bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body Mass Index Decline Is Related to Spinocerebellar Ataxia Disease Progression
Authors: Diallo Alhassane , Jacobi Heike , Schmitz‐Hübsch Tanja , Cook Arron , Labrum Robyn , Durr Alexandra , Brice Alexis , Charles Perrine , Marelli Cecilia , Mariotti Caterina , Nanetti Lorenzo , Panzeri Marta , Rakowicz Maria , Sobanska Anna , Sulek Anna , Schöls Ludger , Hengel Holger , Melegh Bela , Filla Alessandro , Antenora Antonella , Infante Jon , Berciano José , van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Timmann Dagmar , Boesch Sylvia , Pandolfo Massimo , Schulz Jörg B. , Bauer Peter , Giunti Paola , Baliko Laszlo , Parkinson Michael H. , Kang Jun‐Suk , Klockgether Thomas , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie
Published: July 2017

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are dominantly inherited, progressive ataxia disorders. Disease progression could be preceded by weight loss.

Objectives

We aimed to study the course of weight loss in patients who had the most common SCAs (SCA1, SCA2 SCA3, and SCA6). Additional objectives were to identify subgroups of weight evolution, to determine the factors influencing these evolutions, and to assess the impact of these evolutions on disease progression.

Methods

In total, 384 patients from the EUROSCA prospective cohort study were analyzed who had SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, or SCA6 and at least 3 measurements of weight. Age was used as a time scale. Clinical outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating Ataxia (SARA), with scores ranging from 0 to 40. We used a linear mixed model to analyze the course of BMI and a latent class mixed model to identify subgroup BMI evolution.

Results

Overall, BMI declined over time (−0.11 ± 0.03 kg/m2 per decade; P = 0.0009). Three subgroups of BMI evolution were identified: “decreasing BMI” (n = 88; 23%), “increasing BMI” (n = 70; 18%) and “stable BMI” (n = 226; 59%). Patients in the decreasing BMI group were more severely affected at baseline with higher SARA scores and a higher frequency of non‐ataxia signs (especially motor symptoms) compared with those in the other groups. Weight loss was associated with faster disease progression (5.7 ± 0.7 SARA points per decade; P = 0.036).

Conclusions

The current data have substantial implications for the design of future interventional studies in SCA, as they provide a basis for patient stratification and emphasize the usefulness of BMI as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression.
Automation of pattern recognition analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI data to characterize intratumoral vascular heterogeneity
Authors: Han SoHyun , Stoyanova Radka , Lee Hansol , Carlin Sean D. , Koutcher Jason A. , Cho HyungJoon , Ackerstaff Ellen
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To automate dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) data analysis by unsupervised pattern recognition (PR) to enable spatial mapping of intratumoral vascular heterogeneity.

Methods

Three steps were automated. First, the arrival time of the contrast agent at the tumor was determined, including a calculation of the precontrast signal. Second, four criteria‐based algorithms for the slice‐specific selection of number of patterns (NP) were validated using 109 tumor slices from subcutaneous flank tumors of five different tumor models. The criteria were: half area under the curve, standard deviation thresholding, percent signal enhancement, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The performance of these criteria was assessed by comparing the calculated NP with the visually determined NP. Third, spatial assignment of single patterns and/or pattern mixtures was obtained by way of constrained nonnegative matrix factorization.

Results

The determination of the contrast agent arrival time at the tumor slice was successfully automated. For the determination of NP, the SNR‐based approach outperformed other selection criteria by agreeing >97% with visual assessment. The spatial localization of single patterns and pattern mixtures, the latter inferring tumor vascular heterogeneity at subpixel spatial resolution, was established successfully by automated assignment from DCE‐MRI signal‐versus‐time curves.

Conclusion

The PR‐based DCE‐MRI analysis was successfully automated to spatially map intratumoral vascular heterogeneity. Magn Reson Med 79:1736–1744, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
What Works at Work? Toward an Integrative Model Examining Workplace Campaign Strategies
Authors: Shaker Genevieve G. , Christensen Robert K. , Bergdoll Jonathan J.
Published: July 2017

Many US employees are regularly asked to give charitable donations through work. The techniques used to solicit workplace donations vary. Drawing on a nationally representative survey, the study used a sample of donor responses to examine the effectiveness of several widely used campaign strategies: donor choice, company matching, public recognition, and solicitation support. The theoretical framework built on workplace research by Barman (2007) and established charitable giving mechanisms (Bekkers and Wiepking 2011a, 2011b). The research question was, “Do workplace campaign strategies lead employees to participate and to make (larger) donations in the workplace?” The positive outcomes of the strategies, aside from donor choice, were limited, suggesting that tried‐and‐true workplace fundraising strategies warrant additional scrutiny. The findings are meaningful to campaign managers seeking to identify approaches that generate workplace giving. For researchers, the results confirm growing attention to the importance of purpose‐based giving in comparison with community‐based giving.
Approximation of the unsteady Brinkman‐Forchheimer equations by the pressure stabilization method
Authors: Louaked Mohammed , Seloula Nour , Trabelsi Saber
Published: July 2017

