bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral neutrophil CD64 index combined with complement, CRP, WBC count and B cells improves the ability of diagnosing bacterial infection in SLE
Authors: Feng M , Zhang S L , Liang Z J , Wang Y L , Zhao X C , Gao C , Guo H , Luo J
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic role of complement C3, complement C4, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) index, lymphocyte subsets and their combination in differentiating bacterial infection from disease relapse in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The above biomarkers in 36 hospitalized SLE patients with bacterial infection and 45 with lupus flare without infection were retrospectively studied. Bacterial infection was proven by positive cultures or typical clinical symptoms and signs combined with positive response to antibiotics. Lupus flare was defined as three points greater than their previous SLE disease activity index score. The diagnostic value for bacterial infection was evaluated by the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and a novel bioscore system combining multiple biomarkers.

Results

Increased CRP ( p = 0.049), WBC ( p = 0.028) and nCD64 index ( p = 0.034) were observed in the infected group and C3 ( p = 0.001), C4 ( p = 0.016) and B cells levels ( p = 0.010) were significantly reduced. The AUC for the above six biomarkers had no significant difference. Interestingly, the combination of nCD64 index, CRP, WBC, C3 and C4 improved significantly the diagnostic potential of SLE infection (AUC 0.783 (interquartile range 0.672, 0.871), p < 0.001; sensitivity 85.29% specificity 62.50%). In the bioscore system including the above six biomarkers, the bacterial infection rate in patients with bioscore ≤2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were 0.00, 39.29, 59.10, 61.54 and 100.00%, respectively.

Conclusion

The combination of nCD64 index, C3, C4, CRP, WBC and B cells in a bioscore is useful to diagnose bacterial infection in SLE.
Problematising refugee migrants in the Swedish forestry sector
Authors: Wikström Eva , Sténs Anna
Published: February 2019

In this article, ideas behind current Swedish efforts to integrate refugees in ‘green’ industries are analysed. We ask why the employment of refugees in forestry, a sector historically and globally notorious for its abuse of migrant workers, has come to be regarded as a solution in official Swedish migration policy. A discourse analytical approach is applied, analysing what the arguments are for introducing refugees to forestry work and how the forest, as a space, is depicted and used discursively as a means for refugee integration. The sources for the analyses consist of articles appearing in the printed press from 2015 to 2017. Three main problem discourses are identified: the ‘labour shortage’ discourse, the ‘refugees in need of work’ discourse and the ‘forest as a health-promoting learning environment’ discourse. The hazardous aspects of forestry work or the fact that refugees might be overqualified for the jobs offered are generally left unproblematised.
The Use of a Video for Discharge Education for Parents After Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Tang Shinyi , Landery Dawn , Covington Gail , Ward Jessica
Published: February 2019

Background: Caring for a child at home after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is challenging for parents, and discharge education is critical to ensure parents are prepared. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a discharge video intervention (DVI) as an adjunct to standard discharge teaching (SDT). Method: A two-phase study was conducted at an urban children’s hospital in the western United States. Phase 1 involved SDT alone followed by nurse-administered proficiency testing of parent knowledge in caring for their children at home using a 4-point Likert-type scale of parents of children post-allogeneic HSCT. These results informed the DVI, created in English and Spanish in Phase 2. The DVI content included topics on home cleaning, notifying the medical team, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), diet and visitor restrictions, and outpatient visits. In Phase 2, the DVI was viewable by parents who also received SDT. Parents’ proficiency was evaluated using the same procedure as in Phase 1. Results: Thirty-four parents participated: 17 in Phase 1 (SDT), 17 in Phase 2 (SDT + DVI). The DVI was viewed by parents in Phase 2 approximately twice prior to discharge. Parents in Phase 2 had higher proficiency scores on home cleaning, signs/symptoms of GVHD, and diet restriction. Parents in Phase 1 had higher proficiency regarding notifying the team. Conclusions: The DVI was feasible and demonstrated incremental increases in parent’s proficiency related to some discharge topics.
The Magic of Matching the Environment to the Needs: A Conversation With Tim Lewis
Authors: Zabel Robert , Teagarden Jim , Kaff Marilyn
Published: February 2019

Dr. Tim Lewis provides his reflections on his career working as a researcher-teacher to address the issues of children with challenges. Dr. Lewis also provides his advice for those entering the field.
Rethinking Efforts to Ground the Helicopter Parent: Parent Experiences Providing Support to Young Adults With Disabilities
Authors: Francis Grace L. , Reed Alexandra S.
Published: February 2019

