bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing political deception: The virtues of Bernard Williams' anti‐tyranny argument
Authors: Cross Ben
Published: April 2018

According to Bernard Williams' “anti‐tyranny argument,” it is important for citizens to have access to true information about the exercise of political power in order to check the tendency of governments and politicians to become tyrannous. Although Williams thinks the argument is one of the better arguments for the importance of truthfulness in politics, he acknowledges 2 limitations. First, it appears to offer little more than the truism that tyranny is a bad thing—a truism that will be accepted by all but tyrants themselves. Second, it may not offer any reasons for the importance of true information about forms of political power, which do not seem tyrannous. I argue that kind of political analysis required to apply the anti‐tyranny argument enables it to overcome both limitations. In so doing, I show that it has a clear advantage over rival arguments for the importance of truthfulness in politics.
How National Institutions Limit Turnaround Strategies and Human Resource Management: A Comparative Study in the Airline Industry
Authors: Santana Monica , Valle Ramon , Galan Jose‐Luis
Published: April 2018

The influence of national institutions, particularly employee representation, on managers’ turnaround strategies remains largely unexplored in the literature. Therefore, this paper assesses the pressures that affected two European airline companies, British Airways (BA) and Iberia, and their turnaround responses in a context of economic crisis and austerity, particularly from the perspective of strategic human resource management (SHRM). Our case studies show that when national institutions grant a number of rights to employee representatives, an innovative HRM strategy enables the recovery strategy required to deal with internal sources of decline. In contrast, when national institutions provide fewer rights to employee representatives, there is room for company HRM strategy to challenge or resist institutional pressures. Our research focuses particularly on how coercive pressures exerted by employee representation, according to the legal framework governing labor relations, affect turnaround strategies.
Study of mode I crack dynamic propagation behaviour and rock dynamic fracture toughness by using SCT specimens
Authors: Dong Y.Q. , Zhu Z.M. , Zhou L. , Ying P. , Wang M.
Published: April 2018

To study crack dynamic propagation behaviour and rock dynamic fracture toughness, a single cleavage triangle (SCT) specimen was proposed in this paper. By using these specimens and a drop‐weight test system, impact experiments were conducted, and the crack propagation velocity and the fracture time were measured by using crack propagation gauges. To examine the effectiveness of the SCT specimen and to predict the test results, finite difference numerical models were established by using AUTODYN code, and the simulation results showed that the crack propagation path agrees with the test results, and crack arrest phenomena could happen. Meanwhile, by using these numerical models, the crack dynamic propagation mechanism was investigated. Finite element code ABAQUS was applied in the calculation of crack dynamic stress intensity factors (SIFs) based on specimen dimension and the loading curves measured, and the curves of crack dynamic SIFs versus time were obtained. The fracture toughness (including initiation toughness and propagation toughness) was determined according to the fracture time and crack speeds measured by crack propagation gauges. The results show that the SCT specimen is applicable to the study of crack dynamic propagation behaviour and fracture toughness, and in the process of crack propagation, the propagation toughness decreases with crack propagation velocity, and the crack arrest phenomena could happen. The critical SIF of an arrest crack (or arrest toughness) was higher than the crack propagation toughness but was lower than the initiation toughness.
Thallium Mass Fraction and Stable Isotope Ratios of Sixteen Geological Reference Materials
Authors: Brett Alex , Prytulak Julie , Hammond Samantha J. , Rehkämper Mark
Published: April 2018

Thallium stable isotope ratio and mass fraction measurements were performed on sixteen geological reference materials spanning three orders of magnitude in thallium mass fraction, including both whole rock and partially separated mineral powders. For stable isotope ratio measurements, a minimum of three independent digestions of each reference material was obtained. High‐precision trace element measurements (including Tl) were also performed for the majority of these RMs. The range of Tl mass fractions represented is 10 ng g−1 to 16 μg g−1, and Tl stable isotope ratios (reported for historical reasons as ε205Tl relative to NIST SRM 997) span the range −4 to +2. With the exception – attributed to between‐bottle heterogeneity – of G‐2, the majority of data are in good agreement with published or certified values, where available. The precision of mean of independent measurement results between independent dissolutions suggests that, for the majority of materials analysed, a minimum digested mass of 100 mg is recommended to mitigate the impact of small‐scale powder heterogeneity. Of the sixteen materials analysed, we therefore recommend for use as Tl reference materials the USGS materials BCR‐2, COQ‐1, GSP‐2 and STM‐1; CRPG materials AL‐I, AN‐G, FK‐N, ISH‐G, MDO‐G, Mica‐Fe, Mica‐Mg and UB‐N; NIST SRM 607 and OREAS14P.
Introduction to hepatitis C virus infection: Overview and history of hepatitis C virus therapies
Authors: Puchades Renau Lorena , Berenguer Marina
Published: April 2018

