bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newspaper Presentations of Homosexuality across Nations: Examining Differences by Religion, Economic Development, and Democracy
Authors: Adamczyk Amy , Kim Chunrye , Schmuhl Margaret
Published: August 2017

A lot of research attention has been devoted to understanding cross-national differences in attitudes about homosexuality. A key finding has been that richer, more democratic, and less religious nations are more supportive. However, aside from establishing these relationships, we know little about how public discourse about homosexuality differs across nations. To better understand how public discussions about sexual minorities are framed, this multimethods’ study examines over 800 newspaper articles from Muslim and Protestant-majority nations. Although there are no differences in the extent to which Muslim and Protestant nations discuss homosexuality in the context of religion, Muslim nations are more likely to frame homosexuality as a moral issue and use government claimsmakers. Very poor countries are also more likely to associate homosexuality with morality. Finally, more democratic nations are more likely to discuss homosexuality in the context of rights and include social movement leaders as claimsmakers.
Linking Positive Affect to Blood Lipids: A Cultural Perspective
Authors: Yoo Jiah , Miyamoto Yuri , Rigotti Attilio , Ryff Carol D.
Published: August 2017

Higher levels of positive affect have been associated with better physical health. While positive affect is seen as highly desirable among Westerners, East Asians tend to deemphasize positive affect. Using large probability samples of Japanese and U.S. adult populations, the present study examined the relations of positive affect with serum lipid profiles, known to be strongly predictive of risk for cardiovascular disease, and tested whether their associations depend on cultural contexts. As predicted, positive affect was associated with healthier lipid profiles for Americans but not for Japanese. Further analyses showed that this cultural moderation was mediated by body mass index. This study highlights the role of culture in the link between positive emotions and key biological risk factors of cardiovascular disease.
A method to compare the performance of two molecular diagnostic tools in the absence of a gold standard
Authors: Xue Xiaonan , Oktay Maja , Goswami Sumanta , Kim Mimi Y
Published: August 2017

The paper is motivated by the problem of comparing the accuracy of two molecular tests in detecting genetic mutations in tumor samples when there is no gold standard test. Commonly used sequencing methods require a large number of tumor cells in the tumor sample and the proportion of tumor cells with mutation positivity to be above a threshold level whereas new tests aim to reduce the requirement for number of tumor cells and the threshold level. A new latent class model is proposed to compare these two tests in which a random variable is used to represent the unobserved proportion of mutation positivity so that these two tests are conditionally dependent; furthermore, an independent random variable is included to address measurement error associated with the reading from each test, while existing latent class models often assume conditional independence and do not allow measurement error. In addition, methods for calculating the sample size for a study that is sufficiently powered to compare the accuracy of two molecular tests are proposed and compared. The proposed methods are then applied to a study which aims to compare two molecular tests for detecting EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients.
Young People, Non-religion and Citizenship
Authors: Hemming Peter J. , Madge Nicola
Published: August 2017

Non-religion and unbelief are under-researched phenomena in the social sciences but the growing significance of the worldwide non-religious population is leading to more interest in this previously neglected topic. However, with the exception of a handful of studies, little attention has yet been directed towards non-religious youth, despite the emergence of a substantial body of research on youth and religion, and ongoing concerns about the conduct of young people more generally. This article draws on mixed-method data from the British Youth on Religion study to explore the responses of participants identifying as religious ‘nones’. The analysis focuses specifically on young people as citizens through their relationships with wider society, including the broader meaning of non-religious identity, views on morality and values, and approaches to, and relations with, religious others. As such, the article speaks to wider debates about youth, citizenship and community cohesion, as well as non-religion and unbelief.
Highgate Cemetery Heterotopia: A Creative Counterpublic Space
Authors: Clements Paul
Published: August 2017

Highgate Cemetery is nominally presented as a heterotopia, constructed, and theorized through the articulation of three “spaces.” First, it is configured as a public space which organizes the individual and the social, where the management of death creates a relationship between external space and its internal conceptualization. This reveals, enables, and disturbs the sociocultural and political imagination which helps order and disrupt thinking. Second, it is conceived as a creative space where cemetery texts emplace and materialize memory that mirrors the cultural capital of those interred, part of an urban aesthetic which articulates the distinction of the metropolitan elite. Last, it is a celebritized counterpublic space that expresses dissent, testimony to those who have actively imagined a better world, which is epitomized by the Marx Memorial. Representation of the cemetery is ambiguous as it is recuperated and framed by the living with the three different “spaces” offering heterotopic alliances.
Cost analysis of telerehabilitation after arthroscopic subacromial decompression
Authors: Pastora-Bernal Jose Manuel , Martín-Valero Rocío , Barón-López Francisco Javier
Published: August 2017

Background

Subacromial impingement syndrome poses a substantial socioeconomic burden, leading to significant consumption of healthcare. Health systems are calling for greater evidence of economic impacts of particular healthcare services. Telerehabilitation programmes have the potential to reduce costs and improve patient access as an alternative to traditional care. Cost analysis has been traditionally included in study protocols and results, although the reliability and research methodology have frequently been under debate. The aim of this study was to compare costs related to a telerehabilitation programme versus conventional physiotherapy following subacromial decompression surgery (ASD).

