bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slowness as a Proxy for Temporal Predictability: An Empirical Comparison
Authors: Weghenkel Björn , Wiskott Laurenz
Published: March 2018

The computational principles of slowness and predictability have been proposed to describe aspects of information processing in the visual system. From the perspective of slowness being a limited special case of predictability we investigate the relationship between these two principles empirically. On a collection of real-world data sets we compare the features extracted by slow feature analysis (SFA) to the features of three recently proposed methods for predictable feature extraction: forecastable component analysis, predictable feature analysis, and graph-based predictable feature analysis. Our experiments show that the predictability of the learned features is highly correlated, and, thus, SFA appears to effectively implement a method for extracting predictable features according to different measures of predictability.
Steinernema borjomiense n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Georgia
Authors: Gorgadze Oleg , Fanelli Elena , Lortkhipanidze Manana , Troccoli Alberto , Burjanadze Medea , Tarasco Estachio , De Luca Francesca
Published: March 2018

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema borjomiense n. sp., was isolated from the body of the host insect, Oryctes nasicornis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), in Georgia, in the territory of Borjomi-Kharagauli. Morphological characters indicate that the new species is closely related to species of the feltiae-group. The infective juveniles are characterised by the following morphological characters: body length of 879 (777-989) μm, distance between the head and excretory pore = 72 (62-80) μm, pharynx length = 132 (122-142) μm, tail length = 70 (60-80) μm, ratio a = 26.3 (23.0-29.3), H% = 45 (40-51), D% = 54 (47-59), E% = 102 (95-115), and lateral fields consisting of seven ridges (eight incisures) at mid-body. Steinernema borjomiense n. sp. was molecularly characterised by sequencing three ribosomal regions (the ITS, the D2-D3 expansion domains and the 18S rRNA gene) and the mitochondrial COI gene. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that S. borjomiense n. sp. differs from all other known species of Steinernema and is a member of the monticolum-group.
Plectranthus sahyadricus (Lamiaceae): a new species from Western Ghats, India
Authors: SMITHA KOKKARANIYIL , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: March 2018

A new species, Plectranthus sahyadricus is described from Munnar, southern Western Ghats, India. The species shows similarity with Plectranthus beddomei, in its stem and leaf characters but differs mainly by presence of a ring of hairs at young nodes, floral characters like cyme length, number of flowers per cyme, structure of the fruiting calyx tube, anterior corolla lip not fully opened and form an inverted dome over mouth, presence of hairs inside corolla tube and size of the disc. Detailed description, IUCN red list category and other relevant notes are provided.
Hypsibius vaskelae, a new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae) from Russia
Authors: TUMANOV DENIS V.
Published: March 2018

Hypsibius vaskelae sp. nov. (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada, Hypsibiidae) is described from a freshwater sample collected in the vicinity of Saint-Petersburg. The new species has wrinkled cuticle, bucco-pharyngeal apparatus with two elongate macroplacoids and septulum, and cuticular bars between the bases of inner and outer claw and near the base of the inner claw on legs I–IV. Hypsibius vaskelae sp. nov. is most similar to Hypsibius marcelli Pilato, 1990 and H. septulatus Pilato, Binda, Napolitano & Moncada, 2004, but differs from both in having wrinkled dorsal cuticle, thinner claws, and presence of lunules on the claws of all legs.
A new species of genus Eulimnadia Packard, 1874 (Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata: Limnadiidae) from India with an updated key for some Indian species
Authors: PADHYE SAMEER M. , RABET NICOLAS , KULKARNI MIHIR R. , PAGNI MARCO
Published: March 2018

We describe a new species of Eulimnadia, Eulimnadia bondi sp. nov., from the state of Goa, India. This is the 8th species to be described from the country and first from this state. This species differs from all other Indian species in having unique egg morphology–cylindrical egg with dilated borders at both ends and a specific internal eggshell structure. Specimens showed intra-population morphological variation as observed in other species from the genus. Eulimnadia bondi sp. nov. egg resembles the South American E. colombiensis and the Australian E. australiensis. These species are however distinguished on egg morphological details and by some morphological characteristic of adults. Based on the available information, we present an overview of the distribution of the different Indian Eulimnadia species and an updated identification key based on egg morphology.
The Integrated Media Effect: Rethinking the Effect of Media Use on Civic Participation in the Networked Digital Media Environment
Authors: Nah Seungahn , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: March 2018

Based on an integrated approach to media use, this study examines the association between integrated news use and civic participation in the networked digital media environment. Data from a web survey of a national online panel demonstrate that integrated news use, or the degree to which various media platforms are integrated for news consumption, is positively associated with civic participation. Data also show that integrated political discussion and integrated political information seeking mediate the relationship between integrated news use and civic participation. This study discusses theoretical and methodological implications.
L’uso della propaganda nell’insegnamento dell’italiano: Il Giornalino diretto da Giuseppe Prezzolini a New York, 1934–1943
Authors: Dolci Roberto
Published: March 2018

