bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral nerve grafts implanted into the substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson’s disease during deep brain stimulation surgery: 1-year follow-up study of safety, feasibility, and clinical outcome
Authors: van Horne Craig G. , Quintero Jorge E. , Slevin John T. , Anderson-Mooney Amelia , Gurwell Julie A. , Welleford Andrew S. , Lamm John R. , Wagner Renee P. , Gerhardt Greg A.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

Currently, there is no treatment that slows or halts the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Delivery of various neurotrophic factors to restore dopaminergic function has become a focus of study in an effort to fill this unmet need for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Schwann cells provide a readily available source of such factors. This study presents a 12-month evaluation of safety and feasibility, as well as the clinical response, of implanting autologous peripheral nerve grafts into the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson’s disease at the time of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.

METHODS

Standard DBS surgery targeting the subthalamic nucleus was performed in 8 study participants. After DBS lead implantation, a section of the sural nerve containing Schwann cells was harvested and unilaterally grafted to the substantia nigra. Adverse events were continually monitored. Baseline clinical data were obtained during standard preoperative evaluations. Clinical outcome data were obtained with postoperative clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, and MRI at 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

All 8 participants were implanted with DBS systems and grafts. Adverse event profiles were comparable to those of standard DBS surgery with the exception of 1 superficial infection at the sural nerve harvest site. Three participants also reported numbness in the distribution of the sural nerve distal to the harvest site. Motor scores on Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III while the participant was off therapy at 12 months improved from baseline (mean ± SD 25.1 ± 15.9 points at 12 months vs 32.5 ± 9.7 points at baseline). An analysis of the lateralized UPDRS scores also showed a greater overall reduction in scores on the side contralateral to the graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral nerve graft delivery to the substantia nigra at the time of DBS surgery is feasible and safe based on the results of this initial pilot study. Clinical outcome data from this phase I trial suggests that grafting may have some clinical benefit and certainly warrants further study to determine if this is an efficacious and neurorestorative therapy.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01833364 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Safe insertion of S-2 alar iliac screws: radiological comparison between 2 insertion points using computed tomography and 3D analysis software
Authors: Yamada Kentaro , Abe Yuichiro , Satoh Shigenobu
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE

S-2 alar iliac (S2AI) screws are commonly used as anchors for lumbosacral fixation. A serious potential complication of screw insertion is major vascular injury due to anterior or caudal screw deviation. To avoid screw deviation, the pelvic inlet view on intraoperative fluoroscopy images is recommended. However, there has been no detailed investigation of optimal fluoroscopic incline with the pelvic inlet view. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety margins and to optimize fluoroscopic settings to avoid screw deviation with 2 reported insertion techniques using 3D analysis software and CT.

METHODS

The study included 50 patients (25 men and 25 women) who underwent abdominal-pelvic CT. With the use of software, the ideal S2AI screws were set from 2 entry points: A) the midpoint between the S-1 dorsal foramen and the S-2 dorsal foramen where they meet the lateral sacral crest, and B) 1 mm inferior and 1 mm lateral to the S-1 dorsal foramen. Anteriorly or caudally deviated screws were defined as deviation of a half thread of the ideal screw by rotation anteriorly or caudally from the entry point. The angular safety margins were compared between the 2 entry points, and patients with small safety margins were investigated. Subsequently, fluoroscopic images were virtualized on ray sum–rendered images. Conditions that provided proper recognition of screw deviation were investigated via lateral and anteroposterior views with the beam tilted caudally.

RESULTS

The safety margins of S2AI screws were smaller in the anterior direction than in the caudal direction and by entry point A than by entry point B (A: 9.1° ± 1.6° and B: 9.7° ± 1.5° in the anterior direction; A: 10.9° ± 3.8° and B: 13.9° ± 4.1° in the caudal direction). In contrast, patients with a deep-seated L-5 vertebral body tended to have smaller safety margins in the caudal direction. All anteriorly deviated screws were recognized with a 60°–70° inlet view from the S-1 slope. The caudally deviated screws were all recognized on the lateral view, but 31% of screws at entry point A and 21% of screws at entry point B were not recognized on the pelvic inlet view.

CONCLUSIONS

S2AI screws should be carefully placed to avoid anterior deviation compared with caudal deviation in terms of the safety margin, except in patients with a deep-seated L-5. The difference in safety margins between entry points A and B was negligible. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is recommended with a pelvic inlet view tilted 60°–70° from the S-1 slope to avoid anterior screw deviation. The lateral view is recommended to confirm that the screw is not deviated caudally.
Degrees of relations on ordinals
Authors: Wright Matthew
Published: February 2018

Downey, Khoussainov, Miller, and Yu examined degree spectra of unary relations on the structure [Formula: see text]. We extend their results in several directions. First, we show that the degree spectrum of any unary relation on [Formula: see text] contains only the computable degree or consists of exactly the [Formula: see text] degrees. We then show, using results from combinatorics, that the degree spectrum of an n-ary relation on [Formula: see text] either contains only the computable degree or contains all c.e. degrees. Finally, we examine unary relations on general computable ordinals and show that the degree spectrum always contains a maximum degree and that degree is always a (possibly infinite) iterate of the jump.
Supply-chain sustainability barriers: An empirical assessment
Authors: Movahedipour Mahmood , Zeng Jianqiu , Yang Mengke , Wu Xiankang
Published: February 2018

