bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole for the treatment of acute schizophrenia in Japan: A 6‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ishigooka Jun , Iwashita Shuichi , Tadori Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of brexpiprazole compared to placebo in Japanese patients with acute schizophrenia (SCZ).

Methods

We conducted a 6‐week, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2/3 study in Japan. Patients with acute SCZ were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive brexpiprazole 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, or placebo once a day. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores.

Results

In the 459 patients that were randomized, brexpiprazole 2 mg showed a significant improvement versus placebo (treatment difference: −7.32, P = 0.0124), although brexpiprazole 4 mg showed numerical improvements (treatment difference: −3.86, P = 0.1959), and brexpiprazole 1 mg showed only minimal change (treatment difference: −0.63, P = 0.8330). Treatment‐emergent adverse events with an incidence of ≥5% and ≥2 times the rate of placebo in the brexpiprazole groups were vomiting, elevated blood prolactin, diarrhea, nausea, and dental caries. Most treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. There were no clinically significant changes in electrocardiogram parameters, bodyweight, laboratory values, or vital signs in the brexpiprazole groups.

Conclusion

Brexpiprazole was efficacious and well tolerated in Japanese adult patients with acute SCZ.
Petunia as model for elucidating adventitious root formation and mycorrhizal symbiosis: at the nexus of physiology, genetics, microbiology and horticulture
Authors: Druege Uwe , Franken Philipp
Published: May 2018

Adventitious root formation in cuttings and establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis reflect the enormous plasticity of plants and are key factors in the efficient and sustainable clonal propagation and production of ornamental crops. Based on the high importance ofPetunia hybridafor the European and US annual bedding plant markets and its suitability as a model for basic plant sciences, petunia has been established as an experimental system for elucidating the molecular and physiological processes underlying adventitious root formation and mycorrhizal symbiosis. In the present review, we introduce the tools of thePetuniamodel system. Then, we discuss findings regarding the hormonal and metabolic control of adventitious rooting in the context of diverse environmental factors as well as findings on the function of arbuscular mycorrhiza related to nutrient uptake and resistance to root pathogens. Considering the recent publication of the genomes of the parental species ofP. hybridaand other tools available in the petunia scientific community, we will outline the quality of petunia as a model for future system‐oriented analysis of root development and function in the context of environmental and genetic control, which are at the heart of modern horticulture.
Identification of tumor margins using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with an extended‐wavelength spectrum in a porcine model
Authors: Dahlstrand U. , Sheikh R. , Nguyen C. D. , Hult J. , Reistad N. , Malmsjö M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

A novel extended‐wavelength diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (EWDRS) technique is being developed for future clinical non‐invasive tumor margin delineation. In this study, the ability of EWDRS to identify the margins of pigmented skin lesions in an in vivo pig model was evaluated.

Materials and methods

Extended‐wavelength diffuse reflectance spectroscopy recordings (350‐1550 nm) were made on 13 pigmented skin lesions and non‐pigmented skin, as a reference. The hand‐held probe was swept toward the pigmented area until the signal changed, thus indicating that the margin had been identified. A needle was inserted as a marker, and tissue samples were sent for histological analysis. The distance between the EWDRS‐defined border and the histological border was measured by 3 independent examiners.

Results

The median difference between the EWDRS‐defined border and the histological border was 70 μm toward the pigmented tissue (range: −579 to 538 μm). A Pearson correlation coefficient of .95 was obtained for the examiners.

Conclusions

Extended‐wavelength diffuse reflectance spectroscopy can be used in vivo to delineate the border of pigmented skin lesions in a porcine model with high accuracy, indicating that it may be a useful tool for non‐invasive tumor margin delineation in the future.
Laboratory assessment of the quality of adult and neonatal red cell concentrates manufactured from whole blood, exchange transfusion or intrauterine transfusion red cell units
Authors: Meli A. , New H. , McAndrew M. , Wiltshire M. , Cardigan R.
Published: May 2018

Background

We evaluated the quality of red cell components in additive solution over 42 days of storage when re‐manufactured from neonatal exchange transfusion (ExTx) or intrauterine transfusion (IUT) units on day 7 for issue to adults, neonates or infants.

Materials and methods

Red cell concentrates (RCC) manufactured from WB were compared to RCC re‐manufactured from ExTx or IUT on day 7, and red cell splits (RCS) manufactured from WB were compared to RCS re‐manufactured from ExTx or IUT on day 7. All components were stored at 2–6°C and tested throughout storage until day 42 for in vitro parameters of red cell quality. One RCS manufactured from each of WB, ExTx or IUT, was irradiated on day 14 and tested on day 28 along with a non‐irradiated RCS from the same unit.

Results

All the re‐manufactured arms had no worse haemolysis, red cell microvesicle (RCMV) release or ATP over storage compared to controls. All arms complied with the 0·8% haemolysis UK specification, except for re‐manufactured RCS from the IUT arm irradiated on day 14 and tested on day 28. Re‐manufactured units had significantly decreased potassium levels compared to control over storage (P < 0·001 all).

