bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comment: The Emotion–Health Link: Perspectives From a Lifespan Theory of Discrete Emotions
Authors: Kunzmann Ute , Wrosch Carsten
Published: January 2018

Suls provides a useful review of research interested in the contribution of chronic negative emotions to coronary heart disease (CHD). Despite widespread support for a link between negative emotions and the etiology of disease, it is largely unknown if discrete negative emotions, particularly anger, sadness, and anxiety contribute to the development of physical disease in different ways. In this comment, we argue that answering this question will require a more comprehensive analysis of the unique characteristics of discrete emotions as well as conceptually refined assumptions about how discrete emotions develop and change across the adult lifespan.
New Ways to Explore the Relationship–Emotion–Health Connection
Authors: Sbarra David A. , Coan James A.
Published: January 2018

The commentaries by Rimé (2018) and Scherer (2018) underscore and extend many of the central themes discussed in our target article (Sbarra & Coan, 2018). This response filters the commentaries through the lens of our review article and highlights the core idea that relationships provide a vital context for the types of emotional responding outlined in the commentaries, including the social sharing of emotion (an inherently interpersonal process) as well as the link between emotional competence and physical health (which can unfold both within and between people).
Author Reply: Arousal Reappraisal as an Affect Regulation Strategy
Authors: Jamieson Jeremy P. , Hangen Emily J. , Lee Hae Yeon , Yeager David S.
Published: January 2018

The biopsychosocial (BPS) model of challenge and threat posits that resource and demand appraisals interact in situations of acute stress to determine affective responses, and concomitant physiological responses, motivation, and decisions/behaviors. Regulatory approaches that alter appraisals to regulate challenge and threat affective states have the potential to facilitate coping. This reply clarifies the conceptualization of one such regulatory approach, arousal (or stress) reappraisal, and suggests avenues for future research. However, it is important to note that arousal reappraisal (or any brief psychological intervention) is not a “silver bullet” for improving stress outcomes, nor should this strategy be expected to positively impact all individuals. More work is needed to better elucidate how psychological and biological stress processes interact to shape health.
Author Reply: The Need for Study of Correlates and Outcomes of Specific and General Aspects of Negative Emotions
Authors: Suls Jerry
Published: January 2018

I agree with the commentators that study of physical disease risk conferred by affective dispositions such as anger/hostility, anxiety, and sadness, should be more cognizant of developments in emotion theory. Emotions differ in their functional value depending on the person’s lifespan trajectory. Discrete emotions have different psychophysiological signatures; and emotional competence, including production, regulation, and knowledge, may be critical in determining whether specific negative affects, or general negative affectivity, are toxic for physical health. Emotion researchers, however, have mainly focused on acute affective experiences and ignored the general effects of negative affectivity, which subsumes the discrete negative affects. Most diseases develop over years so more needs to be known about the biological signatures of chronic specific affects and negative affectivity.
The Empirical Examinability of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Reply to Hoffart and Johnson
Authors: Cohen Jonah N. , McElhaney Ryan , Jensen Dane
Published: January 2018

This commentary serves as a reply to Hoffart and Johnson’s article contending that psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) models cannot be examined with regard to mechanism of change or represent within-person causal relationships. Hoffart and Johnson cite purportedly paradigmatic examples of PDT and cognitive therapy and examine them with respect to Kazdin’s requirements for investigation of mechanisms of change. We highlight inaccuracies in Hoffart and Johnson’s representation of PDT and, in doing so, provide reasoning in support of the empirical examinability of PDT. We conclude by recommending a metatheoretical system (i.e., functionalism) and empirical methodologies that clinical scientists may consider when investigating mechanisms of PDT in the future.
Web-Based Education Prior to Outpatient Orthopaedic Surgery Enhances Early Patient Satisfaction Scores: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: van Eck Carola F. , Toor Aneet , Banffy Michael B. , Gambardella Ralph A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

A good patient-surgeon relationship relies on adequate preoperative education and counseling. Several multimedia resources, such as web-based education tools, have become available to enhance aspects of perioperative care.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an interactive web-based education tool on perioperative patient satisfaction scores after outpatient orthopaedic surgery. It was hypothesized that web-based education prior to outpatient orthopaedic surgery enhances patient satisfaction scores.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

All patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy, chondroplasty, or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or shoulder arthroscopy with rotator cuff repair were eligible for inclusion and were randomized to the study or control group. The control group received routine education by the surgeon, whereas the study group received additional web-based education. At the first postoperative visit, all patients completed the OAS CAHPS (Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey. Differences in patient satisfaction scores between the study and control groups were determined with an independent t test.

Results:

A total of 177 patients were included (104 [59%] males; mean age, 42 ± 14 years); 87 (49%) patients were randomized to receive additional web-based education. Total patient satisfaction score was significantly higher in the study group (97 ± 5) as compared with the control group (94 ± 8; P = .019), specifically for the OAS CAHPS core measure “recovery” (92 ± 13 vs 82 ± 23; P = .001). Age, sex, race, workers’ compensation status, education level, overall health, emotional health, procedure type and complexity, and addition of a video did not influence patient satisfaction scores.

