bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchange Rate Depreciation, Wage Resistance and Inflation in Argentina (1882–2009)
Authors: Vernengo Matias , Perry Nathan
Published: July 2017

This paper describes some of the main alternatives to the dominant neoclassical theories of inflation, according to which inflation is always a monetary phenomenon. The model develops a cost‐push approach, in which rising costs are mainly related to external constraints. Not only is inflation seen as resulting from balance of payments crises, but fiscal crises also are the result of the initial balance of payments crises within this framework. Fiscal deficits, and all other excess demand pressures, are absent, so that high levels of inflation are compatible with an economy that is below full employment, and stabilization is independent of fiscal adjustments. The model is then tested using a Vector Autoregression model and finds strong evidence for alternative theories of inflation over the monetarist theory. The empirical section tests both the long period (1882–2009) and the modern period (1990–2007) analyzing the impact of wages, the nominal exchange rate, the output gap and the monetary base on inflation. The results show that the exchange rate (external constraints) has been the primary cause of inflation. Wages are a causal factor in both models, and the monetary base and output gap show low causality in the long period, and ambiguous results for the modern period.
Communication of Information about Genetic Risks: Putting Families at the Center
Authors: Mendes Álvaro , Metcalfe Alison , Paneque Milena , Sousa Liliana , Clarke Angus J. , Sequeiros Jorge
Published: July 2017

Genetic information is a family affair. With the expansion of genomic technologies, many new causal genes and variants have been established and the potential for molecular diagnoses increased, with implications not only for patients but also their relatives. The need for genetic counseling and intrafamilial circulation of information on genetic risks grew accordingly. Also, the amount and, particularly, the complexity of the information to convey multiplied. Sharing information about genetic risks with family members, however, has never been an easy matter and often becomes a source of personal and familial conflicts and distress. Ethical requisites generally prevent healthcare professionals from directly contacting their consultands' relatives (affected or still at risk), who often feel unsupported throughout that process. We discuss here the communication of genetic risks to family members. We first consider genomic testing as a basis for family‐centered health care, as opposed to a predominant focus on the individual. We reviewed the literature on sharing genetic risk information with family members, and the associated ethical issues for professionals. Some clinical cases are presented and discussed, and key issues for meeting the needs of individuals and families are addressed. We argue that genetic information is inextricably linked to the family and that communicating about genetic risks is a process grounded within the broader milieu of family relationships and functioning. We conclude for the need for a more family‐centered approach and interventions that can promote sensitive attitudes to the provision of genetic information to and within the family, as well as its inclusion in educational and training programmes for genetic healthcare professionals.
The role of oxidative stress in acute renal injury of newborn rats exposed to hypoxia and endotoxin
Authors: Plotnikov Egor Y. , Pavlenko Tatiana A. , Pevzner Irina B. , Zorova Ljubava D. , Manskikh Vasily N. , Silachev Denis N. , Sukhikh Gennady T. , Zorov Dmitry B.
Published: July 2017

Neonatal kidney injury is a frequent pathology, especially among premature infants. The search for effective nephroprotection requires the creation of adequate experimental models of nephropathy in newborns. In this study, we explored the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonatal rats during hypoxia or administration of endotoxin. We found that 2‐h hypoxia (8% O2) and the intraperitoneal injection of 4 mg·kg−1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes the appearance of AKI markers, such as kidney injury molecule‐1 (КIM‐1) and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the rat urine after 24 and 72 h of exposure. On the other hand, the levels of blood urine nitrogen under the same conditions rise only slightly. The damaging effects of hypoxia and endotoxin were accompanied by histological changes in the renal tissue and a significant decrease in the proliferation marker, (proliferating cell nuclear antigen). It is revealed that 3 h after the introduction of LPS, levels of reactive oxygen species in the kidney were significantly increased, and the injection of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine afforded protection from AKI, evaluated by urine КIM‐1 and NGAL levels. Thus, the simulation of AKI in newborn rat pups can be employed in screening for potential nephroprotective drugs, particularly among antioxidative compounds to be used in neonatology.
Impact of Shareholder Proposals on the Functioning of the Market for Corporate Control
Authors: El‐Khatib Rwan , Fogel Kathy , Jandik Tomas
Published: July 2017

Firms receiving shareholder proposals are 16% more likely to become a target of acquisition. Such companies earn approximately 7.2% lower acquisition returns compared to gains for targets with no proposals. Higher acquisition likelihood and lower target returns are primarily associated with proposals drawing a larger proportion of favorable votes, larger voter turnout, as well as with proposals submitted shortly before takeover announcements, and motivated by the removal of antitakeover provisions. Our findings suggest that shareholder proposals can assist bidders in the identification of targets or signal the willingness of target shareholders to accept bids with lower premiums.
Unconditional Tests of Linear Asset Pricing Models with Time‐Varying Betas
Authors: Zhou Ji , Paseka Alex
Published: July 2017

