bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma turbulence in the equatorial electrojet: A two-dimensional Hamiltonian fluid model
Authors: Hassan Ehab , Keramidas Charidakos I. , Morrison P. J. , Hatch D. R. , Horton W.
Published: June 2017

A nonlinear unified fluid model that describes the Equatorial Electrojet, including the Farley-Buneman and gradient-drift plasma instabilities, is defined and shown to be a noncanonical Hamiltonian system. Two geometric constants of motion for the model are obtained and shown to be Casimir invariants. A reformulation of the model shows the roles of the density-gradient scale-length (Ln) and the cross-field drift-velocity (υE) in controlling the dynamics of unstable modes in the growing, transition, and saturation phases of a simulation.
Dust kinetic Alfvén solitary and rogue waves in a dusty plasma with two temperature nonextensive ions
Authors: Saini N. S. , Kaur Barjinder , Singh Manpreet , Bains A. S.
Published: June 2017

A theoretical investigation is carried out to study small amplitude dust kinetic Alfvén solitary waves (DKASWs) and rogue waves in a low-β, electron depleted plasma consisting of negatively charged dust grains and two temperature ions which are modelled by q-nonextensive distribution. A nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries equation, which governs the evolution of DKASWs, has been derived using the reductive perturbation method. Combined effects of the nonextensivity of ions, plasma beta, temperature ratio of low and high temperature ions, concentration of ions as well as dust, and angle of propagation (θ) have been studied in detail on the propagation properties of DKASWs. Only negative potential Alfvénic solitary waves are observed in the present study. Further, the study is extended for dust kinetic Alfvén rogue wave (DKARW) solutions. The properties of DKARWs, influenced by plasma parameters in question, are discussed in detail. The findings of this study may be useful to understand the formation of nonlinear coherent structures in Saturn's F-ring.
Thermal excitation of broadband and long-range surface waves on SiO2 submicron films
Authors: Gluchko Sergei , Palpant Bruno , Volz Sebastian , Braive Rémy , Antoni Thomas
Published: June 2017

We detect thermally excited surfaces waves on a submicron SiO2 layer, including Zenneck and guided modes in addition to Surface Phonon Polaritons. The measurements show the existence of these hybrid thermal-electromagnetic waves from near- (2.7 μm) to far- (11.2 μm) infrared. Their propagation distances reach values on the order of the millimeter, several orders of magnitude larger than on semi-infinite systems. These two features, spectral broadness and long range propagation, make these waves good candidates for near-field applications both in optics and in thermics due to their dual nature.
From positive to negative magnetoresistance behavior at low applied magnetic fields for polyaniline:titania quantum dot nanocomposites
Authors: Mombrú Dominique , Romero Mariano , Faccio Ricardo , Mombrú Alvaro W.
Published: June 2017

Here, we report the tuning from the positive to negative magnetoresistance response at room temperature and low applied magnetic fields (H ∼ 200 mT) for polyaniline nancomposites prepared via in situ growth of titanium oxide quantum dots. In addition, we showed experimental Raman evidence revealing that the positive magnetoresistance response in these polyaniline nanocomposites is mediated by the bipolaron mechanism. Confocal Raman spectroscopy under applied magnetic field analysis showed the decrease of the polaron population to form bipolarons of polyaniline when exposed to an applied magnetic field for the TiO2 quantum dot diluted regime. Negative magnetoresistance, observed for the TiO2 quantum dot higher concentration regime, was attributed to the suppression of polyaniline polarons probably associated with its partial chemical functionalization at the interface due to the increasing concentration of TiO2 quantum dots.
β-NMR measurements of molecular-scale lithium-ion dynamics in poly(ethylene oxide)-lithium-salt thin films
Authors: McKenzie Iain , Cortie David L. , Harada Masashi , Kiefl Robert F. , Levy C. D. Philip , MacFarlane W. Andrew , McFadden Ryan M. L. , Morris Gerald D. , Ogata Shin-Ichi , Pearson Matthew R. , Sugiyama Jun
Published: June 2017

β -detected NMR (β-NMR) has been used to study the molecular-scale dynamics of lithium ions in thin films of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) containing either lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) or lithium trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) salts at monomer-to-salt ratios (EO/Li) of 8.3. The results are compared with previous β-NMR measurements on pure PEO and PEO with lithium triflate (LiOTf) at the same loading [McKenzie et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 136, 7833 (2014)]. Activated hopping of 8Li+ was observed in all of the films above ∼250 K, with the hopping parameters strongly correlated with the ionicity of the lithium salt rather than the polymer glass transition temperature. The pre-exponential factor increases exponentially with ionicity, while the activation energy for hopping increases approximately linearly, going from 6.3±0.2 kJ mol−1 in PEO:LiTFA to 17.8±0.2 kJ mol−1 in PEO:LiTFSI. The more rapid increase in the pre-exponential factor outweighs the effect of the larger activation energy and results in 8Li+ hopping being fastest in PEO followed by PEO:LiTFSI, PEO:LiOTf, and PEO:LiTFA.
Polyamorphism of D-mannitol
Authors: Zhu Men , Yu Lian
Published: June 2017

