bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paediatric intensive care admissions during the 2015–2016 Queensland human parechovirus outbreak
Authors: McKenna Ronan , Joseph Lindsay , Sargent Philip , May Meryta , Tozer Sarah , Bialasiewicz Seweryn , Heney Claire , Schlapbach Luregn J , Clark Julia E
Published: January 2019

Aim

The human parechovirus (HPeV) has emerged as a pathogen causing sepsis‐like presentations in young infants, but there is a lack of data on HPeV presentations requiring intensive care support. We aimed to characterise the clinical presentation, disease severity, management and outcome of a population‐based cohort of children with microbiologically confirmed HPeV infection requiring admission to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Queensland, Australia during a recent outbreak.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective study of children admitted to PICU between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016 with confirmed HPeV infection.

Results

Thirty infants (median age 20 days) with HPeV genotype 3 were admitted to PICU, representing 16% of all children with HPeV admitted to hospital and 6.4% of non‐elective PICU admissions in children <1 year of age. Children requiring PICU admission were younger than children admitted to hospital (P = 0.001). Apnoea, haemodynamic instability with tachycardia and seizures represented the main reasons for PICU admission. Eleven children (37%) required mechanical ventilation for a median duration of 62 h, 22 (73%) received fluid boluses and 7 (23%) were treated with vasoactive agents for a median duration of 53 h. Median length of stay was 2.62 days. A total of 24 children (80%) fulfilled sepsis criteria, 14 (47%) severe sepsis and 7 (23%) septic shock criteria. Eight (27%) had abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging. No patient died.

Conclusions

We confirm that HPeV infection is an important cause of sepsis‐like syndrome in infants with substantial associated morbidity. Optimal management and long‐term outcomes require further investigation.
Exploring the Motivational and Behavioral Foundations of External Technology Experts’ Knowledge Sharing in Collaborative R&D Projects: The Contingency Role of Project Formalization
Authors: Schepers Jeroen , de Vries Jelle , van Weele Arjan , Langerak Fred
Published: January 2019

High‐tech manufacturers increasingly rely on the knowledge contributions of external technology experts (ETEs), who contribute to collaborative R&D projects on behalf of suppliers. Many scholars have considered knowledge sharing in R&D collaborations from a firm‐level or project‐level perspective and focused on formalization as a potential remedy. While individual supplier employees at the operative level make the decision to share critical knowledge, the individual‐level perspective in literature on knowledge sharing in collaborative R&D projects is virtually nonexistent. Because knowledge sharing in collaborative R&D is a largely discretionary act on behalf of the supplier employee, personal motivations rather than inter‐firm relationship elements (e.g., network position or dependency) become the primary determinant of one’s sharing behavior. Abstracting from or ignoring these motivations of supplier employees in studies on collaborative R&D may obscure important insights for R&D managers. This study is an important first step in providing the empirical evidence needed to uncover the motivational and behavioral foundations for ETEs’ knowledge sharing in a collaborative R&D setting. Building on theories of gift and social exchange, this article identifies customer stewardship and distributive fairness as two important personal motivations of ETEs to share knowledge. Project formalization is considered as a key contingency condition. Analyzing survey responses of 186 ETEs, a multilevel regression‐based moderated‐mediation analysis of direct and indirect effects shows that customer stewardship predicts an ETE’s knowledge sharing behavior under (very) low levels of project formalization, and distributive fairness predicts knowledge sharing behavior under medium to high levels of formalization. Together, the results provide R&D project managers who aim to leverage external knowledge contributions with valuable insights that have been obscured in past firm‐level collaborative R&D studies.
Effects of drought‐stressed temperate forage legumes on the degradation and the rumen microbial community in vitro
Authors: Riede Susanne , Lindig Carola , Abel Hansjörg , Tonn Bettina , Isselstein Johannes , Breves Gerhard
Published: January 2019

According to climate change scenarios, central Europe may expect extending drought periods during summer. Lower water availability may influence the ruminal digestion of individual forage legume species differently. To test this hypothesis, Lotus corniculatus L. (var. Bull), Medicago lupulina L. (var. Ekola), Medicago falcata L. (wild seeds) and Trifolium repens L. (var. Rivendel) were each grown in parallel lots of control and drought‐stressed monocultures. Rainout shelters (installed in May 2011 on a regrowth after first cut until harvest in mid of June) withheld rainfall of 40 mm in the drought stress treatment. Samples of dried (60°C) and milled (5 mm screen) forage legumes were incubated in a simulation experiment using Rusitec to assess drought effects on parameters for microbial metabolism. Degradability of dry matter and organic matter as well as methane production decreased in incubations with drought‐stressed compared to control variants of legume species. Degradability of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and residual organic matter including non‐fibre carbohydrates and lipids were affected by interactions between drought stress and species. Significant interactions were also found for ammonia concentrations, molar SCFA proportions and the microbial communities. It is concluded that drought stress for growing forage legumes influences their ruminal degradation and fermentation as well as the ruminal microbial communities of Bacteria and Archaea differently in a legume species‐dependent manner.
Glutamate effects on sucking piglet intestinal morphology and luminal metabolites
Authors: Tan Xian , Zhang Jun , Yang Huansheng , Li Jianzhong , Li Yali , Ding Xueqin , Huang Pengfei , Wang Qiye , Yin Jia , Yin Yulong
Published: January 2019

