bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombomodulin and Endothelial Dysfunction: A Disease-Modifier Shared between Malignant Hypertension and Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Demeulenaere Marieke , Devreese Katrien , Vanbelleghem Hilde , De Zaeytijd Julie , Vande Walle Johan , Van Biesen Wim , Van Laecke Steven
Published: July 2018

Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial glycoprotein that is present in all blood vessels. Five percent of all patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) have mutations in the gene coding for TM, with a peak presentation in young children. Mutations often translate into quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of this endothelial glycoprotein. Outcome of the TM-associated aHUS is relatively poor with frequent relapses after transplantation despite its membrane-bound character. We observed a woman presenting with malignant hypertension (MHT) and associated kidney, brain, cardiac, and hematological involvement with thrombotic microangiopathy on kidney biopsy. She had a documented mutation of the gene coding for TM, which was associated with both aHUS and an increased risk for venous and arterial thrombosis. As TM has anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties and also attenuates alternative complement activation, this glycoprotein could play an active role in other diseases with endothelial involvement apart from aHUS. We discuss the potential role of TM in the pathophysiology of various endotheliopathies including MHT. We also provide a framework for future therapeutic options.
Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption: A Multipurpose Extracorporeal Detoxification Therapy
Authors: La Manna Gaetano , Donati Gabriele
Published: July 2018

Coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA) is a detoxification system that combines a plasma adsorption circuit with a continuous renal replacement therapy. The circuit consists of a plasma filter, a resin/adsorbent cartridge and a haemofilter. It differs from many other types of extracorporeal therapies in that the upper part of the circuit can be considered a “closed loop”. In this manner, the plasma separated by the plasma filter passes through an adsorbent cartridge containing a resin with high affinity to many cytokines, mediators and toxins/poisons. After passing through the cartridge, the purified plasma is returned to the patient. The second part of the circuit, the haemofilter, can then be used to remove small toxins that are not adsorbed by the resin or to modulate the patient hematic volume. Although more complex, the use of a plasma-separation step prior to the passage through the resin cartridge offers advantages over adsorption by haemoperfusion. The plasma passes through the resin cartridge with a lower velocity than the blood flow, and this allows better contact time for the toxins with the resin, and more thorough penetration into the resin pores. The adsorption of many toxins is highly dependent on a factor expressed as linear velocity. In addition, the plasma does not contain cells or a very limited number of platelets, allowing less potential activation upon contact with the resin. Although the technique was originally developed for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock, there are many additional applications where there can be an advantage of having access to larger molecular weight toxins (compared to haemofiltration) and avoiding the loss of important physiologic substances such as albumin. Some of these new applications, in patients with or without acute kidney injury, include liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, severe autoimmune exacerbations and poisonings. In this article, we discuss some of the basic principles involved in sorbent technology, and how these may contribute to treatment efficacy, review the actual experiences with CPFA and finally discuss the results of recent human studies and their implications. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at http://www.karger.com/?doi=490234.
Concern about Falling and Complexity of Free-Living Physical Activity Patterns in Well-Functioning Older Adults
Authors: Paraschiv-Ionescu Anisoara , Büla Christophe J. , Major Kristof , Lenoble-Hoskovec Constanze , Krief Hélène , El-Moufawad Christopher  , Aminian Kamiar
Published: July 2018

Background: Fall-related psychological concerns are common among older adults, potentially contributing to functional decline as well as to restriction of activities and social participation. To effectively prevent such negative consequences, it is important to understand how even very low concern about falling could affect physical activity behavior in everyday life. We hypothesized that concern about falling is associated with a reduction in diversity, dynamics, and performance of daily activities, and that these features can be comprehensively quantified in terms of complexity of physical activity patterns. Methods: A sample of 40 community-dwelling older adults were assessed for concern about falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Free-living physical activity was assessed using a set of metrics derived from data recorded with a chest-worn tri-axial accelerometer. The devised metrics characterized physical activity behavior in terms of endurance (total locomotion time, longest locomotion period, usual walking cadence), performance (cadence of longest locomotion period, locomotion periods with at least 30 steps and 100 steps/min), and complexity of physical activity patterns. Complexity was quantified according to variations in type, intensity, and duration of activities, and was considered as an adaptive response to environmental exigencies over the course of the day. Results: Based on FES-I score, participants were classified into two groups: not concerned at all/fully confident (n = 25) and concerned/less confident (n = 15). Demographic and health-related variables did not differ significantly between groups. Comparison of physical activity behavior indicated no significant differences for endurance-related metrics. In contrast, performance and complexity metrics were significantly lower in the less confident group compared to the fully confident group. Among all metrics, complexity of physical activity patterns appeared as the most discriminative feature between fully confident and less confident participants (p = 0.001, non-parametric Cliff’s delta effect size = 0.63). Conclusions: These results extend our understanding of the interplay between low concern about falling and physical activity behavior of community-dwelling older persons in their everyday life context. This information could serve to better design and evaluate personalized intervention programs in future prospective studies.
Bony and Cartilaginous Tissues in Lumbosacral Lipomas
Authors: Shimogawa Takafumi , Morioka Takato , Murakami Nobuya , Mukae Nobutaka , Hashiguchi Kimiaki , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Iihara Koji
Published: July 2018