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an infection that affects over 71 million people worldwide that primarily leads to significant morbidity and mortality through its predisposition to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In addition, extrahepatic manifestations, such as mixed cryoglobulinaemia‐associated vasculitis including renal disease, or type II diabetes are frequently encountered in chronically infected individuals. HCV treatment aims to permanently eradicate the virus in order to prevent both liver and extra‐hepatic manifestations. Over two decades after the HCV discovery, treatments have evolved from nonspecific immune modulating therapies based on interferon to specific drug combinations, targeting viral proteins. In the present review, we give an overview of HCV infection with a special emphasis on the history of the treatment of viral hepatitis C and the substantial improvement in efficacy and tolerability profile with the recent development of new direct‐acting antiviral therapies.
Optimization of the method of the content‐containing interaction evaluation for cosmetic products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Charron C. , De Vaugelade S. , Richard F. , Largitte A. , Pirnay S.
Published: April 2018

In July 2013, the European Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 came into effect in order to secure cosmetic products. The content‐containing interaction between the packaging and the product must be considered for the safety assessment. Indeed, some compounds are able to migrate from the packaging to the product and may be harmful to the consumer health. This is why a first test was established by EXPERTOX laboratory in 2012 to deal with this new regulation. A new analytical method was developed and validated for the quantification of 23 substances able to migrate from the packaging to the product. It was applied on a plastic packaging with the five simulants of migration. To evaluate the content‐containing interaction, a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method was developed and validated. Liquid–liquid extraction was used to extract contaminants (thirteen phthalates and ten substances of very high concern) from migration simulants. Calibration curves showed good linearity regression from 2 to 50 μg mL−1 for nineteen molecules and from 5 to 45 μg mL−1 for the others. The limits of quantification were respectively 2 and 5 μg mL−1. The accuracy, precision, repeatability of the analytical method and extraction yields were acceptable. No molecule was found in simulants of migration, so the potential contaminants present in the packaging did not migrate. A gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method and liquid‐liquid extraction were validated for 23 molecules and can be used for the evaluation of the content‐containing interaction of cosmetic products. Both quantification and extraction procedures are more robust and faster than previous method.
Effect of sub‐freezing storage (−6, −9 and −12 °C) on quality and shelf life of beef
Authors: Qian Shuyi , Li Xia , Wang Hang , Sun Zhen , Zhang Chunhui , Guan Wenqiang , Blecker Christophe
Published: April 2018

Based on the results of low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) in our current study (the frozen state of −6, −9 and −12 °C were nearly the same with extremely low free water content), −6, −9 and −12 °C was designated as sub‐freezing temperatures. The effects of sub‐freezing storage compared with conventional chilling (4 °C), superchilling (−1 °C) and conventional freezing (−18 °C) on the quality and shelf life of beef were analysed. Results showed that the shelf life of beef is extended to 84 and 126 day at −6 °C and −9 °C, respectively. However, the TVB‐N values of the samples stored at −12 °C and −18 °C remained below 15 mg/100 g even on 168 day. Furthermore, shear force, colour, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and sensory properties were also measured. Consequently, the sub‐freezing storage has significantly extended the shelf life of beef compared to chilling and superchilling (P < 0.05). Moreover, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between the indicators for quality and shelf life of samples stored at −12 and −18 °C throughout 168 days.
Case of complete response to neoadjuvant therapy using nivolumab in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ikarashi Daiki , Kato Yoichiro , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Takahara Takeshi , Uesugi Noriyuki , Shiomi Ei , Sugimura Jun , Nitta Hiroyuki , Sugai Tamotsu , Obara Wataru
Published: April 2018

Here, we report a case of a 68‐year‐old woman with cT4N0M1 (liver invasion and multiple lung metastases) metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We could carry out less invasive nephrectomy with partial hepatectomy because nivolumab administration as second‐line therapy reduced the primary tumor remarkably. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of nivolumab before carrying out surgery, and histological findings showed a pathological complete response.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment restores memory‐related gene expression and learning ability in neonicotinoid‐treated Apis mellifera
Authors: Hu Y.‐T. , Tang C.‐K. , Wu C.‐P. , Wu P.‐C. , Yang E.‐C. , Tai C.‐C. , Wu Y.‐L.
Published: April 2018

Apis mellifera plays crucial roles in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems and stability of agricultural systems by helping pollination of flowering plants, including many crops. In recent years, this balance has been disrupted greatly by some pesticides, which results in great losses of honeybees worldwide. Previous studies have found that pesticide‐caused memory loss might be one of the major reasons for colony loss. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are chemical compounds that inhibit the activity of histone deacetylases and are known to cause hyperacetylation of histone cores and influence gene expression. In our study, the HDACi sodium butyrate was applied to honeybees as a dietary supplement. The effect of sodium butyrate on the expression profiles of memory‐related genes was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The results revealed that this HDACi had up‐regulation effects on most of the memory‐related genes in bees, even in bees treated with imidacloprid. In addition, using the proboscis extension reflex to evaluate olfactory learning in bees, we found that this HDACi boosted the memory formation of bees after impairment owing to imidacloprid exposure. This study investigated the association between gene expression and memory formation from an epigenetic perspective. Additionally, we further demonstrate the possibility of enhancing bee learning using HDACis and provide initial data for future research.
The EU‐Turkey‐'deal': Legal Challenges and Pitfalls
Authors: Lehner Roman
Published: April 2018