La diplomazia culturale considera la promozione della lingua e della cultura uno strumento per esercitare il soft power. Esse, però, possono anche diventare un mezzo di propaganda, come è successo nel periodo fascista. Questo articolo analizza il caso del Giornalino. Una rivista, per insegnanti e studenti di italiano diretta da Giuseppe Prezzolini durante i suoi anni alla Casa Italiana di Columbia University, finora mai analizzata. Attraverso l’esame dei materiali pubblicati si cercherà di dimostrare che anche Il Giornalino ha svolto un ruolo significativo nel delineare un’immagine positiva del fascismo negli USA presso un’utenza formata essenzialmente dagli studenti di origine italiana e dalle loro famiglie, a cui il regime dava particolare importanza.
Does Host Country Institutional Quality Act as a Differentiator in Intra-regional FDI? Evidence from Selected Asian Economies
Authors: Bhasin Niti , Garg Shilpa
Published: March 2018

With primary considerations such as trade and investment openness becoming similar for many economies due to globalization, the role of other factors such as institutional environment in promoting investment has captured increasing attention in recent times. In view of the growing importance of Asia as a prospective foreign direct investment (FDI) destination, we employ panel data regression data for 16 Asian economies over the period 2000–2012 to study if institutional quality affects FDI flows and stocks and whether it can act as a differentiator while selecting a location within Asia. Among the institutional variables employed, ‘political stability and absence of violence/terrorism’ were found to be significant determinants revealing the importance of a stable and safe political environment for FDI. However, ‘corruption’ and ‘regulatory inefficiency’ were found to affect FDI inflows positively, indicating the preference of foreign investors for a system where laws can be circumvented easily through corrupt bureaucracy and where regulations are weak or less stringent.

JEL: F21, F23, O43, O53
Determinants of FDI in India and Sri Lanka
Authors: Iqbal Badar Alam , Rahman Mohd Nayyer , Yusuf Nadia
Published: March 2018

Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment has remained an exhaustive endeavour for the researchers and at times it becomes a Pollyanna for policy making. The present piece of research is an attempt to gauge the determinants of FDI for India and Sri Lanka. The plausible determinants are selected for empirical testing such as Market Size, Inflation, Trade Openness and Current Account Balance. Proxy variables are selected in case the determinant is not measured in itself. Augmented Dicky Fuller test (Dicky & Fuller, 1981) is used for checking stationary and for hypotheses testing Ordinary Least Squares Regression is used.

JEL: C13, E22, F21, F23
Wnt-Responsive Odontoblasts Secrete New Dentin after Superficial Tooth Injury
Authors: Zhao Y. , Yuan X. , Liu B. , Tulu U.S. , Helms J.A.
Published: March 2018

The objective of our experiments was to identify new therapeutic strategies to stimulate dentin formation in an adult tooth. To address this objective, we evaluated dentin production in 2 acute trauma models: one involving a pulp exposure and the other involving a superficial dentin injury. Molecular, cellular, and histologic analyses revealed that in response to a severe injury, where the pulp is exposed to the oral cavity, cell death is rampant and the repair response initiates from surviving pulp cells and, to a lesser extent, surviving odontoblasts. When an injury is superficial, as in the case of a dentin injury model, then disturbances are largely confined to pulp tissue immediately underneath the damaged dentin tubules. We found that the pulp remained vital and innervated; primary odontoblasts upregulated HIF1α; and the rate of mineralization was significantly increased. A tamoxifen-inducible Axin2CreERT2/+; R26R mTmG/+ reporter strain was then used to demonstrate that a population of long-lived Wnt-responsive odontoblasts, which secreted dentin throughout the life of the animal, were responsible for depositing new dentin in response to a superficial injury. Amplifying Wnt signaling in the pulp stimulates dentin secretion, and in the dentin injury model, we show that a liposomal formulation of human WNT3A protein passes through dentinal tubules and is capable of upregulating Wnt signaling in the pulp. These data provide strong proof of concept for a therapeutic pulp-capping material to stimulate Wnt signaling in odontoblasts and thus improve the pulp repair response.
Competing Developmental Demands Among Suicide-Bereaved Emerging Adults
Authors: Mead Jessica
Published: March 2018

This qualitative group case study was ascertained to conceptualize theory on the topic of grief and emerging adulthood. A literature review proved no research to this specific experience. The aim of this study was to understand the suicide grief experience in this developmental stage. Based on the exploration of 150 suicide-bereaved emerging adults, participants in the Catholic Charities Young Adult Support Group expressed common themes related to the their unique grief experiences. Criterion sampling was used, as all these individuals voluntarily attended this group after losing a loved one to suicide. The methodology was observation and recording of oral data, and participants were asked to provide quarterly program evaluations. The analysis of data was recorded based on observed themes of statements made by participants. The conceptualized grief experiences that underpin this stage of development appear to work in opposition with grief tasks. This population would benefit from further research.
Comparisons Between Poorest and Richest to Measure Inequality
Authors: Davydov Youri , Greselin Francesca
Published: March 2018

