bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multidimensional approach to the content of human capital
Authors: Urrutia-Badillo Yosdenis , Lopez-Cabrales Alvaro , Valle Cabrera Ramon
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Using a multilevel approach, this theoretical paper aims to build a framework to explore the cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions of human capital, which may in turn explain how they become a source of competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents several propositions to be empirically tested in further research using multilevel analysis. Starting at the individual level, four configurations of human capital are determined by considering cognitive and non-cognitive human capital. Based on these settings, interactions of human capital at intermediate or departmental level are discussed, taking into account the complexity of the task environment and psychosocial processes. These interactions constitute microfoundations, which explain why human capital may influence different types of organizational capabilities.

Findings

The theoretical analysis carried out allows proposing four configurations of human capital, combining individual cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions. These configurations form a human capital portfolio classifying different types of employees. In addition, this paper shows how individual human capital aggregates into departmental level and generates human capital emergence processes by contextualizing through the complex task environments and psychosocial processes. The development of these emergence processes enables proposing the association of certain organizational capabilities with cognitive elements of human capital (absorptive capacity, innovativeness and technical capacities), whereas a second group of organizational capabilities is linked to non-cognitive human capital aspects (organizational commitment, leadership and customer intimacy).

Originality/value

This paper combines individual dimensions in the study of the content of human capital from a multilevel and microfoundational approach, explaining the effects of emerging human capital on different organizational capabilities when human capital is contextualized at departmental level. This theoretical paper is a new step towards understanding and measuring the concept of human capital, enriching the resource-based view framework.
Corporate governance and risk taking: the role of board gender diversity
Authors: Abou-El-Sood Heba
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the association between board gender diversity and bank risk taking in an emerging market context.

Design/methodology/approach

The association between female board directorship and bank risk taking is examined, while controlling for board characteristics, managerial, concentrated, family and government ownership. Two-stage regression with instrumental variables is used for a sample of banks listed in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during 2002-2014.

Findings

Results show that banks with more female board directors invest in less risky positions; the association is attenuated when the regulatory capital is larger, providing protection against risky investments, and female directors tend to invest less in risky asset positions in Islamic banks relative to conventional banks.

Practical implications

The relevance of the findings stems from the recent initiatives undertaken by the Basel Committee to address deficient corporate governance structures that lead to bank breakdowns and the diversified economy of the fast-growing GCC market, relying on banking services in the aftermath of the oil price drop.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel evidence on the influence of board gender diversity on bank risk taking in an emerging market context. This paper fills a gap in prior research by examining bank-specific regulatory capital adequacy and Islamic banking aspects.
Possibility of introducing reverse mortgage product in Malaysia
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Ishaq , Sulaiman Noralfishah
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The year 2020 heralds a landmark in Malaysia’s demographic and economic landscape, as the country is expected to become an ageing country, as well as aspiring of becoming a high-income country. The elderly persons are, however, reported to be vulnerable to the risk of financial insecurity in old age, which if not addressed can affect the country’s effort of accomplishing the Vision 2020 goal of becoming a high-income nation. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the factors that are capable of affecting the development of reverse mortgage market in Malaysia from the perspective of the financial service professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a qualitative design that involves the use of semi-structured questionnaire as data collection strategy. A total number of nine participants were selected for the interview using critical case sample scheme based on purposive sampling strategy.

Findings

The findings reveal that various economic, socio-demographic, behavioural and political/institutional factors would impose varying degrees of influence on reverse mortgage market in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The study is expected to spur discussion among stakeholders on the practicability of using reverse mortgage as alternative source of old-age financing in Malaysia.
More green space in Japanese shopping streets
Authors: Capitanio Marco
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Green space increase in dense urban environments is a recurring goal of contemporary planning and policy making. Nonetheless, there is a need to assess the feasibility of concrete greening implementation in specific contexts. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and discuss the environmental potential of green roofs in commercial neighborhoods with low green rates.

Design/methodology/approach

By studying shopping streets in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, this research focuses on a commercial area featuring narrow streets, mid-rise buildings and a low amount of green space. A 25ha case study area was sampled and investigated from a morphological point of view, based on mappings, aerial photographs and on-site surveys.

Findings

Because of the peculiar morphological characteristics of Shimokitazawa, green roofs are a particularly suitable greening option. If all flat roofs in the case study area were retrofitted with green roofs, green space would increase from 4 to 27.7 percent. Moreover, the area’s carbon footprint would decrease by 2.6 percent.