In conditional affine factor models, estimated risk prices should satisfy certain unconditional constraints. Specifically, a cross‐sectional estimate of the unconditional slope associated with a risk factor should equal the average price of risk of the factor. The estimated slope associated with the product of a risk factor and an instrument should be equal to the covariance of the factor risk premium with the instrument. We show that the constraints only apply to the conditional models with time‐varying betas. We identify an unconditional constraint on unconditional betas for time‐varying beta models and incorporate it into model tests. We show that imposing this unconditional constraint changes estimates of unconditional betas and risk prices significantly.
The Role of U.S. Market on International Risk‐Return Tradeoff Relations
Authors: Sun Licheng , Meng Liang , Najand Mohammad
Published: July 2017

We study the intertemporal risk‐return tradeoff relations based on returns from 18 international markets. We find striking new empirical evidence that the inclusion of U.S. market returns significantly changes the estimated risk‐return tradeoff relations in international markets from mostly negative to predominantly positive. Our results are consistent with the lead‐lag effect between U.S. and international markets in the sense of Rapach, Strauss and Zhou.
Microbial functional diversity covaries with permafrost thaw‐induced environmental heterogeneity in tundra soil
Authors: Yuan Mengting M. , Zhang Jin , Xue Kai , Wu Liyou , Deng Ye , Deng Jie , Hale Lauren , Zhou Xishu , He Zhili , Yang Yunfeng , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Schuur Edward A. G. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Penton Christopher R. , Cole James R. , Tiedje James M. , Luo Yiqi , Zhou Jizhong
Published: July 2017

Permafrost soil in high latitude tundra is one of the largest terrestrial carbon (C) stocks and is highly sensitive to climate warming. Understanding microbial responses to warming‐induced environmental changes is critical to evaluating their influences on soil biogeochemical cycles. In this study, a functional gene array (i.e., geochip 4.2) was used to analyze the functional capacities of soil microbial communities collected from a naturally degrading permafrost region in Central Alaska. Varied thaw history was reported to be the main driver of soil and plant differences across a gradient of minimally, moderately, and extensively thawed sites. Compared with the minimally thawed site, the number of detected functional gene probes across the 15–65 cm depth profile at the moderately and extensively thawed sites decreased by 25% and 5%, while the community functional gene β‐diversity increased by 34% and 45%, respectively, revealing decreased functional gene richness but increased community heterogeneity along the thaw progression. Particularly, the moderately thawed site contained microbial communities with the highest abundances of many genes involved in prokaryotic C degradation, ammonification, and nitrification processes, but lower abundances of fungal C decomposition and anaerobic‐related genes. Significant correlations were observed between functional gene abundance and vascular plant primary productivity, suggesting that plant growth and species composition could be co‐evolving traits together with microbial community composition. Altogether, this study reveals the complex responses of microbial functional potentials to thaw‐related soil and plant changes and provides information on potential microbially mediated biogeochemical cycles in tundra ecosystems.
Soil nitrogen dynamics in switchgrass seeded to a marginal cropland in South Dakota
Authors: Lai Liming , Oh Hong Chang , Kumar Sandeep , Osborne Shannon L. , Lehman R. Michael , Owens Vance N.
Published: July 2017

The potential ecological impacts of switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.), as a biofuel feedstock, have been assessed under different environmental conditions. However, limited information is available in understanding the integrated analysis of nitrogen (N) dynamics including soil nitrate (), nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, andleaching under switchgrass land management. The specific objective was to explore N dynamics for 2009 through 2015 in switchgrass seeded to a marginally yielding cropland based on treatments of N fertilization rate (N rate; low, 0; medium, 56; high, 112 kg N ha−1) and landscape position (shoulder, backslope, and footslope). Our findings indicated that N rate impacted soil(0–5 cm depth) and surface N2O fluxes but did not impactleaching during the observed years. Medium N (56 kg N ha−1) was the optimal rate for increasing biomass yield with reduced environmental problems. Landscape position impacted the N dynamics. At the footslope position, soil, soilleaching, and N2O fluxes were higher than the other landscape positions. Soil N2O fluxes andleaching had downward trends over the observed years. Growing switchgrass on marginally yielding croplands can store soil N, reduce N losses via leaching, and mitigate N2O emissions from soils to the atmosphere over the years. Switchgrass seeded on marginally yielding croplands can be beneficial in reducing N losses and can be grown as a sustainable bioenergy crop on these marginal lands.
Effect of the drying process on the compressive strength and cell proliferation of hydroxyapatite‐derived scaffolds
Authors: Martínez‐Vázquez Francisco , Pajares Antonia , Miranda Pedro
Published: July 2017

The compressive strength and MC3T3 cell proliferation response of robocast hydroxyapatite‐derived scaffolds was evaluated for samples fabricated by conventional and freeze‐drying methods followed by sintering at 1100 or 1300°C. Both the sintering temperature and, especially, the drying method affected significantly the size and morphology of the residual microporosity within the robocast scaffold's struts. The freeze‐drying method generated a persistent large (1‐10 μm) microporosity of dendritic morphology that was found to improve the biological response of hydroxyapatite‐derived scaffolds. Conversely, conventional drying enhances the compressive strength of the structures. Strength was also increased at the higher sintering temperature, although at the expense of a poorer cell proliferation behavior. The results of this study suggest that the use of a freeze drying process after printing by robocasting provides a very appropriate method for enhancing the biological performance and reliability of bioceramic robocast scaffolds without severely reducing their compressive strength. And, thus, shows promise as an effective method to optimize the performance of robocast scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.
Austerity, new public management and missed nursing care in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Willis Eileen , Carryer Jenny , Harvey Clare , Pearson Maria , Henderson Julie
Published: July 2017

Aims

To outline the way the culture of austerity arising from the Global Financial Crisis has been used by Australian and New Zealand governments to maintain and extend healthcare budget cuts, through new public management strategies leading to missed nursing care.