The observed increase in economic inequality, where the major concern is relative to the huge growth of the highest incomes, motivates to revisit classical measures of inequality and to offer new ways to synthesize the variability of the entire income distribution. The idea is to provide policy makers a way to contrast the economic position of the group of the poorer [Formula: see text] percent of the population and to compare their mean income to the one owned by the [Formula: see text] percent of the richest. The new measure is still a Lorenz-based one, but the significant focus is based here in equally sized and opposite parts of the population whose difference is so remarkable nowadays. We then highlight the specific information given by the new inequality measure and curve, by comparing it to the widely employed Lorenz curve and Gini index and the more recent Zenga approach, and provide an application to Italian data on household income, wealth, and consumption along the years 1980–2012. The effects of estimating inequality indices and curves from grouped data are also discussed.
The Brief, Tumultuous History of “Big Democracy” in China’s Factories
Authors: Andreas Joel , Dong Yige
Published: March 2018

This article compares two fateful experiments conducted during the Mao era in China that encouraged freewheeling criticism of Communist cadres: the 1957 Party Rectification campaign and the early upheavals of the Cultural Revolution (1966–1968). Through a content analysis of articles published in the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship newspaper, People’s Daily, we first show that the two movements shared characteristics that made them very similar to each other and remarkably different from all other mass campaigns carried out during the Mao era. We then analyze the differences between the two movements—and their consequences—by investigating how they unfolded in factories, based mainly on interviews with workers and party cadres. We argue that key elements of the strategy Mao pursued during the Cultural Revolution were developed in response to the unmitigated failure of the 1957 campaign and these elements fostered a movement more capable of compelling Communist cadres to face criticism from below. In comparing the two movements, we highlight the evolution of the term “big democracy,” which was uniquely associated with these two episodes, but was deployed very differently in 1966 than it was in 1957.
Parents modify gesture according to task demands and child language needs
Authors: Wray Charlotte , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: March 2018

Parent–child interaction plays a crucial role in early language acquisition. In young typically developing children, direct and indirect relationships between parent gesture, child gesture and child language have been observed. Far less is known about these relationships in atypical language development. The present study investigated parent gesture frequency in relation to child gesture frequency and language ability. Parent–child dyads were observed for children aged 6–8 years with developmental language disorder (DLD: n = 21) relative to parents of typically developing peers (TD: n = 18) and children with low language (LL) and educational concerns ( n = 21). Parents of children with DLD gestured at significantly higher rates than parents of TD children, but only during a complex interactive problem solving task. Across the entire sample, parent gesture rate was positively correlated with child gesture rate, but negatively correlated with child vocabulary. Parent gesture thus may serve as a strategy to maximise communication success for children with language difficulties and is most evident when communication demands are high.
Austerity and women’s employment trajectories in Spain and the UK: A comparison of two flexible labour markets
Authors: López-Andreu Martí , Rubery Jill
Published: March 2018

Using a mixed methods approach this article investigates the impact of the financial crisis and austerity on women’s employment and life chances in Spain and the UK through tracking women’s changing labour market transitions and exploring women’s responses to disrupted employment paths. Women’s experiences were found to be strongly influenced by the different employment and social models and the specific austerity policies. In Spain women faced increases in both labour market flexibility and segmentation, involving more entrapment in unemployment and temporary jobs and declining protection within permanent contracts. In the UK women retained more access to employment but faced destabilisation of public sector employment and a strong budget squeeze from wage and benefit cuts. They were less able than women in Spain to draw on both family support and unemployment benefits to reorient their careers, but in both countries women were resisting employment changes and reaffirming their commitment to employment.
How experiments age: Gerontology, beagles, and species projection at Davis
Authors: Bolman Brad
Published: March 2018

Cold War curiosities about the dangers of radiation generated significant funding for an array of biomedical projects as enticing as they were unpredictable, introducing newly standardized experimental animals into laboratories and a novel merging of scientific disciplines. The desire to understand radiation’s effects on human longevity spurred a multi-sited, multi-decade project that subjected beagle dogs to varying degrees of irradiation. One of those laboratories, located at the southern tip of the campus of the University of California, Davis, eventually hosted an elaborate experimental breeding kennel and a population of ‘control’ dogs that set new milestones for canine longevity. The present article examines this gerontological spin-off experiment, using the study of aging as a method and object in order to analyze the emergence and disappearance of the Davis Radiobiology Laboratory and explore how research using new canine model organisms mirrored the politics and anxieties faced by citizens and scientists of the era, here termed ‘species projection’.
Cultural geography II: The force of representations
Authors: Anderson Ben
Published: March 2018