Polymorphism is common in the crystalline state but rare and even controversial in the liquid or glassy state. Among molecular substances, only two are major contenders for materials that exhibit the phenomenon, including the famous case of water with its low- and high-density amorphous (LDA and HDA) ices . We report that the same phenomenon exists in another extensively hydrogen-bonded system, D-mannitol. Under the ambient pressure, D-mannitol’s supercooled liquid spontaneously transforms to another amorphous phase of lower energy, larger volume (2.1%), and stronger hydrogen bonds. This transition is similar to water’s HDA to LDA transition and shows the same anomaly of heat release coupled with volume expansion. In both systems, polyamorphism appears to arise from the competing demands of hydrogen bonds (loose packing) and van der Waals forces (close packing). D-mannitol is expected to play an important role as a new system for investigating polyamorphic transitions and suggests a more general occurrence of the phenomenon than the current literature indicates in systems with extensive hydrogen bonds (network bonds in general).
Linear interaction and relative role of the ion temperature gradient and trapped electron modes in the reactor-relevant finite beta plasma condition
Authors: Kim J. Y. , Han H. S.
Published: June 2017

Focusing on the reactor-relevant plasma condition, where electrons and ions are expected to have a similar temperature profile, an estimate is given on the relative role of the ion temperature gradient (ITG) and trapped electron mode (TEM). A local kinetic code, which takes into account the collisional and electromagnetic effects, is utilized for the linear stability comparison between the two modes. It is shown that, when we limit our consideration to the ion-scale wavelength regime, the TEM, usually driven by the electron temperature gradient, is sub-dominant compared to the ITG in the most parameter regime, including plasma beta. The asymmetric interaction between the ITG and the TEM, in addition to the smaller fraction of trapped electrons and the collisional effect, is found to play a central role in producing this result. When we include the density gradient driven TEM, a strong interaction is also observed, with the mode being rapidly stabilized or transited to the electron temperature gradient driven TEM (ITG) as the electron (ion) temperature gradient increases. Based on these results on the linear interaction and relative role of the ITG and the two types of TEM, a brief discussion is presented on the possible evolution of temperature and density profiles in reactor-relevant conditions.
Challenging the bounds of tellability
Authors: Svahn Johanna , Karlsson Marie
Published: June 2017

The study focuses on how preadolescent girls in instances of adult-children talk within the institutional setting of a girl group discussion forum construct joint stories that challenge a master narrative of school bullying. The unfolding of one such multi-party storytelling event on the topic of victimization is analyzed; primarily highlighting the participants’ interactional management of diverse moral concerns, blame allocations, and issues of responsibility. All in all, the study highlights how the girls’ collaborative storytelling comes to redefine moral concepts and test the institutional borders of tellability in ways that also raise questions about the institutional foundations of school bullying interventions.
“Brown eyes are not the same as blue eyes”
Authors: Piekut Anke
Published: June 2017

In Denmark, the Adult Education Centres have a “sweeper” function for young adults who need to recommence education. This study explores two L2 (Danish as Second Language) students and how their educational narratives confirm or counter the master narratives of adult education. Students at the centres are commonly identified as adults with social and personal challenges, but their educational narratives and experiences are far more complex. As the edifying institutional narratives of the Adult Centres encompass both professionalism and care, the vernacular narratives characterise the centres as hang-outs for problematic adults without the ability to make a persistent effort in their own life. Students at the centres have to navigate and position themselves in relation to these conflicting stories by giving voice to educational struggles, social relations and agency in their own educational narratives.
Saying, talking and telling
Authors: Viberg Åke
Published: June 2017

This study compares the major Verbal Communication Verbs (VCVs) in English say, tell, speak and talk with their Swedish correspondents säga, berätta, tala and prata. The analysis is based on data from the English–Swedish Parallel Corpus. The semantic and functional description of the verbs is based on the theory of semantic frames and on speech act theory. The verbs are used primarily to report speech, but say and tell and Swedish säga are used also metalinguistically as a commentary on the current discourse as it unfolds. In English, talk and speak turn out to have a wide range of uses that are divided up in a different way in Swedish, whereas tala has many language-specific uses in Swedish. Tell has two major semantic correspondents in Swedish, berätta, which is used to report a complex sequence of events or facts, and the particle verb tala om, which tends to report a single fact. However, tell has a rather general meaning and the most frequent translation is actually säga ‘say’. That tell lacks a direct equivalent in Swedish also explains why tell turns out to be significantly underrepresented in English texts that are translated from Swedish in comparison to original English texts. Genre-based differences are also discussed. For example, not only are say and säga much more frequent in fiction than in non-fiction, but the uses are also distributed differently.
Parasocial Theory in Communication
Authors: Stever Gayle
Published: June 2017

