bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of bias in overviews of reviews: a scoping review of methodological guidance and four‐item checklist
Authors: Ballard Madeleine , Montgomery Paul
Published: January 2017

Objective

To assess the conditions under which employing an overview of systematic reviews is likely to lead to a high risk of bias.

Study Design

To synthesise existing guidance concerning overview practice, a scoping review was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched with a pre‐specified strategy (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015027592) ending October 2015. Included studies needed to describe or develop overview methodology. Data were narratively synthesised to delineate areas highlighted as outstanding challenges or where methodological recommendations conflict.

Results

Twenty‐four papers met the inclusion criteria. There is emerging debate regarding overlapping systematic reviews; systematic review scope; quality of included research; updating; and synthesizing and reporting results. While three functions for overviews have been proposed—identify gaps, explore heterogeneity, summarize evidence—overviews cannot perform the first; are unlikely to achieve the second and third simultaneously; and can only perform the third under specific circumstances. Namely, when identified systematic reviews meet the following four conditions: (1) include primary trials that do not substantially overlap, (2) match overview scope, (3) are of high methodological quality, and (4) are up‐to‐date.

Conclusion

Considering the intended function of proposed overviews with the corresponding methodological conditions may improve the quality of this burgeoning publication type. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aridity and Overgrazing Have Convergent Effects on Ecosystem Structure and Functioning in Patagonian Rangelands
Authors: Gaitán Juan J. , Bran Donaldo E. , Oliva Gabriel E. , Aguiar Martín R. , Buono Gustavo G. , Ferrante Daniela , Nakamatsu Viviana , Ciari Georgina , Salomone Jorge M. , Massara Virginia , Martínez Guillermo García , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: January 2017

Over 65% of drylands are used for grazing of managed livestock. Understanding what drives grazing effects on the structure and functioning of rangelands is critical for achieving their sustainability. We studied a network of 239 sites across Patagonian rangelands (Argentina), which constitute one of the world's largest rangeland area. We aimed to (i) evaluate how aridity and grazing affect ecosystem structure and functioning and (ii) test the usefulness of the landscape function analysis (LFA) indices (stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling) as surrogates of soil functioning. Aridity decreased species richness and the cover of palatable grasses but increased the cover of palatable shrubs. Grazing pressure negatively impacted the cover of palatable grasses and species richness but did not affect the cover of shrubs. Aridity had direct and indirect negative relationships with the LFA indices. Grazing pressure had no direct effects on the LFA indices but had an indirect negative effect on them by affecting vegetation structure. The LFA indices were positively and negatively correlated with soil organic carbon and sand contents, respectively, suggesting that these indices are useful proxies of soil functional processes in Patagonian rangelands. Our findings indicate that aridity and overgrazing have convergent effects on the structure and functioning of ecosystems, as both promoted reductions in species richness, the cover of palatable grasses and soil functioning. Rangeland management activities should aim to enhance species richness and the cover of palatable grasses, as these actions could contribute to offset adverse effects of ongoing increases in aridity on drylands. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of nonlocal means algorithm in low‐dose X‐ray CT image processing and reconstruction: A review
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zeng Dong , Zhang Hua , Wang Jing , Liang Zhengrong , Ma Jianhua
Published: January 2017

Low‐dose X‐ray computed tomography (LDCT) imaging is highly recommended for use in the clinic because of growing concerns over excessive radiation exposure. However, the CT images reconstructed by the conventional filtered back‐projection (FBP) method from low‐dose acquisitions may be severely degraded with noise and streak artifacts due to excessive X‐ray quantum noise, or with view‐aliasing artifacts due to insufficient angular sampling. In 2005, the nonlocal means (NLM) algorithm was introduced as a non‐iterative edge‐preserving filter to denoise natural images corrupted by additive Gaussian noise, and showed superior performance. It has since been adapted and applied to many other image types and various inverse problems. This paper specifically reviews the applications of the NLM algorithm in LDCT image processing and reconstruction, and explicitly demonstrates its improving effects on the reconstructed CT image quality from low‐dose acquisitions. The effectiveness of these applications on LDCT and their relative performance are described in detail.
Respiratory motion prediction and prospective correction for free‐breathing arterial spin‐labeled perfusion MRI of the kidneys
Authors: Song Hao , Ruan Dan , Liu Wenyang , Stenger V. Andrew , Pohmann Rolf , Fernández‐Seara Maria A. , Nair Tejas , Jung Sungkyu , Luo Jingqin , Motai Yuichi , Ma Jingfei , Hazle John D. , Gach H. Michael
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Respiratory motion prediction using an artificial neural network (ANN) was integrated with pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) MRI to allow free‐breathing perfusion measurements in the kidney. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the ANN to accurately predict the location of the kidneys during image acquisition.

Methods

A pencil‐beam navigator was integrated with a pCASL sequence to measure lung/diaphragm motion during ANN training and the pCASL transit delay. The ANN algorithm ran concurrently in the background to predict organ location during the 0.7‐s 15‐slice acquisition based on the navigator data. The predictions were supplied to the pulse sequence to prospectively adjust the axial slice acquisition to match the predicted organ location. Additional navigators were acquired immediately after the multislice acquisition to assess the performance and accuracy of the ANN. The technique was tested in eight healthy volunteers.