The EU‐Turkey “deal”, based on the Joint Action Plan (JAP) between the European Union (EU) and Turkey, raises fundamental questions on the range of European asylum law as well as on the scope of the safe third country concept, which has turned out to serve as a political master key to “solve” the problems of the so‐called “refugee crisis” in Europe. This article discusses the legal possibilities of the application of the concept as well as its limitations regarding the human rights orientation of European and international law, focusing on the evolvement and legal implementation of the “Merkel Plan”. The legal analysis also focusses on recent ideas to make new “deals” with third states such as Libya. It concludes with a critical but differentiated(?) acclaim of the controversial externalizing policy approach.
A History of the GLIM Statistical Package
Authors: Aitkin Murray
Published: April 2018

This article documents the history of the GLIM statistical package, from Royal Statistical Society documents, GLIM Working Party documents and recollections of the developers of GLIM and its supporting papers, manuals and books.
Vine Copulas for Imputation of Monotone Non‐response
Authors: Hasler Caren , Craiu Radu V. , Rivest Louis‐Paul
Published: April 2018

Monotone patterns of non‐response may occur in longitudinal studies. When the measured variables are dependent, it is beneficial to use their joint statistical model to impute the missing values. We propose to use vine copulas to factorise the density of the observed variables into a cascade of bivariate copulas that yield a flexible model of their joint distribution. The structure of the vine depends on the non‐response pattern. We propose a method to select the model, to estimate the parameters of the bivariate copulas of the selected model and to impute using the constructed model. The imputed values are drawn from the conditional distribution of the missing values, given the observed data. We discuss the generalisation of our results to more global non‐response patterns.
Gender Differences in Sorting
Authors: Merlino Luca Paolo , Parrotta Pierpaolo , Pozzoli Dario
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigate gender differences in workers’ career development within and outside the firm to explain the existence of gender wage gaps. Using Danish employer–employee matched data, we find that good female workers are more likely to move to better firms than men but are less likely to be promoted. Furthermore, these differences in career advancement widen after the first child is born. Our findings suggest that career impediments in certain firms cause the most productive female workers to seek better jobs in firms in which there is less gender bias.
Low‐temperature sintering and thermal stability of Li2GeO3‐based microwave dielectric ceramics with low permittivity
Authors: Yin Changzhi , Xiang Huaicheng , Li Chunchun , Porwal Harshit , Fang Liang
Published: April 2018

A low‐permittivity dielectric ceramic Li2GeO3 was prepared by the solid‐state reaction route. Single‐phase Li2GeO3 crystallized in an orthorhombic structure. Dense ceramics with high relative density and homogeneous microstructure were obtained as sintered at 1000‐1100°C. The optimum microwave dielectric properties were achieved in the sample sintered at 1080°C with a high relative density ~ 96%, a relative permittivity εr ~ 6.36, a quality factor Q × f ~ 29 000 GHz (at 14.5 GHz), and a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency τf ~ −72 ppm/°C. The sintering temperature of Li2GeO3 was successfully lowered via the appropriate addition of B2O3. Only 2 wt.% B2O3 addition contributed to a 21.2% decrease in sintering temperature to 850°C without deteriorating the dielectric properties. The temperature dependence of the resonance frequency was successfully suppressed by the addition of TiO2 to form Li2TiO3 with a positive τf value. These results demonstrate potential applications of Li2GeO3 in low‐temperature cofiring ceramics technology.
Visit‐to‐visit variability in blood pressure and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Brigo Francesco , Vernieri Fabrizio , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: April 2018

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and one of the leading sources of disability and dependency in the elderly. Given the limited treatment options, understanding the role of modifiable risk factors implied in the disease pathogenesis is a worthwhile endeavor to limit its global burden. Recently, the variability of blood pressure has been suggested to be a significant determinant of brain alterations and a potential therapeutic target. The aim of this article is to review the clinical evidence on the association between visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability andAlzheimer's disease, highlight the underlying mechanisms, and suggest future implications.
A multicohort, longitudinal study of cerebellar development in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Shaw Philip , Ishii‐Takahashi Ayaka , Park Min Tae , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Zibman Chava , Kasparek Steven , Sudre Gustavo , Mangalmurti Aman , Hoogman Martine , Tiemeier Henning , von Polier Georg , Shook Devon , Muetzel Ryan , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Konrad Kerstin , Durston Sarah , White Tonya
Published: April 2018

Background

The cerebellum supports many cognitive functions disrupted in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior neuroanatomic studies have been often limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent findings, and a reliance on cross‐sectional data, limiting inferences about cerebellar development. Here, we conduct a multicohort study using longitudinal data, to characterize cerebellar development.

