bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a psychology of free action
Authors: Raeff Catherine
Published: April 2017

Although freedom has been of grave concern to people for centuries, it has surprisingly not been a central topic in psychology. The goal of this article is to begin constructing a theoretical framework for addressing freedom issues in terms of free action, which is generally defined as doing as one sees fit without coercion or constraint. Insofar as free action is a form of human action, it is first necessary to conceptualize action. The paper begins by conceptualizing action from a systems perspective in terms of interrelated individual, social, and cultural processes. Next, free action is conceptualized as a form of action that involves particular ways of structuring individual, social, and cultural processes. The article ends with some implications of this conceptualization of free action for continued theory building and research on the psychology of free action.
Protective effects of casein-derived peptide VLPVPQK against hydrogen peroxide–induced dysfunction and cellular oxidative damage in rat osteoblastic cells
Authors: Mada SB , Reddi S , Kumar N , Kapila S , Kapila R
Published: April 2017

Oxidative stress inhibits osteoblast differentiation and function that lead to the development of osteoporosis. Casein-derived peptide VLPVPQK (PEP), a potent antioxidant, was isolated from β-casein of buffalo milk. We used an in vitro oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in rat osteoblastic cells to investigate the protective effects of PEP against H2O2-induced dysfunction and oxidative damage. Cells were pretreated with PEP (50–200 ng/mL) for 2, 7 or 21 days followed by 0.3 mM H2O2 treatment for 24 h and then markers of osteogenic development, oxidative damage and apoptosis were examined. PEP significantly increased the viability and differentiation markers of osteoblast cells such as alkaline phosphatase and calcium mineralization. Moreover, PEP suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and ameliorated H2O2-induced reduction in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In addition, PEP partially inhibited caspase-9 and-3 activities and reduced propidium iodide–positive cells. Altogether, our results demonstrated that PEP could protect rat osteoblast against H2O2-induced dysfunction and oxidative damage by reduction of ROS production, lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities. Thus, our data suggest that PEP might be a valuable protective agent against oxidative stress–related diseases such as osteoporosis.
Illiberal reformers: Economics as hate
Authors: Dabscheck Braham
Published: April 2017

This review article discusses Leonard’s (2016) study of the ideas of an elite group of Progressive economists who flourished in the United States of America between 1885 and the late 1920s. Advising governments through think tanks and regulatory commissions, they advocated labour market policies that combined a racialized approach to immigration, eugenics, Taylorist labour market efficiency and a living wage. Their interest in women’s employment conditions was based on a Darwinian concern to protect mothers of the ‘white’ race. Parallels are drawn with Australia, where, from the turn of the 20th century, industrial tribunals established a male minimum wage designed to support the maternal role, based on similar racial preoccupations and a view that women’s ‘inefficiency’ as workers would protect men from low-wage competitors. United States Progressives, in rejecting laissez-faire economics, espoused instead a role for the state based on a holistic Darwinian sociology of racial contest: an economics of hate. It was not till the 1930s that Keynesianism emerged as an alternative macroeconomic project.
Size-dependent static bending of a micro-beam with a surface-mounted 0–1 polarized PbLaZrTi actuator under various boundary conditions
Authors: Chen Ming , Zheng Shijie
Published: April 2017

This article presents modified couple stress theory–based size-dependent deflection curve equations for a micro-beam with a surface-mounted 0–1 polarized PbLaZrTi patch under various boundary conditions. In these models, only an internal material length scale parameter is used to capture the size-dependent mechanical behaviors. When this parameter is set to zero, these models are simplified to the available solution based on the classical Euler–Bernoulli theory. The effect of the actuator stiffness on the deflection of the beam is thoroughly discussed. It is observed that whether the deformation of the beam is sensitive to the added actuator or not depending on the stiffness of the host beam. The larger the stiffness of the host beam, the less the effect of the added actuator. It is also observed that the less the ratio of the beam thickness to the actuator stiffness, the larger the ratio of the size-dependent solution to the local one.
Beyond Smell-O-Vision: Possibilities for Smell-Based Digital Media
Authors: Olofsson Jonas K. , Niedenthal Simon , Ehrndal Marie , Zakrzewska Marta , Wartel Andreas , Larsson Maria
Published: April 2017

Research Problem: The purpose of this research synthesis is to identify new opportunities for smell-enabled games based upon current olfactory research, and to present early game concepts that have emerged from our empirical assessments.

Literature Review: We briefly summarize key projects in the history of scent technologies for film and media. Human-Computer Interaction researchers have also explored a number of uses for scent delivery in interactive digital media. Recent developments in olfactory psychology and neuroscience research suggest that a fruitful avenue for exploration is to develop learning games that expand olfactory capacity.