Results

The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) for the eight volunteers were 1.91 ± 0.17 mm and 1.43 ± 0.17 mm, respectively, for the ANN. The RMSE increased with transit delay. The MAE typically increased from the first to last prediction in the image acquisition. The overshoot was 23.58% ± 3.05% using the target prediction accuracy of ± 1 mm.

Conclusion

Respiratory motion prediction with prospective motion correction was successfully demonstrated for free‐breathing perfusion MRI of the kidney. The method serves as an alternative to multiple breathholds and requires minimal effort from the patient.
Comparison of respiratory motion suppression techniques for 4D flow MRI
Authors: Dyverfeldt Petter , Ebbers Tino
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of respiratory motion and to compare methods for suppression of respiratory motion artifacts in 4D Flow MRI.

Methods

A numerical 3D aorta phantom was designed based on an aorta velocity field obtained by computational fluid mechanics. Motion‐distorted 4D Flow MRI measurements were simulated and several different motion‐suppression techniques were evaluated: Gating with fixed acceptance window size, gating with different window sizes in inner and outer k‐space, and k‐space reordering. Additionally, different spatial resolutions were simulated.

Results

Respiratory motion reduced the image quality. All motion‐suppression techniques improved the data quality. Flow rate errors of up to 30% without gating could be reduced to less than 2.5% with the most successful motion suppression methods. Weighted gating and gating combined with k‐space reordering were advantageous compared with conventional fixed‐window gating. Spatial resolutions finer than the amount of accepted motion did not lead to improved results.

Conclusion

Respiratory motion affects 4D Flow MRI data. Several different motion suppression techniques exist that are capable of reducing the errors associated with respiratory motion. Spatial resolutions finer than the degree of accepted respiratory motion do not result in improved data quality. Magn Reson Med 78:1877–1882, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non‐Commercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Imaging and T2 relaxometry of short‐T2 connective tissues in the knee using ultrashort echo‐time double‐echo steady‐state (UTEDESS)
Authors: Chaudhari Akshay S. , Sveinsson Bragi , Moran Catherine J. , McWalter Emily J. , Johnson Ethan M. , Zhang Tao , Gold Garry E. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To develop a radial, double‐echo steady‐state (DESS) sequence with ultra‐short echo‐time (UTE) capabilities for T2 measurement of short‐T2 tissues along with simultaneous rapid, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR)‐efficient, and high‐isotropic‐resolution morphological knee imaging.

Methods

THe 3D radial UTE readouts were incorporated into DESS, termed UTEDESS. Multiple‐echo‐time UTEDESS was used for performing T2 relaxometry for short‐T2 tendons, ligaments, and menisci; and for Dixon water‐fat imaging. In vivo T2 estimate repeatability and SNR efficiency for UTEDESS and Cartesian DESS were compared. The impact of coil combination methods on short‐T2 measurements was evaluated by means of simulations. UTEDESS T2 measurements were compared with T2 measurements from Cartesian DESS, multi‐echo spin‐echo (MESE), and fast spin‐echo (FSE).

Results

UTEDESS produced isotropic resolution images with high SNR efficiency in all short‐T2 tissues. Simulations and experiments demonstrated that sum‐of‐squares coil combinations overestimated short‐T2 measurements. UTEDESS measurements of meniscal T2 were comparable to DESS, MESE, and FSE measurements while the tendon and ligament measurements were less biased than those from Cartesian DESS. Average UTEDESS T2 repeatability variation was under 10% in all tissues.

Conclusion

The T2 measurements of short‐T2 tissues and high‐resolution morphological imaging provided by UTEDESS makes it promising for studying the whole knee, both in routine clinical examinations and longitudinal studies. Magn Reson Med 78:2136–2148, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
The use of intravenous pentamidine for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in pediatric patients
Authors: Kruizinga Matthijs D. , Bresters Dorine , Smiers Frans J. , Lankester Arjan C. , Bredius Robbert G.M.
Published: January 2017

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia was common in the immunocompromised host before the widespread use of prophylaxis. When trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole is not tolerated, prophylaxis with intravenous pentamidine (IVP) may be initiated. We performed a retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients who received IVP regarding efficacy, safety, and reason for initiation. Of 106 patients included in our analysis, one patient tested positive for Pneumocystis DNA. Adverse events were reported in 18% of IVP courses, and main reason for initiation was cytopenia (59%). We found IVP to be effective and safe, and recommend the use of IVP in pediatric patients in whom first‐line prophylaxis is contraindicated.
Molecular and morphological characterization of midblock‐sulfonated styrenic triblock copolymers
Authors: Mineart Kenneth P. , Ryan Justin J. , Lee Byeongdu , Smith Steven D. , Spontak Richard J.
Published: January 2017

