bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the sustainability of a ground source heat pump system by considering groundwater flow and intermittent operation strategies
Authors: Wang Wanli , Luo Jin , Wang Guiling , Zhu Xi , Liu Guiyi
Published: December 2018

In this study, the operation of a ground source heat pump system was investigated over a 25-year period with careful attention paid to the effects of groundwater flow and intermittent operation strategies. First, geological and hydrogeological investigations were conducted, after which ground thermal properties were determined by thermal response tests. In order to predict the heat transfer within borehole heat exchangers under a specific operating system, a numerical model was developed using finite element subsurface flow & transport simulation system (FEFLOW). The numerical model was validated with thermal response test measurements. Three operation conditions including continuous system operation without groundwater flow, continuous system operation with groundwater flow, and intermittent operation with groundwater flow were examined. Results indicate that ground temperature disturbance was effectively reduced during groundwater flow and the intermittent operation of the system. Compared with continuous system operation without groundwater flow, the borehole heat exchanger heat transfer rate increases by 10% with groundwater flow conditions and increases by 16% with further implementation of the intermittent operation strategy. Intermittent operation with groundwater flow is highly recommended for the sustainable operation of ground source heat pump system.
The Effects of Education on Beliefs about Racial Inequality
Authors: Wodtke Geoffrey T.
Published: December 2018

It is commonly hypothesized that education promotes more “enlightened” beliefs about racial inequality, and many prior studies document that white Americans with higher levels of education are more likely to agree with structural rather than individualist explanations for black disadvantages. Nevertheless, an alternative perspective contends that the ostensibly liberalizing effects of education are highly superficial, while yet another perspective cautions that any association observed between education and racial attitudes may be due to unobserved confounding. This study evaluates these perspectives by estimating the effects of education on beliefs about racial inequality from a set of cross-sectional, sibling, and panel models. Consistent with prior research, results from cross-sectional models fit to the General Social Survey (GSS) suggest that education promotes a genuine belief in structural over individualist explanations for racial inequality. However, results from sibling and individual fixed-effects models fit, respectively, to the 1994 Study of American Families and to the 2006–2010 GSS three-wave panels suggest that these effects may be superficial and are likely inflated by unobserved confounding.
Finding a ‘new normal’ following acute illness: A qualitative study of influences on frail older people’s care preferences
Authors: Etkind Simon Noah , Lovell Natasha , Nicholson Caroline Jane , Higginson Irene J , Murtagh Fliss EM
Published: December 2018

Background:

The frail older population is growing, and many frail older people have episodes of acute illness. Patient preferences are increasingly considered important in the delivery of person-centred care and may change following acute illness.

Aim:

To explore influences on the care preferences of frail older people with recent acute illness.

Design:

Qualitative in-depth individual interviews, with thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

Maximum variation sample of 18 patients and 7 nominated family carers from a prospective cohort study of people aged over 65, scoring ⩾5 on the Clinical Frailty Scale, and with recent acute illness, who were not receiving specialist palliative care. Median patient age was 84 (inter-quartile range 81–87), 53% female. Median frailty score 6 (inter-quartile range 5–7).

Results:

Key influences on preferences were illness and care context, particularly hospital care; adaptation to changing health; achieving normality and social context. Participants focused on the outcomes of their care; hence, whether care was likely to help them ‘get back to normal’, or alternatively ‘find a new normal’ influenced preferences. For some, acute illness inhibited preference formation. Participants’ social context and the people available to provide support influenced place of care preferences. We combined these findings to model influences on preferences.

Conclusion:

‘Getting back to normal’ or ‘finding a new normal’ are key focuses for frail older people when considering their preferences. Following acute illness, clinicians should discuss preferences and care planning in terms of an achievable normal, and carefully consider the social context. Longitudinal research is needed to explore the influences on preferences over time.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 expression in the brain is required for maximal phagocytic activity and improved neurological outcomes following experimental stroke
Authors: Kurisu Kota , Zheng Zhen , Kim Jong Youl , Shi Jian , Kanoke Atsushi , Liu Jialing , Hsieh Christine L , Yenari Midori A
Published: December 2018

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) is an innate immune receptor that promotes phagocytosis by myeloid cells such as microglia and macrophages. We previously showed that TREM2 deficiency worsened outcomes from experimental stroke and impeded phagocytosis. However, myeloid cells participating in stroke pathology include both brain resident microglia and circulating macrophages. We now clarify whether TREM2 on brain microglia or circulating macrophages contribute to its beneficial role in ischemic stroke by generating bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice. BM chimera mice from TREM2 knockout (KO) or wild type (Wt) mice were used as donor and recipient mice. Mice were subjected to experimental stroke, and neurological function and infarct volume were assessed. Mice with intact TREM2 in brain microglia showed better neurological recovery and reduced infarct volumes, compared with mice lacking microglial TREM2. Myeloid cell activation and numbers of phagocytes were decreased in mice lacking brain TREM2, compared with mice with intact brain TREM2. These results suggest that TREM2 expression is important for post-stroke recovery, and that TREM2 expression on brain resident microglia is more essential to this recovery, than that of circulating macrophages. These findings might suggest a new therapeutic target for cerebrovascular diseases.
Cefuroxime-induced anaphylaxis with prominent central nervous system manifestations: A case report
Authors: Gu Jianqing , Liu Shuang , Zhi Yuxiang
Published: December 2018