Purpose: It is well known that bony and cartilaginous tissues can be present in lumbosacral lipomas; however, the relationship between their presence and clinical features has not been demonstrated. Methods: Five (10.4%) out of 48 patients had osteochondral tissues in lipomas. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, neuroradiological, and histological findings of these patients. Results: Five (45.5%) of 11 patients with dorsal and transitional type lipomas had osteochondral tissues, while none with caudal and filar type lipomas had these tissues. Presurgical imaging demonstrated that the osteochondral tissue was located in a large subcutaneous lipoma dorsal to the bifid vertebral column. Histologically, mature bone with hematopoietic marrow and hyaline cartilage were observed in 3 and 2 patients, respectively. Conclusions: The high incidence of association of osteochondral tissues with dorsal and transitional type lipomas is thought to be the result of primary neurulation failure with invasion of mesenchymal tissues. Caudal and filar type lipomas, resulting from secondary neurulation failure, thus did not have osteochondral tissue.
A palavra em movimento no filme O Intendente Sansho, de Kenji Mizoguchi
Authors: Viana Maria Schtine
Published: July 2018

Por meio deste ensaio, pretende-se estabelecer uma relação entre a literatura e o cinema a partir da leitura de cenas e efeitos sonoros do filme Sanshô Dayû (O Intendente Sansho, 1954), do cineasta japonês Kenji Mizoguchi, posto que o roteiro do filme foi escrito a partir de novela homônima de Ogai Mori. Para tanto se destacará a importância da articulação entre a nomeação das personagens e a palavra (cantada e escrita) na montagem desse clássico do cinema japonês.
Cultura Corporal como Linguagem: Uma Experiência de Formação de Professores
Authors: Ehrenberg Mônica Caldas , Neira Marcos Garcia
Published: July 2018

O presente trabalho objetiva compartilhar uma experiência pedagógica realizada no âmbito do curso de licenciatura em Pedagogia da USP, na disciplina EDM 0677 – Cultura Corporal: Fundamentação, Metodologia e Vivências, ministrada anualmente desde 2007. A disciplina, responsável pelo estudo dos gestos e da expressão corporal, é um lugar de investigação e problematização do patrimônio cultural corporal. Ao longo desses anos, temos percebido grande envolvimento das(os) alunas(os), pois a proposta metodológica, até então inédita para muitas(os) delas(es), instiga um processo ao mesmo tempo inventivo, crítico e reflexivo envolvendo a linguagem corporal. Parece-nos claro que a experiência tem permitido produzir novos sentidos e significados para a cultura corporal na formação de futuros professores e do seu papel no projeto político-pedagógico da instituição escolar. Sobretudo, tem possibilitado a descoberta do prazer através das vivências baseadas em propostas lúdicas.
Sistema de Medição de Desempenho na Graduação em Engenharia: Aplicação em um Curso de Engenharia de Produção
Authors: Macul Víctor Cussiol , Bain Andre , Zancul Eduardo De Senzi
Published: July 2018

A medição do desempenho é uma importante ferramenta para a gestão da educação em instituições de ensino superior. Nelas, esse tipo de mensuração é especialmente interessante, pois se revela útil para a gestão da universidade, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao acompanhamento de resultados e metas e ao atendimento de demandas externas. Diversos stakeholders (gestores acadêmicos, coordenadores de curso, instituições de governo, entidades de fomento, dentre outros) buscam cada vez mais clareza sobre o desempenho das universidades para direcionar políticas e investimentos. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de fornecer ao Departamento de Engenharia de Produção da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo uma proposta de ferramenta que cumpra a demanda de medição de desempenho de seu curso de graduação. Por meio da aplicação de metodologia específica, foi desenvolvida uma proposta de um conjunto de indicadores de desempenho para graduação em Engenharia. Como principais resultados, destacam-se: a definição de um Sistema de Medição de Desempenho (SMD) aplicável na educação superior; a identificação de requisitos operacionais para indicadores; a seleção de indicadores de desempenho específicos; a definição de um formato adequado de ficha de indicadores; e a confecção de um painel de gestão (dashboard). Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho pode servir de referência para a elaboração de sistemas semelhantes de medição de desempenho em outros cursos de graduação em Engenharia, tendo em vista a melhoria contínua da qualidade do ensino oferecido.
Considerações Sobre o Uso de Mapas na Web Para o Ensino de Ciência do Solo
Authors: Janzantti Pedro Henrique Freire , Oliveira Déborah De
Published: July 2018

