bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of SiC Nanoparticle Reinforcement on FSS Welded 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Suresh S. , Venkatesan K. , Natarajan Elango
Published: November 2018

The current research focuses on the mechanical properties and the microstructural behavior of friction stir spot-welded 6061-T6 aluminum alloy reinforced with SiC nanoparticles. Weld samples are produced with and without the addition of SiC nanoparticles to the joint. The microhardness and lap shear strength of the joints are investigated. The cross section of welds and the fracture surfaces are studied by a stereo zoom microscope. Microstructure and distribution of reinforced particles in the stir zone are examined through optical and scanning electron microscopies. It is observed that the reinforcement of SiC nanoparticles significantly influences the grain size and hence the weld properties. The highest hardness of 93 HV and the maximum shear load of 2650.5 N are observed at the stir zone of the sample with 29% SiC. All the weld samples exhibit the similar “W” shape hardness profile. From the observed results, the selected set of process parameters is found adequate in order to fabricate sound Al/SiC composite joints.
Analysis of Treatment of 3 Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Lei Jun , Zeng Yi-lan , Xu Lv-ye , Wang Ying
Published: November 2018

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acute liver decompensation that occurs within 4 weeks on the basis of chronic liver disease. At present, the treatments of ACLF include general supportive treatment, etiological treatment, prevention and treatment of complications, artificial liver treatment, and liver transplantation. Many studies suggest that stem cell therapy may become a new treatment for patients with ACLF. Our department has also tried the application of this treatment. Now, there are three cases of stem cell therapy for patients with ACLF by our department which will be briefly reported.
Traumafokussierte kognitive Verhaltenstherapie: Einblick in die manualisierte Arbeit mit einem unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtling
Authors: Unterhitzenberger Johanna , Fornaro Patrick , Rosner Rita
Published: November 2018

Hintergrund: Etwa ein Drittel bis die Hälfte der unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlinge (UMF) leidet unter einer behandlungsbedürftigen posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS). Dennoch finden die wenigsten Betroffenen den Weg in eine Psychotherapie. Die traumafokussierte kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (TF-KVT) ist derzeit eines der am besten untersuchten Therapiemanuale für Kinder und Jugendliche mit PTBS. Im Rahmen einer Fallserie mit UMF zeigte sich die TF-KVT als vielversprechend hinsichtlich ihrer Anwendbarkeit und Symptomreduktion. Aktuell findet eine unkontrollierte Pilotstudie statt, um die spezifischen Anforderungen der manualisierten Arbeit für UMF zu systematisieren. Aus dieser Stichprobe wird der Fall eines UMF vorgestellt, um dem interessierten Kliniker einen Einblick in die Praxis des Verfahrens mit dieser Zielgruppe zu ermöglichen. Fallbericht: Der multipel traumatisierte 17-jährige Patient aus Afghanistan kam mit den Diagnosen PTBS und mittelgradige depressive Episode zur Behandlung. Er wurde mit der TF-KVT behandelt, die sich kultursensibel anwenden ließ. Nach Abschluss der Therapie erfüllte der Jugendliche die Diagnosen nicht mehr. Schlussfolgerungen: Die TF-KVT ermöglicht eine kultursensible und evidenzbasierte Behandlung von UMF mit PTBS. Sie kann als vielversprechendes Therapiekonzept für diese Zielgruppe angesehen werden.
Current Social Media Conversations about Genetics and Genomics in Health: A Twitter-Based Analysis
Authors: Allen Caitlin G. , Andersen Brittany , Khoury Muin J. , Roberts Megan C.
Published: November 2018

Background: The growing availability of genomic information to the public may spur discussion about genetics and genomics on social media. Sites, including Twitter, provide a unique space for the public to access and discuss health information. The objective of this study was to better understand how social media users are sharing information about genetics and genomics in health and healthcare and what information is most commonly discussed among Twitter users. Methods: We obtained tweets with specific genetics- and genomics-related keywords from Crimson Hexagon. We used Boolean logic to collect tweets containing chosen keywords within the timeframe of October 1, 2016, to October 1, 2017. Features of the software were used to identify salient themes in conversation, conduct an emergent content analysis, and gather key demographic information. Results: We obtained 347,196 tweets from our search. There was a monthly average volume of 28,432 tweets. The five categories of tweets included: genetic disorders/disease (45.3%), health (15.6%), genomics (8%), and genetic testing (7.3%). Top influencers in the conversation included news outlets and universities. Conclusions: This content analysis provides insight about the types of conversation related to genomics and health. Conversations about genomics are occurring on Twitter, and they frequently emphasize rare genetic diseases and genetic disorders. These discussions tend to be driven by key influencers who primarily include news media outlets. Further understanding of the discussions related to genomics and health in social media may offer insight about topics of importance to the public.
Increased Frequency of In-Center Hemodialysis as Rescue Therapy: Impact on Hospitalization for Acute Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Shintaku Sadanori , Tsuchiya Shinichiro
Published: November 2018

