bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Effects of Intravenous Diacetylmorphine on the Methylation of POMC and NR3C1
Authors: Groh Adrian , Rhein Mathias , Buchholz Vanessa , Burkert Alexandra , Huber Christian G. , Lang Undine E. , Borgwardt Stefan J. , Heberlein Annemarie , Muschler Marc A.N. , Hillemacher Thomas , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge , Walter Marc
Published: March 2018

The administration of diacetylmorphine (DAM) reduces the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in opioid-maintained patients. However, the epigenetic effects of DAM on addiction-related genes have not been investigated yet. In a randomized controlled study, we examined the immediate effects of intravenous DAM versus placebo on the promoter methylation of the POMC (pro- opiomelanocortin) and NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor 1) genes. Twenty-eight heroin-dependent patients on DAM-assisted treatment received either DAM or saline in a randomized crossover design and 17 healthy participants received saline only. EDTA blood samples were taken 25 min before and 10 min after the injection of DAM or saline. We found reciprocal regulation effects for DAM versus saline application regarding the methylation of POMC; while DAM injection significantly increased methylation, saline injection led to a significant decrease in methylation for patients as well as controls. NR3C1 data did not show significant changes in methylation. Injection of DAM blunted stress hormone levels and the POMC promoter methylation of heroin-dependent patients. These findings provide first preliminary insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the emotional regulation effects of DAM-assisted treatment in severe heroin-dependent patients.
Establishment of a Competitive Binding Assay Identifying the Different Characteristics of Neutralizing Epitopes of Hepatitis E Virus
Authors: Wen Jiyue , Lu Weizhuo , Liu Zhenzhen , Meng Jihong
Published: March 2018

Aims: To confirm the different characteristics of genotype-specific and common neutralizing epitopes of hepatitis E virus (HEV). Methods: A competitive binding assay was established with known genotype-common neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 3G1 and 5G5 as well as genotype-specific neutralizing mAbs 2B1 and 4C5. HEV ORF2 recombinant p166W01 derived from genotype 1 and p166Chn derived from genotype 4 were used as coated antigens, to determine whether the mAbs recognize independent, similar, or overlapping epitopes. mAbs were produced, purified, and conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). HRP-conjugated 2B1 could react only with p166W01 but not p166Chn, HRP-conjugated 4C5 could react only with p166Chn but not p166W01, while HRP-conjugated 3G1 and 5G5 could react both with p166W01 and p166Chn. Thus, competitive binding assays were performed successively using p166W01 and p166Chn antigen. Results and Conclusion: The results of competitive binding assays revealed that the binding of HRP-conjugated 2B1 to p166W01 could not be inhibited by 5G5 or 3G1. Similarly, the binding of HRP-conjugated 4C5 to p166Chn could not be inhibited by 5G5 or 3G1. However, the mAbs 5G5 and 3G1 blocked each other’s binding to p166W01 and p166Chn, suggesting that common and genotype-specific neutralizing mAbs recognize independent epitopes.
Newborn Plasma Glucose Concentration Nadirs by Gestational-Age Group
Authors: Kaiser Jeffrey R. , Bai Shasha , Rozance Paul J.
Published: March 2018

Background: The glucose concentrations and times to nadir for newborns of all gestational ages when intrapartum glucose-containing solutions are not routinely provided are unknown. Objective: To characterize and compare patterns of initial glucose concentration nadirs by gestational-age groups. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study of 1,366 newborns born in 1998 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, appropriate for gestational age, nonasphyxiated, nonpolycythemic, and not infants of diabetic mothers, were included. Initial plasma glucose concentrations, before intravenous fluids or feedings, were plotted against time after birth for 4 gestational-age groups (full term [FT], ≥37–42 weeks; late preterm [LPT], ≥34 and < 37 weeks; preterm [PT], ≥28 and < 34 weeks; and extremely low gestational age newborns [ELGAN], 23 and < 28 weeks of gestation). Results: ELGAN had the earliest nadir at 61 ± 4 min, followed by PT newborns (71 ± 2 min), and then LPT and FT newborns at 92–93 min. The time to nadir for ELGAN and PT newborns was significantly earlier than for FT newborns. Glucose nadir concentrations for ELGAN, PT, and LPT newborns were significantly lower than for FT newborns. LPT newborns’ pattern of glucose paralleled those of FT newborns, with values approximately 5–6 mg/dL lower during the first 3 h. Conclusion: Plasma glucose nadirs occurred at different times among gestational-age groups during the early postnatal period as follows: ELGAN < PT < LPT ≈ FT. In order to potentially prevent low glucose concentrations at the time of the nadir, exogenous glucose should be provided to all newborns as soon as possible after birth.
miR-519d-3p Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Invasion of Gastric Cancer by Downregulating B-Cell Lymphoma 6
Authors: Li Yong-Yuan , Shao Jian-Ping , Zhang Shu-Peng , Xing Guo-Qiang , Liu Hong-Jie
Published: March 2018