In this work, we propose and analyze the pressure stabilization method for the unsteady incompressible Brinkman‐Forchheimer equations. We present a time discretization scheme which can be used with any consistent finite element space approximation. Second‐order error estimate is proven. Some numerical results are also given.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1949–1965, 2017
CO2 Cycloaddition to Epoxides by using M‐DABCO Metal–Organic Frameworks and the Influence of the Synthetic Method on Catalytic Reactivity
Authors: Mousavi Bibimaryam , Chaemchuen Somboon , Moosavi Behrooz , Zhou Kui , Yusubov Mekhman , Verpoort Francis
Published: July 2017

A series of high‐quality M2(BDC)2(DABCO) metal–organic frameworks (abbreviated as M‐DABCO; M=Zn, Co, Ni, Cu; BDC=1,4‐benzene dicarboxylate; DABCO=1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), were synthesized by using a solvothermal (SV) method, and their catalytic activity for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides in the absence of a co‐catalyst or solvent was demonstrated. Of these metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), Zn‐DABCO exhibited very high activity and nearly complete selectivity under moderate reaction conditions. The other members of this MOF series (Co‐DABCO, Ni‐DABCO, and Cu‐DABCO) displayed lower activity in the given sequence. Samples of Zn‐DABCO, Co‐DABCO, and Ni‐DABCO were recycled at least three times without a noticeable loss in catalytic activity. The reaction mechanism can be attributed to structural defects along with the acid–base bifunctional characteristics of these MOFs. Moreover, we illustrate that the synthetic method of M‐DABCO influences the yield of the reaction. In addition to the SV method, Zn‐DABCO was synthesized by using spray drying due to its industrial attractiveness. It was found that the synthesis procedure clearly influenced the crystal growth and thus the physicochemical properties, such as surface area, pore volume, and gas adsorption, which in turn affected the catalytic performance. The results clarified that although different synthetic methods can produce isostructural MOFs, the application of MOFs, especially as catalysts, strongly depends on the crystal morphology and textural properties and, therefore, on the synthesis method.
Performance of non‐invasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy in twin pregnancies: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liao Hong , Liu Shanling , Wang He
Published: July 2017

Objective

The objectives of this study were to review the published studies of non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in twin pregnancies and to evaluate the performance for screening fetal trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in twin pregnancies.

Method

Ten eligible studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Data analysis, heterogeneity exploring, meta‐regression, and subgroup analysis were all conducted with Meta‐DiSc 1.4. Quality assessments were carried out with the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.

Results

Non‐invasive prenatal screening for trisomy 21 screening in twin pregnancies showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.92–1.00), a specificity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00), a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 116.46 (95% CI, 53.84–251.92), a negative LR of 0.11 (95% CI, 0.06–0.22), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 1297.73 (95% CI, 438.06–3844.42). But the difference of detection rates between monozygotic and dichorionic twin pregnancies was uncertain for only a very small number of monochorionic twins available. For trisomy 18 screening, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.55–0.98), 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00), 86.11 (95% CI, 32.45–228.47), 0.25 (95% CI, 0.11–0.56), and 333.90 (95% CI, 35.15–3171.78), respectively. For trisomy 13 screening, three cases in three studies were all detected accurately.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis results from 10 eligible studies demonstrated that NIPS has both high sensitivity and specificity for trisomy 21 screening in twin pregnancies. The results for trisomy 18 screening are less satisfactory than those for trisomy 21. The performance for trisomy 13 screening could not be determined as only three cases were identified. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis and management of diabetes in older people
Authors: Kilvert Anne , Fox Charles
Published: July 2017

The incidence of diabetes has plateaued since 2004, although the prevalence continues to rise. The highest incidence is in people over the age of 70 years, most of whom have type 2 diabetes; a minority have type 1, which can present at any age. Type 1 diabetes may present more slowly in older people, a condition sometimes known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

Older people with diabetes have more than double the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to their non‐diabetic peers, and the risk of diabetes‐related major lower limb amputation is twice as high in those over 75 years compared with the 40–64 age group.

Treatment targets for glycaemic control, blood pressure and cholesterol should be individualised in older people, taking into account factors such as functional status, life expectancy and comorbidities, including visual impairment. In some individuals the risk of adverse effects from medication (hypoglycaemia, postural hypotension) may outweigh the potential benefits.

Treatment should be selected based on functional status and comorbidities, and changing circumstances such as declining renal function, declining appetite, weight loss or cognitive changes should prompt a medication review. Hypoglycaemia is a particular threat in this age group.

There is a high prevalence of diabetes in care homes, which should have policies in place for screening for diabetes, the management of people with diabetes and training of staff. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Pancreatic exocrine dysfunction: common in type 3c diabetes, but don't forget types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alington Katherine , Cummings Michael H
Published: July 2017

It is well understood that the pancreas has two distinct roles: the endocrine and exocrine functions, that are functionally and anatomically closely related. As specialists in diabetes care, we are adept at managing pancreatic endocrine failure and its associated complications. However, there is frequent overlap and many patients with diabetes also suffer from exocrine insufficiency.