Transitioning out of school is often challenging, especially for young adults with disabilities. Fortunately, parent involvement can enhance the transition process and student outcomes following graduation. However, there is limited information regarding how and why parents provide support to their young adults in high school and college, thus reducing the ability for professionals to maximize parental investment in the well-being of their young adults. The purpose of this study was to learn about parent experiences providing support to their children with disabilities as they age into adulthood. A total of 26 parents of postsecondary education program (PSE) graduates participated in interviews. Participants described how they provided support to their young adults, discussed reasons why they provided support, and offered recommendations for other parents to effectively support their children with disabilities as they age into adulthood.
Retroperitoneal Hematoma: Rupture of Aneurysm in the Arc of Bühler Caused by Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
Authors: Abe Keiichiro , Iijima Makoto , Tominaga Keiichi , Masuyama Satoshi , Izawa Naoya , Majima Yuichi , Irisawa Atsushi
Published: February 2019

We herein report a case with aneurysm rupture in the arc of Bühler (AOB) caused by median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). The patient experienced a sudden onset of upper abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed an iso- to hyper-enhancing area mainly ranging from the dorsal aspect of the pancreatic head to the retroperitoneum around the right kidney. Abdominal angiography revealed marked stenosis in the origin of the celiac artery caused by MALS and a 7-mm saccular aneurysm in the AOB. Thus, we diagnosed the pain as having been caused by aneurysm rupture in the AOB due to MALS. The patient’s symptoms and anemia also improved to normal range without surgery. Careful follow-up, considering possible recurrence of aneurysm at other sites in the future, is essential.
Early predictors of epilepsy and subsequent relapse in children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Authors: Rossor Thomas , Benetou Christina , Wright Sukhvir , Duignan Sophie , Lascelles Karine , Robinson Robert , Das Krishna , Ciccarelli Olga , Wassmer Evangeline , Hemingway Cheryl , Lim Ming , Hacohen Yael
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To identify predictors of epilepsy and clinical relapses in children presenting with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

Methods:

Children presenting with ADEM between 2005 and 2017 and tested clinically for MOG-Ab were identified from three tertiary paediatric neurology centres in the United Kingdom. Patients were followed up for a median of 6 years (range, 1–16 years).

Results:

A total of 74 children were studied (38 females; median age at first presentation: 4.5 years (range, 1.4–16 years)). MOG-Ab was positive in 50/74 (67.6%) of cases, and 27 (54%) of MOG-Ab positive children presented with a neurological relapse over time. MOG-Ab was more frequently positive in the relapsing group than in the monophasic group (27/31 vs 23/43; odds ratio 5.9 (95% CI: 1.8–19.7); p = 0.002). 16/74 (22%) children had seizures during the acute presentation with ADEM and 12/74 (16.2%) patients were diagnosed with post-ADEM epilepsy. The diagnosis of post-ADEM epilepsy was more frequently observed in children with relapsing disease than monophasic disease (10/31 vs 2/43; odds ratio 9.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–48.7); p = 0.003), in children who had positive intrathecal oligoclonal bands than those with negative bands (4/7 vs 4/30; odds ratio 8.7 (95% CI: 1.4–54.0); p = 0.027) and in children who had positive MOG-Ab than negative MOG-Ab cases (11/12 vs 39/62; odds ratio 6.5 (95% CI:0.8–53.6); p = 0.051).

Conclusion:

A higher relapse rate and a greater risk of post-ADEM epilepsy in children with MOG-Ab-associated disease may indicate a chronic disease with immune-mediated seizures in these children.
Apathy as a herald of cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis: A 2-year follow-up study
Authors: Raimo Simona , Spitaleri Daniele , Trojano Luigi , Santangelo Gabriella
Published: February 2019

Background:

Behavioral symptoms, such as apathy and depression, are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) but their relationship with cognitive and clinical characteristics often remains underinvestigated and not monitored over time.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of cognitive profile of patients affected by MS in relation to apathy and depression using a 2-year follow-up study.

Methods:

Two years after the first assessment, 100 of 125 MS patients were re-evaluated on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, and on specific scales for assessment of apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale—Self-reported) and depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale).

Results:

After 2 years (T1), we found a relatively consistent prevalence of apathy (about 40%) and a reduction in prevalence of depression (from 44% to 30%). Higher level of apathy at baseline predicted the progressive cognitive changes at follow-up; and patients with apathy without depression (“pure” apathy) than patients without apathy had poorer performance on the interference task of the Stroop test assessing inhibitory control.

Conclusion:

The present results suggested that apathy in MS was associated with more severe executive dysfunctions (in particular cognitive control). Apathy rather than depression predicted cognitive impairment in MS over time.
White-matter-nulled MPRAGE at 7T reveals thalamic lesions and atrophy of specific thalamic nuclei in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Planche Vincent , Su Jason H , Mournet Sandy , Saranathan Manojkumar , Dousset Vincent , Han May , Rutt Brian K , Tourdias Thomas
Published: February 2019

Background:

Investigating the degeneration of specific thalamic nuclei in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains challenging.