miR-519d inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasion, but its role in gastric cancer (GC) cells is obscure. We showed that miR-519d-3p was lowly expressed in GC tissues and was associated with the clinical stage and lymph node metastasis of GC tissues. We found that miR-519d-3p repressed cell proliferation and invasion of MGC803 cells and delayed the G1/S phase transition, resulting in decreased cyclin B1 and MMP2 and increased E-cadherin levels. Furthermore, miR-519d-3p targeted and downregulated B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) expression. BCL6 overexpression partially abrogated the suppressive function of miR-519d in MGC803 cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-519d-3p functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting and downregulating the expression of BCL6 in GC cells.
Two new records of Gynandromorphs in Xylocopa (Hymenoptera, Apidae s.l.)
Authors: Almeida Rony Peterson Santos , Leite Luis Anderson Ribeiro , Ramos Kelli Dos Santos
Published: March 2018

Two new records of gynandromorphs in Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Gynandromorphs are deviant morphological individuals with genetically distinct male and female tissues. Records of sex anomalies seems to be important to better understand the mechanisms regulating phenotypic expression. Herein, two new cases of gynandromorphs in carpenter bee species of Xylocopa from Brazil are described and figured: a mixed gynandromorph of the X. (Neoxylocopa) brasilianorum (Linnaeus, 1767) from São Paulo and a bilateral gynandromorph of the X. (Neoxylocopa) ordinaria Smith, 1874 from Sergipe.
Desirable Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels for Preventing Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Hosomi Naohisa , Kitagawa Kazuo , Nagai Yoji , Nakagawa Yoko , Aoki Shiro , Nezu Tomohisa , Kagimura Tatsuo , Maruyama Hirofumi , Origasa Hideki , Minematsu Kazuo , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Matsumoto Masayasu
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose—

To define desirable target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels for the prevention of stroke recurrence, a post hoc analysis was performed in the J-STARS study (Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke).

Methods—

Subjects (n=1578) were divided into groups based on mean value of postrandomized LDL cholesterol levels until the last observation in 20 mg/dL increments. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed for each group, with adjustments for baseline LDL cholesterol, baseline body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and statin usage.

Results—

The postrandomized LDL cholesterol level until the last observation were 104.1±19.3 mg/dL in the pravastatin group and 126.1±20.6 mg/dL in the control group. The adjusted HRs for stroke and transient ischemic attack and all vascular events decreased in the postrandomized LDL cholesterol level of 80 to 100 mg/dL (
P
=0.23 and 0.25 for the trend, respectively). The adjusted HR for atherothrombotic infarction significantly reduced with the usage of statin after adjusting baseline LDL cholesterol levels (HR, 0.39; 95% confidence intervals, 0.19–0.83). The adjusted HR for atherothrombotic infarction and intracranial hemorrhage were similar among the postrandomized LDL-cholesterol–level subgroups (
P
=0.50 and 0.37 for the trend, respectively). The adjusted HR for lacunar infarction decreased in the postrandomized LDL cholesterol level of 100 to 120 mg/dL (HR, 0.45; 95% confidence intervals, 0.20–0.99;
P
=0.41 for the trend).

Conclusions—

The composite risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack reduced in the postrandomized LDL cholesterol level of 80 to 100 mg/dL after adjusting for statin usage.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00221104.
Increased Risk of Pregnancy Complications After Stroke
Authors: van Alebeek Mayte E. , de Vrijer Myrthe , Arntz Renate M. , Maaijwee Noortje A.M.M. , Synhaeve Nathalie E. , Schoonderwaldt Hennie , van der Vlugt Maureen J. , van Dijk Ewoud J. , de Heus Roel , Rutten-Jacobs Loes C.A. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose—

The study goal was to investigate the prevalence of pregnancy complications and pregnancy loss in women before, during, and after young ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack.

Methods—

In the FUTURE study (Follow-Up of Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke Patients and Unelucidated Risk Factor Evaluation), a prospective young stroke study, we assessed the occurrence of pregnancy, miscarriages, and pregnancy complications in 223 women aged 18 to 50 years with a first-ever ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack. Pregnancy complications (gestational hypertension, diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count syndrome) were assessed before, during, and after stroke using standardized questionnaires. Primary outcome was occurrence of pregnancy complications and the rate of pregnancy loss compared with the Dutch population. Secondary outcome was the risk of recurrent vascular events after stroke, stratified by a history of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy.