Cultural geography is once again concerned with representations. In this report I focus on how, in the wake of various non-representational theories, recent work stays with what texts, images, words, and other representations do. I argue that this work is animated by a concern with the force of representations: their capacities to affect and effect, to make a difference. Accompanying this orientation to questions of force is a shift in the unit of analysis to ‘representations-in-relation’ and a multiplication of the modes of analysis through which cultural geography is performed, including the emergence of reparative and descriptive modes.
Maternal Dietary Diversity and Growth of Children Under 24 Months of Age in Rural Dodoma, Tanzania
Authors: Huang Megan , Sudfeld Christopher , Ismail Abbas , Vuai Said , Ntwenya Julius , Mwanyika-Sando Mary , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To identify predictors of maternal dietary diversity in rural Dodoma, Tanzania and assess its association with child growth outcomes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of 361 mothers with children under 24 months of age was conducted in 5 villages in rural Dodoma, Tanzania. Maternal diets were assessed using food frequency questionnaires, and dietary diversity was categorized using Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) guidelines. Child anthropometric measures were taken to calculate height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-height z-score (WHZ), and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ). Linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the association between maternal dietary diversity and children’s growth outcomes.

Results:

About 40% of mothers did not consume a diverse diet (MDD-W < 5), and 35% of children were stunted. Household production of greater number of crops was associated with greater MDD-W scores ( P < .01). Greater maternal dietary diversity was associated with significantly greater child WHZ (mean difference = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.78; P = .01), WAZ (mean difference = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.08-0.65; P = .01), and reduced risk of wasting (odds ratio = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.66; P = .01).

Conclusions:

Greater maternal dietary diversity was associated with improved child WHZ and WAZ outcomes. Sustainable interventions to increase maternal dietary diversity may improve WHZ and WAZ in young children in similar settings.
Postnatal dilatation of umbilical cord vessels and its impact on wall integrity: Prerequisite for the artificial placenta
Authors: Peng Jenny , Rochow Niels , Dabaghi Mohammadhossein , Bozanovic Radenka , Jansen Jan , Predescu Dragos , DeFrance Bryon , Lee Sau-Young , Fusch Gerhard , Ravi Selvaganapathy Ponnambalam , Fusch Christoph
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

A lung assist device, which acts as an artificial placenta, can provide additional gas exchange for preterm and term newborns with respiratory failure. The concept of the lung assist device requires a large bore access via umbilical vessels to allow pumpless extracorporeal blood flow rates up to 30 mL/kg/min. After birth, constricted umbilical vessels need to be reopened for vascular access. The objective is to study the impact of umbilical vessel expansion on vessel integrity for achieving large bore access.

Methods:

Umbilical cords from healthy term deliveries were cannulated and dilatated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty catheters in 1 mm increments from 4 to 8 mm for umbilical artery and from 4 to 15 mm for umbilical vein, n = 6 per expansion diameter. Paraffin-embedded transverse sections of dilated and control samples were HE & Van Gieson stained. Effects of dilatation, shown by splitting, were measured.

Results:

Umbilical vessel expansion led to concentric splitting, shown by areas devoid of extracellular matrix and nuclei in the tunica intima and media. No radial splitting was observed. Results suggest an expansion threshold of umbilical artery at 6 mm and umbilical vein at 7 mm, while maximal splitting was observed above this threshold (3.6 ± 0.8%, p = 0.043 for umbilical artery 7 mm and 6.3 ± 1.8%, p = 0.048 for umbilical vein 8 mm). Endothelial cell sloughing was present in all dilated samples but not in the control samples.

Conclusion:

The suggested thresholds for safe expansions are similar to in utero umbilical vessel diameters and demonstrate a proof of concept for attaining large bore access for the lung assist device.
Happily Ever After? Exploring U.S. Collegiate Women’s Understandings of Love as Impermanent and Timeless in the Age of Capitalism
Authors: Koontz Amanda , Norman Lauren
Published: March 2018

This study examines the impact of popular cultural tropes and contemporary ideologies on U.S. collegiate women’s constructions of romantic love and marriage. Although research shows that shifts in the public sphere intimately affect the private realm, little is known regarding how young women negotiate concurrent romantic ideals and capitalist notions of romance. Based on interviews with 30 collegiate women, we argue that women’s negotiations of romantic love and marriage can be understood through conceptualizations of time, including investment of time, timelessness, and envisioning the future despite impermanence. Our findings suggest a love paradox, in that participants define love as controllable, reflecting late capitalistic terms of love as work and individuals’ responsibilities, and uncontrollable, as love is also deemed magical and timeless. Ambiguities thus arise from perceptions of instability, with women desiring idealized, everlasting love yet remaining doubtful that it can come to fruition in a rationalized, unstable time.
Que valent les communications interpersonnelles ? Calibrage interpersonnel des connaissances et sélection des sources de conseil
Authors: Bertrandias Laurent , Vernette Éric
Published: March 2018