Background: The intermittency of conventional hemodialysis (HD) leads to an increase in cardiovascular events. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of in-center frequent HD (FHD, 4–6 times a week) as a rescue option for cardiovascular events. Method: Patients who failed to achieve fluid volume control with conventional HD (thrice a week) were administered FHD. A total of 52 patients were divided into 2 groups by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): low ejection fraction (LEF [n = 26], LVEF < 55%) and normal ejection fraction (NEF [n = 26], LVEF ≥55%). Mortality and hospitalization rates were evaluated. Results: All-cause mortality tended to be higher in the LEF than in the NEF group (p = 0.09). The 1-year hospitalization rate for acute cardiovascular events decreased in both LEF (1.24–0.89; p = 0.049) and NEF (0.36–0.16; p = 0.01) groups. In Cox regression models, LVEF < 55% (hazard ratio 3.81; 95% CI 1.15–12.66; p = 0.03) was identified as the risk factor for hospitalization for acute cardiovascular events. Conclusion: In-center FHD may decrease acute cardiovascular events.
The LASSO Program in Oslo: Harm Reduction Using Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone®) in a Low Threshold Setting
Authors: Henriksen Kathleen , Jacobsen Jon-Aksel , Henriksen Elliott Magnus , Gomes Leni , Waal Helge , Krajci Peter
Published: November 2018

Background: This is a 6-year retrospective quality control study of the LASSO Program (Low Threshold Substitution Treatment in Oslo), using exclusively Suboxone® (buprenorphine-naloxone [BPNX]) in out-patient settings. Adequate abstinence prior to induction is necessary to avoid acute onset opioid withdrawal symptoms; thus, its use in low threshold settings is far less common than methadone. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if BPNX is a safe and feasible medication to use in a low threshold setting. Methods: The analysis is based on daily supervised BPNX medication. The standardized induction regime started with 4-mg BPNX increasing by 4 mg daily until 16 mg, with individual adjustments based on clinical status. Treatment effect was evaluated by the number of medication induction attempts, treatment length and lag time between initial contact and medication start. Statistical computations were performed with SPSS®. Results: There were 331 out of 394 registered patient inquires that started on BPNX. Two hundred fifty-three patients (76.4%) completed induction on first attempt with 95% Wilson score CIs of (0.716–0.807). The accumulated percentage increased to 85.2% during successive inductions. No significant association was found between lag time and (i) the number of days on medication during the first induction; or (ii) total treatment length. Patients had a median lag time of 5 days, remained in treatment a median of 52.0 days with an average of 3.9 inductions. There were no cases of severe precipitated withdrawal and only 2 cases of adverse reactions among the 1,293 inductions and 25,544 administered dosages. Conclusion: This study shows that BPNX is highly effective in treating marginalized heroin addicts in low threshold settings. Even during their first attempt, 76.4% completed induction. There were no cases of severe precipitated withdrawal. Prolonged lag time affected neither the length of first treatment nor the total treatment length. Individualized induction readiness approach and motivation were central to the above results.
Irisin Ameliorates Glucolipotoxicity-Associated β-Cell Dysfunction and Apoptosis via AMPK Signaling and Anti-Inflammatory Actions
Authors: Zhang Dan , Xie Ting , Leung Po Sing
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Islet metabolic disorder and inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Irisin is a recently identified adipomyokine with protective effects on metabolic homeostasis and inflammation-suppressing effects in hepatic and vascular cells. The present study examined the effects of irisin on lipid metabolism and inflammation in β cells under glucolipotoxic conditions. Methods: Rat INS-1E β cells and islets isolated from C57BL/6 mice were incubated in glucolipotoxic conditions with or without irisin. Intracellular lipid contents and lipogenic gene expression were determined by enzymatic colorimetric assays and real-time PCR, respectively. Inflammatory status was evidenced by Western blot analysis for the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and real-time PCR analysis for the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Results: Irisin reversed glucolipotoxicity-induced intracellular non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and triglyceride accumulation, suppressed associated elevations in lipogenic gene expression, and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA-carboxylase (ACC) in INS-1E cells. These demonstrated effects were dependent on irisin-activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, AMPK signaling mediated the protective effects of irisin on INS-1E cell insulin secretory ability and survival as well. Additionally, irisin inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 while decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in INS-1E cells under glucolipotoxic conditions. Moreover, irisin also improved insulin secretion, inhibited apoptosis, and restored β-cell function-related gene expression in isolated mouse islets under glucolipotoxic conditions. Conclusion: Irisin attenuated excessive lipogenesis in INS-1E cells under glucolipotoxic state through activation of AMPK. Irisin also suppressed overnutrition-induced inflammation in INS-1E cells. Our findings implicate irisin as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of islet lipid metabolic disorder and islet inflammation in T2DM.
Interferon Consensus Sequence-Binding Protein 8, a Tumor Suppressor, Suppresses Tumor Growth and Invasion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Interacting with the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Ye Lin , Xiang Tingxiu , Zhu Jing , Li Dairong , Shao Qin , Peng Weiyan , Tang Jun , Li Lili , Ren Guosheng
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Interferon consensus sequence-binding protein 8 (IRF8) belongs to a family of interferon (IFN) regulatory factors that modulates various important physiological processes including carcinogenesis. As reported by others and our group, IRF8 expression is silenced by DNA methylation in both human solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, the role of IRF8 in lung carcinoma remains elusive. In this study, we determined IRF8 epigenetic regulation, biological functions, and the signaling pathway involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: IRF8 expression were determined by Q- PCR. MSP and A+T determined promotor methylation. MTS, clonogenic, Transwell assay, Flow cytometry, three-dimensional culture and AO/EB stain verified cell function. In vivo tumorigenesis examed the in vivo effects. By Chip-QPCR, RT-PCR, Western blot and Immunofluorescence staining, the mechanisms were studied. Results: IRF8 was significantly downregulated in lung tumor tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Furthermore, methylation-specific PCR analyses revealed that IRF8 methylation in NSCLC was a common event, and demethylation reagent treatment proved that downregulation of IRF8 was due to its promoter CpG hypermethylation. Clinical data showed that the IRF8 methylation was associated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis status, patient outcome, and tumor histology. Exogenous expression of IRF8 in the silenced or downregulated lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299 at least partially restored the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to apoptosis, and arrested cells at the G0/G1 phase. Cell viability, clonogenicity, and cell migration and invasive abilities were strongly inhibited by restored expression of IRF8. A three-dimensional culture system demonstrated that IRF8 changed the cells to a more spherical phenotype. Moreover, ectopic expression of IRF8 enhanced NSCLC chemosensitivity to cisplatin. Furthermore, as verified by Chip-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting, IRF8 bound to the T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF /LEF) promoter, thus repressing β-catenin nuclear translocation and its activation. IRF8 significantly disrupted the effects of Wnt agonist, bml284, further suggesting its involvement in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Conclusion: IRF8 acted as a tumor suppressor gene through the transcriptional repression of β-catenin-TCF/LEF in NSCLC. IRF8 methylation may serve as a potential biomarker in NSCLC prognosis.
Rachaduras no Muro: Interagindo com o Movimento Pela Paz na Palestina e em Israel
Authors: Bonan Eliceli Katia
Published: November 2018