Midblock‐sulfonated triblock copolymers afford a desirable opportunity to generate network‐forming amphiphilic materials that are suitable for use in a wide range of emerging technologies as fuel‐cell, water‐desalination, ion‐exchange, photovoltaic, or electroactive membranes. Employing a previously reported synthetic strategy wherein poly(p‐tert‐butylstyrene) remains unreactive, we have selectively sulfonated the styrenic midblock of a poly(p‐tert‐butylstyrene‐b‐styrene‐b‐p‐tert‐butylstyrene) (TST) triblock copolymer to different extents. Comparison of the resulting sulfonated copolymers with results from our prior study provides favorable quantitative agreement and suggests that a shortened reaction time is advantageous. An ongoing challenge regarding the morphological development of charged block copolymers is the competition between microphase separation of the incompatible blocks and physical cross‐linking of ionic clusters, with the latter often hindering the former. Here, we expose the sulfonated TST copolymers to solvent‐vapor annealing to promote nanostructural refinement. The effect of such annealing on morphological characteristics, as well as on molecular free volume, is explored. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 490–497
Sensitization predicts asthma development among wheezing toddlers in secondary healthcare
Authors: Boersma Nienke A. , Meijneke Ruud W.H. , Kelder Johannes C. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Balemans Walter A.F.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Some wheezing toddlers develop asthma later in childhood. Sensitization is known to predict asthma in birth cohorts. However, its predictive value in secondary healthcare is uncertain. Aim: This study examines the predictive value of sensitization to inhalant allergens among wheezing toddlers in secondary healthcare for the development of asthma at school age (≥6 years). Methods: Preschool children (1–3 years) who presented with wheezing in secondary healthcare were screened on asthma at school age with the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of specific IgE to inhalant allergens (cut‐off concentration 0.35 kU/L) and several non‐invasive variables from a child's history (such as hospitalization, eczema, and parental atopy) were calculated. The additional predictive value of sensitization when combined with non‐invasive predictors was examined in multivariate analysis and by ROC curves. Results: Of 116 included children, 63% developed asthma at school age. Sensitization to inhalant allergens was a strong asthma predictor. The odds ratio (OR), PPV and NPV were 7.4%, 86%, and 55%, respectively. Eczema (OR 3.4) and hospital admission (OR 2.6) were significant non‐invasive determinants. Adding sensitization to these non‐invasive predictors in multivariate analysis resulted in a significantly better asthma prediction. The area under the ROC curve increased from 0.70 with only non‐invasive predictors to 0.79 after adding sensitization. Conclusion: Sensitization to inhalant allergens is a strong predictor of school age asthma in secondary healthcare and has added predictive value when combined with non‐invasive determinants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:729–736. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Database of Optimized Proteomic Quantitative Methods for Human Drug Disposition‐Related Proteins for Applications in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Vrana M , Whittington D , Nautiyal V , Prasad B
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to create an open access repository of validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods for quantifying 284 important proteins associated with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Various in silico and experimental approaches were used to select surrogate peptides and optimize instrument parameters for LC‐MS/MS quantification of the selected proteins. The final methods were uploaded to an online public database (QPrOmics; www.qpromics.uw.edu/qpromics/assay/), which provides essential information for facile method development in triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) instruments. To validate the utility of the methods, the differential tissue expression of 107 key ADME proteins was characterized in the tryptic digests of the pooled subcellular fractions of human liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs. These methods and the data are critical for development of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict xenobiotic disposition.
Low‐temperature properties of a magnetic nanowire
Authors: Xianyu Zhengnan , Du An
Published: January 2017

The cylindrical core–shell nanowire with an antiferromagnetic core and a ferromagnetic core described by the quantum Heisenberg spin model are studied by using linear spin‐wave theory and Green's function method. Considering the different symmetry of spins, we introduce two different Fourier transforms to spin‐deviate operators. We give the spectrum of the system, analyze the quantum fluctuations of spins at zero temperature, and discuss the low‐temperature behavior of the sublattice magnetization, internal energy and specific heat. It is found that the type of exchange interactions and spin special structure affect the magnetic properties of system very much, changing the magnetic structure of the system making the quantum fluctuation different, but cannot affect the thermal fluctuation dramatically.
Estimating Value Creation from Revealed Preferences: Application to Value‐based Strategies
Authors: Chatain Olivier , Mindruta Denisa
Published: January 2017

Research summary: We develop and apply a new set of empirical tools consistent with the tenets of value‐based business strategies, leveraging the principle that “no good deal comes undone” and the methods of revealed preferences, to empirically estimate drivers of value creation. We demonstrate how to use these tools in an analysis of value creation in buyer–supplier relationships in the UK corporate legal market. We show that our approach can uncover evidence of subtle mechanisms that traditional methods cannot easily distinguish from each other. Furthermore, we show how the estimates can be used as parameters of biform games for out‐of‐sample analyses of strategic decisions. With readily available data on relationships between firms, this approach can be applied to many other contexts of interest to strategy researchers.