Methods

The study was embedded in a randomised controlled trial. The economic analysis was based on the perspective of the health sector and the human capital method. Only the costs associated with the provision of physiotherapy services were taken into account. Costs were measured during the intervention period between baseline and 12 weeks for both groups. Student’s t-test was used to compare independent variables between the two groups, with a 95% confidence interval for the estimates and real costs.

Results

The estimated total cost analysis shows a preliminary cost differential in favour of the telerehabilitation group, meaning that for each participant’s total intervention, telerehabilitation saves 29.8% of the costs. Real cost analysis, only for received treatments, shows a cost differential in favour of telerehabilitation, meaning that for each participant’s total intervention, telerehabilitation saves 22.15% of the costs incurred for conventional rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Our study provides direct and meaningful information about telerehabilitation opportunities and can be an essential component in further cost evaluations for different strategies after surgical procedures. This study demonstrates that there was a trend towards lower healthcare costs after ASD. Managers now have the responsibility to decide whether to implement telerehabilitation based on clinical and economic data.
Complex clavicle fractures in children: Kids are not little adults
Authors: Stepanyan Hayk , Hennrikus William , Flynn Derek , Gendelberg David
Published: August 2017

Background

The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone in the body and accounts for 10–15% of all pediatric fractures. Adult patients with complete midshaft clavicle fractures often undergo surgical management. Pediatric patients have a thicker periosteum, more robust blood supply and a greater healing potential. Controversy exists as to whether to treat adolescents with surgery similar to adults versus with a sling as children are treated. Some orthopaedic surgeons are now operating on adolescent clavicle fractures.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescent who were treated conservatively with a sling.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 25 pediatric patients aged 12–16 with complete midshaft clavicle fracture. The outcomes of the study were bony union and functional outcomes such as pain, problems with ADL measured by the modified Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score.

Results

All patients in our cohort had excellent outcomes at follow-up visits with no complaints of pain or limitations of activities of daily living. Mean follow-up time was 12 months. All patients had perfect modified DASH score of 18. Injury radiographs demonstrated an average of 13 mm shortening initially and 8 mm shortening in final follow-up. Average fracture angulation at final follow-up was 15°. Normal clavicle angulation at the mid shaft is 8°. All clavicles healed completely with no case of malunion or non-union reported.

Conclusion

Clavicle fractures are common. Although operative treatment of clavicle fractures in the adult population is gaining popularity due to issues in adults with non-union and malunion, the adolescent population is different. The adolescent clavicle fracture demonstrates robust healing and remodeling and complete return to full function. We therefore recommend that adolescent patients aged 12–16 with complete clavicle fracture be treated conservatively with a sling.
“Stay Strong, Stay Sexy, Stay Native”: Storying Indigenous youth HIV prevention activism
Authors: Flicker Sarah ,   Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Wilson Ciann , Monchalin Renée , Oliver Vanessa , Prentice Tracey , Jackson Randy , Larkin June , Mitchell Claudia , Restoule Jean-Paul
Published: August 2017

Background

Taking Action II is a community-based participatory action research project that adopted a strengths-based approach to thinking about Indigenous youth HIV prevention activism. Eighteen diverse Indigenous youth leaders produced digital stories about Indigenizing HIV prevention during the summer of 2012 at a week-long retreat. Youth were interviewed twice: right after they created their stories and again after community screenings. In the summer of 2013, youth reunited to collaboratively analyze the themes and meanings of their stories. Seven overlapping themes emerged that demonstrated how youth see HIV in the context of their lives' and community. The stories make connections between HIV and structural violence, culture and relationships. In particular, in the context of HIV prevention, they focus on (1) the role of family and elders, (2) traditional sacred notions of sexuality, (3) the importance of education, (4) reclaiming history, (5) focusing on strength, (6) Indigenous cosmology and (7) overcoming addictions. In contrast to conventional public health messaging, youth produced stories rarely focused on individual harm reduction strategies. Instead, ideas of Indigeneity and decolonization were foregrounded as key strategies for health promotion work.
Conceptual design and comparative stiffness analysis of an Exechon-like parallel kinematic machine with lockable spherical joints
Authors: Tang Teng-fei , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2017