O presente trabalho é um relato de viagem de pesquisa para conhecer o movimento pela paz em Israel e na Palestina. A viagem ocorreu entre os meses de dezembro de 2016 e fevereiro de 2017 e a pesquisadora morou na cidade de Belém durante todo o período, visitando Israel e outros locais da Cisjordânia regularmente. A pesquisa é parte da dissertação apresentada para obtenção do título de mestre em Relações Internacionais da Universidade de São Paulo – IRI-USP. O relato foca em experiências pessoais, os desafios da pesquisa e outros aspectos da realidade vivida principalmente na Cisjordânia.
Biogeographical identity of the Mesoamerican dominion with emphasis on seasonally dry tropical forests
Authors: MONTAÑO-ARIAS GENARO , LUNA-VEGA ISOLDA , MORRONE JUAN J. , ESPINOSA DAVID
Published: November 2018

Several studies on the geographical limits and regionalization of the Neotropics have recognized this region as a biogeographical unit. Recent regionalization proposals recognize the existence of a Mesoamerican dominion within the Neotropics, extending from the northern portion of the Mexican Pacific coast into the lowlands of south-central Mexico and most of northern Central America (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua). In this study, we assessed the biogeographical identity of the Mesoamerican dominion through the analysis of the geographical patterns of diversity of 356 species included in 28 genera and 16 families of plants, with a preferential distribution in the seasonally dry tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. Occurrence data were obtained from online databases (e.g., GBIF, SNIB, MEXU and TROPICOS) and refined using taxonomic and geographical information. We used the Biodiverse 2.0 program to obtain maps of species richness, centres of endemism and conducted analyses of similarity among areas. The analyses led to corroborate the geographical limits of the Mesoamerican dominion. With respect to the species with distributions that extend to America arid, the Brazilian sub-region and Florida and the Greater Antilles. From these analyses, we could identify for the Mesoamerican dominion two highly diverse areas in southern Mexico: the Balsas Basin (more than 60 species) and the Central Valleys of Oaxaca (28). We also identified seven areas of higher dissimilarity corresponding to river basins throughout the study area: Grande de Santiago, Armería-Coahuayana, Tepalcatepec (western Balsas), Eastern Balsas, Papagayo, Verde, higth Papaloapan (Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley) and Tehuantepec. The high values of dissimilarity in the Pacific watershed of southern Mexico are responsible for the high species turnover observed for the seasonally dry tropical forests in the Mesoamerican dominion.
Sophrosynidae, a new family in the Lysianassoidea (Crustacea: Amphipoda) with a revision of the genus Sophrosyne
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , STODDART H. E.
Published: November 2018