Managerial summary: Managers need to understand the drivers of value creation for customers in order to make competitive positioning decisions and understand when they can capture value under competition. However, estimates of the relative importance of each driver are typically difficult to obtain. In this article, we help remedy this problem by demonstrating a novel method that obtains estimates of the contribution of various drivers of value creation from commonly available data of buyer–supplier relationships. These estimates can then be used to inform the strategy‐making process. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclometalated Iridium(III) and Rhodium(III) Complexes Containing Naphthyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies
Authors: Graf Marion , Gothe Yvonne , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Sünkel Karlheinz
Published: January 2017

The synthesis, crystal structure, and biological activity of new bis‐cyclometalated compounds [M(ptpy)2(4‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine)]PF6 [M = Rh (1); M = Ir (2); ptpy = 2‐(p‐tolyl)pyridinato] and [M(ptpy)2(2‐methyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine)]PF6 [M = Rh (3); M = Ir (4)] are described. The new compounds were prepared by the reaction of [{M(μ‐Cl)(ptpy)2}2] (M = Rh, Ir) with the corresponding naphthyridine ligands. The molecular structures of compounds 1, 3, and 4 were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Comparison of “Nil by Mouth” Versus Early Oral Intake in Three Different Diet Regimens Following Esophagectomy
Authors: Eberhard Kristine Elisabeth , Achiam Michael Patrick , Rolff Hans Christian , Belmouhand Mohamed , Svendsen Lars Bo , Thorsteinsson Morten
Published: January 2017

Background

The literature on oral intake after esophagectomy and its influence on anastomotic leakage and complications is sparse.

Methods

This retrospective study included 359 patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 2011 and August 2015. Three oral intake protocols were evaluated: regimen 1, nil by mouth until postoperative day (POD) 7 followed by a normal diet; regimen 2, oral intake of clear fluids from POD 1 followed by a normal diet; regimen 3, nil by mouth until POD 7 followed by a slow increase to a blended diet. The outcome endpoints were: (1) anastomotic leakage, (2) complications [severity and number described using the Dindo–Clavien Classification and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI)] and (3) length of stay. A multivariate logistic regression model was obtained for CCI and anastomotic leakage using Wald’s stepwise selection.

Results

CCI was significantly lower in regimen 3 (16 vs. 22 and 26 in regimen 1 and 2, p = 0.027). Additionally, significantly fewer patients in regimen 3 suffered from severe complications of Dindo–Clavien grade IIIb–IV (p = 0.025). The incidence of anastomotic leakage reached its lowest in regimen 3, 2%, compared to 7–9%. Multivariate analyses revealed that high American Society of Anesthesiologist score was a predicting factor for both CCI and anastomotic leakage.

Conclusion

The study indicates that nil by mouth until postoperative day 7 followed by a slow increase to a blended diet after esophagectomy results in less severe complications and a tendency of fewer anastomotic leakages. Multiple comorbidities proved to be an important predictive factor of the postoperative course.
Edge effect on bird nest predation in the fragmented caldén (Prosopis caldenia) forest of central Argentina: an experimental analysis
Authors: Sosa Ramón Alberto , Lopez de Casenave Javier
Published: January 2017

Clearing of caldén (Prosopis caldenia) forests for agriculture and cattle raising in east‐central La Pampa Province, central Argentina, has created a highly fragmented landscape, a condition that has resulted in adverse effects on birds in other forests, mainly through increased predation rates near forest edges. We evaluated bird nest predation rates using artificial nests, assessing the effects of forest fragment size, distance to the edge and nest height. We measured survival rate of 570 artificial nests located in trees, in bushes and on the ground, at different distances from the edge, in six forest fragments ranging in size from 2.1 to 117.6 ha, during two consecutive breeding seasons. Nest predation rates were significantly related with the number of days of exposition of the nest, nest height and distance to the edge, whereas fragment size and year of the experiment were not associated with predation rates. Ground nests were less likely to be predated than those located in bushes and trees. Predation rates decreased with the distance to the edge, showing a pattern consistent with the existence of an edge effect.
Sulfatides Primarily Exist in the Substantia Nigra Region of Mouse Brain Tissue
Authors: Park Kab‐Tae , Shon Jong Cheol , Kim Ji‐Eun , Park Gyu Hwan , Choi Hyun Jin , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon
Published: January 2017

Lipid distribution in the brain is important for many biological functions and has been associated with some brain diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate lipid distribution in different regions of brain tissue in mice. To this end, substantia nigra (SN), caudate putamen (CPu), hippocampus (Hip), hypothalamus (Hyp), and cortex (Cx) tissues of mice were analyzed using direct infusion nanoelectrospray‐ion trap mass spectrometry and multivariate analyses. The SN, CPu, Hip, Hyp, and Cx groups showed clear differences in lipid distribution using principal component analysis and a partial least‐squares discriminant analysis score plot, and lipid levels were significantly different in different brain regions. In particular, sulfatides were mainly distributed in the SN region. Our results could be used to help understand the functions and mechanisms of lipids in various brain diseases.
Stem cells for ALS: An overview of possible therapeutic approaches
Authors: Czarzasta Joanna , Habich Aleksandra , Siwek Tomasz , Czapliński Adam , Maksymowicz Wojciech , Wojtkiewicz Joanna
Published: January 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an unusual, fatal, neurodegenerative disorder leading to the loss of motor neurons. After diagnosis, the average lifespan ranges from 3 to 5 years, and death usually results from respiratory failure. Although the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear, multiple factors are thought to contribute to the progression of ALS, such as network interactions between genes, environmental exposure, impaired molecular pathways and many others.