Methods:

White-matter-nulled (WMn) MPRAGE, MP-FLAIR, and standard T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on MS patients ( n = 15) and matched controls ( n = 12). Thalamic lesions were counted in individual sequences and lesion contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was measured. Volumes of 12 thalamic nuclei were measured using an automatic segmentation pipeline specifically developed for WMn-MPRAGE.

Results:

WMn-MPRAGE showed more thalamic MS lesions ( n = 35 in 9 out of 15 patients) than MP-FLAIR ( n = 25) and standard T1 ( n = 23), which was associated with significant improvement of CNR ( p < 0.0001). MS patients had whole thalamus atrophy ( p = 0.003) with lower volumes found for the anteroventral ( p < 0.001), the pulvinar ( p < 0.0001), and the habenular ( p = 0.004) nuclei.

Conclusion:

WMn-MPRAGE and automatic thalamic segmentation can highlight thalamic MS lesions and measure patterns of focal thalamic atrophy.
The immigrant labeling effect: The role of immigrant group labels in prejudice against noncitizens
Authors: Rucker Julian M. , Murphy Mary C. , Quintanilla Victor D.
Published: February 2019

Five experiments ( N = 2,251) and a meta-analysis examine how group labels shape Americans’ levels of prejudice, behavioral intentions, and policy preferences toward immigrants living in the US without authorization. These studies extend research documenting how the perceived negativity of group labels (e.g., those describing gay people) affects people’s downstream attitudes. To this end, Study 1 examines the perceived negativity of the five most commonly used labels to describe unauthorized immigrants. Study 2 found that relatively negative (vs. neutral) labels (e.g., illegal aliens vs. noncitizens) engendered more prejudice, punitive behavioral intentions, and greater support for punitive policies. Study 3 replicates these effects and examines the role of familiarity. People who personally knew members of the group were more positive towards them overall, but were nevertheless susceptible to the labels’ influence. Studies 4 and 5 provide additional replications and explore prejudice as a mediator of behavioral intentions and policy preferences.
Time-dependent deformations of concrete columns under different construction load histories
Authors: Zou Dujian , Du Chengcheng , Liu Tiejun , Teng Jun , Cheng Hanbin
Published: February 2019

The adverse effects caused by differential axial shortening in high-rise buildings have received increasing attention with growing building height. However, the axial shortening analysis still lacks accuracy compared to the in-situ monitoring results of practical high-rise buildings during construction stage. It is imperative to identify the error sources, and the applicability of the current shortening prediction models should be test verified. In this study, 14 plain concrete columns were cast, and the multi-stage load method was applied to approximately simulate the loading history of axial concrete members during construction stage. The time-dependent deformations of loaded concrete specimens were measured, and a comparative analysis was conducted between test results and numerical prediction values. It is found that the measured deformations of multi-stage loading cases are all underestimated compared with predicted results, and this underestimation may be mainly caused by the inappropriate use of elastic modulus. It further indicates that the axial shortening analysis of high-rise buildings tends to underestimate the actual shortening value when the traditional calculation method is used. This study provides a reference for explaining the mismatch between the analytical results and the actual shortening values.
Optimisation of torsional vibration system for a heavy-duty inline six-cylinder diesel engine
Authors: Karimaei H , Mehrgou M , Chamani HR
Published: February 2019

Torsional vibration is one of the major issues and very important calculation for the safe running of heavy-duty diesel engines, specifically crankshaft. Because of different applications of a heavy-duty diesel engine, different driven machine and different attaching systems are inevitable that affect the torsional system. The cranktrain contains the flywheel and torsional damper. The properties of these parts have significant effect on torsional vibration of the system as well as the crankshaft strength. Initial selection of these properties is usually specified based on engine designer experience and also the torsional vibration calculation of the cranktrain. In this paper, the focus is to find the optimum and reliable operating points for the elements in cranktrain using computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools. These are parameters like tuned mass inertia, flywheel inertia, damper stiffness, damper inertia, damper damping, coupling damping and coupling stiffness. The effect of these parameters on system design criteria, especially crankshaft life, was investigated. The results show high sensitivity of crankshaft safety factor to parameters like tuned mass inertia, damper damping coefficient and damper stiffness. Therefore, damper selection is the most important factor to increase the crankshaft life. The new contribution is that the parameters related to the whole cranktrain system that have the greatest effect were obtained and an optimisation was executed on these parameters to fulfil the vibration targets as well crankshaft life.
How politically liberal should the capabilities approach want to be?
Authors: Terlazzo Rosa
Published: February 2019

