bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaping Ability of Superelastic and Controlled Memory Nickel-Titanium File Systems: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ba-Hattab Raidan A. , Pahncke Dieter
Published: September 2018

Improvements in the thermomechanical processing procedures of NiTi wires have led to the development of new NiTi instruments that compose mainly of martensite crystals, making the wire stable at clinical condition. This study aimed at comparing the shaping ability of two rotary nickel-titanium systems manufactured from different NiTi wires. Twenty simulated root canals each with a curvature of 35° in resin blocks were divided into two groups of 10 canals each. Canals in the first group were prepared with superelastic F360 instruments (Gebr. Brasseler, Germany) while canals in the second group were prepared using controlled memory HyFlex®CM™ instruments (Coltène Whaledent, Switzerland). Images were taken before canal preparation and after the use of each instrument. The assessment of the canal shapes was accomplished with a computer image analysis program. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS program. Within the limitation of this in vitro study, HyFlex®CM™ instruments remained better centered in the apical third of the canals. In most canal segments, no significant differences were observed between either system in the amount of material removed. Both systems were comparable to each other in regards to their ability to enlarge root canal in the same way without procedural errors.
Waist Circumference Coupled with Either HDL-C or TG Can Be Used as a Diagnostic Marker for Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Wenxiang , Shen Qi , Du Shengrong , Guo Yiwei , He Fei , Zhang Wenchang
Published: September 2018

Although quite a few polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients suffering from metabolic syndrome (MS) have been reported in previous studies, no reliable and early diagnostic biomarkers for MS in PCOS patients have yet been identified. To identify early and reliable diagnostic biomarkers for MS in Chinese women with PCOS, a total of 401 patients (200 PCOS patients and 201 controls) were enrolled in our present study. All of the subjects were examined for anthropometric (weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, etc.) and biochemical (fasting glucose, serum lipid indices, total testosterone, etc.) parameters. Our results showed that the prevalence of MS in the PCOS patients (20.50%) was 6.8-fold higher (P<0.05) than that in the controls (2.99%). Nearly 71.0% of the PCOS patients had at least one component of MS, of which dyslipidemia was the most prevalent. Furthermore, within the PCOS group, the prevalence of MS increased with increasing age and body mass index (BMI). Logistic analysis indicated that BMI, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertension, and fasting glucose were significantly associated with the presence of MS in PCOS patients. Analysis of the ability of the potential diagnostic biomarkers to indicate MS in PCOS patients showed that the PPV, NPV, specificity, sensitivity, and Youden’s index for waist circumference (WC) coupled with HDL-C were 59.68%, 97.10%, 84.28%, 90.24%, and 74.52, respectively, and those for WC coupled with TG were 93.33%, 92.35%, 98.74%, 68.29%, and 67.03%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) for WC coupled with HDL-C and for WC coupled with TG were 0.882 and 0.901, respectively. Our present study demonstrates that WC coupled with either HDL-C or TG can be used as a relatively early and reliable diagnostic biomarker for MS in Chinese PCOS patients.
Seismic Behavior of Three‐Story Prestressed Fabricated Concrete Frame under Dynamic and Low Reversed Cyclic Loading
Authors: Song Manrong , He Jiaxuan , Liu Yuan , Zhang Hang , Ge Chenjun , Jin Yadong , Liu Bingkang , Huang Shenjiang , Liu Yan
Published: September 2018

Precast concrete structure is the building industrialization of the sure route. It can realize the construction process of low energy consumption and low emission and effectively meet the green development requirements of the construction industry. Based on prestressing technique, the connections of the precast concrete structure obtain prestress producing integrate joints and continuous frames, which improve the seismic safety and are applied widely in the earthquake area. To study seismic behavior of prestressed fabricated concrete frame structure, the experiments on the concrete frame under dynamic loading and low reversed cyclic loading were carried out. The single‐span three‐story prestressed fabricated concrete frame can accurately represent the load‐carrying capability and the failure mechanism of multistory frame. Results of the study show that experimental specimens have good behaviors such as full hysteresis curves, proper displacement restoring capacity, and energy dissipation; the maximum interlayer drift ratio arrives 0.27% which has no damage to the frame in small earthquakes subjected to the 102 gal peak ground acceleration; the frame is repairable in moderate earthquakes when the maximal interlayer drift ratio arrives 0.73% subjected to the 204 gal peak ground acceleration; plastic hinges appeared at the ends of beam under low reversed cyclic loading firstly where the section curvature ductility factor ranges from 3.64 to 5.62; biaxial compression is acquired at beam‐column joints with the help of column axial force and horizontal prestressing force; the beam fails before the column in the prestressed fabricated concrete frame at interlayer drift ratio between 1.56% and 2.56%.
Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of Novel Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial Topical Formulations from Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) W. Watson Essential Oil
Authors: Gemeda Negero , Tadele Ashenif , Lemma Hirut , Girma Biruktawit , Addis Getachew , Tesfaye Birhanu , Abebe Abiy , Gemechu Worku , Yirsaw Kidist , Teka Frehiwot , Haile Christina , Amano Aliyi , Woldkidan Samuel , Geleta Bekesho , Debella Asfaw
Published: September 2018