Parasocial theory is an area of inquiry that has been principally pursued in communication studies, although work in psychology, sociology, and related disciplines has been done as well. The concept originated in 1956 with the article “Mass Communication and Para-Social Interaction” by Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl wherein the authors suggested that television specifically, but also media in general, had put people in contact with those who were previously unknown and unknowable before the existence of visual media. Celebrities/famous people had existed before television, but what changed with the advent of televisions in the living rooms of people’s homes was that now it was possible to have a parasocial interaction in a face-to-face way with someone whose image and personality had invaded the privacy of one’s own home. Horton and Wohl focused in their discussion on the evening talk shows where a host brought celebrity guests onto the show and conducted informal conversations with those guests in a format that made the viewer feel like part of the conversation. The format encouraged the viewer to “interact” with the participants on the program, even though they were unable to really be part of the conversation. Creating a semicircle seating configuration on the show that implied that the circle was completed by the viewers at home added to the sense that one was part of a conversation. Such parasocial interaction (PSI) was defined by the one-sidedness of the interaction with the viewer knowing the television celebrity quite well while being completely unknown in return. PSI thus led to a parasocial relationship (PSR), which was the continuation of the feeling of knowing the celebrity long after the program had actually ended. In a small percentage of cases, the celebrity became a source of felt security and safe haven such that a parasocial attachment (PSA) was created. An attachment relationship is one in which a person seeks proximity to another in order to feel safe and secure. Traditionally infant/caregiver relationships and adult romantic relationships have been recognized for their attachment properties, but the idea that television personalities or other public entertainers can afford a sense of security and safety is one that has been explored in the parasocial research literature.
Gangs
Authors: Covey Herbert
Published: June 2017

Street gangs and law-violating youth groups have been present in Western societies for centuries. During the early twentieth century a few scholars began to study gangs, but almost as an afterthought to the larger issues of crime and delinquency. For decades, these gang scholars focused on the United States, because gangs were viewed as uniquely American. However, as gangs and gang culture have grown, spread, and become worldwide phenomena, the amount of governmental and academic interest throughout the world has also flourished. Today the volume of scholarship on gangs is at an all-time high. In the early twenty-first century, important changes in the study of gangs have emerged. In the past, much of our knowledge about gangs was derived from law enforcement agency records and occasional case studies. Gang research now relies on more complex, cross-sectional, longitudinal, and multidisciplinary study designs. These new research strategies have challenged old assumptions about the true nature of gangs. Currently, traditional theories and approaches to gangs are being redirected and revamped to match the contemporary gang scene. Gang theory is developing its own propositions and constructs. For example, scholars are beginning to look at social networks within and outside of gang boundaries. Scholars are incorporating concepts such as social capital, life course development, networks, geographical context, multiple marginalization, developmental stages, and globalization into theories and approaches Although gang scholarship has advanced, some issues remain unresolved and controversial. For example, the role of gangs and gang members in the distribution of illicit drugs continues to garner conflicting findings. In addition, the degree to which gangs share similar cultures or are shaped by local circumstances continues to be explored. How best to address the root causes of gangs and why individuals choose to join gangs are unresolved questions. Questions remain regarding the roles of ethnicity and immigration in the generation of gangs. The changing nature of gang membership poses new questions about the inner operations of gangs and what membership means to members. Concerns about gangs being ideal recruiting grounds for terrorist organizations are being voiced by some academics but challenged by others. In addition, evaluations of gang intervention programs have had mixed results, suggesting that the puzzle of how to best address gangs has not been solved. The absence of the resolution of these and other issues and the continuing expansion and their changing nature ensures that the study of gangs will flourish and continue to develop in the future.
Evidence for a Novel Phylotype ofPseudomonas syringaeCausing Bacterial Leaf Blight of Cantaloupe in China
Authors: Tian Yanli , Zhao Yuqiang , Chen Xuezi , Dai Yuanfeng , Zhao Wenjun , Hu Baishi , Walcott R. R.
Published: June 2017