This article proposes two types of lockable spherical joints which can perform three different motion patters by locking or unlocking corresponding rotational axes. Based on the proposed lockable spherical joints, a general reconfigurable limb structure with two passive joints is designed with which the conceptual designs of two types of Exechon-like parallel kinematic machines are completed. To evaluate the stiffness of the proposed Exechon-like parallel kinematic machines, an expanded kinetostatic model is established by including the compliances of all joints and limb structures. The prediction accuracy of the expanded stiffness model is validated by numerical simulations. The comparative stiffness analyses prove that the Exe-Variant parallel kinematic machine claims competitive rigidity performance to the Exechon parallel kinematic machine. The present work can provide useful information for further investigations on structural enhancement, rigidity improvement, and dynamic analyses of other Exechon-like parallel kinematic machines.
Female secondary school principals
Authors: Murakami Elizabeth T , Törnsen Monika
Published: August 2017

This study examines two female principals in upper secondary schools and the development of their professional identities, focusing on schools in Sweden and Texas, USA. The study is part of a larger international research project with global conversations about what successful leadership means, and asks: in what ways do female secondary school principals’ professional identities inform equity issues in leadership with implications for recruitment, hiring, and evaluation practices? Using a feminist post-structural discourse analysis, the findings revealed that even when successful, female leaders in upper secondary schools can be evaluated negatively. These considerations relate to the way in which female principals are recruited, hired, and weighed when appraised, where their contributions may not be fully incorporated to establish equitable processes and procedures to sustain their success in educational leadership.
Threshold effect of G9a/Glp on peripheral nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity
Authors: Wang Xian , Shen Xiaofeng , Ma Shaolei , Liu Yusheng , Xu Shiqin , Wu Shizheng , Wang Fuzhou
Published: August 2017

Background

Previous studies disclosed the pivotal role of methyltransferase complex G9a/Glp in the pathogenesis of neuropathic hypersensitivity induced by peripheral nerve injury. We observed that higher dose of G9a inhibitor improved nociceptive behavior, but the lower dose worsened pain. The aim of this study is to extensively observe the differential effect of various dosages of G9a/Glp inhibitors on nerve injury-induced allodynia.

Materials and methods

After approval by the institutional ethical committee on pain research in conscious animals, C57BL/6 mice were used for measuring nociceptive behavior evoked with von Frey filaments after spared nerve injury. G9a/Glp inhibitor BIX01294 or UNC0638 was injected through the pre-buried intrathecal catheter. The dose–response curves of behavioral changes were depicted when inhibitors were administered once in bolus at the 14th day post spared nerve injury. Withdrawal behaviors were compared during the 49 days’ observation window after spared nerve injury with various dosages of inhibitors injected intrathecally for 14 days.

Results

Dose–behavior curves of a single bolus of both BIX01294 and UNC0638 displayed a “V”-shaped responses of allodynia withdrawal from lower through higher dose when measured at the 14th day post spared nerve injury. A threshold dose of 10.0 µg for BIX01294 and 80.0 µg for UNC0638 significantly worsened allodynia. However, daily bolus intrathecal injection for 14 days of both inhibitors lower or higher than these threshold doses prominently improved nociceptive behavior, producing contrasting results. On the same animal, threshold dose followed by a lower or higher dose with a 14 days’ interval also showed contrast effect on nociceptive behavior, and a lower or higher dose to threshold dose sequence of inhibitor administration was vice versa.

Conclusions

Methyltransferase complex G9a/Glp has a threshold role in mediating peripheral nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity at its low level versus high level through inhibiting and facilitating the nociceptive behavior, respectively.
She got game: Investigating how reputation can be leveraged to improve recruiting effectiveness in National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball
Authors: Magnusen Marshall J , Kim Jun Woo , McAllister Charn P , Perrewé Pamela L , Ferris Gerald R
Published: August 2017

Although recruiting processes and outcomes in National Collegiate Athletic Association sports is an incredibly important facet of collegiate athletics, it is underdeveloped in several areas. Gaps in knowledge exist when it comes to better understanding actual recruits obtained, the role of reputation, and what factors may influence the school-choice decision of elite, female student-athletes. Probit analyses examining data from 500 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female basketball players, approximately 100 universities, and 20 National Collegiate Athletic Association conferences yield that recruits’ decisions are primarily influenced by the total number of Elite 8 teams and national championships from a team’s affiliated conference, geographic distance between recruits’ hometowns and the university, average arena attendance, and the percentage comparing the basketball arena capacity and game attendance. The results make both theoretical and practical contributions by demonstrating the predictive power of reputation, while also offering recruiters actionable information that potential recruits likely are considering each recruiting cycle.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in elderly patients with anemia: response and cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Gowanlock Zachary , Sriram Swetha , Martin Alison , Xenocostas Anargyros , Lazo-Langner Alejandro
Published: August 2017

Key Points

ESAs can treat anemia of unknown etiology, and responses may be similar to those in CKD. No statistically significant increase in cardiovascular events in those receiving ESAs was detected, but a type II error cannot be excluded.
Pregnancy following laparoscopic hysteropexy—a case series
Authors: Jefferis Helen , Price Natalia , Jackson Simon
Published: August 2017

Background

Uterine-preserving prolapse surgery offers the chance to retain fertility; however, limited data is available for the safety of pregnancy following surgery and the effect of pregnancy on surgical outcome. Our operative technique involves mesh encircling the cervix and uterine arteries, which raises concerns that compromise of uterine blood flow during pregnancy may lead to foetal growth restriction. We also think this necessitates delivery by caesarean section. We report on six pregnancy outcomes following laparoscopic hysteropexy. Primary outcomes were live birth and birth weight. Secondary outcomes were integrity of mesh and immediate effect on prolapse.