O presente artigo apresenta reflexões sobre as possibilidades da adoção de ferramentas cartográficas como método de ensino para Pedologia, no âmbito das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs). Baseado no conceito de interatividade e flexibilidade, o website de mapas do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) foi analisado. As ementas de diferentes cursos referentes à Ciência do Solo corroboraram a análise da viabilidade do uso das TICs como recurso de pesquisa e ensino. O sentido de interatividade e o de flexibilidade foram questionados tendo em vista que o website é apenas um visualizador. Finalmente, concluímos que as TICs devem ser adotadas quando cabem na realidade específica da sala de aula, e que o incentivo ao uso de tecnologia na educação deve partir do ensino superior.
Diversity and the Principle of Independence and Impartiality in the Future Multilateral Investment Court
Authors: Gómez Katia Fach
Published: July 2018

This article starts from the assumption that the future Multilateral Investment Court (MIC) will be shaped by a new and different type of international investment adjudicator (IIA) and focuses on the diversity issues that will need to be addressed during the Court’s creation. In this article, diversity is understood in a broad sense that includes questions related to IIA gender, race, geographical origins and legal background. The article argues that diversity may in fact evolve into one of the MIC’s key collective composition rules. It also sets out some of the grounds in favour of diversity in the MIC, and considers the specific ways in which diversity may permeate the constituent process for the MIC roster and its subsequent modus operandi. A further common thread is provided by the links between diversity and the principle of independence and impartiality, which will be a crucial MIC duty.
The International Investment Arbitrator’s Duty to Apply the Law
Authors: Karton Joshua
Published: July 2018

This article explores the sources, nature, and implications of an arbitrator’s duty to decide according to the governing law in investor-state arbitrations. It advances a contractarian conception of arbitral authority in investor-state arbitration, whereby the agreement of the states parties to the investment treaty is the source of both the arbitrator’s power to make decisions and the primary constraint on that power: the duty to apply the law. It argues that the choice of law provisions in investment treaties have a constitutional character for arbitral tribunals, such that a failure to apply the chosen law constitutes an excess of the tribunal’s powers which, if manifest, justifies annulment or non-enforcement of the award. The article concludes by considering the implications of this contractarian theory of arbitral powers and duties for arbitrators, disputing parties, and states seeking to reassert control over the investor-state dispute settlement system.
Nineteenth Century Arbitrators’ Powers—Has There Been Any Progress to Date?
Authors: Álvarez Zárate José Manuel
Published: July 2018

Investment arbitrators’ authority has been a focus of attention today, e.g. regarding the extent of their powers to interpret and apply the law, to conduct arbitral proceedings, to dissent from their fellow co-arbitrators, and with regard to their duty to be impartial and independent. Two hundred years ago, practitioners, arbitrators and states confronted similar challenges, and through legal doctrines, treaties and practices a path was laid out for future generations of practitioners and arbitrators, where clear legal lines were drawn to distinguish between arbitrators’ procedural and substantive powers and their duties with regard to each of them. The consent and sovereignty of states were duly deferred to by arbitrators and umpires, limiting their job to settle a case. Thus, arbitrators had the duty of impartially interpreting and applying the law of nations, i.e. the natural law, and to deliver a final and binding award. Arbitrators were not bound by precedents, and if they made an unjust or unfair decision, beyond the law, countries could refrain from complying with it, which limited arbitrators’ interpretive powers. In conclusion, not much has changed to date with regard to the procedural powers given to arbitrators. The authority delegated to them by states was to strictly settle the case; no power to develop the law was ever given, which still applies now. Hence, the only important change that has been introduced today is that of claiming the so-called inherent power to help in the development of investment law, which is being driven mainly by arbitrators, and not by states.
Applicability of the Excess of Power Doctrine to the ICJ and Arbitral Tribunals
Authors: Tamada Dai
Published: July 2018

The problem with regard to the excess of power doctrine, one of the most controversial issues in the procedure of international courts and tribunals, was invoked in certain recent cases, such as the Bosnian Genocide case and the South China Sea case. To solve this problem, it is necessary to examine two relevant legal notions: the principle of competence-competence; and the principle of res judicata. First, the principle of competence-competence has been regarded as a relative power of arbitral tribunals in the sense that it is limited by the application of the rules of treaty interpretation. This means that there are possibilities, in the substantive sense, of an excess of power even when the principle of competence-competence is applied. Second, the international jurisprudence has shown that the force of res judicata can be excluded by a post-award agreement of the parties. Thus, it is possible, substantively and procedurally, to examine the possibility of an alleged excess of power having been committed by an arbitral tribunal and this understanding has been accepted by the ICJ in its jurisprudence. On the contrary, the ICJ has denied the possibility of an excess of power by itself, on the basis of the absolute power of competence-competence and the principle of res judicata. Here, several problems remain unsettled with regard to the difference between the possibility of an excess of power by ad hoc arbitral tribunals and the possibility of an excess of power by the ICJ.
New species and new records of Laboulbeniales (Ascomycota) from Sierra Leone
Authors: ROSSI WALTER , LEONARDI MARCO
Published: July 2018