In this article, I develop a tension in the capabilities approach between committing to political liberalism and ensuring full capability for all persons. In particular, I argue that the capabilities approach can maintain a commitment to full capability only by embracing at least one of three kinds of comprehensiveness: Even if it can avoid comprehensiveness along the dimensions of height and depth, it is committed along the dimension of breadth. In short, because the possession of capability can be hampered either by external obstacles that prevent a person from accessing a good or by internal obstacles that prevent a person from being open to it, the capabilities approach faces a dilemma: Either it can ensure that persons are free of internal obstacles to the possession of capability by pushing them to be open to functionings across a relatively comprehensive set of domains of life (that is, require breadth-comprehensiveness); or else it can side with political liberalism by making options externally available across many domains of life without encouraging internal endorsement – but in this case, it runs the risk that persons will foreseeably and avoidably face internal obstacles to genuine possession of some capabilities.
Healing assessment of fractured femur treated with an intramedullary nail
Authors: Chiu Wing Kong , Vien Benjamin Steven , Russ Matthias , Fitzgerald Mark
Published: February 2019

The ability to evaluate the degree of healing of a fractured bone is an integral part of orthopaedic clinical care. The conventional assessment techniques including X-ray and computed tomography are qualitative assessments, where their accuracy is dependent on the surgeon’s experience. Although there has been a significant research devoted to accurately define fracture healing, development of more efficient diagnostic tools for an accurate diagnosis of non-unions is still a very subjective area. This article investigates the potential use of the dynamic response to assess the healing of a fractured femur treated with an intramedullary nail. While compared to the conventional method, the dynamic technique is highly advantageous, as it is non-radiative and non-invasive. The experimental work presented utilises an osteotomised composite femur specimen fixated with an intramedullary nail. The test specimen was tightly enclosed by dense and soft modelling clay to simulate the damping effect resulting from mass loading of soft tissues. A long curing adhesive epoxy is applied to the osteotomised region, and the curing of the epoxy is used to simulate the fracture healing process. The results provided evidence indicating that the magnitude and phase of the cross-spectrum, and the coherence function acquired at different healing times from the two-sensor measurement strategy can be used to derive a healing index to quantify the state of healing of the fixated femur. The findings suggest the possible viability of vibrational dynamic technique for healing assessment and, furthermore, its development will yield an assessment technique that complements existing clinical diagnostic tools.
Metformin decreases the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with diabetes mellitus: A 14-year follow-up study
Authors: Chen Hsin-Chien , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Lu Chieh-Hua , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: February 2019

Background:

The risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with metformin use in patients with diabetes mellitus has not been fully examined.

Study design:

It is a retrospective matched-cohort study.

Subjects and methods:

We examined the medical records of patients with diabetes mellitus over 18 years old in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database for the period between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2013, to establish matched cohorts (14,109 with and 42,327 without metformin use) at a ratio of 1:3 by sex, age and index year.

Results:

We used a Cox regression hazard model to identify risk factors of sudden sensorineural hearing loss during 14 years of follow-up, and the results indicate that a significantly lower percentage of diabetes mellitus patients with metformin use ( p = 0.033) developed sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared with those without metformin use (0.21%, 29/14,109 vs 0.32%, 136/42,327). After adjustment for age and other variables [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.630 (95% confidence interval: 0.422–0.941, p = 0.024)], this study also demonstrated that metformin use appeared to reduce the risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated an association between metformin use and lower incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss among patients with diabetes mellitus.
Television for the Peace Arch Country: Transnational Broadcasting History in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Morgan Parmett Helen
Published: February 2019

This article contributes to international broadcasting history through a case study of a local, independent television station in the Pacific Northwest. KVOS-TV was one of a few stations on the U.S./Canadian border that sought out a cross-border audience, but it is unique in its efforts to produce programming to bridge these audiences into a unified viewing public that it termed the Peace Arch Country. The station’s international programming constituted its viewing public as translocal citizens in ways that supported the broader global ambitions of the Pacific Northwest region, as well as responded to and promoted the global ambitions of western liberal democracy and capitalism in the fight against Communism. KVOS-TV’s constitution of Peace Arch citizenship shows how television was a tool for creating translocal citizens, educating and governing them from a distance.
“Don’t Drink Too Much!” Reactance Among Young Men Following Health-Related Social Control
Authors: Sieverding Monika , Specht Nicole K. , Agines Sabrina G.
Published: February 2019