Results

All patients had successful pregnancy outcomes with birth weights on or above the 10th centile. There was no effect on mesh integrity seen in any of the cases. There was no deterioration in apical prolapse when assessed post delivery, but two patients had new onset anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Conclusions

We think our technique of hysteropexy is safe for those wishing to conceive. Larger numbers are needed to allow robust evidence-based guidance for patients and clinicians.
Phase I/II Trial of Labetuzumab Govitecan (Anti-CEACAM5/SN-38 Antibody-Drug Conjugate) in Patients With Refractory or Relapsing Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dotan Efrat , Cohen Steven J. , Starodub Alexander N. , Lieu Christopher H. , Messersmith Wells A. , Simpson Pamela S. , Guarino Michael J. , Marshall John L. , Goldberg Richard M. , Hecht J. Randolph , Wegener William A. , Sharkey Robert M. , Govindan Serengulam V. , Goldenberg David M. , Berlin Jordan D.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The objectives were to evaluate dosing schedules of labetuzumab govitecan, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) for tumor delivery of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38), in an expanded phase II trial of patients with relapsed or refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients with at least one prior irinotecan-containing therapy received labetuzumab govitecan once weekly at 8 and 10 mg/kg, or two times per week at 4 and 6 mg/km on weeks 1 and 2 of 3-week repeated cycles. End points were safety, response, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.

Results

Eighty-six patients who had undergone a median of five prior therapies (range, one to 13) were each enrolled into one of the four cohorts. On the basis of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1, 38% of these patients had a tumor as well as plasma carcinoembryonic antigen reduction from baseline after labetuzumab govitecan treatment; one patient achieved a partial response with a sustained response spanning > 2 years, whereas 42 patients had stable disease as the best overall response. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.6 and 6.9 months, respectively. The major toxicities (grade ≥ 3) among all cohorts were neutropenia (16%), leukopenia (11%), anemia (9%), and diarrhea (7%). The antibody-drug conjugate’s mean half-life was 16.5 hours for the four cohorts. Anti-drug/anti-antibody antibodies were not detected. The two once-weekly dose schedules, showing comparable toxicity and efficacy, were chosen for further study.

Conclusion

Monotherapy with labetuzumab govitecan demonstrated a manageable safety profile and therapeutic activity in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, all with prior irinotecan therapy. Further studies of labetuzumab govitecan treatment alone or in combination with other therapies in earlier settings are indicated.
Towards a systematic assessment of assay interference: Identification of extensively tested compounds with high assay promiscuity
Authors: Gilberg Erik , Stumpfe Dagmar , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: August 2017

A large-scale statistical analysis of hit rates of extensively assayed compounds is presented to provide a basis for a further assessment of assay interference potential and multi-target activities. A special feature of this investigation has been the inclusion of compound series information in activity analysis and the characterization of analog series using different parameters derived from assay statistics. No prior knowledge of compounds or targets was taken into consideration in the data-driven study of analog series. It was anticipated that taking large volumes of activity data, assay frequency, and assay overlap information into account would lead to statistically sound and chemically meaningful results. More than 6000 unique series of analogs with high hit rates were identified, more than 5000 of which did not contain known interference candidates, hence providing ample opportunities for follow-up analyses from a medicinal chemistry perspective.
Using data from a multi-hospital clinical network to explore prevalence of pediatric rickets in Kenya
Authors: Karuri Stella W. , Murithi Maureen K. , Irimu Grace , English Mike ,   Clinical Information Network authors
Published: August 2017

Background: Nutritional rickets is a public health concern in developing countries despite tropical climates and a re-emerging issue in developed countries. In this study, we reviewed pediatric admission data from the Clinical Information Network (CIN) to help determine hospital and region based prevalence of rickets in three regions of Kenya (Central Kenya, Western Kenya and Nairobi County). We also examine the association of rickets with other diagnosis, such as malnutrition and pneumonia, and study the effect of rickets on regional hospital stays.

Methods: We analyzed discharge records for children aged 1 month to 5 years from county (formerly district) hospitals in the CIN, with admissions from February 1st 2014 to February 28th 2015. The strength of the association between rickets and key demographic factors, as well as with malnutrition and pneumonia, was assessed using odds ratios. The Fisher exact test was used to test the significance of the estimated odd ratios. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze length of hospital stays.