Nine new species of Laboulbeniales are described. These are Camptomyces africanus, parasitic on Astenus sp. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae); Corethromyces golaensis, parasitic on Afrobium sp. (Staphylinidae); Diaphoromyces minutissimus, parasitic on Clavilispinus sp. (Staphylinidae); Laboulbenia antemnalis, parasitic on Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera, Termitidae); Laboulbenia buccalis, parasitic on Amitermes evuncifer (Termitidae); Laboulbenia insolita and L. kingsleyae, both parasitic on Abacetus pubescens (Coleoptera, Carabidae); Laboulbenia penetrans, parasitic on Stereocerellus singularis (Diptera, Chloropidae); Rhachomyces carbonii, parasitic on Tracypum sp. (Staphylinidae). Fourty-one species are reported for the first time from Sierra Leone, 12 of which are new for the whole African continent and 15 are recorded for the first time after description. A new synonymy is established: Kainomyces hyalinus Terada 1978 = K. alutellae Thaxt. 1931.
Diploid and tetraploid cytotypes and subspecies of Odontarrhena tortuosa (Brassicaceae) in Pannonia: differences in morphology, ecology and genome size
Authors: ŠPANIEL STANISLAV , HABURAJOVÁ LÝDIA , CETLOVÁ VERONIKA
Published: July 2018

Odontarrhena tortuosa is a herbaceous species occurring in steppe and rocky habitats of Eurasia. The present study is focused on the cytogeography and morphological variation of the species’ populations growing in the Pannonian basin (Central Europe), which represents the westernmost part of its distribution area. Flow cytometric analyses have revealed the existence of tetraploid populations, which are reported here for the first time for Central Europe. We analysed the morphological variation of 329 individuals from Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia by multivariate morphometric methods to evaluate morphological differences between two cytotypes (diploids and tetraploids), between the subspecies (O. tortuosa subsp. tortuosa and O. tortuosa subsp. heterophylla) and between populations growing in three regions differing in the type of substrate (rocks, sand dunes and sandy and rocky screes). Although we have not found any clear morphological differences between the cytotypes, we have confirmed several previously reported morphological differences between the two subspecies, which occur in regions differing in the type of substrate. Flow cytometric data also indicate certain differences in monoploid genome size between all groups of populations under comparison. Populations from Serbia differ from other populations of O. tortuosa subsp. tortuosa in morphology and genome size, but due to a lack of data on the genetic variation of the species we suggest no change in taxonomy. For the identification of the two subspecies, we present an updated determination key.
A new fossil species of Largusoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) and its evolutionary implications
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG
Published: July 2018

A new species of the fossil stonefly genus Largusoperla Chen, Wang & Du, Largusoperla difformitatem sp. nov. is reported new to science from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. The morphological characters of the new species are described, illustrated, and compared to other known species of the genus. The unique morphological characters of Largusoperla, including the asymmetrical paraprocts of L. difformitatem sp. nov. are discussed from a possible evolutionary perspective.
Gender-Related Differences in Antiplatelet Therapy and Impact on 1-Year Clinical Outcome in Patients Presenting With ACS: The START ANTIPLATELET Registry
Authors: Cirillo Plinio , Di Serafino Luigi , Patti Giuseppe , Antonucci Emilia , Calabrò Paolo , Gresele Paolo , Palareti Gualtiero , Pengo Vittorio , Pignatelli Pasquale , Marcucci Rossella
Published: July 2018

We investigated whether gender influences antiplatelet treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or target vessel revascularization. The coprimary end point was net adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (NACEs), based on MACCE plus major bleeding. From January 2014 to December 2016, 840 consecutive patients with ACS who completed 1-year follow-up were enrolled, 625 (74%) males and 215 (26%) females. Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and drug-eluting stents (DES) were more often used in males (PCI: 532 [87%] vs 168 [80%], P = .02 and DES 474 [76%] vs 143 [66%], P = .01). Males were more often treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT; 94% vs 88%, P = .01). In DAPT, ticagrelor was the most prevalent strategy, regardless of gender (47% vs 49%, P = .68); clopidogrel was preferred in women (42% vs 33%, P = .04); and prasugrel was preferred in men (11% vs 17%, P = .04). At multivariate analysis, MACCE and NACE were similar between genders. Therefore, although P2Y12 inhibitor choice in DAPT might be influenced by gender, a DAPT choice, tailored by balancing the ischemic/bleeding risk, has a similar clinical outcome irrespective of gender.
Combined Lid Crease and Endoscopic Approach to Lateral Frontal Sinus Disease With Orbital Extension
Authors: Makary Chadi A. , Limjuco Alex , Nguyen John , Ramadan Hassan H
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery for frontal sinus disease has obviated the need for external approaches. Special circumstances such as acute infection with orbital involvement or significant lateral sinus disease frequently require adjunct access. We describe the clinical outcomes of a combined upper eyelid crease and endoscopic approach for lateral frontal sinus disease with orbital extension.