The neuroprotective properties of neural stem cells (NSCs) and the paracrine signaling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been examined in multiple pre‐clinical trials of ALS with promising results. The data from these initial trials indicate a reduction in the rate of disease progression. The mechanism through which stem cells achieve this reduction is of major interest. Here, we review the to‐date pre‐clinical and clinical therapeutic approaches employing stem cells, and discuss the most promising ones.
Serum levels of Glial fibrillary acidic protein in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Zou Qiuyan , Han Renfeng , Li Yupeng , Wang Yulin
Published: January 2017

Objective

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been studied in many neurological diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of GFAP in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by measuring serum circulating levels of GFAP and comparing them with age and gender‐matched typical development children.

Methods

A total of one hundred and fifty 2–6 years old Chinese children (75 confirmed autism cases and 75 their age‐gender matched typical development children) participated in this study. Serum levels of GFAP were assayed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay methods, and severity of ASD was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) Score.

Results

The results indicated that the mean serum GFAP level was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in autistic children as compared to controls (1.71 ± 0.53 ng/ml vs. 0.99 ± 0.25 ng/ml). There was a significant positive association between serum GFAP levels and CARS scores (r [Pearson] = 0.390, P = 0.001). Based on the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut‐off value of serum GFAP levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of autism was projected to be 1.28 ng/ml which yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 88.4%, the area under the curve was 0.895(95%CI, 0.844–0.947). Further, an increased risk of ASD was associated with GFAP levels >1.28 ng/ml (adjusted OR 9.88, 95% CI: 3.32–17.82) in the multivariate logistic analysis model.

Conclusion

The data indicates that serum GFAP levels may be associated with severity of ASD among Chinese children, suggesting the hypothesis that increased serum levels of GFAP could be implicated in the pathophysiology of autism in Chinese children.
Mañana tengo examen final, ahora sí tengo que estudiar: ¿estudiar para aprender o para pasar exámenes?
Authors: Sánchez-Mendiola Melchor
Published: January 2017

Como profesores de medicina frecuentemente aplicamos exámenes sorpresa a nuestros estudiantes, generalmente de «bajas consecuencias» (cuentan, pero no mucho, para la calificación final), con el argumento de que siempre tienen que estudiar para la clase o revisar los temas relativos a los pacientes hospitalizados en su servicio.
Lymphangitis From Scolopendra heros Envenomation: The Texas Redheaded Centipede
Authors: Essler Shannon E. , Julakanti Maneesha , Juergens Andrew L.
Published: January 2017

Envenomation by Scolopendra heros, the Texas redheaded centipede, can present variably. Although transient pain and erythema are often treated conservatively, complications may include cellulitis, necrosis, myocardial infarction, and rhabdomyolysis. We present a case of an elderly man who came to the emergency department with lymphangitis and dermatitis secondary to a centipede sting that awoke him from sleep. It is important to recognize the potential of centipede envenomation to have severe local and systemic manifestations.
Thomas Aquinas on Moral Wrongdoing
Authors: McCluskey Colleen
Published: January 2017

Medieval thinkers were both puzzled and fascinated by the capacity of human beings to do what is morally wrong. In this book, Colleen McCluskey offers the first comprehensive examination of Thomas Aquinas' explanation for moral wrongdoing. Her discussion takes in Aquinas' theory of human nature and action, and his explanation of wrong action in terms of defects in human capacities including the intellect, the will, and the passions of the sensory appetite. She also looks at the notion of privation, which underlies Aquinas' account of wrongdoing, as well as his theory of the vices, which intersects with his basic account. The result is a thorough exploration of Aquinas' psychology which is both accessible and illuminating, and will be of interest to a wide range of readers in Aquinas studies, medieval philosophy, the history of theology, and the history of ideas.
No Good Options against ISIS Barbarism? Human Shields in 21st
Century Conflicts
Authors: Dunlap Charles J.
Published: January 2017

One of the most vexing conundrums of 21st century warfare has been not
just the explosive growth in the use of human shields, but the apparent systemization
of the tactic, particularly by nonstate actors. In noting the international
prohibition, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) defines the practice as the “intentional co-location of
military objectives and civilians or persons hors de combat with the
specific intent of trying to prevent the targeting of those military objectives.”
Human Shields/Human Crosshairs: Colonial Legacies and Contemporary
Wars
Authors: Nesiah Vasuki
Published: January 2017