Results—

Data were available for 213 patients. Mean age at event was 39.6 years (SD=7.8) and mean follow-up 9.5 years (SD=8.5). Miscarriages occurred in 35.2% and fetal death in 6.2% versus 13.5% and 0.9% in the Dutch population, respectively (
P
<0.05). In nulliparous women after stroke (n=22), in comparison with Dutch population, there was a high prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (33.3 versus 12.2%;
P
<0.05), hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count syndrome (9.5 versus 0.5%;
P
<0.05), and early preterm delivery <32 weeks (9.0 versus 1.4%;
P
<0.05). In primi/multiparous women (n=141) after stroke, 29 events occurred (20-year cumulative risk 35.2%; 95% confidence interval, 21.3–49.0), none during subsequent pregnancies, and a history of a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy did not modify this risk (log-rank
P
=0.62).

Conclusions—

When compared with the general population, women with young stroke show higher rates of pregnancy loss throughout their lives. Also, after stroke, nulliparous women more frequently experienced serious pregnancy complications.
Being Children: Children’s Voices on Childhood
Authors: Cassidy Claire , Conrad Sarah-Jane , Daniel Marie-France , Figueroia-Rego Maria , Kohan Walter , Murris Karin , Wu Xiaoling , Zhelyazkova Tsena
Published: March 2018

Situated in the context of children’s rights, this article reports on a study involving children from 11 countries and 5 continents in philosophical discussions about concepts of child and childhood. Here we focus on seven of those countries. In a previous study, two of the authors explored in what kind of society children would like to live. The present study directly addresses one of the issues arising from that study: to investigate what children think childhood is and their place in society. The study raises issues around children’s participation related to their conceptions of child and childhood.
Bettering the Best Interests of the Child Determination: Of Checklists and Balancing Exercises
Authors: Prabhat Devyani , Hambly Jessica
Published: March 2018

The paper compares European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and uk court judgments on cross-border nationality cases concerning children and wholly domestic family law cases regarding children (without the cross-border element). It identifies different legal standards that apply to the well-being of children such as the best interests principle and the welfare principle and maps how successful these standards are in bringing in the views of children. It appears that cross-border nationality cases are unable to consider the interests of children as seriously as the wholly domestic family law cases. The domestic court approach of welfare brings in children’s views more effectively than nationality cases in domestic courts or at the ECtHR. It would benefit children if a rigorous best interests determination is carried out in nationality proceedings and a welfare approach is adopted consistent with family law cases.
The Representation of Children’s Views in Finnish Court Decisions Regarding Care Orders
Authors: Pösö Tarja , Enroos Rosi
Published: March 2018

The article examines the representation of children’s views in Finnish court decisions regarding care orders. It explores how written court decisions recognise, address and use children’s views in care order decisions and compares the results with a similar study conducted in Norway. In the literature, both countries are portrayed as having a child-orientated child welfare system. Based on the analysis of 36 court decisions in Finland, it is argued that children’s views are narrowly represented and used in written court decisions of care orders. Three models emerged: the direct and indirect representation of children’s views and the absence of children’s views. The first model is strongly related to the child’s age.
Transparency in the Work of Judicial Councils: The Experience of (East) European Countries
Authors: Solomon Peter H.
Published: March 2018

In many countries of Europe, including especially its Eastern part, in the 21st century judicial councils have replaced ministries of justice as the bodies that manage judicial careers and govern the judiciary. This model may enhance the autonomy of the judicial branch but also weaken its accountability and lead to judicial corporatism. One way to counter the negative trends is to enhance public accountability of judicial councils, by making the work of councils is open and visible. Not surprisingly, judicial reformers have made transparency into a key criterion for a successful judicial council, leading many countries to promote transparency in their judicial councils. This article evaluates this trend−by (1) providing cases studies of four judicial councils, those of Italy, Poland, Moldova, and Latvia; and (2) comparing the work of empowered judicial councils throughout Europe with regard to the openness of judicial disciplinary hearings and public sessions of judicial councils themselves. On this basis I argue that while legal requirements for transparency are becoming the norm, they do not necessarily make the work of judicial councils open, let alone produce public accountability. This outcome requires as well a genuine commitment of council members and staff to transparency arrangements, the cessation of resistance to such arrangements, and the provision of money and staff to support them.
An Oddity in the European Regulatory Space: Peripheral Flag Carriers in the Baltic States and eu Competition Law
Authors: Veebel Viljar , Ploom Illimar
Published: March 2018

This article examines the effects that eu state aid rules impose on the airline sectors of small peripheral Member States. By the same token, it looks at the Central and Eastern European airline sectors and examines the rationale behind the practice of states to keep alive their loss-making flag carriers. The article compares the vicissitudes of the Baltic flag carriers, Estonian Air and airBaltic. It is suggested that, behind the apparently irrational behavior, there could be found a rationale, namely the wish to offer connectivity above market level, and, with regard to poorer peripheral Member States, beyond market quality. This in turn is attributable to the wider external benefits to the domestic economy that air services bring but which cannot be internalized by the airlines. Therefore, in particular in the context of the asymmetrical integration model, which is on the rise in the eu, state aid rules are discovered to amplify the differences between the center and the periphery.
“Test the West”: Reimagining Sovereignties in the Post-Soviet Space
Authors: Wittke Cindy
Published: March 2018

