bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Spectral Clustering Based on Representative Points
Authors: Yang Libo , Liu Xuemei , Nie Feiping , Liu Mingtang
Published: December 2019

Spectral clustering (SC) has attracted more and more attention due to its effectiveness in machine learning. However, most traditional spectral clustering methods still face challenges in the successful application of large‐scale spectral clustering problems mainly due to their high computational complexity ο(n3), where n is the number of samples. In order to achieve fast spectral clustering, we propose a novel approach, called representative point‐based spectral clustering (RPSC), to efficiently deal with the large‐scale spectral clustering problem. The proposed method first generates two‐layer representative points successively by BKHK (balanced k‐means‐based hierarchical k‐means). Then it constructs the hierarchical bipartite graph and performs spectral analysis on the graph. Specifically, we construct the similarity matrix using the parameter‐free neighbor assignment method, which avoids the need to tune the extra parameters. Furthermore, we perform the coclustering on the final similarity matrix. The coclustering mechanism takes advantage of the cooccurring cluster structure among the representative points and the original data to strengthen the clustering performance. As a result, the computational complexity can be significantly reduced and the clustering accuracy can be improved. Extensive experiments on several large‐scale data sets show the effectiveness, efficiency, and stability of the proposed method.
A Review of Urea Pyrolysis to Produce NH3 Used for NOx Removal
Authors: Wang Denghui , Dong Ning , Niu Yanqing , Hui Shien
Published: December 2019

Urea pyrolysis, from which the denitration reactant ammonia is produced, plays an important role in the urea-based NOx removal process. Research into urea pyrolysis is mostly focused on three parts: urea pyrolysis pathway, catalytic hydrolysis of HNCO, and catalytic pyrolysis of aqueous urea solution. In this paper, detailed overview on research progress of urea pyrolysis was conducted. From the review, it could be concluded that although much research has been carried out, concentration was mainly in analysis of urea pyrolysis products and exploration of catalysts used to improve ammonia yields. Little work has been done on mechanism study and development of a kinetic model with high accuracy, which are still in great need nowadays.
A Study on the Differences in Driving Skills of Chinese Bus and Taxi Drivers
Authors: Zhang Zuobo , Zhang Xuxin , Ji Nuoya , Lin Shanshan , Wang Kun , Ma Tianshan , Zhu Wenying
Published: December 2019

Professional drivers constitute an important group of drivers who shoulder the responsibility of safely transporting passengers and cargo. Bus drivers and taxi drivers are an important part of the urban public transport system, and their driving safety affects road traffic safety. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the differences between bus drivers and taxi drivers in their driving behaviors and driving skills and to predict their traffic accident involvement based on these behaviors and skills. We conducted a field survey of 274 bus drivers and 178 taxi drivers in Hefei, China. The results revealed significant differences between bus drivers and taxi drivers in terms of violations, lack of concentration and technical driving skills. Aggression and violations had significant predictive effects on bus drivers’ traffic accident involvement, and memory lapses and a lack of safety consciousness had significant predictive effects on taxi drivers’ accident involvement.
Rebiopsy with Thoracoscopy under Local Anesthesia for the Detection of EGFR T790M Mutation
Authors: Matsuda Asako , Fuchimoto Yasuko , Wada Sae , Tanaka Takaaki , Takeguchi Tetsuya , Mitsumune Sho , Takigawa Yuki , Miyamoto Yosuke , Ozaki Shinji , Iga Norichika , Nishi Hideyuki , Fujimoto Nobukazu
Published: December 2019

A 70-year-old woman underwent right upper lobectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung (pT1bN2M0 stage IIIA). Five years after the surgery, lymph node recurrence was detected. Gefitinib was administered because epidermal growth factor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion mutation was detected in the previously resected surgical specimen. After a treatment of first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, an FDG-PET/CT scan demonstrated abnormal FDG uptake in the pleura indicating pleural dissemination. Pleurocentesis revealed tumor cells in the pleural fluid; however, EGFR mutation testing failed due to inadequate tumor cellularity. Thoracoscopy under local anesthesia revealed multiple nodules on the parietal pleura. A biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma with pleural dissemination and revealed EGFR exon 20-T790M mutation.
Renewal Theory as a Universal Quantitative Framework to Characterize Phase Singularity Regeneration in Mammalian Cardiac Fibrillation
Authors: Dharmaprani Dhani , Schopp Madeline , Kuklik Pawel , Chapman Darius , Lahiri Anandaroop , Dykes Lukah , Xiong Feng , Aguilar Martin , Strauss Benjamin , Mitchell Lewis , Pope Kenneth , Meyer Christian , Willems Stephan , Akar Fadi G. , Nattel Stanley , McGavigan Andrew D. , Ganesan Anand N.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Despite a century of research, no clear quantitative framework exists to model the fundamental processes responsible for the continuous formation and destruction of phase singularities (PS) in cardiac fibrillation. We hypothesized PS formation/destruction in fibrillation could be modeled as self-regenerating Poisson renewal processes, producing exponential distributions of interevent times governed by constant rate parameters defined by the prevailing properties of each system.