Conclusion:

Supplemental web-based patient education prior to outpatient orthopaedic surgery enhances patient satisfaction scores.
The association between air pollution and the incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Northern Italy
Authors: Conti Sara , Harari Sergio , Caminati Antonella , Zanobetti Antonella , Schwartz Joel D. , Bertazzi Pietro A. , Cesana Giancarlo , Madotto Fabiana
Published: January 2018

Acute exacerbations and worsening of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been associated with exposure to ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter, but chronic exposure to air pollution might also affect the incidence of IPF. We investigated the association between chronic exposure to NO2, O3and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10) and IPF incidence in Northern Italy between 2005 and 2010.

Daily predictions of PM10concentrations were obtained from spatiotemporal models, and NO2and O3hourly concentrations from fixed monitoring stations. We identified areas with homogenous exposure to each pollutant. We built negative binomial models to assess the association between area-specific IPF incidence rate, estimated through administrative databases, and average overall and seasonal PM10, NO2, and 8-hour maximum O3concentrations.

Using unadjusted models, an increment of 10 µg·m−3in NO2concentration was associated with an increase between 7.93% (95% CI 0.36–16.08%) and 8.41% (95% CI −0.23–17.80%) in IPF incidence rate, depending on the season. After adjustment for potential confounders, estimated effects were similar in magnitude, but with larger confidence intervals.

Although confirmatory studies are needed, our results trace a potential association between exposure to traffic pollution and the development of IPF.
The inflammatory cell landscape in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Marsh Leigh M. , Jandl Katharina , Grünig Gabriele , Foris Vasile , Bashir Mina , Ghanim Bahil , Klepetko Walter , Olschewski Horst , Olschewski Andrea , Kwapiszewska Grazyna
Published: January 2018

Increasing evidence points towards an inflammatory component underlying pulmonary hypertension. However, the conclusive characterisation of multiple inflammatory cell populations in the lung is challenging due to the complexity of marker specificity and tissue inaccessibility. We used an unbiased computational flow cytometry approach to delineate the inflammatory landscape of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and healthy donor lungs.

Donor and IPAH samples were discriminated clearly using principal component analysis to reduce the multidimensional data obtained from single-cell flow cytometry analysis. In IPAH lungs, the predominant CD45+cell type switched from neutrophils to CD3+T-cells, with increases in CD4+, CD8+and γδT-cell subsets. Additionally, diversely activated classical myeloid-derived dendritic cells (CD14−HLA-DR+CD11c+CD1a+/−) and nonclassical plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs; CD14−CD11c−CD123+HLA-DR+), together with mast cells and basophils, were more abundant in IPAH samples. We describe, for the first time, the presence and regulation of two cell types in IPAH, γδT-cells and pDCs, which link innate and adaptive immunity.

With our high-throughput flow cytometry with multidimensional dataset analysis, we have revealed the interactive interplay between multiple inflammatory cells is a crucial part of their integrative network. The identification of γδT-cells and pDCs in this disease potentially provides a missing link between IPAH, autoimmunity and inflammation.
Inhaled diesel exhaust alters the allergen-induced bronchial secretome in humans
Authors: Mookherjee Neeloffer , Piyadasa Hadeesha , Ryu Min Hyung , Rider Christopher Francis , Ezzati Peyman , Spicer Victor , Carlsten Christopher
Published: January 2018

Diesel exhaust (DE) is a paradigm for traffic-related air pollution. Human adaptation to DE is poorly understood and currently based on oversimplified models. DE promotes allergic responses, but protein expression changes mediated by this interaction have not been systematically investigated. The aim of this study was to define the effect of inhaled DE on allergen-induced proteins in the lung.

We performed a randomised and blinded controlled human crossover exposure study. Participants inhaled filtered air or DE; thereafter, contralateral lung segments were challenged with allergen or saline. Using label-free quantitative proteomics, we comprehensively defined DE-mediated alteration of allergen-driven secreted proteins (secretome) in bronchoalveolar lavage. We further examined expression of proteins selected from the secretome data in independent validation experiments using Western blots, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

We identified protein changes unique to co-exposure (DE+allergen), undetected with mono-exposures (DE or allergen alone). Validation studies confirmed that specific proteins (e.g.the antimicrobial peptide cystatin-SA) were significantly enhanced with DE+allergen compared to either mono-exposure.

This study demonstrates that common environmental co-exposures can uniquely alter protein responses in the lungs, illuminating biology that mono-exposures cannot. This study highlights the value of complex humanin vivomodels in detailing airway responses to inhaled pollution.
RESPIRE 2: a phase III placebo-controlled randomised trial of ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Aksamit Timothy , De Soyza Anthony , Bandel Tiemo-Joerg , Criollo Margarita , Elborn J. Stuart , Operschall Elisabeth , Polverino Eva , Roth Katrin , Winthrop Kevin L. , Wilson Robert
Published: January 2018

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation (DPI) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, two or more exacerbations in the previous year and predefined sputum bacteria.