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) has caused severe yield losses in cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) in the major melon-growing regions of China since the beginning of the twentieth century. Historically, Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans was considered to be the causal agent of BLB of cantaloupe and angular leaf spot of cucumber. In the process of characterizing bacteria isolated from cantaloupe, we observed that putative P. syringae pv. lachrymans yielded negative results in P. syringae pv. lachrymans-specific PCR assays. This suggested that the P. syringae pv. lachrymans-like strains from cantaloupe were distinct from those recovered from cucumber. To investigate the differences between P. syringae pv. lachrymans-like strains isolated from cantaloupe and cucumber, 13 P. syringae strains isolated from cantaloupe [12 from China and 1 from Zimbabwe (NCPPB2916)] and 7 additional P. syringae reference strains were analyzed by catabolic profiling, phylogenetic analysis by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and pathogenicity tests on cantaloupe leaflets. Catabolic profiling and MLSA based on 10 housekeeping genes and 2 hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) genes allowed us to differentiate strains isolated from cantaloupe and cucumber. Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans strains isolated from cucumber clustered with genomospecies 2, and 13 P. syringae strains isolated from cantaloupe belonged to genomospecies 1. While all cantaloupe strains were closely related to P. syringae pv. aptata, they could be differentiated from this pathovar based on metabolic tests and MLSA. Pathogenicity tests showed that all strains isolated from cantaloupe and cucumber were only pathogenic on their original hosts. Based on these observations we conclude that P. syringae pv. lachrymans strains recovered from cantaloupe in China represent a novel phylotype.
Patterns of Adjuvant Therapy Utilization in Uterine Carcinosarcoma Stages I to III
Authors: Stokes William A. , Robin Tyler P. , Jackson Matthew W. , Amini Arya , Schefter Tracey E. , Lefkowits Carolyn C. , Fisher Christine M.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The objective of this study is to characterize patterns of utilization of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) in the posthysterectomy management of uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) in the United States.

Materials and Methods:

We queried the National Cancer Database for women diagnosed with UCS between 2004 and 2012 and undergoing hysterectomy. Logistic regression was performed to identify sociodemographic, facility-specific, and treatment-related predictors of receiving multiagent chemotherapy, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), or brachytherapy (BT).

Results:

In total 4272 patients were included, with 2 in 5 (40.5%) receiving no adjuvant therapy. Regarding RT, 2357 (55.1%) received neither EBRT nor BT, 929 (21.7%) received EBRT alone, 518 (12.1%) received BT alone, and 468 (11.0%) received EBRT+BT. Most women (70.8%) received no CT, a minority (1.5%) received single-agent CT, and the rest (27.8%) received multiagent chemotherapy. Logistic regression demonstrated disparities in receipt of adjuvant therapies by age, diagnosis year, insurance, facility volume, facility type, stage, and margin status, with patients with positive surgical margins less likely to receive BT.

Conclusions:

Following hysterectomy for UCS, a large proportion of women receives no CT and no RT in the United States. Multispecialty evaluation is critical for individualization of therapy and may address disparities in this aggressive disease.
Late INa Inhibition as an Antiarrhythmic Strategy
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander
Published: June 2017

Late sodium channel current (late INa) is considered to be an antiarrhythmic target. The prime antiarrhythmic mechanisms of late INa inhibition have been suggested to be (1) suppression of intracellular calcium [Cai]-mediated rhythmic activity (through reduction in Cai secondary to the decrease in intracellular sodium [Nai]) and (2) normalization of repolarization. Endogenous late INa is a small current and acceleration of the heart rate decreases late INa density. Late INa influx may significantly contribute to Nai loading, but it seems to largely occur under the combined conditions of augmented late INa density, bradycardia, and prolonged repolarization. At the same time, the relative contribution of late INa (including endogenous) in any type of prolonged cardiac repolarization is critical. Sodium channel blockers inhibit both late INa and peak INa, and a specific block of late INa might be achieved at slow and normal but seems not at rapid activation rates, at which peak INa, a much greater current, is also likely to be inhibited. The antiarrhythmic potential of a specific inhibition of late INa seems to best fit for, or may be limited to, the prevention of arrhythmias associated with prolonged repolarization, but it seems to be applicable to all types of arrhythmic abnormalities with elongated cardiac repolarization.
Effect of programmed exercise on insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bueno-Notivol Juan , Calvo-Latorre Julia , Alonso-Ventura Vanesa , Pasupuleti Vinay , Hernandez Adrian V. , Pérez-López Faustino R.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of programmed exercise for at least 12 weeks, in postmenopausal women on insulin sensitivity-related outcomes (ISROs), including fasting insulin, C-peptide, insulin growth factor (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-3), Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and anthropometric variables.