Background. Skin infections were the most frequently encountered of all infections and the 4th leading cause of nonfatal disease burden. Topical drugs have been used for the management of skin infections. The growing concern of drug resistance to the topical agents has warned the need for continuous development of novel drug. Essential oils are the best candidate for new drug with different mode of action and target as they are rich in chemical constituents. Objective. To evaluate and develop safe and effective topical antimicrobial formulations from essential oil of Cymbopogon martini. Method. Essential oil was extracted using hydrodistillation aerial part C. martini and topical formulations were prepared in five different semisolid bases. In vitro antimicrobial investigations were performed on essential oil and topical formulations. Skin sensitizations of the formulations were evaluated using guinea pig maximization. Results. The essential oil of C. martini has shown broad‐spectrum antimicrobial potency against all tested organisms with MIC value ranging from 0.65 to 10 μg/ml. Absolute inhibitions of growth of fungi were observed against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum at concentrations above 1% of oil and against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton verrucosum at a concentration of 4% oil. Among topical formulations, the highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in hydrophilic ointment followed by macrogol blend ointment. The antimicrobial activity of oil was higher in fungal pathogen compared to bacteria. Gram positive bacteria were more sensitive than gram negative bacteria. Hydrophilic and macrogol blend ointment containing 5% oil did not produce any skin sensitization on guinea pigs. Conclusion. In conclusion, topical formulations of C. martini essential oil can be alternative topical agents with safe broad‐spectrum activity for the treatment of skin disorder. Further studies should focus on shelf life study and clinical study of the product.
TLR Stimulation during T-cell Activation Lowers PD-1 Expression on CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Zahm Christopher D. , Colluru Viswa T. , McIlwain Sean J. , Ong Irene M. , McNeel Douglas G.
Published: September 2018

Expression of T-cell checkpoint receptors can compromise antitumor immunity. Blockade of these receptors, notably PD-1 and LAG-3, which become expressed during T-cell activation with vaccination, can improve antitumor immunity. We evaluated whether T-cell checkpoint expression could be separated from T-cell activation in the context of innate immune stimulation with TLR agonists. We found that ligands for TLR1/2, TLR7, and TLR9 led to a decrease in expression of PD-1 on antigen-activated CD8+ T cells. These effects were mediated by IL12 released by professional antigen-presenting cells. In two separate tumor models, treatment with antitumor vaccines combined with TLR1/2 or TLR7 ligands induced antigen-specific CD8+ T cells with lower PD-1 expression and improved antitumor immunity. These findings highlight the role of innate immune activation during effector T-cell development and suggest that at least one mechanism by which specific TLR agonists can be strategically used as vaccine adjuvants is by modulating the expression of PD-1 during CD8+ T-cell activation. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1364–74. ©2018 AACR.
Effects of Simvastatin on Fetal Cardiac Impairment in the Diaphragmatic Experimental Hernia Model
Authors: Pelizzo Gloria , Bussani Rossana , Mazzon Emanuela , Anfuso Carmelo , Lombardi Claudio , Zambelli Vanessa , Zandonà Lorenzo , De Silvestri Annalisa , Zennaro Floriana , Calcaterra Valeria
Published: September 2018

Background: Statins and sildenafil have been shown to exert beneficial effects in cardiac injury. We hypothesized that antenatal maternal administration of simvastatin and/or sildenafil might also promote benefits in cardiac remodeling of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Therefore, we performed micro-CT image analysis and histology of the heart after antennal treatment in experimental nitrofen-induced CDH. Methods: At 9.5 days post conception (dpc), pregnant rats were exposed to nitrofen. At 16 and 20 dpc fetuses were treated with simvastatin and/or sildenafil. At 21 dpc postmortem micro-CT and autopsy were performed. Results: All nitrofen-treated fetuses had a lower birth weight compared to controls; in the simvastatin-treated group, a significant improvement in CDH was noted. Impairment of the lung and liver was also noted in CDH. Compared to controls, CDH rats showed lower ventricular mass, with greater left ventricular thickness; simvastatin decreased the ventricular mass and improved wall thickness. CDH rats exhibited myocardial hypotrophy, severe vascular depression in the left ventricle, and intense interstitial edema compared to controls and nitrofen-exposed animals without CDH. In CDH, the cardiac morphology appeared deformed with left ventricular wall verticalization. Simvastatin improved cardiac myocyte appearance and heart morphology. Conclusion: The potential to treat CDH with antenatal simvastatin may improve the management of this malformation.
Inclusion Cysts after Fetal Spina Bifida Repair: A Third Hit?
Authors: Heye Pascal , Moehrlen Ueli , Mazzone Luca , Weil Robert , Altermatt Stefan , Wille David-Alexander , Scheer Ianina , Meuli Martin , Horst Maya
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Fetal spina bifida repair (fSBR) has proven effective in the reversibility of hindbrain herniation, lower rate of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus, and independent ambulation. Besides distinct advantages, there are also concerns related to fSBR. One of these is the postnatal occurrence of inclusion cysts (IC). Methods: In a prospective study, 48 children who underwent fSBR were followed up. Postnatal assessment included clinical examination, cystometry, and spinal MRI. Indication for IC resection was the evidence of a spinal mass on MRI in the presence of deteriorating motor or bladder function, pain, or considerable growth of the IC. Results: Fourteen children (30%) developed IC, all within the first 2 years of life. Six children underwent IC resection; 4 children due to deteriorating function, 2 children due to doubling of the mass on MRI within 1 year. Following IC resection, 4/6 children (67%) demonstrated altered motor function and 6 children (100%) were diagnosed with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Conclusions: Systematic follow-up of patients with a history of fSBR revealed a high incidence of IC. Whether these are of dysembryogenic or iatrogenic origin, remains unclear. Since both IC per se and IC resection may lead to loss of neurologic function, IC can be considered a “third hit”.
Carotid-Jugular Fistula Model to Study Systemic Effects and Fistula-Related Microcirculatory Changes
Authors: Ghanem Souleiman , Tanczos Bence , Deak Adam , Bidiga Laszlo , Nemeth Norbert
Published: September 2018