The new lysianassoid amphipod family Sophrosynidae is described and the genus Sophrosyne is reviewed. Fourteen species are recognised including 10 new species and the documented distribution of the genus is expanded into the southwestern Pacific.
Fishes as living tracers of connectivity in the tropical western North Atlantic: I. Distribution of the neon gobies, genus Elacatinus (Pisces: Gobiidae)
Authors: COLIN PATRICK L.
Published: November 2018

In the tropical western North Atlantic the goby genus Elacatinus has at least 25 species which can be separated into five eco-morphological suites. Within a suite, geographic distributions of species are usually mutually exclusive. Last reviewed in 1975 numerous published misidentifications have confused the zoogeography in addition to new taxa having been added. The species and their distributions are reviewed, corrected and updated to prepare for an analysis of their zoogeography relative to mechanisms of connectivity through ocean currents.
Tadpole and advertisement call of Rhinella pombali (Baldissera, Caramaschi & Haddad, 2004) (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae)
Authors: LOURENÇO ANA CAROLINA CALIJORNE , BAÊTA DÉLIO , DE ABREU ALINE CRISTINE LOPES , POMBAL JR. JOSÉ P.
Published: November 2018

Most species of the South American bufonid toads are placed in Rhinella Fitzinger, 1828 (Frost 2009). Currently, this genus contains 77 species and most of them are distributed in Central and South America (Frost 2009). According to Baldissera et al. (2004), the R. crucifer species group is composed of five species: R. abei (Baldissera, Caramaschi & Haddad, 2004), R. crucifer (Wied-Neuwied, 1821), R. henseli (A. Lutz, 1934), R. ornata (Spix, 1824), and R. pombali (Baldissera, Caramaschi & Haddad, 2004). This species group is widely distributed in northern Argentina, southeastern Brazil, and Uruguay (Baldissera et al. 2004; Frost 2009), and can be found in ponds and streams in forests and open areas (Heyer et al. 1990; Baldissera et al. 2004; Pombal & Gordo 2004; Eterovick & Barata 2006). Herein we describe the tadpole and advertisement call of Rhinella pombali, a species distributed throughout the Atlantic forest and in its transitional areas with the Cerrado in the State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil (Frost 2009).
The coelotine spiders from three national parks in Northern Vietnam (Araneae, Amaurobiidae)
Authors: LIU JIE , LI SHUQIANG , PHAM DINH-SAC
Published: November 2018

Twenty three coelotine species from Northern Vietnam, including twenty one new species, are described and illustrated: Coelotes acerbus sp. nov.; C. furvus sp. nov.; C. perbrevis sp. nov.; C. polyedricus sp. nov.; C. songae sp. nov.; Draconarius clavellatus sp. nov.; D. cucphuongensis sp. nov.; D. ellipticus sp. nov.; D. hanoiensis Wang & Jäger, 2008; D. longissimus sp. nov.; D. magicus sp. nov.; D. pseudoclavellatus sp. nov.; D. pseudopumilus sp. nov.; D. pumilus sp. nov.; D. rimatus sp. nov.; D. rotulus sp. nov.; D. tamdaoensis sp. nov.; D. transparens sp. nov.; D. transversus sp. nov.; D. volubilis sp. nov.; Notiocoelotes pseudovietnamensis sp. nov.; N. parvitriangulus sp. nov.; Orumcekia libo (Wang, 2003). Photos of all twenty three species are provided. All specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (IZCAS).
Five new species of Caddisflies (Trichoptera: Insecta) from Upper Tenasserim Range, Thailand and Myanmar
Authors: LAUDEE PONGSAK , MALICKY HANS
Published: November 2018

Five new species of caddisflies are described from the Upper Tenasserim Range, including Chimarra keawpradubi n. sp., Ecnomus niyomwasi n. sp., Psychomyia pinsuwanae n. sp., Leptocerus suwannarati n. sp., and Setodes lertpongsombatae n. sp., based on distinctive characters of male genitalia. Chimarra keawpradubi n. sp. differs from other Chimarra spp. in ventral aspect of inferior appendages, each of which is rectangular with a bulging process apicoventrally and with an acute apex. The basal part of each inferior appendage is square and the apical part is narrow in E. niyomwasi n. sp., differentiating it from other species in the genus. Psychomyia pinsuwanae n. sp. differs from P. amphiaraos Malicky and Chantaramongkol 1997, a closely similar species, by characters of the inferior appendages; the inner branch of each inferior appendage has a long, straight spine on its inner side. Leptocerus suwannarati n. sp. can be distinguished from other Leptocerus spp. by the processes of segment X, which are long, thin, and symmetrical. Setodes lertpongsombatae differs from other Setodes spp. in characters of segment X, which is deeply divided subapically into two very long saber-like blades in lateral view.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Monastria Saussure, 1864 (Blattodea: Blaberidae, Blaberinae) from the South American Atlantic forest, with the descriptions of five new species
Authors: TARLI VITOR DIAS , GRANDCOLAS PHILIPPE , PELLENS ROSELI
Published: November 2018