Methodology: We have conducted two studies of computer-based perceptual and cognitive olfactory tasks. Mixture perception experiment: We designed a perceptual experiment where the task was to correctly estimate the intensity of odor components in a blend of coffee and tea. Blended odors were presented to 10 healthy adults by means of a computer-controlled olfactometer. Following each stimulation, the participant used a computer interface to estimate the intensity of components of the blend. Event-based memory experiment: We have developed a digital olfactory version of the children’s game “Memory.” The game interface consists of 32 white squares that are presented in a grid pattern on the screen and that, when participants click on them, triggers the release of one of eight possible smells from the olfactometer. Fifteen healthy adult participants were tested in 10 laboratory sessions distributed over three weeks.

Results and Conclusions: Our empirical results suggest that smell training through learning games holds promise as a means of improving cognitive function. The results of our event-based memory experiment suggest that both olfactory and visual memory capacities might have benefitted from olfactory game training. The results of our mixture perception experiment indicate that binary odor mixtures might provide a suitable starting point for perceptual training, and we suggest that a smell-enabled game might include adaptive difficulty by progressively introducing more complex mixtures. We have used event-based memory and mixture perception as “olfactory targets” for game mechanic development, and present early design concepts for “Smelly Genes” and “Scenter.” Finally, we discuss future directions and challenges for this new, interdisciplinary research topic.
Topography of Protein Kinase C βII in Benign and Malignant Melanocytic Lesions
Authors: Krasagakis Konstanin , Tsentelierou Eleftheria , Chlouverakis Gregory , Stathopoulos Efstathios N.
Published: April 2017

Background. Protein kinase C βII promotes melanogenesis and affects proliferation of melanocytic cells but is frequently absent or decreased in melanoma cells in vitro. Objective. To investigate PKC-βII expression and spatial distribution within a lesion in various benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations. Methods. Expression of PKC-βII was semiquantitatively assessed in the various existing compartments (intraepidermal [not nested], junctional [nested], and dermal) of benign (n = 43) and malignant (n = 28) melanocytic lesions by immunohistochemistry. Results. Melanocytes in the basal layer of normal skin or in lentigo simplex stained strongly for PKC-βII. Common nevi lacked completely PKC-βII. All other lesions expressed variably PKC-βII, with cutaneous melanoma metastases displaying the lowest rate of positivity (14%). In the topographical analysis within a lesion, PKC-βII expression was largely retained in the intraepidermal and junctional part of all other lesions (dysplastic nevus, lentigo maligna, and melanoma). Reduced expression of PKC-βII was found in the dermal component of benign and malignant lesions ( P = .041 vs intraepidermal). PKC-βII expression in the various compartments did not differ significantly between benign and malignant lesions. Conclusions. The current study revealed a significant correlation between PKC-βII expression and spatial localization of melanocytes, with the lowest expression found in the dermal compartment and the highest in the epidermal compartment.
Do Institutions and Rules Influence Electoral Accessibility and Competitiveness? Considering the 2014 Toronto Ward Elections
Authors: Taylor Zack , McEleney Sandra
Published: April 2017

Electoral and campaign finance reforms are believed to improve the competitiveness of elections and the accessibility of the electoral process; however, the interaction between electoral institutions and competitiveness and accessibility in nonpartisan municipal elections remains understudied. This article examines the City of Toronto, which exemplifies many of the reforms proposed in the American context, including a strict campaign finance regime and low barriers to candidate entry. Analysis of campaign finance disclosure data and candidate characteristics for Toronto’s 2014 ward elections reveals that electoral and campaign finance rules increase electoral accessibility while doing little to limit incumbency advantage. We argue that crowded nonpartisan races are low-information environments in which candidates, donors, and voters cannot assess challenger quality, which reinforces incumbent name recognition and access to campaign resources. The Toronto case highlights the limits of institutional and regulatory change as a means of increasing local electoral competitiveness and accessibility.
Rigorous derivation of active plate models for thin sheets of nematic elastomers
Authors: Agostiniani Virginia , DeSimone Antonio
Published: April 2017

In the context of finite elasticity, we propose plate models describing the spontaneous bending of nematic elastomer thin films due to variations along the thickness of the nematic order parameters. Reduced energy functionals are deduced from a three-dimensional description of the system using rigorous dimension reduction techniques, based on the theory of Γ-convergence. The two-dimensional models are non-linear plate theories, in which deviations from a characteristic target curvature tensor cost elastic energy. Moreover, the stored energy functional cannot be minimised to zero, thus revealing the presence of residual stresses, as observed in numerical simulations. Three nematic textures are considered: splay-bend and twisted orientations of the nematic director, and a uniform director perpendicular to the mid-plane of the film, with variable degree of nematic order along the thickness. These three textures realise three very different structural models: one with only one stable spontaneously bent configuration, a bistable model with two oppositely curved configurations of minimal energy, and a shell with zero stiffness to twisting.
Optimization of lattice Boltzmann simulations on heterogeneous computers
Authors: Calore E , Gabbana A , Schifano SF , Tripiccione R
Published: April 2017