Here we outline the different causes of exocrine failure, and in particular that associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how this differs from diabetes that is caused by pancreatic exocrine disease: type 3c diabetes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
End‐of‐life experiences of family caregivers of deceased patients with cancer: A nation‐wide survey
Authors: Hirooka Kayo , Otani Hiroyuki , Morita Tatsuya , Miura Tomofumi , Fukahori Hiroki , Aoyama Maho , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Shima Yasuo , Tsuneto Satoru , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was (a) to describe the end‐of‐life experience of family caregivers of cancer patients, (b) to describe talking about death and dying of the patient to minor children, and (c) to examine the association of family caregivers' experiences by their characteristics and talking about death and dying of the patient.

Methods

A cross‐sectional nationwide survey of bereaved family caregivers was conducted. In total, 968 questionnaires were sent to bereaved family caregivers, and 711 were completed and returned. Fifty‐three responses indicating patients had minor children were analyzed. Univariate analysis and principal component analysis were performed.

Results

Family caregivers' experiences were divided into 3 domains by principal component analysis: protect children from the patient's imminent death, little regard for the children, and worry and concern about the children's emotional reaction. Family caregivers' common experiences were as follows: “I wanted to know how the children felt,” “I wanted to avoid making the children confused,” and “I did not have much time to talk with and/or play with the children.” About 30% of family caregivers reported that they “did not talk” about death and dying of patients to minor children. Spouses of patients and family caregivers who did not talk about death tended to experience distress and worry.

Conclusions

Most family caregivers experienced worry and fear regarding minor children's emotional reaction; therefore, clinicians need to explain children's emotional and psychological reactions to family caregivers when a patient is at the end‐of‐life.
Characterization of adenoviral transduction profile in prostate cancer cells and normal prostate tissue
Authors: Ai Jianzhong , Tai Phillip W.L. , Lu Yi , Li Jia , Ma Hong , Su Qin , Wei Qiang , Li Hong , Gao Guangping
Published: July 2017

Background

Prostate diseases are common in males worldwide with high morbidity. Gene therapy is an attractive therapeutic strategy for prostate diseases, however, it is currently underdeveloped. As well known, adeno virus (Ad) is the most widely used gene therapy vector. The aims of this study are to explore transduction efficiency of Ad in prostate cancer cells and normal prostate tissue, thus further providing guidance for future prostate pathophysiological studies and therapeutic development of prostate diseases.

Methods

We produced Ad expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP), and characterized the transduction efficiency of Ad in both human and mouse prostate cancer cell lines in vitro, as well as prostate tumor xenograft, and wild‐type mouse prostate tissue in vivo. Ad transduction efficiency was determined by EGFP fluorescence using microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell type‐specific transduction was examined by immunofluorescence staining of cell markers.

Results

Our data showed that Ad efficiently transduced human and mouse prostate cancer cells in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Following intratumoral and intraprostate injection, Ad could efficiently transduce prostate tumor xenograft and the major prostatic cell types in vivo, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Ad can efficiently transduce prostate tumor cells in vitro as well as xenograft and normal prostate tissue in vivo, and further indicate that Ad could be a potentially powerful toolbox for future gene therapy of prostate diseases.
Saharan dust and the African easterly jet–African easterly wave system: Structure, location and energetics
Authors: Bercos‐Hickey Emily , Nathan Terrence R. , Chen Shu‐Hua
Published: July 2017

The radiative effects of Saharan mineral dust (SMD) aerosols on the structure, location and energetics of the African easterly jet–African easterly wave (AEJ‐AEW) system are examined for July–September 2006. Experiments are conducted with and without SMD using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which is radiatively coupled to an interactive dust model. The SMD‐modified heating field shifts the AEJ northward, upward and westward, and enhances its zonal asymmetry. These SMD‐induced changes to the AEJ are manifest in the AEWs: the northern and southern tracks of the AEWs shift northward (like the AEJ); and the zonal‐scale of the AEWs expands and their westward propagation increases.

The SMD also strengthens the energetics of the AEJ‐AEW system. The domain and temporally averaged baroclinic energy conversion, which is an order of magnitude larger than the barotropic conversion, increases by a factor of 2.5. The eddy kinetic energy and generation of available potential energy increase by factors of 1.5 and 2.7, respectively.