Methods:

PS formation/destruction were studied in 5 systems: (1) human persistent atrial fibrillation (n=20), (2) tachypaced sheep atrial fibrillation (n=5), (3) rat atrial fibrillation (n=4), (5) rat ventricular fibrillation (n=11), and (5) computer-simulated fibrillation. PS time-to-event data were fitted by exponential probability distribution functions computed using maximum entropy theory, and rates of PS formation and destruction (λ
f
/λ
d
) determined. A systematic review was conducted to cross-validate with source data from literature.

Results:

In all systems, PS lifetime and interformation times were consistent with underlying Poisson renewal processes (human: λ
f
, 4.2%/ms±1.1 [95% CI, 4.0–5.0], λ
d
, 4.6%/ms±1.5 [95% CI, 4.3–4.9]; sheep: λ
f
, 4.4%/ms [95% CI, 4.1–4.7], λ
d
, 4.6%/ms±1.4 [95% CI, 4.3–4.8]; rat atrial fibrillation: λ
f
, 33%/ms±8.8 [95% CI, 11–55], λ
d
, 38%/ms [95% CI, 22–55]; rat ventricular fibrillation: λ
f
, 38%/ms±24 [95% CI, 22–55], λ
f
, 46%/ms±21 [95% CI, 31–60]; simulated fibrillation λ
d
, 6.6–8.97%/ms [95% CI, 4.1–6.7];
R

2

≥0.90 in all cases). All PS distributions identified through systematic review were also consistent with an underlying Poisson renewal process.

Conclusions:

Poisson renewal theory provides an evolutionarily preserved universal framework to quantify formation and destruction of rotational events in cardiac fibrillation.
Baseline Characteristics of the VANISH Cohort
Authors: Axelsson Raja Anna , Shi Ling , Day Sharlene M. , Russell Mark , Zahka Kenneth , Lever Harry , Colan Steven D. , Margossian Renee , Hall E. Kevin , Becker Jason , Jefferies John Lynn , Patel Amit R. , Choudhury Lubna , Murphy Anne M. , Canter Charles , Bach Richard , Taylor Matthew , Mestroni Luisa , Wheeler Matthew T. , Benson Lee , Owens Anjali T. , Rossano Joseph , Lin Kimberly Y. , Pahl Elfriede , Pereira Alexandre C. , Bundgaard Henning , Lewis Gregory D. , Vargas Jose D. , Cirino Allison L. , McMurray John J.V. , MacRae Calum A. , Solomon Scott D. , Orav E. John , Braunwald Eugene , Ho Carolyn Y.
Published: December 2019

Background:

The VANISH trial (Valsartan for Attenuating Disease Evolution in Early Sarcomeric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) targeted young sarcomeric gene mutation carriers with early-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to test whether valsartan can modify disease progression. We describe the baseline characteristics of the VANISH cohort and compare to previous trials evaluating angiotensin receptor blockers.

Methods:

Applying a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design, 178 participants with nonobstructive HCM (age, 23.3±10.1 years; 61% men) were randomized in the primary cohort and 34 (age, 16.5±4.9 years; 50% men) in the exploratory cohort of sarcomeric mutation carriers without left ventricular hypertrophy.

Results:

In the primary cohort, maximal left ventricular wall thickness was 17±4 mm for adults and
Z
score 7.0±4.5 for children. Nineteen percent had late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance. Mean peak oxygen consumption was 33 mL/kg per minute, and 92% of participants were New York Heart Association functional class I. New York Heart Association class II was associated with older age,
MYH7
variants, and more prominent imaging abnormalities. Six previous trials of angiotensin receptor blockers in HCM enrolled a median of 24 patients (range, 19–133) with mean age of 51.2 years; 42% of patients were in New York Heart Association class ≥II, and sarcomeric mutations were not required.

Conclusions:

The VANISH cohort is much larger, younger, less heterogeneous, and has less advanced disease than prior angiotensin receptor blocker trials in HCM. Participants had relatively normal functional capacity and mild HCM features. New York Heart Association functional class II symptoms were associated with older age, more prominent imaging abnormalities, and
MYH7
variants, suggesting both phenotype and genotype contribute to disease manifestations.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01912534.
Sex-Related Differences in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Dewan Pooja , Rørth Rasmus , Raparelli Valeria , Campbell Ross T. , Shen Li , Jhund Pardeep S. , Petrie Mark C. , Anand Inder S. , Carson Peter E. , Desai Akshay S. , Granger Christopher B. , Køber Lars , Komajda Michel , McKelvie Robert S. , O’Meara Eileen , Pfeffer Marc A. , Pitt Bertram , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl , Zile Michael R. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: December 2019

Background:

To describe characteristics and outcomes in women and men with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods:

Baseline characteristics (including biomarkers and quality of life) and outcomes (primary outcome: composite of first heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death) were compared in 4458 women and 4010 men enrolled in CHARM-Preserved (Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity) (EF≥45%), I-Preserve (Irbesartan in heart failure with Preserved ejection fraction), and TOPCAT-Americas (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist trial).