Results: There was a marked difference in prevalence across the three regions, with Nairobi having the highest number of cases of rickets at a proportion of 4.01%, followed by Central Region at 0.92%. Out of 9756 admissions in the Western Region, there was only one diagnosis of rickets. Malnutrition was associated with rickets; this association varied regionally. Pneumonia was found to be associated with rickets in Central Kenya. Children diagnosed with rickets had longer hospital stays, even when cases of malnutrition and pneumonia were excluded in the analysis.

Conclusion: There was marked regional variation in hospital based prevalence of rickets, but in some regions it is a common clinical diagnosis suggesting the need for targeted public health interventions. Factors such as maternal and child nutrition, urbanization and cultural practices might explain these differences.
Methods for economic evaluation of sustainable development of enterprises
Authors: Кукукина  , Kukukina Irina , Климова  , Klimova S.
Published: August 2017

The scientific publication is devoted to development of the theory of interested parties, improvement of methods of assessment of economic stability of economic entities and enterprise risk taking into account unproductive expenses and the "idle" capital of owners in market economy.
It is recommended to teachers of higher education institutions, graduate students, masters, heads and experts analytical services.
A perfect storm: an elderly population, increasing obesity and rises in diabetes and dementia
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: August 2017

Linda Nazarko examines interconnected problems that have serious implications for public health and explores ways for those with dementia to better manage diabetes

The UK population is ageing, levels of obesity and being overweight are rising and these changes have led to increased numbers of people in the UK developing dementia and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2). Diabetes can increase the risks of developing dementia and dementia can make it more difficult to manage diabetes. This article explores these issues and also how health promotion can reduce the risks of a person developing DMT2 and dementia.
Exploring oral discourse development in the efl classroom: perspectives from Ecuador, Honduras, Chile & Colombia
Authors: Clavijo-Olarte Amparo
Published: August 2017

Educating learners of English as a second/foreign/additional language to speak is a complex social practice. Speaking in another language involves a range of processes that go from successfully handling new muscular movements to developing and consolidating an individual, yet social, voice in that language. This voice deals with the projected identity the learner deploys when engaging in meaningful interactions, which is constantly being negotiated in every use of the language. For Ortiz-Medina in this issue, “the construction of identities and, particularly, the ways in which English language learners position themselves and others are determined by how they interact in the power networks of the classroom” (p.252). She investigated how young adult learners of English constructed their identities as speakers of English through their positioning in oral tasks in an English class.
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation in neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Petrillo Mario , Granata Vincenza , Filice Salvatore , Sansone Mario , Catalano Orlando , Petrillo Antonella
Published: August 2017

Background

The aim of the study was to present an update concerning several imaging modalities in diagnosis, staging and pre-surgery treatment response assessment in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Modalities include: traditional morphological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI such as dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). A systematic review about the diagnostic accuracy in neoadjuvant therapy response assessment of MRI, DCE-MRI, DWI and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been also reported.

Methods

Several electronic databases were searched including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. All the studies included in this review reported findings about therapy response assessment in LARC by means of MRI, DCE-MRI, DWI and PET/CT with details about diagnostic accuracy, true and false negatives, true and false positives. Forest plot and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis were performed. Risk of bias and the applicability at study level were calculated.

Results

Twenty-five papers were identified. ROC curves analysis demonstrated that multimodal imaging integrating morphological and functional MRI features had the best accuracy both in term of sensitivity and specificity to evaluate preoperative therapy response in LARC. DCE-MRI following to PET/CT showed high diagnostic accuracy and their results are also more reliable than conventional MRI and DWI alone.

Conclusions

Morphological MRI is the modality of choice for rectal cancer staging permitting a correct assessment of the disease extent, of the lymph node involvement, of the mesorectal fascia and of the sphincter complex for surgical planning. Multimodal imaging and functional DCE-MRI may also help in the assessment of treatment response allowing to guide the surgeon versus conservative strategies and/or tailored approach such as “wait and see” policy.
Smoothness of Malliavin derivatives and dissipativity of solutions to two-dimensional micropolar fluid system
Authors: Yamazaki Kazuo
Published: August 2017

Micropolar fluids have microstructure and belong to a class of fluids with nonsymmetric stress tensor. We study the incompressible two-dimensional micropolar fluid system with periodic boundary condition forced by random noise that is white-in-time. In particular, we obtain a sufficient condition on the size of the angular viscosity coefficients in comparison to the vortex and kinematic viscosity coefficients so that the solution to this system is smooth in the Malliavin sense. In addition, we prove a result concerning an orthogonal projection onto a finite number of Fourier modes, taking advantage of the dissipative nature of the system.
Gesellschaftstheorie als Wissenschaft
Authors: Luhmann Niklas
Published: August 2017