The implications of an SMD‐modified AEJ‐AEW system for West African precipitation and tropical cyclogenesis in the eastern Atlantic Ocean are discussed.
Multistage‐multiresponse models for dynamic quality chain design problems
Authors: Hejazi Taha‐Hossein , Seyyed‐Esfahani Mirmehdi
Published: July 2017

Quality of final products depends on several decision variables and design factors from several stages of operations. Multiresponse optimization is a well‐grounded method for offline quality design that can consider several inputs and outputs. This study introduces a new methodology for quality optimization in multistage systems with multiple response variables. Several stochastic parameters, including response surfaces and covariates, are to be considered in this methodology. For this purpose, scenario‐based multistage stochastic programming models are developed in three cases addressing (1) decision on control factors, (2) decision on control factors as well as targets of intermediate stages, and (3) scenario‐based decision on control factors. An example is presented at the end to illustrate the mechanism of the methodology and applicability of the three cases.
Leydig cell tumor of the testis, presenting with azoospermia
Authors: Hibi Hatsuki , Yamashita Kyoko , Sumitomo Makoto , Asada Yoshimasa
Published: July 2017

Case

A case of Leydig cell tumor, associated with azoospermia, is presented.

Outcome

The levels of sex hormones obviously were decreased, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), with elevated testosterone. Computed tomography revealed no adrenal gland tumor, but a significant calcification in the right scrotal content was observed. He received a right radical orchiectomy and then he was unable to ejaculate. An endocrine panel revealed significantly decreased levels of testosterone and the low LH level had remained. Hormone replacement therapy with combined LH and FSH successfully recovered and preserved spermatogenesis.

Conclusions

Although the patient’s sexual function deteriorated after surgery, hormone replacement therapy was successful in establishing spermatogenesis.
Output feedback stabilization of stochastic feedforward nonlinear time‐delay systems with unknown output function
Authors: Xie Xue‐Jun , Jiang Meng‐Meng
Published: July 2017

This paper studies the problem of output feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic feedforward nonlinear systems with state and input delays and the unknown output function. For stochastic feedforward nonlinear systems, the maximal open sector Δ of output function is given. As long as output function belongs to any closed sector included in Δ, by constructing a reduced‐order observer and
Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and using the homogeneous domination method, an output feedback controller can be developed to guarantee the closed‐loop system globally asymptotically stable in probability.
Optimization of decision rules for hydroelectric operation to reduce both eel mortality and unnecessary turbine shutdown: A search for a win–win solution
Authors: Smith D. R. , Fackler P. L. , Eyler S. M. , Villegas Ortiz L. , Welsh S. A.
Published: July 2017

Worldwide populations of freshwater eels have declined with one of the contributing causes related to mortality during passage through hydropower turbines. An inherent trade‐off underlies turbine management where the competing demand for more hydropower comes at the expense of eel survival. A win–win solution exists when an option performs better on all competing demands compared to other options. A predictive model for eel migration based on a recent telemetry study was used to develop decision rules for turbine management in the Shenandoah River system. The performance of alternative decision rules was compared to the status quo policy to search for win–win solutions. Decision rules were defined by the probability of eel movement and were evaluated by the probabilities of false positive and false negative errors. The exact value of the cut‐off probability used in the decision rule will need to be determined through negotiation between stakeholders, but a range of cut‐off probabilities resulted in a win–win situation with both reduced eel mortality and increased turbine operation relative to the current shutdown strategy. Monitoring the implementation is needed to evaluate and update the predictive model and to refine the decision rule. Although the decision is framed for the Shenandoah River system, the analytical approach could be used to develop decision rules for turbine shutdown policy in other areas.
Enduring Feedback Structure and Long‐term Futures for the Upstream Oil Industry
Authors: Morecroft John D.W.
Published: July 2017

A fundamental idea in system dynamics is that interdependencies in business and society significantly influence the performance over time of firms and industries. This idea is often summarized in the phrase ‘feedback structure gives rise to dynamic behaviour’. But what if the time horizon of a modelling study spans decades, as is often the case in models of natural resource management? Is it possible to find enduring feedback structures that shape events over such long periods? An example is presented based on a well‐known system dynamics model of the upstream oil industry. The model was originally developed in the late 1980s and subsequently updated. The model's structure is reviewed against the backdrop of recent expansion in US shale oil production. Shale oil is undoubtedly a major technology breakthrough in oil recovery. However, this change pales in significance, when seen against the backdrop of strong and enduring feedback processes that coordinate production in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Simulations show that OPEC retains the power to control oil price, dominate global production and drive commercial producers (including frackers) out of the industry. Further simulations test the so‐called ‘Saudi America’ hypothesis and reveal that US frackers could not plausibly displace Saudi Arabia as the oil industry's swing producer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A person‐in‐context approach to student engagement in science: Examining learning activities and choice
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer A. , Rosenberg Joshua M. , Beymer Patrick N.
Published: July 2017