Background

Ten years on the cost of the Global Financial Crisis continues to be borne by tax payers and those employed by the welfare state, yet analysis shows clearly that it was caused by a failure to adequately regulate markets, particularly the banks and multinational corporations. In health care, one of the impacts is increased workload for nurses leading to missed care.

Design/Methods

Registered Nurses and midwives (n = 7,302) completed the MISSCARE surveys between 2012 ‐ 2015, in four Australian states and New Zealand providing quantitative and qualitative responses. The qualitative comments were analysed using a template analysis approach based on key features of New Public Management.

Findings

Sixty‐two qualitative responses identified measures in place directly linked to austerity and new public management strategies that impacted on the quality of patient care and nursing work, as well as contributing to missed care.

Conclusion

Opportunities for resistance may lie outside public and private health organizations in civil society, in the nurse union movements and other health and nursing professional associations.
Resilience as a moderator of the indirect effects of conflict and workload on job outcomes among nurses
Authors: Lanz Julie Jean , Bruk‐Lee Valentina
Published: July 2017

Aim

To examine the relative effects of interpersonal conflict and workload on job outcomes (turnover intentions, burnout, injuries) and examine if resilience moderates the indirect effects of conflict and workload on job outcomes via job‐related negative effect.

Background

There is interest in understanding resilience in the nursing profession. Placing resilience in the context of the Emotion‐Centred Model of Occupational Stress (Spector,) is a novel approach to understanding how resilience ameliorates the negative effects of workplace stressors.

Design

This study used a two‐wave survey design to collect data from 97 nurses across medical units.

Methods

Nurses working in the US were recruited in June 2014 using Qualtrics Panels, an online survey platform service that secures participants for research. Nurses were contacted via email at two time points, two weeks apart and provided a link to an online survey.SPSSv. 23 andPROCESSv2.15 were used to analyse regressions and moderated mediation.

Results/Findings

Interpersonal conflict predicted turnover intentions and burnout; workload predicted injuries. Job‐related negative affect mediated the relationships between stressors and job outcomes except for the direct effect of workload on injuries. Low resilience increased the magnitude of the indirect effects of conflict on job outcomes.

Conclusion

Job characteristics like workload predicted unique variability in self‐reported physical injuries. Conflict at work, a social stressor, predicted well‐being and job attitudes. Highly resilient nurses bounced back after experiencing conflict in the workplace. Resilience should be explored for its potential as a method to reduce the negative effects of social stressors.
Activation of autophagy is involved in the protective effect of 17β‐oestradiol on endotoxaemia‐induced multiple organ dysfunction in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Chung Ming‐Tzeung , Lee Yen‐Mei , Shen Hsin‐Hsueh , Cheng Pao‐Yun , Huang Yu‐Chen , Lin Yu‐Ju , Huang Yu‐Yang , Lam Kwok‐Keung
Published: July 2017

Oestrogens have been reported to attenuate acute inflammation in sepsis. In this study, the effects of long‐term oestrogen replacement with 17β‐oestradiol (E2) on endotoxaemia‐induced circulatory dysfunction and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were evaluated in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. E2 (50 μg/kg, s.c., 3 times/week) was administered for 8 weeks, followed by the induction of endotoxaemia by intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS; 30 mg/kg/4 hrs). Oestrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy for 9 weeks augmented the LPS‐induced damage, including endotoxic shock, myocardial contractile dysfunction, renal dysfunction and rhabdomyolysis. Cardiac levels of NF‐κB p65, iNOS and oxidized glutathione, free radical production in skeletal muscles, myoglobin deposition in renal tubules, and plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 were more pronounced in the Ovx + LPS group than in the Sham + LPS group. Long‐term treatment of E2 prevented this amplified damage in Ovx rats. Six hours after LPS initiation, activation of the autophagic process, demonstrated by increases in Atg12 and LC3B‐II/LC3B‐I ratios, and induction of haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 and heat‐shock protein (HSP) 70 protein expression in myocardium were increased significantly in the Ovx + E2 + LPS group. These results suggest that activation of autophagy and induction of HO‐1 and HSP70 contribute to the protective effect of long‐term E2 replacement on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in endotoxaemia.
Working memory and organizational skills problems in ADHD
Authors: Kofler Michael J. , Sarver Dustin E. , Harmon Sherelle L. , Moltisanti Allison , Aduen Paula A. , Soto Elia F. , Ferretti Nicole
Published: July 2017

Background

This study tested model‐driven predictions regarding working memory's role in the organizational problems associated with ADHD.