Methods:

Searches were conducted in PubMed-Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception through May 3, 2016, for studies published in all languages. Extracted data included characteristics of the study design, study participants, intervention, and outcome measures. Types of exercise were classified into “mid-term exercise intervention” (MTEI, 3-4 months exercise duration) and a “long-term exercise intervention” (LTEI, 6-12 months exercise duration). Risk of bias in RCTs was evaluated with the Cochrane tool. We used random-effects models for meta-analyses. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results:

Seven RCTS (n = 580) evaluating the effects of programmed exercise on ISROs were included. In three RCTs, MTEI significantly lowered insulin levels (mean difference [MD] −6.50 pmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] −11.19, −1.82, P = 0.006) and HOMA-IR values (MD −0.18, 95% CI −0.34, −0.03, P = 0.02) when compared with controls. LTEI had no significant effect on insulin levels (P = 0.19) or HOMA-IR values (P = 0.68) in four and three RCTs, respectively. There were no significant differences between exercise intervention versus controls in circulating IGF-1, glucose, triglycerides with both MTEI and LTEI, and in IGFBP-3 with LTEI. There were significant reductions in body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) (MD −1.48, 95% CI −2.48, −0.48, P = 0.004) and in body fat percentage (MD −2.99, 95% CI −4.85, −1.14, P = 0.01) after MTEI; and in waist circumference after both MTEI (MD −1.87, 95% CI −3.02, −0.72, P = 0.001) and LTEI (MD −3.74, 95% CI −6.68, −0.79). Heterogeneity of effects among studies was moderate to low.

Conclusion:

Exercising for 3 to 4 months significantly lowered insulin levels and HOMA-IR values, BMI waist circumference, and percentage body fat mass; exercising for 6 to 12 months lowered waist circumference in postmenopausal women.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy after Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Mori Masanori , Nagashima Hayato , Akazawa Satoshi , Saegusa Noriko , Ichikawa Yuichi , Iida Kei , Yoshimura Kotaro , Nakagawa Masahiro
Published: June 2017

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a form of transient heart failure that clinically mimics acute coronary syndrome and is characterized by left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. The pathophysiology of TCM is not well established. TCM is often preceded by emotional or physical stress and may occur after surgery. We present 3 cases of TCM occurring after head and neck reconstructive surgery. Echocardiography plays a central role in the diagnosis of TCM. Left ventricular wall motion abnormalities extend beyond the territory of a single coronary artery. Coronary angiography and cardiac computed tomography can demonstrate the absence of coronary atherosclerosis and are useful for confirming the diagnosis of TCM. Particularly after reconstructive surgery, it is necessary to carefully monitor fluid replacement to avoid dehydration, which may compromise flap blood flow, although congestive heart failure is the most common complication of TCM. It is important to encourage ambulation as soon as possible, while considering the degree of cardiac impairment.
Predictors of Virologic Failure on First-line Antiretroviral Therapy Among Children in a Referral Pediatric Center in Cameroon
Authors: Njom Nlend Anne Esther , Motaze Annie Nga , Ndiang Suzie Tetang , Fokam Joseph
Published: June 2017

Background:

Suboptimal response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is common among children living with HIV (CLHIV) in resource-limited settings. We sought to assess virologic failure (VF), time for switching to second-line regimens and factors associated with VF in CLHIV receiving first-line ART in Cameroon.

Methods:

An observational cohort study was conducted in 375 CLHIV initiating a first-line ART and treated for ≥6 months at the National Social Insurance Fund Hospital in Yaoundé-Cameroon from 2009 to 2013. Using logistic regression, predictors of VF and delayed switch were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Overall, 17% (64/375) CLHIV experienced VF on first-line ART after a median time of 28 (interquartile range: 22–38) months. After VF, median time to switching from first- to second-line ART was 20 (interquartile range: 8–24) months. In multivariate analysis, VF was associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.19–0.71; P = 0.003), motherless children (adjusted odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–6.06; P = 0.005) and treatment with stavudine-containing compared with zidovudine-containing regimens (P = 0.022). Overall, male gender, orphanhood (motherless) and treatment with stavudine-containing regimens predicted VF at a rate of 70% (area under curve =0.70).

