bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Development and Grand Corruption to Governance
Authors: MacWilliam Scott , Rafferty Mike
Published: December 2017

In development policy circles, corruption has become a pressing global issue. Yet the contemporary relationship between corruption and development is complex and contested. For many, corruption robs people of economic resources and social wealth, and denudes the state of important capacities. That is, corruption prevents or blocks development. For others, corruption often occurs in the process of development as the form in which a class of developers accumulates wealth. That is, corruption is a phase of development. This article explores the contested relationship through two case studies: in Sub-Saharan Africa; and in the former Soviet Union. The article also links contemporary debates about corruption and development with earlier thinking about capitalist progress and development.
Operative findings and complications associated with adjunctive hip arthroscopy in 95 hips undergoing periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Gosey Gregory Maxwell , Muldoon Michael P , Healey Robert M , Santore Richard F
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

to report our initial experience with adjunctive hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients who underwent PAO and ipsilateral hip arthroscopy between 2003 and 2013. Indications for arthroscopy were mechanical symptoms and/or positive magnetic resonance imaging to suggest intra-articular pathology including chondrolabral lesions, ligamentum teres tears and hypertrophy, and synovitis. Preoperative Tönnis arthritis grades, age, sex, operative findings and treatment, complications, and, if available, hip survival were recorded.

Results:

Of 78 patients (95 hips) included, 64 (82%) were female and 14 (18%) male, average age was 30.6 (14-63) years. Tönnis grades were 0 in 40 hips (42%), 1 in 45 hips (47%), and 2 in 10 hips (11%). No Tönnis 3 hips were included. 84% of hips demonstrated labral pathology. 92% had chondromalacia, which was severe enough in 4 patients to warrant cancellation of PAO; all 4 have subsequently required total hip replacement at short-term follow-up. Labral debridement was performed in 73 hips and refixation in 7. 5 postoperative complications occurred – none major, including 1 fluid extravasation, 1 case of heterotopic ossification, and 3 transient neuropraxias.

Conclusions:

Intraarticular pathology is highly prevalent in patients undergoing PAO with mechanical symptoms, and can be safely managed by adjunctive arthroscopy. Complications were minimal in our series and are comparable to reports of PAO without arthroscopy. Arthroscopy can treat pathology that is inaccessible during standalone PAO and permits avoidance of routine arthrotomy, surgical dislocation, rectus release, and futile PAO in cases with severe articular damage.
Corrosion of titanium: Part 2: Effects of surface treatments
Authors: Prando Davide , Brenna Andrea , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Beretta Silvia , Bolzoni Fabio , Ormellese Marco , Pedeferri MariaPia
Published: December 2017

Titanium is well known as one of the most corrosion-resistant metals. However, it can suffer corrosion attacks in some specific aggressive conditions. To further increase its corrosion resistance, it is possible either to modify its surface, tuning either thickness, composition, morphology or structure of the oxide that spontaneously forms on the metal, or to modify its bulk composition. Part 2 of this review is dedicated to the corrosion of titanium and focuses on possible titanium treatments that can increase corrosion resistance. Both surface treatments, such as anodization or thermal or chemical oxidation, and bulk treatments, such as alloying, are considered, highlighting the advantages of each technique.
Rhetoricity at the End of the World
Authors: Davis Diane
Published: December 2017

The putative dichotomy between meaning and matter is mostly resolved in rhetorical studies through a negative deconstruction in which “world” is covered by an all-encompassing discursive field. In response to this radical linguisticism, I return to Derrida, who is often cited as one of its mouthpieces, to pick up his elaborations of the textual structuring of life “itself,” both genetic and psychic, the ontologizing force of which I'll describe as a prelusive and anahuman rhetoricity.
Replicating Reasons: Arguments, Memes, and the Cognitive Environment
Authors: Tindale Christopher W.
Published: December 2017

Some arguments that are delivered in a dialectical exchange are never again recalled. Others are repeated again and again across argumentative situations and settle in a community's shared cognitive environment, thus demonstrating a memetic quality along lines that have become popular with several cultural theorists as a way of describing the evolution of culture. Moreover, some arguments may themselves act as memes. If memes “are replicators and tend to increase in number whenever they have the chance” (Blackmore 1999, 37), then they should be of interest to rhetoricians and argumentation theorists. I explore the relationship between arguments and memes, considering the nature of the meme and its argumentative potential. While controversial, meme theory promises to shed new light on how persuasion works in our mutual cognitive environments, and the attention it gives to how reasons move from mind to mind encourages the effort of the exploration.
A Study on the Interpretive Structural Model to Discuss the Analysis of Curriculum Planning and Benefit among Cosmetology and Hair Salon Professional Courses in College - Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management
Authors: Ju-Hsuan Yeh, , Tsai-Yun Lo, , Hsiao-Ling Wu,
Published: December 2017

