with the Structures Investment Toolkit, it showed potential for a substantial decrease in maintenance costs, thus highlighting the practical significance of the presented approach.