Results:

Women were older and more often obese and hypertensive but less likely to have coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Women had more symptoms and signs of congestion and worse quality of life. Despite this, the risk of the primary outcome was lower in women (hazard ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.73–0.88]), as was the risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.62–0.80]), but there was no difference in the rate for first hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.82–1.02]). The lower risk of cardiovascular death in women, compared with men, was in part explained by a substantially lower risk of sudden death (hazard ratio, 0.53 [0.43–0.65];
P
<0.001). E/A ratio was lower in women (1.1 versus 1.2).

Conclusions:

There are significant differences between women and men with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Despite worse symptoms, more congestion, and lower quality of life, women had similar rates of hospitalization and better survival than men. Their risk of sudden death was half that of men.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00853658, NCT01035255.
Effect of Additional Rehabilitation After Botulinum Toxin-A on Upper Limb Activity in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Lannin Natasha A. , Ada Louise , English Coralie , Ratcliffe Julie , Faux Steven G. , Palit Mithu , Gonzalez Senen , Olver John , Cameron Ian , Crotty Maria ,   on behalf of the InTENSE Trial Group, Bowman Malcolm , Milte Rachel , Vratsistas-Curto Angela , McNamara Annabel , Shiner Christine , Lynch Elizabeth , Schneider Emma , Beaumont Louise , Killington Maggie , Coulter Megan , Sindhusake Doungkamol , Anthonisz Brian , Mei Khor Hong , Tan Justin , Teo Kwong , Ng Lily , Huang Lydia , Paul Maria , Simon Neil , Gupta Nidhi , Martens Rebecca , Bolitho Sam , Morrison Shea , Hooper Sue , Chow Yan , Watanabe Yuriko , Cowling Adrian , Flu Clara , Edwards Debbie , Toma Emily , Hendrey Genevieve , Sheehan Jacinta , Butler Josh , Hocking Judith , Rutzou Lauren , White Megan , Snigg Michael , Hughes Rhiannon , Sweeney Sarah , Flint Sophie , Levy Tam , Bramah Val , Lathlean Cameron , McCallum Carrie , Chui Elaine , Allan Frances , Webber Heather , Cameron Jenna , Campbell Jo , Lawson Julie , Zenouith Kalavani , Borschmann Karen , Moloney Katelyn , Jolliffe Laura , Cameron Lisa , Howlett Owen , Nicks Rebecca , O’Keefe Sophie
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of additional upper limb rehabilitation following botulinum toxin-A for upper limb activity in chronic stroke.

Methods—

We conducted a multicenter phase III randomized trial with concealed allocation, blinded measurement, and intention-to-treat analysis. One hundred forty stroke survivors who were scheduled to receive botulinum toxin-A in any muscle(s) that cross the wrist because of moderate to severe spasticity after a stroke >3 months ago, who had completed formal rehabilitation and had no significant cognitive impairment. Experimental group received botulinum toxin-A plus evidence-based movement training while the control group received botulinum toxin-A plus a handout of exercises. Primary outcomes were goal attainment (Goal Attainment Scaling) and upper limb activity (Box and Block Test) at 3 months (end of intervention). Secondary outcomes were spasticity, range of motion, strength, pain, burden of care, and health-related quality of life.

Results—

In terms of goal attainment, the experimental group scored the same (mean difference, 2 T-score [95% CI, −2 to 7]) as the control group on the Goal Attainment Scale. In terms of upper limb activity, by 3 months the experimental group moved blocks at the same speed (mean difference, 0.00 blocks/s [95% CI, −0.02 to 0.01]) as the control group on the Box and Block Test. There were no differences between groups on any secondary outcome except strength, in favor of the experimental group (mean difference, 1.4 kg [95% CI, 0.2–2.7]).

Conclusions—

Findings suggest that additional intensive upper limb rehabilitation following botulinum toxin-A in chronic stroke survivors with a disabled upper limb is not effective.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12615000616572.
Oral Anticoagulation in Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and a History of Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Lee So-Ryoung , Choi Eue-Keun , Kwon Soonil , Jung Jin-Hyung , Han Kyung-Do , Cha Myung-Jin , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—

Warfarin is associated with a better net clinical benefit compared with no treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). There are limited data on nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in these patients, especially in the Asian population. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of NOACs to warfarin in a large-scale nationwide Asian population with AF and a history of ICH.

Methods—

Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment database from January 2010 to April 2018, we identified patients with oral anticoagulant naïve nonvalvular AF with a prior spontaneous ICH. For the comparisons, warfarin and NOAC groups were balanced using propensity score weighting. Ischemic stroke, ICH, composite outcome (ischemic stroke+ICH), fatal ischemic stroke, fatal ICH, death from composite outcome, and all-cause death were evaluated as clinical outcomes.