Science education reform efforts in the Unites States call for a dramatic shift in the way students are expected to engage with scientific concepts, core ideas, and practices in the classroom. This new vision of science learning demands a more complex conceptual understanding of student engagement and research models that capture both the multidimensionality and contextual specificity of student engagement in science. In a unique application of person‐oriented analysis of experience sampling data, we employ cluster analysis to identify six distinctmomentary engagement profilesrepresenting different combinations of the behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions of student engagement in high school science classrooms. Students spend a majority of their classroom time in one of several engagement profiles characterized by high engagement on one dimension, but low levels on the others. Students exhibited low engagement across all three dimensions of engagement in about 22% of our observations. Full engagement, or high levels across all three dimensions, is the least frequent profile, occurring in only 11% of the observations. Students’ momentary engagement profiles are related in meaningful ways to both the learning activity in which students are engaged and the types of choices they are afforded. Laboratory activities provided especially polarized engagement experiences, producing full engagement, universally low engagement, and pleasurable engagement in which students are affectively engaged but are not engaged cognitively or behaviorally. Student choice is generally associated with more optimal engagement profiles and the specific type of choice matters in important ways. Choices about how to frame the learning activity have the most positive effects relative to other types of choices, such as choosing whom to work with or how much time to take. Results are discussed in terms of implications for practice and the utility of the methodological approach for evaluating the complexities of student engagement in science classrooms. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 88: 19–43, 2018
Spelling It Out, One por Uno: Patterns of Emergent Bilinguals in a Dual Language Classroom
Authors: Linan‐Thompson Sylvia , Degollado Enrique David , Ingram Mitchell Dean
Published: July 2017

The extant research literature on emergent bilingual spelling focuses on developmental patterns and the interference of first language with second language. The purpose of this article is to provide teachers with an alternate view of emergent bilingual spelling in an effort to influence spelling instruction in the classroom. Writing samples produced by second‐grade students in a dual language program were analyzed to gain insight into the spelling development of emergent bilinguals. Strikingly, there was an inverse relationship between Spanish‐influenced errors and English approximations as the school year progressed. In other words, as fluency in English orthography increased, Spanish‐influenced errors decreased. Furthermore, emergent bilinguals committed vowel spelling errors throughout the school year. The researchers discuss implications for classroom instruction in the form of a process that teachers can use to teach English spelling. Additionally, a list of common spelling errors is provided. The authors maintain that spelling errors are not a result of interference but are part of the developmental process in learning English that can be addressed through individualized and/or group instruction.
The Cognitive Validity of Child English Language Tests: What Young Language Learners and Their Native‐Speaking Peers Can Reveal
Authors: Winke Paula , Lee Shinhye , Ahn Jieun Irene , Choi Ina , Cui Yaqiong , Yoon Hyung‐Jo
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the cognitive validity of two child English language tests. Some teachers maintain that these types of tests may be cognitively invalid because native‐English‐speaking children would not do well on them (Winke, 2011). So the researchers had native speakers and learners of English aged 7 to 9 take sample versions of two standardized English reading and writing tests: the Young Learners Tests of English, Bronze and Silver, administered by Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments. They videotaped the children taking the tests, had them draw pictures of how they felt during testing, and interviewed them. The tests reliably discriminated learners from native speakers. However, 3 of 25 items on the Bronze test and 5 of 40 on the Silver test proved more difficult for native speakers than for language learners. The researchers interviewed the children to uncover why; incorrect responses stemmed from lack of assessment literacy or age‐related cognitive limitations, not deficits in English. The researchers discuss whether this is a problem and conclude that standardized language tests for children, even those already psychometrically reliable and valid, can be improved upon by interviewing child test takers. They stress that parallel information from same‐age, native‐English‐speaking peers is informative in revealing construct‐irrelevant variance.
Cultivating greater self‐confidence in African management research
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph
Published: July 2017

Although strategic management has taken root in many African organizations, much of the existing body of African management research offers little insight into the current state of knowledge and direction in terms of Africa finding its voice within the mainstream research. We draw on a review of the literature to develop a conceptual framework for classifying the contributions in African management research. The conceptual model captures the indigenous (intra‐Africa) and inter‐Africa dimension of macro‐strategy and organizational behavior/human resource research. The accumulated body of research indicates a sign of growing self‐confidence in African management research that must be maintained and revitalized. This article contributes to the literature by developing a unified conceptual model that captures both the indigenous and comparative dimensions of management research. A number of fruitful avenues for future research have been advanced.
Polychromatic simultaneous WDXRF for chemical state analysis using laboratory X‐ray source
Authors: Sato Kenji , Nishimura Akihiro , Kaino Masatomo , Adachi Susumu
Published: July 2017

The authors have started the development of a new scanning‐free, wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, which uses a silicon strip detector instead of a goniometer, a slit, flat analyzing crystal, and laboratory X‐ray source. The X‐rays dispersed by the slit and flat analyzing crystal are detected simultaneously by different silicon strip detector channels, and a high energy resolution is achieved by limiting the measurement range. In the spectrometer designed for Cr, Mn, and Fe in the range from 5.38 to 6.64 keV, an energy resolution of 3.9 eV for Fe Kα1 was obtained, and it was observed that KMnO4 (VII) is different from MnO (II) in the peak energy of Mn Kβ1,3. Furthermore, a Kβ' satellite peak on the low‐energy side of Mn Kβ1,3 was clearly observed, and the difference in behavior of Kβ' was investigated. Another similar investigation of Cr2O3 (III) and K2CrO4 (VI) was performed. These results indicate that the new wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer has a high energy resolution and is applicable to the chemical state analysis of 3d transition elements, which is obtained by analyzing the details of the Kβ peak at the scale of a few eV. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the Reference Frame for Kinematic Analysis in S-tectonites Using AMS
Authors: Mamtani Manish A. , Abhijith V. , Lahiri Sivaji , Rana Virendra , Bhatt Sandeep , Goswami Shalini , Renjith A. R.
Published: July 2017