High-performance computing systems are more and more often based on accelerators. Computing applications targeting those systems often follow a host-driven approach, in which hosts offload almost all compute-intensive sections of the code onto accelerators; this approach only marginally exploits the computational resources available on the host CPUs, limiting overall performances. The obvious step forward is to run compute-intensive kernels in a concurrent and balanced way on both hosts and accelerators. In this paper, we consider exactly this problem for a class of applications based on lattice Boltzmann methods, widely used in computational fluid dynamics. Our goal is to develop just one program, portable and able to run efficiently on several different combinations of hosts and accelerators. To reach this goal, we define common data layouts enabling the code to exploit the different parallel and vector options of the various accelerators efficiently, and matching the possibly different requirements of the compute-bound and memory-bound kernels of the application. We also define models and metrics that predict the best partitioning of workloads among host and accelerator, and the optimally achievable overall performance level. We test the performance of our codes and their scaling properties using, as testbeds, HPC clusters incorporating different accelerators: Intel Xeon Phi many-core processors, NVIDIA GPUs, and AMD GPUs.
Comparison of Hemodynamic Responses in the Prefrontal Cortex According to Differences in Self-Efficacy
Authors: Hirao Kazuki
Published: April 2017

Although self-efficacy has been used extensively in the field of nursing (e.g., as an outcome measure of nursing interventions), its underlying nature is poorly understood. Investigation of the relationship between self-efficacy and brain activation will help explain the fundamental nature of self-efficacy. In this study, we compared prefrontal activation measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) across 89 undergraduate students categorized into three groups based on their General Self-Efficacy Scale scores: low self-efficacy ( n = 59), moderate self-efficacy ( n = 17), and high self-efficacy ( n = 13). Changes in the hemoglobin levels of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during a verbal fluency task were assessed using two-channel NIRS. Significant differences in the oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) level of the left PFC (LPFC) were observed via analysis of variance. Post hoc Tukey’s test showed a significant difference only between low self-efficacy and moderate self-efficacy groups. We found a medium between-group effect size in the moderate self-efficacy group versus the low self-efficacy group for the changes in oxy-Hb levels of the LPFC ( d = .78; 95% confidence interval for effect size [0.22, 1.33]). No significant between-group differences were observed with respect to changes in the oxy-Hb in the right PFC. The results indicate less left prefrontal activation in the low self-efficacy group than in the moderate self-efficacy group. These findings provide evidence to support the fundamental nature of self-efficacy.
Seizure behaviour of Pb-free engine bearing materials under dry condition
Authors: Gebretsadik Daniel W , Hardell Jens , Prakash Braham
Published: April 2017

Due to new environmental regulations, Pb-free engine bearing materials are becoming more common and there is a need for studying their tribological performance. Under severe operating conditions, failure due to seizure can occur in engine bearings. In this work, seizure behaviour of different multi-layered engine bearing materials has been studied by using a block-on-ring test setup under dry condition. These materials included Al–Sn-based lining with no overlay, bronze lining with polyamide-imide-based overlay containing MoS2 and graphite, bronze lining with two overlays of Al–Sn-based and polyamide-imide-based material, bronze-based lining with Sn-based overlay and bismuth (Bi)-containing bronze with Sn-based overlay. The tests were performed by gradually increasing the load at a specific time interval and in a stepwise manner and at a constant speed under unidirectional dry sliding conditions. The test materials, counter surfaces and the wear debris were analysed using SEM with a view to understand the seizure mechanisms. Bronze-based lining with a polyamide-imide-based overlay containing MoS2 and graphite does not exhibit seizure up to a load of 475 N. For Al–Sn-based lining without overlay, seizure occurs at a relatively lower load of 125 N. The Al–Sn-based lining with no overlay shows higher friction and the polyamide-imide-based overlay containing MoS2 and graphite shows lower friction during the seizure test. In most cases, there is material transfer onto the test ring counter surface. Material transfer onto the counter surface either due to severe adhesion or wear debris adhered and smeared on it. Al–Sn-based lining and an exposed Al–Sn-based overlay show severe adhesion that causes seizure. On the other hand, exposed Pb containing lining and Bi containing lining seize due to mechanical interlocking caused by the adhered wear debris on both surfaces.
Monte Carlo analysis of a control technique for a tunable white lighting system
Authors: Chakrabarti M , Thorseth A , Jepsen J , Dan-Corell D , Dam-Hansen C
Published: April 2017