Conclusion:

VF on first-line pediatric ART is common, and switching children failing first-line to second-line ART is considerably delayed. These results suggest performance of pediatric ART program can be improved by targeting orphans, adapting counseling for male children, complete phasing-out of stavudine and ensuring timely switch to second-line regimens.
Coupling Timing of Interventions With Dose to Optimize Plasticity and Participation in Pediatric Neurologic Populations
Authors: Gannotti Mary E.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to propose that coupling of timing of interventions with dosing of interventions optimizes plasticity and participation in pediatric neurologic conditions, specifically cerebral palsy. Dosing includes frequency, intensity, time per session, and type of intervention. Interventions focus on body structures and function and activity and participation, and both are explored. Known parameters for promoting bone, muscle, and brain plasticity and evidence supporting critical periods of growth during development are reviewed. Although parameters for dosing participation are not yet established, emerging evidence suggests that participation at high intensities has the potential for change. Participation interventions may provide an additional avenue to promote change through the life span. Recommendations for research and clinical practice are presented to stimulate discussions and innovations in research and practice.
Ride-On Car Training for Behavioral Changes in Mobility and Socialization Among Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Huang Hsiang-han , Chen Yi-Mei , Huang Hsuan-Wen
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To characterize behavioral changes in mobility and socialization in children with disabilities aged 1 to 3 years while they are receiving ride-on car training in the hospital environment.

Methods:

Ten young children with motor disabilities received ride-on car training for 9 weeks (2 hours per session, 2 sessions per week). The driving and socialization behaviors were videotaped for 20 minutes per session (1 session per week) within the same period.

Results:

Independent mobility, visual attention to the switch, and positive facial expressions during the training period were significantly improved.

Conclusions:

Ride-on car training has positive effects on behavioral changes in mobility and socialization among young children with motor disabilities. This provides clinicians a novel option for implementing early mobility training in a hospital-based environment.
The Discriminative Values of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, C-Reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Spondyloarthritis-Related Axial Arthritis
Authors: Tsang Helen Hoi Lun , Chung Ho Yin
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score–C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score–Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ASDAS-ESR), and inflammatory markers in screening for axial-joint inflammation as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to find out factors that could affect scoring of the indices.

Methods

One hundred fifty-three Chinese spondyloarthritis patients were recruited. Clinical data and BASDAI were collected, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index was measured. Serum ESR and CRP were checked, and ASDAS-ESR and ASDAS-CRP were calculated. Radiographs of cervical and lumbar spine were performed for modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score. All patients underwent MRI of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Axial-joint inflammation was evaluated by Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada MRI indices. Multivariate linear regressions were used to determine potential factors that could affect disease activity indices. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the effectiveness in screening for axial-joint inflammation.

Results

BASDAI was associated with current back pain (B = 0.89, P = 0.01), ASDAS-CRP with current back pain (B = 0.74, P = 0.04), and current dactylitis (B = 0.70, P = 0.03) ASDAS-ESR with current back pain (B = 0.95, P = 0.01), and current dactylitis (B = 0.99, 0.002). The ROC curve revealed that CRP was the only variable that successfully discriminated spondyloarthritis patients with and without axial-joint inflammation by MRI, although it had poor accuracy (area under the curve, 0.63; 95% confident interval, 0.53–0.72; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Based on our results, MRI could be used to supplement traditional disease assessment tools for more accurate disease evaluation.
Is the Collapsibility Index of the Inferior Vena Cava an Accurate Predictor for the Early Detection of Intravascular Volume Change?
Authors: Gui Jianjun , Yang Zhengfei , Ou Bing , Xu Anding , Yang Fan , Chen Qiaozhu , Jiang Longyuan , Tang Wanchun
Published: June 2017

The ultrasonographic evaluation of inferior vena cava (IVC) parameters, particularly the collapsibility index (CI), has been widely used in the assessment of the fluid responsiveness of critically ill patients, but the results are conflicting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the early change in CI after increased intravascular volume (IVV) induced by passive leg raising (PLR). A total of 145 healthy volunteers over 18 years old were enrolled between September and December in 2015. Before and 2 min after PLR, the maximum and minimum IVC diameters (maxIVC and minIVC) were measured by color Doppler ultrasonography, and the difference in CI (ΔCI) was calculated. The heart rate (HR) and noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also monitored. We found that there was a significant increase in the mean maxIVC and minIVC values and a reduction in CI. Nevertheless, no significant differences in HR or MAP were observed before or 2 min after PLR. The baseline CI had no relationship with individual characteristics and a multiple linear regression analysis of the ΔCI and individual characteristics showed that age, baseline CI, and BMI were independent variables for ΔCI. In conclusion, IVC-CI measured by ultrasound is useful for the detection of early IVV change induced by 2 min PLR. However, its ability to detect the increased IVV value is influenced by age, BMI, and baseline CI. Moreover, only 50.3% of the subjects had an IVC-CI reduction of more than 10%, making IVC-CI of little value for clinical applications, due to its poor sensitivity.
An integral role for timing in interception
Authors: Chang Chia-Jung , Jazayeri Mehrdad
Published: June 2017