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that causes immediate hypersensitivity reactions, ranging from mild urticaria to severe anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic reactions typically involve multiple systems, most notably, the skin and the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Here, we report the unusual case of a patient who presented with oral cefuroxime-induced anaphylaxis with prominent neurologic manifestations. To identify the drug responsible for the anaphylaxis, we performed skin tests. Based on positive skin-prick test results, the diagnosis of cefuroxime-induced anaphylaxis was confirmed. Therefore, we suggest that clinicians should consider the possibility of a drug-induced anaphylactic reaction when neurologic but not cutaneous symptoms are present. The skin-prick test is a safe and useful diagnostic tool to confirm this kind of immediate drug hypersensitivity.
Low Rates of Return to Preinjury Sport After Bilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Feller Julian A. , Kimp Alexander J. , Whitehead Timothy S.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Patients with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries tend to report worse results in terms of knee function and quality of life as compared with those with unilateral injury. There are limited data regarding return to preinjury sport in this group.

Purpose:

To report return-to-sport rates for patients who had bilateral ACL reconstruction and to compare outcomes according to age and sex.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 107 patients (62 male, 45 female) who underwent primary ACL reconstruction surgery to both knees completed a detailed sports activity survey at a mean 5-year follow-up (range, 2.5-10 years). Follow-up also included the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Marx Activity Scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life subscale. Rates of return to preinjury levels of sport were calculated for the whole cohort, and for further analysis, the group was divided according to age (<25 vs ≥25 years), sex, and time between the reconstruction procedures (<3 vs ≥3 years).

Results:

The rate of return to preinjury sport after bilateral ACL reconstruction was 40% (95% CI, 31%-50%), as compared with an 83% (95% CI, 74%-88%) return rate after the first reconstruction procedure. Although not statistically significant, return rates were higher for male versus female patients (47% vs 31%) and older versus younger patients (45% vs 31%). Of those who returned to their preinjury levels of sport after the second reconstruction, 72% thought that they could perform as well as before their ACL injuries. In contrast, only 20% thought that they could perform as well if they returned to a lower level. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason cited for failure to return to sport after the second reconstruction. Patient-reported outcome scores were higher for those who returned to their preinjury levels of sport but did not differ for sex and age.

Conclusion:

Return-to-sport rates drop markedly after a second (contralateral) ACL reconstruction, with less than half of the investigated cohort returning to its preinjury level of sport. Return-to-sport outcomes are less than ideal for patients who have ACL reconstruction surgery to both knees.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Patellofemoral Joint: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chahla Jorge , Sweet Matthew C. , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Hinckel Betina , Farr Jack , Yanke Adam B. , Bugbee William D. , Cole Brian J.
Published: December 2018

Background:

The initial focus of cartilage restoration algorithms has been on the femur; however, the patellofemoral compartment accounts for 20% to 30% of significant symptomatic chondral pathologies. While patellofemoral compartment treatment involves a completely unique subset of comorbidities, with a comprehensive and thoughtful approach many patients may benefit from osteochondral allograft treatment.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of clinical outcomes and failure rates after osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the patellofemoral joint at a minimum 18-month follow-up.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature regarding the existing evidence for clinical outcomes and failure rates of OCA for patellofemoral joint chondral defects was performed with the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and MEDLINE from studies published between 1990 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical outcomes and failure rates of OCA for the treatment of chondral defects in the patellofemoral joint, English language, minimum follow-up of 18 months, minimum study size of 5 patients, and human studies. The methodological quality of each study was assessed with a modified version of the Coleman methodology score.

Results:

The systematic search identified 8 studies with a total of 129 patients. The methods of graft procurement and storage time included fresh (121 patients, 93.8%), and cryopreserved (8 patients, 6.2%) grafts. The mean survival rate was 87.9% at 5 years and 77.2% at 10 years. The following outcome scores showed significant improvement from pre- to postoperative status: modified d’Aubigné-Postel, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Society Score–Function, and Lysholm Knee Score.