With the incorporation of the Crimean Peninsula into Russian territory, the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine and the temporary formation of the confederation of Novorossiia (New Russia), the international community of states has been witness to complex processes of reimagining territories, boundaries, citizenship, and fragmented sovereignties in the post-Soviet space. In its foreign policy agenda, Russia conceptualizes all former Soviet republics as the ‘Near Abroad’, a special sphere of its interests and influence. This paper explores Russia’s use of the vocabulary of international law to legitimize its interventions in the Near Abroad, which is connected to the ‘Russkii Mir’ (Russian World), another foreign policy concept that resonates with ideas of Neo-Eurasianism and the Fourth Political Theory and with the creation of a Eurasian space as a counter-concept to the West. Russia and its conceptualized antagonist, the West, take positions on public international (legal) front lines, evoking counter-narratives concerning their understandings of the meaning of the vocabulary of international law and politics, the regulation of international relations, and the foundations of world order. These clashes leave observers wondering: Russia may instrumentalize and manipulate the vocabulary of geopolitics, international law, and politics, but what if these clashes are also rooted in different imaginaries of international law and politics? Against this background, this article aims to develop conceptual approaches to further investigate and gain a better understanding of the complex dimensions of the clashes between Russian and Western counter-narratives and discourses concerning the meanings and functions of basic principles of international law and politics as powerful societal regulative imaginaries.
Explaining Death by Tornado: Religiosity and the God-Serving Bias
Authors: Riggio Heidi R. , Uhalt Joshua , Matthies Brigitte K. , Harvey Theresa , Lowden Nya , Umana Victoria
Published: March 2018

Two self-report experiments examined how religiosity affects attributions made for the outcome of a tornado. Undergraduate students ( N = 533) and online adults ( N = 537) read a fictional vignette about a tornado that hits a small town in the United States. The townspeople met at church and prayed or prepared emergency shelters for three days before the tornado; either no one died or over 200 people died from the tornado. Participants made attributions of cause to God, prayer, faith, and worship. In both studies, individuals identifying as Christian made more attributions to God, prayer, faith, and worship, but only when no one died; when townspeople died, Christian participants made fewer attributions to God, prayer, faith, and worship (the God-serving bias). Individuals identifying as agnostic or atheist did not show this bias. Directions for future research in terms of implicit religious beliefs and normative evaluations of religion are discussed.
The ‘Stock Market of Diplomatic Reputation’: Reputation on Diplomacy’s Frontline
Authors: Robertson Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

Diplomacy was in the midst of a transformation from ‘old diplomacy’ to ‘new diplomacy’ one century ago, yet the changes were not welcomed by everyone. The renowned diplomat Harold Nicolson lamented the loss of the ‘stock market of diplomatic reputation’, meaning the corporate estimate of character built up during a lifetime of frontline diplomatic service. As we progress through another period of remarkable transformation in diplomacy, what has become of the stock market of diplomatic reputation? This article undertakes a case study of diplomatic alumni from a public policy training institute. It investigates understandings of the construct of reputation, concern for reputation and use of reputation. It finds that reputation remains very important to practising diplomats. Reputation is indeed a timeless feature that is intrinsic to frontline diplomacy. Furthermore, Nicolson’s conceptualization of ideal diplomacy as a building block of reputation remains relevant and presents an appealing topic for future research.
Practice what you Preach? Limitations to Imposing Democratic Norms on ngos
Authors: Beijerman Martine
Published: March 2018

This paper challenges the scholarly tendency of imposing democratic norms on non-governmental organisations (ngos). For decades there has been a strong debate among International Relations and International Law scholars on the question of whether or not ngos contribute to the democratic legitimacy of international law. Notwithstanding different arguments, both critics of and adherents seem to be primarily occupied with theorising and criticising the internal democratic legitimacy of ngos. In this article I question whether this is justifiable. Imposed democratic norms conflict with the inherent unpredictable character of ngos. Whereas the unpredictability of ngos in terms of form and content is often perceived as unreliable, it characterises their essential voluntariness, which can be considered their main contribution to democracy.
Political Stability and Putin’s Russia
Authors: Gill Graeme
Published: March 2018

Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012 and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia in 2014 prompted many observers to argue that the Russian regime was in crisis and its fall was imminent. The problem is that such analyses have focused purely on the situation in Russia itself, listing the challenges and declaring that they would bring about the regime’s fall. However, by simply enumerating the challenges the regime faces, such analyses have no means of evaluating how serious those challenges actually are, and therefore how dangerous they are for continued regime survival. Certainly, the difficulty in measuring both crisis intensity and regime resilience renders this a difficult judgement to make. Another way of approaching this question is to look at the comparative literature on regime change and see what it tells us about the dynamics of regime challenge and survival. This paper looks at three triggers of regime change identified in the comparative literature – economic crisis, elections, and the decline of the presidency – to evaluate the danger facing the current Russian regime.
On the types species of the New World dung beetle genus Canthidium Erichson, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae), with an annotated checklist of species
Authors: CUPELLO MARIO
Published: March 2018

In this work, it is explained why previous authors who considered that Canthidium lentum Erichson, 1947 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) was fixed as the type species of Canthidium Erichson, 1847 in Robert Lucas’ 1920 catalogue of Coleoptera genera were mistaken. Instead, the first authors to designate a type species for Canthidium were Martínez et al. in 1964, who designated C. thalassinum Erichson, 1847. Since both species are currently placed in different subgenera, the subgeneric classication must change: Eucanthidium Halffter & Martínez, 1986 is a new junior synonym of Canthidium, while the subgenus previously considered to be Canthidium (Canthidium) is changed to Canthidium (Neocanthidium) Martínez et al., 1964 based on the revalidation of the latter name. A checklist containing information on the type locality, type material, synonymy, and distribution of all the 172 valid species included in the genus (72 in the nominotypical subgenus, 69 in Neocanthidium, and 31 as incertae sedis) is presented, as well as a review of the taxonomic history of Canthidium and the new synonymy between C. (C.) ardens Bates, 1887 and Canthidium ardens mutatum Bates, 1887.
A new species of the genus Calambus C.G. Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Dendrometrinae) from China, with notes on the other species of the genus of the East Palaearctic region
Authors: PROSVIROV ALEXANDER S.
Published: March 2018

The species of the genus Calambus C.G. Thomson, 1859 of the East Palaearctic region are discussed. Calambus angulatus sp. nov. is described from Yunnan province of China. C. kusuii Ôhira, 1994 is recorded for the first time from Russia (Sakhalin and Kuril Islands), notes on the morphology of this little-known species are given. A key to the known species of the Calambus of the Palaearctic region is provided. A total of 8 species of the genus have been recorded in the region to date.
Catalog for the Brazilian Amblycerus Thunberg (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) with taxonomic notes, host plants associations and distributional records
Authors: RIBEIRO-COSTA CIBELE S. , MANFIO DAIARA , MORSE GEOFFREY
Published: March 2018

A taxonomic catalog of the Amblycerus species distributed in Brazil is presented with information on deposition of types, synonymies, distributions, host plants, parasites and complete literature for each species. This catalog includes 61 species, five of them recorded for the first time for Brazil, and other seven species also recorded for other countries besides Brazil. A total of 23 species have new Brazilian states records. Two species of Spermophagus are transferred to Amblycerus: A. nigronotatus (Pic, 1952) comb.n. and Amblycerus germaini comb.n. The lectotypes of Spermophagus cistelinus Gyllenhal, 1833 and Spermophagus unimaculatus Pic, 1955 are here designated. Amblycerus species consume seeds of at least 13 host plant families. In this catalog we record new host records for seven Amblycerus species belonging to six plant families.
Two new species of Brasineura Silva-Neto & García Aldrete (Psocodea, ‘Psocoptera’, Ptiloneuridae), from Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA NETO ALBERTO MOREIRA , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: March 2018

Two new Brazilian species of Brasineura are described and illustrated, one based on male and female specimens and one based on male specimens only: Brasineura jiboia n.sp. (Bahia: Brazil) and Brasineura spinosa n.sp. (Espírito Santo: Brazil). They differ from the other species in the genus, in which the males are known, by hypandrium and phallosome structures. The first known female Brasineura is described here. The first identification key to males of Brasineura species is presented, as well as a proposal of homology for the structures of the phallosome.
1. Introduction
Authors: Gamez David
Published: March 2018

Consciousness is largely a mystery to man: we know next to nothing about its relationship to the physical world. In order to fathom and understand it, there are some obstacles which need to be overcome, that is, the metaphysical theories of consciousness, and the ‘hard’ problem of consciousness. Some of these obstacles cannot even be overcome. This book will endeavour to neutralize the philosophical problems with consciousness – by making assumptions – and clear the way for scientific research. In turn, the reader will leave with a clearer vision of what is consciousness research. You will understand that a scientific theory of consciousness is a mathematical relationship between a formal description of consciousness and a formal description of the physical world.
4. The Measurement of Consciousness
Authors: Gamez David
Published: March 2018