Pour choisir un produit, le consommateur demande souvent conseil aux personnes de son entourage, c'est-à-dire à des amis, des leaders d'opinion, des consommateurs experts voire à des individus combinant ces caractéristiques. Nos résultats montrent que les conseils des amis et des leaders d'opinion sont plus recherchés, leurs connaissances étant, par ailleurs, surestimées. Les experts sont moins sollicités, leurs connaissances étant sous-estimées. Ces erreurs de calibrage interpersonnel diminuent si la source évalue correctement ses propres connaissances et augmentent dans le cas contraire.
Comprendre et identifier les consommateurs qui ont tendance à « tout » garder
Authors: Guillard Valérie , Pinson Christian
Published: March 2018

Les consommateurs doivent fréquemment prendre une décision concernant des produits encore utilisables mais dont ils n'ont plus l'utilité et qui ne valent pas, à leurs yeux, la peine d'être revendus. Cet article montre que certains consommateurs ont tendance à les garder au lieu de s'en débarrasser. Deux études qualitatives et neuf études quantitatives ont permis d'analyser ce comportement récurrent et de proposer une échelle de tendance à « tout » garder composée de quatre dimensions (instrumentale, sociale, économique et sentimentale). Nous montrons que cette tendance peut être un frein lors du processus de remplacement des produits: un consommateur qui a tendance à « tout » garder risque de repousser cette décision de remplacement s'il ne sait pas quoi faire du produit remplacé.
Sensibilité éthique : conceptualisation et proposition d’un instrument de mesure
Authors: Toti Jean-François , Moulins Jean-Louis
Published: March 2018

Cet article présente une échelle de mesure originale de la sensibilité éthique des consommateurs (SEC). Habituellement mesurée de manière non consensuelle par l’intermédiaire de scénarios, la sensibilité éthique apparaît comme fondamentale pour comprendre les comportements éthiques du consommateur. Cet article redéfinit le concept et propose un nouvel instrument de mesure sur la base d’une série d’études qualitative et quantitatives. La fiabilité et les validités de contenu, convergente et discriminante sont ensuite vérifiées. Les résultats indiquent aussi que la sensibilité éthique, mesurée par la nouvelle échelle, prédit mieux les intentions comportementales que la mesure traditionnelle par les scénarios. Les implications académiques et managériales de cette recherche sont enfin proposées.
Recherche en éthique du marketing: thèmes récurrents et émergents
Authors: Murphy Patrick E
Published: March 2018

Cet article aborde les thèmes de recherche de longue date et émergents dans le domaine de l’éthique du marketing. Il débute par les définitions, puis s’intéresse à l’analyse de la recherche sur : l’éthique du consommateur, les questions relatives aux produits, les questions de tarification, les défis des canaux de distribution et deux tendances émergentes en rapport avec la publicité et la promotion. La dernière partie de l’article propose un certain nombre de recommandations destinées aux jeunes chercheurs afin de mener des travaux de recherche sur des thèmes relevant de l’éthique du marketing. Il conclut par quelques réflexions sur l’enseignement de l’éthique du marketing et fait référence à la protection de la vie privée comme un sujet de préoccupation croissante en matière d’éthique dans le marketing.
Efforts Toward Elimination of Infectious Agents in Blood Products
Authors: Jacquot Cyril , Delaney Meghan
Published: March 2018

The US blood supply has never been safer. This level of safety depends on a multifaceted approach including blood donor screening, sensitive infectious disease testing, and good manufacturing practice. However, risks remain for transfusion-transmitted infections due to bacterial contamination of platelets and emerging diseases. Thus, ongoing improvements in screening and testing are required. Newer pathogen reduction technologies have shown promise in further ameliorating the safety of the blood supply.
Super Obesity in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kumar Santhi Iyer , Doo Kathleen , Sottilo-Brammeier Julie , Lane Christianne , Liebler Janice M.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Studies exploring the effect of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU) have yielded mixed results, with few studies assessing patients at the extremes of obesity. We sought to understand the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with super obesity (BMI > 50 kg/m2) as compared to morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2).

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients admitted to the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California medical intensive care unit (MICU) service between 2008 and 2013 was performed. The first 150 patients with BMI 30 to 40, 40 to 50, and 50+ were separated into groups. Demographic data, comorbid conditions, reason for admission, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, serum bicarbonate, and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (Pco 2) at admission were collected. Hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, mortality, use of mechanical ventilation (invasive and noninvasive), use of radiography, and other clinical outcomes were also recorded.

Results:

There was no difference in age, sex, and APACHE II score among the 3 groups. A pulmonary etiology was the most common reason for admission in the higher BMI categories ( P < .001). There was no difference in mortality among the groups. Intensive care unit and hospital LOS rose with increasing BMI ( P < .001). Patients admitted for pulmonary etiologies and higher BMIs had an increased ICU and hospital LOS ( P < .001). Super obese patients used significantly more noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV, P < .001). There were no differences in the use of invasive mechanical ventilation across the groups.