The genus Monastria Saussure, 1864 includes medium to large sized (40–55 mm) dark brown or black cockroaches found in the understory of the Neotropical Atlantic Forest from the Northeast of Brazil to Paraguay and Argentina. The genus shows evident sexual dimorphism: males are elongated with fully developed wings extending beyond the apex of cerci and females are oval and brachypterous. This study is a revision of the genus with redescription of the three already known species, Monastria biguttata (Thunberg, 1826), Monastria similis (Serville, 1838) and Monastria angulata Saussure, 1864, and description of five new ones, Monastria itubera sp. n. and Monastria itabuna sp. n. from state of Bahia, Monastria cabocla sp. n. from state of Sergipe, Monastria kaingangue sp. n. from state of São Paulo and Monastria sagittata sp. n. from state of Minas Gerais. The morphology of the genus and all species is described in details, including male genitalia. Based on this revision, we proposed a new combination for Hiereoblatta papillosa (Thunberg, 1826) comb. n., excluding it from the genus Monastria. For the first time, the juvenile stages of Monastria are characterized and compared to other genera of Blaberinae of the Atlantic forest. Three determination keys are provided. The two first are aimed at identifying the adults and juvenile stages of the five genera of the Blaberinae radiation endemic to the Atlantic forest, respectively. The third concerns the identification of the species of the genus Monastria. A map indicating the localities where species were sampled is also provided.
Second note on the genus Neacanista Gressitt, 1940 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Acanthocinini)
Authors: HUANG GUI-QIANG , LIN MEI-YING
Published: November 2018

Huang et al. (2015) treated Hoploranomimus Breuning, 1959 (type species: Acanthocinus harmandi Pic, 1939) and Paracanthocinus Breuning, 1965 (type species: Paracanthocinus laosensis Breuning, 1965) as junior synonyms of Neacanista Gressitt, 1940 (type species: Neacanista tuberculipenne Gressitt, 1940) and commented on the taxonomic status of Neacanista shirakii (Mitono, 1943).
Substance Use Pathways Among Female Adolescent Offenders
Authors: Lopez Vera , Kopak Albert , Pasko Lisa
Published: November 2018

This study tested a general strain theory (GST) model across two times with an ethnically diverse sample of 184 female adolescent offenders. We tested whether exposure to violence was associated with girls’ emotions and substance use. We found that (a) hostility mediated the relationship between experiencing violence and alcohol use at Time 1; (b) hostility mediated the relationship between witnessing violence and alcohol use at Time 1; and (c) depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between experiencing violence and marijuana use at Time 2. These mediated effects were minimal in magnitude given that that the bivariate relationships between violence exposure and substance use were small or nonsignificant. Exposure to violence was associated with negative emotions across both models.
Memory of Love Towards Parents Questionnaire: Development and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Patihis Lawrence , Herrera Mario E. , Huff Mark J. , Arnau Randolph C.
Published: November 2018

We document the development of the Memory of Love towards Parents Questionnaire—for use in multiple areas of psychology. It is designed to measure current feelings of and memory of love towards a specific parent during important time periods in childhood. In all samples (total N = 1527), we consistently found high internal reliability. We report the basic psychometrics of the 28-item subscale version in both undergraduate and US nonclinical adult samples and identified 10-item and 4-item subscale versions. The Memory of Love towards Parents Questionnaire has eight subscales: assessing mother and father separately during first, sixth, and ninth grade, as well as current feelings. We found a pattern of correlations that one would expect between existing attachment scales and the Memory of Love towards Parents Questionnaire. A factor analysis demonstrated that Memory of Love towards Parents Questionnaire items capture something different from the factors in established attachment measures. We found that the order of the subscales can be presented in a fixed order (mother-first and chronologically) without large order effects. The Memory of Love towards Parents Questionnaire demonstrated a single factor within subscales, reliability, and validity. The Memory of Love towards Parents Questionnaire can be used in clinical, social, developmental, and cognitive psychology.
Low Self-Esteem Predicts Indirect Support Seeking and Its Relationship Consequences in Intimate Relationships
Authors: Don Brian P. , Girme Yuthika U. , Hammond Matthew D.
Published: November 2018

Indirect support seeking involves sulking, whining, and/or displaying sadness to elicit social support. Ironically, this strategy tends to backfire by prompting rejection from close others. The current research examines how low self-esteem contributes to the use and relational consequences of indirect support seeking during couples’ interactions. Results across two dyadic, observational studies (Study 1 = 76 couples, Study 2 = 100 couples) demonstrated that support seekers with lower self-esteem engaged in greater indirect support seeking, and seekers’ greater indirect support seeking was associated with greater negative support from partners. Furthermore, partners’ negative support was associated with lower seeker perceptions of partner responsiveness, but only when support seekers were low in self-esteem. These results demonstrate how low self-esteem individuals’ attempts to protect themselves from social rejection by utilizing indirect support seeking may ironically elicit negative partner support, and undermine the feelings of acceptance that low self-esteem individuals crave.
What Factors Drive Municipal Fiscal Policy Adoption?: An Empirical Investigation of Major Cities in the United States
Authors: Shi Yu , Aydemir Nisa Yazici , Wu Yonghong
Published: November 2018