Results—

Among 5712 patients with AF with prior ICH, 2434 were treated with warfarin and 3278 were treated with NOAC. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced after propensity score weighting (mean age 72.5 years and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score 4.0). Compared with warfarin, NOAC was associated with lower risks of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.61–0.97]), ICH (HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.47–0.92]), and composite outcome (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.60–0.88]). NOAC was associated with lower risks of fatal stroke (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.32–0.89]), death from composite outcome (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.34–0.81]), and all-cause death (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.69–0.99]) than warfarin. NOAC showed nonsignificant trends toward to reduce fatal ICH compared with warfarin (HR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.20–1.03]).

Conclusions—

NOAC was associated with a significant lower risk of ICH and ischemic stroke compared with warfarin. NOAC might be a more effective and safer treatment option for Asian patients with nonvalvular AF and a prior history of ICH.
Realization of a tunable double layer metamaterial absorber in terahertz
Authors: Zhong Min , Jiang Xiaoting , Zhu Xuliang , Zhang Jing , Zhong Jinglin
Published: December 2019

A tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber with four Dirac semimetal strips and a Dirac semimetal square is numerically studied. An absorption peak (72.5%) is achieved at resonant frequency 1.51 THz based on the local surface plasmons mode resonance on edges of Dirac semimetal square
and strips synchronously. Absorption peak can be enhanced by optimizing the vertical (W1) or horizontal distance (W2) between Dirac semimetal strips and square. Moreover, new absorption resonance properties are obtained (new absorption peaks and bands). when W1 = 320 nm, a new unit cell "Structure
2" is obtained. And when W2 = 320 nm, a new unit cell "Structure 3" is also achieved. The absorption peak is also can be enhanced through changing the Fermi energy or the temperature. Finally, this proposed absorber shows high performance properties under the incidence angle 60°.
Atractylenolide II-ameliorated hyperlipidemia in mice by regulating AMPK/PPARα/SREBP-1C signaling pathway
Authors: Ren Qi , Fang Ge , Wang Bin , Zhou Xiaowen , Li Xiantao
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we present our study on the effect of atractylenolide II on hyperlipidemic model mice. After 8 weeks, the blood of these mice was taken to detect four lipids. Pathological changes were detected in the aortas and livers of the mice. Expression of PPARα and
SREBP-1C was detected in the liver by western blot. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the effects of atractylenolide II on blood lipids in hyperlipidemia mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in the aortas and livers of mice
with hyperlipidemia after treatment with atractylenolide II. Changes in PPARα and SREBP-1C expression were found in mice with dyslipidemia. As the results shown, atractylenolide II administration reduced body weight and hyperlipidemia in hyperlipidemic model mice. In addition,
atractylenolide II effectively relieved fat deposition and damage in aortic and liver tissues. Therefore, atractylenolide II had a beneficial therapeutic effect in reducing hyperlipidemia in hyperlipidemic model mice, which may be related to its ability to inhibit SREBP-1C expression
by activating PPARα. The molecular mechanism driving the therapeutic effect of atractylenolide II may involve upregulation of PPARα and activation of the AMPK/PPARα/SREBP-1C signaling pathway. Our research demonstrated the development of therapeutic agents
that can be used to improve hyperlipidemia.
Research progress of packaging indicating materials for real-time monitoring of food quality
Authors: Liu Danfei , Yang Ling , Shang Mi , Zhong Yunfei
Published: December 2019

The rapid development of cold-chain transportation necessitates consumers to present high requirements on safety and freshness of fresh food in recent years. The quality and taste of fresh food can be monitored and controlled through the intelligent packaging technologies and new food
packaging materials such as time-temperature indicators (TTIs), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), biological composites and polymer nanocomposites. Based on different packaging materials, indicators and sensors are employed in food packaging for real-time detection of information about
freshness, temperature, microbiological, and shelf life of products in the supply chain. Wide varieties of packaging materials are suitable for providing intelligent and smart properties for food packaging, such as oxygen scavenging capability, antimicrobial activity, and recording the thermal
history. Due to the special properties of prepared materials, TTIs are used to point out the remaining shelf life of perishable products throughout the supply chain. Compared with others, they have the advantages of low cost, small size and convenient indication. Additionally, the TTIs can
effectively solve food quality and safety problems caused by temperature fluctuation in supply chain. Since the irreversible color change of TTIs, the food safety situation would be shown intuitively. Currently, the TTIs were widely used in application of food packaging by providing safety
information. However, the application is also accompanied with some deficiencies such as the accuracy of monitoring, migration of toxic substances, stability and expensive cost etc. This review will deeply discuss the preparation of various types of TTIs based on different package indicating
materials with a particular emphasis on how to improve their accuracy and stability, control the migration of toxic substances and to develop new TTIs.
Facile preparation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/graphene oxide nanocomposite for electrochromic applications
Authors: Jiang Hai-Yun , Zeng Hui , Zhang Shi-Hao , Wu Ruo-Mei , Li Man-Chuan , Chen Hong , Huang Yi-Yang , Zhang Wei-Li
Published: December 2019