Method

Children aged 8–13 (M = 10.33, SD = 1.42) with and without ADHD (N = 103; 39 girls; 73% Caucasian/Non‐Hispanic) were assessed on multiple, counterbalanced working memory tasks. Parents and teachers completed norm‐referenced measures of organizational problems (Children's Organizational Skills Scale; COSS).

Results

Results confirmed large magnitude working memory deficits (d = 1.24) and organizational problems in ADHD (d = 0.85). Bias‐corrected, bootstrapped conditional effects models linked impaired working memory with greater parent‐ and teacher‐reported inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and organizational problems. Working memory predicted organization problems across all parent and teacher COSS subscales (R2 = .19–.23). Approximately 38%–57% of working memory's effect on organization problems was conveyed by working memory's association with inattentive behavior. Unique effects of working memory remained significant for both parent‐ and teacher‐reported task planning, as well as for teacher‐reported memory/materials management and overall organization problems. Attention problems uniquely predicted worse organizational skills. Hyperactivity was unrelated to parent‐reported organizational skills, but predicted better teacher‐reported task planning.

Conclusions

Children with ADHD exhibit multisetting, broad‐based organizational impairment. These impaired organizational skills are attributable in part to performance deficits secondary to working memory dysfunction, both directly and indirectly via working memory's role in regulating attention. Impaired working memory in ADHD renders it extraordinarily difficult for these children to consistently anticipate, plan, enact, and maintain goal‐directed actions.
European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis
Authors: Salavastru C.M. , Chosidow O. , Janier M. , Tiplica G.S.
Published: July 2017

Pediculosis pubis is caused by Phthirus pubis. The disease can be sexually transmitted. Patients main complain is of itch in the pubic area. The parasite can be spotted with the naked eye and blue macules can be observed in the pubic area. First line therapy consists of permethrin or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide. Second line therapy contains phenothrin, malathion and oral ivermectin. Partner management needs a look‐back period of time of 3 months. Pubic lice incidence is increased in populations groups living in crowded spaces with scarce sanitary conditions as in time of war or disaster.
Coevolution between flight morphology, vertical stratification and sexual dimorphism: what can we learn from tropical butterflies?
Authors: Graça M. B. , Pequeno P. A. C. L. , Franklin E. , Morais J. W.
Published: July 2017

Occurrence patterns are partly shaped by the affinity of species with habitat conditions. For winged organisms, flight‐related attributes are vital for ecological performance. However, due to the different reproductive roles of each sex, we expect divergence in flight energy budget, and consequently different selection responses between sexes. We used tropical frugivorous butterflies as models to investigate coevolution between flight morphology, sex dimorphism and vertical stratification. We studied 94 species of Amazonian fruit‐feeding butterflies sampled in seven sites across 3341 ha. We used wing–thorax ratio as a proxy for flight capacity and hierarchical Bayesian modelling to estimate stratum preference. We detected a strong phylogenetic signal in wing–thorax ratio in both sexes. Stouter fast‐flying species preferred the canopy, whereas more slender slow‐flying species preferred the understorey. However, this relationship was stronger in females than in males, suggesting that female phenotype associates more intimately with habitat conditions. Within species, males were stouter than females and sexual dimorphism was sharper in understorey species. Because trait–habitat relationships were independent from phylogeny, the matching between flight morphology and stratum preference is more likely to reflect adaptive radiation than shared ancestry. This study sheds light on the impact of flight and sexual dimorphism on the evolution and ecological adaptation of flying organisms.
Weight and Body Mass Index in Old Age: Do They Still Matter?
Authors: Harris Tamara B.
Published: July 2017

This Editorial comments on the article by Zhao Chen et al.
Histochemical analysis of collagen reorganization at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinoma tumors
Authors: Devendra Alrani , Niranjan Kochli C. , Swetha Acharya , Kaveri Hallikeri
Published: July 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to: (a) analyze the nature of collagen with respect to cohesive and discohesive invasive tumor front (ITF) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); (b) analyze the clinicopathological correlation with the nature of collagen at the ITF of OSCC; and (c) correlate the nature of collagen with Broder's and Bryne's histological grading system of OSCC.

Methods

Tissue sections of 29 OSCC with ITF were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin and picrosirius red staining for evaluation under a polarized microscope.

Results

Tumors with a cohesive front had a thick collagen fiber, are predominantly organized, red‐yellow in color, well packed, and show strong birefringence (P<.005). A gradual change in the nature of the collagen fiber was observed in the discohesive tumor front, where the collagen fibers were thin, disorganized, yellow‐orange to green‐yellow in color, loosely packed, and with weak birefringence (P<.005).