Sustainability draws increased supply-chain management (SCM) attention. This article analyzes critical barriers to the assessment, evaluation and attainment of sustainable supply-chain management (SSCM), assessed through critical-barrier identification and qualitative data analysis. Namely a literature review of 188 articles, published between the years 2010 and 2016, helps identify the most influential barriers. The qualitative data analysis pertains to fifteen such barriers, identified in the literature review and through our collaboration with other academic researchers and industrial specialists. Notably, the study’s qualitative data analysis, interpretive structural modeling (ISM), unconceals the mutual impact among the most prominent SSCM barriers. The inadequacy of information-technology implementation is recognized as the most significant barrier, which could prevent business enterprises and other organizations from implementing a SSCM framework, with intentionality the sustainability in their business. The article concludes with suggestions for future research directions.
Retaining the rookie – role clarification through mentorship
Authors: Kozák Anita , Krajcsák Zoltán
Published: February 2018

This article looks at the statically-complicated and dynamically-complex relations among new-recruit behavior, mentorship, and organizational loyalty and role clarity. While emphasizing organizational circumstances, we explore the connection between organizational loyalty and role clarity through a sample of 314 people, the empitican data subjected to correlation, cluster and cross-tabulation analyses. The results undisclose significant relations among new-employee behavior, mentorship, and organizational loyalty and role clarity. Namely new hires, whose organizational integration is supported by a person capable of mentorship, seem to recognize and to adopt their organizational-role clearly and timely. Besides, rookies show an increased loyalty tendency to their employer. These results are pertinent to organizational-mentorship programs that both effectively and efficiently help integrate new recruits, notably in organizational situations wherein mentor selection is critical.
Human contribution to service quality in West Bengal’s luxury hotels
Authors: Banerjee Dipa , Biswas Debasish
Published: February 2018

This article substantiates employees’ contribution to customer satisfaction of hotel guests. The reported study’s purposefulness has been to evaluate the relative importance of the personnel component in achieving service quality and customer satisfaction in luxury hotels. Data were collected from 500 guests at 24 luxury hotels West Bengal, India. Seven common factor measurement models are deemed robustly reliable in determining hotel performance. The results are validated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) applied to hotel-guest perceptions that pertain to service quality and customer satisfaction.
Humanizing HSM to benefit human systems
Authors: Georgantzas Nicholas C.
Published: February 2018

Owed perhaps to its peculiar name, ‘Human Systems Management’ or HSM, this unconventional, international business journal challenges both potential contributors and reviewers, grappling with the processes of managing human systems and human systems management. HSM is poised to reflect the fact that the research pertaining to business enterprises and other societal organizations has moved past the pervasively mechanistic and organismic or medieval-corporatism views of humankind’s recent past, and far beyond the technocratic information age, into the high technology of truly societal human systems. Ergo, HSM aspires to archiving business research manuscripts that track the transformation of pioneering business enterprises and other societal organizations into self-organizing and self-governing societal human systems.
Oligoester and Polyester Production via Acido-alcoholysis of PET Waste
Authors: Kárpáti Levente , Szarka Györgyi , Hartman Mátyás , Vargha Viktória
Published: February 2018

A new chemical way has been introduced to recycle poly(ethylene terephthalate) via acido-alcoholysis. Acido-alcoholysis has been developed as a green way to produce oligoesters from PET waste which can be used as building blocks to new compostable polyesters. Organic acids and 1,4-butanediol were used as reagents. The solvolysis products were further reacted with diglycidyl ethers of different diols to obtain higher molecular weight polyesters. The resulted materials were tested with GPC, FTIR, TGA, functional group analysis methods and composting. It was found that the reagents in acido-alcoholysis fully incorporated into the reaction product obtaining oligoesters with carboxyl and hydroxyl end groups. Significant mass loss and fragmentation was observed on oligo- and polyesters after composting.
Facile phase transfer of gold nanorods and nanospheres stabilized with block copolymers
Authors: Derikov Yaroslav I , Shandryuk Georgiy A , Talroze Raisa V , Ezhov Alexander A , Kudryavtsev Yaroslav V
Published: February 2018

A fast route to transfer Au nanoparticles from aqueous to organic media is proposed based on the use of a high molecular mass diblock copolymer of styrene and 2-vinylpyridine for ligand exchange at the nanoparticle surface. The method enables the preparation of stable sols of Au nanorods with sizes of up to tens of nanometers or Au nanospheres in various organic solvents. By comparing the optical absorbance spectra of Au hydro- and organosols with the data of numerical simulations of the surface plasmon resonance, we find that nanoparticles do not aggregate and confirm the transmission electron microscopy data regarding their shape and size. The proposed approach can be effective in preparing hybrid composites without the use of strong thiol and amine surfactants.
Palladium-catalyzed ortho-halogenations of acetanilides with N-halosuccinimides via direct sp2 C–H bond activation in ball mills
Authors: Liu Zi , Xu Hui , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: February 2018