Patients were randomised 2:1 to twice-daily ciprofloxacin DPI 32.5 mg or placebo in 14- or 28-day on/off treatment cycles for 48 weeks. Primary end-points were time to first exacerbation and frequency of exacerbations. Enrolling countries and α level split (0.049 and 0.001 for 14- and 28-day cycles, respectively) differed from RESPIRE 1.

Patients were randomised to ciprofloxacin DPI (14 days on/off (n=176) or 28 days on/off (n=171)) or placebo (14 days on/off (n=88) or 28 days on/off (n=86)). The exacerbation rate was low across treatment arms (mean±sd0.6±0.9). Active treatment showed trends to prolonged time to first exacerbation (ciprofloxacin DPI 14 days on/off: hazard ratio 0.87, 95.1% CI 0.62–1.21; p=0.3965; ciprofloxacin DPI 28 days on/off: hazard ratio 0.71, 99.9% CI 0.39–1.27; p=0.0511) and reduced frequency of exacerbations (ciprofloxacin DPI 14 days on/off: incidence rate ratio 0.83, 95.1% CI 0.59–1.17; p=0.2862; ciprofloxacin DPI 28 days on/off: incidence rate ratio 0.55, 99.9% CI 0.30–1.02; p=0.0014), although neither achieved statistical significance. Ciprofloxacin DPI was well tolerated.

Trends towards clinical benefit were seen with ciprofloxacin DPI, but primary end-points were not met.
Bioaerosol concentrations generated from toilet flushing in a hospital-based patient care setting
Authors: Knowlton Samantha D. , Boles Corey L. , Perencevich Eli N. , Diekema Daniel J. , Nonnenmann Matthew W. ,   CDC Epicenters Program
Published: January 2018

Background

In the United States, 1.7 million immunocompromised patients contract a healthcare-associated infection, annually. These infections increase morbidity, mortality and costs of care. A relatively unexplored route of transmission is the generation of bioaerosols during patient care. Transmission of pathogenic microorganisms may result from inhalation or surface contamination of bioaerosols. The toilet flushing of patient fecal waste may be a source of bioaerosols. To date, no study has investigated bioaerosol concentrations from flushing fecal wastes during patient care.

Methods

Particle and bioaerosol concentrations were measured in hospital bathrooms across three sampling conditions; no waste no flush, no waste with flush, and fecal waste with flush. Particle and bioaerosol concentrations were measured with a particle counter bioaerosol sampler both before after a toilet flushing event at distances of 0.15, 0.5, and 1 m from the toilet for 5, 10, 15 min.

Results

Particle concentrations measured before and after the flush were found to be significantly different (0.3–10 μm). Bioaerosol concentrations when flushing fecal waste were found to be significantly greater than background concentrations (p-value = 0.005). However, the bioaerosol concentrations were not different across time (p-value = 0.977) or distance (p-value = 0.911) from the toilet, suggesting that aerosols generated may remain for longer than 30 min post flush. Toilets produce aerosol particles when flushed, with the majority of the particles being 0.3 μm in diameter. The particles aerosolized include microorganisms remaining from previous use or from fecal wastes. Differences in bioaerosol concentrations across conditions also suggest that toilet flushing is a source of bioaerosols that may result in transmission of pathogenic microorganisms.

Conclusions

This study is the first to quantify particles and bioaerosols produced from flushing a hospital toilet during routine patient care. Future studies are needed targeting pathogens associated with gastrointestinal illness and evaluating aerosol exposure reduction interventions.
Lipidomics unveils the complexity of the lipidome in metabolic diseases
Authors: Lydic Todd A. , Goo Young‐Hwa
Published: January 2018

Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is responsible for pathologies of human diseases including metabolic diseases. Recent advances in lipidomics analysis allow for the targeted and untargeted identification of lipid species and for their quantification in normal and diseased conditions. Herein, this review provides a brief introduction to lipidomics, highlights its application to characterize the lipidome at the cellular and physiological levels under different biological conditions, and discusses the potential for the use of lipidomics in the discovery of biomarkers.
Enzalutamide for the Treatment of Androgen Receptor–Expressing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Traina Tiffany A. , Miller Kathy , Yardley Denise A. , Eakle Janice , Schwartzberg Lee S. , O’Shaughnessy Joyce , Gradishar William , Schmid Peter , Winer Eric , Kelly Catherine , Nanda Rita , Gucalp Ayca , Awada Ahmad , Garcia-Estevez Laura , Trudeau Maureen E. , Steinberg Joyce , Uppal Hirdesh , Tudor Iulia Cristina , Peterson Amy , Cortes Javier
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Studies suggest that a subset of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have tumors that express the androgen receptor (AR) and may benefit from an AR inhibitor. This phase II study evaluated the antitumor activity and safety of enzalutamide in patients with locally advanced or metastatic AR-positive TNBC.