An aqueous electrochromic composite poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/graphene oxide was prepared in this study by a simple one-step in-situ polymerization. This simple one-step preparation method allowed the composite to achieve good performance without
post-treatment. When the composite was coated on the indium tin oxide using as electrochromic film, it exhibited a noticeable electrochromism with reversible color changes from light blue to dark blue, and showed a wider range of discoloration (33%). The composite owns a larger diffusion coefficient
of lithium ions (2.95 × 10–15 cm2 s–1) and better cycling performance compared with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) film.
The art of labour organizing: Participatory art and migrant domestic workers’ self-organizing in London
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Korczynski Marek
Published: December 2019

There has been an upsurge of interest regarding how actors engage with art within organizational processes. However, scholars have tended not to study the role of art within contemporary collective labour organizing. This article focuses on how participatory art may support flat, participative labour organizing, particularly among marginalized, relatively powerless workers. We present an ethnographic account of how art practices are deeply embedded within the flat organizing processes of Justice for Domestic Workers, a self-organizing group of migrant domestic workers in London. We reflect on this case to theorize the art of flat organizing, an ideal type of a set of participatory art practices that are compatible with and supportive of flat labour organizing.
A long short-term memory neural network approach for the hardware-in-the-loop simulation of diesel generator sets
Authors: Wang Jianlin
Published: December 2019

The electronic speed governor plays an important role in diesel generator sets. The ideal method for developing and debugging the electronic governor is to simulate the diesel engine’s dynamic characteristics with the hardware-in-the-loop simulation system. In this system, the diesel engine can be replaced by a mathematical model. Our research proposed a novel diesel engine modeling method using the long short-term memory neural network for simulating dynamic characteristics of the rotational speed of diesel generator sets. The proposed model is trained and tested on the data of the real diesel generator sets. With different power loads and unloads, experimental results demonstrated that this method was able to successfully simulate the dynamic characteristics of diesel generator sets. In addition, comparing to other existing methods provided a conclusion that the performance of the model was better than others. Finally, the proposed model was deployed on an established hardware-in-the-loop simulation system. The results further demonstrated that this model was able to reproduce the diesel generator sets’ dynamic characteristics.
The Differential Effect of Local–Global Identity Among Males and Females: The Case of Price Sensitivity
Authors: Gao Huachao , Mittal Vikas , Zhang Yinlong
Published: December 2019

The authors examine how gender identity and local–global identity—two important consumer identities and segmentation bases—affect consumer price sensitivity. These identities may be associated with similar behavioral norms such that a female identity and a local identity are associated with the norms of small groups and intimate relationships, whereas a male identity and a global identity are associated with the norms of large groups and broad relationships. Thus, a female identity and a global (vs. local) identity, as is the case with a male identity and a local (vs. global) identity, results in identity incongruence (vs. congruence). The authors argue that identity incongruence depletes cognitive resources and induces affective processing, which in turn activates a sacrifice mindset and results in lower price sensitivity. Five studies with different research designs, divergent measures of key constructs, and diverse samples support the theories and identify boundary conditions of the focal relationship. The findings expand the literature on multiple consumer identities and price sensitivity and provide useful guidelines for global companies’ pricing strategies.
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Belief in Free Will/Determinism
Authors: Collier William G. , Shi Xinyan
Published: December 2019

Two experiments investigated the influence of mindfulness, meditation, and type of induction (free will, determinism, or neutral) on affect and beliefs in free will/determinism. In Experiment 1, it was found that high mindful participants reported experiencing more positive affect and less negative affect than low mindful participants. In the determinism induction condition in Experiment 2, high mindful participants scored higher on free will beliefs after they meditated, whereas low mindful participants scored lower on free will beliefs after they meditated. So it would seem that mindfulness can have differential effects for high and low mindful individuals. It was also found that high mindful participants (depending on the task and induction condition) sometimes had longer reaction times than low mindful participants. This could be an indication of high mindful participants having a higher decision boundary for some tasks or simply an indication that high mindful participants enjoyed some tasks more than others (i.e., processing fluency). In addition, the internal consistency of the questionnaires was compared to the internal consistency found for those questionnaires in previous research.
Destination Events, Stability, and Turning Points of Development
Authors: Sainaghi Ruggero , Baggio Rodolfo
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the effects generated by tourism events and investments to improve destination development (dynamics) and stability (topology). The horizontal visibility graph framework (a technique able to transform a time series into a network) was used. Two hypotheses were tested: the first was the ability of these events and investments to generate a turning point, and the second was their ability to increase the system’s stability. The findings are based on a longitudinal analysis of three different destinations in terms of size, type of destination events and investments, and the prevalent market segment. For each case, a daily longitudinal time series was considered, and the empirical evidence confirmed both hypotheses. In the concluding remarks, the theoretical and empirical implications are reported, and some future research avenues are discussed.
Calibrated Proportionality
Authors: Dixon Rosalind
Published: December 2019