Methods:

A retrospective case series of 7 patients who underwent a combined lid crease approach for frontal sinus disease with orbital extension between April 2012 and October 2016 was performed. All patients had the presence of lateral frontal sinus disease as well as orbital extension as seen on a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, and perioperative findings were examined.

Results:

Six of the 7 patients were male. Mean age was 61 years, and the indication for surgery was primarily drainage of mucopyocele and inverting papilloma (IP) in 1 patient. The frontal sinus and orbit were successfully accessed, and the respective pathology was addressed in both locations. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. There was no postoperative or cosmetic complications.

Conclusion:

The combined lid crease and endoscopic approach is a safe and effective technique for accessing the lateral frontal sinus and orbit.
Spectroscopic and Chemometric Comparison of Local River Sands with the Aggregate Component in Mortars from Ancient Roman Buildings Located in the X Regio Between the Livenza and Tagliamento Rivers, Northeast Italy
Authors: De Lorenzi Pezzolo Alessandra , Colombi Michela , Mazzocchin Gian Antonio
Published: July 2018

A combined spectroscopic–chemometric approach is used to investigate the possible sources of material exploited by the Romans to build four domus and a public thermae complex (I century BC–II century AD) located in the X Regio portion between the rivers Livenza and Tagliamento in northeast Italy. The rounded grain shapes observed in the aggregates recovered from the mortar fragments suggest that the rivers flowing close to the archaeological sites are the most likely sources of material. Coarse-grained sediment samples from nine rivers and streams in this area are examined and their similarities to the aggregate samples evaluated. The diffuse reflection Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of the sand samples in the 63–420 µm fraction, consisting mainly of carbonates and silicates, are studied and compared in suitable spectral ranges through principal components analysis. As an additional step, the relationship between the most significant scores plots and the composition of the samples is investigated using appropriate descriptive indexes obtained from the spectra. The analysis performed on the river sand spectra alone shows that the samples from the easternmost Lemene and Tagliamento rivers present a behavior distinct from that of the western rivers (Cosa, Livenza, Meduna, Meschio, and Noncello), in agreement with their present location and past history. All the aggregate spectra investigated are compatible with the spectral characteristics of the samples from the Tagliamento and Lemene rivers, except for those from the Torre di Pordenone site, which are more similar to the sand spectra of the western rivers.
Optical Spectroscopy for Analysis and Monitoring of Metalworking Fluids
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Seidel Benedikt , Meyer Daniel
Published: July 2018

For various industrial manufacturing processes, water-based metalworking fluids (MWFs) are of high relevance due to their cooling and lubricating ability. They commonly form oil-in-water emulsions or solutions and hence their composition and stability is crucial for their performance in the metalworking process. To ensure a long service life of the MWF, intense monitoring is obligatory. However, examination techniques which display comprehensive and precise information about the actual state of the cooling lubricant in use are currently not available. The present study aims at testing the suitability of spectroscopic methods in terms of Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for analyzing and monitoring MWFs. It is shown that all three techniques are capable of determining the initial composition, i.e., the ratio of water and concentrate. Fourier transform infrared provides the best performance regarding monitoring the state of the fluid over an extended period of time. The spectral signatures show distinct changes during a five-month service life in a technical environment.
Principals’ Working Conditions, Job Stress, and Turnover Behaviors Under NCLB Accountability Pressure
Authors: Mitani Hajime
Published: July 2018

Purpose: Many studies have investigated the impact of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and its sanctions on students and teachers. Little research, however, has systematically examined the relationship between NCLB and its sanctions and school principals. Given the importance of school leadership and the accountability systems implemented at different levels of government, there has been a need for research that examines how school leaders behave under the accountability pressure. Research Method: Using the Schools and Staffing Survey data, the Principal Follow-up Survey data, and detailed school-level adequate yearly progress (AYP) and assessment data systematically collected from 45 states, I investigate the association between NCLB sanctions and principals’ working conditions, job stress level, and turnover behaviors. I use a distance variable as a key matching variable in propensity score matching and estimate the association. Findings: I find strong evidence that NCLB sanctions are associated with a higher level of principals’ job stress and a higher turnover rate. These findings hold even after controlling for the influence of state accountability systems. I do not find evidence that these associations are moderated by principal or school characteristics. I also find little evidence that job stress is a mediator of the relationship between NCLB sanctions and principal turnover. Implications: Sanction-based accountability pressure appears to make the principalship more stressful and lead to turnover. Policy makers currently redesigning state and local accountability systems under the Every Student Succeeds Act may include support programs for school leaders to reduce their job stress level and retain them for a longer period of time.
Regulation of Private Health Care Providers in India: Current Status, Future Directions
Authors: Chakravarthi Indira
Published: July 2018