Background: Arteriovenous fistulae impair the distal circulation, but their effects at the microcirculatory level are not well understood. This study presents the carotid-jugular fistula (CJF) as a model to evaluate fistula-related microcirculatory and systemic changes. Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats were anesthetized and divided into a fistula group (FG, n = 10) and a sham group (SG, n = 6). End-to-end anastomosis was performed between the right carotid artery and the jugular vein in the FG. The hemodynamic status was followed for 6 weeks. On the sixth postoperative week, liver and kidney microcirculation was measured using laser Doppler; then microcirculatory changes were assessed after occlusion of the carotid artery. At the end of the experiment, histological samples were taken and the weights of the organs were measured. Results: The heart rate and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly due to the CJF. Laser Doppler showed a reduction in liver blood flow units (BFU) in the FG in comparison with the SG (p = 0.01), and they increased (p < 0.01) after occlusion of the fistula. Kidney BFU showed slight changes only. The comparative morphological study revealed significant increases in heart weight (p < 0.001) and left ventricular hypertrophy (p = 0.008) in the FG. Conclusion: Beside hemodynamic and morphologic changes, a CJF causes a deterioration in the microcirculation of the liver rather than of the kidney, but occlusion of the CJF immediately reverses these changes.
Propofol Anesthesia Precludes LFP-Based Functional Mapping of Pallidum during DBS Implantation
Authors: Malekmohammadi Mahsa , Sparks Hiro , AuYong Nicholas , Hudson Andrew , Pouratian Nader
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: There are reports that microelectrode recording (MER) can be performed under certain anesthetized conditions for functional confirmation of the optimal deep brain stimulation (DBS) target. However, it is generally accepted that anesthesia affects MER. Due to a potential role of local field potentials (LFPs) in DBS functional mapping, we characterized the effect of propofol on globus pallidus interna (GPi) and externa (GPe) LFPs in Parkinson disease (PD) patients. Methods: We collected LFPs in 12 awake and anesthetized PD patients undergoing DBS implantation. Spectral power of β (13–35 Hz) and high-frequency oscillations (HFOs: 200–300 Hz) was compared across the pallidum. Results: Propofol suppressed GPi power by > 20 Hz while increasing power at lower frequencies. A similar power shift was observed in GPe; however, power in the high β range (20–35 Hz) increased with propofol. Before anesthesia both β and HFO activity were significantly greater at the GPi (χ2 = 20.63 and χ2 = 48.81, p < 0.0001). However, during anesthesia, we found no significant difference across the pallidum (χ2 = 0.47, p = 0.79, and χ2 = 4.11, p = 0.12). Conclusion: GPi and GPe are distinguishable using LFP spectral profiles in the awake condition. Propofol obliterates this spectral differentiation. Therefore, LFP spectra cannot be relied upon in the propofol-anesthetized state for functional mapping during DBS implantation.
Segregação Urbana: Abordagem dos Índices Sociais Globais e Locais
Authors: De Araujo Agnes Silva , Barros Joana Xavier , Queiroz Alfredo Pereira de
Published: September 2018