Conclusion:

Super obese patients are most commonly admitted to the MICU with pulmonary diagnoses and have an increased use of noninvasive ventilation. Super obesity was not associated with increased ICU mortality. Clinicians should be prepared to offer NIMV to super obese patients and anticipate a longer LOS in this group.
Laissez-faire localism: Features and emergent themes presented in a case study University Technical College
Authors: Gomery Dianne L
Published: March 2018

Education policy reform in England, as enabled by successive governments, has supported the liberalization and supply of an increasing number and diverse range of provision with varying structures and governance models. As such, these reforms have generated a portfolio for parents to exercise school choice. This article explores the discourses surrounding the liberalization of education provision and its implications for technical education, by adopting Hodgson and Spours’ (2012) conceptualization of localism as a lens through which to empirically research one of the former government’s flagship technical institutions – the University Technical College (UTC). Drawing on a series of interviews, the study examines and analyses the concept of localism within the context of a UTC and identifies emergent themes. Importantly, the study’s findings challenge the assumption that institutions will, of their own volition, come together and put aside institutional self-interest for the greater good of the learner and the local and regional skills agenda. The study concludes with recommendations for further research to determine whether the tensions, competitive practices and competition identified at a single institution may be indicative of those experienced more widely across UTCs.
Improvement of thermal conductivities and mechanical properties for polyphthalonitrile nanocomposites via incorporating functionalized h-BN fillers
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Jian , Chen Xinggang , Yu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qingxin
Published: March 2018

In this study, we have prepared a series of composite materials by using a catechol-based phthalonitrile resin as the matrix, and hexagonal boron nitride ( h-BN) nanoparticles as the fillers to improve the toughness and thermal conductivity of the matrix. The surface of nanoparticles was modified with the silane coupling agent (KH550) under mild conditions to enhance the interfacial compatibility, which could be confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal conductivities of composites reached 0.79 W (m·K)−1, which was 3.6 times as much as that of the neat resin, and conformed to the Cheng-Vachon model by fitting the measured values into several heat conduction models. The three-point bending test showed that the toughness and strength were improved at the same time and toughening mechanism was explored by using scanning electron microscope. The h-BN nanoparticles can not only improve the thermal conductivity of the resin but also enhance its mechanical properties.
Performance prediction of kinetic and screw pumps delivering slurry
Authors: Mrinal KR , Samad Abdus
Published: March 2018

Transporting slurry is a difficult task and industries use a kinetic or centrifugal pump or a screw or progressive cavity pump to deliver it. On the other hand, approximation models can help predicting performance and avoiding the expensive experiments of pumps with slurries. In this work, bentonite-based slurries were prepared and pumped by a centrifugal pump and a progressive cavity pump. The experimental facilities were developed in-house and artificial neural network-based approximation models were developed to predict performances. The approximation models say that it can eliminate the expensive testing to draw performance curve a pump. The relative merits of the pumps show that the progressive cavity pump has a better capability to handle the slurries or high viscosity fluids.
Energy–economy–environmental (3E) performance of Chinese regions based on the data envelopment analysis model with mixed assumptions on disposability
Authors: Yan Qingyou , Wang Xu , Baležentis Tomas , Streimikiene Dalia
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a modified environmental production technology which imposes the proper disposability on the undesirable outputs depending on the underlying technical properties. Then, aggregate and disaggregate (Russell-type) data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are proposed to evaluate the energy–economy–environment (3E) efficiency based on the modified technology (hereafter referred to as the 3E-DEA models). The non-radial Malmquist productivity index is adapted to model the changes in the 3E productivity over time. A case study of 3E efficiency analysis for the 30 Chinese administrative regions during 2011–2013 is presented. In general, Chinese regions did not perform well in terms of 3E goals as only three of them exhibited full efficiency. It was also found out that the eastern area showed the best 3E performance, whereas the central area followed suit, thus putting the western area at end of ranking. Still, some regions in the eastern area showed 3E efficiencies lower than those of some cities in the central and eastern areas. Anyway, most of the regions showed improving 3E productivity during 2011–2013.
In Utero Transplantation of Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Potential Fetal Treatment of Hemophilia A
Authors: Kumar Priyadarsini , Gao Kewa , Wang Chuwang , Pivetti Christopher , Lankford Lee , Farmer Diana , Wang Aijun
Published: March 2018

Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the factor VIII ( FVIII) gene leading to deficient blood coagulation. The current standard of care is frequent infusions of plasma-derived FVIII or recombinant B-domain-deleted FVIII (BDD-FVIII). While this treatment is effective, many patients eventually develop FVIII inhibitors that limit the effectiveness of the infused FVIII. As a monogenic disorder, HA is an ideal target for gene or cell-based therapy. Several studies have investigated allogeneic stem cell therapy targeting in utero or postnatal treatment of HA but have not been successful in completely correcting HA. Autologous in utero transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells is promising for treatment of HA due to the naive immune status of the fetal environment as well as its potential to prevent transplant rejection and long-term FVIII inhibitor formation. HA can be diagnosed by chorionic villus sampling performed during the first trimester (10 to 13 wk) of gestation. In this study, we used an established protocol and isolated placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (PMSCs) from first trimester chorionic villus tissue and transduced them with lentiviral vector encoding the BDD-FVIII gene. We show that gene-modified PMSCs maintain their immunophenotype and multipotency, express, and secrete high levels of active FVIII. PMSCs were then transplanted at embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) into wild-type fetuses from time-mated pregnant mice. Four days after birth, pups were checked for engraftment, and varying levels of expression of human green fluorescent protein were found in the organs tested. This study shows feasibility of the approach to obtain PMSCs from first trimester chorionic villus tissue, genetically modify them with the FVIII gene, and transplant them in utero for cell-mediated gene therapy of HA. Future studies will involve evaluation of long-term engraftment, phenotypic correction in HA mice, and prevention of FVIII inhibitor development by this approach.
Money Supply and Equity Price Movements During the Liberalized Period in India
Authors: Sahu Tarak Nath , Pandey Krishna Dayal
Published: March 2018

This study attempts to contribute towards the prevalent understanding and the extant literatures on the effect of changes in money supply as an important monetary policy shock on the stock prices of India by using a time-varying parameter models with vector autoregressive specification during the period 1996 to 2016. The result of Johansen’s cointegration test suggests a significantly positive long-run co-movement between the growth of money supply and stock prices in India but the result of vector error correction model (VECM) does not exhibit any significant relationship in short run. Further, the error correction term of the VECM reveals a long-run unidirectional causality from money supply to stock prices. However, the Granger causality test confirms that the growth rate of money supply does not cause the stock market movement in India in short run. Finally, the variance decomposition analysis reveals that both the Indian stock markets are strongly exogenous in the sense that shocks to money supply explain only a small portion of the forecast variance error of the market indices. Again, the impulse response function analysis indicates that a positive shock in money supply has a small but persistently positive effect on stock prices in India.
Workplace Persuasion: Conceptual Model, Development and Validation
Authors: Jena Lalatendu Kesari , Pradhan Sajeet
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the study is to present a conceptual definition and validate the structural dimensions of workplace persuasion. Applying both qualitative and quantitative approach, we found that workplace persuasion encompasses three distinct dimensions: reciprocation, cooperation and consensus. The quantitative approach followed in the study with two different sample sets confirm a 21-item workplace persuasion scale. The nomological, convergent and discriminant validity with other related constructs further establishes the intent and psychometric properties of the scale. Theoretical and practical implications of the study were discussed in light of the findings.
Exploring the Intersection of Evidence-Based Practices and Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices
Authors: Linan-Thompson Sylvia , Lara-Martinez Julie A. , Cavazos Linda O.
Published: March 2018

Culturally and linguistically diverse learners with and without learning disabilities enrolled in public schools are tasked with learning content, a new culture, and a new language. Meeting their language and literacy needs requires systematic use of evidence-based practices and deep knowledge of culturally and linguistically responsive practices that address their instructional, social, and language needs. Based on observations of teachers in multilingual classroom, four culturally and linguistically responsive practice were identified: (a) consistent use of evidence-based instructional practices for students who are English learners, (b) integration of culturally responsive pedagogy with evidence-based instructional practices, (c) use of relational interaction practices that build trust and respect between teachers and students, and (d) use of flexible language practices. Vignettes of actual observation data contrast typical practice and culturally and linguistically responsive practice.
Using HFACS-Healthcare to Identify Systemic Vulnerabilities During Surgery
Authors: Cohen Tara N. , Francis Sarah E. , Wiegmann Douglas A. , Shappell Scott A. , Gewertz Bruce L.
Published: March 2018

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System for Healthcare (HFACS-Healthcare) was used to classify surgical near miss events reported via a hospital’s event reporting system over the course of 1 year. Two trained analysts identified causal factors within each event narrative and subsequently categorized the events using HFACS-Healthcare. Of 910 original events, 592 could be analyzed further using HFACS-Healthcare, resulting in the identification of 726 causal factors. Most issues (n = 436, 60.00%) involved preconditions for unsafe acts, followed by unsafe acts (n = 257, 35.39%), organizational influences (n = 27, 3.72%), and supervisory factors (n = 6, 0.82%). These findings go beyond the traditional methods of trending incident data that typically focus on documenting the frequency of their occurrence. Analyzing near misses based on their underlying contributing human factors affords a greater opportunity to develop process improvements to reduce reoccurrence and better provide patient safety approaches.
Creating Democratic Citizens: Political Effects of the Internet in China
Authors: Huhe Narisong , Tang Min , Chen Jie
Published: March 2018