This research aims to analyze the Curriculum planning and benefit between departments of beautification in collegeand the professional courses by using ISM. To understand the link between different professional courses ofbeautification in college and find out the connections, Department of Cosmetic Science will be taken as an example.The result will benefit to future developing plans of the courses in Department of Cosmetic Science. The object ofthis research is all Department of Cosmetic Science in college in Taiwan. All professional courses related withDepartment of Cosmetic Science were discussed. The content and hierarchy of courses were analyzed andsummarized by using ISM. By clarifying the suitability of them as well as promoting Department of CosmeticsScience’s future development, all three parties, including the courses, lecturers and students, can achieve the besteffect from this research.
Academic Self-Efficacy of High Achieving Students in Mexico
Authors: Camelo-Lavadores Ana Karen , Sánchez-Escobedo Pedro , Pinto-Sosa Jesus
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore for differences in the academic self-efficacy of Mexican high schoolstudents. A gird questionnaire was administered to 1,460 students form private and public schools. As expected, highachieving students showed significantly higher academic self-efficacy that their peers. However, interesting genderdifferences were found. Whereas men had higher self-efficacy feelings towards Math, Sciences and English as asecond language; women showed higher self-efficacy in Spanish language. Likewise, private school’s studentsshowed feelings of academic self-efficacy. Implications of findings for education practice and research are discussed.
Technology in healthcare: A case study of healthcare supply chain management models in a general hospital in Singapore
Authors: Chikul Mittal , Maw Hsann Yin , Soong Yang Kok
Published: December 2017

Objective: To simulate and compare a manual hospital supply chain management model versus a process that is technologically integrated (either by Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] technology or automated guided vehicles [AGVs]), in a general hospital in Singapore.Methods: Design: Deterministic modelling of hospital supply chain management for manual and technologically integrated processes as part of the institutional quality improvement exercise. Setting: Study was conceptualised during re-location of a 355-bed general hospital to newer premises within Singapore with an increased capacity of 700 beds. Study duration was 1.5 years and data collection was performed from Sep 2014 to Sep 2015.Results: Automating the inventory check and use of automated guided vehicles for medical supplies can improve business and operational performance by saving time on no-value added activities that can be transferred to patient care. RFID intervention requires least number of man-hours per day reducing the total manpower requirements by about one third as compared to the manual process while improving productivity by about 40%, it also provides cost savings of about 25% over a period of 10 years. Sensitivity analysis shows that extent of these cost savings are dependent on overall staff utilisation. Although use of AGV alone is expensive in our model, combining AGVs with RFID technology provides the least manpower dependence among the different interventions studied, it also gives a positive return on investment as compared to manual process beyond 3 years of operations.Conclusions: Optimising supply chains within healthcare helps minimise manpower dependency and costs. However, prior to adopting a specific intervention, the unique characteristics of each healthcare setting should be considered. There is need for similar research into healthcare supply chains to identify key determinants to cost savings and improving productivity, both locally and regionally.
Looking into Burnout Levels of Freshmen in English Majors of Normal University
Authors: Xu Linjing
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, college students are facing a complex society. Under the influence of various factors, the learningsituation of college students has met a variety of problems, among which is learning burnout. The purposes of thisstudy are (1) to assess the burnout levels of freshmen in English majors of normal university; (2) to explore whatcauses learning burnout and (3) to figure out the possible strategies to reduce the degree of its. The result shows thatthe means of all responded items is about 2.8286 on average, indicating that the burnout was close to the level ofmedium. There is no significant difference in terms of gender and only/not only child. However, there is indicationof influence of other factors such as knowing little about the major, lack of practice and communication with theirseniors.
Urology residents on call: Investigating the workload and relevance of calls
Authors: Thériault Benoît , Marceau-Grimard Maryse , Blais Anne-Sophie , Fradet Vincent , Moore Katerine , Cloutier Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Introduction: On-call medical services assumed by residents represent many hours of hard work and no studies have documented what it really entails. As part of an effort to improve our on-call system, we examined phone calls received by residents on call. Our objectives were to evaluate the characteristics of phone calls received by residents on call (who, when, why, need to go to the hospital) and to determine residents’ perception of these calls. We also looked into implementing strategies to reduce unnecessary calls.Methods: We prospectively collected information about calls using a standardized reporting form with the participation of all residents (10) from a single urology program over two periods of four weeks from November 2014 to March 2015. Residents answered pre- and post-collecting period questionnaires.Results: A total of 460 calls were recorded on 97 on-call days in two on-call lists. There was a mean of 3.5 (median 3, range 0‒12) calls per weeknight and 7.7 (median 6, range 0‒23) calls per weekend full day. Nintey-three calls (20%) led to the need for bedside evaluation and many of these were for new consultations (49%). The majority of calls originated from the clinical in-patient ward (49%) and emergency room (29%), and nurses (66%) and doctors (23%) most commonly initiated the calls. Calls between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am represented 13% of all calls. Most of the calls (77%) were perceived as relevant or very relevant. Most residents reported at least 80% of calls.Conclusions: Although likely representing an underestimate of the reality, we provide a first effort in documenting the call burden of Canadian urology residents.
Prostate cancer screening among family physicians in Ontario: An update on attitudes and current practice
Authors: Akerman Jason Paul , Allard Christopher B. , Tajzler Camilla , Kapoor Anil
Published: December 2017