Conclusion:

OCA of the patellofemoral joint results in improved patient-reported outcome measures with high patient satisfaction rates. Five- and 10-year survival rates of 87.9% and 77.2%, respectively, can be expected after this procedure. These findings should be taken with caution, as a high percentage of patellofemoral osteochondral allografts were associated with concomitant procedures; therefore, further research is warranted to determine the effect of isolated osteochondral transplantations.
Electrospun PCL, gold nanoparticles, and soy lecithin composite material for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Matson Toni , Gootee Jonathan , Snider Colten , Brockman John , Grant David , Grant Sheila A
Published: December 2018

Soy lecithin has been shown to play a critical role in cell signaling and cellular membrane structure. In addition, it has been shown to increase biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and decrease cytotoxicity. Gold nanoparticles have also shown to improve cellularity. Lecithin, gold nanoparticles, and polycaprolactone (PCL) solutions were electrospun in order to develop unique mesh materials for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The electrospinning parameters were optimized to achieve different solution ratios for fiber optimization. The amount of lecithin mixed with PCL varied from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% . Gold nanoparticles (1% to 10% concentrations) were also added to lecithin-PCL mixture. The mechanical and chemical properties of the fiber mesh were analyzed via contact angle test, tensile mechanical tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Cell viability was measured using a WST-1 Assay. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful formation of fiber mesh. The compositions of 40% soy lecithin with PCL in 40% solvent (40:40) resulted in the most well-formed fiber mesh. DSC melt temperatures were statically insignificant; uniaxial stresses and the moduli resulted in no significant difference between the test composition and pristine PCL compositions. WST-1 assay revealed all compositions were non-cytotoxic. Overall, the addition of lecithin increased hydrophilicity while maintaining cell viability and the mechanical and chemical properties of PCL. This study demonstrated that it is possible to successfully electrospin a lecithin, gold nanoparticle, and polycaprolactone scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
Standardizing the Use of Albumin in Large Volume Paracentesis
Authors: Anderson Shelby S. , McCreary Julian B. , Alvarez Kristin S. , Brown L. Steven , Agrawal Deepak
Published: December 2018

Background

Albumin after large volume paracentesis (LVP) reduces paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD). The most efficacious dose of albumin for LVP is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized LVP order set on albumin utilization and patient outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients with ascites due to cirrhosis who received a therapeutic paracentesis at a large, academic institution. Primary outcome was amount of albumin used prior to and after order set implementation. Albumin doses were standardized in the order set to 25 g (5-6 L removed), 50 g (7-10 L), and 75 g (>10 L). Patient outcomes were rates of hyponatremia, renal impairment, and hypotension.

Results

There were 100 patients included in each arm of the final analysis. Patients prior to order set implementation received a higher amount of albumin per liter removed compared to those post-implementation (8.3 g/L vs 6.5 g/L, respectively; P < .01). There were no significant differences between groups in absolute changes in serum sodium (0 mEq/L vs −1 mEq/L, P = .64), serum creatinine (0.06 mg/dL vs 0.05 mg/dL, P = .94), or systolic blood pressure (−4 mm Hg vs −3 mm Hg, P = .96). There were no differences between groups in rates of hyponatremia (1.6% vs 6.6%, P = .21), renal impairment (11.3% vs 11.5%, P = .97), or hypotension (17.4% vs 17.6%, P = .97).

Conclusions

Use of an order set to guide albumin dosing based on amount of ascitic fluid removed during LVP resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of albumin given with no difference in adverse effects.
Acute Care Pharmacy Practice: A Perspective for Pharmacy Students, Residents, and Other Health-Care Providers
Authors: Dunn Rebecca L. , Cho Jonathan C. , Parmentier Brittany L.
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

To describe the acute care setting with a specific focus on acute care pharmacy practices.

Acute care is the sector of health care where time-sensitive episodes of illness are managed. Acute care pharmacy practice includes both hospital and clinical pharmacists serving, in a variety of domains, as medication experts and authority on patient-centered medication therapy. Pharmacists serving in this area can have a beneficial impact on patient care and the health-care system.

Conclusion:

The demand for acute care services is likely to grow as the population continues to grow and age. Pharmacists are key members of interdisciplinary teams in the acute care setting.
Self-Reported Sensory Impairments and Changes in Cognitive Performance: A Longitudinal 6-Year Follow-Up Study of English Community-Dwelling Adults Aged ⩾50 Years
Authors: Liljas Ann E. M. , Walters Kate , de Oliveira Cesar , Wannamethee S. Goya , Ramsay Sheena E. , Carvalho Livia A.
Published: December 2018