Methods

Growth trajectories of the cerebellar vermis, hemispheres and white matter were estimated using piecewise linear regression from 1,656 youth; of whom 63% had longitudinal data, totaling 2,914 scans. Four cohorts participated, all contained childhood data (age 4–12 years); two had adolescent data (12–25 years). Growth parameters were combined using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Diagnostic differences in growth were confined to the corpus medullare (cerebellar white matter). Here, the ADHD group showed slower growth in early childhood compared to the typically developing group (left corpus medullare z = 2.49, p = .01; right z = 2.03, p = .04). This reversed in late childhood, with faster growth in ADHD in the left corpus medullare (z = 2.06, p = .04). Findings held when gender, intelligence, comorbidity, and psychostimulant medication were considered.

Discussion

Across four independent cohorts, containing predominately longitudinal data, we found diagnostic differences in the growth of cerebellar white matter. In ADHD, slower white matter growth in early childhood was followed by faster growth in late childhood. The findings are consistent with the concept of ADHD as a disorder of the brain's structural connections, formed partly by developing cortico‐cerebellar white matter tracts.
Challenges for flood risk management in flood‐prone Sirajganj region of Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Md.H. , Bhattacharya B. , Islam A.K.M.S. , Islam G.M.T. , Hossain Md.S. , Khan A.S.
Published: April 2018

Although Bangladesh has suffered from different types of floods which have caused enormous damage to properties and lives, managing floods still remains a challenging task. Flood management is a multisectoral activity due to its complexity, scale, and multidisciplinary nature. Sirajganj district can be regarded as one of the most vulnerable areas in Bangladesh and hence a study was carried out for Sirajganj district to provide guidelines to combat challenges to flood risk management. The flood frequency analyses at three river stations using water level data were carried out, the flood inundation map for different return periods and a flood depth versus damage curve are plotted to address the vulnerable areas and damages, and to help design flood mitigation structures. It can be inferred that damages will be proportional to return period since the risk is a function of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. Both structural and non‐structural measures including rejuvenation of the Jamuna River and low‐cost flood resistant building approaches for flood affected char (island) people are suggested along with a few recommendations to mitigate floods in the study area. The government, Non governmental organization (NGO), funding agencies, and transboundary countries should come forward to mitigate flood hazards to improve the livelihood of the affected people.
Aligning ancient and modern approaches to sustainable urban water management in China: Ningbo as a “Blue‐Green City” in the “Sponge City” campaign
Authors: Tang Y‐T. , Chan F.K.S. , O'Donnell E.C. , Griffiths J. , Lau L. , Higgitt D.L. , Thorne C.R.
Published: April 2018

Modern urban flood and water management emphasises holistic strategies that reduce flood risk while providing cobenefits to urban economies, societies, and environments. The “Blue‐Green City” concept provides a viable framework for putting this into practice. Ningbo, is a coastal city with high flood risk, whose history as a Chinese “water town” demonstrates that approaches to water management implicit to the “Blue‐Green” concept were practiced in ancient times, and lessons can be learned from these applications. Furthermore, recent launch of the “Sponge City” campaign by China's National Government demonstrates the political will to implement sustainable flood and water management in ways consistent with the “Blue‐Green” ideals. Selection of Ningbo for a pilot project presents the opportunity to integrate new “Sponge city” approaches with ancient “Blue‐Green” principles, within the contexts of both new urban development and retrofit. Reinventing traditional approaches to urban water management and governance offers the possibility of maintaining flood risk at acceptable levels without constraining urban growth in China and other countries experiencing rapid urban development.
Probabilistic flood forecasting in the Doce Basin in Brazil: Effects of the basin scale and orientation and the spatial distribution of rainfall
Authors: Tomasella J. , Sene Gonçalves A. , Schneider Falck A. , Oliveira Caram R. , Rodrigues Diniz F.L. , Rodriguez D.A. , Rodrigues do Prado M.C. , Negrão A.C. , Sueiro Medeiros G. , Chagas Siquiera G.
Published: April 2018

We critically examined the performance of probabilistic streamflow forecasting in the prediction of flood events in 19 subbasins of the Doce River in Brazil using the Eta (4 members, 5 km spatial resolution) and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF; 51 members, 32 km resolution) weather forecast models as inputs for the MHD‐INPE hydrological model. We observed that the shapes and orientations of subbasins influenced the predictability of floods due to the orientation of rainfall events. Streamflow forecasts that use the ECMWF data as input showed higher skill scores than those that used the Eta model for subbasins with drainage areas larger than 20,000 km2. Since the skill scores were similar for both models in smaller subbasins, we concluded that the grid size of the weather model could be important for smaller catchments, while the number of members was crucial for larger scales. We also evaluated the performance of probabilistic streamflow forecasting for the severe flood event of late 2013 through a comparison of observations and streamflow estimations derived from interpolated rainfall fields. In many cases, the mean of the ensemble outperformed the streamflow estimations from the interpolated rainfall because the spatial structure of a rainfall event is better captured by weather forecast models.
A Review and Typology of Circular Economy Business Model Patterns
Authors: Lüdeke‐Freund Florian , Gold Stefan , Bocken Nancy M. P.
Published: April 2018