Originality/value

While maintaining that each location has unique characteristics, the quantification of the environmental benefits of green roofs in Shimokitazawa could be generalized for a number of similar areas within Tokyo and Japan, being a reference for policy making and urban design guidelines.
Governing ‘Sustainable Urban Development’ Through Self‐Build Groups and Co‐Housing: The Cases of Hamburg and Gothenburg
Authors: Scheller David , Thörn Håkan
Published: August 2018

This article critically examines the governing of ‘sustainable urban development’ through self‐build cohousing groups in Gothenburg and Hamburg. The two case cities have been selected because both are currently involved in major urban restructuring, and have launched programmes to support self‐build groups and cohousing as part of their emphasis on promoting urban sustainable development through this process. Departing from a theoretical discussion on advanced liberal urban governance, focusing in particular on the contemporary discourse on sustainable urban development, we examine the interaction between political institutions, civil society and private actors in the construction of cohousing as a perceived novel and alternative form of housing that may contribute to fulfilling certain sustainability goals. Questions centre on the socio‐political contextualization of cohousing; concepts of sustainability; strategies of, and relations between, different actors in promoting cohousing; gentrification and segregation; and inclusion and exclusion. In conclusion we argue that, while self‐build groups can provide pockets of cohousing as an alternative to dominant forms of housing, the economic and political logics of advanced liberal urban development make even such a modest target difficult, particularly when it comes to making such housing affordable.
Pattern of mortality after menopausal hormone therapy: long‐term follow up in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Holm M , Olsen A , Au Yeung SL , Overvad K , Lidegaard Ø , Kroman N , Tjønneland A
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate long‐term pattern of mortality in menopausal women according to different modalities of hormone therapy.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Denmark 1993–2013.

Population

A total of 29 243 women aged 50–64 years at entry into the Diet, Cancer and Health Cohort, enrolled 1993–97 and followed through 31 December 2013.

Methods

Cox’ proportional hazards models for increasingly longer periods of follow‐up time were used to estimate mortality pattern according to baseline hormone use adjusted for relevant potential confounders.

Main outcome(s)

All‐cause and cause‐specific mortality. Outcome information was obtained from the Danish Register of Causes of Death (linkage 99.6%).

Results

A total of 4098 women died during a median follow up of 17.6 years. After adjustment for relevant lifestyle risk factors, hormone use had no impact on all‐cause mortality, regardless of modality. Among baseline users, lower cardiovascluar disease mortality was only evident after 5 years [hazard ratio (HR) 0.54; 95% CI 0.32–0.92], but dissipated with additional follow up. Conversely, lower colorectal cancer mortality (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.46–0.89) and higher breast cancer mortality (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.05–1.72) only became evident after 15 years of follow up. There were no significant associations for mortality from other types of cancer or from stroke.

Conclusions

In this long‐term follow‐up study, taking hormones during menopause was not associated with overall mortality among middle‐aged women. Investigating cause‐specific mortality revealed significant, albeit weak, differential associations according to both causes of death and over time, underlining the importance of carefully considering individual risks and duration of treatment when making decisions on hormone therapy.

Tweetable abstract

Long‐term follow‐up study confirms no association between menopausal hormone therapy and overall mortality.
A Preliminary Study of the Reliability of Anatomical Facial Landmarks Used in Facial Comparison
Authors: Lee Won‐Joon , Kim Dong‐Min , Lee U‐Young , Cho Jin‐Hyoung , Kim Min‐Su , Hong Jong‐Ha , Hwang Young‐Il
Published: August 2018

Anatomical landmarks are considered the most objective indicators for use in forensic facial comparisons. Therefore, accurately identifying and locating these landmarks is the beginning of reliable facial comparison. This study evaluated the accuracy with which facial landmarks are located and examined their reliability according to type of landmark, head posture, and image quality. Nine operators located a series of landmarks on prepared facial images used to produce comparison images. Then, the average distances between the reciprocal landmarks (ADRL) on the reference and the comparison images were measured as indicators of landmark reliability. We found that a set of landmarks had higher or lower reliability as a function of the head angle and image quality. More reliable landmarks were associated with certain head postures and degrees of image quality. These should be used for facial comparison analysis depending on various head and image conditions.
MiR‐520b restrains cell growth by targeting HDAC4 in lung cancer
Authors: Jin Ke , Zhao Weixin , Xie Xuan , Pan Yuejiang , Wang Kexi , Zhang Huizhong
Published: August 2018

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as tumor promoting or tumor suppressing factors in many cancers. MiR‐520b contributes to progression in head‐neck and liver cancers, spinal osteosarcoma, and glioma; however, the association of miR‐520b with lung cancer progression remains unknown. In this investigation, we explore the effect of miR‐520b targeting HDAC4 on lung cancer growth.

Methods

The regulation of miR‐520b or its inhibitor on HDAC4 expression was analyzed using Western blot analysis. After treatment of miR‐520b or its inhibitor, miR‐520b and HDAC4 levels were examined using quantitative real time‐PCR. The modulation of miR‐520b on HDAC4 was investigated by luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell proliferation evaluation was performed using colony formation and methyl‐thiazolyl‐tetrazolium assays. The correlation between miR‐520b and HDAC4 in human clinical samples was verified using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

An obvious decrease in HDAC4 expression was observed in lung cancer A549 cells treated with different doses of miR‐520b. The miR‐520b inhibitor enhanced HDAC4 expression in lung cancer cells. Bioinformatics predicted the targeting of miR‐520b on HDAC4. MiR‐520b directly targeted the 3′ untranslated region of HDAC4. The introduction of miR‐520b obviously inhibited cell proliferation in vitro. Anti‐miR‐520b was capable of accelerating lung cancer cell proliferation; however, HDAC4 knockdown destroyed anti‐miR‐520b‐induced cell proliferation. Finally, a negative correlation between miR‐520b and HDAC4 was observed in clinical human lung cancer samples.