This study was conducted to measure the effects of orally administered glutamate (Glu) on suckling piglet (SP) intestinal morphology and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Forty‐eight newborn piglets with similar initial weights (1.55 ± 0.20 kg) were selected from six sows (eight piglets/sow) and randomly assigned into four groups. There was daily administration of the following: 0.18 g/kg body weight (BW) of sodium chloride (CN group); 0.06 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (LMG group); 0.50 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (MMG group); and 1.00 g/kg BW monosodium glutamate (HMG group). Four piglets (one/group) were randomly selected from each sow for tissue sampling at days 7 and 21. MMG group jejunal villus height and crypt depth significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the CN group as of days 7 and 21. HMG group jejunal villus height and crypt depth reduced (p < 0.05) compared to the MMG group. LMG group jejunum goblet cell count was greater (p < 0.05) than that of the MMG or HMG groups. MMG and HMG group ileal villus height was greater (p < 0.05) than either CN or LMG groups as of day 7. HMG ileal crypt depth decreased (p < 0.05) compared to LMG and MMG groups. The MMG group had greater (p < 0.05) acetic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid contents in their caecum than the other groups as of day 21. It also had greater acetic acid, propanoic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid and isopentanoic acid contents in the colon than the other groups on day 21. No significant VFA content differences in the caecum or the colon were observed among groups on day 7. These results indicated that oral administration with monosodium glutamate (MSG) at 0.50 g/kg BW/day improved SP intestinal morphology and increased caecal and colonal VFA contents.
Very beyond subjectivity: The limit of accuracy of Q‐Graders
Authors: Pereira Lucas Louzada , Guarçoni Rogério Carvalho , Moreira Taís Rizzo , de Sousa Luiz Henrique Bozzi Pimenta , Cardoso Wilton Soares , Moreli Aldemar Polonini , da Silva Samuel Ferreira , ten Caten Carla Schwengber
Published: January 2019

When it comes to the sensory analysis of specialty coffees, it is necessary to discuss the protocol of tests of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the formation of Q‐Graders as reliable parameters in the sensory analysis. However, the training of these Q‐Graders and the use of the SCA protocol has generated discussions in the scientific community and demonstrated the importance of talking about the level of professional precision as well as the use of the protocol. This study sought to understand the relation of accuracy and efficiency of the Q‐Graders and protocol in the sensory analysis of coffees. Three experiments were carried out to evaluate and test the hypotheses regarding the level of precision in relation to the shift, the number of samples and the judgment abilities of Q‐Graders due to the quality of the specialty coffee and nonspecialty coffee. These three experiments were performed by seven Q‐Graders in an isolated environment during three consecutive days with 137 specialty coffee samples and 7 nonspecialty coffee samples as defined by the SCA. The results indicate that the Q‐Graders present high precision when evaluating excellent and outstanding coffees, as defined by the SCA. In addition, the effect of the shift did not exert fatigue on the Q‐Graders. However, evaluation errors were made by the Q‐Graders on very good coffee (77.00–80.00 points), which are considered as nonspecialty by the SCA, thus allowing a more in‐depth discussion on what would be the boundary between a specialty and nonspecialty coffee.

Practical applications

The article deals with the sensory evaluation process of coffees, and it has great importance to teaching and research institutions in Brazil, the largest producer, largest exporter and the country with the highest concentration of coffee scholars in the world. The article focuses on a new approach and a new way of looking at the sensory evaluation process of coffees, using the methodology of the Specialty Coffee Association to analyze the accuracy and efficiency of the Q‐Graders.
‘Language of lies’: Urgent issues and prospects in verbal lie detection research
Authors: Nahari Galit , Ashkenazi Tzachi , Fisher Ronald P. , Granhag Pär‐Anders , Hershkowitz Irit , Masip Jaume , Meijer Ewout H. , Nisin Zvi , Sarid Nadav , Taylor Paul J. , Verschuere Bruno , Vrij Aldert
Published: January 2019