The nomenclature of human shields did not exist in 19th century
colonialism, but one can find its proxies in the debates regarding the principles of
distinction and proportionality when defining legitimate targets. Its specters
appeared in the discussions weighing human life and moderating warfare, revealing how
the imperatives of colonial conquest inflected “humanitarian reason” and its epistemic and political investments. The
colonized territory rendered all civilians as potential human shields merely by
existing there. The colonizer/colonized distinction trumped the civilian/combatant
distinction and exposed the radical instability of the principles defining the notion
of human shields; the colonizer seldom thought he had reached the threshold of
disproportionality in violence against the colonized. Instead, the “civilizing
mission” rendered the colonized body perennially vulnerable.
Nonparametric estimation of the service time distribution in the M/G/∞ queue
Authors: Goldenshluger Alexander
Published: January 2017

The subject of this paper is the problem of estimating the service time distribution of the M/G/∞ queue from incomplete data on the queue. The goal is to estimate G from observations of the queue-length process at the points of the regular grid on a fixed time interval. We propose an estimator and analyze its accuracy over a family of target service time distributions. An upper bound on the maximal risk is derived. The problem of estimating the arrival rate is considered as well.
A queueing/inventory and an insurance risk model
Authors: Boxma Onno , Essifi Rim , Janssen Augustus J. E. M.
Published: January 2017

We study an M/G/1-type queueing model with the following additional feature. The server works continuously, at fixed speed, even if there are no service requirements. In the latter case, it is building up inventory, which can be interpreted as negative workload. At random times, with an intensity ω(x) when the inventory is at level x>0, the present inventory is removed, instantaneously reducing the inventory to 0. We study the steady-state distribution of the (positive and negative) workload levels for the cases ω(x) is constant and ω(x) = ax. The key tool is the Wiener–Hopf factorization technique. When ω(x) is constant, no specific assumptions will be made on the service requirement distribution. However, in the linear case, we need some algebraic hypotheses concerning the Laplace–Stieltjes transform of the service requirement distribution. Throughout the paper, we also study a closely related model arising from insurance risk theory.
Gregarine infection accelerates larval development of the cat fleaCtenocephalides felis(Bouché)
Authors: ALARCÓN M. E. , JARA-F. A. , BRIONES R. C. , DUBEY A. K. , SLAMOVITS C. H.
Published: January 2017

A high degree of specialization between host and parasite is a well-known outcome of a long history of coevolution, and it is strikingly illustrated in a coordination of their life cycles. In some cases, the arms race ensued at the establishment of a symbiotic relationship results in the adoption of manipulative strategies by the parasite. We have already learned thatSteinina ctenocephali, a gregarine living in the alimentary canal of cat flea,Ctenocephalides felisfollows its phenology and metamorphosis. Despite these findings the outcome of their symbiotic partnership (mutualist, parasitic or commensal) remains unclear. To address this important question, we measured life history parameters of the flea in the presence of varying infection intensities of gregarine oocysts in laboratory conditions. We found that neither the emergence nor survival rate of fleas was affected by harbouring the gregarines. More surprisingly, our results show that flea larvae infected with gregarines developed faster and emerged earlier than the control group. This gregarine therefore joins the selected group of protists that can modify physiological host traits and provides not only new model taxa to be explored in an evolutionary scenario, but also potential development of control strategies of cat flea.
A Hardy–Sobolev inequality for the twisted Laplacian
Authors: Adimurthi  , Ratnakumar P. K. , Sohani Vijay Kumar
Published: January 2017

We prove a strong optimal Hardy–Sobolev inequality for the twisted Laplacian on ℂn. The twisted Laplacian is the magnetic Laplacian for a system of n particles in the plane, corresponding to the constant magnetic field. The inequality we obtain is strong optimal in the sense that the weight cannot be improved. We also show that our result extends to a one-parameter family of weighted Sobolev spaces.
DNA barcoding of bird species in Cyprus: a tool for conservation purposes
Authors: DIMITRIOU ANDREAS C. , FORCINA GIOVANNI , PAPAZOGLOU CLAIRIE , PANAYIDES PANICOS , GUERRINI MONICA , CRABTREE ALAN , BARBANERA FILIPPO , SFENTHOURAKIS SPYROS
Published: January 2017

DNA barcoding has become a widely used and valuable tool in taxonomic research during the past three decades and its application is expanding to fields such as wildlife forensics (e.g. anti-poaching actions). One of the major advantages of DNA barcoding is that it allows for species identification from largely incomplete, deformed or cooked samples and even from traces of biological material. Cyprus is a well-known biodiversity hotspot, the island avifauna comprising around 400 species, 117 of which are listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC). Each year on average, 2.3 million individuals (mainly small migratory birds) are trapped illegally on the island and often served at restaurants. Consequently, reliable identification of specimens from processed tissues can be crucial for undertaking legal actions. Herein DNA barcoding of the large majority of bird species resident in Cyprus plus several migrants that were illegally captured was carried out to support local authorities in their anti-poaching actions. In this study, tissue from 103 specimens representing 81 bird taxa were sampled and a 648-bp long fragment of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit Ι (COI) gene was targeted using a combination of standard, nested and semi-nested PCR depending on the condition of the tissue at hand. Sequences were obtained from all investigated samples and a total of 92 haplotypes was recovered. Phylogenetic reconstructions returned a pattern of relationships among taxa largely compatible with known avian phylogeny. Furthermore, diagnostic polymorphisms within the genus including one of the main targeted species,Sylvia atricapilla,were found. In conclusion, an avian genetic dataset is now available for the law enforcement authorities to identify specimens either confiscated (even when morphologically deformed or cooked) during raids in restaurants and in other premises suspected of serving illegally protected bird species or from trappers.
Assemblage Theory and the Capacity to Value: An Archaeological Approach from Cache Cave, California, USA
Authors: Robinson David
Published: January 2017