Conclusion

RCC or RCS re‐manufactured from ExTx or IUT units on day 7 are suitable for transfusion up to the standard day 35 of storage. Re‐manufactured RCS from ExTx units (but not IUT), may be irradiated up to day 14 and stored for 14 days post‐irradiation.
Efficacy of vaporized hydrogen peroxide for repeated sterilization of a single‐use single‐incision laparoscopic surgery port
Authors: Scharf Valery F. , Dent Brian , Jacob Megan E. , Moore Brandon
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the ability of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) to sterilize a single‐use single‐incision laparoscopic surgery port and its associated components after repeated simulated uses.

Study design

Prospective in vitro experimental study.

Sample population

Six single‐use single‐incision laparoscopic surgery ports with associated cannulas and insufflation tubing.

Methods

Ports, cannulas, and tubing were subjected to 10 cycles of simulated use, bacterial inoculation with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Escherichia coli, decontamination and sterilization, and testing via culture based on their treatment group designation. Bacteriological scores were compared among the negative control, positive control, and 4 treated ports and components.

Results

There was no difference in bacteriological scores between treated ports, cannulas, and insufflation tubing and the negative control port and components. Bacteriological scores of ports and components undergoing 6‐10 cycles were not significantly different from scores of ports and components undergoing 5 or fewer sterilization cycles. No difference was found in detection of bacteria from treated ports by biopsy of the foam versus sampling via wash.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a single‐use single‐incision laparoscopic port and its associated components can be effectively sterilized after multiple simulated uses by using VHP.

Clinical significance

Reuse of a single‐use single‐incision laparoscopic port is a safe and effective method of cost reduction in veterinary patients.
Studying the Administrative Corruption Based on 3-Ramifications Analytical Model in the Pathology Theory and Suggesting Several Strategies for Controlling It (A Case Study: Administrations of Tehran Province)
Authors: Jafari Mahtab
Published: May 2018

Administrative corruption is largely influenced by economic, political, social, cultural, and judicial systems and also, it has negative impacts on the legitimacy of political systems and the performance of administrative systems. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to identify the causes of the emergence and the prevalence of administrative corruption and to provide appropriate strategies for controlling and restricting the scope of administrative corruption. Hence, this research is of descriptive-analytical type and it is based on data collected by field methods. It should be noted that consistency and validity of the questionnaire has been examined with Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis, respectively. Then, non-parametric tests including binomial test and Friedman test have been used for testing the hypothesis. Ultimately, the results of this study showed that there are several factors such as lack of professional conscience, lack of adherence to ethics in the society, the sense of economic inequality in government employees in comparison with those in the other sectors, complexity of laws, etc., have significant influence on the emergence of administrative corruption. Also, some other factors such as existence of an efficient financial control system, effective administrative control, establishing some independent agencies for resolving the administrative corruption, intensification of the penalties, depoliticizing the administrative system, and applying efficient regulations can be effective in controlling and preventing the administrative corruption.Keywords: Administrative Corruption, Controlling the Administrative Corruption, Pathology Theory, 3-Ramifications Analytical Model, Administrations of Tehran Province.
Orientation-independent room temperature optical
13
C hyperpolarization in powdered diamond
Authors: Ajoy Ashok , Liu Kristina , Nazaryan Raffi , Lv Xudong , Zangara Pablo R. , Safvati Benjamin , Wang Guoqing , Arnold Daniel , Li Grace , Lin Arthur , Raghavan Priyanka , Druga Emanuel , Dhomkar Siddharth , Pagliero Daniela , Reimer Jeffrey A. , Suter Dieter , Meriles Carlos A. , Pines Alexander
Published: May 2018

Shining light on diamond particles makes them MRI-“bright,” opening avenues for room temperature hyperpolarized liquids.
Graphene biointerfaces for optical stimulation of cells
Authors: Savchenko Alex , Cherkas Volodymyr , Liu Chao , Braun Gary B. , Kleschevnikov Alexander , Miller Yury I. , Molokanova Elena
Published: May 2018

This study presents a novel graphene-based optoelectronic platform for noninvasive optical stimulation of genetically intact cells
Shuffling the Neutral Drift of Unspecific Peroxygenase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martin-Diaz Javier , Paret Carmen , García-Ruiz Eva , Molina-Espeja Patricia , Alcalde Miguel
Published: May 2018