The High Court currently applies two different tests to determine the validity of laws that effectively burden the implied freedom of political communication (‘IFPC’) under the Constitution—a test of ‘structured proportionality’ and one of ‘calibrated scrutiny’. Both tests have potential advantages, and disadvantages, but there is also a case that, over time, the Court should again adopt a single approach to assessing the validity of laws burdening the IFPC. The article therefore explores what it might mean to create a true hybrid between the two current approaches—that is, a test of ‘calibrated proportionality’. Such an approach, it suggests, should be understood as having three key dimensions: first, explaining how and when certain context-specific ‘calibrating’ factors could usefully inform a test of ‘necessity’ and ‘adequacy in the balance’ under a test of structured proportionality; second, showing how attention to constitutional values can help calibrate the intensity of the Court’s application of the tests; and third, suggesting a well-identified continuum for calibrating the intensity of judicial review, based on four broad categories of case.
Exploring gender subversion and recuperation in anal fisting among gay men
Authors: Martin Jarred H
Published: December 2019

Anal fisting among gay men, that is, the sexual(ised) and erotic (single or partnered) practice of inserting the hand(s) and/or forearm(s) into the anus and rectum, has historically been framed in medical and medico-forensic case studies as a violent and dangerous sexual practice associated with the contraction of disease, heightened risk of sexual injury, and the possibility of death. In contrast to this, pro-Queer scholars of gender and sexuality have conceptually reframed the act of anal fisting among gay men as a subversive sexual practice which in its discursive and material performances radically transgresses the heteronormative tropes which typically underwrite human sex/uality, especially in ways that render the preferred representations of (gay) sex as ‘vanilla’. By drawing from unstructured individual interviews with a sample of eight (self-identifying) South African gay men who regularly incorporate anal fisting into their sexual relations, this study explores the gendered contradictions which rhetorically circumscribe how these men discursively construct and experience the corpo-erotic practice of anal fisting. In doing so, the findings highlight that while anal fisting among gay men may in fact engender shades of a sexually subversive practice by the way it radically (re)makes the material and erotic possibilities and connections of gay men’s bodies in exceptionally non-normative and perhaps Queer ways; it is, at the same time, also invested with, and reiterative of, discursive repertoires which actively recuperate heteronormative as well as heteromasculinist tropes and gendered power relations that, in some instances, appear femiphobic.
Influences of Work and Family Spillover on Filial and Sandwiched Caregivers’ Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Hodgdon Barbara T. , Wong Jen D.
Published: December 2019

There has been a documented increase in the numbers of filial and sandwiched caregivers in the United States. However, past studies have overlooked the impact of work and family overload on caregiver well-being. This study investigates the moderating influences of the quality and directionality of work and family spillover on the well-being (e.g., positive affect and negative affect, psychological well-being, and global well-being) of 180 filial and sandwiched caregivers from the second wave of the Midlife in the United States Survey. Regression and moderation analyses revealed that sandwiched caregivers with high levels of negative work-to-family spillover exhibited higher negative affect than the comparison groups. Sandwiched caregivers with high levels of negative family-to-work spillover exhibited higher level of negative affect and lower level of self-acceptance than other caregivers. These findings can help create work programs that address spillover between work and home in the effort to promote caregiver well-being.
Clinical Characteristics of External Auditory Canal Foreign Bodies in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kim Keon-Ho , Chung Jae Ho , Byun Hayoung , Zheng Tao , Jeong Jin-Hyeok , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Foreign bodies (FBs) in external auditory canal (EAC) can occur at any age but are especially common in children and adolescents. The aims of the study were to evaluate the clinical characteristics of EAC FBs in children and adolescents and to discuss their proper management.

Methods:

A retrospective medical chart review was performed on patients who were treated for EAC FBs in a tertiary referral center from January 2007 to December 2017. We investigated the parameters of age, sex, type of FB, sedation method, complications, and removal strategy.

Results:

Of 284 patients, 176 (62.0%) were male. Peak incidences were noted at the ages of 3 to 6 years and 17 to 18 years. The frequently observed FBs were insects, followed by air-gun pellets, cotton balls, marbles, and earrings. Forty-one (14.4%) EAC FBs were removed with the naked eye, while 243 (85.6%) were removed under microscope in the otolaryngology department. Of these patients, 23 (9.5%) were administered sedatives and 1 (4.1%) needed general anesthesia. During or after the removal procedure, 4 (15.5%) patients had complications of EAC abrasion or laceration (42, 14.8%), and tympanic membrane perforation (2, 0.7%).

Conclusions:

External auditory canal FB showed a distinct characteristic of incidence regarding age, related to removal strategies. Characteristics of FB must be considered for safe removal.
Jewishness and jurisgenesis: On Seyla Benhabib’s Exile, Statelessness and Migration
Authors: Pensky Max
Published: December 2019

The postwar era saw a remarkable transformation of international law, from a loose arrangement of agreements designed to reduce collective action problems to a normative commitment to the inherent dignity of the individual person. Seyla Benhabib’s new book shows the extent to which this transformation was a matter of deeply personal experiences. Understanding this dialectic between the personal and the universal is crucial for understanding not just the genesis of contemporary normative international law, but also its prospects for survival. This article focuses on Benhabib’s adoption of the process of jurisgenesis as an exemplary form of this dialectic, ending with a critical reading of Hannah Arendt’s attempt to contribute to this process.
Pop-up governance: Transforming the management of migrant populations through humanitarian and security practices in Lesbos, Greece, 2015–2017
Authors: Papada Evie , Papoutsi Anna , Painter Joe , Vradis Antonis
Published: December 2019