A simulated colour control mechanism for a multi-coloured LED lighting system is presented. The system achieves adjustable and stable white light output and allows for system-to-system reproducibility after application of the control mechanism. The control unit works using a pre-calibrated lookup table for an experimentally realized system, with a calibrated tristimulus colour sensor. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to examine the system performance concerning the variation of luminous flux and chromaticity of the light output. The inputs to the Monte Carlo simulation are variations of the LED peak wavelength, the LED rated luminous flux bin, the influence of the operating conditions, ambient temperature, driving current and the spectral response of the colour sensor. The system performance is investigated by evaluating the outputs from the Monte Carlo simulation. The outputs show that the applied control system yields an uncertainty on the luminous flux of 2.5% within a 95% coverage interval which is a significant reduction from the 8% of the uncontrolled system. A corresponding uncertainty reduction in Δu ′v ′ is achieved from an average of 0.0193 to 0.00125 within 95% coverage range after using the control system.
I Am Nel: Becoming (In)Coherent Scholars in Neoliberal Times
Authors:   Collective
Published: April 2017

In the neoliberal academy, scholars must regularly create multiple texts (e.g., statements about research agendas, CVs, tenure-related research narratives) about themselves and their work to produce themselves as subjects whose research can be described, quantified, and slotted into commonly accepted categories (e.g., fundable, high impact, quality, data driven). In this article, we question what is lost when it becomes natural and desirable to be recognizable as a singular and coherent brand within neoliberalism. Specifically, we make coherence visible as a mechanism of neoliberal audit culture rather than a stable scholarly goal. To do that, we engage with various textual strategies and media that enable us to think of and enact coherence differently again and again. We hope working both within and against coherence as a mechanism of neoliberalism opens a perpetual sensitivity about authorship, ownership, and coherent scholarship and welcomes the unknown and unforeseen in our academic careers.
Proteome analysis of sheep B lymphocytes in the course of bovine leukemia virus-induced leukemia
Authors: Reichert Michal
Published: April 2017

Presented are the results of a study of the expression pattern of different proteins in the course of bovine leukemia virus-induced leukemia in experimental sheep and I discuss how the obtained data may be useful in gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, diagnosis, and for the selection of possible therapeutic targets. In cattle, the disease is characterized by life-long persistent lymphocytosis leading to leukemia/lymphoma in about 5% of infected animals. In sheep, as opposed to cattle, the course of the disease is always fatal and clinical symptoms usually occur within a three-year period after infection. For this reason, sheep are an excellent experimental model of retrovirus-induced leukemia. This model can be useful for human pathology, as bovine leukemia virus is closely related to human T-lymphotropic virus type 1. The data presented here provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of the bovine leukemia virus-induced tumorigenic process and indicate the potential marker proteins both for monitoring progression of the disease and as possible targets of pharmacological intervention. A study of the proteome of B lymphocytes from four leukemic sheep revealed 11 proteins with altered expression. Among them, cytoskeleton and intermediate filament proteins were the most abundant, although proteins belonging to the other functional groups, i.e. enzymes, regulatory proteins, and transcription factors, were also present. It was found that trypsin inhibitor, platelet factor 4, thrombospondin 1, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, fibrinogen alpha chain, zyxin, filamin-A, and vitamin D-binding protein were downregulated, whereas cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit 5, non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein and small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein alpha were upregulated. Discussed are the possible mechanisms of their altered expression and its significance in the bovine leukemia virus-induced leukemogenic process.

Impact statement

The submitted manuscript provides new data on the molecular mechanisms of BLV-induced tumorigenic process indicating the potential marker proteins both for monitoring the progression of the disease and as possible targets of pharmacological intervention. This is to my knowledge the first study of the proteome of the transformed lymphocytes in the course of bovine leukemia virus-induced leukemia in susceptible animals. BLV can be considered as useful model for related human pathogen – HTLV-1, another member of the deltaretrovirus genus evolutionary closely related to BLV. Information gathered in this study can be useful to speculate on possible shared mechanisms of deltaretrovirus-induced carcinogenesis.
Endoureteral coil embolization of an ureteral arterial fistula
Authors: Kibrik Pavel , Eisenberg Justin , Bjurlin Marc A , Marks Natalie , Hingorani Anil , Ascher Enrico
Published: April 2017

Background

Ureteral arterial fistulas are rare but potentially life threatening. We present a female who developed a ureteral arterial fistula following a right robotic nephrectomy. After several endovascular interventions to control the bleeding had failed, we approached the fistula through the right ureteral stump with coil embolization.

Methods

Coil embolization of the right ureteral stump was performed. We utilized a 6Fr × 45 cm sheath inserted through one of the cystoscope channels to cannulate the right ureteral orifice. We then performed a retrograde ureterogram. After, we were able to visualize full length of the ureter, ahd we began placing several 10–12 mm Nester coils to pack the ureter and tamponade the fistula for hemostasis. After the ureter was packed, we injected 1 g of Vancomycin into the ureter. The sheath and cytoscope were removed and the patient did well and was sent to the recovery room.

Results

Postoperatively, the patient had no complaints of hematuria and her hemoglobin level remained unchanged. She was observed for a few days prior to being discharged to home. The patient’s follow-up at six months revealed resolution of her hematuria.