O entendimento do fenômeno da segregação é essencial ao planejamento urbano. Os índices espaciais de segregação são métricas que permitem identificar os padrões espaciais de segregação de diferentes grupos populacionais e sua variação espacial dentro da cidade. Neste artigo, índices espaciais globais e locais de segregação espacial foram aplicados à cidade de Marília-SP. A análise dos índices locais revelou que a segregação de Marília não pode mais ser classificada com padrão clássico centro-periferia. Ainda que grupos de baixa renda se concentrem nas periferias (zonas sul e nordeste), Marília apresenta um padrão de macro segregação diferenciado, com a consolidação do setor que vai do centro histórico à zona leste, no qual população de alta renda está agrupada. O estudo também revelou um alto grau de segregação (isolamento) da população de alta renda na zona leste (condomínios fechados) e de baixa renda na zona sul (favelas e conjuntos habitacionais), reforçados pelo índice insignificante de exposição entre os grupos opostos na zona sul da cidade.
Modelagem da Contribuição do Cerrado sobre as Emissões Brasileiras de Material Particulado Fino (PM2,5 µm) Associadas à Queima de Biomassa
Authors: Mataveli Guilherme Augusto Verola , Silva Maria Elisa Siqueira , Pereira Gabriel , Santos Paula Resende , Cardozo Francielle Da Silva , Lima Suely Franco  Siqueira , França Daniela De Azeredo , Silva Fernanda Batista
Published: September 2018

A queima de biomassa é um dos principais processos responsáveis pela emissão de gases traços e aerossóis, impactando, desta forma, o clima, a qualidade do ar e a saúde. Nesse contexto, é fundamental estimar o total queimado e sua respectiva emissão durante o processo de combustão. Dentre os aerossóis emitidos, destaca-se o material particulado com diâmetro menor que 2,5 micrometros (PM2,5 µm), que é um fator de risco para a ocorrência de doenças respiratórias e interfere no balanço radiativo global. No Brasil, estudos apontam as queimadas associadas às mudanças no uso e cobertura da terra como a principal fonte de emissão para a atmosfera. Ainda, destaca-se o Cerrado, que desde 1970 sofre um intenso processo de mudança do uso e cobertura da terra. O presente estudo objetivou estimar a massa de PM2,5 µm emitida pela queima de biomassa no Brasil e a respectiva contribuição do Cerrado nacionalmente, além da variação espacial e temporal do PM2,5 µm no Cerrado, no período 2009-2015. Para isso, foram utilizados dados orbitais dos sensores MODIS e SEVIRI, considerados como entrada na abordagem 3BEM_FRP implementada na ferramenta PREP-CHEM-SRC. Os resultados mostram que, na média, foram emitidos anualmente 1,63 milhões de toneladas de PM2,5 µm pela queima de biomassa no Brasil, sendo 37 % do total originado no Cerrado. As emissões concentraram-se no norte do bioma, atual frente de expansão agrícola, enquanto que temporalmente concentraram-se em setembro. Ressalta-se que tais resultados credenciam estudos futuros objetivando analisar o impacto dessas emissões no clima e na saúde humana.
A Técnica do Perfil Cultural na Identificação de Modificações Físicas e Químicas de Solos sob Cultivo de Palmito Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) em Iporanga - SP, Brasil.
Authors: Santos Susan Silvia Viana dos
Published: September 2018

A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenciações nas características físicas e químicas dos solos em duas vertentes opostas localizadas na mesma área, sob o cultivo do palmito Pupunha, que possuem diferentes litologias e morfologias, e encontram-se sob o mesmo manejo agrícola. Para este trabalho utilizou-se a técnica do Perfil Cultural, observando-se o estado estrutural e morfologia do solo, o manejo agrícola e aspectos visuais da vegetação e da atividade biológica. Conclui-se que as formações litológicas das vertentes analisadas, diabásio e calcário, dão origem a solos com diferentes teores de argila, que associados a fatores como o relevo e o clima, resultam em solos com baixo potencial edáfico e pouco pedogeneizados. As modificações nas características químicas e físicas das duas vertentes ocorrem, principalmente, em decorrência da litologia e morfologia da área, e o manejo agrícola não possui influência nessas diferenças, pois o impacto humano é esporádico e de baixa intensidade.
Aspectos do Meio Físico no Cenário dos Serviços Ecossistêmicos
Authors: Alarsa Cecilia , Furlan Sueli Angelo , Colângelo Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2018