Conclusion

A cohesive tumor front with organized collagen fibers prevents tumor invasion and metastasis. As it is inhibits an increase in tumor size, it is associated with the initial stage of tumor (I & II), whereas in a discohesive tumor front, the fibers might enhance the movement of tumor cells, resulting in invasion and metastasis.
New Graduate Nurses’ Professional Commitment: Antecedents and Outcomes
Authors: Guerrero Sylvie , Chênevert Denis , Kilroy Steven
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study examines the factors that increase new graduate nurses’ professional commitment and how this professional commitment in turn affects professional turnover intentions, anxiety, and physical health symptoms.

Design

The study was carried out in association with the nursing undergraduate's affiliation of Quebec, Canada. A three‐wave longitudinal design was employed among nursing students. Nurses were surveyed before they entered the labor market, and then twice after they started working.

Methods

Participants were contacted by post at their home address. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings and Conclusion

Professional commitment explains why good work characteristics and the provision of organizational resources related to patient care reduce nurses’ anxiety and physical symptoms, and increase their professional turnover intentions. Pre‐entry professional perceptions moderate the effects of work characteristics on professional commitment such that when participants hold positive pre‐entry perceptions about the profession, the propensity to develop professional commitment is higher.

Clinical Relevance

There is a worldwide shortage of nurses. From a nurse training perspective, it is important to create realistic perceptions of the nursing role. In hospitals, providing a good work environment and resources conducive to their professional ethos is critical for ensuring nurses do not leave the profession early on in their careers.
Serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy of erythrocytes protruding through the human placental syncytiotrophoblast
Authors: Palaiologou Eleni , Goggin Patricia , Chatelet David S. , Lofthouse Emma M. , Torrens Christopher , Sengers Bram G. , Cleal Jane K. , Page Anton , Lewis Rohan M.
Published: July 2017

The syncytiotrophoblast forms a continuous barrier between the maternal and fetal circulations. Here we present a serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) study, based on a single image stack, showing pooling of fetal blood underneath a region of stretched syncytiotrophoblast that has become detached from the basement membrane. Erythrocytes are protruding from discrete holes in the syncytiotrophoblast suggesting that, under specific circumstances, the syncytiotrophoblast may be permeable to fetal cells. This observation represents a pathological process but it poses questions about the physical properties and permeability of the syncytiotrophoblast and may represent an early stage in the formation of fibrin deposits in areas of syncytial denudation. This study also illustrates how the 3D images generated by SBFSEM allow the interpretation of structures that could not be understood from a single histological section.
Safety and efficacy of low dose intramuscular magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) compared to intravenous regimen for treatment of eclampsia
Authors: Saha Pradip Kumar , Kaur Jasbinder , Goel Poonam , Kataria shalija , Tandon Rimpy , Saha Lekha
Published: July 2017

Aim

This study was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of low dose intramuscular magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) (Dhaka regimen) and intravenous (IV) MgSO4 (Zuspan regimen) for the prevention of eclampsia recurrence and to compare serum magnesium concentration.

Methods

Forty one eligible patients with eclampsia were randomly divided into two groups: group I patients received IV MgSO4 according to the Zuspan regime, while group II patients received intramuscular (IM) MgSO4 according to the Dhaka regimen (i.e. low dose MgSO4). The total dose MgSo4 requirements per patient were calculated and serum MgSo4 level was measured. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

The mean total dose of MgSO4 required for the treatment of eclampsia was higher in group I compared to group II (32 ± 6.8 g vs 25.4 ± 8.8 g, respectively; P < 0.5). The mean serum MgSO4 levels were significantly higher (P < 0.003) in group I compared to group II, although there were no significant differences in seizure recurrence. Statistically, more patients in group I experienced a loss of knee jerk reaction and required dose deferral compared to group II. There was a significantly higher number of babies with poor Apgar scores in group I. Overall the maternal and fetal outcomes were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

A low dose IM regimen (Dhaka regimen) of MgSo4 is equally efficacious and safe compared to an IV regimen (Zuspan regimen) for the control and prevention of seizures in patients with eclampsia.
RISK GOVERNANCEINTHE INSURANCE SECTOR—DETERMINANTSAND CONSEQUENCESINAN INTERNATIONAL SAMPLE
Authors: Magee Shane , Schilling Cornelia , Sheedy Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

We analyze the relation between risk governance, risk, and performance measures for a global sample of 107 insurance companies from 2004 to 2012. Our risk governance index (RGI) covers several Solvency II provisions and includes the existence of chief risk officer on the executive committee, risk committee characteristics, and board industry experience. We find that in the crisis period 2008–2009, firms with a higher RGI generally have lower expected default frequency. We conclude that during noncrisis years, risk governance does not have a risk‐reducing effect but is positively associated with buy‐and‐hold returns, risk‐adjusted performance measures, and Tobin's Q. Our findings therefore support the role of risk governance as a business enabler rather than inhibitor. Insurance companies typically upgrade their risk governance following a negative shock, especially in countries that are well regulated and have weaker shareholder rights.
Soil preference in blind mole rats in an area of supposed sympatric speciation: do they choose the fertile or the familiar?
Authors: Lövy M. , Šklíba J. , Šumbera R. , Nevo E.
Published: July 2017