Conclusion

MiR‐520b decreases HDAC4 expression to control cell proliferation in lung cancer.
Cryopreservation media differentially affect sperm motility, morphology and DNA integrity
Authors: Raad G. , Lteif L. , Lahoud R. , Azoury J. , Azoury J. , Tanios J. , Hazzouri M. , Azoury J.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Human sperm freezing is very widely used for male fertility preservation. This procedure consists in adding cryoprotectants to the spermatozoa followed by cooling and storing the spermatozoa at a subzero temperature. Many standardized cryopreservation media are available on the market. However, these media differ in their chemical composition and there are no sufficient data to optimize their classification. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare five commercially available sperm cryopreservation media, which have not been compared together, in terms of motility, morphology and DNA integrity.

Materials and methods

One‐hundred semen samples were obtained from 10 fertile participants and 90 infertile men. Each sample was evaluated before freezing for motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Then, it was equally divided into five aliquots. Each aliquot was cryopreserved using one of the five media (A, B, C, D, and E). The same parameters were re‐evaluated after the addition of the cryopreservation media in the fertile group, and after sperm thawing in fertile and infertile groups.

Results

The results showed that the five selected cryopreservation media had negative effects on sperm motility and morphology per se. In the infertile group, the cryosurvival factor was significantly lower in cryomedium A when compared to the four other media (p < 0.001). In addition, a significantly higher percentage of sperm with coiled tail was detected in cryomedium E compared to cryomedium A (p < 0.05) and to cryomedium B (p < 0.001) after thawing, in the infertile group. Furthermore, the sperm DFI was significantly higher in cryomedia A (p < 0.001), B (p < 0.001), C (p < 0.01), D (p < 0.01) and E (p < 0.05) compared to that of the fresh semen derived from infertile participants.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the recovery rate of competent spermatozoa, after cryopreservation, is still critical in infertile men. Therefore, frozen semen sample should be used only when necessary.
Electro‐vectorcardiographic and electrophysiological aspects of Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Pérez‐Riera Andrés Ricardo , Barbosa‐Barros Raimundo , Daminello‐Raimundo Rodrigo , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Nikus Kjell
Published: August 2018

Ebstein's anomaly is a congenital heart disease where the most important anatomic feature is the inferior displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets. Vectorcardiographic features are mainly forgotten and electrocardiographic features may be unrecognized by cardiologists handling adult patients.
Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are distinct diseases with potential overlapping metabolic dysfunction upstream of observed cognitive decline
Authors: Chornenkyy Yevgen , Wang Wang‐Xia , Wei Angela , Nelson Peter T.
Published: August 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are highly prevalent aging‐related diseases associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Some findings in human and animal models have linked T2DM to AD‐type dementia. Despite epidemiological associations between the T2DM and cognitive impairment, the interrelational mechanisms are unclear. The preponderance of evidence in longitudinal studies with autopsy confirmation have indicated that vascular mechanisms, rather than classic AD‐type pathologies, underlie the cognitive decline often seen in self‐reported T2DM. T2DM is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and is associated with increased risk of infarcts and small vessel disease in the brain and other organs. Neuropathological examinations of post‐mortem brains demonstrated evidence of cerebrovascular disease and little to no correlation between T2DM and β‐amyloid deposits or neurofibrillary tangles. Nevertheless, the mechanisms upstream of early AD‐specific pathology remain obscure. In this regard, there may indeed be overlap between the pathologic mechanisms of T2DM/“metabolic syndrome,” and AD. More specifically, cerebral insulin processing, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, and/or lipid metabolism could be altered in patients in early AD and directly influence symptomatology and/or neuropathology.
Potentiation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator by VX‐770 involves stabilization of the pre‐hydrolytic, O1 state
Authors: Langron Emily , Prins Stella , Vergani Paola
Published: August 2018

Background and Purpose

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a debilitating hereditary disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes an anion channel. Wild type‐CFTR gating is a non‐equilibrium process. After ATP binding, CFTR enters a stable open state (O1). ATP hydrolysis leads it to a short‐lived post‐hydrolytic open state (O2), from which channels close. Here, we use mutations to probe the mechanism of VX‐770, the first compound directly targeting the CFTR protein approved for treatment of CF. D1370N and K1250R mutations reduce or abolish catalytic activity, simplifying the gating scheme to an equilibrium (C↔O1); K464A‐CFTR has a destabilized O1 state and rarely closes via hydrolysis.