Patients and Methods

Tumors were tested for AR with an immunohistochemistry assay optimized for breast cancer; nuclear AR staining > 0% was considered positive. Patients received enzalutamide 160 mg once per day until disease progression. The primary end point was clinical benefit rate (CBR) at 16 weeks. Secondary end points included CBR at 24 weeks, progression-free survival, and safety. End points were analyzed in all enrolled patients (the intent-to-treat [ITT] population) and in patients with one or more postbaseline assessment whose tumor expressed ≥ 10% nuclear AR (the evaluable subgroup).

Results

Of 118 patients enrolled, 78 were evaluable. CBR at 16 weeks was 25% (95% CI, 17% to 33%) in the ITT population and 33% (95% CI, 23% to 45%) in the evaluable subgroup. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months (95% CI, 1.9 to 3.7 months) in the ITT population and 3.3 months (95% CI, 1.9 to 4.1 months) in the evaluable subgroup. Median overall survival was 12.7 months (95% CI, 8.5 months to not yet reached) in the ITT population and 17.6 months (95% CI, 11.6 months to not yet reached) in the evaluable subgroup. Fatigue was the only treatment-related grade 3 or higher adverse event with an incidence of > 2%.

Conclusion

Enzalutamide demonstrated clinical activity and was well tolerated in patients with advanced AR-positive TNBC. Adverse events related to enzalutamide were consistent with its known safety profile. This study supports additional development of enzalutamide in advanced TNBC.
Model for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Low-Resource Areas: The Experience in Peru
Authors: Bain Carolyn , Constant Tara Hayes , Contreras Ines , Vega Ana Maria Burga , Jeronimo Jose , Tsu Vivien
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Late-stage breast cancer detection should be something of the past; however, it is still all too common in low-resource areas, including Peru, where 57% of women diagnosed with cancer are diagnosed at stage III or IV disease. Early detection of breast cancer is feasible in low-resource semirural and rural areas where mammography is rarely accessible.

Methods

PATH collaborated with Peruvian health institutions at local, regional, and national levels to design and implement a model of care for the early detection of breast cancer in Peru. The model includes training health promoters for community outreach, professional midwives in clinical breast exam, doctors to perform fine-needle aspiration biopsy sampling with ultrasound to triage, and patient navigators to ensure patients follow through with treatment.

Results

In a northern region of Peru, 400 individuals, including health promoters, midwives, doctors, and volunteers, received early-detection training in two phases. In Peru, local health professionals continue to refine and improve methods and materials using locally available resources, and the Peruvian health information system now includes specific breast cancer detection categories. Despite challenges and limited resources, the model is effective, and partnership with government health administrations improves health systems and benefits the population.

Conclusion

Given the absence of screening mammography, the public health challenge is to bring breast cancer early detection and diagnostic services closer to women’s homes and to ensure appropriate follow-up and care. The model is eminently transferable with appropriate adaptation and should now be tested in other settings within and outside of Peru.
The AKT/BCL-2 Axis Mediates Survival of Uterine Leiomyoma in a Novel 3D Spheroid Model
Authors: Vidimar Vania , Chakravarti Debabrata , Bulun Serdar E , Yin Ping , Nowak Romana , Wei Jian-Jun , Kim J Julie
Published: January 2018

A deeper understanding of the pathways that drive uterine leiomyoma (ULM) growth and survival requires model systems that more closely mimic the in vivo tumors. This would provide new insights into developing effective therapeutic strategies for these common benign tumors of childbearing-aged women. In this study, we examined the role of BCL-2 in mediating ULM survival in the context of increased protein kinase B (AKT) and oxidative stress using a three-dimensional (3D), spheroid-based model that more closely resembles the native ULM tumor microenvironment. Human primary cells from matched myometrium (MM) and ULM tissues were used to establish spheroid cultures in vitro. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were used to assess the spheroid architecture and characteristics. Viability assays for 3D cultures were used to evaluate their response to BH3 mimetics and the superoxide inducer, paraquat (PQ). Primary MM and ULM cells formed spheroids in culture. Notably, ULM spheroids exhibited low proliferation, increased oxidative stress, and secretion of interstitial collagen. Knockdown studies revealed that AKT sustained BCL-2 expression in ULM. The targeting of BCL-2 with BH3 mimetics effectively reduced viability and induced apoptosis in a subset of ULM spheroids. ULM spheroids that did not respond to BH3 mimetics alone responded to combination treatment with PQ. In conclusion, BCL-2 mediates AKT survival of ULM, providing compelling evidence for further evaluation of BH3 mimetics for ULM treatment. ULM spheroids recapitulated intrinsic features of the native ULM tumor microenvironment and can be used as a model for preclinical testing of potential therapeutic options for ULM.
Elucidating mechanisms for insect body size: partial support for the oxygen-dependent induction of moulting hypothesis
Authors: Kivelä Sami M. , Viinamäki Sonja , Keret Netta , Gotthard Karl , Hohtola Esa , Välimäki Panu
Published: January 2018