Animals become adapted to different habitats, which, under some circumstances, may lead to speciation. Such speciation can possibly take place even in sympatry, as has recently been suggested in the blind mole rat Spalax galili surveyed at a microsite where two soil types of ecologically contrasting characteristics, basaltic soil and rendzina soil, abut each other. Such speciation would be possible if mole rats developed reproductive isolation, for example, by means of habitat choice. In our study, we quantified food supply and soil characteristics of 20 blind mole rat burrow systems in both soils at a new microsite and tested the mole rat's soil preference in a T‐maze. The basaltic soil was harder and heavier than the rendzina soil, and had higher density and biomass of food, which is comparable to the published data from the only other studied microsite 3.7 km apart. Mole rats preferred to burrow in their familiar soil, when the tested soils were moist. After the soils were dried, both groups of mole rats tended to burrow preferentially in the rendzina soil, nevertheless, this preference was only significant in rendzina‐soil mole rats. We propose that after the suppression of olfactory cues mole rats preferred to burrow in soil with lower energetic costs of burrowing. We suggest that soil preference by mole rats is effective mainly in moist soil that releases specific odorous cues, which coincides with mating season and natal dispersal. This preference could also play an important causative role in reproductive isolation of the two blind mole rat populations.
Free fatty acid receptor 3 activation suppresses neurogenic motility in rat proximal colon
Authors: Kaji I. , Akiba Y. , Furuyama T. , Adelson D. W. , Iwamoto K. , Watanabe M. , Kuwahara A. , Kaunitz J. D.
Published: July 2017

Background

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) are microbial fermentation products absorbed by the colon. We recently reported that activation of the SCFA receptor termed free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFA3), expressed on cholinergic nerves, suppresses nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)‐mediated transepithelial anion secretion. This study aimed to clarify how activation of neurally expressed FFA3 affects colonic motor function.

Methods

FFA3‐expressing myenteric neurons were identified by immunostaining; contractions of isolated circular muscle strips obtained from rat proximal colon were measured by isometric transducers. The effect of FFA3 agonists on defecation in vivo was examined in an exogenous serotonin‐induced defecation model.

Key Results

FFA3 immunoreactivity was located in nitrergic and cholinergic neurons in the myenteric plexus. In isolated circular muscle strips without mucosa and submucosa, the addition of nicotine (10 μM) or serotonin transiently relaxed the muscle through nitrergic neurons, whereas high concentrations of nicotine (100 μM) induced large‐amplitude contractions that were mediated by cholinergic neurons. Pretreatment with FFA3 agonists inhibited nicotine‐ or serotonin‐induced motility changes but had no effect on bethanechol‐induced direct muscle contractions. The Gi/o inhibitor pertussis toxin reversed the inhibitory effect of an FFA3 agonist AR420626 on nicotine‐evoked contractions, suggesting that FFA3 activation suppresses nAChR‐mediated neural activity in myenteric neurons, consistent with an FFA3‐mediated antisecretory effect. In conscious rats, exogenous serotonin increased the volume of fecal output, compared with the vehicle‐ or AR420626‐treated groups. Pretreatment with AR420626 significantly suppressed serotonin‐induced fecal output.

Conclusion and Inferences

FFA3 is a promising target for the treatment of neurogenic diarrheal disorders by suppressing nAChR‐mediated neural pathways.
Uric acid and dehydration in children with gastroenteritis
Authors: Kuge Rie , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Hasegawa Yukihiro
Published: July 2017

Background

Clinical assessment of dehydration in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is crucial for treatment. The gold standard for assessment is acute weight loss. Dehydration severity, as determined by weight loss, significantly correlates with serum urea nitrogen (UN) in children with AGE. The disadvantage of using serum UN as a marker of dehydration severity, however, is that the level can be affected by nutrition. Serum uric acid (UA) theoretically could serve as an alternative in this regard, but there have been no reports on the direct relationship between serum UA and weight loss. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the relationship between serum UA and weight loss in patients with AGE.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of children 1–71 months of age admitted to Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center with AGE between 1 December 2010 and 31 March 2015. Patients with symptoms of AGE ≥ 8 days, chronic disease, or incomplete data were excluded from the study. Pre–post‐rehydration weight change was used as an alternative, gold standard marker for the assessment of dehydration severity.

Results

The study participants consisted of 97 children. Serum UA correlated significantly with weight change, and increased significantly along with dehydration severity.

Conclusions

Serum UA can be considered as an adjunct to the clinical assessment of dehydration in children with AGE.
Target value of oxygen saturation during the first 10 min after birth
Authors: Taguchi Yosuke , Hosono Shigeharu , Kayama Kazunori , Kato Ryota , Hine Kotaro , Nagano Nobuhiko , Yoshikawa Kayo , Takahashi Shigeru , Takahashi Shori
Published: July 2017

Background

During neonatal resuscitation, careful oxygenation is needed. Pulse oximetry is recommended to evaluate the need for oxygenation, but it is not clear whether peripheral perfusion is adequate for the evaluation of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Additionally, there has been no study on the changes in SpO2 immediately after birth in Japan, despite the indispensable need for definitive oxygenation criteria.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed in neonates at gestational age 35–41 weeks. An SpO2 measurement probe was attached to the neonates immediately after birth at the right palm or wrist, and the perfusion index (PI), pulse rate, and SpO2 were measured until 10 min after birth.