Introduction: This study serves as an update of prostate cancer screening practices among family physicians in Ontario, Canada. Since this population was first surveyed in 2010, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released recommendations against prostate cancer screening.Methods: An online survey was developed through input from urologists and family practitioners. It was distributed via email to all members of the Ontario Medical Association’s Section on General and Family practice (11 657 family physicians). A reminder email was sent at two weeks and the survey remained active for one month.Results: A total of 1880 family physicians completed surveys (response rate 16.1%). Overall, 80.4% offered prostate cancer screening compared to 91.7% when surveyed in 2010. Physicians new to practice (two years or less) were the most likely to not offer screening (24.6%). A combination of digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remained the most common form of screening (58.3%). Following the release of the CTFPHC recommendations, 45.6% of respondents said they now screen fewer patients. Participants were less familiar with national urological society guidelines compared to task force recommendations. The majority (72.6%) of respondents feel PSA screening leads to overdiagnosis and treatment. Those surveyed remained split with respect to PSA utility.Conclusions: Data suggest a decline in screening practices since 2010, with newer graduates less likely to offer screening. CFTPHC and USPSTF recommendations had the greatest impact on clinical practice. Those surveyed were divided with respect to PSA utility. Some additional considerations to PSA screening in the primary care setting, including patient-driven factors, were not captured by our concise survey.
Next-generation prostate cancer risk calculator for primary care physicians
Authors: Nam Robert K. , Satkunasivam Raj , Chin Joseph L. , Izawa Jonathan , Trachtenberg John , Rendon Ricardo , Bell David , Singal Rajiv , Sherman Christopher , Sugar Linda , Chagin Kevin , Kattan Michael W.
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Current prostate cancer risk calculators are limited in impact because only a probability of having prostate cancer is provided. We developed the next generation of prostate cancer risk calculator that incorporates life expectancy in order to better evaluate prostate cancer risk in context to a patient’s age and comorbidity.Methods: We combined two cohorts to develop the new risk calculator. The first was 5638 subjects who all underwent a prostate biopsy for prostate cancer detection. The second was 979 men diagnosed with prostate cancer with long-term survival data. Two regression models were used to create multivariable nomograms and an online prostate cancer risk calculator was developed.Results: Of the 5638 patients who underwent a prostate biopsy, 629 (11%) were diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason Score 7[4+3] or more). Of the 979 patients who underwent treatment for prostate cancer, the 10-year overall survival (OS) was 49.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 46.6‒52.9). The first multivariable nomogram for cancer risk had a concordance index of 0.74 (95% CI 0.72, 0.76), and the second nomogram to predict survival had a concordance index of 0.71 (95% CI 0.69‒0.72). The nextgeneration prostate cancer risk calculator was developed online and is available at: http://riskcalc.org/ProstateCA_Screen_Tool.Conclusions: We have developed the next-generation prostate cancer risk calculator that incorporates a patient’s life expectancy based on age and comorbidity. This approach will better evaluate prostate cancer risk. Future studies examining other populations will be needed for validation.
The Price Elasticity of Electricity Demand in the United States: A Three-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Burke Paul J. , Abayasekara Ashani
Published: December 2017

In this paper we employ a dataset of three dimensions—state, sector, and year—to estimate the short- and long-run price elasticities of state-level electricity demand in the United States. Our sample covers the period 2003-2015. We contribute to the literature by employing instrumental variable estimation approaches, using the between estimator, and pursuing panel specifications that enable us to control for multiple dimensions of fixed effects. We conclude that state-level electricity demand is very price inelastic in the short run, with a same-year elasticity of -0.1.
Comparison of Methods Used for the Diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus Infections in Children
Authors: Kasifoglu Nilgun , Oz Semra , Dinleyici Ener Cagri , Us Tercan , Bor Ozcan , Durmaz Gul , Akgun Yurdanur
Published: December 2017

The accurate diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections is important, as many other infectious agents or diseases can cause similar symptoms. In this study, sera of pediatric patients who were suspected to have an EBV infection, were sent to Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology, and investigated by IFA, ELISA, immunoblotting and Real-time PCR. The performances of these tests were compared with IFA. The rates of agreement between ELISA and IFA were found as 100% for seronegative, 100% for acute primary infection, 22.2% for late primary infection, 92.1% for past infection. The rates of agreement between immunoblotting and IFA were found as 80.8% for seronegative, 68.8% for acute primary infection, 55.6% for late primary infection, 86.6% for past infection. The sensitivity of immunoblotting for anti-VCA IgM was identical with ELISA, and higher for anti-VCA IgG, anti-EBNA IgG, anti-EA antibodies, while the specificity of immunoblotting for these antibodies were found to be lower. The sensitivity and specificity of Real-time PCR for detection of viremia in acute primary infection were found as 56.25% (9/16) and 97.89% (139/142), respectively. The diagnostic methods should be chosen by evaluating the demographic characteristics of patients and laboratory conditions together.
REPRESENTAÇÃO DA DIVERSIDADE NA FOTOGRAFIA: ENSAIO (COR)PO E GÊNERO
Authors: Fiorini Bruno José , Carvalho Luciana
Published: December 2017