Objective: To investigate the influence of single and dual sensory impairments prospectively on cognition in adults aged ⩾50 years. Method: Community-dwelling English adults ( n = 4,621) were followed up from 2008 to 2014. Self-reported hearing and vision were collected in 2008. Change in cognitive performance on working memory and executive function between 2008 and 2014 was evaluated. Results: Compared with good hearing and good vision, respectively, poor hearing and poor vision were associated with worse cognitive function (hearing: unstandardized coefficient B = 0.83, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = [0.29, 1.37]; vision: B = 1.61, 95% CI = [0.92, 2.29] adjusted for age, sex, baseline cognition). Compared with no sensory impairment, dual sensory impairment was associated with worse cognition ( B = 2.30, 95% CI = [1.21, 3.39] adjusted for age, sex, baseline cognition). All associations remained after further adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, chronic conditions, falls, mobility, depression, and lack of companionship. Discussion: The findings are important as age-related sensory impairments are often preventable or modifiable, which may prevent or delay cognitive impairment.
Self-tuning Kalman filter for compensation of transmission delay and loss in line-of-sight guidance
Authors: Nikfetrat Akram , Mahboobi Esfanjani Reza
Published: December 2018

A self-tuning Kalman filter is introduced to reduce the destructive effects of the delayed and lost measurements in the guidance systems employing command to line-of-sight strategy. A sequence of Bernoulli distributed random variables with uncertain probabilities are used to model the delayed and lost observations. Besides the state estimation, the uncertain parameters of the measurement model are identified online using the covariance of innovation sequence. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the merits of the suggested approach.
Concept design of a novel robotic spinal brace for the treatment of scoliosis
Authors: Niu Xinjian , Yang Chifu , Han Junwei , Agrawal Sunil K
Published: December 2018

This article presents a novel robotic brace for the treatment of scoliosis. The motivation of this new device comes from the shortcomings in current braces including the rigid brace and the soft brace. Besides, the novel active brace can be used not only for applying active corrective forces on spine, but also for the rehabilitation exercise. The design and control architectures are described for the novel brace and genetic algorithm is used to obtain optimal structural parameters. Two Stewart platforms connected in series form this brace which is driven by 12 electric actuators. Each platform can be controlled in motion or force mode independently. The device can move in six orientations in motion mode and apply six-degree-of-freedom forces on the spine in force mode. In order to evaluate the function and performance of the dynamic brace system, a simple proportional–integral–differential control strategy is employed in both the two control modes. Experimental results depict that the proposed device can respond to the desired position/force commands excellently.
Design and implementation of automatic control for a condensation-induced depressurization system
Authors: Du Fen , Zhang Bo , Zhu Chao , Ji Zhiming , Lin Chao-Hsin
Published: December 2018

This study develops a control system to automate the operation of a condensation-induced depressurization technology, which is used to achieve sub-atmospheric pressure in an open-flow system on ground. The continuous depressurization is maintained via an integrated series of chambers inside which vacuum is regenerated by condensing and refilling of saturated steam. The low pressure generated inside the chambers is then used to alternatively extract the air out of a flow system for maintaining its sub-atmospheric pressure. The thermodynamic cycle in such a vacuum chamber consists of three sub-processes: air purging to ambient by steam refilling, depressurization by steam condensation, and air-extraction from a flow application. As one chamber undergoing these consecutive processes, another chamber operates in a coordinated different phase to seamlessly maintain a continuous air-extraction operation. This new system provides a quiet and efficient way of using low-grade energy to generate hypobaric environment for needed applications. A cascade arrangement of a proposed multiple-chamber operation is also illustrated. A control system is designed and implemented to realize the automatic and coordinated operation in a dual-chamber, laboratory-scaled system. Exemplified results on process characteristics such as chamber depressurization and air purging are also provided.
A new multi-proxy record of environmental change over the last 1000 years on Chiloé Island: Lake Pastahué, south-central Chile (42°S)
Authors: Troncoso Castro J Max , Vergara Carolina , Alvarez Denisse , Díaz Gustavo , Fierro Pablo , Araneda Alberto , Torrejón Fernando , Rondanelli Mauricio , Fagel Nathalie , Urrutia Roberto
Published: December 2018

Knowledge of past environmental and climatic conditions of lake ecosystems on Chiloé Island on a millennial scale is limited. Hence, this study fills a gap in our understanding of this part of southern Chile. The aim of this study was to reconstruct the environmental and climatic history of the last 1000 years of Lake Pastahué through a multi-proxy sediment core analysis. The 1-m-long core was subsampled every centimeter for the organic matter, magnetic susceptibility, grain-size distribution, and biological indicator (pollen, chironomids) analyses. The age model was constructed from 210Pb, 137Cs, and 14C activity. Pollen results revealed a North Patagonian forest composition represented by Nothofagus, Weinmannia, Drimys, Tepualia, Myrtaceae, Poaceae, and Pteridophyta. The abundance of Rumex and Pinus in the most recent part of the pollen assemblage reflects a clear anthropogenic impact. The sedimentological parameters and chironomid assemblage show similar variations, which highlight changes in the trophic state of the lake. The changes observed in all proxies suggest the influence of climate events such as the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’ (MCA) and ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA). The variations observed since the beginning of the 20th century could be the result of the combined effect of anthropogenic activities and the increase in temperature recorded in south-central Chile and Patagonia.
Is systemic lupus erythematosus different in urban versus rural living environment? Data from the Cretan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance Registry
Authors: Gergianaki I , Fanouriakis A , Adamichou C , Spyrou G , Mihalopoulos N , Kazadzis S , Chatzi L , Sidiropoulos P , Boumpas D T , Bertsias G
Published: December 2018

Background

Examining urban–rural differences can provide insights into susceptibility or modifying factors of complex diseases, yet limited data exist on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objective

To study SLE risk, manifestations and severity in relation to urban versus rural residence.