O modo de vida estabelecido no planeta depende dos recursos naturais e dos benefícios por eles ofertados. As transformações humanas nos sistemas naturais se intensificaram no século XX e inúmeras estratégias de proteção foram desenvolvidas e propostas no campo científico e institucional. Os serviços ecossistêmicos surgiram neste movimento visando à identificação da capacidade de suporte dos estoques do capital natural em relação às necessidades e benefícios associados ao ser humano e respectiva capacidade de recuperação e regeneração do sistema, esta considerada como uma cascata de processos interligados. Considerando que os ecossistemas são a interação entre os fatores bióticos e abióticos, e que as funções ecossistêmicas integram aspectos dos meios físico, biótico e socioeconômico, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar como os aspectos do meio físico são abordados na temática dos serviços ecossistêmicos. Por meio de revisão bibliográfica sistemática observou-se que existem tendências distintas nos setores empresarial, institucional e acadêmico. Além disto, duas fragilidades acompanham o saber sobre serviços ecossistêmicos: (i) a diferenciação de conceitos e metodologias, onde as aplicações variam de acordo com o objetivo e (ii) as lacunas entre as interações das funções ecossistêmicas, onde os aspectos do meio físico são considerados se identificados como prioritários para a pesquisa. Considera-se que esta lacuna do meio físico poderá ser preenchida com estudos de susceptibilidade aos processos de dinâmica superficial, em unidades de paisagem agrupadas por similaridade de variáveis, sendo base funcional para a avaliação adequada dos serviços ecossistêmicos, destacando a inserção deste tema na área do conhecimento da geografia física.
Precipitation Recycling in the Amazon Basin: A Study Using the ECMWF Era-Interim Reanalysis Dataset
Authors: Rocha Vinícius Machado , Da Silva Paulo Ricardo Teixeira , Gomes Weslley Brito , Vergasta Leonardo Alves , Jardine Angela
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study is to evaluate the water budget components and to address the physical mechanisms involved in precipitation recycling in the Amazon basin using the European Centre reanalysis for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts – ECMWF for period 1980-2005. Precipitation recycling refers to the feedback mechanism between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere wherein the amount of water that is evapotranspired from a given region of the surface returns to the same area in the form of precipitation. Here we show, on average, 20% of the total rainfall in the basin is derived from local evapotranspiration processes indicating that the local contribution to the total precipitation represents a significant contribution to the regional water budget and plays an important role in the Amazon water cycle. However, the changes in the climate system due to anthropogenic forcings such as the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and changes in land use and land cover (i.e. deforestation) can affect the precipitation recycling. Although the results presented here have produced new knowledge about the interactions between surface processes and the hydrologic cycle, the effects of anthropogenic climate change on the precipitation recycling in the Amazon basin requires further investigation.
Dinâmica das Queimadas no Cerrado do Estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Silva Junior Celso Henrique Leite , Anderson Liana Oighenstein , Aragão Luiz Eduardo Oliveira e Cruz de , Rodrigues Bruno Durão
Published: September 2018

As queimadas têm um papel central nas emissões de carbono nas regiões tropicais, afetando diretamente o ciclo do carbono e a saúde da população. No Cerrado, o fogo ocorre naturalmente e por influência humana, utilizado no processo produtivo da agricultura e pecuária. Nesse contexto o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a dinâmica espaço-temporal das queimadas no Cerrado do estado do Maranhão. Para isso, foram utilizados dados derivados de produtos de sensoriamento remoto e de estações meteorológicas do INMET. Os dados foram processados e tabulados. Análises espaciais e de regressão foram realizadas. Os resultados evidenciaram que as queimadas são moduladas pela sazonalidade do regime de chuva, podendo ser influenciada também por variações de temperatura e umidade do ar. Essa região foi afetada nos anos de 2007 e 2012 por secas que ocasionaram o aumento expressivo no número de queimadas. Nessa região, o desmatamento não está ligado diretamente à ocorrência de queimadas. A vegetação de formações savânicas foram identificadas como as mais suscetíveis à ocorrência de queimadas, por totalizarem grande parte das recorrências e ocorrências de queimadas nessa região.
Phylogeny and biogeography of Bent-toed Geckos (Cyrtodactylus Gray) of the Sundaic swamp clade
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , DAVIS HAYDEN R.
Published: September 2018

The Sundaic swamp clade of the genus Cyrtodactylus contains nine species that collectively range through Peninsular Malaysia and its associated land bridge islands, Singapore, Sumatra, Java, and Pulau Natuna Besar. Ancestral range reconstruction analyses using BioGeoBEARS based on an updated molecular phylogeny of the nine Sundaic swamp clade species of Cyrtodactylus demonstrated that this lineage evolved in Peninsular Malaysia, dispersed independently to Sumatra and Pulau Natuna Besar, Indonesia and most likely back into Peninsular Malaysia from Sumatra. This scenario is consistent with climate-driven, cyclical, ephemeral, geographic reconfigurations of Sundaic landmasses from at least the mid-Miocene to present.
Private Donations and Policy Ambiguity
Authors: Cahill Christine , Tomashevskiy Andrey
Published: September 2018

An important dimension of party positioning remains largely unexamined—that is, the clarity with which parties present policies to the electorate. Moreover, the effects of private campaign contributions on party positions are also vastly understudied. We address these gaps using a unique new data set on private contributions to political parties in eight Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries from the early 1990s to the present. We argue that parties are incentivized to present increasingly ambiguous, or broad appeal, policy positions as a result of increased private campaign contributions. Broad appeal campaigns allow parties to appease their donors with more extreme policy preferences while maintaining the support of their more moderate base supporters. We find support for this argument and show that increasing donations are associated with increased policy ambiguity. Using new data, this article is the first to examine an important connection between political finance and party positioning on a cross-national and time-series basis.
Separation Theory: Sheldon Solomon Interview With Robert Firestone
Authors: Firestone Robert W. , Solomon Sheldon
Published: September 2018

In this interview, clinical psychologist Robert Firestone responds to questions from terror management theorist and researcher Sheldon Solomon regarding the basic concepts in separation theory, an approach that integrates psychoanalytic and existential systems of thought. The topics under discussion include an explanation of the core conflict in life, a description of the fantasy bond, the critical inner voice, Voice Therapy, a cognitive/affective/behavioral methodology that focuses on accessing emotions in countering clients’ destructive thoughts and attitudes, and a case study illustrating the methods applied in individual psychotherapy. There is also a discussion of the “kinds of challenges that people are confronted with today” as contrasted to the past.
Book Review: Sudha Sharma, The Status of Muslim Women in Medieval India
Authors: Dubey Barkha
Published: September 2018