This study investigated conditions under which young men responded with reactance to the suggestion to reduce their alcohol consumption. In an experimental study, 84 young men (university students, mean age: 24 years) listened to a recorded telephone call and were asked to imagine that they themselves were the recipients of this call. In this call, either a girlfriend or a male friend suggested that the recipient of the call should reduce his alcohol intake that evening. In one condition, the suggestion was highly restrictive; in the other condition, the suggestion was framed in a nonrestrictive way. Perceived threat, negative thoughts, and feelings of anger after listening to the call were assessed. Further outcome variables were intention and perceived probability of complying with the suggestion. Participants felt more anger after hearing the highly restrictive suggestion and more threatened by the suggestion made by the girlfriend. Interaction effects emerged. Participants reported more negative thoughts and lower intention and perceived probability to comply when a highly restrictive suggestion was made by the girlfriend. The male friend’s highly restrictive suggestion resulted in a perceived probability of complying (54%) that was similar to the probability of the girlfriend’s nonrestrictive suggestion (55%). Women’s efforts to reduce their male partners’ alcohol consumption can result in boomerang effects. Male peers might be more effective in motivating other men to behave in a healthier way. These results support recent findings with regard to the potential of peer positive social control.
Pleasure and PrEP: Pleasure-Seeking Plays a Role in Prevention Choices and Could Lead to PrEP Initiation
Authors: Mabire Xavier , Puppo Costanza , Morel Stéphane , Mora Marion , Rojas Castro Daniela , Chas Julie , Cua Eric , Pintado Claire , Suzan-Monti Marie , Spire Bruno , Molina Jean-Michel , Préau Marie
Published: February 2019

Pleasure-seeking plays a role in prevention (means choices and use), and in the sexual quality of life of men who have sex with men (MSM). Since HIV is a major threat to MSM health, new means of prevention, like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), must meet the needs of MSM to be fully efficient. Using a psychosocial approach, we examined how pleasure-seeking plays a role in participation of MSM in “ANRS-IPERGAY,” a community-based trial on sexual health which included sexual on-demand PrEP. Thirteen semistructured collective interviews were conducted with 45 participants. First, we analyzed participants’ search for new prevention means due to previous failures in condom use. We found that participants perceived condoms as a barrier—both materially and symbolically—to pleasure and desire, causing anxiety and stress considering sexual intercourse. Second, we explored representations and attitudes concerning pleasure within the context of PrEP. We found that PrEP allowed participants to freely choose their desired sexual positions and to better enjoy intimacy. Third, we studied the sexual quality of life for PrEP users in ANRS-IPERGAY and found an improvement. Thanks to the community-based design of the trial, this new prevention tool became a means to develop agency and empowerment for participants, not only in negotiating individual prevention but also in opposing the normative and stigmatizing discourse on sexuality and HIV. In conclusion, pleasure-seeking appears to be an essential element of sexual fulfillment that needs to be integrated as a positive notion in the study of HIV prevention.
Normal Ranges of Upper Extremity Length, Circumference, and Rate of Growth in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Edmond Tyler , Laps Alexandra , Case Alexandria L. , O’Hara Nathan , Abzug Joshua M.
Published: February 2019

Background: Upper extremity length and circumference abnormalities are present in a number of conditions in the pediatric population. In most cases, upper limb hypoplasia and hypertrophy are diagnosed when one limb appears substantially different from the other during physical examination. However, occasionally when this discrepancy exists, it can be difficult to determine which limb is the abnormal one. The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for upper extremity length, circumference, and rate of growth in children aged 0 to 17 years. Methods: In all, 377 participants had 4 measurements taken of each upper extremity: upper arm length, upper arm circumference, forearm length, and forearm circumference. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences and rates of growth. Results: Mean values for arm and forearm length and circumference for each age, 0 to 17 years, were established. The determination of a child’s expected arm length is dependent on his or her height, age, and sex, while the calculation of a child’s expected forearm length depends on his or her weight, age, and sex. Male and female arms and forearms have similar growth rates of lengths and circumferences. No significant differences were found between right and left extremities for each of the 4 measurements taken. Conclusions: Contralateral limbs can be used for comparison of length and circumference of the arm and forearm in cases of unilateral upper extremity abnormality. The establishment of normal values for upper extremity length, circumference, and growth rate will be a useful diagnostic tool for upper extremity hypoplasia and hypertrophy.
Creating person-centred support for people with intellectual disabilities at the end of life: An Australian qualitative study of unmet needs and strategies
Authors: McNamara Beverley , Same Anne , Rosenwax Lorna
Published: February 2019

Background:

People with intellectual disabilities at the end of life are at risk of receiving inadequate and inequitable end-of-life care. This study explores their unmet needs, opportunities for person-centred care and experiences of health service use.

Methods:

Qualitative interviews with 26 experienced health professionals and carers were used to explore their patients’ and residents’ unmet needs and end-of-life care options and to outline strategies to support them.

Results:

A range of challenges and unmet needs experienced by people with intellectual disabilities are presented in themes: (1) accommodation setting at the end of life: dying ‘at home’; (2) personal factors and networks: a circle of support; (3) end-of-life medical care and decision-making. Strategies to facilitate good end-of-life care and a model of care are presented.