New discoveries from a Californian cave have found a remarkable assemblage of cached perishable and other artefacts. Comprised of baskets, cordage, bone, antler, leather, food residues and other materials, the assemblages are dispersed through four caves in the largest ever cache discovered in the borderland region attributable to the native Californian linguistic group known as the Chumash. This paper develops a methodology based upon DeLanda's philosophy of assemblages and Graeber's anthropological theory of value. Importantly, following Normark, it is argue that assemblage theory needs to be operationalized into a methodological approach in order to apply it archaeologically. This methodology illustrate how a capacity analysis of the Cache Cave assemblage relates to values within the society which cached it by revealing the relational capacities within assemblages and relative capacities between them. Importantly, as a scalable approach, capacity analysis allows the investigation of the heterogeneous dynamics within complex societies.
Commentary: Materializing Assemblages
Authors: Conneller Chantal
Published: January 2017

This contribution contrasts ‘Assemblage theory’ with more traditional archaeological understandings of the term ‘assemblage’. It is argued that the flat ontology of assemblage theory is productive, particularly in relation to scale, enabling archaeologists to describe their own materials more precisely. However, more traditional ‘assemblages’, perhaps as a result of the more restrictive view they provide, should not be neglected, as they generate particularly archaeological perspectives and effects.
Changing Assemblages: Vibrant Matter in Burial Assemblages
Authors: Crellin Rachel J.
Published: January 2017

In this paper the notion of assemblage, as derived from the work of Gilles Deleuze, is explored in order to consider change in prehistory. An assemblage-based approach that draws on the concept of ‘vibrant matter’ is implemented as the means of understanding change. In this approach all materials are viewed as vibrant and in flux. These ideas are used to create a heterogeneous view of change where assemblages, or parts of assemblages, may change at varying speeds and rhythms and at many different scales. These ideas are explored through the case study of changing burial practices between 3000 and 1500 cal bc on the Isle of Man. I suggest that this kind of thinking allows us to study change differently, and explore the advantages of this approach for archaeology.
EXPECTED APPLICATIONS, CONTEXTUAL ENRICHMENT, AND OBJECTIVE COMMUNICATIVE CONTENT: THE LINGUISTIC CASE FOR CONCEPTION TEXTUALISM
Authors: Asgeirsson Hrafn
Published: January 2017

Textualist and originalist legal reasoning usually involves something like the following thesis, whether implicitly or explicitly: the legal content of a statute or constitutional clause is the linguistic content that a reasonable member of the relevant audience would, knowing the context and conversational background, associate with the enactment. In this paper, I elucidate some important aspects of this thesis, emphasizing the important role that contextual enrichment plays in textualist and originalist legal reasoning. The aim is to show how the linguistic framework underlying sophisticated versions of new textualism and public-meaning originalism can help to shed important light on the plausibility of what John Perry callsconception textualism. Contra Perry, I do not think that conception textualism—arguably best classified as a version of expected-applications originalism—is “confused, implausible, and unworkable.” I also briefly compare my linguistic case for conception textualism with Justice Scalia's nonlinguistic argument for it, the main premise of which concerns the constitutive function of constitutions.
Entwicklung und erste Überprüfung des dialog Persönlichkeitsinventars (dpi) für den Einsatz im Coaching
Authors: Klusemann Jens , Niepel Christoph
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung. Mit dem dialog Persönlichkeitsinventar (dpi) und seinen theoretischen Grundlagen präsentieren wir in diesem Artikel ein psychometrisches Instrument, das Coaches und ihre Klientinnen und Klienten darin unterstützt, die Ziele der Klientinnen und Klienten sowie deren Strategien im Umgang mit diesen Zielen zu reflektieren. Das Messinstrument erfasst sechs Annäherungs- und vier Vermeidungsziele sowie die individuellen Tendenzen, die eigenen Ziele hartnäckig zu verfolgen (hartnäckige Zielverfolgung) beziehungsweise sich von einmal gesetzten Zielen wieder lösen zu können und diese flexibel anzupassen (flexible Zielanpassung). Das dpi wurde an einer Stichprobe von 671 Personen überprüft. Die Reliabilitäten der zwölf Skalen sind mit .73 bis .90 zufriedenstellend bis sehr gut. Die beiden Prozesse der hartnäckigen Zielverfolgung und flexiblen Zielanpassung korrelieren hypothesenkonform durchgängig signifikant mit Lebenszufriedenheit, Arbeitszufriedenheit, Work-Life-Balance sowie der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung.
Topological Dirac nodal lines and surface charges in fcc alkaline earth metals
Authors: Hirayama Motoaki , Okugawa Ryo , Miyake Takashi , Murakami Shuichi
Published: January 2017