Fungal peroxygenases resemble the peroxide shunt pathway of cytochrome P450 monoxygenases, performing selective oxyfunctionalizations of unactivated C-H bonds in a broad range of organic compounds. In this study, we combined neutral genetic drift and
in vivo
DNA shuffling to generate highly functional peroxygenase mutant libraries. The panel of neutrally evolved peroxygenases showed different activity profiles for peroxygenative substrates and improved stability with respect to temperature and the presence of organic cosolvents, making the enzymes valuable blueprints for emerging evolution campaigns. This association of DNA recombination and neutral drift is paving the way for future work in peroxygenase engineering and, from a more general perspective, to any other enzyme system heterologously expressed in
S. cerevisiae
.
Multicentre study of maternal and neonatal outcomes in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Singh Preeti , Mahmoud Ranim , Gold June-Anne , Miller Jennifer L , Roof Elizabeth , Tamura Roy , Dykens Elisabeth , Butler Merlin G , Driscoll Dan J , Kimonis Virginia
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder associated with three different genetic subtypes: deletion of the paternal copy of 15q11-q13, maternal UPD for chromosome 15 and imprinting defect. Patients are typically diagnosed because of neonatal hypotonia, dysmorphism and feeding difficulties; however, data on the prenatal features of PWS are limited.

Objective

The aim of the study was to identify and compare frequencies of prenatal and neonatal clinical features of PWS among the three genetic subtypes.

Methods

Data from 355 patients with PWS from the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network PWS registry were used to analyse multiple maternal and neonatal factors collected during an 8-year multisite study.

Results

Among our cohort of 355 patients with PWS (61% deletion, 36% UPD and 3% imprinting defect) 54% were born by caesarean section, 26% were born prematurely and 34% with a low birth weight (frequencies 32%, 9.6% and 8.1%, respectively, in the general population). Fetal movements were reported as decreased in 72%. All babies were hypotonic, and 99% had feeding difficulties. Low Apgar scores (<7) were noted in 17.7% and 5.6% of patients, respectively, compared with 1% and 1.4%, respectively, in the general population. Maternal age and pre-pregnancy weight were significantly higher in the UPD group (p=0.01 and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

We found a higher rate of perinatal complications in PWS syndrome compared with the general population. No significant differences in the genetic subtypes were noted except for a higher maternal age and pre-pregnancy weight in the UPD subgroup
Native bacterial communities and Listeria monocytogenes survival in soils collected from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Falardeau Justin , Walji Khalil , Haure Maxime , Fong Karen , Taylor Greg , Ma Yussanne , Smukler Sean , Wang Siyun
Published: May 2018

Soil is an important reservoir for Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen implicated in numerous produce-related outbreaks. Our objectives were to (i) compare the survival of L. monocytogenes among three soils, (ii) compare the native bacterial communities across these soils, and (iii) investigate relationships between L. monocytogenes survival, native bacterial communities, and soil properties. Listeria spp. populations were monitored on PALCAM agar in three soils inoculated with L. monocytogenes (∼5 × 106 CFU/g): conventionally farmed (CS), grassland transitioning to conventionally farmed (TS), and uncultivated grassland (GS). Bacterial diversity of the soils was analyzed using 16S rRNA targeted amplicon sequencing. A 2 log reduction of Listeria spp. was observed in all soils within 10 days, but at a significantly lower rate in GS (Fisher’s least significant difference test; p < 0.05). Survival correlated with increased moisture and a neutral pH. GS showed the highest microbial diversity. Acidobacteria was the dominant phylum differentiating CS and TS from GS, and was negatively correlated with pH, carbon, nitrogen, and moisture. High moisture content and neutral pH are likely to increase the ability of L. monocytogenes to persist in soil. This study confirmed that native bacterial communities and short-term survival of L. monocytogenes varies across soils.
Polynomial-time right-ideal morphisms and congruences
Authors: Birget J. C.
Published: May 2018

We continue with the functional approach to the P -versus- NP problem, begun in [J. C. Birget, Semigroups and one-way functions, Int. J. Algebra Comput. 25(1–2) (2015) 3–36; J. C. Birget, Infinitely generated semigroups and polynomial complexity, Int. J. Algebra Comput. 26(04) (2016) 727–750.] We previously constructed a monoid [Formula: see text] that is non-regular iff NP [Formula: see text] P . We now construct homomorphic images of [Formula: see text] with interesting properties. In particular, the homomorphic image [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is finitely generated, and is non-regular iff P [Formula: see text] NP . The group of units of [Formula: see text] is the famous Richard Thompson group [Formula: see text].
Phrase mining of textual data to analyze extracellular matrix protein patterns across cardiovascular disease
Authors: Liem David A. , Murali Sanjana , Sigdel Dibakar , Shi Yu , Wang Xuan , Shen Jiaming , Choi Howard , Caufield John H. , Wang Wei , Ping Peipei , Han JiaWei
Published: May 2018