Experimental Approach

Potentiation by VX‐770 was measured using microscopic imaging of HEK293 cells expressing an anion‐sensitive YFP‐CFTR. A simple mathematical model was used to predict fluorescence quenching following extracellular iodide addition and estimate CFTR conductance. Membrane density of CFTR channels was measured in a parallel assay, using CFTR‐pHTomato.

Key Results

VX‐770 strongly potentiated WT‐CFTR, D1370N‐CFTR and K1250R‐CFTR. K464A‐CFTR was also strongly potentiated, regardless of whether it retained catalytic activity or not.

Conclusions and Implications

Similar potentiation of hydrolytic and non‐hydrolytic mutants suggests that VX‐770 increases CFTR open probability mainly by stabilizing pre‐hydrolytic O1 states with respect to closed states. Potentiation of K464A‐CFTR channels suggests action of VX‐770 did not strongly alter conformational dynamics at site 1. Understanding potentiator mechanism could help develop improved treatment for CF patients. The fluorescence assay presented here is a robust tool for such investigations.
Column selection approach for related substances determination of progesterone by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Huang Ying , Xiao Hui , Liu Yaxiong , Gan Jiaming , Yan Quanhong
Published: August 2018

In this study, HPLC‐MS/MS with triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer was used to analyze the base‐catalyzed thermal degradation derivative of progesterone in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The full‐scan spectrometry revealed that the degradation product was an isomer of progesterone, it was proposed as impurity M ((17α)‐pregn‐4‐ene‐3,20‐dione) in European Pharmacopoeia, and both the derivative and progesterone were neutral molecules. Four kinds of chromatographic column characterization databases including PQRI database using Snyder/Dolan method, the USP chromatographic column database using the SRM 870 tests, the Tanaka/Euerby approach within the ACD program, and the Hoogmartens approach were compared. Combing the principles of column characterization databases with the system requirement of progesterone‐related substances testing, a suitable PQRI‐based method was finally set up for progesterone‐related substances detecting. Our results indicated that PQRI system of Snyder/Dolan method was the most suitable system for related substances detection of progesterone.
Phylogenetic systematics of Mylabris blister beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae): a molecular assessment using species trees and total evidence
Authors: Salvi Daniele , Maura Michela , Pan Zhao , Bologna Marco A.
Published: August 2018

Mylabris is a diverse genus of Meloidae and includes over 170 species throughout the Palaearctic region, classified into 14 subgenera. The current classification is largely built on taxonomic works pre‐dating the application of cladistic methods and based on a few morphological characters. In the present study, we use molecular data from mitochondrial and nuclear loci sampled across Mylabrini to assess the monophyly of Mylabris and its subgenera, and to identify which diagnostic morphological characters used for taxa delimitation represent synapomorphic features. We obtain a robust phylogeny which is consistent across datasets (3‐, 4‐ and 5‐gene datasets), methods (Bayesian vs. Maximum Parsimony), and approaches (species tree vs. total evidence). The genus Mylabris is monophyletic provided that Pseudabris is included and Ammabris is excluded. Most of the morphology‐based subgenera are recovered as well‐supported phylogenetic clades. Although previous classifications based on number and shape of antennomeres were confounded by convergent evolution of these traits, mesosternal and male genitalia features provided unambiguous apomorphies of Mylabrini genera and subgenera. We integrate these insights into an updated phylogenetic systematics of Mylabris and Mylabrini blister beetles, and we provide the description of two new subgenera, Dvorabris and Pardabris.
Natural iron oxide (earth colour) deposits in Latvia: an assessment of the possibilities for their use in inorganic pigment manufacturing
Authors: Kokins Aigars , Kostjukovs Juris , Zariņa Līga
Published: August 2018

In Latvia, iron oxide pigments for paints, stains and coatings are all imported, although the land is rich in sources of iron (earth colour). The aim of this study was to evaluate earth colour deposits in Latvia and to assess the possibilities for their use in natural earth pigment manufacturing. The study included tests of colour pigments available in the Latvian market, as well as evaluation of samples from earth colour deposits in Lunkeči and Kazuleja in Latvia, to determine their quality, chemical composition, and physical characteristics. The research continued with tests of production technology for inorganic pigment manufacturing (enrichment, processing, etc.). The study results showed that the quality of the pigments obtained does not differ significantly from the supply available in the market, pointing to the potential use of natural iron oxide deposits in Latvia for inorganic pigment manufacturing.
“The body I call ‘mine’ ”: A sense of bodily ownership in Descartes
Authors: Chamberlain Colin
Published: August 2018

How does Descartes characterize the peculiar way in which each of us is aware of our bodies? I argue that Descartes recognizes a sense of bodily ownership, such that the body sensorily appears to be one's own in bodily awareness. This sensory appearance of ownership is ubiquitous, for Descartes, in that bodily awareness always confers a sense of ownership. This appearance is confused, in so far as bodily awareness simultaneously represents the subject as identical to, partially composed by, and united to her body, without distinguishing these relations. Finally, the appearance of ownership is grounded in multiple other ways in which the body sensorily appears: namely, in the fact that the body appears to be inescapable, modified by bodily sensations, and an object of special concern.
An Empirical Juxtapose of the Effects of Self‐image on Entrepreneurial Career along the Spectrum of Nascent to Actual Entrepreneurs
Authors: Salavou Helen , Lioukas Spyros
Published: August 2018