Methodology

Cross-sectional analysis of the Crete Lupus Registry. Demographics, residency history and clinical data were obtained from interviews and medical records ( N=399 patients). Patients with exclusively urban, rural or mixed urban/rural residence up to enrolment were compared.

Results

The risk of SLE in urban versus rural areas was 2.08 (95% confidence interval: 1.66–2.61). Compared with rural, urban residence was associated with earlier (by almost seven years) disease diagnosis – despite comparable diagnostic delay – and lower female predominance (6.8:1 versus 15:1). Rural patients had fewer years of education and lower employment rates. Smoking was more frequent among urban, whereas pesticide use was increased among rural patients. A pattern of malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers and arthritis was more prevalent in rural patients. Residence was not associated with organ damage although moderate/severe disease occurred more frequently among rural-living patients (multivariable adjusted odds ratio: 2.17, p=0.011).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the living environment may influence the risk, gender bias and phenotype of SLE, not fully accounted for by sociodemographic factors.
Effect of low nanoclay content on the physico-mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites
Authors: Robledo-Ortíz JR , Martín del Campo AS , López-Naranjo EJ , Arellano M , Jasso-Gastinel CF , González-Núñez R , Pérez-Fonseca AA
Published: December 2018

In this work, three different nanoclays (1.44P, 1.34MN, and Cloisite 15A) were used to reinforce an injection grade poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using three different nanoclay concentration levels (1, 3, and 5 wt%) in a twin-screw extruder. To evaluate their mechanical performance (static and dynamic tests) and thermal properties, the respective samples were obtained by injection molding. Results showed that the three nanoclays significantly increased the tensile and flexural modulus of the injection grade PLA. The 1.34MN NCs also showed improvement in the tensile strength. An increment in flexural strength was obtained with 1.34MN and 1.44P nanoclays, while with nanoclay 15A, the flexural strength decreased. Additionally, the use of 5 wt% of 1.44P nanoclay allowed an increase in impact strength while using 1.34MN and 15A nanoclays, the impact strength was similar to the one observed for pure PLA. In general, mechanodynamic analysis results showed that storage modulus increased with nanoclay content; while thermogravimetric analysis indicated that none of the nanoclays has a significant effect over the degradation temperature of pure PLA. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the crystallinity of PLA is enhanced with nanoclay inclusion. For 1.34MN NCs, X-ray diffraction observations exposed that the mineral clay relative intensity peaks disappeared indicating nanoclay exfoliation, which contributes to the increase in tensile and flexural strength in the NCs. Nevertheless for 1.44P and 15A nanoclays, an increase in the interlayer distance (intercalation) was detected.
The Limits of Empiricism: The Utility of Theory in Historical Thought and Writing
Authors: Spiegel Gabrielle M.
Published: December 2018

In recent years, there has been a revival of emphasis in historical research and writing on the practice of empiricism, together with the rehabilitation of those ‘epistemic virtues’ of accuracy, impartiality, objectivity, fairness, attentiveness, perseverance and the like that for so long characterised criteria for a professional mode of behaviour that would guarantee the credibility of the historian’s account. This has occurred after several decades when, under the influence of the ‘linguistic turn’ and its turn to the study of narrative constructivism, earlier claims respecting the truth value and objectivity of empirical work had come under attack among those espousing a linguistic approach to history.

 This article investigates the most recent efforts to integrate empiricism and theory currently being proposed by scholars in the philosophy of history and historiography and the epistemological and historiographical entailments that such an attempt necessarily involves. What is emerging at the moment is an effort to generate a synthetic approach to historiography in which elements of narrativism and empiricism are equally in play and continually modify one another in the production of historiographical representation and meaning. Whether we have yet to arrive at a successful solution to the manner best suited for such a reconciliation of empiricism and constructivism remains an open question to be discussed.
Acute Arterial Ischemia in a Neonate: Complication of an Indwelling Radial Artery Catheter
Authors: Patel Harshil Anurag , Amin Amee Atulkumar , Patel Dipen Vasudev , Nimbalkar Somashekhar Marutirao
Published: December 2018