Since its introduction into the field of deception detection, the verbal channel has become a rapidly growing area of research. The basic assumption is that liars differ from truth tellers in their verbal behaviour, making it possible to classify them by inspecting their verbal accounts. However, as noted in conferences and in private communication between researchers, the field of verbal lie detection faces several challenges that merit focused attention. The first author therefore proposed a workshop with the mission of promoting solutions for urgent issues in the field. Nine researchers and three practitioners with experience in credibility assessments gathered for 3 days of discussion at Bar‐Ilan University (Israel) in the first international verbal lie detection workshop. The primary session of the workshop took place the morning of the first day. In this session, each of the participants had up to 10 min to deliver a brief message, using just one slide. Researchers were asked to answer the question: ‘In your view, what is the most urgent, unsolved question/issue in verbal lie detection?’ Similarly, practitioners were asked: ‘As a practitioner, what question/issue do you wish verbal lie detection research would address?’ The issues raised served as the basis for the discussions that were held throughout the workshop. The current paper first presents the urgent, unsolved issues raised by the workshop group members in the main session, followed by a message to researchers in the field, designed to deliver the insights, decisions, and conclusions resulting from the discussions.
Stopping immunosuppressive treatment in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH): Is it justified (and in whom and when)?
Authors: Harrison Laura , Gleeson Dermot
Published: January 2019

Background

Initial treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with prednisolone ± azathioprine is based on randomised controlled trials. Many patients receive long‐term immunosuppressive treatment to prevent disease relapse; this strategy has a weaker evidence base.

Aim

To consider whether immunosuppressive treatment (IST) withdrawal in AIH is justified and to develop a rationale for patient selection.

Methods

We reviewed published papers between 1972 and 2018, which addressed the outcomes of IST withdrawal and/or complications of IST in AIH.

Results

(1) AIH relapse rates after withdrawal of IST vary between 25% and 100%. There is heterogeneity in these studies regarding relapse definition, IST duration prior to withdrawal and criteria for biochemical and histological remission prior to withdrawal. (2) Factors associated with relapse following IST withdrawal include: (a) absence of an identifiable initial disease trigger, (b) presence of other autoimmune diseases, (c) longer time to biochemical remission and (d) elevated serum transaminases on treatment withdrawal. Reports of associations between relapse and age, IST duration and failure of histological remission have been inconsistent. (3) Continued IST reduces risk of AIH relapse over at least 5 years. However, there is no evidence that routine (as opposed to selective) long‐term IST improves disease outcome. (4) Patients with AIH have an increased risk of extrahepatic cancer, notably non‐melanoma skin cancer, to which long‐term IST may contribute. Long‐term corticosteroid therapy is associated with weight gain, low‐trauma fractures, diabetes and possibly vascular disease.

Conclusions

While further studies are needed, evidence supports a strategy of IST withdrawal in some patients with AIH who have achieved remission.
Provision of low‐iron micronutrient powders on alternate days is associated with lower prevalence of anaemia, stunting, and improved motor milestone acquisition in the first year of life: A retrospective cohort study in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Geletu Ashenafi , Lelisa Azeb , Baye Kaleab
Published: January 2019

Inappropriate complementary feeding contributes to growth faltering, anaemia, and cognitive impairments. Limited programmatic evidence exists on the effectiveness of low‐iron micronutrient powders (MNPs) on anaemia and motor development when provided every other day in the first year of life. This study used an existing demonstration project to evaluate associations between exposure of low‐iron MNPs, anaemia, and motor development of infants in Southern Ethiopia. Using a retrospective cohort design, 200 infants aged 9 to 12 months (98 MNP exposed; 102 unexposed) were recruited, and data on socio‐economic characteristics, anthropometric measures, dietary diversity scores (DDS), haemoglobin concentrations, and motor development acquisition were collected, and MNP exposed and unexposed groups were compared. Logistic regressions were run to identify predictors of acquisition of motor development milestones. Sociodemographic characteristics and dietary diversity scores were similar between MNP exposed and unexposed groups. Provision of low‐iron (6 mg) MNP every other day, for 3 months, was associated with reduced risk of anaemia and stunting and increased achievement of motor development. After adjusting for age, infants exposed to MNPs had a higher likelihood of standing alone (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI [1.53, 6.46]) and walking alone (4.9; 95% CI [2.12, 11.37]) than unexposed ones. Exposure to MNPs, DDS, stunting, and mothers education were associated with acquisition of motor development milestones. Provision of low‐iron dose MNPs on alternate days is associated with lower prevalence of anaemia, stunting, and increased motor development achievements. Integrating routine monitoring of motor development milestones with growth monitoring and anaemia screening can inform nutrition interventions to support optimal brain development.
Deciphering the worldwide invasion of the Asian long‐horned beetle: A recurrent invasion process from the native area together with a bridgehead effect
Authors: Javal Marion , Lombaert Eric , Tsykun Tetyana , Courtin Claudine , Kerdelhué Carole , Prospero Simone , Roques Alain , Roux Géraldine
Published: January 2019