This empirical study extends beyond efforts to contrast entrepreneurs with non‐entrepreneurs and elucidates comparisons among entrepreneurs. Specifically, it investigates capability and vulnerability self‐images among three groups of entrepreneurs to understand differences in perceptions. Using a sample of 725 graduate young entrepreneurs, multinomial logistic regression shows that low‐intention nascent, high‐intention nascent and actual entrepreneurs perceive their potential and fears differently. The evidence shows that nascent, compared to actual entrepreneurs have faith in most of their entrepreneurial abilities. In contrast, nascent are sensing more fears while experiencing the entrepreneurial process. In addition, high relative to low‐intention nascent entrepreneurs have higher creativity, higher networking skills and lower fear of failure. The discussion regarding why entrepreneurs do not constitute a homogenous population has important implications for both theory and practice.
Exosomal neutral sphingomyelinase 1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma via decreasing the ratio of sphingomyelin/ceramide
Authors: Lin Minglin , Liao Weijia , Dong Mingjun , Zhu Rongping , Xiao Juan , Sun Tian , Chen Zhiyong , Wu Bin , Jin Junfei
Published: August 2018

Neutral sphingomyelinase 1 (NSMase1) mediates caspase‐3 activation and apoptosis. However, the role of NSMase1, especially exosome‐borne NSMase1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains unclear. We report that NSMase1, which converts sphingomyelin (SM) to ceramide, was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues. Low NSMase1 expression predicted poor long‐term survival of HCC patients. NSMase1 downregulation in HCC resulted in increased SM and reduced ceramide (Cer) that led to an increased SM/Cer ratio. Interestingly, NSMase1 and NSMase activity were also decreased in exosomes isolated from HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, NSMase activity increased in exosomes isolated from the culture medium of L02 cells transfected with pEGFP‐C3‐NSMase1 (NSMase1‐Exo). NSMase1‐Exo suppressed HCC cell growth and induced apoptosis via reduction of the SM/Cer ratio. Thus, NSMase1 in exosomes inhibits HCC growth by decreasing the SM/Cer ratio.
Communication and Comovement: Evidence from Online Stock Forums
Authors: Jiang Lei , Liu Jinyu , Yang Baozhong
Published: August 2018

We study investor communication and stock comovement using a novel data set from an active online stock forum in China. We find substantial comovement among the returns of a stock and its “related stocks,” which are frequently discussed in the subforum dedicated to the given stock. Comovement is greater when the discussion of related stocks is more intensive. Further, the effect of communication on comovement is stronger for stocks associated with higher information uncertainty. Codiscussed stocks are more actively traded and experience more correlated trading. A trading strategy that exploits communication‐driven comovement generates abnormal returns. Our findings highlight the impact of investor communication on asset comovement.
The Benefits of Overvaluation: Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Vagenas‐Nanos Evangelos
Published: August 2018

Theoretical and empirical evidence debates whether acquirers can exploit their overvalued equity and create value by purchasing less overvalued or undervalued target firms. Shleifer and Vishny (2003) and Savor and Lu (2009) argue in favor of this, while Fu, Lin, and Officer (2013) and Akbulut (2013) provide evidence against. I revisit this issue and develop a quasi‐experimental design. The misvaluation effect for stock acquirers that are more overvalued than their targets is isolated and measured. My findings offer direct evidence in favor of the Shleifer and Vishny (2003) market‐timing hypothesis.
Redefining Spanish teaching and learning in the United States
Authors: Pascual y Cabo Diego , Prada Josh
Published: August 2018

This article describes a pedagogical initiative that identifies opportunities for increased efficiency and functionality in the teaching and learning of Spanish in the context of the United States. At the core of this initiative is the reformulation of curricular and programmatic approaches in terms of current social, cultural, and linguistic practices. More specifically, it combines and builds on insights from current theoretical and practical developments so as to do the following: (1) reconcile the currently conflicting educational goals of Spanish heritage language and foreign language teaching in the United States; (2) create a more sophisticated and efficient educational substructure than what is currently available to language learners of all profiles and levels; and (3) guide the allocation of resources to not only address and support heritage language maintenance and revitalization, but to also encourage a fortified stance on bilingualism and foster cultural richness/diversity among emergent bilinguals in foreign/second language programs. A rationale is offered, and the organization and processes involved in the implementation of this initiative are described, along with the possible beneficial academic, social, and community effects such a reformulation may yield.
British abolitionism and global empire in the late 18th century: A historiographic overview
Authors: Wyman‐McCarthy Matthew
Published: August 2018