This paper intervenes in recent debates on humanitarianism and security in migration by introducing the notion of ‘pop-up governance’. It reflects on our two year-long fieldwork on Lesbos, Greece at the peak of Europe’s migrant reception crisis (2015–2017). We present recent developments in border and migration management in the EU and we position these within recent migration debates. We then present the two main facets guiding migrant reception and governance in Lesbos, namely humanitarianism and security. Through our interviews with humanitarian and security actors we show how top-level government decisions followed and resembled the flexibility and adaptability of humanitarian and security operations. We define this turn as ‘pop-up governance’, which comprises a practice-based, abruptly introduced and retractable set of governance mechanisms responding to the situation at hand. We argue that the seemingly disorganised management of migration actually bore hallmarks of a new, flexible and adaptable mode of governance. Finally, we show how ‘pop-up governance’ can help move beyond present understanding of governance based either on the rule or its exception. This has important implications for our comprehension of migration, humanitarianism, security and the governance of vulnerable populations and contemporary socio-political crises.
Ureltu’s Ewenki narratives and the crisis of minority cultures in China
Authors: Xiaofeng Li , Yanjun Liang
Published: December 2019

The author Ureltu has undergone a transformation from novelist to producer and disseminator of Ewenki historical culture, moving from fictional Ewenki stories of forty years ago to recent non-fictional Ewenki historical narratives. In the course of this transformation, he has provided a sample of Ewenki culture that, on the one hand, can break down misunderstandings of the culture and, on the other, can revitalise a recognition of Ewenki cultural values. He has used those examples to include reflection on knowledge and power as it plays out in the current cultural crisis of other ethnic minorities in China. He speaks of the identity consciousness of a ‘cultural chain’ that extends beyond Ewenki culture to the inheritance of Chinese culture as a whole.
Outcomes of the Active in My Home (AiMH) intervention for people with psychiatric disabilities in supported housing: A longitudinal pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Eklund Mona , Argentzell Elisabeth , Bejerholm Ulrika , Brunt David , Tjörnstrand Carina
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Facilitating occupational engagement in residents with psychiatric disabilities living in supported housing is important, because meaningful occupation is closely related to wellbeing. The aim was to explore whether residents taking part in the intervention Active in My Home (AiMH) made any changes in activity and recovery from baseline to completed AiMH; whether satisfaction with AiMH was related to any changes; and if changes between baseline and completed AiMH were stable at follow-up.

Method

AiMH consists of eight sessions for residents and includes workshops for staff. This no-control study involved seven supported housing units and 29 residents who took part in data collection at the start and completion of AiMH and at follow-up after 6–9 months. Outcomes concerned occupational engagement, the unit’s provision of meaningful activity, personal recovery, psychosocial functioning and symptom severity.

Findings

Improvements occurred in the AiMH participants’ occupational engagement ( Z = −2.63, p = 0.008) and personal recovery ( Z = −1.98, p = 0.048) from start to completion of AiMH. The improvement on occupational engagement was stable at follow-up ( Z = −3.01, p = 0.005), when also psychosocial functioning ( Z = −2.39, p = 0.017) and psychiatric symptoms ( Z = −2.42, p = 0.016) had improved.

Conclusion

This study could not show whether the improvements were due to AiMH or other factors. The findings are still promising, however, and encourage further development and testing of AiMH.
‘Too humble and sad’: The effect of humility and emotional display when a politician talks about a moral issue
Authors: D’Errico Francesca
Published: December 2019

Humble leadership can be defined as a positive psychological feature that allows for admitting one’s own limitations, being open to new ideas and giving a voice to, and recognizing the merits of, others. Humility has been associated with positive emotions, like gratitude and elevation, however it has been neglected in the political domain, seen on the contrary as the management of power. The present experimental study was aimed at exploring the possible persuasive effect of a humble politician by considering the role played by emotional display (joy, calm, sadness and anger) when the politician discusses an ethical issue (such as hosting immigration). Contrary to our expectations, humble communication elicited negative emotions and evaluations of the politician, especially when the politician exhibited a sad facial display; further, it induced in voters a state of personal distress towards immigrants, and thus a negative association with a hosting orientation.
Theory: Intentionality the Matrix of Healing: A Theory Revised With Nonnurse Care Providers
Authors: Zahourek Rothlyn P.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To explore and conceptualize the nature of intentionality in the context of healing through the descriptive experiences of nonnurse professional care providers and natural healers and to determine if the previously developed theory (intentionality: the matrix of healing [IMH]) was supported or needed revision. Method: Ten care providers and two natural healers were interviewed. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory—constant comparative method. Coding, memos, diagraming, and concept development were used to compare these results with the previous two cohorts. The study had institutional review board approval. Results: The theory of IMH was supported. All cohorts agreed that intentionality is essential for healing and similar to, but different from and greater than, intention. The core process of nonlinear expanding personal development, viewed as both an attribute and the core process, is now called dynamic differentiation. The theory IMH describes intentionality as a dynamically evolving process that creates the energy, shape, and structure, or matrix, for intention, actions, and healing.
MELK is Upregulated in Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Promotes Disease Progression by Phosphorylating PRAS40
Authors: Zhang Han , Wei Pengtao , Lv Wenwei , Han Xingtao , Yang Jinhui , Qin Shuaifeng , Zhang Yue
Published: December 2019