Conclusions:

Well-prepared and collaborative disability and health service workforces are needed, together with flexible and adequate end-of-life funding to ensure compassionate and person-centred care.
The metaphoric nature of the ordinal position effect
Authors: Zhou Dandan , Zhong Hanxi , Dong Wenshan , Li Min , Verguts Tom , Chen Qi
Published: February 2019

Serial orders are thought to be spatially represented in working memory: The beginning items in the memorised sequence are associated with the left side of space and the ending items are associated with the right side of space. However, the origin of this ordinal position effect has remained unclear. It was suggested that the direction of serial order–space interaction is related to the reading/writing experience. An alternative hypothesis is that it originates from the “more is right”/“more is up” spatial metaphors we use in daily life. We can adjudicate between the two viewpoints in Chinese readers; they read left-to-right but also have a culturally ancient top-to-bottom reading/writing direction. Thus, the reading/writing viewpoint predicts no or a top-to-bottom effect in serial order–space interaction; whereas the spatial metaphor theory predicts a clear bottom-to-top effect. We designed four experiments to investigate this issue. First, we found a left-to-right ordinal position effect, replicating results obtained in Western populations. However, the vertical ordinal position effect was in the bottom-to-top direction; moreover, it was modulated by hand position (e.g., left hand bottom or up). We suggest that order–space interactions may originate from different sources and are driven by metaphoric comprehension, which itself may ground cognitive processing.
International news flow theory revisited through a space–time interaction model: Application to a sample of 320,000 international news stories published through RSS flows by 31 daily newspapers in 2015
Authors: Grasland Claude
Published: February 2019

This article proposes a quantitative model of the circulation of foreign news based on a gravity-like model of spatial interaction disaggregated by time, media, and countries of interest. The analysis of international RSS news stories published by 31 daily newspapers in 2015 demonstrates, first, that many of the laws of circulation of international news predicted half a century ago by Galtung and Ruge and by Östgaard are still valid. The salience of countries in media remains strongly determined by size effects (area, population), with prominent coverage of rich countries (GDP/capita) with elite status (permanent members of United Nations Security Council, the Holy See). The effect of geographical distance and a common language remains a major factor of media coverage in newsrooms. Contradicting the flat world hypothesis, global journalism remains an exception, and provincialism is the rule. The disaggregation of the model by media demonstrates that newspapers are not following exactly the same rules and are more or less sensitive to distance, a common language or elite status. The disaggregation of the model by week suggests that the rules governing foreign news can be temporarily modified by exceptional events that eliminate the usual effects of salience and relatedness, producing short periods of “global consensus” that can benefit small, poor, and remote countries. The residuals of the model help to identify countries that are characterized by a permanent excess of media coverage (like the US or the Australia in our sample) or media that received a coverage more important than usual during several months (Yemen, Ukraine) or years (Syria, Greece) because a situation of long-term political or economic crisis.
Glycaemic profile in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy compared to non-pregnant adult females
Authors: Nigam Aruna , Varun Neha , Sharma Sumedha , Munjal YP , Prakash Anupam
Published: February 2019

Aim

To assess the glycaemic profile and glycaemic variation in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancies.

Methodology

Healthy pregnant women aged 19–35 years between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation were recruited for ambulatory glucose profile monitoring. A total of 18 women in the second trimester, 15 women in the third trimester and 9 healthy non-pregnant women were recruited providing, respectively, 205 days (19,680 data points), 147 days (14,112 data points) and 100 days (9,600 data points) for analysis.

Results

Mean blood glucose level was 20.2% lower in the second trimester and 10.6% lower in the third trimester than non-pregnant women (p < 0.001). In pregnancy, it took 15 to 20 minutes more to reach peak postprandial blood glucose levels compared to non-pregnant women (p = 0.003). Glycaemic variability was more in the third trimester (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There is tight blood sugar control along with lower mean blood glucose in healthy pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women. Despite this tight glycaemic control, glycaemic variability is higher during pregnancy.
From Party Systems to Party Organizations: The Adaptation of Latin American Parties to Changing Environments
Authors: Wills-Otero Laura
Published: February 2019

The study of party systems and political parties is one of the largest subfields in political science. Classic studies in advanced democracies focused primarily on party systems and developed theories about the causes and consequences of different types of systems. In recent years, new academic work begun to differentiate parties within systems by understanding their organizational structure, their internal dynamics, the different ways in which they interact with their constituencies, and the strategies that they use to attract voters. Studies show that parties within the same system behave and react differently given their internal conditions. This article reviews three scholarly books that deal with this issue. The works analyze the internal dynamics of Latin American political parties and their capacity to respond and adapt their structures when environmental challenges take place.
I Want It All, and I Want It Now: The Political Manipulation of Argentina's Provincial High Courts
Authors: Castagnola Andrea
Published: February 2019