Body size is a key life history trait and knowledge of its mechanistic basis is crucial in life history biology. Such knowledge is accumulating in holometabolous insects, whose growth is characterised and body size affected by moulting. According to the oxygen-dependent induction of moulting (ODIM) hypothesis, moult is induced at a critical mass where oxygen demand of growing tissues overrides the supply that principally grows only at moults. Support for the ODIM hypothesis is controversial partly because of a lack of proper data to explicitly test the hypothesis. The ODIM hypothesis predicts that the critical mass is positively correlated with oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and negatively with temperature. To resolve the controversy that surrounds the ODIM hypothesis, we rigorously test these predictions by exposing penultimate-instar Orthosia gothica (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae to temperature and moderate pO2 manipulations in a factorial experiment. The relative mass increment in the focal instar increased along with increasing pO2, as predicted, but there was only weak suggestive evidence of the temperature effect. Probably due to a high measurement error in the trait, pO2 effect on the critical mass was sex-specific; high pO2 had a positive effect only in females, whereas low pO2 had a negative effect only in males. Critical mass was independent of temperature. Support for the ODIM hypothesis is partial because of only suggestive evidence of a temperature effect on moulting, but the role of oxygen in moult induction seems unambiguous. The ODIM mechanism, thus, seems worth considering in body size analyses.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Anionic Surfactants Activity at Metal/Solution Interface: The Influence of Temperature and Hydrocarbon Chain Length of Surfactants on the Zinc Ions Electroreduction Rate
Authors: Nieszporek Jolanta , Nieszporek Krzysztof
Published: January 2018

The effect of concentration of two anionic surfactants sodium 1-octanesulfonate and sodium 1-decanesulfonate in the temperature range 288–318 K on the kinetics and mechanism of electroreduction of Zn2+ ions was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (eis) and other electrochemical methods. It was found that the process of electroreduction proceeds in two steps. To describe the mechanism of Zn2+ amalgamation, the Fawcett’s models were considered: CE (chemical step C, electron transfer step E), IE (ion transfer step I, electron transfer step E) and IA (ion transfer step I, adsorption step A). The results of theoretical investigations suggest that the IE model is the most probable mechanism of the process. Both surfactants were found to exert a catalytic effect on the analyzed electrode process. The accelerating abilities of the surfactants were found to increase with the growth of the length of their hydrocarbon chain and with the increase of temperature. The observations concerning the mechanism of the electrode reaction and its acceleration caused by surfactants were confirmed by the parameters calculated from temperature dependencies.
The Welfare Cost of Perceived Policy Uncertainty: Evidence from Social Security
Authors: Luttmer Erzo F. P. , Samwick Andrew A.
Published: January 2018

Policy uncertainty reduces individual welfare when individuals have limited opportunities to mitigate or insure against the resulting consumption fluctuations. We field an original survey to measure the degree of perceived policy uncertainty in Social Security benefits and to estimate the impact of this uncertainty on individual welfare. Our central estimates show that on average individuals are willing to forgo 6 percent of the benefits they are supposed to get under current law to remove the policy uncertainty associated with their future Social Security benefits. This translates to a risk premium from policy uncertainty equal to 10 percent of expected benefits. (JEL D14, D81, H55)
The Economic Consequences of Hospital Admissions
Authors: Dobkin Carlos , Finkelstein Amy , Kluender Raymond , Notowidigdo Matthew J.
Published: January 2018

We use an event study approach to examine the economic consequences of hospital admissions for adults in two datasets: survey data from the Health and Retirement Study, and hospitalization data linked to credit reports. For non-elderly adults with health insurance, hospital admissions increase out-of-pocket medical spending, unpaid medical bills, and bankruptcy, and reduce earnings, income, access to credit, and consumer borrowing. The earnings decline is substantial compared to the out-of-pocket spending increase, and is minimally insured prior to age-eligibility for Social Security Retirement Income. Relative to the insured non-elderly, the uninsured non-elderly experience much larger increases in unpaid medical bills and bankruptcy rates following a hospital admission. Hospital admissions trigger fewer than 5 percent of all bankruptcies in our sample. (JEL D14, G22, I11, I13)
Lying Aversion and the Size of the Lie
Authors: Gneezy Uri , Kajackaite Agne , Sobel Joel
Published: January 2018

This paper studies lying. An agent randomly picks a number from a known distribution. She can then report any number and receive a monetary payoff based only on her report. The paper presents a model of lying costs that generates hypotheses regarding behavior. In an experiment, we find that the highest fraction of lies is from reporting the maximal outcome, but some participants do not make the maximal lie. More participants lie partially when the experimenter cannot observe their outcomes than when the experimenter can verify the observed outcome. Partial lying increases when the prior probability of the highest outcome decreases. (JEL C91, D12, D90, Z13)
Кручение растущего вала
Authors: Манжиров Александр Владимирович , Manzhirov Alexander Vladimirovich , Михин Михаил Николаевич , Mikhin Mikhail Nikolaevich , Мурашкин Евгений Валерьевич , Murashkin Eugenii Valeryevich
Published: January 2018