Conclusion

Ureteral arterial fistula is a potentially life-threatening condition. Endovascular stenting has provided a safe, reliable alternative to open surgery. However, when endovascular options are not satisfactory, coil embolization of the ureteral stump may serve as a safe and effective alternative treatment for these cases.
Monopoly and public health in the medication market: The case of sofosbuvir
Authors: Piergentili Paolo
Published: April 2017

Pharmaceutical industries explain high price of medications with high cost of R&D. This paper investigates whether this statement is justified in the case of sofosbuvir, which was commercialized at a particularly high price. With sofosbuvir, Gilead Sciences Inc. had for several months a monopoly on the interferon-free treatment of HCV infected people. Information, usually not publicly disclosed, was derived from a report on a US Senate enquiry on the price of a course of therapy of sofosbuvir. Other sources were the Gilead website and other webpages. Revenue data were available in the Senate Report and in the Gilead financial report to SEC. R&D cost was derived again from the Senate Report, from the annual reports in the Gilead website and from literature. Gilead appeared to be rather efficient in the R&D process, showing cost and failure rate much better than those reported in the literature. Revenue was orders of magnitude larger than production and R&D costs. The premium granted to Gilead by monopoly is estimated. Pressure from patients on payor and the role of the monopoly in generating such a large amount of revenue are discussed. An ideal business plan on sofosbuvir commercialization is then designed, based on the number of patients in the USA and EU, to show the hypothetic burden on health organizations without the rent granted by the monopoly.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has limited additional yield in cryptogenic stroke evaluation after transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Liberman Ava L , Kalani Rizwan E , Aw-Zoretic Jessie , Sondag Matthew , Daruwalla Vistasp J , Mitter Sumeet S , Bernstein Richard , Collins Jeremy D , Prabhakaran Shyam
Published: April 2017

Background

The use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is increasing, but its role in the diagnostic work-up following ischemic stroke has received limited study. We aimed to explore the added yield of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify cardio-aortic sources not detected by transesophageal echocardiography among patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed from 01 January 2009 to 01 March 2013. Consecutive patients who had both a stroke protocol cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and a transesophageal echocardiography preformed during a single hospitalization were included. All cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies underwent independent, blinded review by two investigators. We applied the causative classification system for ischemic stroke to all patients, first blinded to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging results; we then reapplied the causative classification system using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Standard statistical tests to evaluate stroke subtype reclassification rates were used.

Results

Ninety-three patients were included in the final analysis; 68.8% were classified as cryptogenic stroke after initial diagnostic evaluation. Among patients with cryptogenic stroke, five (7.8%) were reclassified due to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings: one was reclassified as “cardio-aortic embolism evident” due to the presence of a patent foramen ovale and focal cardiac infarct and four were reclassified as “cardio-aortic embolism possible” due to mitral valve thickening (n = 1) or hypertensive cardiomyopathy (n = 3). Overall, findings on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging reduced the percentage of patients with cryptogenic stroke by slightly more than 1%.

Conclusion

Our stroke subtype reclassification rate after the addition of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging results to a diagnostic work-up which includes transesophageal echocardiography was very low. Prospective studies evaluating the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and transesophageal echocardiography among patients with cryptogenic stroke should be considered.
Quality of life after intra-arterial treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the MR CLEAN trial—Update
Authors: Schreuders Jennifer , van den Berg Lucie A , Fransen Puck SS , Berkhemer Olvert A , Beumer Debbie , Lingsma Hester F , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , van Zwam Wim H , Majoie Charles BLM , van der Lugt Aad , de Kort Paul LM , Roos Yvo BWEM , Dippel Diederik WJ ,   for the MR CLEAN investigators
Published: April 2017

Background

Health-related quality of life measured with the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire was one of the secondary outcomes in the Multicenter Randomized Clinical trial of Endovascular treatment for Acute ischemic stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN). We reported no statistically significant difference in EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire score between the intervention and control groups, but deaths were not included.

Aims

Reanalyze the effect of intra-arterial treatment for large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke patients on health-related quality of life in more detail. We now include patients who died during follow-up.

Methods

The EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire questionnaires were obtained 90 days after treatment. We used the Dutch tariff to derive a utility index from the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire score. Treatment effect was estimated with the Mann–Whitney U test and linear regression. The effect of treatment on the distribution of EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire dimension scores was assessed with ordinal logistic regression.

Results

We obtained EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire scores from 457 (91.7%) of the 500 patients, including 108 who died before follow-up. Median EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire score in the intervention group was 0.57, and 0.39 in the control group (p = 0.03). Treatment effect estimated with linear regression was 0.07 (95%CI: −0.001 to 0.143). Treatment specifically affected EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire dimensions “mobility” (OR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.29–0.66), “self-care” (OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.41–0.89), and “usual activities” (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.36–0.79).