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been shown to play important roles regulating multiple biological processes in an array of organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. Using a novel bioinformatics text-mining tool, we studied six categories of cardiovascular disease (CVD), namely, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, cerebrovascular accident, congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, and valve disease, anticipating novel ECM protein-disease and protein-protein relationships hidden within vast quantities of textual data. We conducted a phrase-mining analysis, delineating the relationships of 709 ECM proteins with the 6 groups of CVDs reported in 1,099,254 abstracts. The technology pipeline known as Context-Aware Semantic Online Analytical Processing was applied to semantically rank the association of proteins to each CVD and all six CVDs, performing analyses to quantify each protein-disease relationship. We performed principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of the data, where each protein was visualized as a six-dimensional vector. We found that ECM proteins display variable degrees of association with the six CVDs; certain CVDs share groups of associated proteins, whereas others have divergent protein associations. We identified 82 ECM proteins sharing associations with all 6 CVDs. Our bioinformatics analysis ascribed distinct ECM pathways (via Reactome) from this subset of proteins, namely, insulin-like growth factor regulation and interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling, suggesting their contribution to the pathogenesis of all six CVDs. Finally, we performed hierarchical clustering analysis and identified protein clusters predominantly associated with a targeted CVD; analyses of these proteins revealed unexpected insights underlying the key ECM-related molecular pathogenesis of each CVD, including virus assembly and release in arrhythmias.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study is the first application of a text-mining algorithm to characterize the relationships of 709 extracellular matrix-related proteins with 6 categories of cardiovascular disease described in 1,099,254 abstracts. Our analysis informed unexpected extracellular matrix functions, pathways, and molecular relationships implicated in the six cardiovascular diseases.
Una operación renta complicada
Authors: Pinto Perry German
Published: May 2018

Las reformas tributarias de 2014 y 2016 tuvieron loables objetivos, pero su aplicación ha generado complicaciones innecesarias para el ejercicio profesional. La introducción de dos regímenes de tributación, el registro RAI, corrección monetaria de los aportes iniciales de las empresas, dos tasas impositivas; son los elementos que han contribuido a este embrollo que deslustra el trabajo de los contadores que destinan horas en confeccionar el gran número de declaraciones juradas impuestas. La necesidad de información requerida por la autoridad puede ser satisfecha con el envío de una ficha estadística que permita que el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (Servicio), realizar los análisis que considere oportuno.
Dietary Changes Involving Bifidobacterium longum and Other Nutrients Delays Chronic Kidney Disease Progression
Authors: Iwashita Yuko , Ohya Masaki , Yashiro Mitsuru , Sonou Tomohiro , Kawakami Kazuki , Nakashima Yuri , Yano Takuro , Iwashita Yu , Mima Toru , Negi Shigeo , Kubo Kaoru , Tomoda Koichi , Odamaki Toshitaka , Shigematsu Takashi
Published: May 2018

Background: Recent studies suggest that prebiotic and/or probiotic treatments ameliorate kidney function in humans and animals by improving the gut environment. However, the gut microbiota and kidney disease interactions remain to be determined. This study investigated whether synbiotics modulate the gut microbiota and ameliorate kidney function using a rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). As uremic toxins are associated with CKD-related mineral and bone disorder, the secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between synbiotics and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) rats were developed as the CKD model. Sham-operated (sham) rats were used as the control. To investigate the effectiveness of prebiotics (glutamine, dietary fiber, and oligosaccharide) and probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum strain; GFOB diet), rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: Nx group fed the GFOB diet (n = 10); Nx group fed the control (CON) diet (n = 10); sham group fed the GFOB diet (n = 5); and sham group fed the control diet (n = 5). Blood, feces, and kidney samples were collected and analyzed. Results: Serum creatinine (Cre) and blood urea nitrogen in the Nx GFOB group were significantly lower than those in the Nx CON group. Serum indoxyl sulfate in the Nx GFOB group was lower than that in the Nx CON group, and significantly correlated with serum Cre. Inorganic phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone in the Nx GFOB group were significantly lower than those in the Nx CON group. Conclusion: Improving the gut environment using synbiotics ameliorated kidney function and might be a pharmacological treatment for SHPT without any serious adverse events.
Redescription of Trichomycterus striatus (Meek & Hildebrand, 1913) (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), with notes on its geographic distribution
Authors: ANGULO ARTURO , DONASCIMIENTO CARLOS , LASSO-ALCALÁ OSCAR M. , FARAH-PÉREZ ALDO , LANGEANI FRANCISCO , MCMAHAN CALEB D.
Published: May 2018

Trichomycterus striatus is herein redescribed, based on examination of the types and recently collected specimens, and its geographic distribution is updated. This species can be diagnosed from all other northeastern South American congeners by its variable coloration pattern consisting of a yellowish to light brown background with a black lateral band and/or small dark brown spots on sides or uniformly light brown and by the following combination of characters: teeth conical arranged in three to four irregular rows in both jaws; anterior section of infraorbital canal (sensory pores i1 and i3) present; sensory pores s6 paired, 11–23 opercular odontodes; 27–44 interopercular odontodes; seven to eight pectoral-fin branched rays; 36–37 free vertebrae; 12–14 ribs; cleithrum pierced by several foramina; and caudal fin truncate to rounded. Trichomycterus striatus occurs from southern Costa Rica [from the Pirrís (herein reported for the first time), Térraba and Coto River basins] to eastern Panama (in most of the main river basins in both the Pacific and Atlantic versants), being the sole representative of the family in lower Central American waters.
Practical Predictability of Supercells: Exploring Ensemble Forecast Sensitivity to Initial Condition Spread
Authors: Flora Montgomery L. , Potvin Corey K. , Wicker Louis J.
Published: May 2018