Results

Sixty neonates were examined. Stable PI was obtained soon after birth, preceding SpO2 measurement. The median PI (%) was constant at approximately 1.3, and the median SpO2 at 2–10 min was 70%, 81%, 82%, 87%, 89%, 92%, 92%, 94%, and 95%, respectively. The current target value for SpO2 in the Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (NCPR) guideline in Japan is approximately the 25th percentile.

Conclusion

PI is stable and sufficient in the early postnatal period, meaning that peripheral perfusion is adequate for the measurement of SpO2. The current target SpO2 used in the NCPR guidelines is at approximately the 25th percentile and is thought to be sufficient for meeting oxygenation criteria.
Delayed transplantation may affect intellectual ability in children
Authors: Lee Jiwon M , Jung Yeon Kyung , Bae Jeong‐Hoon , Yoon Sun Ah , Kim Ju Hee , Choi YoungRok , Kim Hyeyoung , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Ahn Hye Young , Kim Jae Won , Shin Min‐Sup , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Ha Il‐Soo , Cheong Hae Il , Kang Hee Gyung , Yi Nam‐Joon
Published: July 2017

Background

Decline in neurocognitive function is a reported complication in children with chronic illness. Concerns have been increasing that exposure to a major surgery or trauma may negatively affect cognitive performance in children. This study evaluated cognitive function in 43 Korean children who received organ transplantation (Tx), and sought to identify associated clinical factors.

Methods

Pediatric recipients of kidney (KT) or liver Tx (LT) from 1999 to 2011 were recruited for cognitive tests. Cognitive function was evaluated using intelligence quotient (IQ), social quotient (SQ), and Continuous Performance Test using Advanced Test for Attention scores, which reflect attention ability. Intellectual delay was graded as intellectual disability (ID; IQ <70) or low intelligence (LI; IQ<85). Diagnosis for attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was made by pediatric psychiatrists.

Results

The subjects consisted of 43 pediatric recipients of 28 LT and 15 KT. There were 20 boys (46.5%). Median age was 3.1 years (range, 0.5–15.3 years) at Tx. Median age at cognitive evaluation was 12.9 years (range, 3.4–18.4 years). Median pre‐Tx duration of illness was 1.6 years (range, 0–13.5 years). The prevalence of ID, LI, and ADHD was 11.6%, 32.5%, and 32.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, longer pre‐Tx duration of illness was a significant factor for LI (OR, 1.263; 95%CI: 1.033–1.544, P = 0.023).

Conclusion

Longer pre‐Tx duration may negatively affect intellectual ability in Korean children. Pre‐Tx duration was more significant than the age at Tx or total disease duration per se. Early Tx may be beneficial for cognitive function in children.
On the Model-Free Compensation of Coulomb Friction in the Absence of the Velocity Measurement
Authors: Sun Mingwei , Gao Zhiqiang , Wang Zenghui , Zhang Yuan , Chen Zengqiang
Published: July 2017

This paper demonstrates that the Coulomb friction, the most difficult part of friction to be compensated because of its discontinuity with respect to the velocity, can be precisely compensated without either its mathematical model or a velocity measurement, as commonly required in the literature. Instead, the necessary information needed in the friction compensation is obtained in real time from an implicit extended observer in the context of a common proportional-derivative motion control system, using the proposed linear reference compensation scheme. The robustness of this particular observer design to the time-delay uncertainty resulting from the model reduction is thoroughly investigated, which illustrates the extent to which a high bandwidth can be employed to achieve the favorable dynamic performance such that the limitation on the bandwidth of the original extended state observer (ESO) can be effectively eliminated. Finally, numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed method.
First-Principles Investigation of Intergranular Fracture in Copper by Grain Boundary Segregation of Sulfur
Authors: Wang Xudong , Benabou Lahouari
Published: July 2017

Grain boundary (GB) embrittlement by sulfur in fcc CuΣ5(012)[100] symmetrical tilt grain boundary (STGB) is simulated by first-principles calculations. The surface and grain boundary segregation energies are estimated by progressively placing solute atoms in the potential segregation sites in the boundaries. Based on the calculated segregation energies, the cohesive energy of the grain boundary is evaluated as a function of the sulfur atoms concentration. It is found that, when a two atomic layers’ concentration is attained, the cohesive energy is reduced by one order of magnitude compared to its value for the clean grain boundary.
Three-Dimensional Curve Tracking for Particles Using Gyroscopic Control
Authors: Wang Chuanfeng
Published: July 2017