The circular economy (CE) requires companies to rethink their supply chains and business models. Several frameworks found in the academic and practitioner literature propose circular economy business models (CEBMs) to redefine how companies create value while adhering to CE principles. A review of these frameworks shows that some models are frequently discussed, some are framework specific, and some use a different wording to refer to similar CEBMs, pointing to the need to consolidate the current state of the art. We conduct a morphological analysis of 26 current CEBMs from the literature, which includes defining their major business model dimensions and identifying the specific characteristics of these dimensions. Based on this analysis, we identify a broad range of business model design options and propose six major CEBM patterns with the potential to support the closing of resource flows: repair and maintenance; reuse and redistribution; refurbishment and remanufacturing; recycling; cascading and repurposing; and organic feedstock business model patterns. We also discuss different design strategies to support the development of these CEBMs.
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and assay validation: Stress response evaluation in captive brown howler monkeys (Alouatta clamitans)
Authors: Eleonora Madeira Buti Thais , Kugelmeier Tatiana , Sobral Gisela , Viau Furtado Priscila , do Valle Dutra de Andrade Neves Dafne , Alvarenga de Oliveira Claudio
Published: April 2018

Background

The advent of non‐invasive methods provides a powerful alternative to stress studies as the use of stressful handling techniques is no longer needed. However, many factors influence hormone metabolism such as sex, diet, and metabolic rate. Thus, validation should be species‐ and matrix‐specific.

Methods

To assess stress response in brown howler monkeys Alouatta clamitans, we adopted an ACTH challenge test and parallelism to provide physiological and laboratorial validation. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure fecal levels of corticosterone.

Results and Conclusions

All challenged animals presented a peak in fecal glucocorticoids levels the day after the treatment, while control animals did not. There were no significant sex differences, but females with infants had higher levels of corticosterone. Corticosterone levels showed parallelism to the standard curve of the diagnostics kit. Collectively, the data suggest that the method was validated and is useful for monitoring stress, thereby helping in conservation programs both in captivity and in the wild. Transit time information may be coupled with travel distance in seed dispersal studies.
External details revisited – A new taxonomy for coding ‘non‐episodic’ content during autobiographical memory retrieval
Authors: Strikwerda‐Brown Cherie , Mothakunnel Annu , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier , Irish Muireann
Published: April 2018

Autobiographical memory (ABM) is typically held to comprise episodic and semantic elements, with the vast majority of studies to date focusing on profiles of episodic details in health and disease. In this context, ‘non‐episodic’ elements are often considered to reflect semantic processing or are discounted from analyses entirely. Mounting evidence suggests that rather than reflecting one unitary entity, semantic autobiographical information may contain discrete subcomponents, which vary in their relative degree of semantic or episodic content. This study aimed to (1) review the existing literature to formally characterize the variability in analysis of ‘non‐episodic’ content (i.e., external details) on the Autobiographical Interview and (2) use these findings to create a theoretically grounded framework for coding external details. Our review exposed discrepancies in the reporting and interpretation of external details across studies, reinforcing the need for a new, consistent approach. We validated our new external details scoring protocol (the ‘NExt’ taxonomy) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (n = 18) and semantic dementia (n = 13), and 20 healthy older Control participants and compared profiles of the NExt subcategories across groups and time periods. Our results revealed increased sensitivity of the NExt taxonomy in discriminating between ABM profiles of patient groups, when compared to traditionally used internal and external detail metrics. Further, remote and recent autobiographical memories displayed distinct compositions of the NExt detail types. This study is the first to provide a fine‐grained and comprehensive taxonomy to parse external details into intuitive subcategories and to validate this protocol in neurodegenerative disorders.
Capitalist food production and the rise of legal adulteration: Regulating food standards in 19th‐century Britain
Authors: Rioux Sébastien
Published: April 2018

This paper argues that food adulteration is constitutive of capitalist food production. Through an analysis of the plasticity of legal reasoning on food regulations during the second half of the 19th century in Britain, the paper demonstrates the key role of the state in enforcing the distinction between legal and illegal forms of food adulteration, which is essential to understand contemporary dynamics in food production.
Experimental evidence on tax salience and tax incidence
Authors: Morone Andrea , Nemore Francesco , Nuzzo Simone
Published: April 2018