A solvent-free palladium-catalyzed ortho-iodination of acetanilides using N-iodosuccinimide as the iodine source has been developed under ball-milling conditions. This present method avoids the use of hazardous organic solvents, high reaction temperature, and long reaction time and provides a highly efficient methodology to realize the regioselective functionalization of acetanilides in yields up to 94% in a ball mill. Furthermore, the current methodology can be extended to the synthesis of ortho-brominated and ortho-chlorinated products in good yields by using the corresponding N-halosuccinimides.
A Client Oriented Scale of Improvement in Tinnitus for Therapy Goal Planning and Assessing Outcomes
Authors: Searchfield Grant D.
Published: February 2018

Background:There is a need to develop methods to help clinicians work with clients to select and personalize tinnitus therapies. The use of validated measures to determine treatment success is also essential for research and clinical practice. A goal planning method widely used
in audiologic rehabilitation is the client oriented scale of improvement (COSI). A modified version of the COSI has been used to identify tinnitus treatment goals and outcomes (client oriented scale of improvement in tinnitus [COSIT]).Purpose:The aims of this study were to identify
treatment goals in a clinic sample and ascertain the convergent validity of the COSIT to three widely used standardized questionnaires.Research Design:A retrospective evaluation of client treatment goals using thematic analysis and correlational analysis of secondary research data comparing
the COSIT to tinnitus handicap questionnaire (THQ), tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), and tinnitus functional index (TFI).Study Sample:One hundred and twenty-two adult patients and research participants attending the University of Auckland Hearing and Tinnitus Clinic.Results:Specific
treatment goals were categorized into 11 themes. The most common treatment goals (>10% of responses) were: (1) Reducing tinnitus’ effects on Hearing. (2) Improved wellbeing and being less depressed. (3) Coping with or controlling the tinnitus. (4) Managing the effect of the environment
(context) on tinnitus. (5) Improving sleep. (6) Understanding tinnitus. Individuals differed in their complaints and priorities for treatment. The COSIT showed moderate convergent validity with the THQ, THI, and TFI indicating that the total scores measured similar constructs.Conclusions:The
COSIT is a pragmatic method for determining tinnitus treatment goals and priorities in a format that should be familiar to audiologists.
Differential distribution patterns in cerebellar irrigation. A study with autopsy material
Authors: Estupiñan Hernando Yesid , Gomez Fabian Alejandro , Ballesteros Luis Ernesto
Published: February 2018

Aim: The aim of this investigation was characterize morphologically the cerebellar artery and its branches in a specimen of autopsy material.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the anatomical characteristics of the cerebellar arteries and their branches in 93 brain stem and cerebellum blocks obtained from fresh cadavers. The specimens were perfused bilaterally channeling the proximal segments of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries with a semi-synthetic resin (Palatal GP40L 85%; styrene 15%) impregnated with mineral red dye. We evaluated the distribution patterns of the cerebellar artery and its branches.

Results: The calibers of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) were 1.46 ± 0.2 mm, 1.02 ± 0.35 mm and 1.45 ± 0.37 mm, respectively. Agenesis of the SCA was observed in six specimens (3.2%), AICA in 30 (16.1%), and PICA in 14 (7.5%) specimens. Usual irrigation was observed in 44 (47.3%) cerebellar blocks, whereas 49 (52.7%) specimens showed irrigation variants, 23 (46.9%) of which appeared bilaterally. The dominant distribution of the cerebellar arteries corresponded to SCA in 9 (12.5%) cases, AICA in 46 (63.9%) and PICA in 7 (9.7%) specimens; shared dominance was found in 10 (13.9%) specimens.

Conclusion: The high variability of the cerebellar arteries observed in the present study is consistent with previous reports. The diverse anatomic expressions of the cerebellar arteries were typified in relation to their dominance and territories irrigated, useful for the diagnosis and clinical-surgical management of the cerebellum blood supply.
Transport of Internetwork Magnetic Flux Elements in the Solar Photosphere
Authors: Agrawal Piyush , Rast Mark P. , Gos̆ić Milan , Bellot Rubio Luis R. , Rempel Matthias
Published: February 2018

The motions of small-scale magnetic flux elements in the solar photosphere can provide some measure of the Lagrangian properties of the convective flow. Measurements of these motions have been critical in estimating the turbulent diffusion coefficient in flux-transport dynamo models and in determining the Alfvén wave excitation spectrum for coronal heating models. We examine the motions of internetwork flux elements in Hinode/Narrowband Filter Imager magnetograms and study the scaling of their mean squared displacement and the shape of their displacement probability distribution as a function of time. We find that the mean squared displacement scales super-diffusively with a slope of about 1.48. Super-diffusive scaling has been observed in other studies for temporal increments as small as 5 s, increments over which ballistic scaling would be expected. Using high-cadence MURaM simulations, we show that the observed super-diffusive scaling at short increments is a consequence of random changes in barycenter positions due to flux evolution. We also find that for long temporal increments, beyond granular lifetimes, the observed displacement distribution deviates from that expected for a diffusive process, evolving from Rayleigh to Gaussian. This change in distribution can be modeled analytically by accounting for supergranular advection along with granular motions. These results complicate the interpretation of magnetic element motions as strictly advective or diffusive on short and long timescales and suggest that measurements of magnetic element motions must be used with caution in turbulent diffusion or wave excitation models. We propose that passive tracer motions in measured photospheric flows may yield more robust transport statistics.
Near-infrared Stellar Populations in the Metal-poor, Dwarf Irregular Galaxies Sextans A and Leo A
Authors: Jones Olivia C. , Maclay Matthew T. , Boyer Martha L. , Meixner Margaret , McDonald Iain , Meskhidze Helen
Published: February 2018