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. However, stage IV ccRCC is generally incurable and its molecular mechanism has not yet been fully clarified. In this study, in order to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between stage IV and stage I ccRCC specimens, we initially analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE73731). We found that maternal and embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is upregulated in stage IV ccRCC samples and that upregulation of MELK is significantly correlated with advanced disease status. Furthermore, both loss and gain-of-function assays strengthen the evidence that MELK enforces the malignant phenotype of ccRCC cells through over-activating the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Mechanistically, we verified that the oncogenic effect of MELK occurs through phosphorylating PRAS40, an inhibitory subunit of mTORC1, and through disrupting the interaction between PRAS40 and raptor. In summary, these results elucidate the important role of MELK in the progression of ccRCC and indicate that MELK may be a novel regulator of ccRCC progression by over-activating the mTORC1.
Web-Based Investor Fear Gauge and Stock Market Volatility: An Emerging Market Perspective
Authors: Graham Michael , Nikkinen Jussi , Peltomäki Jarkko
Published: December 2019

This article considers web-based global investors’ crash fears as a gauge of global investors’ fears, and examines its effect on stock market volatility in a sample of emerging stock markets. We show that an increase in global investors’ crash fears significantly affects the volatility of stock index returns in emerging markets. The results are robust to the inclusion of the conventional investor sentiment/fear gauge measure, VIX. Thus broadening the set of measures of global investors’ fears is important when explaining emerging market volatilities.

JEL Classification: F30, G11, G15
The first national data of Turkish pre-hospital emergency care for children: Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes
Authors: Turan Caner , Saz Eylem Ulas , Anil Murat , Bal Alkan , Gokalp Gamze , Yilmaz Hayri Levent , Sari Gokay Sinem , Celik Tugce , Tuygun Nilden , Akca Halise , Tekin Deniz , Oguz Sinan , Celik Tanju , Teksam Ozlem , Keser Ayşe Gultekingil , Besli Gulser Esen , Duman Murat , Yurtseven Ali
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives:

The emergency medical service system is designed to ensure rapid identification and transport of patients from the field to emergency departments. This study aims to examine pediatric patients’ clinical characteristics and reasons for ambulance use in Turkey. Life-saving interventions and non-life-saving interventions performed during transport and patients’ outcomes following transport were also investigated.

Methods:

This is a prospective-multicentric study conducted at four metropolitan cities and nine tertiary pediatric emergency departments. This survey-based study evaluated all children brought by ambulance to emergency departments. Patient demographics, clinical features, triage levels, procedures performed in the ambulance or emergency department, and final outcomes were sought.

Results:

A total of 2094 patients were transported during the study period. Only a minority of ambulances were physician staffed (16.5%), and 72% of the patients were delivered to pediatric emergency departments without notification calls. Although notification calls were more likely given for particularly critically ill children, for non-urgent conditions transfer calls were less common (60.8% vs 23.5%, respectively; p < 0.001). A majority of transports were performed for trauma patients (20.5%), neurological issues (20%), and toxicological emergencies (13.8%). While parents prefer using the ambulances for medical emergencies, physicians prefer it for mainly traumatic and toxicological emergencies. In total, 65% of the patients received at least one intervention, and 18 patients needed immediate life-saving interventions (intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, etc.) but they did not receive it. Mortality occurred in nine patients. If the health care providers were paramedics, they were more likely avoided by performing any intervention in critically ill children ( p < 0.001). A majority of the procedures performed in children were older than 12 months ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study presents comprehensive epidemiological and outcome data for pediatric patients transported by the national emergency medical service system in Turkey. Non-urgent calls were more likely made by parents, physicians avoided making NCs, and paramedics also avoided performing any intervention when they were transporting children.
Notes on the experimental measurement of fracture toughness of shape memory alloys
Authors: Makkar Jasdeep , Baxevanis Theocharis
Published: December 2019

A mechanics-aided test method for measuring the fracture toughness of shape memory alloys, the deformation/failure response of which violates basic assumptions of ASTM standards for measuring fracture toughness in conventional ductile materials, has been recently proposed. The proposed methodology relies on the resistance curve format of ASTM standards, but differs from it in the determination of the elastic part of the J value, for both stationary and advancing cracks, in an effort to accommodate the transformation/orientation-induced changes in the apparent elastic properties. This article discusses the proposed modifications to ASTM standards, that is, the expected degree of improvement in the measurement accuracy, the need for further ones regarding the uncertainty as to where to specify the fracture point on the obtained resistance curve, the specimen thickness requirement to ensure a conservative, constraint-independent measurement, and the temperature dependence of the measurements.