Timing is critical for myriad behaviors in dynamic environments. For example, to intercept an object, the brain must compute a reliable estimate of time-to-contact (TTC). Prior work suggests that humans compute TTC using kinematic information such as distance and speed without explicitly relying on temporal cues, just as one would do in a physics classroom using kinematic equations. Considering the inherent uncertainty associated with estimates of speed and distance and the ability of human brain to combine different sources of information, we asked whether humans additionally rely on temporal cues. We found that humans actively integrate speed information with both explicit and implicit timing cues. Analysis of behavior in relation to a Bayesian model revealed that the additional temporal information helps subjects optimize their performance in the presence of measurement uncertainty. These findings suggest that brain’s timing mechanisms are actively engaged while interacting with dynamic stimuli.
The effect of chronic and acute stressors, and their interaction, on gonadal function: an experimental test during gonadal recrudescence
Authors: Abolins-Abols Mikus , Hanauer Rachel E. , Rosvall Kimberly A. , Peterson Mark P. , Ketterson Ellen D.
Published: June 2017

Organisms are expected to invest less in reproduction in response to a stressor, but theory predicts that this effect should depend on the frequency of stressors in the environment. Here we investigated how an acute stressor affected gonadal function in a songbird, and how long-term differences in the stress environment influenced these acute stress responses. We exposed male Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) either to chronic or minimal (control) disturbance during gonadal recrudescence, after which we measured baseline testosterone, testosterone after an acute handling stressor, and the ability to elevate testosterone in response to hormonal stimulation. In a 2x2 design, we then euthanized males from the two chronic treatment groups either immediately or after an acute stressor to investigate the effect of these treatments on the gonadal transcriptome. We found that chronically disturbed birds had marginally lower testosterone. The acute stressor suppressed testosterone in control birds, but not in the chronic disturbance group. The ability to elevate testosterone did not differ between the chronic treatments. Surprisingly, chronic disturbance had a weak effect on the testicular transcriptome, and did not affect transcriptomic response to the acute stressor. The acute stressor, on the other hand, upregulated cellular stress response, and affected expression of genes associated with hormonal stress-response. Overall, we show that both chronic and acute stressors affect reproductive function, and that chronic stress changes how acute stressors affect testosterone physiology. Our findings also suggest that acute and chronic stressors affect testes differently, and that gonadal function is relatively robust to long-term stressors.

Summary statement

An acute stressor downregulated testosterone production, but this effect was absent in chronically disturbed birds. The acute stressor had a strong effect on the gonadal transcriptome, whereas chronic disturbance had a negligible effect.
Examining open government data (OGD) usage in India through UTAUT framework
Authors: Saxena Stuti , Janssen Marijn
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use and acceptance of open government data (OGD) of different stakeholder groups in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an empirical investigation among 244 respondents in India, the paper deploys path analysis via LISREL. The conceptual construction of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework is used to assess the behavioral intention to use and accept OGD. Multiple regression analysis informs the relationship of demographic variables with the behavioral intention to use and accept OGD.

Findings

Path analysis showed that there is an increased use and acceptance of OGD among the respondents. Multiple regression analysis shows that men are more likely to use open data sets than women. Individual differences are found among the respondents with regard to OGD usage. Thus, while men may tap open data sets in line with their purposes and professional backgrounds, women are likely to tap the data sets even for non-professional purposes. Furthermore, the respondents who are younger in age are more behaviorally inclined to accepting and using OGD than their older counterparts.

Practical implications

The Indian government needs to popularize and familiarize OGD initiatives among the people to a greater extent. The utilitarian value of OGD may be provided when data sets are more user-friendly, frequently updated and accurate. This would facilitate in better provision of public services besides appreciating the public sentiment. Further, with increased interaction between citizens and the government, public accountability and transparency may be better realized.

Social implications

The study shows that different groups of people are engaging in tapping information through government websites and related portals. Societal influence was found to be an important factor which predicts the acceptance and usage of OGD. An infrastructure can help to enable the use of OGD.

Originality/value

Hitherto, studies have focused on OGD initiatives in the developed countries, but extant literature is scarce on developing countries. Therefore, this study seeks to fill the literature gap by probing OGD use and acceptance among different stakeholder groups in India.
Design and control of food job-shop processing systems
Authors: Penazzi Stefano , Accorsi Riccardo , Ferrari Emilio , Manzini Riccardo , Dunstall Simon
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The food processing industry is growing with retail and catering supply chains. With the rising complexity of food products and the need to address food customization expectations, food processing systems are progressively shifting from production line to job-shops that are characterized by high flexibility and high complexity. A food job-shop system processes multiple items (i.e. raw ingredients, toppings, dressings) according to their working cycles in a typical resource and capacity constrained environment. Given the complexity of such systems, there are divergent goals of process cost optimization and of food quality and safety preservation. These goals deserve integration at both an operational and a strategic decisional perspective. The twofold purpose of this paper is to design a simulation model for food job-shop processing and to build understanding of the extant relationships between food flows and processing equipment through a real case study from the catering industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a simulation tool enabling the analysis of food job-shop processing systems. A methodology based on discrete event simulation is developed to study the dynamics and behaviour of the processing systems according to an event-driven approach. The proposed conceptual model builds upon a comprehensive set of variables and key performance indicators (KPIs) that describe and measure the dynamics of the food job-shop according to a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Findings