In the current context of more expansive role for private sector in health systems, especially in universal health coverage (UHC), its regulation has gained importance in health policy discourse. This article provides an overview of the existing regulatory mechanisms and their implementation in India, the enormity of the regulatory challenges raised by the nature of the private health care sector here and the available alternatives.
Intellectual Roots of Independent Regulatory Authorities in America and India
Authors: Pandey Rajendra Kumar
Published: July 2018

The contemporary omnipresence of independent regulatory authorities (IRAs) as formidable structures of governance in different countries has long intellectual roots that helped in their evolution over a period of time. Though such intellectual traditions might have been found in every country, they appear to be more pronounced and definite in the countries where the idea of independent regulatory bodies has been originated and practised more fundamentally than others. In this context, America and India stand out prominently for obvious reasons. For instance, they represent two distinct political systems in which certain variations in intellectual traditions of independent regulatory bodies may be discerned. Further, while the intellectual traditions in America seem to be relatively autonomous vis-à-vis external influences, such traditions in India have surely been influenced by the long years of colonial rule that laid the foundation of the post-independence politico-administrative system of the country. This article seeks to present an analytical study of the intellectual roots of independent regulatory bodies in the two countries in a comparative perspective.
Parliamentary Oversight of Independent Regulatory Authorities in India
Authors: Kumar Surendra
Published: July 2018

Independent regulatory authorities have become an important component of the governance landscape in India and elsewhere. Some regulators have achieved useful outcomes in India. However, the creation of independent sectoral regulators in India has not been accompanied by critical reflection on their role, or attention to the political, legal and institutional contexts within which they operate. Lessons can be learnt from mature regulatory policy countries, such as the USA, the UK and Australia, that the regulatory environment needs to be constantly evaluated to make sure it is keeping pace with the changing technology, business environment and consumer needs and demands. Despite the number of bodies in India that are involved or responsible for regulatory reform, there is one function that seems to be missing and that is of a central oversight function. Most countries have an explicit whole of government regulatory policy and an oversight body, sometimes more than one, that is/are responsible for embedding some of the systemic tools across different parts of the government machinery.
Modeling, simulation and optimization of maintenance cost aspects on multi-unit systems by stochastic Petri nets with predicates
Authors: Santos Fernando P , Teixeira Ângelo P , Soares C. Guedes
Published: July 2018

The paper addresses repairable multi-unit systems with a series–parallel configuration for which maintenance strategies are modeled by generalized stochastic Petri nets (GSPN) with predicates coupled with Monte Carlo simulation. Four maintenance strategies consisting of basic periodic preventive and corrective maintenance, and both combined with opportunistic maintenance (OM) strategies, are considered. Failure and repair distributions of the system components are independent, and repairs are considered to be perfect. Times to failure of degraded components follow a Weibull distribution with increasing failure rate over time. The maintenance strategies are optimized so as to minimize the total maintenance costs of the system while maximizing availability. A comparison is drawn between OM and non-OM. The aim is to show that GSPN with predicates, in combination with Monte Carlo simulation, is a powerful, flexible, efficient, and intuitive approach for modeling and optimizing practical maintenance strategies on multi-unit complex systems, modeling the dynamic behavior resulting from the interaction between system components and economic dependencies. The merits and advantages of GSPN coupled with Monte Carlo simulation are enhanced relative to other, analytical, approaches.
Book review: C. Veeramani and R. Nagraj (eds), International Trade and Industrial Development in India: Emerging Trends, Patterns and Issues
Authors: Dhillon Sharanjit Singh
Published: July 2018

C. Veeramani and R. Nagraj (eds), International Trade and Industrial Development in India: Emerging Trends, Patterns and Issues. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan, 2016, xviii + 399 pp., (hardback). ISBN 978-81-250-6299-8
Book review: Shikha Dixit and Arun Kumar Sharma (eds), Psycho-social Aspects of Health and Illness
Authors: Mehta Rani
Published: July 2018

Shikha Dixit and Arun Kumar Sharma (eds), Psycho-social Aspects of Health and Illness. New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Ltd, 2017, xiv + 352 pp., ₹1,350 (hardback). ISBN 93-5125-276-0.
Book review: Krupa Shandilya, Intimate Relations: Social Reform and the late Nineteenth-century South Asian Novel
Authors: Roy Ahonaa
Published: July 2018

Krupa Shandilya, Intimate Relations: Social Reform and the late Nineteenth-century South Asian Novel. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan Private Limited, 2017, 157 p., ₹525. ISBN: 978-93-8639-253-4.
Expanding the Markov Chain Toolbox: Distributions of Occupation Times and Waiting Times
Authors: Dudel Christian
Published: July 2018