Local policy makers operate within a confined decision-making environment and their policy-making capacities are limited by intergovernmental constraints, political culture, service demand, and economic and fiscal condition. This study investigates the effects of these factors on certain types of local fiscal policy adoption in the United States. Based on data from hundred major American cities, the result shows that a combination of state aid, state-imposed local tax and expenditure limits, fiscal decentralization, and tax authority has varied effects on the adoption of fiscal policies such as property tax increases, other tax increases, fees and user charge increases, and personnel cuts.
News on the fly: journalist-audience online engagement success as a cultural matching process
Authors: Belair-Gagnon Valerie
Published: November 2018

Looking at web analytics in newsrooms, journalism studies scholarship has explored the notion of success in using web analytics and metrics in measuring journalist-audience engagement. Scholars have looked at the role of organizational structures, cognition, and emotion in defining success with analytics. This article analyzes how journalists interpret journalist-audience engagement success using web analytics and what this reliance on web analytics might mean for contemporary news production. Using direct observation of newsrooms and interviews with news media workers, this article argues that media workers interpret success in audience engagement using web analytics as a process of cultural matching between web analytics companies, media workers, and audiences. This article shows that analytics in journalism have highlighted some of the shared values and practices across the matchers and revealed the challenges of measuring success in audience-journalist engagement.
Emerging scenarios of data infrastructure and novel concepts of digital libraries in intelligent infrastructure for human-centred communities: A qualitative research
Authors: Shen Yi
Published: November 2018

This research investigated the strategic development of a large-scale transdisciplinary area, named intelligent infrastructure for human-centred communities, at Virginia Tech. Within such development, this study explored the future vision and anticipated scenarios of data infrastructure and digital libraries for smart community development. It draws upon the mixed-methods approach combining ethnographic participant observation, document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Grounded in socio-technical framework and rooted in empirical methods, this research produces results that augment design thinking and visioning practice for digital data libraries beyond traditional boundaries. The findings reveal the emerging scenarios around complex adaptive systems, intelligent data infrastructure and future digital libraries all in the context of building infrastructure for human-centred communities. Situated in this advancing reality, the results further discuss the next-generation data and information user experience, smart infrastructure data environment and future library capabilities. The article concludes that a smart library system, whether in its conceptual form of a ‘digital octopus’ or a ‘smart village data hub’ or an ‘intelligent virtual assistant’, will provide intelligence in data gathering, processing, summarising, communication and recommendations. By delivering unified and personalised data solutions, it will offer an end-to-end seamless experience for users throughout their journey of knowledge pursuit.
Early College High School Principals: Preparing Historically Underrepresented Students for College Success
Authors: Duncheon Julia C. , DeMatthews David E.
Published: November 2018

Early college high schools, which allow underrepresented students to earn up to an associate’s degree during 9th through 12th grades, have been lauded for their potential to increase college access and opportunity. Yet little is known about the role of the principal. Using data drawn from 10 administrators in the borderlands of West Texas, this qualitative study uses an instructional leadership framework to explore how early college principals support students’ college preparation at the intersection of secondary and postsecondary education.
An Empirical Study on Shopping Motivation among Generation Y Indian
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Sadarangani Pradip
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between shopping motivation and purchase intention. This study examines the impact of antecedents of utilitarian motivation and hedonic motivations on purchase intention among Generation Y Indian. The study follows the quantitative approach and collects the data through the survey questionnaire. A total of 229 responses are collected and analysed by using the structural equation modeling. Both hedonic motivations and utilitarian motivations are found to be influencing the purchase intention of foreign brand clothing. The antecedent of utilitarian motivations customized advertisements, and convenience and the antecedent of hedonic motivations adventure, authority and status are found to be significant. The findings are applicable to marketers as while designing the integrated marketing communications, management may emphases the hedonic dimensions of adventure, authority and status along with the utilitarian dimensions of customized advertisements and convenience for greater impact on consumers. The study contributes to the theory of shopping motivation and generational approach in marketing. The article adds value to the literature not only by validating previous work but also by offering new insights into shopping motivation and Generation Y India.
No better outcome of using antibiotic broadly in hospitalized adult patients with leukocytosis in emergency department
Authors: Chang Chia‐Peng , Wu Shu‐Ruei , Lin Chun‐Nan
Published: November 2018

Background:

Leukocytosis is a common laboratory finding in emergency departments worldwide. Various infectious diseases are common causes of leukocytosis in hospitalized adult patients. Most emergency physicians have a high awareness of sepsis or severe infection, which requires empirical antibiotics. However, there are many other etiologies for leukocytosis. The outcome of prescribing broad‐spectrum antibiotics in the emergency department for leukocytosis patients is not well‐understood.