Em sua face externa, o Brasil é considerado como o país da diversidade. Diversidade de cores, raças, etnias e gêneros, o que o torna um país onde não haveria preconceitos entre pessoas. Porém, a discriminação inicia quando uma sociedade julga uma cor sendo de menino e outra sendo de menina, deixando clara a imposição de como cada indivíduo deve agir perante o seu gênero, cor, raça e etnia. Este ensaio possibilita entender o uso das cores e da diversidade na representação fotográfica, mais especificamente na questão do corpo e dos gêneros, para contribuir com o rompimento desses estereótipos. Os principais resultados obtidos neste trabalho foram o desenvolvimento de um conhecimento maior sobre a diversidade, seja ela por cor, raça, etnia ou gênero. Como conclusão, entende-se que são as diferenças entre indivíduos que tornam a sociedade plural, e a fotografia ajuda a entender as diferenças como riqueza.
FEMINISMO E MOVIMENTOS DE MULHERES NO CONTEXTO BRASILEIRO: A CONSTITUIÇÃO DE IDENTIDADES COLETIVAS E A BUSCA DE INCIDÊNCIA NAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS
Authors: Campos Mariana De Lima
Published: December 2017

A atuação dos movimentos feministas abriu possibilidades e oportunidades para que mulheres, em sua multiplicidade de vivências, pudessem exercer o seu direito de participação política e social na busca por reconhecimento, igualdade e transformações sociais. Diante de cenários de oportunidades políticas favoráveis, as questões relativas aos direitos das mulheres no Brasil puderam ter outro status no discurso político e adentrar na agenda pública por meio do ativismo e ações de contestação, como também por meio da interação com Estado. Encampando diferentes lógicas de ação coletiva, mulheres impulsionadas pelo pensamento feminista se organizaram e se mobilizaram não só em manifestações e protestos, como também atuaram em instâncias participativas institucionalizadas, buscando incidir sobre a construção de políticas públicas perante suas demandas, lutas por direitos e mudanças sociais. O intuito deste artigo é apresentar por meio de uma análise histórica, uma contextualização que possibilite evidenciar o protagonismo da atuação dos movimentos feministas na busca por direitos e demais agendas junto ao Estado e à sociedade, demarcando a importância política de suas lutas ao longo dos últimos anos no Brasil para que se fortalecesse a tendência da formulação de políticas mais inclusivas e relativas aos direitos das mulheres.
El lèxic català del segle XIX: els hispanismes del Labèrnia
Authors: Bibiloni Gabriel
Published: December 2017

Aquest article es proposa d’inventariar i analitzar els hispanismes registrats en el diccionari Labèrnia que posteriorment foren exclosos del català normatiu codificat per Pompeu Fabra. Considerant que el diccionari de Labèrnia és el més important dels que es feren abans de l’esmentada codificació i que fou el diccionari de referència de la societat culta catalana del segle XIX, l’anàlisi d’aquests hispanismes ens permet d’entendre les concepcions del lèxic català que tenia aquella societat i el canvi revolucionari que representa l’acció codificadora i depuradora de Fabra.
Com integrar un focus en la gramàtica a les classes comunicatives de llengua
Authors: Nassaji Hossein
Published: December 2017

Hi ha un ampli suport teòric i empíric en el camp de l'adquisició de segones llengües (L2) per a les estratègies d'instrucció que dirigeixen l'atenció de l’aprenent cap a les formes gramaticals durant les activitats centrades en el significat. Aquest tipus d'instrucció s’ha anomenat «instrucció de focus en la forma» i s’ha distingit dels enfocaments tradicionals basats en la gramàtica que ensenyen formes lingüístiques de manera aïllada i descontextualitzada, que s’ha anomenat «instrucció de focus en les formes». Aquest article comença amb una breu descripció de la noció de focus en la forma i els seus fonaments teòrics i empírics. A continuació, es presenten una sèrie d'opcions d'instrucció per a la integració d'un enfocament en la gramàtica en l'ensenyament comunicatiu de llengües. Es descriu cada opció, se'n repassen les bases teòriques i empíriques i es donen exemples de com es poden utilitzar a l'aula.
Beatriz Fernández & Anna Pineda, «Basc per a catalanoparlants (O de com dues llengües tan diferents s’assemblen tant)», Argentona, Voliana Edicions, 2016, 292 pp.
Authors: Galarraga Lopetegui Aritz
Published: December 2017

Ressenya sobre el llibre de Beatriz Fernández & Anna Pineda, Basc per a catalanoparlants (O de com dues llengües tan diferents s’assemblen tant), Argentona, Voliana Edicions, 2016, 292 pp., ISBN: 978-84-944848-7-2.
Anna Camps & Teresa Ribas (coords.), «El verbo y su enseñanza. Hacia un modelo de enseñanza de la gramática basada en la actividad reflexiva», Barcelona, Octaedro, 2017, 223 pp.
Authors: Cuenca Maria Josep
Published: December 2017

Ressenya sobre el llibre d'Anna Camps & Teresa Ribas (coords.), «El verbo y su enseñanza. Hacia un modelo de enseñanza de la gramática basada en la actividad reflexiva», Barcelona, Octaedro, 2017, 223 pp., ISBN 978-84-9921-895-3.
Proficiency Matters: L2 Avoidance in Spanish Complex Wh- Production
Authors: Turrero-Garcia Maria
Published: December 2017