We present JHK

s
observations of the metal-poor ([Fe/H] < −1.40) dwarf-irregular galaxies, Leo A and Sextans A, obtained with the WIYN High-resolution Infrared Camera at Kitt Peak. Their near-IR stellar populations are characterized by using a combination of color–magnitude diagrams and by identifying long-period variable stars. We detected red giant and asymptotic giant branch stars, consistent with membership of the galaxy’s intermediate-age populations (2–8 Gyr old). Matching our data to broadband optical and mid-IR photometry, we determine luminosities, temperatures, and dust-production rates (DPR) for each star. We identify 32 stars in Leo A and 101 stars in Sextans A with a DPR

, confirming that metal-poor stars can form substantial amounts of dust. We also find tentative evidence for oxygen-rich dust formation at low metallicity, contradicting previous models that suggest oxygen-rich dust production is inhibited in metal-poor environments. The total rates of dust injection into the interstellar medium of Leo A and Sextans A are

and

, respectively. The majority of this dust is produced by a few very dusty evolved stars and does not vary strongly with metallicity.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Straight Edges and the 7.6/6.2 and 8.6/6.2 Intensity Ratios in Reflection Nebulae
Authors: Ricca Alessandra , Bauschlicher Charles W. , Roser Joseph E. , Peeters Els
Published: February 2018

Using density functional theory, we have investigated the mid-infrared spectral characteristics of a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that have straight edges and that contain an even or odd number of carbons. For several even and odd-carbon PAHs, the 8.6/6.2 and 7.6/6.2 intensity ratios computed in emission after the absorption of a 8 eV photon match the observed ratios obtained for three reflection nebulae (RNe), namely NGC 1333, NGC 7023, and NGC 2023. Odd-carbon PAHs are favored, particularly for NGC 1333. Both cations and anions are present, with the cations being predominant. Relevant PAHs span sizes ranging from 46 to 113 carbons for NGC 7023 and NGC 2023 and from 38 to 127 carbons for NGC 1333, and have symmetries ranging from D2h
to C
s
. Our work suggests that even- and odd-carbon PAHs with straight edges are viable candidates for the PAH emission seen toward irradiated photodissociation regions.
On the Diversity in Mass and Orbital Radius of Giant Planets Formed via Disk Instability
Authors: Müller Simon , Helled Ravit , Mayer Lucio
Published: February 2018

We present a semi-analytical population synthesis model of protoplanetary clumps formed by disk instability at radial distances of 80–120 au. Various clump density profiles, initial mass functions, protoplanetary disk models, stellar masses, and gap opening criteria are considered. When we use more realistic gap opening criteria, we find that gaps open only rarely, which strongly affects clump survival rates and their physical properties (mass, radius, and radial distance). The inferred surviving population is then shifted toward less massive clumps at smaller radial distances. We also find that populations of surviving clumps are very sensitive to the model assumptions and used parameters. Depending on the chosen parameters, the protoplanets occupy a mass range between 0.01 and 16 M
J and may either orbit close to the central star or as far out as 75 au, with a sweet spot at 10–30 au for the massive ones. However, in all of the cases we consider, we find that massive giant planets at very large radial distances are rare, in qualitative agreement with current direct imaging surveys. We conclude that caution should be taken in deriving population synthesis models as well as when comparing the models’ results with observations.
The Physical Characteristics of Interstellar Medium in NGC 3665 with Herschel Observations*
Authors: Xiao Meng-Yuan , Zhao 赵 Yinghe 应和 , Gu Qiu-Sheng , Shi Yong
Published: February 2018

We present the analysis of the physical properties of the interstellar medium in the nearby early-type galaxy NGC 3665, based on the far-infrared photometric and spectroscopic data as observed by the Herschel Space Observatory. The fit to the spectral energy distribution reveals a high dust content in the galaxy, with a dust-to-stellar mass ratio of

/M
* ∼ 1.1 × 10−4 that is nearly three times larger than the mean value of local S0+S0a galaxies. For the ionized regions (H ii regions), the electron density (n

e
) is around 49.5 ± 11.9 cm−3 based on the [N ii] 122 μm/[N ii] 205 μm ratio. For the photodissociation regions, the heating efficiency ranges from 1.26 × 10−3 to 1.37 × 10−3 based on the ([C ii]+[O i] 63 μm)/

, which is slightly lower than other local galaxies; the hydrogen nucleus density and the strength of the far-UV radiation field are n ∼ 104 cm−3 and G
0 ∼ 10−0.25, respectively. The above results are consistent with the presence of weak active galactic nuclei and a low level of star-forming activity in NGC 3665. Our results give strong support to the “morphological quenching” scenario, where a compact, massive bulge can stabilize the amount of cool gas against star formation.
Dusty Cloud Acceleration by Radiation Pressure in Rapidly Star-forming Galaxies
Authors: Zhang Dong , Davis Shane W. , Jiang Yan-Fei , Stone James M.
Published: February 2018