Sudha Sharma, The Status of Muslim Women in Medieval India. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2016, 284 pp., ₹750, ISBN: 9789351505662 (Hardcover).
Neo-bondage in the Brick Kiln Industry: A Case Study of Bihar
Authors: Kumari Sunita
Published: September 2018

As a result of acute landlessness and high unemployment, young people especially in rural India are compelled to take money in advance from kiln owners for their daily sustenance by selling their labour. This arrangement limits their mobility to look for other locations to work in. It also hinders their negotiating power regarding minimum wages and forces them to work in appalling conditions. A vicious debt trap sucks in these powerless workers, creating a situation known as neo-bondage. This article looks at the conditions that lead to a state of neo-bondage among brick kiln workers of rural Bihar. The study is based on a field survey of 345 brick kiln labourers working in 36 sites in Rohtas district of Bihar. The findings of the survey suggest that despite the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, debt bondage is a common phenomenon in this industry. Although the Act prohibits any advance transactions, in cash or kind, made by a creditor to a debtor, the law has not been implemented effectively essentially because of poor socio-economic development, chronic underemployment and a lack of awareness found particularly in rural India.
F0 patterns of tone versus non-tone languages: The case of Vietnamese speakers of English
Authors: Nguyễn Anh-Thư T
Published: September 2018

This article reports a study that aimed to find out whether F0 patterns of L2 English produced by Vietnamese speakers are different to those of native English speakers, whether the non-native F0 patterns are transferred from Vietnamese, and to what extent English and Vietnamese F0 profiles differ. Ten native/L1 Australian English speakers, 20 Vietnamese speakers of English (10 beginners and 10 advanced speakers) and a control group of four native/L1 Vietnamese speakers were included. The F0 profiles (F0 maximum, F0 minimum, F0 range, F0 mean and F0 standard deviation at three levels: utterance, syllable and phoneme) were obtained from a set of 10 English sentences and 20 Vietnamese utterances. The results showed that F0 patterns of beginning-level L2 English are systematically different from those of native English speakers, which can be transferred from their native tone language. Nevertheless, the advanced speakers’ ability to produce native-like F0 patterns indicates the effect of language learning experience on prosodic acquisition. The data and results of this study contribute to the understanding of the process and nature of second language acquisition.
Effects of Psychophysiological Reactivity to a School-Related Stressor and Temperament on Early Adolescents’ Academic Performance
Authors: Scrimin Sara , Moscardino Ughetta , Finos Livio , Mason Lucia
Published: September 2018

This study investigated early adolescents’ psychophysiological response to a school-related stressor (SRS) as indexed by heart rate variability and examined the unique and interactive effects of heart rate variability and temperament on academic achievement. A total of 91 seventh graders watched an SRS video-clip while their heart rate variability was registered. Temperament and grades were also assessed. Heart rate variability decreased from baseline while watching the video-clip, indicating the activation of a stress response, and returned to basal level when recovering. Regression analyses revealed that among youth with an inhibited temperament, higher heart rate variability in the poststressor phase was related to better performance, whereas socially outgoing students performed well regardless of their recovery rate. These are among the first data to report on the link between early adolescents’ parasympathetic self-regulatory activity in response to an SRS, temperamental profiles, and academic functioning. Implications for theory and educational practice are discussed.
Business Strategy, Compensation Policy and Innovation Performance: A Behavioral Perspective
Authors: Chen Liqiang , Wang Jing
Published: September 2018

This article applies new insights into business strategies and compensation to examine why organizations adopt pay polices based on the performance of the entire organization (i.e., organization-level incentives such as profit sharing and gain sharing). Results based on a longitudinal national sample of 1,974 Canadian workplaces show that organizations with product leadership business strategies are more likely to adopt organization-level incentives, which in turn have a positive impact on innovation performance. Implications of the findings for theory, future research and management practice are also discussed.
Older People Living Well Beyond Cancer: The Relationship Between Emotional Support and Quality of Life
Authors: Doran Patty , Burden Sorrel , Shryane Nick
Published: September 2018

Objective: To investigate the influence of emotional support on the quality of life (QoL) of older cancer survivors. Method: We use data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to assess the relationship between perceived emotional support and QoL, comparing people who were cancer survivors ( n = 533) to people without cancer ( n = 8,203). Results: Most people reported high emotional support and had good QoL ( M = 42.57, scale = 0-57). However, linear regression modeling showed cancer survivors had on average slightly lower QoL (–2.10 SE = 0.82). Those who reported having low support reported much poorer QoL; this relationship was similar for both cancer survivors and people without cancer. Discussion: The impact of low emotional support on QoL compounds with the independent detrimental effect of being a cancer survivor. Interventions that increase emotional support are likely to improve QoL for cancer survivors.
Priming Adult Learners for Learning Transfer: Beyond Content and Delivery
Authors: Roumell Elizabeth Anne
Published: September 2018