In this paper a methodology based on anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurements is presented to identify XZ section of the strain ellipsoid in order to perform kinematic analysis in S-tectonites, which are rocks that lack stretching lineation on the foliation plane. The similarity between orientations of three principal axes of the AMS ellipsoid (K1>K2>K3) and strain ellipsoid (X>Y>Z) is demonstrated by discussing the case of a mylonite (LS-tectonite) that contains both foliation and stretching lineation. Subsequently, the case of S-tectonite from the peninsular gneiss (south India) is discussed, where the K1K3 plane of AMS ellipsoid is equated with XZ section of strain ellipsoid. Quartz crystallo-graphic preferred orientations are investigated using SEM-EBSD studies in thin section prepared parallel to the K1K3 plane. Quartz c-axis patterns characteristic of rhomb  slip and indicating top-to-325° sense of shear are recorded. This supports the move-ment sense inferred by earlier researchers from northern parts of the sampled locality. Thus the usefulness of AMS in determining the reference frame for kinematic studies in S-tectonites is documented.
Comparative Petrophysical and Geochemical Characteristics of Thermal and Volcanic Ash from Southeastern India
Authors: Krishnan Geethanjali , Achyuthan Hema , Siva V. H. R.
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the difference in the geophysical and chemical characteristic of the volcanic ash and thermal fly ash to evaluate environmental pollution. Natural volcanic ash (VA) samples from Sagirelu, Cuddapah dist., Andhra Pradesh and thermal fly ash (FA) samples from the Thermal Power Station, Ennore, Chennai, were collected, analysed and compared. The particle sizes of the ash samples were determined using the laser particle size analyzer and the different surface morphological characters were studied using SEM analyses. The chemical components such as pH, major oxides, trace metals and mineral compositions were determined using pH metre, XRF and XRD methods. pH value of the volcanic ash varies from 8.5 to 8.9 indicating its alkalinity (8.5 to 9) in volcanic ash, while the thermal ash is neutral to mildly alkaline with pH varying from 6 to 7.5. Both the ash samples have higher concentration value in SiO2 (VA - 69.25%, FA-46%) in major oxides and Cl (VA - 0.8%, FA - 0.1%) in trace elements. Quartz is the dominant mineral in both the types of ash, however, the volcanic ash has amorphous silica, while the fly ash contains crystalline quartz.
Geochemical Characteristics and Evaluation of Minor and Trace Elements Pollution in Groundwater of Tuticorin City, Tamil Nadu, India using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Selvam S. , Venkatramanan S. , Sivasubramanian P. , Chung S. Y. , Singaraja C.
Published: July 2017

In this work the major and trace elements pollution levels in groundwater of Tuticorin city of Tamil Nadu was investigated. This coastal city with numerous large and small scale industries has increasingly affected the water quality by dumping effluents. The mean major and trace elements levels in groundwater in descending order: Si > Sr > Zn > Fe > Rb > Se > Al > Mn > Cu > As > Cr > Ba > V > Ni > Pb > Mo > Co > Sb > Cd > Ag. The concentrations of As, Se, Pb, Ba, Al, Fe and V (0.084, 0.150, 0.057, 0.837, 0.357 and 0.052) in some of the groundwater samples exceed the standard value of world health organization (WHO, 2004). Interrelationship between the elements was done by correlation matrix and factor analysis which indicates the contribution from industrial and irrigation fields. Spatial interpolation of inverse distance method (IDW) maps of all the elements suggested that discharge of effluents from chemical factory (STERLITE, TAC, SPIC, HEAVY WATER PLANT, NILA SEA FOODS), municipal wastewater, fertilizers were added to the natural sources. Results of this research suggests that proper measures should be taken to protect the vital groundwater resources in the Tuticorin city.
Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking Purpose in Raipur City, Chhattisgarh Using Water Quality Index and Geographic Information System
Authors: Khan Rubia , Jhariya D. C.
Published: July 2017

An effort has been made to comprehend the groundwater quality of Raipur city for drinking purpose utilizing Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. In this study thirty four groundwater samples were collected during May, 2015. Standard methods has been adopted in groundwater sampling which are prescribed by the American Public Health Association (APHA, 1995). Eight water quality parameters have been considered to ascertained water quality index viz. pH, chloride, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS, 2009) has been considered to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes and for the calculation of WQI. This study reveals that 76% area is falling under excellent, very good and good category and 24% area is falling under poor, very poor and unfit category as per the WQI classification. The predicted accuracy of the obtained result is around 97.05% reflecting capability of adopted techniques. Anthropogenic activities are influencing the groundwater quality of the study area. The present study is helpful in proper planning and management of available water resource for drinking purpose.
Evaluation of the Bearing Capacity of Near-Surface Soils Using Integrated Methods: A Case Study of Otukpa, Ogbadibo Lga, Benue State, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Ameh Peter , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Ukah Bernadette
Published: July 2017