Markov models are important tools for quantitative social research. In this article, new methods for discrete Markov chains are presented. These methods allow us to calculate the distribution of the occupation time in a subset of the state space, the distribution of the waiting time to first entry into a subset of the state space, and the distribution of the waiting time to final exit from a subset of the state space. To demonstrate the usefulness of these methods, we apply them to working life tables for Spanish males to assess how the recent financial crisis affected the length of working life. The results show that the duration of working life decreased considerably, a pattern that can largely be explained by later entry to and earlier exit from the labor market. The findings also indicate that inequality in the length of working life increased.
“Not just bow and string and notes”: Directors’ perspectives on community building as pedagogy in Celtic traditional music education organizations
Authors: Gilbert Lisa
Published: July 2018

Celtic traditional musics, such as those originating in Ireland and Scotland, are typically transmitted outside formal avenues. Most studies regarding the learning of Celtic traditional music have focused on the experience of teachers and students, but less is known about the philosophies of organization directors who create contexts for teacher–student interactions. In an effort to fill this gap, this qualitative interview study examines the perspectives of nine directors of organizations located in Europe and North America dedicated to teaching Celtic traditional music. Analysis showed that directors perceived the aural transmission of the music as helping students connect with each other and build community. Further, directors’ beliefs about history tended to motivate their decision-making processes toward fostering community as part of their pedagogical practice. The learning goals they set for students tended to emphasize these intangible goals over and above technique- or repertoire-related aims, with social skills being included in their definitions of “musicianship.” Implications are raised regarding meaning-making and beliefs about history in Celtic traditional music communities.
The populist politics of Euroscepticism in times of crisis: Comparative conclusions
Authors: Pirro Andrea LP , Taggart Paul , van Kessel Stijn
Published: July 2018

This article offers comparative findings of the nature of populist Euroscepticism in political parties in contemporary Europe in the face of the Great Recession, migrant crisis, and Brexit. Drawing on case studies included in the Special Issue on France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the article presents summary cross-national data on the positions of parties, the relative importance of the crisis, the framing of Euroscepticism, and the impact of Euroscepticism in different country cases. We use this data to conclude that there are important differences between left- and right-wing variants of populist Euroscepticism, and that although there is diversity across the cases, there is an overall picture of resilience against populist Euroscepticism.
Evidence from functional ultrasound imaging of enhanced contralesional microvascular response to somatosensory stimulation in acute middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats: A marker of ultra-early network reorganization?
Authors: Brunner Clément , Korostelev Marie , Raja Sushmitha , Montaldo Gabriel , Urban Alan , Baron Jean-Claude
Published: July 2018

Following middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke, enhanced contralesional evoked responses have been consistently reported both in man and rodents as part of plastic processes thought to influence motor recovery. How early this marker of large-scale network reorganization develops has however been little addressed, yet has clinical relevance for rehabilitation strategies targeting plasticity. Previous work in mice has reported enhanced contralesional responses to unaffected-side forepaw stimulation as early as 45 min after MCA small branch occlusion. Using functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) in anesthetized rats subjected to distal temporary MCA occlusion (MCAo), we assessed here (i) whether enhanced contralesional responses also occurred with unaffected-side whisker pad stimulation, and if so, how early after MCAo; and (ii) the time course of this abnormal response during occlusion and after reperfusion. We replicate in a more proximal MCA occlusion model the earlier findings of ultra-early enhanced contralesional evoked responses. In addition, we document this phenomenon within minutes after MCAo, and its persistence throughout the entire 90-min occlusion as well as 90-min reperfusion periods studied. These findings suggest that plastic processes may start within minutes following MCAo in rodents. If replicated in man, they might have implications regarding how early plasticity-enhancing therapies can be initiated after stroke.
Monte Carlo methods to include the effect of asymmetrical uncertainty sources in wind farm yield assessment
Authors: Gleim Alexander , Keck Rolf-Erik , Lund John Amund
Published: July 2018

This article presents a method for incorporating the effect on expected annual energy production of a wind farm caused by asymmetric uncertainty distributions of the applied losses and the nonlinear response in turbine production. The necessity for such a correction is best illustrated by considering the effect of uncertainty in the oncoming wind speed distribution on the production of a wind turbine. Due to the shape of the power curve, variations in wind speed will result in a skewed response in annual energy production. For a site where the mean wind speed is higher than 50% of the rated wind speed of the turbine (in practice all sites with sufficiently high wind speed to motivate the establishment of a wind farm), a reduction in mean wind will cause a larger reduction in annual energy production than a corresponding increase in mean wind would increase the annual energy production. Consequently, the expected annual energy production response when considering the uncertainty of the wind will be lower than the expected annual energy production based on the most probable incoming wind. This difference is due to a statistical bias in the industry standard methods to calculate expected annual energy production of a wind farm, as implemented in tools in common use in the industry. A method based on a general Monte Carlo approach is proposed to calculate and correct for this bias. A sensitivity study shows that the bias due to wind speed uncertainty and nonlinear turbine response will be on the order of 0.5% – 1.5% of expected annual energy production. Furthermore, the effect on expected annual energy production due to asymmetrical distributions of site specific losses, for example, loss of production due to ice, can constitute additional losses of several percent.
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Style Diet and an Alternative Mediterranean Diet are Differently Associated with Serum Inflammatory Markers in Female Adults
Authors: Sakhaei Roya , Shahvazi Simin , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Samadi Morteza , Khatibi Nasim , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Zare Fateme , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: July 2018