We perform two-dimensional and three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations to study cold clouds accelerated by radiation pressure on dust in the environment of rapidly star-forming galaxies dominated by infrared flux. We utilize the reduced speed of light approximation to solve the frequency-averaged, time-dependent radiative transfer equation. We find that radiation pressure is capable of accelerating the clouds to hundreds of kilometers per second while remaining dense and cold, consistent with observations. We compare these results to simulations where acceleration is provided by entrainment in a hot wind, where the momentum injection of the hot flow is comparable to the momentum in the radiation field. We find that the survival time of the cloud accelerated by the radiation field is significantly longer than that of a cloud entrained in a hot outflow. We show that the dynamics of the irradiated cloud depends on the initial optical depth, temperature of the cloud, and intensity of the flux. Additionally, gas pressure from the background may limit cloud acceleration if the density ratio between the cloud and background is

. In general, a 10 pc-scale optically thin cloud forms a pancake structure elongated perpendicular to the direction of motion, while optically thick clouds form a filamentary structure elongated parallel to the direction of motion. The details of accelerated cloud morphology and geometry can also be affected by other factors, such as the cloud lengthscale, reduced speed of light approximation, spatial resolution, initial cloud structure, and dimensionality of the run, but these have relatively little affect on the cloud velocity or survival time.
Continuum Reverberation Mapping of the Accretion Disks in Two Seyfert 1 Galaxies
Authors: Fausnaugh M. M. , Starkey D. A. , Horne Keith , Kochanek C. S. , Peterson B. M. , Bentz M. C. , Denney K. D. , Grier C. J. , Grupe D. , Pogge R. W. , De Rosa G. , Adams S. M. , Barth A. J. , Beatty Thomas G. , Bhattacharjee A. , Borman G. A. , Boroson T. A. , Bottorff M. C. , Brown Jacob E. , Brown Jonathan S. , Brotherton M. S. , Coker C. T. , Crawford S. M. , Croxall K. V. , Eftekharzadeh Sarah , Eracleous Michael , Joner M. D. , Henderson C. B. , Holoien T. W.-S. , Hutchison T. , Kaspi Shai , Kim S. , King Anthea L. , Li Miao , Lochhaas Cassandra , Ma Zhiyuan , MacInnis F. , Manne-Nicholas E. R. , Mason M. , Montuori Carmen , Mosquera Ana , Mudd Dale , Musso R. , Nazarov S. V. , Nguyen M. L. , Okhmat D. N. , Onken Christopher A. , Ou-Yang B. , Pancoast A. , Pei L. , Penny Matthew T. , Poleski Radosław , Rafter Stephen , Romero-Colmenero E. , Runnoe Jessie , Sand David J. , Schimoia Jaderson S. , Sergeev S. G. , Shappee B. J. , Simonian Gregory V. , Somers Garrett , Spencer M. , Stevens Daniel J. , Tayar Jamie , Treu T. , Valenti Stefano , Van Saders J. , Villanueva S. , Villforth C. , Weiss Yaniv , Winkler H. , Zhu W.
Published: February 2018

We present optical continuum lags for two Seyfert 1 galaxies, MCG+08-11-011 and NGC 2617, using monitoring data from a reverberation mapping campaign carried out in 2014. Our light curves span the ugriz filters over four months, with median cadences of 1.0 and 0.6 days for MCG+08-11-011 and NGC 2617, respectively, combined with roughly daily X-ray and near-UV data from Swift for NGC 2617. We find lags consistent with geometrically thin accretion-disk models that predict a lag-wavelength relation of τ ∝ λ
4/3. However, the observed lags are larger than predictions based on standard thin-disk theory by factors of 3.3 for MCG+08-11-011 and 2.3 for NGC 2617. These differences can be explained if the mass accretion rates are larger than inferred from the optical luminosity by a factor of 4.3 in MCG+08-11-011 and a factor of 1.3 in NGC 2617, although uncertainty in the SMBH masses determines the significance of this result. While the X-ray variability in NGC 2617 precedes the UV/optical variability, the long (2.6 day) lag is problematic for coronal reprocessing models.
The X-Ray Light Curve in GRB 170714A: Evidence for a Quark Star?
Authors: Hou Shu-Jin , Liu Tong , Xu Ren-Xin , Mu Hui-Jun , Song Cui-Ying , Lin Da-Bin , Gu Wei-Min
Published: February 2018

Two plateaus and a following bump in the X-ray light curve of GRB 170714A have been detected by the Swift/X-ray Telescope, which could be very significant for the central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), implying that the origin of this burst might be different from those of other ultra-long GRBs. We propose that merging two neutron stars into a hyper-massive quark star (QS) and then collapsing into a black hole (BH), with a delay time around 104 s, could be responsible for these X-ray components. The hyper-massive QS is initially in a fluid state, being turbulent and differentially rotating, but would solidify and release its latent heat, injecting it into the GRB fireball (lasting about 103 s during the liquid–solid phase transition). A magnetic field as high as ∼1015 G can be created by dynamo action of the newborn liquid QS, and a magnetar-like central engine (after solidification) supplies significant energy for the second plateau. More energy could be released during a fall-back accretion after the post-merger QS collapses to a BH, and the X-ray bump forms. This post-merger QS model could be tested by future observations, with either advanced gravitational wave detectors (e.g., advanced LIGO and VIRGO) or X-ray/optical telescopes.
Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in the Plasmoid-mediated Regime
Authors: Comisso L. , Huang Y.-M. , Lingam M. , Hirvijoki E. , Bhattacharjee A.
Published: February 2018