Objectives:

Our objectives were to determine whether prescribing antibiotics in the emergency department affect outcome for hospitalized adult patients with leukocytosis.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adult emergency department patients with leukocytosis was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan between June 2016 and June 2017. Patients with leukocytosis (white blood cell count >11,000 cells per μL) who were admitted via the emergency department at the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, from June 2016 to June 2017 were enrolled. Patients aged ⩽18 years, pregnant women, those who received prophylactic antibiotics prior to operation, and those with a final diagnosis of hematologic malignancy were excluded from this study. The primary outcome measure was hospital stay, and the secondary outcome measure was mortality. All collected data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

A total of 8054 hospitalized adult patients with leukocytosis were included (the exclusion criteria included patients aged ⩽18 years, pregnant women, those who received prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery, and those with a final diagnosis of hematologic malignancy); all patients were admitted via the emergency department. In all, 4486 patients received initial antibiotic treatment in the emergency department, whereas 3568 patients did not receive antibiotics in the emergency department and ward/intensive care unit within 3 days. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital days (p = 0.239) or mortality (p = 0.345) between those who received and did not receive antibiotics in the emergency department.

Conclusion:

Hospitalized adult patients with leukocytosis did not necessarily require antibiotics in the emergency department except when they had a differential diagnosis that requires antibiotic treatment.
Verification of the feed-forward control for a piezoelectric actuator using differential flatness approach
Authors: Alzoubi Jomah , Alboon Shadi A , Alqudah Amin
Published: November 2018

In the last decade, the applications of nano- and micro-technology are widely used in many fields. In the modern mobile devices, such as digital cameras, there is an increased demand to achieve fast and precise positioning for some parts such as the recording sensor. Therefore, a smart material (piezoelectric) is used to achieve this requirement. This article discusses the feed-forward control for a piezoelectric actuator using differential flatness approach. The differential flatness approach is used to calculate the required voltage to control the piezoelectric actuator movement. The control voltage will be applied to the real actuator. The simulation and experimental results are compared for the actuator. The aim of this article is to verify the feed-forward control for second eigenfrequency using the differential flatness approach for the piezoelectric actuator.
Answering Questions About Race: How Racial and Ethnic Identities Influence Survey Response
Authors: Abrajano Marisa , Alvarez R. Michael
Published: November 2018

Given the fundamental role that race and ethnicity play in U.S. society, sensitive survey items on this subject can often lead individuals to underreport their true attitudes. Previous studies have shown that the absence of an interviewer reduces the pressure to provide socially desirable responses. The 2012 and 2016 American National Election Studies (ANES), where both interviewer and self-administered surveys were used, allows us to test whether mode effects emerge in the way respondents answer survey items related to racial attitudes. We also expect mode effects to vary based on the extent to which individuals are politically socialized in the United States. We find that respondents tend to underreport their racial animosity in interview-administered versus online surveys. Moreover, underreporting is nonexistent in the responses provided by foreign-born Latinos, but emerges for U.S.-born Latinos, Blacks, and Whites. These findings pose a number of implications for our understanding of racial attitudes and survey mode.
The microbiome and ophthalmic disease
Authors: Baim Adam D , Movahedan Asadolah , Farooq Asim V , Skondra Dimitra
Published: November 2018

Progress in microbiome research has accelerated in recent years. Through the use of 16S rRNA assays and other genomic sequencing techniques, researchers have provided new insights about the communities of microorganisms that inhabit human and animal hosts. There is mounting evidence about the importance of these ‘microbiotas’ in a wide variety of disease states, suggesting potential targets for preventative and therapeutic interventions. Until recently, however, the microbiome received relatively little attention in ophthalmology. This review explores emerging research on the roles that ocular and extraocular microbiotas may play in the pathogenesis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. These include diseases of the ocular surface as well as autoimmune uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and primary open angle glaucoma. Many questions remain about the potential impacts of microbiome research on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ophthalmic disease. In light of current findings, we suggest directions for future study as this exciting area of research continues to expand.

Impact statement

This review describes a growing body of research on relationships between the microbiome and eye disease. Several groups have investigated the microbiota of the ocular surface; dysregulation of this delicate ecosystem has been associated with a variety of pro-inflammatory states. Other research has explored the effects of the gastrointestinal microbiota on ophthalmic diseases. Characterizing the ways these microbiotas influence ophthalmic homeostasis and pathogenesis may lead to research on new techniques for managing ophthalmic disease.
Telementoring of Surgeons: A Systematic Review
Authors: Erridge Simon , Yeung Derek K. T. , Patel Hitendra R. H. , Purkayastha Sanjay
Published: November 2018