Although a basic theoretical principle in public economics assumes that individuals optimize fully with respect to the introduction of a tax, a growing body of research is proving that several heuristics are in place when people take decisions. We re‐examine the well known liability side equivalence principle in the light of the concept of salience. While these two topics have been extensively investigated in isolation, this paper innovates on the previous literature in that it focuses on their joint effects. Is tax incidence dependent on whether the subjects face a salient rather than a nonsalient tax? Does the salience of a tax exert a different effect depending on who is legally committed to bear the tax burden? We address these questions through a laboratory experiment in which one unit of a fictitious good is being traded through a double‐auction market institution. Based on a panel data analysis, our contribution shows that point of collection matters and determines the economic incidence of tax. Additionally, we find that the joint effect of salience and statutory incidence does not alter the informative efficiency, but has a positive effect on buyers’ allocational efficiency when the tax is levied on sellers.
Experimental myopia increases and scleral crosslinking using genipin inhibits cyclic softening in the tree shrew sclera
Authors: Levy Alexander M. , Fazio Massimo A. , Grytz Rafael
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Myopia progression is thought to involve biomechanical weakening of the sclera, which leads to irreversible deformations and axial elongation of the eye. Scleral crosslinking has been proposed as a potential treatment option for myopia control by strengthening the mechanically weakened sclera. The biomechanical mechanism by which the sclera weakens during myopia and strengthens after crosslinking is not fully understood. Here, we assess the effect of lens‐induced myopia and exogenous crosslinking using genipin on the inelastic mechanical properties of the tree shrew sclera measured by cyclic tensile tests.

Methods

Cyclic tensile tests were performed on 2‐mm wide scleral strips at physiological loading conditions (50 cycles, 0–3.3 g, 30 s cycle−1). Two scleral strips were obtained from each eye of juvenile tree shrews exposed to two different visual conditions: normal and 4 days of monocular −5 D lens wear to accelerate scleral remodelling and induce myopia. Scleral strips were mechanically tested at three alternative conditions: immediately after enucleation; after incubation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 24 h at 37°C; and after incubation for 24 h in PBS supplemented with genipin at a low cytotoxicity concentration (0.25 mm). Cyclic softening was defined as the incremental strain increase from one cycle to the next.

Results

−5D lens treatment significantly increased the cyclic softening response of the sclera when compared to contralateral control eyes (0.10% ± 0.029%, mean ± standard error, P = 0.037). Exogenous crosslinking of the lens treated sclera significantly decreased the cyclic softening response (−0.12% ± 0.014%, P = 2.2 × 10−5). Contrary to all other groups, the genipin‐cross‐linked tissue did not exhibit cyclic softening significantly different from zero within the 50‐cycle test.

Conclusions

Results indicated that cyclic tensile loading leads to an inelastic, cyclic softening of the juvenile tree shrew sclera. The softening rate increased during lens‐induced myopia and was diminished after genipin crosslinking. This finding suggests that axial elongation in myopia may involve a biomechanical weakening mechanism that increased the cyclic softening response of the sclera, which was inhibited by scleral crosslinking using genipin.
Safety and efficacy following 10‐years of overnight orthokeratology for myopia control
Authors: Hiraoka Takahiro , Sekine Yasuo , Okamoto Fumiki , Mihashi Toshifumi , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To compare rates of myopia progression and adverse events between orthokeratology (OK) and soft contact lens (SCL) wearers over a 10‐year period in schoolchildren.

Methods

Medical records of consecutive patients (≤16 years of age at baseline) who startedOKfor myopia correction and continued the treatment for 10 years were retrospectively reviewed. For the control group, patients who started using soft contact lenses (SCLs) for myopia correction and continued to use them for 10 years were also reviewed. Clinical data, including sex, age, manifest refraction, visual acuity, prescription lens power, and adverse events during the 10‐year period, were recorded. Estimated myopia progression was calculated as the sum of ‘changes in prescription lens power during 10 years’ and ‘residual refractive errors at the 10‐year visit,’ and was compared between groups. We also compared the incidence of adverse events between groups over the 10‐year study period.

Results

A total of 104 eyes of 53 patients who underwentOKtreatment and 78 eyes of 39 patients who woreSCLs fulfilled the criteria. The estimated myopia progression over the 10‐year period found in theOKandSCLgroups were −1.26 ± 0.98 and −1.79 ± 1.24 days, respectively; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Additionally, lower myopia progression was found in theOKin comparison to theSCLgroup at all baseline ages (p = 0.003 top = 0.049) except at 16 years old (p = 0.41). No significant difference was found in the number of adverse events found between theOK(119) andSCL(103) groups (p = 0.72).

Conclusions

The results of this study supports the long‐term efficacy and safety ofOKlens wear in reducing myopia progression in schoolchildren.
EAACI/ENDA Position Paper: Diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity reactions to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in children and adolescents
Authors: Kidon Mona , Blanca‐Lopez Natalia , Gomes Eva , Terreehorst Ingrid , Tanno Luciana , Ponvert Claude , Chin Chiang Wen , Caubet Jean Christoph , Soyer Ozge , Mori Francesca , Blanca Miguel , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina
Published: April 2018