As convection-allowing ensembles are routinely used to forecast the evolution of severe thunderstorms, developing an understanding of storm-scale predictability is critical. Using a full-physics numerical weather prediction (NWP) framework, the sensitivity of ensemble forecasts of supercells to initial condition (IC) uncertainty is investigated using a perfect model assumption. Three cases are used from the real-time NSSL Experimental Warn-on-Forecast System for Ensembles (NEWS-e) from the 2016 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment. The forecast sensitivity to IC uncertainty is assessed by repeating the simulations with the initial ensemble perturbations reduced to 50% and 25% of their original magnitudes. The object-oriented analysis focuses on significant supercell features, including the mid- and low-level mesocyclone, and rainfall. For a comprehensive analysis, supercell location and amplitude predictability of the aforementioned features are evaluated separately.

For all examined features and cases, forecast spread is greatly reduced by halving the IC spread. By reducing the IC spread from 50% to 25% of the original magnitude, forecast spread is still substantially reduced in two of the three cases. The practical predictability limit (PPL), or the lead time beyond which the forecast spread exceeds some prechosen threshold, is case and feature dependent. Comparing to past studies reveals that practical predictability of supercells is substantially improved by initializing once storms are well established in the ensemble analysis.
Refiguring childhood: Hannah Arendt, natality and prefigurative biopolitics
Authors: Ryan Kevin
Published: May 2018

Hannah Arendt’s concept of natality spans birth and action, which combine to inaugurate the new. Natality is used here to examine childhood as a prefigurative form of biopolitics. This concerns practices that seek to actualise envisioned futures by conditioning and constraining natality, thereby shaping the power relations that encapsulate the social and cultural world(s) of adults and children. The article concludes by reflecting on whether this corralling of natality might be subverted with a view to refiguring childhood.
Successfully Striving for Happiness: Socially Engaged Pursuits Predict Increases in Life Satisfaction
Authors: Rohrer Julia M. , Richter David , Brümmer Martin , Wagner Gert G. , Schmukle Stefan C.
Published: May 2018

Happiness is considered a highly desirable attribute, but whether or not individuals can actively steer their lives toward greater well-being is an open empirical question. In this study, respondents from a representative German sample reported, in text format, ideas for how they could improve their life satisfaction. We investigated which of these ideas predicted changes in life satisfaction 1 year later. Active pursuits per se—as opposed to statements about external circumstances or fortune—were not associated with changes in life satisfaction ( n = 1,178). However, in line with our preregistered hypothesis, among individuals who described active pursuits ( n = 582), those who described social ideas (e.g., spending more time with friends and family) ended up being more satisfied, and this effect was partly mediated by increased socializing. Our results demonstrate that not all pursuits of happiness are equally successful and corroborate the great importance of social relationships for human well-being.
Tacit knowledge sharing in online environments: Locating ‘Ba’ within a platform for public sector professionals
Authors: Buunk Iris , Smith Colin F. , Hall Hazel
Published: May 2018

This article presents preliminary findings from a larger doctoral study which investigates tacit knowledge sharing and social media use. The results reported here are from a survey completed by members of an online platform that incorporates social media features and enables knowledge sharing amongst public sector professionals in Scotland. There are two main findings from the study explored in this paper. The first relates to the various roles that an online platform may play in the facilitation of tacit knowledge sharing, apparent around learning processes, expertise sharing, problem solving and innovation. The second relates to how social interactions are supported online, allowing discussions among experts to be initiated, fostering collective intelligence and enabling tacit and personal knowledge to become visible, and accessible, while decreasing the time and the effort required. The outcomes of the research additionally suggest that three aspects of the concept of Ba (or space), as proposed by Nonaka and Konno (1998), can be found in online environments. These aspects are Dialoguing/Interacting Ba, Cyber Ba and Exercising Ba.
Basket Pitch 90: An Integrative Marketing and Finance Simulation
Authors: Hudson Monika L.
Published: May 2018

This experiential exercise enables undergraduate students to demonstrate their ability to rapidly and intentionally integrate marketing and finance concepts in a real-world context. The participants must analyze a business proposition, determine how to address identified customer needs, develop effective strategies to maximize financial returns, and document and present their proposed consumer offering in a way that secures lucrative financing for their start-up firm. With limited instruction, learners engage in simultaneous challenges including conducting consumer research, design innovation, rational decision making, team-building, and managing for optimal results. The experience is further solidified through evaluative feedback provided at exercise conclusion.
Lack of consensus on optimal acetabular cup orientation because of variation in assessment methods in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Snijders Thom E , Willemsen Koen , van Gaalen Steven M , Castelein Rene M , Weinans Harrie , de Gast Arthur
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Dislocation is 1 of the main reasons for revision of total hip arthroplasty but dislocation rates have not changed in the past decades, compromising patients’ well-being. Acetabular cup orientation plays a key role in implant stability and has been widely studied. This article investigates whether there is a consensus on optimal cup orientation, which is necessary when using a navigation system.