Why did widespread opposition to the African slave trade first emerge in Britain in the late 1780s? This question has been one of the most contested in British imperial historiography for generations. The first half of this article examines various answers that scholars have posited, highlighting in particular their broadening frames of reference. The second half looks at recent works on other aspects of Britain's late 18th‐century empire that are breaking down traditional historiographic divisions, especially between the British Atlantic and British India. This research is demonstrating just how interconnected the British world was during the age of revolutions, and is simultaneously offering new ideas and methodologies for studying British antislavery from a global perspective.
Effect of sub‐layer temperature during HFCVD process on morphology and corrosion behavior of tungsten carbide coating
Authors: Mousavi Anijdan Seyyed Hashem , Sabzi Masoud , Asadian Mohsen , Jafarian Hamid Reza
Published: August 2018

WC coating was deposited on the polished and cleaned 316L stainless steel by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition (HFCVD) technique at 400°C and 500°C. Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG‐SEM) was used to study the corrosion morphology of the WC coatings. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyze the chemical composition of the coatings. Coating porosity was measured by immersion in water. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used to study the corrosion behavior of the coating in the solution of 1 mol/L H2SO4. Results showed that the WC coatings have a honeycomb microstructure where its porosity was increased at higher temperature of the sub‐layer. Also, the WC coating significantly increases the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel. And increasing the sub‐layer temperature in the HFCVD method reduces the corrosion resistance of the WC coating. Corrosion morphology was indicative of pitting corrosion of the WC coating.
Constitutive overexpression of TNF in BPSM1 mice causes iBALT and bone marrow nodular lymphocytic hyperplasia
Authors: Seillet Cyril , Arvell Elyas H , Lacey Derek , Stutz Michael D , Pellegrini Marc , Whitehead Lachlan , Rimes Joel , Hawkins Edwin D , Roediger Ben , Belz Gabrielle T , Bouillet Philippe
Published: August 2018

BPSM1 (Bone phenotype spontaneous mutant 1) mice develop severe polyarthritis and heart valve disease as a result of a spontaneous mutation in the Tnf gene. In these mice, the insertion of a retrotransposon in the 3' untranslated region of Tnf causes a large increase in the expression of the cytokine. We have found that these mice also develop inducible bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT), as well as nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) in the bone marrow. Loss of TNFR1 prevents the development of both types of follicles, but deficiency of TNFR1 in the hematopoietic compartment only prevents the iBALT and not the NLH phenotype. We show that the development of arthritis and heart valve disease does not depend on the presence of the tertiary lymphoid tissues. Interestingly, while loss of IL‐17 or IL‐23 limits iBALT and NLH development to some extent, it has no effect on polyarthritis or heart valve disease in BPSM1 mice.
Rethinking equality
Authors: Shulman George
Published: August 2018

This essay criticises the limitations of the idea of formal equality in the liberal (and French republican) traditions by drawing on Karl Marx, Alexis de Tocqueville, and contemporary feminist and critical‐race theories. These suggest that any credible theory of equality must begin in fact with inequality in its many dimensions, but it also must theorise how countervailing power is developed by political action, or what Tocqueville calls association, taken as a verb and not only as a noun. By an unconventional and radicalised reading of Tocqueville's Democracy in America, this essay offers an agonistic theory of the relationship between equality and democracy to escape the limitations imposed by the framework of individual and formal rights.
Pulmonary delivery of flecainide causes a rate‐dependent predominant effect on atrial compared with ventricular depolarization duration revealed by intracardiac recordings in an intact porcine model
Authors: de Antonio Victor Z. , Silva Anderson C. , Stocco Fernando G. , Silva Bruna A. , Marum Alexandre A. , Bortolotto Alexandre L. , Belardinelli Luiz , Verrier Richard L.
Published: August 2018

Background

Pulmonary delivery of flecainide results in the rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to normal sinus rhythm in large‐animal models and is safe and well‐tolerated by normal human volunteers.

Objective

We investigated the effects of pulmonary delivery of flecainide on atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization duration.

Methods

Intratracheal instillation (1.5 mg/kg, rapid push) of flecainide or sterile water (placebo) was performed in 12 closed‐chest, anesthetized Yorkshire pigs with a catheter positioned at the bifurcation of the main bronchi. High‐resolution electrograms obtained from catheters fluoroscopically positioned in the right atrium and left ventricle circumvented measurement errors due to the fusion of P and T waves in surface leads when rapid heart rates shortened the TP interval. Pacing was achieved using electrical stimuli delivered via right atrial catheter electrodes.