Der hier vorgelegte Text expliziert das methodische Selbstverständnis einer funktionalistisch verfahrenden Systemtheorie, indem er ihre Position mit den Positionen der beiden Gegner im soziologischen Positivismusstreit vergleicht. Dieser Vergleich von Funktionalismus, Dialektik und Falsifikationsmethode wird als eine ihrerseits funktionale Analyse des Wissenschaftssystems angelegt. Das Bezugsproblem liegt in der Frage nach der Einführung eines limitierenden Sonderhorizontes von anderen Möglichkeiten, der in jedem wissenschaftlich ergiebigen Negationsgebrauch vorausgesetzt ist. Dabei stellt sich heraus, dass die Falsifikationsmethode jene anderen Möglichkeiten nur wissenschaftsimmanent thematisiert, nämlich als Möglichkeit konkurrierender Hypothesen, die am immer schon bestimmten Gegenstand geprüft werden können, während Dialektik und Funktionalismus sich auf sehr verschiedene Weise von der Vorgabe eines bestimmten Gegenstandes zu lösen versuchen. Die Negation anderer Möglichkeiten, die in der jeweiligen Bestimmtheit des Gegenstandes vorliegt, wird in beiden Fällen ihm selbst zugerechnet, und Aufgabe der Wissenschaft ist es demgemäß, den Gegenstand als eine sich selbst limitierende Komplexität zu begreifen. Die Einsicht gestattet es zum einen, die komplementären Aufgaben von funktionalem Vergleich und kausaler Erklärung zu präzisieren, zum anderen trägt sie die Analyse der Differenz von konjunktiven und disjunktiven Formen der Äquivalenz von Problemlösungen.
Berufungsverfahren als Turniere: Berufungschancen von Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern
Authors: Auspurg Katrin , Hinz Thomas , Schneck Andreas
Published: August 2017

Die Benachteiligung von Wissenschaftlerinnen in Berufungsverfahren wurde lange Zeit als eine wesentliche Ursache für die starke Unterrepräsentanz von Frauen auf Professuren angesehen. Aktuelle Studien zum deutschen Wissenschaftssystem finden das gegenteilige Ergebnis einer Bevorteilung von Frauen. Die Grundthese des vorliegenden Beitrages ist, dass dieses heterogene Bild einem zu oberflächlichen Blick geschuldet ist. Berufungsverfahren stellen eine Art Turnier mit verschiedenen Auswahlrunden dar, bei denen es neben den Qualifikationen der einzelnen Bewerber/innen auch immer darauf ankommt, wer mit wem um welche Stelle konkurriert. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird erstmals die Spezifik der Verfahren durch die Anwendung eineslabor queueModells berücksichtigt. Für eine mittelgroße deutsche Universität liegen prozessproduzierte Daten zu mehr als 230 Stellenbesetzungen für die Jahre 2001 bis 2013 vor. NebenVerfahrensdatenüber fünf Stufen im Auswahlprozess (Bewerbung, Erstauswahl, Vorstellungsvortrag, Aufnahme in den Berufungsvorschlag, erster Listenplatz) können für eine Teilmenge an BerufungsverfahrenListenplatzdaten(Publikationsleistungen und Lebenslaufinformationen) analysiert werden. Die Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass sich Wissenschaftlerinnen zu einem geringeren Anteil bewerben, als nach ihrer Qualifikation zu erwarten wäre. Über die ersten Stufen der Berufungsverfahren ist dann ein Anstieg des Frauenanteils gegenüber dem Bewerbungsfeld zu beobachten. Analysen mit Leistungsindikatoren deuten auf insgesamt faire Auswahlchancen für den ersten Listenplatz hin.
Perceived Wellness Associated With Practice and Competition in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Players
Authors: Wellman Aaron D. , Coad Sam C. , Flynn Patrick J. , Siam Ty K. , McLellan Christopher P.
Published: August 2017

Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Flynn, PJ, Siam, TK, and McLellan, CP. Perceived wellness associated with practice and competition in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football players. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 112–124, 2019—This study assessed the influence of movement demands resulting from weekly practice sessions and games, on perceived wellness measurements taken postgame (Sunday) and 48 hours pregame (Thursday) throughout the in-season period in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football players. Thirty players were monitored using global positioning system receivers (OptimEye S5; Catapult Innovations) during 12 games and 24 in-season practices. Movement variables included low-intensity distance, medium-intensity distance, high-intensity distance, sprint distance, total distance, player load, and acceleration and deceleration distance. Perceived wellness, including fatigue, soreness, sleep quality and quantity, stress, and mood, was examined using a questionnaire on a 1–5 Likert scale. Multilevel mixed linear regressions determined the differential effects of movement metrics on perceived wellness. Post hoc tests were conducted to evaluate the pairwise differentials of movement and significance for wellness ratings. Notable findings included significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less player load, low-intensity distance, medium-intensity distance, high-intensity distance, total distance, and acceleration and deceleration distance at all intensities, in those reporting more favorable (4–5) ratings of perceived fatigue and soreness on Sunday. Conversely, individuals reporting more favorable Sunday-perceived stress ratings demonstrated significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher player load, low-intensity and medium-intensity distance, total distance, low-intensity and medium-intensity deceleration distance, and acceleration distance at all intensities than individuals reporting less favorable (1–2) perceived stress ratings. Data from this study provide a novel investigation of perceived wellness associated with college football practice and competition. Results support the use of wellness questionnaires for monitoring perceived wellness in NCAA Division I college football players.
Evaluation of Two-Atmosphere Thermogravimetric Analysis for Determining the Unburned Carbon Content in Fly Ash
Authors: Mohebbi Mina , Rajabipour Farshad , Scheetz Barry E.
Published: August 2017