A full-term newborn with perinatal depression, meconium stained liquor, shock, and hypoglycemic seizures was admitted at a hospital after 70 hours of life. He was ventilated, received antibiotics, and vasopressors. After 8 hours of left radial artery catheterization, ischemic changes appeared on tips of all the fingers of the newborn. The catheter was removed, and intravenous unfractionated heparin was started. Arterial Doppler revealed thrombus in both radial and ulnar arteries. The case was of category III (irreversible) acute arterial ischemia. Review Doppler after 4 days showed low resistance and dampened flow in radial and ulnar arteries. Surgical intervention was not done. Aspirin was given at discharge, and at 40 days, the distal end of the metacarpals was affected. The positive modified Allen’s test and close clinical monitoring did not guarantee the safety of radial artery catheterization. Other measures need to be critically evaluated to identify evolving thrombus early.
Advanced Financial Literacy of Malaysian Gen Y Investors and Its Consequences
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam , Tan Siow-Hooi , Gan Gerald Goh Guan
Published: December 2018

This article presents the advanced financial literacy of Malaysian Gen Y investors and investigates whether literacy varies across demographics and ethnicity, and how financial literacy is related to investing decisions. In a survey-based study (N = 231) with the estimation of crosstab, ordered logistic regression and binary logistic regression, the results suggest that Gen Y investors display a medium level of financial literacy and that investors with certain demographic characteristics and ethnicity display a relatively higher level of financial literacy. Literacy items such as knowledge of stocks and bonds, functioning of the stock market, working of long-term bonds and mutual funds, and riskiness of bonds versus stocks are more closely related to investors’ trading, risky share investment, willingness of risk-taking, stock market participation and perceived portfolio returns. The results imply a clear scope to improve Gen Y investors’ financial literacy by concentrating on a certain socio-demographic groups and specific financial literacy items.

JEL Classifications: D14, G11, I20
Risk-taking Channel of Monetary Policy: Evidence from Indian Banking
Authors: Sarkar Sanjukta , Sensarma Rudra
Published: December 2018

Some recent articles have studied the link between the central bank’s monetary policy stance and the risk-taking behaviour of banks in the context of advanced economies. Loose monetary policy can encourage banks to reach for yield, which will increase their share of risky assets, and also induce them to use more short-term funding. We empirically examine the existence of this risk-taking channel of monetary policy transmission in India. We find that expansionary monetary policy may increase default risk particularly for foreign banks and new private sector banks. We also find that tightening of monetary policy leads to lower liquidity risk and market risk and the effects are stronger for foreign banks than for other bank groups. In terms of market risk, the effect on foreign banks is weaker in cases of monetary tightening compared to expansion.

JEL Classification: G21, G28, G32
Empathy from a “4E cognition” perspective: the problem of lynching
Authors: Segovia Nieto Laura Milena , Ramírez Velandia Andrés Fernando
Published: December 2018

Discussions about intersubjectivity can be traced back to philosophical discussions of the 19th century. In recent years, disciplines such as neuroscience, social cognition, and phenomenology have discussed “empathy” in terms of the ability for human connection. More recently, researchers are discussing the definition of empathy, especially the relationship between empathy and the motivation to seek another’s well-being. In this discussion, psychological theories conceived empathy as a factor of prosocial behavior. Other researchers such as Bloom consider empathy as an unfit moral guide, while yet others attempt to remove the caring condition from the equation of empathy. In this article, we aim to contribute to the discussion on empathy discussions by analyzing lynching, a form of collective violence sometimes seen in the South American context. We suggest that lynching, as well as other phenomena of collective violence, presents specific challenges for the conceptualization of empathy, and that those challenges could be tackled from the perspective of “4E cognition.”
Creating Special Purpose Nonprofits to Lessen the Cost of Public Infrastructure
Authors: Bryce Herrington J.
Published: December 2018

From a policy, practice, and theoretical perspective, this article promotes the use of the nonprofit to lessen the financial burden on government in advancing the wellbeing of the general public. The burden in this article is the cost of providing critical physical infrastructure for the benefit of an entire population or jurisdiction. How can the nonprofit materially lessen this financial burden? How may the trade-off between government agency appropriations and tax expenditures to nonprofits favor the use of a nonprofit? What about accountability to citizens and to government-why is this not an obstacle? Why is the nonprofit a versatile design for the provision of infrastructure either singularly or in any combination of public- private partnership? Why should this strategy be embraced if infrastructure requires a large upfront and continuous flow of cash and debt? Could this strategy bring infrastructure online quicker and at a lower government cost?
Perspectives on the Organizational Context of Frontlines: A Commentary
Authors: Schneider Benjamin , Bowen David E.
Published: December 2018