The Derivational Complexity Hypothesis (Jakubowicz & Strik 2008) proposes that computationally complex structures interact with syntactic constraints in linguistic production, causing the rise of avoidance strategies in child L1 and adult L2 speakers. These avoidance strategies have until recently been understudied in the field of SLA (as opposed to the use of ungrammatical structures), but they actively compete with target-like forms during the language acquisition process and can therefore advance our understanding of non-native linguistic development. This article provides evidence for the DCH based on avoidance strategies shown by non-native speakers of Spanish in the production of the wh- island (How did you say when the jewels were stolen?). Through a game-based elicitation task, speakers at the intermediate and near-native level were prompted to produce questions containing a wh- island. The results show that intermediate speakers of Spanish significantly avoid producing questions that contain an island, as opposed to native and near-native speakers. The strategies used instead of the target are of a less complex nature (pronominalization of the second clause, omission of the middle verb), therefore supporting the DCH. Near-native and native data, on the other hand, show a use of creative strategies that is absent from the intermediate data. Off-target constructions by these groups often consist of questions that are structurally more complex than the intended target forms (use of relative clauses and embedded NPs).
On wh-movement in Spanish Echo Questions
Authors: Chernova Ekaterina
Published: December 2017

This paper examines Spanish echo questions, an understudied phenomenon even in extensively described languages such as English. In particular, it focuses on a very particular type of echo questions, such as those made in response to a previous yes/no question (e.g. –Did you buy {mumble}?; –Did I buy what?) and makes a detailed description, on the one hand, of inherent echo features, common across most languages, and, on the other, those language-specific. In particular, I argue that wh-in-situ is not the only possible option in Spanish EQs in order to get a proper, echo interpretation. In addition, I offer some evidence from Spanish data in favour of a particular syntactic structure underlying this sort of questions (Sobin 2010).
High‐Frequency Observations of Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Reveal Under‐Ice Convection in a Large Lake
Authors: Yang Bernard , Young Joelle , Brown Laura , Wells Mathew
Published: December 2017

Detailed observations of thermal structure over an entire winter in a large lake reveal the presence of large (10–20 m) overturns under the ice, driven by diurnal solar heating. Convection can occur in the early winter, but the most vigorous convection occurred near the end of winter. Both periods are when our lake ice model suggest thinner ice that would have been transparent. This under‐ice convection led to a deepening of the mixed layer over time, consistent with previous short‐term studies. During periods of vigorous convection under the ice at the end of winter, the dissolved oxygen had become supersaturated from the surface to 23 m below the surface, suggesting abundant algal growth. Analysis of our high‐frequency observations over the entire winter of 2015 using the Thorpe‐scale method quantified the scale of mixing. Furthermore, it revealed that changes in oxygen concentrations are closely related to the intensity of mixing.
Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Nonstationarity on Seasonal Streamflow Predictability in the U.S. Southwest
Authors: Lehner Flavio , Wood Andrew W. , Llewellyn Dagmar , Blatchford Douglas B. , Goodbody Angus G. , Pappenberger Florian
Published: December 2017

Seasonal streamflow predictions provide a critical management tool for water managers in the American Southwest. In recent decades, persistent prediction errors for spring and summer runoff volumes have been observed in a number of watersheds in the American Southwest. While mostly driven by decadal precipitation trends, these errors also relate to the influence of increasing temperature on streamflow in these basins. Here we show that incorporating seasonal temperature forecasts from operational global climate prediction models into streamflow forecasting models adds prediction skill for watersheds in the headwaters of the Colorado and Rio Grande River basins. Current dynamical seasonal temperature forecasts now show sufficient skill to reduce streamflow forecast errors in snowmelt‐driven regions. Such predictions can increase the resilience of streamflow forecasting and water management systems in the face of continuing warming as well as decadal‐scale temperature variability and thus help to mitigate the impacts of climate nonstationarity on streamflow predictability.
A Study of Daytime L‐Band Scintillation in Association With Sporadic E Along the Magnetic Dip Equator
Authors: Seif Aramesh , Liu Jann‐Yenq , Mannucci Anthony J. , Carter Brett A. , Norman Robert , Caton Ronald G. , Tsunoda Roland T.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of occurrence of L‐band scintillation in association with the appearance of sporadic E (Es) along the magnetic dip equator during daytime in 2013. The presence of L‐band scintillation was determined from signals collected with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) ground‐based Scintillation Network Decision Aid receivers from five stations situated at the magnetic dip equator. The detection and analysis of Es layers were obtained from GNSS FORMOSAT‐3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (F3/C) radio occultation (RO) data. Combining ground‐based data with the limb‐viewing geometry from space provides a unique opportunity to retrieve complementary information about scintillation and association with equatorial E region irregularities (i.e., Es) during daytime. Results for the first time show that daytime scintillation does occur at the magnetic dip equator and the occurrence is associated with the appearance of Es observed using GNSS F3/C RO data.
Theoretical Insight Into the Empirical Tortuosity‐Connectivity Factor in the Burdine‐Brooks‐Corey Water Relative Permeability Model
Authors: Ghanbarian Behzad , Ioannidis Marios A. , Hunt Allen G.
Published: December 2017