The load bearing capacity of soils in Otukpa area of Benue state, Nigeria was evaluated by characterizing the geotechnical, geophysical and structural properties of the soil. The evaluation was necessary because aside the area holding good prospect for future increase in human population, sparsely distributed low-weight buildings in the area have cracks and other signs of failure. Remote sensing/GIS, geophysical and geotechnical approaches were integrated to achieve the objective. 2-D tomography and processed remotely sensed data confirmed the presence of areas of strength especially to the north. Stratigraphy of the northern portion consist of four layers; loose top soil (0-0.26m), compact clayey sand (0.26m-3.33m), dry clayey sand (3.33m-74.21m) and saturated clayey sands (74.21m-201.58m) While the stratigraphy in the south is slightly different; compact topsoil (0-1.2m), loose sand (1.2m-10.81m), compact sand (10.82m-19.71m) and compact clay sand (19.71m-56.03m). The plastic limit range from 11-17% with average specific gravity of 2.64g/cm3. Permeability ranges from 7.8×10−6m/sec to 3.36×10−4m/sec while volume compressibility under 250kN ranges from 7.27×10−5m2/kN to 1.3×10−4m2/kN and the rate of consolidation under 250kN is within 12.43 m2/year to 1.33m2/year. MDD peaks at 1.85g/cm3 at an OMC of 12.11% and is lowest at 1.67g/cm3 at an OMC of 11.99%. UCS ranges from 31-45kN/m2 while shear strength is between 258.81kN/m2 to 338 kN/m2. Due to the variability of engineering properties of soils, the southern part of the area is preferred for locating the buildings. Generally, careful foundation design in the area is necessary.
Textural Studies on Red Sediments of Bhimunipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, East Coast of India
Authors: Krishna K. N. Murali , Reddy K. S. N. , Sekhar Ch. Ravi , Rao P. Ganapathi , Naidu K. Bangaku
Published: July 2017

The study presents the textural characteristics of late Quaternary red sediments of Bhimunipatnam to understand the process of formation of these sediments. The red sediments are classified into (a) yellow sediments (b) reddish brown sediments (c) brick red sediments and (d) light yellow sediments sequence in the vertical litho section. The yellow sediments, rests on the khondalite basement, comprises of medium grained, moderate to poorly sorted and positively skewed. The rounded pebble beds with trough cross bedding indicate high energy turbulent conditions of deposition. The fining upward sequences indicate sediments were deposited under decreasing energy conditions under fluvial regime. The iron bearing minerals like garnets and pyriboles have undergone chemical weathering under high oxidizing environment resulting in addition of silt and clay to the reddish brown and brick red sediments and concretions were formed by carbonate precipitation. These processes caused changes in the mean grain size and sorting nature of these sediments which are originally aeolian in origin. The light yellow sediments were medium to fine grained, well sorted and similar to modern dune sands in terms of textural parameters. These sediments were deposited under low oxidation environmental conditions and acquired yellow colour due to Fe hydroxides.
Tone‐Inhibiting Insoles Enhance the Reciprocal Inhibition of Ankle Plantarflexors of Subjects With Hemiparesis After Stroke: An Electromyographic Study
Authors: Takahashi Nobushige , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Takahashi Osamu , Ushijima Ryosuke , Umebayashi Rie , Nishikawa Junji , Okajima Yasutomo
Published: July 2017

Background

Spasticity is a common sequela of upper motor neuron pathology, such as cerebrovascular diseases and cerebral palsy. Intervention for spasticity of the ankle plantarflexors in physical therapy may include tone‐inhibiting casting and/or orthoses for the ankle and foot. However, the physiological mechanism of tone reduction by such orthoses remains unclarified.

Objective

To investigate the electrophysiologic effects of tone‐inhibiting insoles in stroke subjects with hemiparesis by measuring changes in reciprocal Ia inhibition (RI) in the ankle plantarflexor.

Design

An interventional before–after study.

Setting

Acute stroke unit or ambulatory rehabilitation clinic of a university hospital in Japan.

Participants

Ten subjects (47‐84 years) with hemiparesis and 10 healthy male control subjects (31‐59 years) were recruited.

Methods

RI of the spastic soleus in response to the electrical stimulation of the deep peroneal nerve was evaluated by stimulus‐locked averaging of rectified electromyography (EMG) of the soleus while subjects were standing.

Main Outcome Measurements

The magnitude of RI, defined as the ratio of the lowest to the baseline amplitude of the rectified EMG at approximately 40 milliseconds after stimulation, was measured while subjects were standing with and without the tone‐inhibiting insole on the hemiparesis side.