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in the pediatric population as antipyretics/analgesics and anti‐inflammatory medications. Hypersensitivity (HS) reactions to NSAID in this age group, while similar to adults, have unique diagnostic and management issues. Although slowly accumulating, published data in this age group are still relatively rare and lacking a unifying consensus. This work is a summary of current knowledge and consensus recommendations utilizing both published data and expert opinion from the European Network of Drug Allergy (ENDA) and the Drug Hypersensitivity interest group in the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). This position paper summarizes diagnostic and management guidelines for children and adolescents with NSAIDs hypersensitivity.
What if they are right? Network approval, expectations, and relationship maintenance behaviors
Authors: Plamondon Andréanne , Lachance‐Grzela Mylène
Published: April 2018

This study drew on uncertainty reduction and decision‐making theories to investigate how perceptions of approval of romantic relationships from family and friends can influence romantic partners' dynamics. Using a dyadic approach, the authors examined whether expectations of a partner's behavior in the relationship mediated the associations between perceived social network approval and relationship maintenance behaviors in a sample of 137 couples. The actor–partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) was applied. Results showed that women's and men's perceptions of approval from their own and their partner's network were associated with their own level of expectations of their partner's behaviors. In turn, women's and men's expectations were associated with their own and their partner's maintenance behaviors.
Growth, body composition, and bone density following pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Sheikh Amin , Cundy Tim , Evans Helen Maria
Published: April 2018

Patients transplanted for cholestatic liver disease are often significantly fat‐soluble vitamin deficient and malnourished pretransplant, with significant corticosteroid exposure post‐transplant, with increasing evidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome post‐LT. Our study aimed to assess growth, body composition, and BMD in patients post‐pediatric LT. Body composition and bone densitometry scans were performed on 21 patients. Pre‐ and post‐transplant anthropometric data were analyzed. Bone health was assessed using serum ALP, calcium, phosphate, and procollagen‐1‐N‐peptide levels. Median ages at transplant and at this assessment were 2.7 and 10.6 years, respectively. Physiological markers of bone health, median z‐scores for total body, and lumbar spine aBMD were normal. Bone area was normal for height and BMAD at L3 was normal for age, indicating, respectively, normal cortical and trabecular bone accrual. Median z‐scores for weight, height, and BMI were 0.6, −0.9, 1.8 and 0.6, 0.1, 0.8 pre‐ and post‐transplant, respectively. Total body fat percentages measured on 21 body composition scans revealed 2 underweight, 7 normal, 6 overweight, and 6 obese. Bone mass is preserved following pediatric LT with good catch‐up height. About 52% of patients were either overweight/obese post‐transplant, potentially placing them at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae in later life. BMI alone is a poor indicator of nutritional status post‐transplant.
Coverage and Campaign Coffers in 2012: Enduring Strategies and Changes in Presidential Primaries
Authors: Cassino Dan
Published: April 2018

Mutz’s seminal work on the effect of media coverage on campaign contributions is now more than 20 years old. Using a combination of Federal Election Commission contribution data, aggregated polling data, and analysis of media content from news broadcasts, Tobit regression analysis is used to determine which factors led small and large contributors to give money to candidates in the 2012 Republican presidential primary. The results largely confirm Mutz’s findings, showing the highly strategic behavior of both small and large contributors, though large contributors seem to be much more effective in giving money where it is likely to make a difference.
Competence and frequency of provision of spiritual care by nurses in the Netherlands
Authors: Vogel Annemieke , Schep‐Akkerman Annemiek E.
Published: April 2018

Background

Spiritual care to patients is important for their well‐being, and nurses do have a crucial role in it. Previous research focused on self‐assessed competence in providing spiritual care, but little is known about the actual provision. The aims of this study were as follows: (i) to evaluate how often nurses provide spiritual care, (ii) if or which association there is between self‐assessed competency and provision of spiritual care, and (iii) to study which factors do have influence on delivering spiritual care.

Method

A quantitative study was designed. Nurses were asked to complete a questionnaire. Self‐assessment of spiritual care competence and actions was evaluated with the Spiritual Care Competence Scale New: a 27 items questionnaire on competence (SCCS‐can) and frequency (SCCS‐do) of providing spiritual care, measured with a five‐point Likert scale. Mean competence score and frequency of provision were calculated, next to the correlation between those two. Several factors (mean SCCS‐can, gender, age, education level, experience, life view, personal spirituality (measured on a 1–10 scale)) were included in regression analysis to study factors of influence on actual provision of spiritual care (measured with SCCS‐do).

Results

A total of 104 completed questionnaires have been analysed. Mean score on the SCCS‐can was 3.9, and on the SCCS‐do 3.2. This means that nurses state they are highly competent in delivering spiritual care and provide this monthly. The Pearson correlation between SCCS‐can and SCCS‐do was 0.50, which means the higher the score on SCCS‐can, the higher the score on SCCS‐do. Regression analysis shows that the self‐assessed competence of spiritual care (SCCS‐can) and the personal spirituality are significant predictors of the outcome SCCS‐do.