Retracing introduction routes is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes involved in an invasion, as well as for highlighting the invasion history of a species at the global scale. The Asian long‐horned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is a xylophagous pest native to Asia and invasive in North America and Europe. It is responsible for severe losses of urban trees, in both its native and invaded ranges. Based on historical and genetic data, several hypotheses have been formulated concerning its invasion history, including the possibility of multiple introductions from the native zone and secondary dispersal within the invaded areas, but none have been formally tested. In this study, we characterized the genetic structure of ALB in both its native and invaded ranges using microsatellites. In order to test different invasion scenarios, we used an approximate Bayesian “random forest” algorithm together with traditional population genetics approaches. The strong population differentiation observed in the native area was not geographically structured, suggesting complex migration events that were probably human‐mediated. Both native and invasive populations had low genetic diversity, but this characteristic did not prevent the success of the ALB invasions. Our results highlight the complexity of invasion pathways for insect pests. Specifically, our findings indicate that invasive species might be repeatedly introduced from their native range, and they emphasize the importance of multiple, human‐mediated introductions in successful invasions. Finally, our results demonstrate that invasive species can spread across continents following a bridgehead path, in which an invasive population may have acted as a source for another invasion.
Global analysis of lysine succinylome in the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Wu Leng , Gong Tao , Zhou Xuedong , Zeng Jumei , Huang Ruijie , Wu Yafei , Li Yuqing
Published: January 2019

The gram‐negative anaerobe Porphyromonas gingivalis is not only a keystone periodontal pathogen but also an emerging systemic pathogen. Although the newly discovered protein post‐translational modification (PTM), lysine succinylation (Ksuc), appears to play an important role in modulating metabolic processes in bacteria, this PTM has not been investigated in P gingivalis. In this study, we used a highly sensitive proteomics approach combining affinity enrichment with high‐resolution liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to examine Ksuc in P gingivalis. In total, 345 Ksuc sites in 233 proteins were identified and determined to be involved in a variety of cellular processes. In the region surrounding Ksuc sites, lysine residues were drastically overrepresented and sequence motifs with succinyl‐lysine flanked by a lysine at the +3 or +6 positions appear to be unique to this pathogen. Additionally, our results suggest a crosstalk between Ksuc and glycosylation, but the overlap between Ksuc and acetylation in P gingivalis is quite different from that observed in other organisms. Notably, Ksuc was observed in proteins associated with established virulence factors, including gingipains, fimbriae, RagB, and PorR. Moreover, products of the factors necessary for P gingivalis in vitro survival (18.5%) were found to be succinylated at lysine sites and the same was observed in products of fitness factors for P gingivalis survival in both abscess and epithelial cell colonization environments (12%). Collectively, these results suggest that Ksuc may be a new mechanism in modulating the virulence, adaptation, and fitness of P gingivalis.
Dust accumulation due to anthropogenic impact induces anatomical and photochemical changes in leaves of Centranthus ruber growing on the slope of the Vesuvius volcano
Authors: De Micco V. , Amitrano C. , Stinca A. , Izzo L. G. , Zalloni E. , Balzano A. , Barile R. , Conti P. , Arena C.
Published: January 2019

In Mediterranean ecosystems, some natural areas are exposed to severe anthropogenic impact. Especially in summer, the considerable number of tourists visiting such areas, often with vehicles, causes deposition of dust over the vegetation due to formation of powder clouds, also favoured by wind erosion, high temperature, low precipitation and incoherent soil structure. The main aim of this study was to analyse whether the deposition of dust can induce changes in leaf anatomical functional traits and in the efficiency of photosynthetic apparatus in Centranthus ruber, a species widespread in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Leaf morpho‐functional traits were quantified in plants growing at sites characterised by high (HD) and low (LD) dust deposition, in periods with high anthropogenic impact. Analyses included quantification of chlorophyll fluorescence emission parameters, photosynthetic pigment concentration as well as stomatal size and frequency, leaf lamina thickness, quantification of intercellular spaces and phenolics in the mesophyll through microscopy.

The overall analysis suggested that the different conditions of dust deposition induced different adjustment of morpho‐functional traits in leaves of C. ruber. High dust deposition shielded the leaf lamina, protecting the photosynthetic apparatus from excess light and favoured plant photochemical efficiency. Leaves exposed to low dust deposition showed higher accumulation of phenolic compounds, protecting chloroplast membranes and characterised by high thermal dissipation of excess light.

Such adaptive phenomena can affect vegetation dynamics due to possible different species‐specific plant responses, resulting in different plant competitiveness under the limiting conditions of Mediterranean environments.
Chlorococcum turfosum comb. nov. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) and visualization of chimeric sequences
Authors: Nakada Takashi , Watanabe Shin , Lewis Louise A. , Tomita Masaru
Published: January 2019

Parachlorococcum turfosum was previously described based on morphological studies of a culture collection strain originally identified as ‘Chlorococcum elkhartiense’ and on an 18S rRNA gene phylogeny of a strain derived from the same original strain but from a different culture collection. However, a subsequently published 18S rRNA gene sequence was inconsistent with the original sequence. Therefore, a new 18S rRNA gene sequence was obtained from the strain from which the holotype was derived. Comparative analyses of the new sequence using the basic local alignment search tool and a newly written Perl code, ChimViewP, which visualizes nucleotide signature shifts characteristic of chimeric sequences, revealed that the sequence used in the original description was of a chimeric nature. Similar analyses also indicated that two published ‘Chlamydomonas acidophila’ sequences are chimeric. Phylogenetic analyses excluding all putative chimeras showed that P. turfosum belongs to Chlorococcum, and thus Chlorococcum turfosum comb. nov. is proposed.
Bringing Organizations Back In: Multilevel Feedback Effects on Individual Civic Inclusion
Authors: Goss Kristin A. , Barnes Carolyn , Rose Deondra
Published: January 2019