Results

Enhancement of EMG reduction with the tone‐inhibiting insole was significant (P < .05) in the subjects with hemiparesis, whereas no significant changes were found in controls.

Conclusion

Tone‐inhibiting insoles enhanced RI of the soleus in subjects after stroke, which might enhance standing stability by reducing unfavorable ankle plantarflexion tone.

Level of Evidence

III
Magnetism in Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Hagelberg Frank
Published: July 2017

Magnetism in carbon nanostructures is a rapidly expanding field of current materials science. Its progress is driven by the wide range of applications for magnetic carbon nanosystems, including transmission elements in spintronics, building blocks of cutting-edge nanobiotechnology, and qubits in quantum computing. These systems also provide novel paradigms for basic phenomena of quantum physics, and are thus of great interest for fundamental research. This comprehensive survey emphasizes both the fundamental nature of the field, and its groundbreaking nanotechnological applications, providing a one-stop reference for both the principles and the practice of this emerging area. With equal relevance to physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science, senior undergraduate and graduate students in any of these subjects, as well as all those interested in novel nanomaterials, will gain an in-depth understanding of the field from this concise and self-contained volume.
Decrease in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Colonization After Extensive Renovation of a Unit Dedicated to the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Ford Clyde D. , Gazdik Stofer Michaela A. , Coombs Jana , Lopansri Bert K. , Webb Brandon J. , Motyckova Gabriela , Petersen Finn Bo
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

While a direct relation between hospital construction and concomitant infection rates has been clearly established, few data are available regarding the environmental decontamination effects of renovation in which surfaces are replaced and regarding subsequent infection incidence.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) molecular strain typing and environmental cultures.

SETTING

A regional referral center for acute leukemia and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

PATIENTS

Overall, 536 consecutive hospital admissions for newly diagnosed acute leukemia or a first autologous or allogeneic stem-cell transplantation were reviewed.

INTERVENTION

During 2009–2010, our unit underwent complete remodeling including replacement of all surfaces. We assessed the effects of this construction on the incidence of hospital-acquired VRE colonization before, during, and after the renovation.

RESULTS

We observed a sharp decrease in VRE colonization rates (hazard ratio, <0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.44; P<.0001) during the first year after the renovation, with a return to near baseline rates thereafter. The known risk factors for VRE colonization appeared to be stable over the study interval. Environmental cultures outside of patient rooms revealed several contaminated areas that are commonly touched by unit personnel. Multilocus sequence typing of VRE isolates that were cryopreserved over the study interval showed that dominant strains prior to construction disappeared and were replaced by other strains after the renovation.

CONCLUSIONS

Unit reconstruction interrupted endemic transmission of VRE, which resumed with novel strains upon reopening. Contamination of environmental surfaces and shared equipment may play an important role in endemic transmission of VRE.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1055–1061
Three-dimensionality of elliptical cylinder wakes at low angles of incidence
Authors: Rao Anirudh , Leontini Justin S. , Thompson Mark C. , Hourigan Kerry
Published: July 2017

The wake of an elliptical cylinder at low incident angles is investigated for different aspect ratio ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}=\text{major:minor axis ratio}$) cylinders using stability analysis and direct simulations. In particular, two- and three-dimensional transitions are mapped for cylinders of aspect ratios between 1 and 4 using Floquet stability analysis. The transition scenario for near-unity aspect ratio cylinders resembles that for a circular cylinder wake as Reynolds number is increased to $Re\lesssim 400$; first, with the transition from steady two-dimensional flow to unsteady two-dimensional flow, followed by the onset of three-dimensional flow via a long-wavelength instability (mode A), then, a short-wavelength instability (mode B) and, finally, an intermediary wavelength instability which is quasi-periodic in nature (mode QP). The effect of the incident angle on this transition scenario for the low-aspect-ratio cylinders is minimal. As the aspect ratio is increased towards 2, two synchronous modes, modes $\widehat{\text{A}}$ and $\widehat{\text{B}}$, become unstable; these modes have spatio-temporal symmetries similar to their circular cylinder wake counterparts, modes A and mode B, respectively. While mode $\widehat{\text{A}}$ persists for all incident angles investigated here, mode $\widehat{\text{B}}$ is found only to be unstable for incident angles up to $10^{\circ }$. Surprisingly, for $1.8\lesssim \unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}\lesssim 2.9$, the mode A instability observed at zero incident angle emerges as a quasi-periodic mode as the incident angle is increased even slightly. At higher incident angles, this quasi-periodic mode once again transforms to a real mode on increasing the Reynolds number. The parameter space maps for the various aspect ratios are presented in the Reynolds number–incident angle plane, and the three-dimensional modes are discussed in terms of similarities to and differences from existing modes. A key aim of the work is to map the different modes and various transition sequences as a simple body geometry is systematically changed and as the flow symmetry is systematically broken; thus, insight is provided on the overall path towards fully turbulent flow.