Conclusion

Treatment had a limited effect on quality of life, as measured with the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire. Nevertheless, patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by an intracranial occlusion in the anterior circulation, who had intra-arterial treatment, experience better health-related quality of life than patients without intra-arterial treatment.

Trial Registration

URL: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10888758 Unique identifier: ISRCTN10888758
Wave attenuation in presence of mangroves: A sensitivity study for varying bottom slopes
Authors: K G Parvathy , Bhaskaran Prasad K
Published: April 2017

Mangroves thrive in the intertidal areas (interface between land and sea) of tropical and sub-tropical belt and play an important role in overall attenuation of nearshore waves. Multiple interactions of waves with mangrove trunks and roots and bottom friction are the two primary mechanisms responsible for wave attenuation in mangrove forests. Earlier studies, comprising both analytical and experimental, reported an exponential decay in wave height for waves propagating over vegetation with idealized bottom topography and a few on sloping bottom. But hardly studies have attempted to characterize the wave attenuation by vegetation over varying seabed slopes since mangroves generally grow luxuriantly on gradual topography having large tidal amplitudes. Nowadays, several studies are being carried out on development of artificial mangroves to reduce the coastal hazard risks; thenceforth, there is an imperative requirement to study the wave damping characteristics of mangroves on varying seabed slopes. Consequently, this study performs sensitivity experiments to analyze the wave attenuation over mangroves with different sea-bottom slopes using a third-generation wave model. The study exposes sensitivity of wave attenuation characteristics to different beach slopes in the presence of mangroves and aims at understanding how the wave attenuation characteristics by mangroves differ with varying bottom slopes. The total percentage energy reduction for waves reaching the shoreline after propagating through mangroves on mild slope (1:80, 1:40) is observed to be 93%–98%, nearly 84% for 1:20 slope, and 67% for steep slope (1:10). The study reveals that the wave height decays exponentially for the mild slope and found to be consistent with the earlier studies, but as the degree of bottom steepness increases, the wave height reduction becomes gradual, and this can be attributed to the water depth variation, shoaling, breaking, and reflection characteristics associated with different slopes, in the presence of mangroves.
Visual Geolocations. Repurposing online data to design alternative views
Authors: Colombo Gabriele , Ciuccarelli Paolo , Mauri Michele
Published: April 2017

Data produced by humans and machines is more and more heterogeneous, visual, and location based. This availability inspired in the last years a number of reactions from researchers, designers, and artists that, using different visual manipulations techniques, have attempted at repurposing this material to add meaning and design new perspectives with specific intentions. Three different approaches are described here: the design of interfaces for exploring satellite footage in novel ways, the analysis of urban esthetics through the visual manipulation of collections of user-generated contents, and the enrichment of geo-based datasets with the selection and rearrangement of web imagery.
Self-Construal, Family Context, and the Cortisol Awakening Response in First- and Second-Generation Asian American College Students
Authors: Burt Keith B. , Obradović Jelena , Leu Janxin
Published: April 2017

The current study employed latent difference score modeling to test whether acculturation processes at the level of the individual (i.e., self-construal) and family (i.e., family cultural conflict and family cohesion) explain variability of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in 181 (58% female) first-generation (1G) and 135 (59.3% female) second-generation (2G) Asian American emerging adult college students (ages 18–23). Acculturation processes across individual and family levels related meaningfully to individual differences in stress physiology. For 1G participants, attenuated CAR was associated with higher individualistic self-construal, family cultural conflict, and family cohesion, which may indicate desensitization of the stress response system due to the chronic burden of acculturation pressures. These processes may differ by generational status, as heightened CAR was associated with higher collectivistic self-construal in 1G students, but higher individualistic self-construal in both 2G males and a comparison sample of European American males.
Effects of Sex and Event Type on Head Impact in Collegiate Soccer
Authors: Reynolds Bryson B. , Patrie James , Henry Erich J. , Goodkin Howard P. , Broshek Donna K. , Wintermark Max , Druzgal T. Jason
Published: April 2017

Background:

The effects of head impact in sports are of growing interest for clinicians, scientists, and athletes. Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide, but the burden of head impact in collegiate soccer is still unknown.

Purpose:

To quantify head impact associated with practicing and playing collegiate soccer using wearable accelerometers.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Mastoid patch accelerometers were used to quantify head impact in soccer, examining differences in head impact as a function of sex and event type (practice vs game). Seven female and 14 male collegiate soccer players wore mastoid patch accelerometers that measured head impacts during team events. Data were summarized for each athletic exposure, and statistical analyses evaluated the mean number of impacts, mean peak linear acceleration, mean peak rotational acceleration, and cumulative linear and rotational acceleration, each grouped by sex and event type.