Methods:

A systematic search of the literature in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed (March 2017) to identify articles that investigated the direct relationship between cup orientation and dislocation, including a thorough evaluation of postoperative cup orientation assessment methods.

Results:

28 relevant articles evaluating a direct relation between dislocation and cup orientation could not come to a consensus. The key reason is a lack of uniformity in the assessment of cup orientation. Cup orientation is assessed with different imaging modalities, different methodologies, different definitions for inclination and anteversion, several reference planes and distinct patient positions.

Conclusions:

All available studies lack uniformity in cup orientation assessment; therefore it is impossible to reach consensus on optimal cup orientation. Using navigation systems for placement of the cup is inevitably flawed when using different definitions in the preoperative planning, peroperative placement and postoperative evaluation. Further methodological development is required to assess cup orientation. Consequently, the postoperative assessment should be uniform, thus differentiating between anterior and posterior dislocation, use the same definitions for inclination and anteversion with the same reference plane and with the patient in the same position.
The clinical value of the patient-reported multiple sclerosis neuropsychological screening questionnaire
Authors: Nauta Ilse M , Balk Lisanne J , Sonder Judith M , Hulst Hanneke E , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Fasotti Luciano , de Jong Brigit A
Published: May 2018

Background:

Cognitive problems are difficult to identify in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To investigate the clinical applicability of the patient-reported MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ-P).

Methods:

Cut-off scores were determined to differentiate between cognitively impaired ( n = 90), mildly cognitively impaired ( n = 115), and cognitively preserved ( n = 147) MS patients using receiver operating characteristic analyses.

Results:

We could not define specific and sensitive cut-off scores. Higher scores (≥27) did indicate cognitive impairment. Among patients with a higher education, lower scores (<12) indicated intact cognition.

Conclusion:

Certain scores can indicate intact or impaired cognitive function. Still, MSNQ-P scores should be interpreted with caution.
Broadening the limits of reconstructive leadership: Constructivist elements of Viktor Orbán’s regime-building politics
Authors: Illés Gábor , Körösényi András , Metz Rudolf
Published: May 2018

Hungary’s political backsliding, which has transformed it from a former frontrunner of liberal democracy in the post-communist region to an illiberal and/or authoritarian state, has puzzled political scientists. As a contribution to understanding the problem of Viktor Orbán’s leadership and the regime change, we apply Stephen Skowronek’s concept of ‘reconstructive leadership’. The politics of reconstruction, with an emphasis on the introduction of new standards of legitimacy and the mobilisation of support for new modes of governance, leaves ample room for appreciating the role of political leadership. Through an analysis of three policy areas (constitution-making, macroeconomic and immigration policy) related to Orbán’s efforts at reconstruction, we argue that the Hungarian case underscores the formative role of agency even more than in Skowronek’s original conception. Reviewing possible criticisms of Skowronek’s perspective and some recent literature about ‘discursive institutionalism’, we argue that the Hungarian case makes a vital correction to the Skowronekian concept, suggesting the value of taking a more constructivist approach.
Parent–Child Relations and Delinquency Among African American and European American Juvenile Offenders: An Expanded Examination of Self-Control Theory
Authors: Fix Rebecca L. , Clifford Janice E. , Burkhart Barry R.
Published: May 2018

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime indicates that low levels of self-control leads to subsequent delinquency. Multiple studies suggest an indirect effect of parent and family factors on delinquency through self-control. Furthermore, evidence exists that race/ethnicity may affect the mediated relationship between parenting and delinquency. The present study collected information on demographics, parent–child attachment, self-control, and delinquency from 350 confined male adolescents. Models were run to test whether self-control mediated the relationship between total parent–child attachment and facets of parent–child attachment on delinquency. Results indicated self-control mediated the relationship between parent attachment and delinquent behavior. Follow-up models indicated uniquely influential pathways to delinquency depending on aspects of parent-child attachment and the race/ethnicity of the participant. Select aspects of parent–child attachment were more meaningfully predictive of self-control and delinquency among African American youth compared with European American youth. Furthermore, while models run with European American adolescents support previous theories and study outcomes on the link between self-control and delinquency, self-control levels did not predict delinquency within models rung with African American adolescents, identifying a possible limitation of self-control theory. Implications from the present study are discussed alongside future directions for continuing research on culturally informed models of self-control and delinquency.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Extremely Low-frequency Electromagnetic Field on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Ross Christina L , Pettenati Mark J , Procita Joseph , Cathey Lisa , George Sunil K , Almeida-Porada Graca
Published: May 2018

Background

Interest in the use of extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) for the treatment of pain and inflammation is increasing due to the ability of this promising therapy to compete with pharmaceuticals without the adverse effects caused by drugs. However, there continues to be concerns regarding cytotoxic and genotoxic effects that may occur as a result of exposure to EMF.