Provincial supreme courts are important players in local politics because justices can affect the interest of the ruling governors; however, no research has addressed the factors that affect judicial turnover in provincial high courts in new democracies. This research attempts to fill this gap by using original data on the 525 departures of all provincial high court justices in Argentina from 1983 to 2009. My guiding hypothesis is that the stability of a justice on the bench depends on the political proximity of the justice to the ruling governor rather than on the executive's institutional capacity to impeach. This study reveals that being aligned with the faction of the ruling governor is a major factor in accounting for judicial turnover not only in single-party provinces, as expected, but also in multi-party provinces. Because provincial politics have proven to be a major source of power for national politicians, governors would prefer to have a friendly court during their administration.
Current Issues on the Political Representation of Middle Classes in Chile
Authors: Barozet Emmanuelle , Espinoza Vicente
Published: February 2019

In this article, we analyze the impact that the evolution of the middle classes has had on political representation in Chile. Based on a description of the transformations of Chilean social structure in recent decades, we review the conceptual frameworks available on the subject, from modernization theories and the rise of new masses – particularly the one that “emerged” from poverty – to the forming of new critical citizens. We state that the heterogeneity of Chilean middle classes has challenged the discredited representation system. We observe more efficient representation channels developing for medium-high-income, educated, and consolidated sectors in contrast to new social policy demands from emerging and vulnerable sectors, focusing more on consolidating their economic status than on improving representation channels.
Limits of US Influence: The Promotion of Regime Change in Latin America
Authors: Weyland Kurt
Published: February 2019

Scholars often assume that as a global superpower, the United States has had great influence and impact on political regime developments in the world. This article critically examines these claims, focusing on Latin America; by investigating the region most directly dominated by the US, it employs a most-likely-case design. The experiences of countries such as Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela show that US influence has been fairly limited for many years and has diminished over time. The Northern superpower has been less involved and has had less impact on regime developments than often postulated, as the analysis of the coups in Brazil in 1964 and Chile in 1973 demonstrates. Moreover, nations to which the US has maintained close, comprehensive linkages, such as Venezuela, have slid into “competitive authoritarianism” while a country such as Haiti, over which the US holds great leverage, has failed to establish a functioning democracy. Thus, even in its direct sphere of interest, the most powerful nation in the contemporary world seems to be limited in its capacity to promote or prevent political regime change.
Shanghai Alleys, Theatrical Practice, and Cinematic Spectatorship: From Street Angel (1937) to Fifth Generation Film
Authors: Forges Alexander Des
Published: February 2019

This article argues that a certain type of Shanghai film of the Republican period, exemplified by 1937's Street Angel ([Formula: see text], Malu tianshi), makes use of a specific mode of spatial organization, modelled on the theatre, to represent the urban environment. In the case of Street Angel, and later on in 1964's Stage Sisters ([Formula: see text], Wutai jiemei), the interaction between performers and audiences characteristic of the Shanghai theatre experience serves as a crucial ground on which to base calls to political action. For a variety of related reasons, both the city of Shanghai and this mode of spatial organization so closely associated with it vanish from the big screen in the 1980s and 1990s, and begin to make a return only at the turn of the new century.
Structures and Logic of EP Implementation and Administration in China
Authors: Grunow Dieter
Published: February 2019

This paper describes empirical observations gathered during a research project on the implementation of environmental protection (EP) policies in China. The project focused on local EP in both urban and rural areas. Policy field analysis was used as a conceptual framework for structuring the observations. The paper develops in three main steps discussing the following topics: 1) Collective problems within the policy field of EP show that EP issues in general are unlike those of other policy fields. Official EP policies in China today resemble those of other countries – but they are separating issues and responsibilities, making local implementation very demanding. 2) China lags behind in its willingness and ability to implement these policies – leading to implementation gaps. To explore the causes and consequences, specific sites in China are described in an extended look at local implementation structures. It was found that although policies in China are basically the same everywhere, the structures for implementing them and the quality of their implementation vary widely with regard to resources, organization, coordination, staff qualifications, personnel placement, and other aspects. 3) Not all of the challenges hampering local implementation of environmental policies were China-specific; however, some of those which are can be described as the macro-context: an ineffective rule of law, insufficient involvement of civil society, and complicated macro-structures of public administration prevent a generally high level of successful EP implementation in China.
“Embedded Research” in Collaborative Fieldwork
Authors: Klotzbücher Sascha
Published: February 2019