The unburned carbon (UC) content of fly ash impacts the performance (e.g., air entrainment, rheology) of concrete mixtures. The loss on ignition (LOI) test is commonly used to estimate the UC content; however, this may be inaccurate, as the weight change upon igniting fly ash is also due to calcination of carbonates, desorption of bound water, and oxidation of sulfur and iron minerals. In this study, a two-atmosphere thermogravimetric analysis (2A-TGA) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to evaluate the chemical reactions that occur upon heating of fly ash and to measure the true UC content. 2A-TGA was performed under two distinct atmospheres: (i) in non-oxidizing helium gas, to measure weight loss due to decomposition of carbonates and loss of bound water and (ii) in oxidizing air, to measure weight loss due to conversion of UC to carbon dioxide (CO2). The method was applied to five class F fly ashes with LOI in the range 1.89 % to 7.66 %, a class C fly ash (LOI = 3.86 %), and a fluidized bed combustion (FBC) ash (LOI = 8.10 %). The results were also compared with the total carbon (TC) of each fly ash measured using infrared (IR) spectroscopy via a commercial Laboratory Equipment Corporation (LECO) carbon analyzer. The results show that there is no one-to-one relationship between the LOI and the TC or UC contents of fly ash. LOI overestimated TC by up to 2.5 times and overestimated UC by up to 6.4 times.
Mechanical Properties of an Artificially Cemented Clayey Material
Authors: Silvestri Vincenzo , Ewane Mireille Sandrine
Published: August 2017

As part of an ongoing investigation on the behavior of the brittle cemented sensitive clays of eastern Canada, static penetrometer and vane shear tests had to be performed in the laboratory. Because it was impossible to sample undisturbed blocks of clay of the necessary size, an artificial model material was developed to simulate the response of sensitive clays, namely, brittle response at low stresses and loss of strength upon remolding. The model material consists of a mixture of kaolinite, bentonite, portland cement, and water. Two mixes were produced: a softer 6.25 % cement content and a stiffer 14 % cement content. It is shown that the materials are characterized by stress-strain behaviors similar to those of soft to medium sensitive clays. It is also shown that the artificially bonded materials simulate quite well other mechanical properties of sensitive clays of eastern Canada, such as high water contents and void ratios; brittle failure at low confining pressures; high G u/Su ratios, where Gu=shear modulus and Su=undrained shear strength; and severe collapse of the structure for vertical effective stresses in excess of the materials’ preconsolidation pressures. Specimens cured 21 days were used successfully for laboratory indentation, vane shear, and unconfined and triaxial compression tests, as well as oedometer tests. In addition, the variation of the undrained shear strength of the 14 % cement content specimens was followed for a maximum curing period of one year, by means of vane shear tests and unconfined compression tests.
Long-Term Permeability Characteristics of Soil-Geosynthetic Combination Used in Landfill Covers
Authors: Gapak Yagom , Yamsani Sudheer K. , Sreedeep Sekharan , Rakesh Ravi R.
Published: August 2017

Multilayered cover system (MLCS) forms an integral part of engineered landfills nearing closure. Geosynthetic materials find multiple applications in MLCS as hydraulic barrier, drainage, separation, and filtration layers. Performance of geosynthetics used as filters needs to be well understood to ascertain the stability of MLCS. The main objective of this study is to investigate the compatibility of the soil-geosynthetic combination by long-term permeability tests. The compatibility of five different types of geosynthetics was evaluated with respect to two different gradations of red soil (RS) and RS–fly ash (FA) 50:50 mix. The results of long-term permeability and clogging characteristics were used to judge the effect of soil type, soil gradation, and type of geosynthetics on soil-geosynthetic compatibility. The efficacy of geosynthetics as filters was established based on (1) permeability improvement factor, which is defined as the ratio of the permeability of soil-geosynthetic composition to the permeability of the soil, and (2) stabilization time, i.e., the time required by the soil-geosynthetic system to achieve hydraulic equilibrium. It was noted from this study that the soil type and gradation had significant effect on the long-term permeability variation. The effect of the geosynthetic on the soil-geosynthetic combination is governed by its pore-size characteristics and was found to be marginal in this study. The stabilization time of a soil-geosynthetic combination increases with increase in soil fines content. The cyclic variation in permeability with time for a particular soil was found to be similar when different geosynthetics were used. Irrespective of soil type, higher permeability improvement factor was observed in the case of a woven multifilament geosynthetic and less in the case of a geocomposite. The class F FA in conjunction with RS was found to be compatible with the geosynthetics used in this study.
Bilingual Language Switching in the Laboratory versus in the Wild: The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Adaptive Language Control
Authors: Blanco-Elorrieta Esti , Pylkkänen Liina
Published: August 2017