Policy feedback scholarship has focused on how laws and their implementation affecteitherorganizations (e.g., their resources, priorities, political opportunities, or incentive structures)orindividuals (e.g., their civic skills and resources or their psychological orientations toward the state). However, in practice the distinction between organizations and individuals is not clear‐cut: Organizations interpret policy for individuals, and individuals experience policy through organizations. Thus, scholars have argued for a multi‐level model of feedback effects illuminating how policies operating at the organizational level reverberate at the individual level. In this theory‐building article, we push this insight by examining how public policy influences nonprofit organizations’ role in the civic life of beneficiaries. We identify five roles that nonprofit organizations play. For each role, we draw on existing research to identify policy mechanisms that either enlarge or diminish nonprofits’ capacity to facilitate individual incorporation and engagement. From these examples, we derive cross‐cutting hypotheses concerning how different categories of citizens may need policy to operate differently to enhance their civic influence; whether policy that is “delivered” through nonprofits may dampen citizens’ relationship with the state; and how the civic boost provided by policy may be influenced by the degree of latitude conferred on recipient organizations.
Evaluating Stakeholder Participation and Influence on State‐Level Rulemaking
Authors: Crow Deserai A. , Albright Elizabeth A. , Koebele Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

Despite sustained attention to the role of stakeholders in policymaking—both in legislative and regulatory venues—we lack a systematic understanding of whether and when stakeholders wield influence over decisions. This is particularly true regarding state‐level rulemaking in the United States, which has become an important venue of policy action as federal policymaking is increasingly stymied. Although the specifics of the rulemaking process vary to some degree across states, determining whether common patterns of stakeholder influence exist across states and issue areas can advance our understanding of regulatory institutions more broadly. This study contributes to the growing body of scholarship on state‐level rulemaking by analyzing the ways in which stakeholders participate in rulemaking processes and the effects on rulemaking decisions of such participation in three policy domains across five states. We find that while industry may be influential during rulemaking across cases, consequential opportunities for non‐industry stakeholders to influence regulatory decisions also exist.
The weight of facts: A puzzle about perception, reasons and deliberation
Authors: Giananti Andrea
Published: January 2019

How should we understand the epistemic role of perception? According to epistemological disjunctivism (ED), a subject’s perceptual knowledge that p is to be explained in terms of the subject believing that p for a factive and reflectively accessible reason. I argue that ED raises far‐reaching questions for rationality and deliberation; I illustrate those questions by setting up a puzzle about belief‐suspension, and I argue that ED does not have the resources to make sense of the rationality of belief‐suspension in cases in which suspending is clearly rational. The conclusion that I draw from the puzzle is mainly negative: the epistemic contribution of perception cannot be explained in terms of a warrant‐conferring relation between perception and belief. However, toward the end, I sketch a positive picture of the epistemic role of perception in terms of a direct explanatory relation between perception and knowledge.
Comparing amphibian habitat quality and functional success among natural, restored, and created vernal pools
Authors: Rothenberger Megan B. , Vera Mariuxi K. , Germanoski Dru , Ramirez Emily
Published: January 2019

The fact that several vernal pool restoration and creation attempts in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been paired with conservation of natural pools in the same area provided a valuable research opportunity to compare amphibian habitat quality between project sites and natural reference pools. To measure desired outcomes, we used successful reproduction and metamorphosis of two vernal pool indicator species, the wood frog and spotted salamander. Although many previous studies indicate that restored and created pools rarely replace function lost in the destruction of natural pools, success of vernal pool indicator species was not necessarily related to pool type in this study. Results indicate a strong correlation between reproductive success for both species and vernal pool size (i.e. mean depth and volume), regardless of pool type. Although overall survival rates of wood frog larvae were significantly higher in natural pools with hydroperiods between 12 and 35 weeks, wood frogs were also successful in one restored and one created vernal pool. Salamander survival rates were highest in two natural and two created pools, which had in common both greater volumes and higher proportions of forest land cover in the surrounding 1,000 m. The documented success of vernal pool indicator species in two well‐established created pools demonstrates that pool creation can sometimes restore communities and ecological functions lost, especially when nearby natural pools are degraded or destroyed.
Imported input varieties and product innovation: Evidence from five developing countries
Authors: Bos Marijke J.D. , Vannoorenberghe Gonzague
Published: January 2019