Results

During sinus rhythm (98 ± 4.7 beats/min), intratracheal flecainide caused comparable (P = 0.56) increases in atrial depolarization (P
a) duration by 22% (39.8 ± 3.2 to 48.7 ± 3.3  milliseconds) and left ventricular (LV) QRS complex duration by 20% (47.9 ± 1.6 to 57.3 ± 1.8  milliseconds) at peak effect at 2 minutes post‐dosing. During right atrial pacing at 180 beats/min, Pa duration increased by 55% (37.0 ± 2.0 to 57.2 ± 1.6  milliseconds; P < 0.0001). The atrial response was greater (p = 0.001) than the 30% increase in LV QRS complex duration (46.6 ± 1.7 to 60.6 ± 2.5  milliseconds; P = 0.005). Pa duration and QRS complex duration were unchanged by placebo independent of pacing (P ≥ 0.4 for both). Atrial repolarization duration (PTa; P = 0.46) and QTc interval (P = 0.49) remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Intratracheal flecainide exerts a rate‐dependent, predominant effect on atrial compared with ventricular depolarization duration. Pulmonary delivery of flecainide could facilitate AF conversion to sinus rhythm with reduced ventricular proarrhythmia risk.
Acute noncontrast T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging predicts chronic radiofrequency ablation lesions
Authors: Kholmovski Eugene G. , Silvernagel Josh , Angel Nathan , Vijayakumar Sathya , Thomas Samuel , Dosdall Derek , MacLeod Rob , Marrouche Nassir F. , Ranjan Ravi
Published: August 2018

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to visualize radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions but the relationship between volumes that enhance in acute MRI and the chronic lesion size is unknown.

Objectives

The main goal was to use noncontrast (native) T1‐weighted (T1w) MRI and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI to visualize lesions acutely and chronically and correlate the acute area of enhancement with chronic lesion size in histology.

Materials and Methods

In a canine (n = 9) model RF ablation lesions were created in both ventricles. Native T1w MRI and LGE‐MRI were acquired acutely after the ablation procedure. After 8 weeks, another set of RF ablations was performed, and the MRI study was repeated. Volume and depth of enhancement in native T1w MRI and LGE‐MRI acquired after the initial ablation procedure were correlated with chronic lesion volume and depth in histology.

Results

Thirty‐three lesions were analyzed. Native T1w MRI visualized the acute lesions but not the chronic lesions. LGE‐MRI showed both acute and chronic lesions. Acute native T1w MRI volume (average of 102.1 ± 48.5 mm3) and depth (4.9 ± 1.2 mm) correlated well with chronic histological volume (105.9 ± 51.8 mm3) and depth (4.8 ± 1.3 mm) with R2 of 0.881 (P < 0.001) and 0.874 (P < 0.001), respectively. Acute LGE‐MRI had a significantly higher volume of enhancement of 499.7 ± 214.4 mm3 (P < 0.001) and depth of 7.5 ± 1.8 mm (
P < 0.001) when compared with chronic histological lesion volume and depth.

Conclusions

Native T1w MRI acquired acutely after RF ablation is a good predictor of chronic lesion size. Acute LGE‐MRI significantly overestimates the chronic lesion size.
Three‐way stopcock suture technique for hemostasis after ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Payne Joshua , Aznaurov Samuel , Gautam Sandeep
Published: August 2018

Background

Figure‐of‐eight sutures (F8S) have emerged as an alternative to the standard practice of manual compression to achieve venous hemostasis after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). In lieu of a knot to secure the sutures in place, a three‐way stopcock can be used, which can be loosened or tightened as needed to achieve hemostasis and is easier to remove. The safety and effectiveness of this technique, when compared to traditional F8S, are unknown. In this case series, we sought to describe this stopcock closure (SC) technique and compare procedural characteristics and outcomes to the traditional F8S.

Methods

Charts of consecutive patients who underwent AF radiofrequency at two centers were reviewed for the type of hemostasis (SC or F8S), demographics, periprocedural anticoagulation, groin complications, and procedural duration.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included (50 in the F8S group and 50 in the SC group). The two groups were similar in terms of mean age, gender, weight, renal function, oral anticoagulant use, and procedural heparin dosing. There was one groin bleeding complication in each group. The procedural time was shortened in the SC group (220 ± 8 minutes vs 313 ± 8 minutes), and there was more protamine use (25 vs 3 patients) owing to the differences in preferences among two operators.

Conclusion

In this proof‐of‐concept study, a simple stopcock device provided comparable hemostasis to standard F8S after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF.
Prognostic significance of noncardiac syncope in the general population: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ricci Fabrizio , Sutton Richard , Palermi Stefano , Tana Claudio , Renda Giulia , Gallina Sabina , Melander Olle , De Caterina Raffaele , Fedorowski Artur
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Cardiac syncope heralds significantly higher mortality compared with syncope due to noncardiac causes or unknown etiology, commonly considered a benign event. A few epidemiologic studies have examined the outcome of noncardiac/unexplained syncope comparing individuals with and without syncope, but with controversial results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to clarify whether history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope is associated with increased all‐cause mortality in the general population.