In nodal-line semimetals, the gaps close along loops in k space, which are not at high-symmetry points. Typical mechanisms for the emergence of nodal lines involve mirror symmetry and the π Berry phase. Here we show via ab initio calculations that fcc calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr) and ytterbium (Yb) have topological nodal lines with the π Berry phase near the Fermi level, when spin–orbit interaction is neglected. In particular, Ca becomes a nodal-line semimetal at high pressure. Owing to nodal lines, the Zak phase becomes either π or 0, depending on the wavevector k, and the π Zak phase leads to surface polarization charge. Carriers eventually screen it, leaving behind large surface dipoles. In materials with nodal lines, both the large surface polarization charge and the emergent drumhead surface states enhance Rashba splitting when heavy adatoms are present, as we have shown to occur in Bi/Sr(111) and in Bi/Ag(111).
Psychological distress and cancer pain: Results from a controlled cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Li Xiao-Mei , Xiao Wen-Hua , Yang Ping , Zhao Hui-Xia
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the pain associated with cancer and its impact on pain management, anxiety, and depression in Chinese patients using a controlled cross-sectional study. One hundred and twenty-six cancer outpatients were evaluated from January 2012 to June 2014; 64 reported pain and 62 did not. Patients with cancer eligible for this study were older than 18 years and able to effectively communicate with medical personnel. Patients were administered a questionnaire regarding their medical status. The information collected was used along with patient charts to complete a socio-demographic and clinical characteristic summary for each patient. Results showed that patients who reported pain had mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores of 46.38 for state anxiety and 44.64 for trait anxiety, as well as a mean BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) score of 19.17. The pain-free patient group had mean STAI scores of 40.73 for state anxiety and 42.87 for trait anxiety, and a mean BDI score of 15.35. In conclusion, patients who reported pain were more prone to anxiety and depression, with pain severity being a strong predictor of anxiety. Adequate pain assessment and adjustment proved necessary for pain management.
Correction: Corrigendum: Differential transcriptional responses to Ebola and Marburg virus infection in bat and human cells
Authors: Hölzer Martin , Krähling Verena , Amman Fabian , Barth Emanuel , Bernhart Stephan H. , Carmelo Victor A. O. , Collatz Maximilian , Doose Gero , Eggenhofer Florian , Ewald Jan , Fallmann Jörg , Feldhahn Lasse M. , Fricke Markus , Gebauer Juliane , Gruber Andreas J. , Hufsky Franziska , Indrischek Henrike , Kanton Sabina , Linde Jörg , Mostajo Nelly , Ochsenreiter Roman , Riege Konstantin , Rivarola-Duarte Lorena , Sahyoun Abdullah H. , Saunders Sita J. , Seemann Stefan E. , Tanzer Andrea , Vogel Bertram , Wehner Stefanie , Wolfinger Michael T. , Backofen Rolf , Gorodkin Jan , Grosse Ivo , Hofacker Ivo , Hoffmann Steve , Kaleta Christoph , Stadler Peter F. , Becker Stephan , Marz Manja
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34589; published online: 07 October 2016; updated: 11 January 2017 In this Article, Ivo Grosse is incorrectly affiliated to “Department of Soil Ecology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany”. The correct affiliations for Ivo Grosse are listed below:
Neutrophil elastase cleavage of the gC1q domain impairs the EMILIN1-α4β1 integrin interaction, cell adhesion and anti-proliferative activity
Authors: Maiorani Orlando , Pivetta Eliana , Capuano Alessandra , Modica Teresa Maria Elisa , Wassermann Bruna , Bucciotti Francesco , Colombatti Alfonso , Doliana Roberto , Spessotto Paola
Published: January 2017

The extracellular matrix glycoprotein EMILIN1 exerts a wide range of functions mainly associated with its gC1q domain. Besides providing functional significance for adhesion and migration, the direct interaction between α4β1 integrin and EMILIN1-gC1q regulates cell proliferation, transducing net anti-proliferative effects. We have previously demonstrated that EMILIN1 degradation by neutrophil elastase (NE) is a specific mechanism leading to the loss of functions disabling its regulatory properties. In this study we further analysed the proteolytic activity of NE, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP on EMILIN1 and found that MMP-3 and MT1-MMP partially cleaved EMILIN1 but without affecting the functional properties associated with the gC1q domain, whereas NE was able to fully impair the interaction of gC1q with the α4β1 integrin by cleaving this domain outside of the E933 integrin binding site. By a site direct mutagenesis approach we mapped the bond between S913 and R914 residues and selected the NE-resistant R914W mutant still able to interact with the α4β1 integrin after NE treatment. Functional studies showed that NE impaired the EMILIN1-α4β1 integrin interaction by cleaving the gC1q domain in a region crucial for its proper structural conformation, paving the way to better understand NE effects on EMILIN1-cell interaction in pathological context.