In the era of the “scientific development concept” of the Hu/Wen leadership, agents of knowledge transfer that eventually translates into policy comprise not only think tanks for policy formulation in central-state institutions but also researchers in universities supporting policy implementation at local levels. Well-established patterns of local scientific advisory frame collaborative fieldwork in Sino-Western scientific projects on local governance. However, there is a gap between our active integration into these patterns during fieldwork and our ability to clarify them as resources, reconstruct the selection of research topics and contextualize the research results within our academic discourses. Analysing site-finding, data collection, aggregation and dissemination of a research project with Chinese public health researchers on rural health service reform in Xinjiang between 2005 and 2010, I argue that fieldwork and the role performed as a scientific advisor for the political principal is the localized and daily interface where politics crosses into science.
Taiwan's Soft Power and Public Diplomacy
Authors: Rawnsley Gary D.
Published: February 2019

This paper analyses how Taiwan exercises “soft power” and uses public diplomacy to engage with the international community, and to compensate for the absence of formal diplomatic relations with major powers. The research suggests that Taiwan's strategies of international engagement are constrained by its external and internal political environments. The international system (structure) has locked Taiwan into a set of challenging arrangements over which it has little control or influence, while Taiwan's public diplomacy architecture and the activities organised and undertaken by its government agencies in Taibei and its representatives abroad (agency) reveal, at best, a misunderstanding of how Taiwan's soft power might be exercised more effectively. The strategic thematic choices of legitimacy (invoking Taiwan's international status) versus credibility (which in soft power terms offers the most benefit), and the decision to privilege cultural over political themes in international communications, all have profound effects on the success of Taiwan's soft power.
Electoral Campaigning in Indonesia: The Professionalization and Commercialization after 1998
Authors: Ufen Andreas
Published: February 2019

According to “Western” models, there are three different stages of electioneering. In Indonesia, elements of these different stages are now combined. The result is not a comprehensive “Americanization”, but a professionalization, along with a hybridization of indigenous and foreign methods. At the beginning, the elections of 1955 were marked by a localized campaign and the absence of TV, pollsters and consultants. The long suppression of electoral politics (from 1957 until 1998) has decelerated the transition toward new forms of electioneering. Technological change, institutional reforms (especially the introduction of direct presidential and direct local elections), the general dealignment of political parties, and the extraordinary rise of pollsters and consultants have effected a professionalization and commercialization of campaigning since the fall of Suharto. Political parties are now tending to become more market-oriented.
Hazy Days: Forest Fires and the Politics of Environmental Security in Indonesia
Authors: Edwards Scott Adam , Heiduk Felix
Published: February 2019

The Indonesian “haze” that engulfs Southeast Asia is a result of the burning of forests and has a detrimental effect on the health of millions of people. Indonesia is currently the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world. In response to the dangers posed by forest fires to national and global environmental security, the then Indonesian president publicly declared a “war on haze” in 2006 and called for the use of all necessary measures to stop the deliberate setting of fires. Although his strong “securitising” rhetoric received much public support, it is yet to produce results. The Indonesian authorities have had little success in preventing fires or prosecuting the culprits. Indonesia thus appears to be a null case – that is, a case of an unsuccessful securitisation. We argue that this unsuccessful securitisation needs to be understood against the backdrop of Indonesia's vast decentralisation process, which resulted in certain powers being devolved from Jakarta to the provinces. We find that it is the ability of local and regional elites (often entrenched in patronage networks with plantation owners) to curtail environmental policies which explains the continuation of forest fires. With regard to securitisation theory, our findings suggest that securitising moves and audience acceptance do not necessarily lead to the successful implementation of emergency measures. It appears that there are intermediate factors – in our case mainly linked to the nature of and the distribution of power within the political regime – that impact on the success of securitisation processes.
Civil–Military Relations during Transition and Post-Democratisation Periods: A View from Southeast Asia
Authors: Wangge Hipolitus Yolisandry Ringgi
Published: February 2019

The civil–military dynamic in Southeast Asia has been a contested issue for years. Although most countries in the region have been undertaken democratic governance, the military role in politics remains relatively unresolved. After having relatively stable civilian governments for over a decade, the Thai military launched another coup in 2014 to topple a democratically elected government. In Indonesia and the Philippines, the military has been moderately controlled by the democratically elected civilian governments, but their professional roles in sustaining democratic principles and values are also questionable. Accordingly, the crucial issues are the role that the military plays in the transition period, such as in Thailand, and the degree to which the military is institutionalised under civilian control in nascent democracies, such as Indonesia and the Philippines. These issues are addressed in the books discussed herein.
Managing Territorial Disputes in Southeast Asia: Is There more than the South China Sea?
Authors: Jenne Nicole
Published: February 2019

The conflicts in the South China Sea have come to dominate debates on Southeast Asian security and specifically on how boundary disputes have been managed within the region. Yet, the case is not necessarily exemplary for the way Southeast Asian countries have dealt with territorial disputes generally. The article gathers three common perceptions about conflict management that are strongly informed by the South China Sea case, but have lesser relevance when looking at other territorial conflicts in the region. I offer a critical reading of the who, why, and how of territorial conflict management and provide tentative guidelines on what to expect in the future.