Magnetohydrodynamic turbulence and magnetic reconnection are ubiquitous in astrophysical environments. In most situations these processes do not occur in isolation but interact with each other. This renders a comprehensive theory of these processes highly challenging. Here we propose a theory of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence driven at a large scale that self-consistently accounts for the mutual interplay with magnetic reconnection occurring at smaller scales. Magnetic reconnection produces plasmoids (flux ropes) that grow from turbulence-generated noise and eventually disrupt the sheet-like structures in which they are born. The disruption of these structures leads to a modification of the turbulent energy cascade, which in turn exerts a feedback effect on the plasmoid formation via the turbulence-generated noise. The energy spectrum in this plasmoid-mediated range steepens relative to the standard inertial range and does not follow a simple power law. As a result of the complex interplay between turbulence and reconnection, we also find that the length scale that marks the beginning of the plasmoid-mediated range and the dissipation length scale do not obey true power laws. The transitional magnetic Reynolds number above which the plasmoid formation becomes statistically significant enough to affect the turbulent cascade is fairly modest, implying that plasmoids are expected to modify the turbulent path to dissipation in many astrophysical systems.
Detection of Crohn Disease in Patients with Spondyloarthropathy: The SpACE Capsule Study
Authors: Kopylov Uri , Starr Michael , Watts Craig , Dionne Serge , Girardin Marc , Seidman Ernest G.
Published: February 2018

Objective.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is generally reported to be associated with spondylarthropathies (SpA) in 5%–15% of cases. Systematic colonoscopic assessment by protocol demonstrated mucosal inflammation characteristic of Crohn disease (CD) in up to one-third of patients with SpA. Video capsule endoscopy (CE) is a superior diagnostic tool to detect small bowel mucosal disease. Our study compared the accuracy of CE to standard colonoscopy for detection of inflammatory bowel lesions in patients with SpA, and to describe predictors of small bowel inflammation (SBI) in this cohort.

Methods.

Prospective cross-sectional study of adult patients followed for SpA. Patients were evaluated by CE and standard colonoscopy with biopsies. SBI was quantified using the Lewis Score. Additional screening tests included fecal calprotectin (FCP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and a diagnostic panel of serologic, inflammatory and genetic tests (SGI).

Results.

There were 64 patients recruited (53% female, mean age 42 ± 13 yrs). Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were present in 57%. CE revealed significant SBI in 27/64 (42.2%), compared to 7/64 (10.9%) by standard colonoscopy (p = 0.035). Elevated FCP was associated with small bowel CD (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.01–19.9; p = 0.042). No correlation was observed with presence of GI symptoms, CRP, or SGI results. Finding CD led to a change in management in 65.2% of cases.

Conclusion.

CE uncovered SBI consistent with CD in 42.2% of patients with SpA, with a significant incremental yield over colonoscopy of 31%. FCP levels were significantly correlated with CE results, while GI symptoms and SGI results were poor predictors of SBI.
Diffusion-weighted Imaging Is a Sensitive and Specific Magnetic Resonance Sequence in the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Bradbury Linda A. , Hollis Kelly A. , Gautier Benoît , Shankaranarayana Sateesh , Robinson Philip C. , Saad Nivene , Lê Cao Kim-Anh , Brown Matthew A.
Published: February 2018

Objective.

We tested the discriminatory capacity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and its potential as an objective measure of treatment response to tumor necrosis factor inhibition in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

Three cohorts were studied prospectively: (1) 18 AS patients with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index > 4, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 25 and/or C-reactive protein > 10 meeting the modified New York criteria for AS; (2) 20 cases of nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) as defined by the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria; and (3) 20 non-AS patients with chronic low back pain, aged between 18 and 45 years, who did not meet the imaging arm of the ASAS criteria for axSpA. Group 1 patients were studied prior to and following adalimumab treatment. Patients were assessed by DWI and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and standard nonimaging measures.

Results.

At baseline, in contrast to standard nonimaging measures, DWI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values showed good discriminatory performance [area under the curve (AUC) > 80% for Group 1 or 2 compared with Group 3]. DWI ADC values were significantly lower posttreatment (0.45 ± 0.433 before, 0.154 ± 0.23 after, p = 0.0017), but had modest discriminating capacity comparing pre– and posttreatment measures (AUC = 68%). This performance was similar to the manual Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scoring system.

Conclusion.