In adult education, we have skilled instructional designers, expertise in structuring learning events and delivering content, and we have robust learning theories to draw from, and yet the effective transfer of learning still seems elusive. Recent literature reviews on learning transfer indicate that a large percentage of adult learning does not successfully transfer. The research also suggests transfer needs to be supported at the individual, instructional, and organizational levels. Conventional educational practices often do not provide sufficient scaffolding and social learning to promote learning transfer processes beyond the initial learning event. This article discusses three practices to support mindful learning transfer at each of these levels. Educators are not only responsible for designing and delivering learning content but also scaffolding meaningful social interactions and the development of transfer skills.
Effects of Media Compensation on Team Performance: The Role of Demographic Faultlines
Authors: Straube Julia , Meinecke Annika L. , Schneider Kurt , Kauffeld Simone
Published: September 2018

Modern-day communication in teams is characterized by a frequent and flexible use of various communication technologies. To understand the relationship between this new way of communication and team performance, research suggests incorporating contextual factors. In this study, we explore the role of demographic faultlines and subsequent subgroup formation using data from 164 students nested in 34 software engineering teams working together over the course of 14 weeks. Multilevel modeling revealed a three-way interaction between media richness, communication intensity, and demographic faultlines on team performance. Weak faultline teams evaluated their performance more positively when they compensated for low communication intensity by using richer communication channels and vice versa. In contrast, strong faultline teams were less able to adapt their communication behavior to increase performance. We discuss theoretical implications for team communication and diversity research and provide guidelines for improving communication in diverse teams.
Making the Most of Your Research Budget: Efficiency of a Three-Method Measurement Design With Planned Missing Data
Authors: Lawes Mario , Schultze Martin , Eid Michael
Published: September 2018

Planned missing data (PMD) designs are an elegant way to incorporate expensive gold standard methods (e.g., biomarker) and cheaper but systematically biased methods (e.g., questionnaires) in research designs while ensuring high statistical power and low research costs. This article outlines a PMD design with one expensive gold standard and two cheap but biased methods (three-method measurement [3-MM] design). The cost effectiveness of different 3-MM-PMD designs is investigated and compared with the cost effectiveness of corresponding same-price two-method measurement designs using a simulation study. The results underline that PMD designs yield higher statistical power compared with complete data designs in a wide variety of conditions. Adding a second cheap method to the measurement model (i.e., using a 3-MM-PMD design) can increase the statistical power of the research design even further while keeping costs constant, when the additional measure is inexpensive, shares only small amounts of bias variance with the initial cheap measure, and when the gold standard measure is highly expensive compared with the cheap measures. Recommendations as well as a computer program for finding the optimal research design are provided.
How to Manage Pressure to Change Reports: Should Evaluators Be Above Criticism?
Authors: Perrin Burt
Published: September 2018

When is it appropriate, and consistent with ethical standards, for evaluators to modify reports in response to “requests” from clients to do so? Some evaluators may view any pressure to make any changes in their reports as an attack on their independence. While, clearly, it is not acceptable for evaluators to be asked to distort or misrepresent findings and conclusions, evaluators, no less than anyone else, should be open to feedback and not be above criticism. This article discusses under what circumstances and in what forms it may be appropriate, or not, for evaluators to be given feedback and requested to consider appropriate modifications to their reports. It then identifies steps that evaluators can take to minimize inappropriate “suggestions” for change, and what they can do in the event that this does happen. It also considers implications, and strategies, for internal as well as for external evaluators.
Changes in sexual activity of male patients with ankylosing spondylitis undergoing total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Fu Jun , Li Xiang , Liu Kan , Chen Jiying , Ni Ming , Yu Baozhan , Chai Wei , Hao Libo
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Sexual activity is often an important component of life. To date, no studies have examined sexual activity before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of THA on sexual activity and to explore the most commonly reported and comfortable coital position for male AS patients with hip involvement.

Methods:

Data from 31 male AS patients who underwent THA for hip involvement were retrospectively reviewed. Information from the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and other clinical parameters was collected and monitored over time. We compared the above-mentioned parameters before surgery and 2 years after surgery and analysed the correlation between changes on the IIEF and changes in clinical parameters.