Scientists measure consciousness through first-person reports, which raises problems about the reliability of first-person reports, the possibility of non-reportable consciousness and the causal closure of the physical world. The fourth chapter addresses these issues by making assumptions that explain how consciousness can be measured. First, we need to identify the systems that we believe are conscious. Then we need to make other assumptions to ensure that consciousness can be accurately measured in these systems
5. From Correlates to Theories of Consciousness
Authors: Gamez David
Published: March 2018

The fifth chapter explains how we can develop mathematical theories of the relationship between consciousness and the physical world. Scientists have carried out pilot studies that have looked for correlations between consciousness and brain activity. We are now starting to create compact mathematical theories that can map between physical and conscious states. It might be possible to use computational methods to develop these theories automatically.
8. Computation Theories of Consciousness
Authors: Gamez David
Published: March 2018

Some people believe that consciousness is linked to the execution of computations. They claim that some computations are linked to consciousness regardless of whether they are executing in a brain or a digital computer. Chapter 8 argues that computations cannot be linked to consciousness by themselves because computing is a subjective use that we make of the world. Computation theories of consciousness should be reinterpreted as physical theories of consciousness.
11. Machine Consciousness
Authors: Gamez David
Published: March 2018

The eleventh chapter distinguishes between four types of machine consciousness and outlines how a reliable theory of consciousness could be used to create conscious machines and to make believable deductions about the consciousness of artificial systems. Brain implants and consciousness uploading are investigated as forms of machine consciousness, and the chapter discusses whether conscious machines could threaten human existence and how they should be ethically treated.
Prevention of mental disorders requires action on adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Jorm Anthony F , Mulder Roger T
Published: March 2018

The increased availability of treatment has not reduced the prevalence of mental disorders, suggesting a need for a greater emphasis on prevention. With chronic physical diseases, successful prevention efforts have focused on reducing the big risk factors. If this approach is applied to mental disorders, the big risk factors are adverse childhood experiences, which have major effects on most classes of mental disorder across the lifespan. While the evidence base is limited, there is support for a number of interventions to reduce adverse childhood experiences, including an important role for mental health professionals. Taking action on adverse childhood experiences may be our best chance of emulating the success of public health action to prevent chronic physical diseases and thereby reduce the large global burden of mental disorders.
Traduction et validation du Questionnaire sur l’engagement dans les activités signifiantes
Authors: Lacroix Pier-Anne , Pelletier Anne-Julie , Blondin Marie-Pier , Dugal Ariane , Langlois Claudine , Levasseur Mélanie , Larivière Nadine
Published: March 2018

Description.

Peu d’outils sont disponibles en français pour mesurer l’engagement dans des activités signifiantes, au cœur de l’ergothérapie. But. Cette étude visait à traduire l’Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey et, ensuite, à vérifier la validité convergente et la cohérence interne de la version française.

Méthodologie.

Une traduction renversée a d’abord été réalisée. Pour ensuite évaluer la validité convergente du Questionnaire sur l’engagement dans des activités signifiantes (QEAS), l’Indice de la qualité de vie et la Mesure des habitudes de vie modifiée (participation sociale) ont été complétés par 84 adultes de la population générale. La cohérence interne a été mesurée avec l’alpha de Cronbach.

Résultats.

Un meilleur engagement dans les activités signifiantes est significativement associé à une qualité de vie ( r = 0,36; p = 0,001) et une satisfaction accrues envers la participation sociale (ρ = 0,40; p < 0,001). Le QEAS présente une bonne cohérence interne (∂ = 0,81).

Conséquences.

Le QEAS est un questionnaire valide qui permettra aux ergothérapeutes francophones de mieux comprendre l’engagement de leurs clients dans l’ensemble de leurs activités.
Adult-onset Still’s disease with prominent polyserositis
Authors: Farooq Sheikh Ali Sibtain , Marks Jonathan , Hopkinson Neil
Published: March 2018

Adult-onset Still’s disease is a systemic autoinflammatory disease the presentation of which can often mimic infection. As a consequence, there is often a delay in diagnosis. Serositis is a recognised but less common clinical feature that can result in complications including cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis. We describe a case of adult-onset Still’s disease without the hallmark rash or significant arthritis, presenting with polyserositis that showed a good response to initial steroid treatment and sustained remission with anakinra. An elevated procalcitonin level was due to active adult-onset Still’s disease, not bacterial infection.
Optimal adaptation equivalent factor of energy management strategy for plug-in CVT HEV
Authors: Lin Xinyou , Feng Qigao , Mo Liping , Li Hailin
Published: March 2018