Curve-tracking control is challenging and fundamental in many robotic applications for an autonomous agent to follow a desired path. In this paper, we consider a particle, representing a fully actuated autonomous robot, moving at unit speed under steering control in the three-dimensional (3D) space. We develop a feedback control law that enables the particle to track any smooth curve in the 3D space. Representing the 3D curve in the natural Frenet frame, we construct the control law under which the moving direction of the particle will be aligned with the tangent direction of the desired curve and the distance between the particle and the desired curve will converge to zero. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed 3D curve-tracking control law in simulations.
Using Feedback Linearization to Improve the Tracking Performance of a Linear Hydraulic-Actuator
Authors: Manring Noah D. , Muhi Laheeb , Fales Roger C. , Mehta Viral S. , Kuehn Jeff , Peterson Jeremy
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a simple feedback linearization method is used to improve the tracking performance of a linear hydraulic-actuator. This research uses an open-centered four-way valve to control the displacement of the hydraulic actuator, based upon an input command from the operator. In this research, the operator is modeled as a first-order system with a bandwidth frequency of 2 Hz. The feedback linearization method is used to adjust the operator input based on the measurement of fluid pressure on only one side of the actuator and the pump pressure that supplies the valve. No other sensing is needed. Using this approach, the R-squared value for tracking a sinusoidal displacement of the actuator and the bandwidth frequency of the actuator are increased. Furthermore, it is shown that the feedback linearization method reduces and nearly eliminates the load dependence of the tracking response, which means that operators should have less difficulty learning how to operate the machine over a wide range of conditions, and the overall productivity of the machine should go up. In summary, the elegance of this model is found in the fact that it is very simple to implement and that the alterations in output performance are greatly enhanced.
Detection of Thermoacoustic Instabilities Via Nonparametric Bayesian Markov Modeling of Time-Series Data
Authors: Xiong Sihan , Mondal Sudeepta , Ray Asok
Published: July 2017

Real-time detection and decision and control of thermoacoustic instabilities in confined combustors are challenging tasks due to the fast dynamics of the underlying physical process. The objective here is to develop a dynamic data-driven algorithm for detecting the onset of instabilities with short-length time-series data, acquired by available sensors (e.g., pressure and chemiluminescence), which will provide sufficient lead time for active decision and control. To this end, this paper proposes a Bayesian nonparametric method of Markov modeling for real-time detection of thermoacoustic instabilities in gas turbine engines; the underlying algorithms are formulated in the symbolic domain and the resulting patterns are constructed from symbolized pressure measurements as probabilistic finite state automata (PFSA). These PFSA models are built upon the framework of a (low-order) finite-memory Markov model, called the D-Markov machine, where a Bayesian nonparametric structure is adopted for: (i) automated selection of parameters in D-Markov machines and (ii) online sequential testing to provide dynamic data-driven and coherent statistical analyses of combustion instability phenomena without solely relying on computationally intensive (physics-based) models of combustion dynamics. The proposed method has been validated on an ensemble of pressure time series from a laboratory-scale combustion apparatus. The results of instability prediction have been compared with those of other existing techniques.
Comparison of Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Pulse Width Modulation Control With Common Model-Based Nonlinear Controllers for Slip Control in Antilock Braking Systems
Authors: Mousavi Alireza , Davaie-Markazi Amir H. , Masoudi Saleh
Published: July 2017

A novel application of the adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode control (AFSMC) to the case of an antilock braking system (ABS) is proposed in this paper. ABS is a system in vehicles that allows the wheels to maintain tractive contact with the road and avoid uncontrolled skidding. By using ABS, the stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces are expected to decrease. The maximum braking force is a nonlinear function of the slip ratios of the wheels, which is sensitive to the vehicle weight and road condition. In this research, a simple low-order model of the braking dynamics is considered and unmodeled dynamics are taken as uncertainties. The robust AFSMC method is used to regulate the wheel slip ratio toward the desired value. The proposed controller employs pulse width modulation (PWM) to generate the braking torque. There is no need to use any reference measured data or experimental knowledge of relevant experts to design the controller. A clear advantage is that the designed controller does not rely on the nonlinear tire–road friction model. The second Lyapunov theorem is employed to prove the closed-loop asymptotic stability. In the simulations, the multibody dynamics method is used for modeling the longitudinal motion of SAIPA X100 and X200 vehicle platforms. Furthermore, the actuation and the switching dynamics of the braking system are taken into account. Resulting performance is compared to the conventional sliding-mode and feedback linearization methods. Analysis of the simulation results reveals the effectiveness of proposed AFSMC method.
Simple Input Disturbance Observer-Based Control: Case Studies
Authors: Polóni Tomáš , Kolmanovsky Ilya , Rohaľ-Ilkiv Boris
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the application of an input disturbance observer (IDO)-based control, based on a simple input observer previously proposed and used for engine control, is demonstrated in two case studies. The first case study is longitudinal aircraft control with unmodeled aerodynamic nonlinearities satisfying matching conditions. The second case study is the control of an inverted pendulum on a cart which corroborates the ease of integration of IDO-based control into more complex controllers in situations when the matching condition is not satisfied. Improved robustness is demonstrated on an experimental system including changing the pendulum weight which is shown to have no effect on the overall control performance. In both case studies, if the IDO is not applied, the control performance is poor and leads to unstable operation.