A model commonly applied to the estimation of water relative permeability krw in porous media is the Burdine‐Brooks‐Corey model, which relies on a simplified picture of pores as a bundle of noninterconnected capillary tubes. In this model, the empirical tortuosity‐connectivity factor is assumed to be a power law function of effective saturation with an exponent (
) commonly set equal to 2 in the literature. Invoking critical path analysis and using percolation theory, we relate the tortuosity‐connectivity exponent
to the critical scaling exponent t of percolation that characterizes the power law behavior of the saturation‐dependent electrical conductivity of porous media. We also discuss the cause of the nonuniversality of
in terms of the nonuniversality of t and compare model estimations with water relative permeability from experiments. The comparison supports determining
from the electrical conductivity scaling exponent t, but also highlights limitations of the model.
The development of a 4D treatment planning methodology to simulate the tracking of central lung tumors in an MRI‐linac
Authors: Al‐Ward Shahad M. , Kim Anthony , McCann Claire , Ruschin Mark , Cheung Patrick , Sahgal Arjun , Keller Brian M.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Targeting and tracking of central lung tumors may be feasible on the Elekta MRI‐linac (MRL) due to the soft‐tissue visualization capabilities of MRI. The purpose of this work is to develop a novel treatment planning methodology to simulate tracking of central lung tumors with the MRL and to quantify the benefits in OAR sparing compared with the ITV approach.

Methods

Full 4D‐CT datasets for five central lung cancer patients were selected to simulate the condition of having 4D‐pseudo‐CTs derived from 4D‐MRI data available on the MRL with real‐time tracking capabilities. We used the MRL treatment planning system to generate two plans: (a) with a set of MLC‐defined apertures around the target at each phase of the breathing (“4D‐MRL” method); (b) with a fixed set of fields encompassing the maximum inhale and exhale of the breathing cycle (“ITV” method). For both plans, dose accumulation was performed onto a reference phase. To further study the potential benefits of a 4D‐MRL method, the results were stratified by tumor motion amplitude, OAR‐to‐tumor proximity, and the relative OAR motion (ROM).

Results

With the 4D‐MRL method, the reduction in mean doses was up to 3.0 Gy and 1.9 Gy for the heart and the lung. Moreover, the lung's V12.5 Gy was spared by a maximum of 300 cc. Maximum doses to serial organs were reduced by up to 6.1 Gy, 1.5 Gy, and 9.0 Gy for the esophagus, spinal cord, and the trachea, respectively. OAR dose reduction with our method depended on the tumor motion amplitude and the ROM. Some OARs with large ROMs and in close proximity to the tumor benefited from tracking despite small tumor amplitudes.

Conclusions

We developed a novel 4D tracking methodology for the MRL for central lung tumors and quantified the potential dosimetric benefits compared with our current ITV approach.
High Health Care Utilization Preceding Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Youth
Authors: Chang Joyce C. , Mandell David S. , Knight Andrea M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with high risk for organ damage, which may be mitigated by early diagnosis and treatment. We characterized health care utilization for youth in the year preceding SLE diagnosis compared to controls.

Methods

Using Clinformatics DataMart (OptumInsight) de‐identified administrative data from 2000 to 2013, we identified 682 youth ages 10–24 years with new‐onset SLE (≥3 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for SLE 710.0, each >30 days apart), and 1,364 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. We compared the incidence of ambulatory, emergency, and inpatient visits 12 months before SLE diagnosis and frequency of primary diagnoses. We examined subject characteristics associated with utilization preceding SLE diagnosis.

Results

Youth with SLE had significantly more visits in the year preceding diagnosis than controls across ambulatory (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.48, P < 0.001), emergency (IRR 3.42, P < 0.001), and inpatient settings (IRR 3.02, P < 0.001). The most frequent acute‐care diagnoses and median days to SLE diagnosis were: venous thromboembolism (313, interquartile range [IQR] 18–356), thrombocytopenia (278, IQR 39–354), chest pain (73, IQR 29.5–168), fever (52, IQR 17–166), and acute kidney failure (14, IQR 5–168). Having a psychiatric diagnosis prior to SLE diagnosis was strongly associated with increased utilization across all settings.

Conclusion

Youth with SLE have high health care utilization throughout the year preceding SLE diagnosis. Examining variable diagnostic trajectories of youth requiring acute care preceding SLE diagnosis, and increased attention to psychiatric morbidity, may help improve care for youth with new‐onset SLE.
Tuberculosis Risk in Ankylosing Spondylitis, Other Spondyloarthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis in Sweden: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: de Vries Mirjam K. , Arkema Elizabeth V. , Jonsson Jerker , Bruchfeld Judith , Jacobsson Lennart T. H. , Askling Johan ,   the ARTIS Study Group
Published: December 2017

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), particularly following treatment with biologic agents. Since these therapies are increasingly used in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), other types of spondyloarthritis (SpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), we investigated the corresponding TB risks in these patients.