Results:

The domain and total scores of the IIEF, except EF, were significantly higher after surgery than were those before surgery ( p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between changes on the IIEF and improvement in flexion-extension range of motion (ROM), adduction-abduction ROM and HHS ( p < 0.05). Most patients (26/31, 83.9%) resumed sexual activity 5–12 weeks after surgery. The pre- and postoperative distributions of the most commonly reported and comfortable position were not significantly different (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Successful THA may improve sexual activity in male AS patients with hip involvement. Changes in hip ROM show the most significant correlation with improvement in sexual activity. Resumption of sexual activity occurs within 5–12 postoperative weeks.
Smokers with children with asthma: Parental perceptions about prototype intervention messages focused on reducing child tobacco exposure and use
Authors: Clawson Ashley H , McQuaid Elizabeth L , Dunsiger Shira , Borrelli Belinda
Published: September 2018

Formative research is needed to develop effective interventions that eliminate secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) and prevent tobacco use (TU) among children with asthma. This online study included 300 parents who smoke and had a child with asthma (ages 10–14) and evaluated their perceptions about prototypes of parent-directed and child-directed feedback intervention messages focused on reducing child SHSe and future TU; correlates of perceptions were explored. Parents rated examples of parent-directed messages on motivation and helpfulness for eliminating SHSe and promoting conversations about TU and also rated child-directed messages on acceptability and helpfulness for promoting conversations about TU. Messages differed by level of personalization, theoretical background, or message content. Parents found all parent-directed messages similarly motivating and helpful and all child-directed messages similarly acceptable and helpful for reducing child tobacco exposure. Differences in perceptions about feedback emerged based on parent gender, parent readiness to quit, smoking ban status, and the presence of additional smokers in the home. Overall, parents rated parent-directed and child-directed feedback message prototypes positively, including established and novel types of feedback. Parent–child feedback interventions may hold promise for breaking the intergenerational transmission of smoking among families with a parent who smokes and a child with asthma.
Security and Radical Assessment in Open, Laparoscopic, Robotic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yang Shuai-Xi , Sun Zhen-Qiang , Zhou Quan-Bo , Xu Ji-Zhong , Chang Yuan , Xia Kun-Kun , Wang Gui-Xian , Li Zhen , Song Jun-Min , Zhang Zhi-Yong , Yuan Wei-Tang , Liu Jin-Bo
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

This retrospective study was designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of open, laparoscopic, robotic colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods:

Three hundred patients with colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between February 2014 and May 2016 were included. Patients were classified into open surgery group, laparoscopic surgery group, and robot-assisted group.

Results:

The blood loss in laparoscopic surgery group was less than that in open surgery group, and the blood loss in robot-assisted group less was than the open surgery group. The number of lymph node dissection in robot-assisted group was significantly larger than that in the open group ( P < .05). The distance between the lower edge of the tumor group and the distal margin in robotic group was longer than that of the laparoscopic surgery group and the open group ( P < .05). Three (2.8%) cases of urinary retention occurred in the open surgery group, 4 (3.92%) cases in the laparoscopic surgery group, and 1 (1.1%) case in the robot-assisted group, while 2 (1.87%) cases of sexual dysfunction occurred in the open surgery group, 2 (1.96%) cases in the laparoscopic surgery group, and 1 (1.1%) case in the robot-assisted group. The urinary retention and sexual dysfunction rate did not differ between the 3 groups ( P > .05), but the minimally invasive group showed a certain advantage over the open group.

Conclusion:

Compared to the traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery (especially in robot-assisted group) has advantages such as less intraoperative bleeding, rapid postoperative recovery, and radical cure; open group, laparoscopic surgery group, and robot-assisted group have a similar incidence of postoperative complications, but reduction in the incidence of anastomotic leakage and intestinal obstruction. Robot-assisted group has the potential advantage for pelvic autonomic nerve protection.
P4HA3 is Epigenetically Activated by Slug in Gastric Cancer and its Deregulation is Associated With Enhanced Metastasis and Poor Survival
Authors: Song Hu , Liu Lingling , Song Zhaoquan , Ren Yongqiang , Li Chao , Huo Jiege
Published: September 2018

Prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha subunit is the enzymic active site of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, which is a critical enzyme to maintain the stability of newly synthesized collagens. The expression profile and functional role of P4HA3 in gastric cancer have not been explored. In the Cancer Genome Atlas-Stomach Cancer, P4HA3 RNA is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer than in normal stomach tissues. In the Human Protein Atlas, Prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha subunit is not detectable by immunohistochemistry staining in normal stomach tissues, but it has weak staining in 7 of 12 gastric cancer tissues. Further study showed that SNAI2 (encoding Slug) is highly coexpressed with P4HA3 (Pearson r = 0.70) in Cancer Genome Atlas-Stomach Cancer. In vitro cell assay showed that Slug could efficiently bind to the P4HA3 promoter and increase its transcription. P4HA3 exon array data in Cancer Genome Atlas-Stomach Cancer revealed that 2 exons are significantly upregulated in M1 (N = 27) cases than in M0 (N = 367) cases. In MKN-45 and AGS cells, P4HA3 upregulation could enhance cell motility and invasiveness. In Cancer Genome Atlas-Stomach Cancer, high P4HA3 exon expression is associated with significantly worse 5-year and 10-year overall survival ( P = .007 and .009, respectively). Data mining in Kaplan-Meier plotter also showed that high P4HA3 expression is related to unfavorable overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-1.93, P < .001) and first progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.1, P < .001). Based on findings above, we infer that P4HA3 is epigenetically activated by Slug, and its deregulation is associated with enhanced metastasis and poor survival of gastric cancer.