This study presents an adaptive energy management control strategy developed by optimally adjusting the equivalent factor (EF) in real-time based on driving pattern recognition (DPR), to guarantee the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can adapt to various driving cycles and different expected trip distances and to further improve the fuel economy performance. First, the optimization model for the EF with the battery state of charge (SOC) and trip distance were developed based on the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS). Furthermore, a methodology of extracting the globally optimal EF model from genetic algorithm (GA) solution is proposed for the design of the EF adaptation strategy. The EF as the function of trip distances and SOC in various driving cycles is expressed in the form of map that can be applied directly in the corresponding driving cycle. Finally, the algorithm of DPR based on learning vector quantization (LVQ) is established to identify the driving mode and update the optimal EF. Simulation and hardware-in-loop experiments are conducted on synthesis driving cycles to validate the proposed strategy. The results indicate that the optimal adaption EF control strategy will be able to adapt to different expected trip distances and improve the fuel economy performance by up to 13.8% compared to the ECMS with constant EF.
On secular equation of SH waves propagating in pre-stressed and rotating piezo-composite structure with imperfect interface
Authors: Chaudhary Soniya , Sahu Sanjeev A , Singhal Abhinav
Published: March 2018

An analytical approach is adopted to investigate the SH waves in a composite structure consisting of initially stressed rotating piezoelectric layer and initially stressed substrate with rotation. The interface between the layer and the substrate is assumed to be imperfect. Two distinct types of imperfect interfaces (dielectrically weakly and highly conducting) are considered. Secular equations have been obtained for both electrically open and short cases with weakly and highly performing interface. Particular cases have been derived and matched with existing result. The characteristics of SH wave through the considered framework and their state of relying on different physical and geometrical parameters have been scrutinized based on their numerical results. The parallel simulated outcomes of disparate physical quantities, namely, phase velocity, group velocity, dispersive curves, initial stress, rotation and electromechanical coupling factor, and stress distribution of SH wave in the considered structure are investigated. The considered model may be useful in theoretical foundation and practical application for the development of piezoelectric sensors, structural health monitoring, and surface acoustic wave devices.
Pregnancy and hemodialysis access: A case for patient satisfaction in favor of a tunneled dialysis catheter
Authors: Mehandru Sushil , Haroon Attiya , Masud Avais , Patel Mayurkumar , Sadiang-Abay Elmer , Costanzo Eric J , Vachharajani Tushar J
Published: March 2018

While an arteriovenous fistula is the best available access, many patients continue to rely on a tunneled hemodialysis catheter for dialysis therapy. Despite the highest risk of catheter-related bacteremia and associated morbidity and mortality, patients often prefer tunneled hemodialysis catheter to avoid pain associated with cannulation of an arteriovenous access. We report three tunneled hemodialysis catheter–dependent end-stage renal disease patients (age: 38, 35, 33 years), who became pregnant. Pregnancy was discovered at 10, 12 and 10 weeks of gestation. All three patients were switched to daily hemodialysis (six sessions/week) as soon as the pregnancy was discovered. The three patients had refused the placement of an arteriovenous access and expressed their strong preference for tunneled hemodialysis catheter. All had been educated about the risks and benefits of catheter, grafts, and fistulas. Patient preference was acknowledged and dialysis therapy was continued with tunneled hemodialysis catheter. Pregnancy was uneventful in two patients with the delivery of a healthy baby. The third patient had a miscarriage. Patient preference for tunneled hemodialysis catheter and satisfaction is important and can result in a successful outcome in pregnant patients. Nonetheless, in keeping with the National Kidney Foundation guidelines as well as the Fistula First, an arteriovenous fistula should be offered to hemodialysis patients. At the same time, patient’s preference and wish should be respected and followed.
Mechanical behavior of a novel precast beam-to-column connection with U-shaped bars and engineered cementitious composites
Authors: Dong Bingqing , Lu Cong , Pan Jinlong , Shan Qifeng , Yin Wanyun
Published: March 2018

This article investigates a novel precast connection, with U-shaped bars extending from precast column to connect with the longitudinal bars in precast beams. To improve the seismic behavior of the connection, engineered cementitious composites, one kind of highly ductile concrete, were introduced into the core area of the connection, which also act as the cast-in-place material in the beam top and end. Prior to the test, finite element modeling was conducted to determine the proper splice length between U-shaped bars and beam reinforcements and also to evaluate the bonding performance of the proposed connection. The experimental program was then carried out on a monolithic connection, a precast connection with normal concrete as well as a precast connection with engineered cementitious composite, after which the seismic behaviors of the connections including their failure mode, hysteresis characteristic, stiffness degradation, ductility, and energy dissipation were analyzed. All three types of connections underwent typical flexural failure where the joint area remained intact. The negative carrying capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation were slightly lower for the connection with concrete, while the connection with engineered cementitious composite exhibited satisfactory behavior comparable to monolithic specimens. The latter connection with engineered cementitious composite is therefore suggested to be applied in highly seismic region.
Applying Tools From Human-Centered Design to Social Marketing Planning
Authors: Biroscak Brian J. , Schneider Tali , Martinez Tyson Dinorah , Aguado Loi Claudia X. , Bryant Carol A.
Published: March 2018