This commentary heartily endorses the organizational frontlines (OF) construct proposed in the special issue of Journal of Service Research. The central goal of the commentary is to facilitate the interdisciplinary focus of the OF construct so appropriately emphasized in the special issue by focusing in on the role of people throughout a service organization. We emphasize in particular how people are involved in every facet of the service organization that eventually impacts the OF including, via the sociotechnical systems construct, the development and implementation of technology used at the frontlines. A three-tier view of service organizations is summarized that includes customers, employees, and management (coordination) tiers—and their interactions especially vis-à-vis the boundary tier (frontlines) of service organizations. In addition, we summarize three contextual human facets of service organizations that impact what happens at the frontlines that were relatively underemphasized in the special issue: service climate, internal service, and the strength of human resource management systems. Finally, we note the importance of attending, through research and practice, to the changes in the roles of people as technology plays an increasing role in many service delivery systems.
Higher offset cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners: is wear a significant clinical concern?
Authors: Chapman Ryan M , Van Citters Douglas W , Chapman Danielle , Dalury David F
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the 2nd most common total joint replacement surgery in the United States. However, not all THA devices perform well and need revised for several reasons including dislocation. Higher offset acetabular liners reduce this problem by creating a more anatomically/biomechanically natural hip joint, increasing soft-tissue tension, and accommodating larger femoral heads in smaller acetabular cups via increased polyethylene thickness. To our knowledge, however, in vivo wear (another failure mode) performance of offset acetabular liners remains unknown.

Methods:

2 cohorts of 40 individuals (0-mm, 4-mm offset acetabular liners, respectively) from a single surgeon’s consecutive caseload were assessed. 6-week/5-year post-op radiographs were compared using a validated method using SolidWorks software to assess in vivo linear and volumetric wear rates. Resultant surgical offset was also quantified using this method.

Results:

Linear wear rate for 0-mm and 4-mm offset cohorts were 0.01 ± 0.09 mm/year and 0.08 ± 0.12 mm/year, respectively. Volumetric wear rate for 0-mm and 4-mm offset cohorts were 30.4 ± 20.4 mm3/year and 61.6 ± 42.1 mm3/year, respectively. Both of these were statistically significant. Neither linear nor volumetric wear rate was correlated with resultant surgical offset.

Discussion:

To our knowledge, this is the 1st study to compare in vivo wear performance of 0-mm and 4-mm offset acetabular liners. Although linear and volumetric wear rates were different between cohorts, neither reached previously established osteolysis thresholds. Moreover, wear rates were not correlated with resultant surgical offset. Finally, no patients in either cohort showed signs of osteolysis nor needed revision. As such, the clinical relevance of the wear rate differences is potentially less significant.
Putative Interaction Proteins of the Ubiquitin Ligase Hrd1 in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Jiang Haolang , Lin Lianyu , Tang Wei , Chen Xuehang , Zheng Qiaojia , Huang Jun , Yang Tao , Su Li , Dong Yanhan , Wang Baohua , Wang Zonghua
Published: December 2018

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the entry portal of the conventional secretory pathway where the newly synthesized polypeptides fold, modify, and assemble. The ER responses to the unfolded proteins in its lumen (ER stress) by triggering intracellular signal transduction pathways include the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway and the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. In yeast and mammals, the ubiquitin ligase Hrd1 is indispensable for the ERAD pathway, and also Hrd1-mediated ERAD pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and metabolism of human beings. However, the underlying physiological roles and regulatory mechanism of the Hrd1-involved ERAD pathway in the plant pathogenic fungi are still unclear. Here, we identified the Hrd1 orthologous proteins from 9 different fungi and noticed that these Hrd1 orthologs are conserved. Through identification of MoHrd1 putative interacting proteins by co-immunoprecipitation assays and enrichment analysis, we found that MoHrd1 is involved in the secretory pathway, energy synthesis, and metabolism. Taken together, our results suggest that MoHrd1 is conserved among fungi and play an important role in cellular metabolism and infection-related development. Our finding helps uncover the mechanism of Hrd1-involved ERAD pathway in fungi and sheds a new light to understand the pathogenic mechanism of Magnaporthe oryzae.
How Complex Can Resistance to Dieldrin, the Insect γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor, Get?
Authors: Jones Andrew K
Published: December 2018

Recently, Taylor-Wells et al published evidence that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, resistance to dieldrin (RDL), from mosquitoes undergoes RNA A-to-I editing to generate an extraordinarily large range of isoforms. This editing was found to affect GABA receptor pharmacology, as it influenced the potency of GABA and ivermectin. This highlights RNA editing as a species-specific mechanism to fine-tune receptor function as well as possibly increase tolerance of mosquitoes to certain insecticides. This commentary also considers novel findings from analysis of Rdl transcripts from individual mosquitoes taken from different geographical areas.
Sensing the City: Legibility in the Context of Mediated Spatial Terrains
Authors: Wohl Sharon
Published: December 2018