For a bilingual human, every utterance requires a choice about which language to use. This choice is commonly regarded as part of general executive control, engaging prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices similarly to many types of effortful task switching. However, although language control within artificial switching paradigms has been heavily studied, the neurobiology of natural switching within socially cued situations has not been characterized. Additionally, although theoretical models address how language control mechanisms adapt to the distinct demands of different interactional contexts, these predictions have not been empirically tested. We used MEG (RRID:NIFINV:nlx_inv_090918) to investigate language switching in multiple contexts ranging from completely artificial to the comprehension of a fully natural bilingual conversation recorded “in the wild.” Our results showed less anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex involvement for more natural switching. In production, voluntary switching did not engage the prefrontal cortex or elicit behavioral switch costs. In comprehension, while laboratory switches recruited executive control areas, fully natural switching within a conversation only engaged auditory cortices. Multivariate pattern analyses revealed that, in production, interlocutor identity was represented in a sustained fashion throughout the different stages of language planning until speech onset. In comprehension, however, a biphasic pattern was observed: interlocutor identity was first represented at the presentation of the interlocutor and then again at the presentation of the auditory word. In all, our findings underscore the importance of ecologically valid experimental paradigms and offer the first neurophysiological characterization of language control in a range of situations simulating real life to various degrees.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBilingualism is an inherently social phenomenon, interactional context fully determining language choice. This research addresses the neural mechanisms underlying multilingual individuals' ability to successfully adapt to varying conversational contexts both while speaking and listening. Our results showed that interactional context critically determines language control networks' engagement: switching under external constraints heavily recruited prefrontal control regions, whereas natural, voluntary switching did not. These findings challenge conclusions derived from artificial switching paradigms, which suggested that language switching is intrinsically effortful. Further, our results predict that the so-called bilingual advantage should be limited to individuals who need to control their languages according to external cues and thus would not occur by virtue of an experience in which switching is fully free.
Androgen deprivation and immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer
Authors: Gamat Melissa , McNeel Douglas G
Published: August 2017

Prostate cancer is the most common newly diagnosed malignancy in men, and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The primary treatment for recurrent prostate cancer is androgen deprivation, and this therapy is typically continued lifelong for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Androgens and androgen deprivation have profound effects on the immune system, a finding that has become more appreciated in an era where immune-based treatments for cancer are being increasingly explored. Preclinical studies suggest that androgen deprivation could potentially positively or negatively affect the use of approved immunotherapies, or those that are being developed for the treatment of prostate cancer. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the different types of androgen deprivation treatments used in the management of prostate cancer, discuss their effects on prostate tumors and the immune system and how they are being explored in combination with immunotherapy. Finally, we address some of the critical questions in the field that must be answered to identify the best approaches to combine androgen deprivation with immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Medical ovariectomy in menopausal breast cancer patients with high testosterone levels: a further step toward tailored therapy
Authors: Secreto Giorgio , Muti Paola , Sant Milena , Meneghini Elisabetta , Krogh Vittorio
Published: August 2017

Five years of adjuvant therapy with anti-estrogens reduce the incidence of disease progression by about 50% in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients, but late relapse can still occur after anti-estrogens have been discontinued. In these patients, excessive androgen production may account for renewed excessive estrogen formation and increased risks of late relapse. In the 50% of patients who do not benefit with anti-estrogens, the effect of therapy is limited by de novo or acquired resistance to treatment. Androgen receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression are recognized mechanisms of endocrine resistance suggesting the involvement of androgens as activators of the androgen receptor pathway and as stimulators of epidermal growth factor synthesis and function. Data from a series of prospective studies on operable breast cancer patients, showing high serum testosterone levels are associated to increased risk of recurrence, provide further support to a role for androgens in breast cancer progression. According to the above reported evidence, we proposed to counteract excessive androgen production in the adjuvant setting of estrogen receptor-positive patients and suggested selecting postmenopausal patients with elevated levels of serum testosterone, marker of ovarian hyperandrogenemia, for adjuvant treatment with a gonadotropins-releasing hormone analogue (medical oophorectomy) in addition to standard therapy with anti-estrogens. The proposed approach provides an attempt of personalized medicine that needs to be further investigated in clinical trials.