We examine how access to imported intermediate inputs affects firm‐level product innovation in five developing counties. We combine trade data with survey data on innovation and develop a method to determine whether new inputs were essential for the product innovation. We find evidence that the number of newly imported varieties has a significant impact on product innovations that rely on new inputs and provide suggestive evidence that this effect comes from access to better quality imports. We extend our analysis to assess the consequences of the increase in the number of Chinese exporting firms on product innovation in developing countries.
Aging‐related changes in the relationship between the physical self‐concept and the physical fitness in elderly individuals
Authors: Amesberger Günter , Finkenzeller Thomas , Müller Erich , Würth Sabine
Published: January 2019

The paper focuses on long‐term changes in parameters of self‐perception (ie, physical self‐concept, self‐esteem, and self‐efficacy), physical activity, and its relationship to physical fitness of healthy and active old adults. The sample of 22 physically active and healthy elderly (age Mt1 = 66.00) originates in an earlier skiing intervention study following a longitudinal study design with four time points of measurement over a period of 6 years. Self‐reports on physical self‐concept (PSK), general self‐esteem and self‐efficacy, and an activity index were assessed and compared to physical fitness data (VO2max and muscle strength). Significant time effects (over 6 years) were obtained with respect to global physical self‐concept, endurance (PSK), and VO2max. Muscle strength turned out to be stable over time. The positive correlations between VO2max and the corresponding self‐concept evaluation of endurance abilities diminished across the 6 years. Self‐esteem correlated with the PSK scales and VO2max. In contrast to our expectation, self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and activity level hardly predicted changes in the PSK scales, VO2max, and physical strength. Although VO2max and some parameters of the physical self‐concept declined over the 6 years, results indicate that physical self‐concept, self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, physical fitness, and physical activity display a complex pattern. The decrease in self‐perception measured by the correlation of PSK and physical fitness suggests that self‐concept of old adults is not sensitive to changes in physical fitness.
Mathematics achievement in the secondary high school context of STEM and non‐STEM schools
Authors: Bicer Ali , Capraro R. M.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to compare students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in Texas science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (T‐STEM) academies to students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in traditional public high schools. Forty‐six schools, 23 of which were T‐STEM academies and 23 of which were matched non‐STEM schools, were included in this study. A hierarchical linear modeling method was conducted. The result of the present study revealed that there was no difference in students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in T‐STEM academies compared to students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in comparison schools. However, in terms of ethnicity, the results indicated that African American and Hispanic students in T‐STEM academies outperformed African American and Hispanic students in comparison schools on their mathematics growth rate.
Increasing Voter Participation by Altering the Costs and Stakes of Voting*
Authors: Henrickson Kevin E. , Johnson Erica H.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

While many states are increasing the costs of voting through voter identification laws, Washington State has enacted two policies that may increase voter participation. Specifically, as of 2012, the entire state uses a vote‐by‐mail system, reducing the cost of voting. In addition, Washington adopted a top‐two primary format in 2008, increasing the importance of primaries.

Methods

Using turnout data between 2000 and 2014, we examine the effect of vote‐by‐mail and the top‐two primary format on voter turnout.

Results

We find that both of these policies have had a positive impact on voter turnout in Washington State primaries, raising turnout to the point where Washington's primary turnout exceeds the general election turnout in other states.

Conclusions

These results suggest that other states might consider vote‐by‐mail and/or a top‐two primary format to increase voter participation.
Flaminal® versus Flamazine® in the treatment of partial thickness burns: A randomized controlled trial on clinical effectiveness and scar quality (FLAM study)
Authors: Rashaan Zjir M. , Krijnen Pieta , Kwa Kelly A.A. , van der Vlies Cornelis H. , Schipper Inger B. , Breederveld Roelf S.
Published: January 2019

Although partial thickness burns are the most frequently reported burn injuries, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness and scar quality of Flaminal® Forte to silver sulfadiazine (Flamazine®) in the treatment of partial thickness burns. In this two‐arm open label multicenter randomized controlled trial, adult patients with acute partial thickness burns and an affected total body surface area of less than 30% were randomized between Flaminal® Forte and Flamazine® and followed for 12 months. Dressing changes in the Flamazine® group were performed daily, and in the Flaminal® group during the first 3 days post burn and thereafter every other day until complete wound healing or surgery. Forty‐one patients were randomly allocated to Flaminal® Forte and 48 patients to Flamazine®. The primary outcome was time to wound healing, which did not differ between the groups: median 18 days with Flaminal® Forte (range 8–49 days) versus 16 days with Flamazine® (range 7–48 days; p = 0.24). Regarding the secondary outcomes during hospital admission, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups concerning need for surgery, pain scores, pruritus, or pain‐related and anticipatory anxiety. More patients in the Flaminal® group developed wound colonization (78% versus 32%, p < 0.001), but the treatment groups did not differ regarding the incidence of local infections and use of systemic antibiotics. In terms of scar quality, no statistically significant differences between both treatment groups were found regarding subjective scar assessment (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)), scar melanin and pigmentation (DermaSpectrometer®), and scar elasticity and maximal extension (Cutometer®) during 12 month postburn. In conclusion, time to wound healing did not differ, but the use of Flaminal® Forte seemed favorable because less dressing changes are needed which lowers the burden of wound care.
Hydrodynamical Aspects of Pontoon Optimization for a Side-Anchored Floating Bridge
Authors: Fredriksen Arnt G. , Heiervang Mads F. , Larsen Per N. , Sandnes Pål G. , Sørby Bernt , Bonnemaire Basile , Nesteby Anders , Nedrebø Øyvind
Published: January 2019