DWI is informative for diagnosis of AS and nr-axSpA, and has moderate utility in assessment of disease activity or treatment response, with performance similar to that of the SPARCC MRI score.
La citoyenneté fragmentée
Authors: Shafei Bilal
Published: February 2018

Ce texte montre d’abord la complexité des images mentales véhiculées au Proche-Orient par les termes : citoyenneté, citoyen et laïcité ; puis leur influence sur la vie des Palestiniens à travers 50 ans de changements progressifs ; enfin le rôle de la religion dans ces transmutations. Nous élaborons finalement une nouvelle approche de ces concepts, basée sur le respect de la diversité ethnique, sociale, culturelle et religieuse des peuples de la région.
Citoyenneté et religion : une perspective britannique
Authors: Storrie Tom
Published: February 2018

Pour discuter la double problématique de citoyenneté et religion, l’auteur pose un regard rétrospectif sur son trajet de vie depuis les années 1930 ; il indique les événements qui lui semblent personnellement pertinents, en évoquant des phénomènes britanniques, culturels et historiques. Il identifie deux phases : d’abord le mouvement lent de dilution de l’hégémonie chrétienne qui, à partir de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, a fait place à la modernisation industrielle, aux nouvelles politiques des droits humains et aux mouvements socio-culturels comme l’anti-sexisme, l’antiracisme et le féminisme ; ils donnent naissance à une nouvelle citoyenneté modernisante qui s’étend au-delà des frontières des États-nations et embrasse l’Union européenne. Deuxièmement, l’irruption de l’affaire Salman Rushdie a annoncé le retour des religions fondamentalistes et agressives au centre des tensions socio-politico-culturelles au niveau global. Les religions ont leur place dans l’espace public, mais dans un cadre étatique laïque.
Laïcité(s) et démocratie : entre liberté de conscience et émancipation
Authors: Michon Bruno
Published: February 2018

L’auteur aborde les relations entre laïcité et démocratie à partir d’une définition sociologique de la laïcité. Cette définition applique le concept de laïcité à une pluralité de contextes nationaux. L’auteur illustre ce concept à l’aide d’une enquête réalisée auprès d’adolescents français et allemands, portant entre autres sur leurs représentations de l’islam et plus spécifiquement du foulard islamique. L’auteur distingue quatre conceptions différentes de la laïcité : la première est tournée vers la liberté de conscience, la seconde vers l’émancipation ; la troisième est culturelle et la dernière théologique. Chacune de ces conceptions détermine un rapport particulier entretenu entre la laïcité et la démocratie.
L’ambiguïté langagière du terme citoyenneté dans sa relation à la religion dans le monde arabe et musulman
Authors: Shafei Bilal
Published: February 2018

Nous expliquons l’ambiguïté langagière engendrée par l’utilisation abusive des termes citoyenneté, laïcité, droits de l’homme et démocratie, et comment les différentes classes politiques, religieuses, intellectuelles et étatiques s’en servent pour leurs propres intérêts dans le monde arabe et musulman. Nous proposons des termes qui dépassent la problématique actuelle produite par cette utilisation et mettent en valeur l’objectif principal de la citoyenneté qui est l’égalité et l’équité pour tous devant la loi.
« C’est la culture, idiot ! ». Les cultures empêchent d’échapper à leur emprise
Authors: Storrie Tom
Published: February 2018

Cette contribution affirme la primauté du séculier, ou de la laïcité, sur la théocratie. Elle attire l’attention sur le pouvoir énorme exercé par les cultures sur les communautés, pour maintenir le « sens commun » sous la coupe de leurs hégémonies. Dans le Royaume-Uni, la difficulté à surmonter cette inertie culturelle est démontrée par le développement aveugle et lent résultant de la Réforme protestante. Ce mouvement était au début une « théologie de la libération », déclenchée par Martin Luther qui – comme premier « lanceur d’alerte » global – a défié la corruption de l’Église catholique. Seule corporation multinationale existant à cette époque, elle exerçait un monopole de contrôle à travers l’Europe, pénétrant profondément et avec malveillance dans la vie quotidienne. La conclusion pose la question : l’islam est-il sur le point de s’engager dans une « théologie de la libération » qui lui soit propre ?
Sustainability values for business: A perspective of value alignment in a supplier-client relationship for case Aqualogy
Authors: Hurtado Jaramillo Carlos Humberto , Arimany-Serrat Nuria , Meijide Vidal Dulcinea , Ferràs-Hernandez Xavier
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The study’s goal is focused on determining a common set of sustainability-related issues and drivers relevant for business-makers, in order to be used as a framework in inter-organizational communications and thereby to reduce value perception dissonances on supplier–client business relationships.Design/methodology/approach: The study was methodologically based on a documentary review and different work sessions (interviews, workshop, and discussion) with a focus group composed of decision-makers in the water industry sector, of both the supplier and the client company.Findings: The study makes as main contributions a differentiation within the scope of ‘sustainability practices of global interest’ and ‘sustainability practices into business scope’ from the business-makers’ value perception, providing a set of SVD, allowing reduction of value dissonances in business relationships, shedding light on solutions' value creation capacity and at the same time enhancing inter-organizational communications.Research limitations/implications: The final set of sustainability-related issues (and drivers) presented aren’t exhaustive and are delimited by the particular scenario generated around Aqualogy’s business scope; therefore, it cannot be considered as a standard application mode.Practical implications: This study sheds light on the importance of aligning business expectations around sustainability, and create a value framework that can be useful for fully embedding sustainability into the portfolio, business models, marketing strategies, technologies, and manufacturing processes. This framework can also be useful for analyzing value dissonances on supplier–client relationships, identifying value gaps into business models.Originality/value: The empirical study provides detailed insight into how the key decision-makers understand and perceive the sustainability value concept in the mainstream business. The alignment of their value perception shows to companies which sustainability values are expected in business, and how business strategy must use them as value creation drivers.
Human resource management outsourcing in Spanish firms: Evolution over time and implication for devolution
Authors: Gottardello Debora , Valverde Mireia
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The paper aim to explore the evolution in the use of HRO in Spanish firms, and determine the differences in the degree of implementation of HRO since 1999 until 2014, and also analyze the relationship between HR outsourcing and devolution of HR responsibilities to line managers in Spanish organizations.Design/methodology/approach: This paper combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Namely the article is based on international Cranet HRM survey data collected from private and public organizations and also interviews with HR external providers.Findings: The analysis of developments, based on the Cranet surveys and interviews with HR external providers shows that during the past few years there has been an increasing use of HRO in parallel with the tendency to devolve more HR responsibility to line managers.Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this research is the limitation of data about reasons for devolution that the CRANET questionnaire provides. However, the interviews carried out enrich the survey data with qualitative results.Practical implications: The findings can be used to guide management teams in outsourcing and devolution decisions to maximize benefits to their organizations.Originality/value: This paper is about the evolution of HRO in Spain as a European Union country where published research on HRO and also its implications is relatively limited. The originality of this paper is mainly the involvement of line manager in the outsourcing process which have been poorly analyzed until now.
Special Issue: VII Congrés Català de Comptabilitat i Direcció
Authors: Rabaseda Joaquim
Published: February 2018