In this “Tools From the Field” paper, we report our experiences using human-centered design (HCD), a process for using innovation as a means of developing more effective marketing offerings. The context for our use of HCD tools was a partnership with a new community committee. We combined elements of our previous social marketing frameworks -Community-Based Prevention Marketing (CBPM) for Program Development; CBPM for Policy Development–into a version better suited to address complex, dynamic problems that require a whole-systems perspective. Our product development work for this next iteration of the CBPM framework incorporated several HCD tools adapted from the prolific design firm, IDEO. The HCD process consists of three phases: inspiration (e.g., learning from those that one is designing for), ideation (e.g., brainstorming and prototyping), and implementation (e.g., building partnerships and launching a business model). In this paper, we describe “tools” for the application of HCD within the context of rapidly prototyping and testing CBPM framework activities for use with our community committee partners; we provide practical advice for the use of these tools (“process points”); and we present a real-world application from development of our new CBPM framework (“tools in action”). Overall, the HCD tools from IDEO helped us see new opportunities for our framework, transform insights into actionable ideas, and increase the speed of producing a minimum viable product and gathering feedback on it from our customers. We believe that HCD tools are worth exploring when it comes to the social marketing planning process.
Transitioning “Upward” When “Downstream” Efforts Are Insufficient
Authors: Borden D. Scott , Cohn Scott I. , Gooderham Christopher
Published: March 2018

This article presents the results of a social marketing campaign to encourage individuals to compost at a university dining facility. Downstream efforts were less effective than desired in changing behavior and instead, changes to patron’s environmental surroundings were instituted, leading to greater impacts. Patrons were first surveyed on their knowledge, attitudes, and stated behaviors and barriers. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct types of composters: “engaged,” “needing assistance,” and “uninterested.” Subsequent interventions were developed, primarily targeting the cluster, needing assistance. Downstream efforts to reach individuals such as modeling the desired behavior and educational interventions were not significantly beneficial. While education showed some encouraging results, a potential diminishing effect overtime was observed. Efforts to change the patrons’ environment were then implemented with changes to the systems of the facility, an individual to ask patrons to compost. A significant increase in behavior was observed. Return on investment and increased public relations were used to leverage this institutional change. Additionally, this campaign created opportunities for securing grants to improve technological infrastructure, further encouraging behavior through additional environmental changes aiming to alleviate barriers of inconvenience. Recommendations for similar campaigns aiming to transition “upward” are provided.
Protocols for Stakeholder Participation in Social Marketing Systems
Authors: McHugh Patricia , Domegan Christine , Duane Sinead
Published: March 2018

Stakeholder participation is the systematic mapping of potentially influential actors who can affect or be affected by intervention(s). Literature to date acknowledges the presence and interrelatedness of multiple stakeholders but is extremely limited in its approach on how to systematically identify and encourage stakeholder participation in social marketing systems. To address this limitation, this article responds to Buyucek et al.’s call for “stakeholders to be systematically identified and managed throughout the intervention design, planning and implementation.” This research proposes stakeholder participation as important to social marketing, regardless of whether it is for a single intervention or systems. We describe and demonstrate seven protocols for stakeholder participation in social marketing systems. We apply an illustrative participatory research context that follows the seven protocols of stakeholder participation and their related sets of tasks, tools, and activities and designed to identify, classify, and map stakeholders across marine environmental social marketing domains. The participatory research context illustrates that working “with” stakeholders rather than “on” their behalf can build bridges and transform societies. We then discuss the implications of embedding a stakeholder participation orientation in social marketing systems—for example, the complexities associated with multilevel stakeholder identification, partnership formation, ownership, conflict and continuity, and the value derived from interlocking co-creation and participatory processes for change.
The evolution of stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mahajan Sarakshi , Tandon Nidhi , Kumar Shaji
Published: March 2018

Autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an integral part of treatment for previously untreated, and may have value in the treatment of relapsed patients with, multiple myeloma (MM). The addition of novel agents like immunomodulators and proteasome inhibitors as induction therapy before and as consolidation/maintenance therapy after ASCT has led to an improvement in complete response (CR) rates, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). With advances in supportive care, older patients and patients with renal insufficiency are now able to safely undergo the procedure. The data concerning the timing of ASCT (early in the disease course or at first relapse), single versus tandem (double) ASCT and the role and duration of consolidation and maintenance therapy post ASCT remain conflicting. This review aims to discuss the evolution of stem-cell transplant over the past 3 decades and its current role in the context of newer, safer and more effective therapeutic agents.