This study explores the perplexing role of the Internet in authoritarian settings. We disentangle the political impact of the Internet along two distinct dimensions, indirect effects and direct effects. While the direct effects of the exposure to the Internet shape political attitudes in a manifest and immediate way, the indirect effects shape various political outcomes via instilling fundamental democratic orientations among citizens. In authoritarian societies such as China, we argue the indirect effects of the Internet as a value changer tend to be potent, transformative, and persistent. But the direct effects of the Internet as a mere alternative messenger are likely to be markedly contingent. Relying on the newly developed method of causal mediation analysis and applying the method to data from a recent survey conducted in Beijing, we find strong empirical evidence to support our argument about the two-dimensional impacts of the Internet in authoritarian countries.
The Value of Big Endothelin-1 in the Assessment of the Severity of Coronary Artery Calcification
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Tiewei , Cong Xiangfeng , Hou Zhihui , Lu Bin , Zhou Zhou , Chen Xi
Published: March 2018

Progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) was significantly associated with all-cause mortality, and high coronary artery calcium score (CACS) portends a particularly high risk of cardiovascular events. But how often one should rescan is still an unanswered question. Preliminary screening by testing circulating biomarker may be an alternative before repeat computed tomography (CT) scan. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of big endothelin-1 (bigET-1), the precursor of endothelin-1 (ET-1), in predicting the severity of CAC. A total of 428 consecutively patients who performed coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) due to chest pain in Fuwai Hospital were included in the study. The clinical characteristics, CACS, and laboratory data were collected, and plasma bigET-1 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The bigET-1 was positively correlated with the CACS ( r = .232, P < .001), and the prevalence of CACS >400 increased significantly in the highest bigET-1 tertile than the lowest tertile. Multivariate analysis showed that bigET-1was the independent predictor of the presence of CACS >400 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.721, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-2.956, P = .049). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of bigET-1 for predicting CACS >400 was 0.38 pmol/L, with a sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 68% (area under curve [AUC] = 0.65, 95% CI, 0.58-0.72, P < .001). The present study demonstrated that the circulating bigET-1 was valuable in the assessment of the severity of CAC.
Irinotecan-associated dysarthria: A single institution case series with management implications in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies
Authors: Zhen David B , McDevitt Rachel L , Zalupski Mark M , Sahai Vaibhav
Published: March 2018

Irinotecan (Camptosar©, CPT-11), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is a commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapeutic in the treatment of multiple malignancies, particularly of gastrointestinal origin. Dysarthria secondary to irinotecan has been described as a rare side effect in a few case reports with limited data to recommend appropriate management. We describe herein a large single institution experience of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies who experienced dysarthria while being treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy regimens (FOLFIRINOX or FOLFIRI+/−bevacizumab). Eighteen patients developed neurological manifestations during irinotecan infusion with the majority ( n = 17) developing dysarthria. Patients also experienced other known side effects including cholinergic effects (abdominal bloating, diarrhea, facial flushing, diaphoresis, and rhinorrhea), nausea, fatigue, perioral paresthesia and musculoskeletal discomfort. The dysarthria occurred as early as with the first infusion of irinotecan ( n = 9), but several patients did not develop symptoms until subsequent infusions (range, 1–6). Dose alterations of irinotecan did not obviously impact the reccurrence or severity of dysarthria. Management strategies included close observation, atropine, slower irinotecan infusion rate, and reassurance. Dysarthria resolved without consequence in all patients within hours of completion of the infusion. Oncologists and pharmacists should be aware of irinotecan-associated dysarthria as a rare, self-limited phenomenon with no long-term sequelae, and appropriately counsel patients and infusion nurses to avoid inadvertently withholding potentially beneficial therapy for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
Virtual Remediation Versus Methylphenidate to Improve Distractibility in Children With ADHD: A Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Bioulac Stéphanie , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Maire Jenna , Bouvard Manuel P. , Rizzo Albert A. , Sagaspe Patricia , Philip Pierre
Published: March 2018

Objective: Virtual environments have been used to assess children with ADHD but have never been tested as therapeutic tools. We tested a new virtual classroom cognitive remediation program to improve symptoms in children with ADHD. Method: In this randomized clinical trial, 51 children with ADHD (7-11 years) were assigned to a virtual cognitive remediation group, a methylphenidate group, or a psychotherapy group. All children were evaluated before and after therapy with an ADHD Rating Scale, a Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and a virtual classroom task. Results: After therapy by virtual remediation, children exhibited significantly higher numbers of correct hits on the virtual classroom and CPT. These improvements were equivalent to those observed with methylphenidate treatment. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates for the first time that a cognitive remediation program delivered in a virtual classroom reduces distractibility in children with ADHD and could replace methylphenidate treatment in specific cases.