Objective

To investigate this concern, we tested the effect of our known therapeutic 5 Hz, 0.4 milliTesla (mT) EMF on a human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) line to determine whether ELF-EMF exposure would cause cytotoxic or genotoxic effects.

Methods

Treated samples along with controls were exposed to 5 Hz, 0.4 mT ELF-EMF for 20 min/day, 3×/week for 2 weeks and then assayed for cell viability, proliferation rates, and chromosome breaks.

Results

Cytogenetic analysis of the viability and proliferation rates along with analysis of morphological genome stability showed no cytotoxicity, and no chromosome breaks per karyotype analysis—therefore no genotoxicity.

Conclusion

Exposure to an ELF-EMF of 5 Hz, 0.4 mT for 20 min/day, 3×/week for 2 weeks does not cause cytotoxic or genotoxic effects in hMSCs.
Gender Differences in Withdrawing Infants
Authors: Stevens Sarah , Flaugher Tyler , Hughes Kaitlynn , Terwilliger Carson , Copley Jessica , Mohan Shekher
Published: May 2018

Objective. To assess gender differences in infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome at the Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia. Methods. This is a single-site retrospective chart review involving 97 infants born treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome at the Cabell Huntington Hospital between April and December 2015. Data were obtained from electronic medical records using a secure online survey tool designed using Qualtrics. Maternal demographics and drug screenings were collected. Infant information was collected for the first 7 days of life including withdrawal symptoms, treatment, and growth parameters. These data were analyzed based on gender, male (N = 62) and female (N = 35), to assess any gender differences among the infants. Results. No significant differences were found regarding birth weight, length, and gestational age between male and female infants. Differences among the percentage of symptoms experienced were found with females experiencing a greater percentage of symptoms affecting the autonomic nervous system compared with males. Significant differences in head circumference were found in these infants; females were found to have a greater head circumference at time of birth compared with males ( P = .003), whereas at time of discharge head circumference was greater in males than in females ( P = .035). Conclusion. Differences in symptoms, physical characteristics, and methadone treatment were found between male and female infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome at the Cabell Huntington Hospital during 2015. Further studies are needed to assess both the short- and long-term effects of antenatal drug abuse.
The yeast telomerase module for telomere recruitment requires a specific RNA architecture
Authors: Laterreur Nancy , Lemieux Bruno , Neumann Hannah , Berger-Dancause Jean-Christophe , Lafontaine Daniel , Wellinger Raymund J.
Published: May 2018

Telomerases are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) reverse transcriptases. While telomerases maintain genome stability, their composition varies significantly between species. Yeast telomerase RNPs contain an RNA that is comparatively large, and its overall folding shows long helical segments with distal functional parts. Here we investigated the essential stem IVc module of the budding yeast telomerase RNA, called Tlc1. The distal part of stem IVc includes a conserved sequence element CS2a and structurally conserved features for binding Pop1/Pop6/Pop7 proteins, which together function analogously to the P3 domains of the RNase P/MRP RNPs. A more proximal bulged stem with the CS2 element is thought to associate with Est1, a telomerase protein required for telomerase recruitment to telomeres. Previous work found that changes in CS2a cause a loss of all stem IVc proteins, not just the Pop proteins. Here we show that the association of Est1 with stem IVc indeed requires both the proximal bulged stem and the P3 domain with the associated Pop proteins. Separating the P3 domain from the Est1 binding site by inserting only 2 base pairs into the helical stem between the two sites causes a complete loss of Est1 from the RNP and hence a telomerase-negative phenotype in vivo. Still, the distal P3 domain with the associated Pop proteins remains intact. Moreover, the P3 domain ensures Est2 stability on the RNP independently of Est1 association. Therefore, the Tlc1 stem IVc recruitment module of the RNA requires a very tight architectural organization for telomerase function in vivo.
Essence and Structure of the Innovative Staff Mass
Authors: Кулькова И. , Kul'kova I. , Сокерина Светлана , Sokerina Svetlana
Published: May 2018

In the age of development of “high” technologies and increasing competition based on the introduction of innovative developments, researchers discuss actively the sources and factors of innovative staff behavior and study the innovative resource of the staff and the innovative potential of the staff , that are in fact inherent characteristics of the human resource of an innovative-oriented company, which should be subject to evaluation and development. The article introduces the concept of an “innovative staff mass” as a set of identifi ed components that are important for the company’s innovative development, because they disclose the resource status of the staff in the current period of time and the hidden, unrealized abilities of the staff which can be realized in the form of innovative behavior in the situation of tomorrow day. It is the innovative staff mass which can ensure the formation of the company’s dynamic capabilities that ensure the long-term effective functioning of the company in a competitive market in the conditions of the development of “high” technologies. The article presents the defi nition of this concept. It is considered the importance and expediency of combining these concepts when considering the issue of staff development in high-tech companies, it is proved the falseness of isolating and developing one of the components while ignoring the second one. Conditions for developing components are formulated. The essence and structure of the concept “innovative staff mass” is disclosed. Possible directions for the development of the staff to form an innovative staff mass have been formulated, realized through the integration of two components that form an innovative staff mass and three characteristics of the staff that ensure the company’s innovative development: the ability and willingness to innovate and the ability to realize innovative potential within a high-tech company.
The Role of the Context in the Selection of Tools Attracting And Keeping Talented Workers in the Organization
Authors: Спиридонова Н. , Spiridonova N.
Published: May 2018