Рассматривается задача о кручении растущего вязкоупругого вала жесткими дисками. Вал имеет форму кругового цилиндра. С его торцами соединены жесткие диски. Изучается процесс непрерывного роста поверхности вала под действием крутящих моментов, приложенных к дискам. Получены и исследованы парные сумматорные уравнения, отражающие математическое содержание задачи на различных стадиях процесса наращивания. Обсуждаются результаты численного анализа и особенности качественного поведения основных механических характеристик.
How do states integrate performance assessment in their systems of assessment?
Authors: Stosich Elizabeth Leisy , Snyder Jon , Wilczak Katie
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews state strategies for incorporating performance assessment in policy and practice. Specifically, the paper reviews the use of performance assessment in 12 states in the Innovation Lab Network, a group committed to developing systems of assessment that provide meaningful measures of college and career readiness. This review suggests that states relied on four central approaches for integrating performance assessment in state and local systems of assessment: 1) classroom purposes, 2) graduation requirement, 3) school accountability purposes, or 4) federal accountability. We review these approaches and the benefits and challenges associated with each strategy.
Integrating performance assessments across a PK-20 continuum: A locally developed collaboration
Authors: McCurdy Kathryn , Reagan Emilie Mitescu , Rogers Audrey , Schram Thomas
Published: January 2018

A response to Stosich et al.’s (2018) article reviewing ways in which states have taken up performance assessments, this commentary seeks to extend the focus and use of performance assessments to preservice teacher education. As such, the authors describe statewide initiatives in New Hampshire that are working to integrate performance assessments along a PK – 20 continuum by articulating how Stosich et al.’s key points of educator capacity, context, and assessments for and of learning are developing in one state. This commentary highlights key contextual factors for the lasting implementation of the performance assessments as well as raises critical new challenges and opportunities for understanding this tool as an assessment for and of learning.
Response to “Redesigning Systems of School Accountability”: Addressing underlying inequities
Authors: Gil Elizabeth , Kim Taeyeon
Published: January 2018

As Bae (2018) suggests, one way to fill gaps between a holistic view of student learning and accountability policy implementation is to use multiple measures that reflect diverse perspectives of learning. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a discussion of issues, which need to be considered in order to achieve the desired outcomes of greater equity and transparency through these broader accountability efforts. In this commentary, we address equity issues related to Bae’s argument and propose that taking action regarding existing inequities in terms of access to resources, and including traditionally excluded voices are crucial to ensuring that new accountability systems meet their intended goal of shared responsibility for deeper learning and continuous improvement.
Redesigning assessment and accountability: An introduction
Authors: Stosich Elizabeth Leisy , Bae Soung , Snyder Jon
Published: January 2018

This special issue advances the discussion of redesigning assessment and accountability that began in the August 2014 Education Policy Analysis Archives article, “Accountability for college and career readiness: Developing a new paradigm” by Linda Darling-Hammond, Gene Wilhoit and Linda Pittenger. This issue focuses on the potential for multiple measures approaches to accountability and performance assessment to support more meaningful learning as part of a redesigned system of support and accountability. We bring together two reviews of state policy with commentaries that describe district, network, state, and university efforts to integrate multiple measures and performance assessment in systems of accountability. This issue helps to illustrate how educators at all levels of the system—schools, districts, networks, and state education agencies—are taking action to reimagine a more supportive and equitable educational system.
Pleiotropy of ABO gene: correlation of rs644234 with E-selectin and lipid levels
Authors: Arguinano Alex-Ander Aldasoro , Ndiaye Ndeye Coumba , Masson Christine , Visvikis-Siest Sophie
Published: January 2018

Background:

TheABOgene has been widely studied and associated with many different diseases such as myocardial infarction and diabetes. Pleiotropic effects of theABOlocus have been demonstrated. Indeed it affects different phenotypes such as E- and P-selectins, triglycerides and total cholesterol. The goal of this work was to study the SNP rs644234 located in theABOgene with different phenotypes related with diseases where theABOgene has been involved.

Methods:

We analyzed the SNP rs644234 located in theABOgene, by performing association studies with different lipid phenotypes as well as with the soluble E-selectin levels in 348 adults from the STANISLAS Family Study.