Results:

There were no differences in the frequency or severity of head impacts between men’s and women’s soccer practices. For men’s soccer, games resulted in 285% more head impacts than practices, but there were no event-type differences in mean impact severity. Men’s soccer games resulted in more head impacts than practices across nearly all measured impact severities, which also resulted in men’s soccer games producing a greater cumulative impact burden.

Conclusion:

Similar to other sports, men’s soccer games have a greater impact burden when compared with practices, and this effect is driven by the quantity rather than severity of head impacts. In contrast, there were no differences in the quantity or severity of head impacts in men’s and women’s soccer practices. These data could prompt discussions of practical concern to collegiate soccer, such as understanding sex differences in head impact and whether games disproportionately contribute to an athlete’s head impact burden.
Semaphorin-Plexin signaling influences early ventral telencephalic development and thalamocortical axon guidance
Authors: Mitsogiannis Manuela D. , Little Graham E. , Mitchell Kevin J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Sensory processing relies on projections from the thalamus to the neocortex being established during development. Information from different sensory modalities reaching the thalamus is segregated into specialized nuclei, whose neurons then send inputs to cognate cortical areas through topographically defined axonal connections.

Developing thalamocortical axons (TCAs) normally approach the cortex by extending through the subpallium; here, axonal navigation is aided by distributed guidance cues and discrete cell populations, such as the corridor neurons and the internal capsule (IC) guidepost cells. In mice lacking Semaphorin-6A, axons from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) bypass the IC and extend aberrantly in the ventral subpallium. The functions normally mediated by Semaphorin-6A in this system remain unknown, but might depend on interactions with Plexin-A2 and Plexin-A4, which have been implicated in other neurodevelopmental processes.

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical and neuroanatomical analyses of thalamocortical wiring and subpallial development in Sema6a and Plxna2; Plxna4 null mutant mice and analyzed the expression of these genes in relevant structures.

Results

In Plxna2; Plxna4 double mutants we discovered TCA pathfinding defects that mirrored those observed in Sema6a mutants, suggesting that Semaphorin-6A − Plexin-A2/Plexin-A4 signaling might mediate dLGN axon guidance at subpallial level.

In order to understand where and when Semaphorin-6A, Plexin-A2 and Plexin-A4 may be required for proper subpallial TCA guidance, we then characterized their spatiotemporal expression dynamics during early TCA development. We observed that the thalamic neurons whose axons are misrouted in these mutants normally express Semaphorin-6A but not Plexin-A2 or Plexin-A4. By contrast, all three proteins are expressed in corridor cells and other structures in the developing basal ganglia.

This finding could be consistent with an hypothetical action of Plexins as guidance signals through Sema6A as a receptor on dLGN axons, and/or with their indirect effect on TCA guidance due to functions in the morphogenesis of subpallial intermediate targets. In support of the latter possibility, we observed that in both Plxna2; Plxna4 and Sema6a mutants some IC guidepost cells abnormally localize in correspondence of the ventral path misrouted TCAs elongate into.

Conclusions

These findings implicate Semaphorin-6A − Plexin-A2/Plexin-A4 interactions in dLGN axon guidance and in the spatiotemporal organization of guidepost cell populations in the mammalian subpallium.
The social grounds of anticommunism in South Korea-crisis of the ruling class and anticommunist reaction
Authors: Kim Dong-Choon
Published: April 2017

I focused on how the domestic social grounds of anticommunism were interlinked with the external atmosphere like U.S. occupation, divided state-building and the Korean War. I especially emphasized the role of the Japanese collaborators in the post-colonial politics. Anticommunism as a political ideology surrendered to anticommunism as a rationale for the survival of class interests when historical task of overcoming colonialism was dominated by the Cold War atmosphere and full scale war. When North Korea’s threats came to reality by the outbreak of the Korean War, hysteric style of anticommunism came to dominate the other forms of anticommunism. The chronic occurrence of anticommunist hysteria may be explained by the political landscape. It was not just the result of U.S. occupation force’s policy, the international Cold War, but of the failure of de-colonization, by which former Japanese collaborators became the hegemonic groups among Korea’s anticommunists, left dark shadow on South Korea’s politics.
Disclosure and Legal Advice
Authors: Che Yeon-Koo , Severinov Sergei
Published: April 2017

This paper examines how the advice that lawyers provide to their clients affects the disclosure of evidence and the outcome of adjudication, and how the adjudicator should allocate the burden of proof in light of these effects. Despite lawyers' expertise in assessing the evidence, their advice is found to have no effect on adjudication if the lawyers follow the strategies of disclosing all favorable evidence. A lawyer's advice can influence the outcome in his client's favor, either if (s)he can credibly advise his client to suppress some favorable evidence or if legal advice is costly. The effect is socially undesirable in the former case, but it is desirable in the latter case. Our results provide a general perspective for understanding the role of private information and expert advice in disclosure. (JEL C72, D71, D72, D82)
Conditional Retrospective Voting in Large Elections
Authors: Esponda Ignacio , Pouzo Demian
Published: April 2017