The analysis of scientifi c articles has shown several attempts to systemize the defi nitions of the meaning of talent in business and to fi nd one universal defi nition. The fact that there are many varieties of this defi nition and similar organizations imply diff erent factors for it, made us suppose about the infl uence of context on the defi nition. The analysis of annual surveys in diff erent countries has shown the infl uence of internal and external context on talent interpretation and practices of attracting and retaining talented employees. It is concluded that there can’t be one universal defi nition of the meaning of talent. Every time it is necessary to consider the infl uence of environmental factors.
De-Bureaucratization of Public Administration is a Key Condition for Improving the Efficiency of the National Economy
Authors: Столярова В. , Stolyarova V.
Published: May 2018

The article shows some problems of improving the effi ciency of public administration and the impact on it of the professional activity of civil servants. The main reasons for restraining the development of the public civil service due to the lack or insuffi cient scientifi c and economic justifi cation of the necessary socioeconomic mechanisms for the rational regulation of the creation of the necessary conditions for this are identifi ed. Based on the analysis of the results of the implementation of the Concept of reforming the civil service system, the article notes that along with the successful solution of a number of problems in this area, key tasks on these issues have not been solved so far. These include: the absence to date of the Federal state body for civil service management, since 2014 suspended the development and implementation of programs for the development of the public civil service; the principle of interaction between the state and citizens — “de-bureaucratization”, which was defi ned in the above-mentioned Concept in 2001, etc., is completely ignored in the system of public administration. the article off ers some recommendations for solving these problems, as well as for improving the system and structure of Federal Executive bodies.
Managementof Staffdevelopment In Public Authorities: Experience in the Use of Gamification Techniques
Authors: Рогач О. , Rogach O. , Демина С. , Demina S.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this work was to determine the possibilities and limitations of the use of game mechanics in distance learning civil servants. The authors analyzed the current Russian experience in the use of gamifi cation techniques, which made it possible to trace the change of technological components of training of civil servants. The leading method of research is a questionnaire survey of government offi cials (N=25) who took part in the simulation game. For verifi cation of the received data the method of focus-group research in which heads of services of staffi ng of public authorities took part (N=4) was used. It is revealed that the use of gamifi cation techniques helps managers not only to learn new skills, but also motivates civil servants to achieve high personal and professional performance of their activities, has a positive impact on communication within the authorities, the culture of public service and the eff ectiveness of labor collectives. However, there are certain restrictions that limit the practice of gamifi cation in the management of the development of personnel of public authorities. In particular, there is a decrease in the value of remuneration in the long-term use of gaming techniques, excessive enthusiasm for the gaming context, and, as a result, a decrease in the orientation to achieve educational objectives of distance learning. Getting used to simulation games is accompanied by a decrease in the eff ectiveness of other motivational techniques.
Benefit Corporations: ¿Hacia una primacía renovada del accionista?
Authors: Roncancio Rachid Rolando , Lagos Cortés Diógenes , Cortés Mejía Sebastián
Published: May 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es reflexionar acerca de si las benefit corporations (BC) conducen a una nueva primacía basada en la búsqueda del bienestar de todos los grupos de interés. Para ello, se comparan las BC con la norma de la primacía del accionista desde tres aspectos: propiedad y el control, priorización de intereses y deberes fiduciarios. Se concluye que en las BC: a) la propiedad y el control se mantiene en los accionistas; (b) la maximización del valor considera el bienestar de todos los grupos de interés; y (c) los deberes fiduciarios se amplían para considerar los posibles efectos en los demás grupos de interés, no obstante, esto no genera ninguna obligación hacia ellos.
Transport Processes in Environments with Irregular Structure
Authors: Mouhammad Saif A
Published: May 2018

In this work we consider a principally new statistical approach to the theory of processes of transport in a two-phase condensed environment with randomly distributed non-uniform surface structure. Taking this approach as a base, we considered diffusion in a chaotic porous environment. Such a structure is described with the aid of a curvilinear orthogonal coordinates system natural for geometrical porous surface. The method of averaging the diffusion equation is developed. The equations for average diffused concentration in a porous surface of a solution of ionic components are obtained. These equations take into account the local characteristics of the structure of the environment. In general, this approach is applicable to other equations describing the transport of substance, charge and electromagnetic field in the environment with random interior.