Background. Telementoring is a technique that has shown potential as a surgical training aid. Previous studies have suggested that telementoring is a safe training modality. This review aimed to review both the technological capabilities of reported telementoring systems as well as its potential benefits as a mentoring modality. Methods. A systematic review of the literature, up to July 2017, was carried out in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Oxford Levels of Evidence proforma. Data were extracted regarding technical capabilities, bandwidth, latency, and costs. Additionally, the primary aim and key results were extracted from each study and analyzed. Results. A total of 66 studies were identified for inclusion. In all, 48% of studies were conducted in general surgery; 22 (33%), 24 (36%), and 20 (30%) of studies reported telementoring that occurred within the same hospital, outside the hospital, and outside the country, respectively. Sixty-four (98%) of studies employed video and audio and 38 (58%) used telestration. Twelve separate studies directly compared telementoring against on-site mentoring. Seven (58%) showed no difference in outcomes between telementoring and on-site mentoring. No study found telementoring to result in poorer postoperative outcomes. Conclusions. The results of this review suggest that telementoring has a similar safety and efficacy profile as on-site mentoring. Future analysis to determine the potential benefits and pitfalls to surgical education through telementoring are required to determine the exact role it shall play in the future. Technological advances to improve remote connectivity would also aid the uptake of telementoring on a larger scale.
Biocon: Taking a Crack at the Global Biosimilar Market
Authors: Dey Soma
Published: November 2018

India’s first biotechnology company, Biocon, has developed into a fully integrated biotechnology company with an impressive portfolio of small molecule generic drugs as well as new research initiatives. From 2007, Biocon has started paying attention to the new market for biologics and biosimilars. The current global biosimilar market is worth US$3.3 billion with an expected growth rate of 25 per cent. Over a decade of research, strategic collaborations and acquisition of strategic assets have enabled Biocon to become the leading biosimilar manufacturer in India. However, the biosimilar market remains a difficult market globally. The complex manufacturing process of biosimilars makes it harder to manufacture quality biosimilars. The regulatory environments in different countries are a major challenge. Also, various other large global pharmaceutical companies are actively seeking access to this market, thereby increasing competition for all. Biocon has to face all these issues as it goes ahead with an outward-looking plan of expanding its biosimilar and biologics portfolio.
The advantages of electronic patient-reported measures and an example digital platform to collect ePROs after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: De Faoite Diarmuid
Published: November 2018

The patient’s perspective is increasingly being sought out in measuring the success of a medical procedure. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are the tools used to elicit patient options. Despite increased popularity, issues still remain around their use. Electronic PROMs have been suggested as an improvement on paper-based collection of data. Begun in 2004, the US-initiated Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) aims to improve the standards for the assessment of self-reported health status. The PROMIS initiative has generated a reliable and sensitive system, customised to the patient, which poses as few questions as possible. This is achieved through the use of computer-adaptive tests (CATs), which are individually tailored electronic questionnaires. Smith & Nephew collaborated with Wellframe Inc., a US-based patented health management solution, to adapt their platform for total knee arthroplasty patients and PROMIS CAT data collection. The platform’s app can be used outside of scheduled clinic visits to collect data from patients. This enables orthopaedic surgeons, for the first time, to remotely track their patients’ real-time healing progress and satisfaction levels. Smith & Nephew is currently investigating the use of this application for clinical research purposes. If electronic PROMs deliver on their promise, there is great potential to introduce them to the many clinical studies that the company runs and/or funds.
Procedural generation of flood-sensitive urban layouts
Authors: Mustafa Ahmed , Wei Zhang Xiao , Aliaga Daniel G , Bruwier Martin , Nishida Gen , Dewals Benjamin , Erpicum Sébastian , Archambeau Pierre , Pirotton Michel , Teller Jacques
Published: November 2018

Aside from modeling geometric shape, three-dimensional (3D) urban procedural modeling has shown its value in understanding, predicting and/or controlling effects of shape on design and urban planning. In this paper, instead of the construction of flood resistant measures, we create a procedural generation system for designing urban layouts that passively reduce water depth during a flooding scenario. Our tool enables exploring designs that passively lower flood depth everywhere or mostly in chosen key areas. Our approach tightly integrates a hydraulic model and a parameterized urban generation system with an optimization engine so as to find the least cost modification to an initial urban layout design. Further, due to the computational cost of a fluid simulation, we train neural networks to assist with accelerating the design process. We have applied our system to several real-world locations and have obtained improved 3D urban models in just a few seconds.
Computational efficient multidimensional singular spectrum analysis for prestack seismic data reconstruction
Authors: Cheng Jinkun , Sacchi Mauricio , Gao Jianjun
Published: November 2018

We have evaluated a fast and memory efficient implementation of the multidimensional singular spectrum analysis (MSSA) method for seismic data reconstruction. The new algorithm makes use of random projections and the structure of Hankel matrices to avoid the construction of large Hankel trajectory matrices. Through tests with synthetic and real data examples, we find that the presented algorithm significantly decreases the computational costs of MSSA seismic data recovery without compromising its accuracy.