Smartphones, with their “pervasive presence” in contact with our bodies, have come to act as sensory prosthetics that mediate our experience of the city. They activate new possibilities of navigating the urban, such that we can find exactly what we want, rather than what has been placed before us. This article argues that smartphone technologies produce a more fluid engagement with urban space: where space is not so much “given” as “enacted.” In this context, notions of “legibility” take on new algorithmic and virtual forms. Thus, according to Hamilton and colleagues, where “the legible city waited to be read, the transparent city of data waits to be accessed.” Here, stable features dissolve as urban space becomes increasingly fluid and contingent, no longer limited by static patterns of inhabitation. Instead, how we move and where we move shift in accordance with the kinds of urban resources being activated at any given location, at any given moment, and in conjunction with the shifting vicissitudes of the crowd. In this context, the virtual (in its technological definition of cyber-enabled or -enacted space) mediates and activates the virtual (in its philosophical definition pertaining to the capacities of an entity that may or may not be manifested depending on context). The article considers the implications of this novel spatial mediation using an ontological perspective informed by complex adaptive systems theory, which considers forms and objects not as absolutes but rather as contingent entities activated through interactions.
A dynamic response test rig of a full-scale rotor–journal bearing system
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yujun , Xu Weiwei , Wang Zhenbo
Published: December 2018

A design strategy of a test rig for the dynamic behavior of a rotor supported by two full-scale journal bearings was proposed. A special part, called “intermediate”, was set up to allow the convenient changing of the bearing structure. An electromagnetic exciter was used to obtain the natural frequency, and software running on the Microsoft Visual C++6.0 operating platform was programmed for signal acquisition and analysis. Then, the test rig was constructed. The field dynamic balance and natural frequency testing were carried out. The journal orbits and frequency spectrums were used to measure the dynamic response of different structure full-scale journal bearings. The experimental results showed that an acceptable balance effect was achieved after the field dynamic balance. The natural frequency of the rig agreed with the numerical results. Stability was improved through changing the bearing structure. This revealed that this rig can effectively test the dynamic behavior of a rotor supported by a full-scale journal bearing system, which is critical to the design of journal bearings.
Autonomy support, motivational climate, enjoyment and perceived competence in physical education: Impact of a hybrid teaching games for understanding/sport education unit
Authors: Gil-Arias Alexander , Claver Fernando , Práxedes Alba , Villar Fernando Del , Harvey Stephen
Published: December 2018

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of a hybrid teaching games for understanding (TGfU) and sport education (SE) physical education unit on autonomy support, perceived motivational climate, enjoyment and perceived competence, in comparison to a unit delivered via a traditional direct instruction model. A crossover design was utilized. Participants were 55 students divided into two groups. One group experienced a hybrid TGfU/SE unit first, followed by a unit of direct instruction. A second group experienced the units in the opposite order. The hybrid unit was designed according to the characteristics of SE (e.g. formal competition, seasons, team identity, roles, etc.) and learning tasks were designed to integrate the pedagogical principles of TGfU. Dependent variables were measured using validated questionnaires. Results showed that regardless of the order of intervention, students in the two groups reported significantly higher mean scores in interest in athletes’ input, praise for autonomous behavior, perceived competence, and enjoyment when they were taught using the hybrid TGfU/SE unit. The results demonstrate some initial evidence that a teacher’s employment of a hybrid TGfU/SE unit can encourage students to assume responsibilities and make independent decisions, which leads to them reporting greater enjoyment and perceived competence when compared to physical education lessons delivered via a traditional direct instruction model.
The first–second language influence on framing effects and loss aversion of balanced bilinguals
Authors: Huang Hanjing , Rau Pei-Luen Patrick
Published: December 2018

Aims:

We aimed to investigate the effects of language on the decision-making of bilinguals when they possess almost equal proficiencies in these languages.

Methodology:

Chinese–English bilinguals were asked to make decisions in Chinese or English. In the first experiment, we used a financial crisis problem to investigate the effects of language on the framing effect. In the second experiment, we used two gambling tasks to investigate the effects of language on people’s loss aversion in hypothetical and real bets.

Data and analysis:

Participants had similar proficiencies in Chinese and in English. Two hundred and twelve Chinese–English bilinguals took part in the first experiment. Their decision data were analysed using chi-squared tests. Ninety-six Chinese–English bilinguals took part in the second experiment. Their decision data were analysed using ANOVA and t-tests.

Findings:

Framing effects were reduced in the English condition. Chinese–English bilinguals were risk-averse for gains and risk-seeking for losses when choices were presented in Chinese, but this asymmetry disappeared when the choices were presented in English. However, the results indicated that the language did not have significant effects on Chinese–English bilinguals’ loss aversion in hypothetical and real bets.

Originality:

This is among the first studies to investigate the effects of language on decision-making in balanced bilinguals who have similar proficiencies in different languages.

Significance/implications:

The findings suggest that language still influences the framing effect, even in balanced bilinguals who have similar proficiencies in different languages.