Background:

Studies on the association between a priori dietary patterns and serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have led to inconsistent results, and we are not aware of any study on interleukin 17A (IL-17A) as an inflammatory marker associated with autoimmune diseases.

Objective:

The present study aimed to investigate the association between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean dietary patterns with circulating hs-CRP and IL-17A levels.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, female teachers (aged 20-50 years) who lived in Yazd, Iran, were randomly selected from elementary, guidance, and high schools from September 2015 to February 2016. Anthropometric data, as well as general information and dietary food intakes, were gathered, and each participant gave 1 blood sample. Participants were categorized into tertiles based on the DASH and the Mediterranean diet calculated scores. The associations between the dietary patterns and serum hs-CRP and IL-17A levels were assessed in the crude and multivariable models. In total, 320 female teachers aged 40.38 (8.08) years were included.

Results:

The DASH diet was associated with lower serum hs-CRP levels in the crude ( P = .05) and the fully adjusted models ( P = .02), while it was not significantly associated with IL-17A levels. The participants with the highest adherence to the Mediterranean diet had significantly lower circulating IL-17A levels ( P = .04) even controlling for all confounders ( P = .02); however, there was not a significant relationship between this diet and hs-CRP levels.

Conclusions:

The DASH and the Mediterranean dietary patterns might be differently associated with inflammatory markers. Further prospective studies are recommended to confirm our results.
Ethnic political exclusion and terrorism: Analyzing the local conditions for violence
Authors: Hansen Holley E. , Nemeth Stephen C. , Mauslein Jacob A.
Published: July 2018

Previous work finds that countries that contain an excluded group are at higher risk of terrorism. However, there are good reasons to think that the impact of exclusion may be more likely to motivate ethnic violence when this exclusion is paired with local conditions that increase awareness of intergroup competition. In this study, we examine sub-national terrorist violence and find that areas that contain an excluded ethnic group are at higher risk of violence. Moreover, this risk is heightened by local population density, wealth, and country regime type.
Prognostic factor determination mortality of acute glufosinate-poisoned patients
Authors: Lee JH , Kim YW
Published: July 2018

Background:

Glufosinate-containing herbicide is increasingly used in agriculture. Its poisoning is a worldwide concern. More and more patients are poisoned by glufosinate. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with mortality of patients with acute poisoning of glufosinate.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 1998 to October 2015. Using a multivariate logistic analysis, data for the total population were retrospectively analyzed to determine the factors associated with mortality. Various variables were compared in survivors and non-survivors. Significant predictive variables, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring system, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were compared by analyzing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results:

A total of 253 patients (mean age: 58 years) were enrolled. Of the 253 patients, 219 (86.6%) survived and 34 (13.4%) died. Decreased Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and bicarbonate (HCO3−), use of mechanical ventilator, and use of vasopressors (dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine) were associated with mortality. The areas under the curve in the ROC curve analysis for the predictive variables, SOFA score, APACHE II scoring system, and SAPS II were 0.952, 0.829, 0.927, and 0.944, respectively.

Conclusion:

Four predictive variables (GCS < 9, HCO3− < 16.0 mmol/L, mechanical ventilator apply, and use of vasopressors) were associated with mortality in the total population of patients with acute poisoning of glufosinate. These predictive variables had good discriminative power for predicting mortality of patients with acute poisoning of glufosinate-containing herbicide compared to APACHE II, SOFA, and SAPS II.
The Association Between Smoking Cessation Period and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Men
Authors: Shin Hwang Sik , Oh Jung Eun , Cho Yong Jin
Published: July 2018

The association between smoking cessation period and metabolic syndrome (MS) is currently unknown. We studied 6032 men aged >19 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 2010 and 2012. The risk of MS according to the amount of smoking and duration of smoking cessation was examined, and adjusted for age, amount of alcohol consumed, physical activity, body mass index, income, and education levels. Compared with never-smokers, there was a significant increase in the risk of MS among current smokers >10 pack-years and former smokers with a history of pack-years >30. The odds ratio for MS increased with smoking amount in both current and former smokers. But the risk of MS in former smokers was no longer significant after 20 years of smoking cessation adjusted for past smoking amount. Thus, to prevent MS, current smokers should quit smoking early and former smokers should continue quitting.