Long floating bridges supported by pontoons with span-widths between 100 m and 200 m are discrete hydro-elastic structures with many critical eigenmodes. The response of the bridge girder is dominated by vertical eigenmodes and coupled horizontal modes (lateral) and rotational modes (about the longitudinal axis of the bridge girder). This paper explores the design principles used to reduce the response with regards to these eigenmodes. It is shown for a floating bridge with 200 m span-width that by inserting a bottom flange the vertical eigenmodes can be lifted out of wind-driven wave regime. It is also shown that selecting a pontoon length that leads to cancelation of horizontal excitation forces is beneficial, and that the geometrical shaping of the pontoon can be efficient to decrease the bridge response.
Production of Realistic Flaws and Their Meaning for Ultrasonic Testing
Authors: Hodac Jiri , Mares Pavel , Janousek Jaromir , Linhart Martin
Published: January 2019

This work is designed to artificially create test specimens with flaws that behave the same way as real-function flaws when observed by nondestructive testing (NDT) technologies. Thus, the understanding of the detection limitations of NDT methods is needed. In this study, real, realistic, and artificial flaws were compared by ultrasonic phased array technology. Fatigue flaws, which belong to the most common structural issues (Ruzicka, M., Hanke, M., and Rost, M., 1987, Dynamicka Pevnost a Zivotnost, CVUT, Prague, Czech Republic, p. 75), are investigated. Measurements have revealed significant differences in the amplitude of ultrasonic echo from fatigue cracks in distinct phases of crack propagation. Studied specimens with realistic flaws have demonstrated their quality for calibration, staff training, and NDT system qualification. More realistic test specimens will increase ultrasonic test result reliability.
Dynamic Compression Garments for Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment Using Integrated Active Materials
Authors: Duvall Julia C. , Schleif Nicholas , Dunne Lucy E. , Holschuh Brad
Published: January 2019

Many medical conditions, including sensory processing disorder (SPD), employ compression therapy as a form of treatment. SPD patients often wear weighted or elastic vests to produce compression on the body, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the wearer. Recent advances in compression garment technology incorporate active materials to produce dynamic, low bulk compression garments that can be remotely controlled. In this study, an active compression vest using shape memory alloy (SMA) spring actuators was developed to produce up to 52.5 mmHg compression on a child's torso for SPD applications. The vest prototype incorporated 16 SMA spring actuators (1.25 mm diameter, spring index = 3) that constrict when heated, producing large forces and displacements that can be controlled via an applied current. When power was applied (up to 43.8 W), the prototype vest generated increasing magnitudes of pressure (up to 37.6 mmHg, spatially averaged across the front of the torso) on a representative child-sized form. The average pressure generated was measured up to 71.6% of the modeled pressure, and spatial pressure nonuniformities were observed that can be traced to specific garment architectural features. Although there is no consistent standard in magnitude or distribution of applied force in compression therapy garments, it is clear from comparative benchmarks that the compression produced by this garment exceeds the demands of the target application. This study demonstrates the viability of SMA-based compression garments as an enabling technology for enhancing SPD (and other compression-based) treatment.
The effects of classroom noise on the reading comprehension of adolescents
Authors: Connolly Daniel , Dockrell Julie , Shield Bridget , Conetta Robert , Mydlarz Charles , Cox Trevor
Published: January 2019