Com ja va essent costum, acudim a la invitació de la Revista Intangible Capital per a publicar els treballs més significatius presentats a les sessions celebrades dins la trobada professional i acadèmica que organitza l’Associació Catalana de Comptabilitat i Direcció (ACCID).En aquest cas, s’han seleccionat un total de 13 treballs, tots ells originals, que corresponen al VII Congrés Català de Comptabilitat i Direcció, que es va celebrar a Barcelona els dies 8 i 9  del mes de juny de 2017.Els articles que segueixen corresponen a diferents temàtiques i provenen d’autors de diverses procedències, que sobrepassen els àmbits català i espanyol. En tots els casos són treballs presentats per més d’un autor, fet que posa de relleu que són fruit d’una activitat feta en col·laboració.També s’hi pot trobar diferents metodologies emprades, d’acord amb el propòsit perseguit en cada cas.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Avascular Necrosis After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Vijapura Anita , Levine Harlan B. , Donato Michele , Hartzband Mark A. , Baker Melissa , Klein Gregg R.
Published: February 2018

The immunosuppressive regimens required for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation predispose recipients to complications, including avascular necrosis. Cancer-related comorbidities, immunosuppression, and poor bone quality theoretically increase the risk for perioperative medical complications, infection, and implant-related complications in total joint arthroplasty. This study reviewed 20 primary total hip arthroplasties for avascular necrosis in 14 patients. Outcomes were assessed at routine clinical visits and Harris hip scores were calculated. Follow-up radiographs were evaluated for component malposition, loosening, polyethylene wear, and osteolysis. Average follow-up was 44.5 months for all patients. Postoperative clinical follow-up revealed good to excellent outcomes, with significant improvement in functional outcome scores. There were no periprosthetic infections or revisions for aseptic loosening. There was 1 dislocation on postoperative day 40, which was treated successfully with a closed reduction. Two patients with a prior history of venous thromboembolism developed a pulmonary embolus on postoperative day 13 and 77, respectively. Four patients died several months to years after arthroplasty of complications unrelated to the surgical procedure. Total hip arthroplasty can both be safely performed and greatly improve quality of life in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who develop avascular necrosis. However, prolonged venous thromboembolism prophylaxis should be carefully considered in this high-risk patient population. [
Orthopedics.
2018; 41(2):e257–e261.]
The Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak After Anterior Cervical Decompression Surgery
Authors: Zhai Jiliang , Panchal Ripul R. , Tian Ye , Wang Shujie , Zhao Lijuan
Published: February 2018

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a rare but potentially troublesome and occasionally catastrophic complication after anterior cervical decompression surgery. There is limited literature describing this complication, and the management of CSF leak varies. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the treatment of cases with CSF leak and develop a management algorithm. A series of 14 patients with CSF leak from January 2011 to May 2016 were included in this study. Their characteristics, management of CSF leak, and outcomes were documented. There were 5 male and 9 female patients. Mean age at surgery was 57.1±9.9 years (range, 37–76 years). All instances of CSF leak, except 1 noted postoperatively, were indirectly repaired intraoperatively. A closed straight wound drain was placed for all patients. A lumbar subarachnoid drain was placed immediately after surgery in 4 patients and postoperatively in 7 patients. In 1 patient, lumbar drain placement was unsuccessful. In 2 additional patients, the surgeon decided not to place a lumbar drain. One patient developed meningitis and recovered after antibiotic therapy with meropenem and vancomycin. Another patient had a deep wound infection and required a revision surgery. Wound drains and lumbar drains should be immediately considered when CSF leak is identified. Antibiotics also should be considered to prevent intradural infection. [
Orthopedics.
2018; 41(2):e283–e288.]