We introduce a solution concept in the context of large elections with private information by embedding a model of boundedly rational voters into an otherwise standard equilibrium setting. A retrospective voting equilibrium (RVE) formalizes the idea that voters evaluate alternatives based on past performance. Since counterfactual outcomes are not observed, the sample from which voters learn is potentially biased, leading to systematically biased beliefs in equilibrium. We provide an explicit learning foundation for RVE and contrast it to standard solution concepts in the literature. (JEL D71, D72, D83)
Pricing Institutions and the Welfare Cost of Adverse Selection
Authors: Weyl E. Glen , Veiga André
Published: April 2017

To mitigate adverse selection in insurance markets, individuals are often mandated to buy at least a baseline plan, but may choose to opt into a premium plan. In some markets, such as US health exchanges, each plan is responsible for the full expenses of those who buy it (“total pricing”). In other markets, such as the privately supplied “Medigap” top-ups to traditional government-provided Medicare, premium providers are only responsible for the incremental expenses they top up (“incremental pricing”). For parameter values calibrated to health exchanges, the shift from total to incremental pricing reduces the welfare loss from adverse selection by an order of magnitude. (JEL D82, G22, H51, I13, I18)
The Good Samaritan and Traffic on the Road to Jericho
Authors: Bergstrom Ted
Published: April 2017

This paper studies a version of the Volunteer's Dilemma in which players sequentially observe someone in trouble and decide whether to help. Where preferences are identical, we show that if the frequency with which potential helpers appear is above some threshold, then as frequency of appearance increases, the probability that any individual stops diminishes, but the expected waiting time for help to appear is constant. Where costs of stopping differ among individuals, as the frequency of appearance increases, the expected waiting time for help to appear decreases, even though the probability that any individual stops diminishes. (JEL D62, D63, D64, H41)
Maternal infection by Leishmania braziliensis in hamster does not influence the course of disease in progeny
Authors: Lima Lia Fernandes , Frutuoso Mercia Sindeaux , Oliveira Augusto César Aragão , Figueiredo Webertty M. Eufrásio , Pompeu Margarida M. Lima , Teixeira Maria Jania
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Immunoglobulins, soluble antigens, cells, cytokines and other immune system products can be transferred from infected mother to her offspring, leading to suppression or stimulation of immune response. Objective: To evaluate the influence of gender and maternal infection with Leishmania braziliensis in the course of the disease in the offspring of hamsters. Meodths: Offspring born from infected mother (IMO) or non-infected mother (NIMO) by Leishmania braziliensis, both sexes, was infected with the same strain of the mother after 30 days of life and followed for 18 weeks. We evaluated the thickness of the lesion, parasite load and histology of the lesions. Results: The number of parasite in both lesions and lymph node of IMO offspring showed a significant reduction in the 5th week post-infection compared to the NIMO offspring; however, this did not correspond to clinical symptoms. Histopathological analysis revealed that in the IMO offspring, the inflammatory process was more prominent. In relation to gender, it was observed that the male offspring showed lesion thickness and higher parasite burden than females. Conclusion: Maternal infection by L. braziliensis in hamsters does not appear to influence the course of the disease in the homologous offspring infection, as well as the male offspring presented augmented susceptibility to L. braziliensis infection regardless of whether they were born from IMO or NIMO. Also, the reduction of the granuloma index in the IMO offspring, together with the higher inflammatory response, suggests a less effective cellular response in the chronic phase of the disease in these animals.
Estresse infantil e sua relação com o rendimento escolar da criança nas disciplinas de português e matemática
Authors: Romanholo Rafael Ayres , Theodoro Wesley Welington Garbin , Baia Fernando Costa , Pereira Joeliton Elias , Lucena Adriano Robson Nogueira da , Prestes Jonato , Almeida Fabricio Moares de
Published: April 2017

Introdução: Nota-se que o estresse influencia no rendimento escolar, e este é influenciado por diversos fatores. Objetivo: Verificar o rendimento escolar e o estresse em escolares de 7 a 12 anos no município de Cacoal/RO. Método: As crianças responderam aos protocolos de Índice de stress infantil - ISSI-I, sendo um questionário com 35 questões, que relacionavam as dimensões do estresse infantil, psicológico ou físico, com o rendimento escolar, disponibilizado pela escola, cujo resultado correspondia às médias dos alunos em Português e Matemática dos quatro bimestres, os quais foram selecionados para a comparação e a análise dos resultados. A amostra do estudo contou com 230 crianças do sexo masculino e 252 crianças do sexo feminino. Resultado: O estudo mostrou relação entre escolares que estão sob condições de stress e seu rendimento escolar. Ainda é importante verificar se os vários sintomas estão ocorrendo juntos. Conclusão: O stress não tratado e prolongado pode levar a uma série de doenças e problemas de adaptação, inclusive na escola.