An investigation has been carried out to examine the impact of different levels of classroom noise on adolescents' performance on reading and vocabulary-learning tasks. A total of 976 English high school pupils (564 aged 11 to 13 years and 412 aged 14 to 16 years) completed reading tasks on laptop computers while exposed to different levels of classroom noise played through headphones. The tasks consisted of reading science texts, which were followed by multiple-choice questions probing comprehension and word learning. Number of questions attempted, times taken to read the texts and to answer questions were recorded, as well as correct answers to different types of question. The study consisted of two similar experiments, the first comparing performance in classroom noise at levels of 50 and 70 dB LAeq; and the second at levels of 50 and 64 dB LAeq. The results showed that the performance of all pupils was significantly negatively affected in the 70 dB LAeq condition, for the number of questions attempted and the accuracy of answers to factual and word learning questions. It was harder to discern effects at 64 dB LAeq, this level of noise having a detrimental effect upon the older pupils only.
Level Versus Uphill Economy and Mechanical Responses in Elite Ultratrail Runners
Authors: Willis Sarah J. , Gellaerts Jules , Mariani Benoît , Basset Patrick , Borrani Fabio , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:To examine the net oxygen cost, oxygen kinetics, and kinematics of level and uphill running in elite ultratrail runners.Methods:Twelve top-level ultradistance trail runners performed two 5-min stages of treadmill running (level, 0%, men 15 km·h−1, women 13 km·h−1; uphill, 12%, men 10 km·h−1, women 9 km·h−1). Gas exchanges were measured to obtain the net oxygen cost and assess oxygen kinetics. In addition, running kinematics were recorded with inertial measurement unit motion sensors on the wrist, head, belt, and foot.Results:Relationships resulted between level and uphill running regarding oxygen uptake (), respiratory exchange ratio, net energy, and oxygen cost, as well as oxygen kinetics parameters of amplitude and time delay of the primary phase and time to reachsteady state. Of interest, net oxygen cost demonstrated a significant correlation between level and uphill conditions (r = .826,P < .01). Kinematics parameters demonstrated relationships between level and uphill running, as well (including contact time, aerial time, stride frequency, and stiffness; allP < .01).Conclusion:This study indicated strong relationships between level and uphill values of net oxygen cost, the time constant of the primary phase of oxygen kinetics, and biomechanical parameters of contact and aerial time, stride frequency, and stiffness in elite mountain ultratrail runners. The results show that these top-level athletes are specially trained for uphill locomotion at the expense of their level running performance and suggest that uphill running is of utmost importance for success in mountain ultratrail races.
Stabilizing Bioimpedance-Vector-Analysis Measures With a 10-Minute Cold Shower After Running Exercise to Enable Assessment of Body Hydration
Authors: Campa Francesco , Gatterer Hannes , Lukaski Henry , Toselli Stefania
Published: January 2019

Purpose: The exercise-induced increase in skin and body temperature, cutaneous blood flow, and electrolyte accumulation on the skin affects the validity of bioimpedance analysis to assess postexercise changes in hydration. This study aimed to assess the influence of a 10-min cold (22°C) shower on the time course of impedance measurements after controlled exercise. Methods: In total, 10 male athletes (age 26.2 [4.1] y and body mass index 23.9 [1.7] kg/m2) were tested on 2 different days. During both trials, athletes ran for 30 min on a treadmill in a room at 23°C. In a randomized crossover trial, the participants underwent a 10-min cold shower on the trial occasion and did not shower in the control trial. Bioimpedance analysis variables were measured before running (ie, baseline [T0]), immediately after exercising (T1), and 20 (T2), 40 (T3), and 60 min (T4) after the exercise. The shower was performed after T1 in the shower trial. Results: Body weight decreased similarly in both trials (−0.4% [0.1%], P < .001; −0.4% [0.1%], P < .001). Resistance and vector length returned to baseline at T2 in the shower trial, whereas baseline values were achieved at T3 in the control trial (P > .05). In the control trial, reactance remained at a lower level for the entire testing period (38.1 [6.9] vs 37.3 [6.7], P < .001). Forehead skin temperature returned to baseline values at T2 with shower, whereas it was still high at T4 without shower (P < .001). Conclusions: The present data show that a 10-min cold shower enables the stabilization of bioimpedance analysis measurements within 20 min after exercise, which might facilitate the assessment of hydration change after exercise.
The Determination of Finger-Flexor Critical Force in Rock Climbers
Authors: Giles David , Chidley Joel B. , Taylor Nicola , Torr Ollie , Hadley Josh , Randall Tom , Fryer Simon
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To determine if the mathematical model used for the estimation of critical force (CF) and the energy store component W′ are applicable to intermittent isometric muscle actions of the finger flexors of rock climbers, using a multisession test. As a secondary aim, the agreement of estimates of CF and W′ from a single-session test was also determined. The CF was defined as the slope coefficient, and W′ was the intercept of the linear relationship between total “isometric work” (Wlim) and time to exhaustion (Tlim). Methods: Subjects performed 3 (separated by either 20 min or >24 h) tests to failure using intermittent isometric finger-flexor contractions at 45%, 60%, and 80% of their maximum voluntary contraction. Results: Force plotted against Tlim displayed a hyperbolic relationship; correlation coefficients of the parameter estimates from the work–time CF model were consistently very high (R2 > .94). Climbers’ mean CF was 425.7 (82.8) N (41.0% [6.2%] maximum voluntary contraction) and W′ was 30,882 (11,820) N·s. Good agreement was found between the single-session and multisession protocol for CF (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC3,1] = .900; 95% confidence interval, .616–.979), but not for W′ (ICC3,1 = .768; 95% confidence interval, .190–.949). Conclusions: The results demonstrated the sensitivity of a simple test for the determination of CF and W′, using equipment readily available in most climbing gyms. Although further work is still necessary, the test of CF described is of value for understanding exercise tolerance and to determine optimal training prescription to monitor improvements in the performance of the finger flexors.