Results:

The major rs644234*T allele was associated with increased levels of soluble E-selectin (p=8.7×10−12). According to the lipid phenotypes, the major rs644234*T allele was associated with decreased levels of apolipoproteins E (ApoE) (p=0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.032) but was associated with increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.013). The association of the HDL-C was especially significant in the male individuals (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

We confirmed thatABOis a major locus for serum soluble E-selectin levels variability, and we also correlated this gene with different lipid phenotypes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this pleiotropic effect is independent. This is the first time that a correlation has been made between the ABOgene and the ApoE levels. According to these results, the major allele of this polymorphism may have a protective effect when it comes to cardiovascular related diseases, and more specifically when it comes to the lipid phenotypes.
Practical recommendations for managing hemolyzed samples in clinical chemistry testing
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Cadamuro Janne , von Meyer Alexander , Simundic Ana-Maria
Published: January 2018

We suggest here a pragmatic approach for managing results of clinical chemistry testing in hemolyzed samples collected from adults/older children, attempting to balance the need to produce quality laboratory data with clinical urgency of releasing test results. Automatic measurement of the hemolysis index (H-index) in serum or plasma is highly advisable, whilst low-quality assessment of this test remains less good than a visual inspection. Regarding its practical use, when the H-index value does not generate an analytically significant bias, results can be released, whilst when the value is associated with analyte variation in a range between analytically and clinically significant bias (i.e. variation does not exceed the reference change value [RCV]), results of hemolysis-sensitive tests can be released in association with a comment describing the direction in which data are potentially altered, suggesting the need to collect another sample. When the H-index is associated with analyte variation exceeding clinically significant bias (i.e. variation exceeds the RCV), results of hemolysis-sensitive tests should be suppressed and replaced with a comment that biased results cannot be released because the sample is preanalytically compromised and advising the recollection of another sample. If H-index values reach an even higher critical cut-off (i.e. H-index corresponding to a cell-free hemoglobin concentration ≥10 g/L), all laboratory data may be unreliable and should hence be suppressed and replaced with a comment that all data cannot be released because the sample is grossly hemolyzed, also suggesting the recollection of another sample. Due to inaccuracy and imprecision, the use of corrective formulas for adjusting data of hemolysis-sensitive tests is discouraged.
Landscape Perception of the Bohemian Paradise
Authors: Bušek Martin , Pásková Martina , Zelenka Josef
Published: January 2018

Comprehensive understanding of the destination perception by its visitors represents one of the key prerequisites of professional destination management on its both strategic and tactical level. This study continues in previous research focused on the analysis of the perception of different landscape types of the Czech Republic, zooming this time on the perception of the landscape of the Bohemian Paradise destination. The emphasis is put on the understanding of manifestations of genius loci and the exogenous factors in the landscape perception. The participant ´s observation of visitors’ behaviour, evaluation of their spontaneous discussions and comments, structured interviews and introspection supplemented by recordings of exogenous factors represented methods used to get an insight into the perception of landscape and genius loci manifestation in the selected research localities. The qualitative research strategy in the form of pilot research led to the confirmation of suitability of applied methods and to the formulation of the preliminary hypotheses of the future quantitative research. The findings of this pilot research indicate the correctness of the assumption of the exogenous factors (weather, daytimes and seasons of the year) influence on the landscape perception as well as the manifestation of the genius loci perceived by the majority of visitors.
Airline Service Quality Dimensions and Customer Loyalty: Empirical Evidence from Air Passengers’ in Lagos State
Authors: Ben Akpoyomare Oghojafor , Kunle Adeosun Ladipo Patrick , Ganiyu Rahim Ajao
Published: January 2018

Air travellers are increasingly becoming more demanding in terms of their expectations of the quality of service offered by airline carriers. Hence, operators must improve service delivery to retain their loyalty. This study investigates the relationship between airline service quality dimensions and customer loyalty among air passengers in Lagos state. Causal research design was adopted to examine the aforementioned relationship. Convenience sampling technique was used to survey 600 air travellers. Data collected from the respondents were analysed by using Pearson correlation analysis and Anova. The findings reveal that the service quality and its dimensions are positive and significantly related to each other, overall service quality and customer loyalty. The results of the study indicate no significant difference between customers’ travelling for different motives in their perception of the quality of services. It was also discovered that flight frequency was insignificantly connected to customer loyalty. In line with the above findings, the study concludes that the airline service quality improvement initiatives should begin with recognition of customers’ needs. Correspondingly, airline operators should cultivate strategies to fulfil their service promise along the service quality dimensions, most important to air travellers to enhance customer loyalty.
The major tectonic boundaries of the Northern Red Sea rift, Egypt derived from geophysical data analysis
Authors: Saleh Salah , Pamukçu Oya , Brimich Ladislav
Published: January 2018