Methods and Results

Our systematic review of the literature published between January 1, 1966, and March 31, 2018 sought prospective, observational, cohort studies reporting summary‐level outcome data about all‐cause mortality in subjects with history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope compared with syncope‐free participants. Adjusted hazard ratios were pooled through inverse variance random‐effect meta‐analysis to compute the summary effect size. Meta‐regression models were performed to explore the effect of age, cardiovascular risk factors, or other potential confounders on the measured effect size. We identified four studies including 287 382 individuals (51.6% men; age, 64 ± 12 years): 38 843 with history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope and 248 539 without history of syncope. The average follow‐up was 4.4 years. History of noncardiac/unexplained syncope was associated with higher all‐cause mortality (pooled adjusted hazard ratio = 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.23). Meta‐regression analysis showed a stronger positive relationship proportional to aging and increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusions

This study‐level meta‐analysis showed that among older, diabetic and/or hypertensive individuals, history of noncardiac/unexplained syncope, even in the absence of an obvious cardiac etiology, is associated with higher all‐cause mortality.
Predicting Sex Offender Recidivism: Using the Federal Post Conviction Risk Assessment Instrument to Assess the Likelihood of Recidivism Among Federal Sex Offenders
Authors: Cohen Thomas H.
Published: August 2018

Sex offenses are among the crimes that provoke serious public concern. The federal response to the problem of sex offending has resulted in an exponential increase in the number of sex offenders on federal post‐conviction supervision; however, relatively few studies have explored whether and how well the actuarial risk instrument currently used by federal probation officers—the federal Post Conviction Risk Assessment instrument (PCRA)—accurately predicts reoffending behavior among the federal sex offender population. This study uses a unique dataset of approximately 5,300 convicted sex offenders on federal supervision to investigate the PCRA's capacity to effectively predict subsequent recidivism activity for convicted federal sex offenders. Results show that the PCRA accurately predicts recidivistic behavior involving the commission of any felony or misdemeanor offenses, violent offenses, and probation revocations for this population. However, the PCRA's predictive capacities deteriorate when the instrument is used to assess the likelihood of sexual recidivism. In addition, this study showed that offenders convicted of online child pornography offenses presented some challenges in terms of predicting their reoffending behavior as they manifested lower PCRA risk scores and recidivism rates than offenders convicted of other major federal sexual offenses that involve hands‐on behavior.
Compliance Externalities and the Role‐Model Effect on Law Abidance: Field and Survey Experimental Evidence
Authors: Fabbri Marco , Hoeppner Sven
Published: August 2018

Recent theories of compliance predict that, apart from utilitarian considerations, individual decisions to respect or break the law account for virtuous motives and nonutilitarian willingness to promote the social good. We test whether empirical evidence supports these theories by collecting data on cyclists' decisions to ignore a red traffic light in a natural setting. We consider different situations where noncompliance is costly, but without risk, and where material deterrence incentives from legal sanctions remain constant. The only difference between the situations lies in who is observing the cyclists' decision at the traffic light at the intersection of a footpath with the cycle track. We find that about 68 percent of cyclists ignore the red traffic light when there is the opportunity to do so. This frequency does not change substantially when adult bystanders are observing at the pedestrian traffic light. Interestingly, the violation frequency drops to about 10 percent when children are present. Robustness checks rule out the alternative explanations that this change is driven by concerns for children's unpredictable actions, or by the simultaneous presence of other adult bystanders. In a vignette study, we additionally dissect the cyclists' motives for being compliant. Results suggest a “role‐model effect” on compliance. When asked, the majority of participants report that the willingness to educate and be a good example is the most important reason for their decision to abide by the law, hence supporting the empirical observation that promoting the social good can be an important nonutilitarian motive of compliance decisions.
Text of Trade Agreements (ToTA)—A Structured Corpus for the Text‐as‐Data Analysis of Preferential Trade Agreements
Authors: Alschner Wolfgang , Seiermann Julia , Skougarevskiy Dmitriy
Published: August 2018

With multilateral negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in deadlock, rulemaking on international economic governance has shifted to preferential trade agreements (PTAs). To facilitate the scholarly investigation of the fast‐growing universe of PTAs, this article introduces a machine‐readable and structured full text corpus of 448 WTO‐notified trade agreements stored on a Github repository—the Text of Trade Agreements (ToTA) corpus. The article (1) provides a summary analysis of the ToTA corpus, (2) illustrates how text‐as‐data techniques can be used to investigate PTA design using ToTA, including through an interactive website accompanying this research, and (3) concludes with an overview of research applications involving this PTA text corpus in economics, political science, and law. The current codebook is attached herein as an appendix. The dataset, codebook, and code, as updated, are available at https://github.com/mappingtreaties/tota.
Brief Emotion Focused Family Therapy: An Intervention for Parents of Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Issues
Authors: Foroughe Mirisse , Stillar Amanda , Goldstein Laura , Dolhanty Joanne , Goodcase Eric T. , Lafrance Adele
Published: August 2018

This study evaluated the 2‐day intensive modality of Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). The intervention attempts to prepare parents to take a primary role in their child's recovery from a range of mental health issues. One hundred and twenty‐four parents completed the intervention and provided data a week prior to intervention, post‐intervention and at 4‐month follow‐up. Results include significantly reduced parent blocks and increased parental self‐efficacy in relation to involvement in their child's recovery, as well as significant improvement in child symptomatology. The findings confirm positive results from an earlier pilot study involving eating disorders and demonstrate the potential for EFFT as an intervention for a range of clinical problems in children and youth.