Methods

We identified individuals with AS/SpA/PsA, and non‐AS/SpA/PsA comparators by linking Swedish national patient, population, TB, and rheumatology registers, and followed them for TB occurrence. Incidence rates were estimated for biologic‐naive and biologic‐exposed patients and the comparators. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted for age, sex, and country of birth.

Results

Included in this study were 38,702 patients with AS/SpA/PsA, and 200,417 persons from the general population. Among the patients, 11 active TB cases were identified, with an incidence rate (per 105) of 22 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 8.3–59.2) for biologic‐exposed patients, 2.7 (95% CI 1.3–5.6) for biologic‐naive patients, and 2.4 (95% CI 1.8–3.3) for non‐AS/SpA/PsA comparators. The adjusted HR comparing biologic‐naive patients to the general population was 1.2 (95% CI 0.5–2.7), and 7.5 (95% CI 1.9–29) comparing biologic‐exposed to biologic‐naive patients.

Conclusion

Biologic‐naive AS/SpA/PsA patients are not at an increased TB risk in Sweden. Following treatment with biologic agents, the risk increased, but the absolute TB risk was low.
Internal Ophthalmic Arteries Within the Brain‐Base Arterial System in Guinea Pig
Authors: Kuchinka Jacek
Published: December 2017

In situ vascular specimens of the arterial circle were collected from 15 adult guinea pigs, both male and female. After specimen preparation, the vessels were filled with synthetic latex and subjected to analysis. Similar as in the case of other rodents, vertebral arteries were merged into basilar artery, further dividing into two short terminal branches. Distally, the terminal branches extend into caudal cerebral arteries. Rostral part of the arterial circle of brain is supplied with blood from maxillary arteries via external and internal ophthalmic arteries connected by a short anastomosis. This type of vascularity may probably be considered a functional analogy to the internal carotid arteries observed in other species. Rostral and caudal parts of the arterial circle of brain are connected by exceptionally long caudal communicating arteries. In author's opinion, the disputable contribution of internal carotid artery and the exceptional contribution of internal ophthalmic arteries in the cerebral blood supply in guinea pigs as compared to other rodents, warrants further research on the subject. Anat Rec, 301:887–891, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Monofunctionalized Silsesquioxanes (RSiMe2O)(iBu)7Si8O12via Alkene Hydrosilylation
Authors: Walczak Marcin , Franczyk Adrian , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: December 2017

The research presented in this work comprehensively describes hydrosilylation of a wide spectrum of alkenes which contain one or more reactive groups with (HSiMe2O)(iBu)7Si8O12, in the presence of different types of catalysts. Special attention is paid to the influence of alkene, catalyst, and reaction conditions on process effectiveness and selectivity by the precise monitoring of the experiments with in situ FTIR and NMR spectroscopies. More than twenty silsesquioxanes bearing reactive groups (OH, Br, NR2, CO, COOR, NCO, epoxy, SiR3) commonly used in organic and polymer chemistry, were obtained, isolated and characterized by1H,13C,29Si NMR and MALDI TOF. Importantly, in the presented syntheses, commercially available reagents and catalysts were used, meaning that the presented methods could be easily repeated, rapidly scaled up, and widely applied.
Magneto‐elastic oscillations modulating the emission of magnetars
Authors: Gabler M. , Cerdá‐Durán P. , Mate A. , Stergioulas N. , Font J. A. , Müller E.
Published: December 2017

Magneto‐elastic oscillations of neutron stars are believed to explain the observed quasi‐periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the decaying tail of the giant flares of highly magnetized neutron stars (magnetars). Strong efforts by theoretical modeling from different groups have increased our understanding of this phenomenon significantly. Here we discuss some constraints on the matter in neutron stars that arise if the interpretation of the observations in terms of superfluid magneto‐elastic oscillations is correct. To explain the observed modulation of the light curve of the giant flare, we describe a model that allows the QPOs to couple to the stellar exterior through the magnetic field. In this magnetosphere, the shaking magnetic field induces currents that provide scattering targets for resonant cyclotron scattering of photons, which is calculated with a Monte Carlo approach and coupled to a code that calculates the momentum distribution of the charge carriers as a one‐dimensional accelerator problem. We show first results of a simplified, but self‐consistent momentum distribution, that is a water‐bag distribution, and the corresponding spectra.
40 Jahre Wärmeschutzverordnung
Authors: Gertis Karl , Holm Andreas
Published: December 2017

Die Fortentwicklung der Energieeffizienz von Gebäuden im Laufe der letzten 40 Jahre hat zu immer höheren Energieeinsparanforderungen geführt. Das energiesparende Bauen ist komplexer geworden. Während das erste Energieeinspargesetz und die erste Wärmeschutzverordnung 1977 nur wenige Seiten umfasst haben, wurden die energetischen Regelungen für Gebäude fast schon unübersichtlich oft novelliert und fortgeschrieben. Mit den gestiegenen Anforderungen an die Gebäudeenergieeffizienz sind auch besser dämmende Materialien für den Wärmeschutz und leistungsfähigere Baukonstruktionen entstanden. Dementsprechend sehen die klima‐ und energiepolitischen Zielsetzungen der Bundesregierung und der EU strengere Anforderungen für Neubauten und den Gebäudebestand vor – für die letzteren allerdings, um das Wirtschaftlichkeitsgebot zu wahren, auf etwas abgeschwächterem Niveau.
What Role Do You Play in Board Conversations?
Authors: Kolias Athens
Published: December 2017