In the present study, we have attempted to map the plate boundary between Arabia and Africa at the Northern Red Sea rift region including the Suez rift, Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform and southeastern Mediterranean region by using gravity data analysis. In the boundary analysis method which was used; low-pass filtered gravity anomalies of the Northern Red Sea rift region were computed. Different crustal types and thicknesses, sediment thicknesses and different heat flow anomalies were evaluated. According to the results, there are six subzones (crustal blocks) separated from each other by tectonic plate boundaries and/or lineaments. It seems that these tectonic boundaries reveal complex structural lineaments, which are mostly influenced by a predominant set of NNW–SSE to NW–SE trending lineaments bordering the Red Sea and Suez rift regions. On the other side, the E–W and N–S to NNE–SSW trended lineaments bordering the South-eastern Mediterranean, Northern Sinai and Aqaba-Dead Sea transform regions, respectively. The analysis of the low pass filtered Bouguer anomaly maps reveals that the positive regional anomaly over both the Red Sea rift and South-eastern Mediterranean basin subzones are considered to be caused by the high density of the oceanic crust and/or the anomalous upper mantle structures beneath these regions whereas, the broad medium anomalies along the western half of Central Sinai with the Suez rift and the Eastern Desert subzones are attributed to low-density sediments of the Suez rift and/or the thick upper continental crustal thickness below these zones. There are observable negative anomalies over the Northern Arabia subzone, particularly in the areas covered by Cenozoic volcanics. These negative anomalies may be attributed to both the low densities of the surface volcanics and/or to a very thick upper continental crust. On the contrary, the negative anomaly which belongs to the Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform zone is due to crustal thickening (with limited heat flow values) below this region. Additionally in this study, the crustal thinning was investigated with heat flow, magnetic and free air gravity anomalies in the Northern Red Sea rift region. In fact, the crustal thinning of the study area was also proportional to the regions of observable high heat flow values. Finally, our results were found to be well correlated with the topography, free air, aeromagnetic and heat flow dataset profiles crossing most of the study area.
Microclimate Evaluation of the Hradec Králové City using HUMIDEX
Authors: Rožnovský Jaroslav , Litschmann Tomáš , Středová Hana , Středa Tomáš , Salaš Petr , Horká Marie
Published: January 2018

Urban environment differs from the surrounding landscape in terms of the values of meteorological parameters. This is often referred to as the urban heat island (UHI), which in simple terms means higher air temperatures in cities. The cause of these changes lies in the different active surfaces in cities, which subsequently results in a different radiation balance. The higher temperatures, however, also affect the living conditions in the city and during very high temperature periods can have negative effects on the health of the city inhabitants. The results presented in this paper are based on measurements taken over several years at locations near Hradec Králové, which is surrounded by different surface areas. Environment analysis was performed using the Humidex index. The obtained results show that replacing green areas with built-up areas affects temperatures in the city, when air temperatures are very high they significantly increase the discomfort of the inhabitants. Differences in the frequency of discomfort levels are observed especially during periods of high temperatures, at lower temperatures these differences are not significant. Higher frequencies of discomfort are observed at locations with artificial surfaces (asphalt, cobblestones, concrete) and in closed spaces. In contrast, locations with lots of green areas almost always have the value of this index lower or more balanced. The results should therefore be a valid argument for maintaining and extending green areas in cities.
Estimating the Impact of Taxes on the Economic Growth in the United States
Authors: Kalaš Branimir , Mirović Vera , Andrašić Jelena
Published: January 2018

In a research paper, the authors provide an empirical approach to taxes and economic growth in the United States in the period 1996-2016. The basic goal is to explore how taxes affect economic growth. The subject of the research is measuring the effects of tax revenue growth and tax form as a personal income tax, corporate income tax and social security contributions on gross domestic product as a proxy for economic growth. Methodology framework includes several tests to clear the potential problem of heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, multicollinearity and specification of the model. Based on diagnostic tests, a regression model is adequately created where fundamental econometric procedures are applied. Correlation matrix reflects a strong and positive relationship between tax revenue growth and corporate income tax on the one side and gross domestic product growth, on the another side. Also, personal income tax and social security contributions are weakly related to gross domestic product growth. The model shows a significant effect of tax revenue growth and social security contributions, while personal income tax and corporate income tax do not have a significant impact on gross domestic product growth. Interestingly, personal income tax as the main tax form in the tax structure of the United States has no significant impact on economic growth compared to social security contributions which percentage share is lesser.
The influence of bamboo fiber content on the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of bamboo fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites (BPCs)
Authors: Hsu Chin-Yin , Yang Teng-Chun , Wu Tung-Lin , Hung Ke-Chang , Wu Jyh-Horng
Published: January 2018

Bamboo fiber (BF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites (BPCs) have been investigated and it was shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) that BF is a nucleation agent and accelerates the crystallization rate of the PP matrix. Numerical analyses according to Avrami, Avrami-Ozawa, and Friedman described well the nucleation mechanism, the crystallization rate and the activation energy for the non-isothermal crystallization behavior of BPCs, respectively. The Avrami approach indicated that BF as a reinforcement significantly changed the crystal growth mechanism of PP matrix during the cooling process. Based on the Avrami-Ozawa method, a lower cooling rate can achieve a certain relative crystallinity degree within a time period. According to the Friedman method, the activation energies of BPCs were lower than that of neat PP below a relative crystallinity of 35%, when the BF content was more than 60%.