This simulation identifies the job-shop bottlenecks and investigates the utilization of the working centres and product queuing through the system. This approach helps to characterize how costs are allocated in a flow-driven approach and identifies the trade-off between investments in equipment and operative costs.

Originality/value

The primary purpose of the proposed model relies on the definition of standard resources and operating patterns that can meet the behaviour of a wide variety of food processing equipment and tasks, thereby addressing the complexity of a food job-shop. The proposed methodology enables the integration of strategic and operative decisions between several company departments. The KPIs enable identification of the benchmark system, tracking the system performance via multi-scenario what-if simulations, and suggesting improvements through short-term (e.g. tasks scheduling, dispatching rules), mid-term (e.g. recipes review), or long-term (e.g. re-layout, working centres number) levers.
The enterprising communities and startup ecosystem in Iran
Authors: Salamzadeh Aidin , Kawamorita Kesim Hiroko
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Startups play a significant role in improving societies. This paper concentrates on the concept of “startups” and attempts to present a more comprehensive view of this phenomenon. Also, the focus of this paper is on investigating enterprising communities and the startup ecosystem in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing literature is carefully reviewed, definition and views are explored and the story of this phenomenon is told from the formation to the exit stage. The author elaborates the existing stages and challenges of startups in Iran. To do so, 65 tech startup founders are interviewed. Semi-structured interviews (SI) were based on previous studies mentioning the lifecycle of the startups, and were fully recorded. Moreover, secondary sources of data (SS) were used to support the findings.

Findings

The paper classifies the extant theories of startups in two levels, i.e. macro level, and micro and meso levels. Also, it defines some steps for the formation of startups and studies the Iranian startup ecosystem. Last but not the least the paper contributes to the startup ecosystem of Iran which is changing disruptively, especially in the last couple of years.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this research shed light on the existing ecosystem of startups in Iran, which is rarely studied in previous research. Lack of enough evidence in the existing literature of startup ecosystem in Iran was the most significant limitation of the research which increased the need for more investigation and elaboration.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to understanding the startup ecosystem in Iran, and the challenges.
Vertical integration in the real estate sector: three Swedish case studies
Authors: Lind Hans
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain why some real estate companies choose to have a vertically integrated structure, instead of specializing in only stage of the production chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The first stage of the research was an extensive literature review to generate hypotheses. A case study method was then chosen, as more detailed knowledge about the companies were judged to be needed to evaluate the different hypothesis. Documents about the companies were studied and interviews carried out.

Findings

In the studies cases, there is no support for theories related to vertical integration as a way to monopolize a market and only marginal support for theories that focus on contracting problems related to the so called hold up problem. The most important factors for the companies were that vertical integration gives information and more options that are important in small number bargaining situations. The companies bargaining power increases when they are better informed about, e.g. costs and profits in nearby activities, and when they can use in-house units, if there are problems to find reasonable conditions on the outside market.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that only three cases were studied.

Practical/implications

The study can be helpful both to companies that choose to integrate vertically and those that chose not to. There are similar problems related to information and bargaining power that needs to be handled.

Originality/value

This is the first study that test theories about vertical integration in the real estate sector.
Formal women-only networks: literature review and propositions
Authors: Villesèche Florence , Josserand Emmanuel
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the emerging literature on formal women-only business networks and outline propositions to develop this under-theorised area of knowledge and stimulate future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the existing literature on formal internal and external women-only networks and use the broader social capital and network literature to frame their arguments and develop propositions.

Findings

Propositions are developed regarding how both internal and external formal women-only business networks can be of value for members, firms/organisations and the wider social group of women in business.

Research limitations/implications

The authors focus on the distinction between external and internal formal women-only networks while also acknowledging the broader diversity that can characterise such networks. Their review provides the reader with an insight into the state of the art and a set of propositions that present opportunities for future research.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights into how women in business, organisations and wider society can leverage value from both internal and external formal women-only business networks.

Social implications

The paper contributes to research showing that the social structure of interactions and context can impact women’s standing in the workplace.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the under-studied and under-theorised phenomenon of formal women-only business networks. Beyond the individual member level, the authors suggest that such networks can be of value for organisations and the wider social group of women in management and leadership positions.