Most, if not all Board Leadership readers will have participated in or observed a board meeting, and witnessed directors following an agenda, talking at each other for a while and then calling and seconding motions before voting and finally adjourning their meeting, feeling satisfied that they've “got something done.” Sounds pretty normal. But here, Athens Kolias, governance consultant and adjunct professor at San Francisco State University Center for Extended Learning, asks, “Is normal the best they can do?”
Follow steps to implement body‐worn cameras
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

MILWAUKEE — “Body‐worn cameras are inevitable,” said Ed Book, chief of police at Santa Fe College in Florida. If implementing them is in your institution's future, consider how to create a smooth process.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Magnetic Hydroxyapatite for Removal of Heavy Metals from Groundwater
Authors: Elkady Marwa , Shokry Hassan , Hamad Hesham
Published: December 2017

A simple, fast, and economic methodology to fabricate a highly efficient superparamagnetic Fe3O4/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite (MHAP) was successfully developed. Hydroxyapatite was functionalized with magnetite nanoparticles through coprecipitation‐assisted microwave processes to improve the magnetic properties. The synthesized magnetic hybrid adsorbent matrix was investigated by different methods. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated a good impregnation of Fe3O4 on the hydroxyapatite matrix with uniform morphology. Magnetic hysteresis measurement revealed that MHAP nanocomposites exhibit excellent strong, soft‐magnetic properties. The synergistic effect was an evidence for iron and manganese ion removal, enlightening their potentialities in treatment of polluted ground water.
Metallaaromatics Containing Main‐group Heteroatoms
Authors: Wang Hongjian , Zhou Xiaoxi , Xia Haiping
Published: December 2017

Metallaaromatics are metallacycles that are derived from the formal replacement of a carbon atom in the framework of organic aromatics with a metal fragment. As an important subclass of metallaaromatics, metallaaromatics that contain main‐group heteroatoms have attracted considerable attention. In the past ten years, we have developed several new methods to construct metallaaromatics as well as those containing main‐group heteroatoms, such as metallapyridine, metallapyridinium, metallapyridyne, metallafuran, metallabenzothiazole, metallabenzoxazole, metallabenzthiophene, aza‐metallapentalene and some novel tricyclic/tetracyclic metallaaromatics. In addition, interesting reactions such as the first hetero‐Diels Alder reaction between 1‐metalla‐1,3‐dienes and nitriles, the first intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction of metallabenzene, and the first iodine‐mediated electrophilic cyclizations of a metallabenzene complex were demonstrated. In this account, recent and novel approaches for their synthesis and property analyses are summarized. The structural diversity and unique properties of metallaaromatics containing main‐group heteroatoms will strongly inspire further investigation of these species and provide a wide range of potential applications.
Synthetic Indolactam V Analogues as Inhibitors of PAR2‐Induced Calcium Mobilization in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Stein Jan , Stahn Sonja , Neudörfl Jörg‐M. , Sperlich Julia , Schmalz Hans‐Günther , Teusch Nicole
Published: December 2017

Human proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a transmembrane G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), is an attractive target for a novel anticancer therapy, as it plays a critical role in cell migration and invasion. Selective PAR2 inhibitors therefore have potential as anti‐metastatic drugs. Knowing that the natural product teleocidin A2 is able to inhibit PAR2 in tumor cells, the goal of the present study was to elaborate structure–activity relationships and to identify potent PAR2 inhibitors with lower activity against the adverse target, protein kinase C (PKC). For this purpose, an efficient gram‐scale total synthesis of indolactam V (i.e., the parent structure of all teleocidins) was developed, and a library of derivatives was prepared. Some compounds were indeed found to exhibit high potency as PAR2 inhibitors at low nanomolar concentrations with improved selectivity (relative to teleocidin A2). The pseudopeptidic fragment bridging the C3 and C4 positions of the indole core proved to be essential for target binding, whereas activity and target selectivity depends on the substituents at N1 or C7. This study revealed novel derivatives that show high efficacy in PAR2 antagonism combined with increased selectivity.
Consensus Predictive Model for Human K562 Cell Growth Inhibition through Enalos Cloud Platform
Authors: Afantitis Antreas , Leonis Georgios , Gambari Roberto , Melagraki Georgia
Published: December 2017

β‐Thalassemia is an inherited hematologic disorder caused by various mutations of the β‐globin gene, thus resulting in a significant decrease in adult hemoglobin (HbA) production. An increase in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels by drug molecules is considered of great potential in β‐thalassemia treatment and is expected to counterbalance the impaired production of HbA. In this work, based on a set of 129 experimentally tested biological inhibitors, we developed and validated a computational model for the prediction of K562 functional inhibition, possibly associated with HbF induction. To facilitate future advancements in the field, we incorporated our model into Enalos Cloud Platform, which enabled online access to our computational scheme (http://enalos.insilicotox.com/K562) through a user‐friendly interface. This web service is offered to the wider community to promote in silico drug discovery through fast and reliable predictions.