Conclusion

The better the nurses think they can provide spiritual care, the more they say they practise it. Regression analysis supports this: the factors of influence on provision of spiritual care are self‐assessed competence and personal spirituality.
Poisoning Severity Associated with a Range of Medications in Suicide Attempts by Ingestion
Authors: Conner Kenneth R. , Wiegand Timothy J. , Gorodetsky Rachel , Schult Rachel F. , Kaukeinen Kimberly
Published: April 2018

There are limited data on the medical severity of suicide attempts by intentional self‐poisoning (ISP) associated with ingestion of differing classes of medications and meager data on specific agents. The purpose of the study was to address these gaps. This was an analysis of a consecutive series of ISP cases ages 13 to 65 treated at a U.S. university medical center (N = 671). The outcome, poisoning severity, was dichotomized as “moderate‐severe” and “low” (reference) based on a standard measure. Class of medication (e.g., opiate) and specific agents ingested were the predictors of interest. Covariates were age, sex, and the ingestion of multiple classes of medications. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. At the class level, ingestion of opiate was uniquely associated with increased risk for moderate‐severe ISP at a statistically significant level, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 2.97 (1.69, 5.21), p = .0002. Several specific agents were also associated with moderate‐severe ISP. Along with the key role of opiate medications in unintentional overdose morbidity and mortality, opiate medications may also play an important and largely unrecognized role in medically serious suicidal behavior. Results also underscore the variability in toxicity of specific agents within drug classes.
Interseason variability in isokinetic strength and poor correlation with Nordic hamstring eccentric strength in football players
Authors: van Dyk N. , Witvrouw E. , Bahr R.
Published: April 2018

In elite sport, the use of strength testing to establish muscle function and performance is common. Traditionally, isokinetic strength tests have been used, measuring torque during concentric and eccentric muscle action. A device that measures eccentric hamstring muscle strength while performing the Nordic hamstring exercise is now also frequently used. The study aimed to investigate the variability of isokinetic muscle strength over time, for example, between seasons, and the relationship between isokinetic testing and the new Nordic hamstring exercise device. All teams (n = 18) eligible to compete in the premier football league in Qatar underwent a comprehensive strength assessment during their periodic health evaluation at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar. Isokinetic strength was investigated for measurement error, and correlated to Nordic hamstring exercise strength. Of the 529 players included, 288 players had repeated tests with 1/2 seasons between test occasions. Variability (measurement error) between test occasions was substantial, as demonstrated by the measurement error (approximately 25 Nm, 15%), whether separated by 1 or 2 seasons. Considering hamstring injuries, the same pattern was observed among injured (n = 60) and uninjured (n = 228) players. A poor correlation (r = .35) was observed between peak isokinetic hamstring eccentric torque and Nordic hamstring exercise peak force. The strength imbalance between limbs calculated for both test modes was not correlated (r = .037). There is substantial intraindividual variability in all isokinetic test measures, whether separated by 1 or 2 seasons, irrespective of injury. Also, eccentric hamstring strength and limb‐to‐limb imbalance were poorly correlated between the isokinetic and Nordic hamstring exercise tests.
Assessing the performance of constructed wetland for water quality management of a Southern Mediterranean river
Authors: Abi Saab Marie Therese , Jammoul Doha , Makhlouf Hassane , Fahed Salim , Lebbous Nada , Hajjar Celine , Abi Saad Roula , Younes Mohamed , Hajj Mohamad , Todorovic Mladen
Published: April 2018

Most of Southern Mediterranean water courses suffer from numerous types of pollution. This study presents a comprehensive performance assessment of a pilot CW system for removing various contaminants from the Litani River, Lebanon. The physico‐chemical, pathogens and trace metal parameters were analyzed for river water as well as for the wetland effluent. Results revealed that the average removal efficiencies were 87.01% for COD, 64.99% for BOD5, 86.18% for TSS, 43.11% for NO3N, 34.82% for NH4N, 55.07% for PO4P and 73.05% for K. The removal efficiency of faecal coliforms was around 99.84%. Influent and effluent heavy metal pollution (Cu, Pb, As and Ni) concentrations greatly exceeded the range of the environmental limit values due to industrial emissions in river water. CWs seem to be a promising green technology for Lebanon for the reduction of bacterial contamination. Further studies are required to improve treatment modules for different pollutants, including metals.
Simple device for the growth of micrometer-sized monocrystalline single-layer graphene on SiC(0001)
Authors: Redondo Jesús , Telychko Mykola , Procházka Pavel , Konečný Martin , Berger Jan , Vondráček Martin , Čechal Jan , Jelínek Pavel , Švec Martin
Published: April 2018

The thermal decomposition of SiC wafers has proven to be a reliable method to obtain epitaxial graphene. However, the sublimation of Si induced by annealing of SiC substrates is notoriously difficult to control. To tackle the problem, the authors developed a fairly simple apparatus for the growth of micrometer-scale homogeneous single- and bilayer graphene in Ar atmosphere. The device is a furnace based on a considerably improved version of a directly heated element, and can achieve the desired sample quality reproducibly and efficiently. The authors characterize the samples prepared using this device by atomic force microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and near-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy.