bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research into 2D Dynamics and Control of Small Oscillations of a Cross-Beam during Transportation by Two Overhead Cranes
Authors: Perig Alexander V. , Stadnik Alexander N. , Kostikov Alexander A. , Podlesny Sergey V.
Published: February 2017

A new mathematical model of a 3DOF 2D mechanical system “transported cross-beam, two moving bridge cranes” has been proposed. Small system oscillations have been derived through the introduction of Lagrange equations. The numerical estimation of 3DOF system motion has been carried out with equation-based Modelica language. The present article uses the Lagrange method and numerical and optimization methods, realized with JModelica.org and Optimica freeware. The absolute swaying of the cross-beam with respect to the displacement of the two moving bridge cranes was estimated. The phase portraits of the 3DOF system for linear and angular coordinates were presented. An open loop optimal control problem was posed for the motion of the bridge cranes. A “bang-bang” control strategy was implemented for the derivation of an optimal control solution, which enables the travel of two bridge cranes at a prescribed distance for minimum time and minimum swaying of a heavy cross-beam. The derived results of the numerical simulation can be easily practically realized by crane operators with good agreement with simple engineering estimations. The proposed control strategy enables synchronous motion of two bridge cranes with a cross-beam that practically solves the posed problem of unwanted excessive oscillations of a heavy cross-beam during transportation.
Distributed Association Method Assisted by Cell for Efficiency Enhancement of Wireless Networks
Authors: Park Jaesung
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we propose a distributed cell association scheme called cell-guided association method (CGAM) to improve the efficiency of a wireless network. In CGAM, MSs attempt to associate with their best cells. However, unlike the conventional methods, cells do not passively accept the association requests of MSs. Instead, a cell determines whether to accept an association request or not by considering the performance of MSs already associated with it and that of the requesting MS. If a cell cannot provide a certain level of service to them, it rejects the association request and guides the requesting MS to select another cell that gives the next maximum performance metric to the MS. Since our method takes the cell resource usage into consideration, it can increase the resource efficiency of a wireless network while enhancing the overall data rate provided to MSs by balancing the number of MSs in a cell. Through performance comparisons by simulation studies, we verify that CGAM outperforms maximum SINR-based method and QoS-based method in terms of the total data rate provided by a system and outage probabilities of MSs.
Sustainable Logistics Network Modeling for Enterprise Supply Chain
Authors: Zhu Lan , Hu Dawei
Published: February 2017

With the expansion of the study about green logistics, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has appeared as a new concept in current economic circumstance. This paper studies the sustainability optimization of enterprise logistics network from a strategic perspective and proposes a multiobjective sustainable logistics optimization model considering three dimensions of sustainability: economy, environment, and society. In this model, the environment factor was measured with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method based on Chinese Life Cycle Database (CLCD), while for social factors, Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (GRI) are utilized to quantify the social performance. Moreover, the model was solved with an adapted version of the ε‐constraint method named augment constraint algorithm (AUGMENCON) through GAMS software. The numerical experiment results of a computer manufacturer supply chain show that the proposed model is able to integrate all dimensions of sustainability and simultaneously prove the capability of AUGMENCON in providing a set of trade‐off solutions for the decision makers to make different decisions under different environment and social requirements.
Prolactin Receptor–Mediated Internalization of Imaging Agents Detects Epithelial Ovarian Cancer with Enhanced Sensitivity and Specificity
Authors: Sundaram Karthik M. , Zhang Yilin , Mitra Anirban K. , Kouadio Jean-Louis K. , Gwin Katja , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Roman Brian B. , Lengyel Ernst , Piccirilli Joseph A.
Published: February 2017

Poor prognosis of ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic malignancies, reflects major limitations associated with detection and diagnosis. Current methods lack high sensitivity to detect small tumors and high specificity to distinguish malignant from benign tissue, both impeding diagnosis of early and metastatic cancer stages and leading to costly and invasive surgeries. Tissue microarray analysis revealed that >98% of ovarian cancers express the prolactin receptor (PRLR), forming the basis of a new molecular imaging strategy. We fused human placental lactogen (hPL), a specific and tight binding PRLR ligand, to magnetic resonance imaging (gadolinium) and near-infrared fluorescence imaging agents. Both in tissue culture and in mouse models, these imaging bioconjugates underwent selective internalization into ovarian cancer cells via PRLR-mediated endocytosis. Compared with current clinical MRI techniques, this targeted approach yielded both enhanced signal-to-noise ratio from accumulation of signal via selective internalization and improved specificity conferred by PRLR upregulation in malignant ovarian cancer. These features endow PRLR-targeted imaging with the potential to transform ovarian cancer detection. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1684–96. ©2017 AACR.
Myeloid Cells That Impair Immunotherapy Are Restored in Melanomas with Acquired Resistance to BRAF Inhibitors
Authors: Steinberg Shannon M. , Shabaneh Tamer B. , Zhang Peisheng , Martyanov Viktor , Li Zhenghui , Malik Brian T. , Wood Tamara A. , Boni Andrea , Molodtsov Aleksey , Angeles Christina V. , Curiel Tyler J. , Whitfield Michael L. , Turk Mary Jo
Published: February 2017

Acquired resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitors (BRAFi) in melanoma remains a common clinical obstacle, as is the case for any targeted drug therapy that can be developed given the plastic nature of cancers. Although there has been significant focus on the cancer cell-intrinsic properties of BRAFi resistance, the impact of BRAFi resistance on host immunity has not been explored. Here we provide preclinical evidence that resistance to BRAFi in an autochthonous mouse model of melanoma is associated with restoration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment, initially reduced by BRAFi treatment. In contrast to restoration of MDSCs, levels of T regulatory cells remained reduced in BRAFi-resistant tumors. Accordingly, tumor gene expression signatures specific for myeloid cell chemotaxis and homeostasis reappeared in BRAFi-resistant tumors. Notably, MDSC restoration relied upon MAPK pathway reactivation and downstream production of the myeloid attractant CCL2 in BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells. Strikingly, although combination checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4 + anti-PD-1) was ineffective against BRAFi-resistant melanomas, the addition of MDSC depletion/blockade (anti-Gr-1 + CCR2 antagonist) prevented outgrowth of BRAFi-resistant tumors. Our results illustrate how extrinsic pathways of immunosuppression elaborated by melanoma cells dominate the tumor microenvironment and highlight the need to target extrinsic as well as intrinsic mechanisms of drug resistance. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1599–610. ©2017 AACR.
Evolution of Cancer Stem-like Cells in Endocrine-Resistant Metastatic Breast Cancers Is Mediated by Stromal Microvesicles
Authors: Sansone Pasquale , Berishaj Marjan , Rajasekhar Vinagolu K. , Ceccarelli Claudio , Chang Qing , Strillacci Antonio , Savini Claudia , Shapiro Lauren , Bowman Robert L. , Mastroleo Chiara , De Carolis Sabrina , Daly Laura , Benito-Martin Alberto , Perna Fabiana , Fabbri Nicola , Healey John H. , Spisni Enzo , Cricca Monica , Lyden David , Bonafé Massimiliano , Bromberg Jacqueline
Published: February 2017

The hypothesis that microvesicle-mediated miRNA transfer converts noncancer stem cells into cancer stem cells (CSC) leading to therapy resistance remains poorly investigated. Here we provide direct evidence supporting this hypothesis, by demonstrating how microvesicles derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) transfer miR-221 to promote hormonal therapy resistance (HTR) in models of luminal breast cancer. We determined that CAF-derived microvesicles horizontally transferred miR-221 to tumor cells and, in combination with hormone therapy, activated an ERlo/Notchhi feed-forward loop responsible for the generation of CD133hi CSCs. Importantly, microvesicles from patients with HTR metastatic disease expressed high levels of miR-221. We further determined that the IL6–pStat3 pathway promoted the biogenesis of onco-miR-221hi CAF microvesicles and established stromal CSC niches in experimental and patient-derived breast cancer models. Coinjection of patient-derived CAFs from bone metastases led to de novo HTR tumors, which was reversed with IL6R blockade. Finally, we generated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from patient-derived HTR bone metastases and analyzed tumor cells, stroma, and microvesicles. Murine and human CAFs were enriched in HTR tumors expressing high levels of CD133hi cells. Depletion of murine CAFs from PDX restored sensitivity to HT, with a concurrent reduction of CD133hi CSCs. Conversely, in models of CD133neg, HT-sensitive cancer cells, both murine and human CAFs promoted de novo HT resistance via the generation of CD133hi CSCs that expressed low levels of estrogen receptor alpha. Overall, our results illuminate how microvesicle-mediated horizontal transfer of genetic material from host stromal cells to cancer cells triggers the evolution of therapy-resistant metastases, with potentially broad implications for their control. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1927–41. ©2017 AACR.
MYC Mediates Large Oncosome-Induced Fibroblast Reprogramming in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Minciacchi Valentina R. , Spinelli Cristiana , Reis-Sobreiro Mariana , Cavallini Lorenzo , You Sungyong , Zandian Mandana , Li Xiaohong , Mishra Rajeev , Chiarugi Paola , Adam Rosalyn M. , Posadas Edwin M. , Viglietto Giuseppe , Freeman Michael R. , Cocucci Emanuele , Bhowmick Neil A. , Di Vizio Dolores
Published: February 2017

Communication between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment results in the modulation of complex signaling networks that facilitate tumor progression. Here, we describe a new mechanism of intercellular communication originating from large oncosomes (LO), which are cancer cell–derived, atypically large (1–10 μm) extracellular vesicles (EV). We demonstrate that, in the context of prostate cancer, LO harbor sustained AKT1 kinase activity, nominating them as active signaling platforms. Active AKT1 was detected in circulating EV from the plasma of metastatic prostate cancer patients and was LO specific. LO internalization induced reprogramming of human normal prostate fibroblasts as reflected by high levels of α-SMA, IL6, and MMP9. In turn, LO-reprogrammed normal prostate fibroblasts stimulated endothelial tube formation in vitro and promoted tumor growth in mice. Activation of stromal MYC was critical for this reprogramming and for the sustained cellular responses elicited by LO, both in vitro and in vivo in an AKT1-dependent manner. Inhibition of LO internalization prevented activation of MYC and impaired the tumor-supporting properties of fibroblasts. Overall, our data show that prostate cancer–derived LO powerfully promote establishment of a tumor-supportive environment by inducing a novel reprogramming of the stroma. This mechanism offers potential alternative options for patient treatment. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2306–17. ©2017 AACR.
Local and Global Cues in the Prosodic Realization of Broad and Narrow Focus in Bulgarian
Authors: Andreeva Bistra , Barry William John , Koreman Jacques
Published: February 2017

In this study, local and global prosodic cues for information structure are examined in the elicited production of six Bulgarian sentences. The sentences were produced in response to different questions, devised to prompt different focus realizations (broad focus and non-contrastive and contrastive narrow focus). Results show that speakers consistently differentiate broad and narrow focus by means of both local and global acoustic cues, by producing different pitch accent types on the nuclear syllable and reducing the ‘phonetic strength' of the default pre-nuclear accent in the narrow focus condition. Thus, the difference between the acoustic properties of the nuclear and the pre-nuclear accented syllables is smaller in the broad focus condition and greater in the narrow focus condition. Contrastive and non-contrastive narrow-focus accents are differentiated by local cues, i.e., by longer duration when the focus is early in the sentence and by global cues, i.e., by enhancing the tonal contrast between the nuclear prominence of CW2 and the pre-nuclear prominence of CW1 when the focus is late in the sentence.
The Effect of Admission Renal Function on the Treatment and Outcome of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rozenbaum Zach , Benchetrit Sydney , Minha Saar , Neuman Yoram , Shlezinger Meital , Goldenberg Ilan , Mosseri Morris , Pereg David
Published: February 2017

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a frequent comorbidity among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to evaluate treatment characteristics in ACS patients according to their renal function and to assess the effect of differences in therapy on clinical outcomes. Methods: Included were patients with ACS enrolled in the biennial Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Surveys (ACSIS) during 2000-2013. Excluded were patients with cardiogenic shock at presentation. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. The distribution of the eGFRs was divided into 4 categories (<45, 45-59.9, 60-74.9, and ≥75 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Results: A total of 13,194 patients with ACS were included. Patients with a reduced eGFR were less likely to be admitted to a coronary care unit and had lower rates of coronary angiograms and subsequent percutaneous coronary interventions. Furthermore, as the eGFR was lower, the patients were less frequently treated with aspirin, clopidogrel, β-blockers, and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers. We demonstrated an inverse association between renal function and 1-year mortality, with the highest mortality rates observed in the group with the lowest eGFR (HR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.9-4.9, p < 0.0001). Differences in mortality remained significant following a multivariate analysis for all the baseline characteristics as well as for invasive and medical treatment (HR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.9-3.7, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ACS patients with chronic kidney disease represent a high-risk group with an increased mortality risk. Despite this high risk, these patients are less frequently selected for an invasive treatment strategy and are less commonly treated with guideline-based medications. However, reduced renal function was associated with higher mortality regardless of the variations in therapy.
Factors Related to Cardioembolism as Major Predictors of Poor Survival after First-Ever Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke Treated with Thrombolysis
Authors: Ducci Renata Dal-Prá , Lange Marcos Christiano , Zétola Viviane de Hiroki Flumignan , Rundek Tatjana
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose: Prognostic factors related to mortality rates after stroke have been reported; however, most studies included different treatments and did not focus solely on ischemic stroke. The study aimed to report the short- and long-term survival and predictors of death in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, submitted to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Methods: A prospective observational cohort study of patients with first-ever ischemic stroke in the MCA territory treated with IVT from March 2010 to February 2015 was conducted, and patients were followed up until May 2015. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative case fatality rates. The potential prognostic factors were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: A total of 169 patients, 51% women of mean age of 64.1 ± 12.9 years were followed up for a median time of 23.6 (8.1-36.2) months. At the end of the study, 53 (31.4%) patients had died. The estimated cumulative case fatality rate was 41.8% for 5 years. Chronic heart failure (hazards ratio [HR] 2.89, 95% CI 1.43-5.84, p = 0.003), atrial fibrillation (HR 3.88, 95% CI 1.30-11.57, p = 0.015), and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH; HR 7.83, 95% CI 3.43-17.92, p < 0.001) were significant unfavorable independent outcome predictors. The most frequent cause of death was infection (46%). Conclusions: Stroke in the MCA territory has a high mortality rate, even in patients treated with IVT. SICH, atrial fibrillation, and chronic heart failure are modifiable factors related to cardioembolism that need to be aggressively targeted for improved outcomes after stroke.
A Comparison of the Thompson Encephalopathy Score and Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography in Infants with Perinatal Asphyxia and Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Weeke Lauren C. , Vilan Ana , Toet Mona C. , van Haastert Ingrid C. , de Vries Linda S. , Groenendaal Floris
Published: February 2017

Background: In previous studies clinical signs or amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG)-based signs of encephalopathy were used to select infants with perinatal asphyxia for treatment with hypothermia. Aim: The objective of this study was to compare Thompson encephalopathy scores and aEEG, and relate both to outcome. Subjects and Methods: Thompson scores, aEEG, and outcome were compared in 122 infants with perinatal asphyxia and therapeutic hypothermia. Of these 122 infants, 41 died and 7 had an adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was also performed. Results: Thompson scores were higher in infants with more abnormal aEEG background patterns (ANOVA, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis demonstrated that a Thompson score of 11 or higher or an aEEG background pattern of continuous low voltage or worse was associated with an adverse outcome (AUC 0.84 for both). Conclusions: High Thompson scores and a suppressed aEEG background pattern are associated with an adverse outcome after perinatal asphyxia and therapeutic hypothermia. Further studies are needed to identify the best technique with which to select patients for therapeutic hypothermia
MRI-Based Neuroanatomical Predictors of Dysphagia, Dysarthria, and Aphasia in Patients with First Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Flowers Heather L. , AlHarbi Mohammed A. , Mikulis David , Silver Frank L. , Rochon Elizabeth , Streiner David , Martino Rosemary
Published: February 2017

Background: Due to the high post-stroke frequency of dysphagia, dysarthria, and aphasia, we developed comprehensive neuroanatomical, clinical, and demographic models to predict their presence after acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The sample included 160 randomly selected first-ever stroke patients with confirmed infarction on magnetic resonance imaging from 1 tertiary stroke center. We documented acute lesions within 12 neuroanatomical regions and their associated volumes. Further, we identified concomitant chronic brain disease, including atrophy, white matter hyperintensities, and covert strokes. We developed predictive models using logistic regression with odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) including demographic, clinical, and acute and chronic neuroanatomical factors. Results: Predictors of dysphagia included medullary (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.5–25.8), insular (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.0–11.8), and pontine (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2–10.1) lesions, followed by brain atrophy (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.04–8.6), internal capsular lesions (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.6), and increasing age (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8). Predictors of dysarthria included pontine (OR 7.8, 95% CI 2.7–22.9), insular (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.8–11.4), and internal capsular (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.9) lesions. Predictors of aphasia included left hemisphere insular (OR 34.4, 95% CI 4.2–283.4), thalamic (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.6–24.4), and cortical middle cerebral artery (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.5–14.2) lesions. Conclusion: Predicting outcomes following acute stroke is important for treatment decisions. Determining the risk of major post-stroke impairments requires consideration of factors beyond lesion localization. Accordingly, we demonstrated interactions between localized and global brain function for dysphagia and elucidated common lesion locations across 3 debilitating impairments.
Circulating miR-30d Predicts Survival in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Xiao Junjie , Gao Rongrong , Bei Yihua , Zhou Qiulian , Zhou Yanli , Zhang Haifeng , Jin Mengchao , Wei Siqi , Wang Kai , Xu Xuejuan , Yao Wenming , Xu Dongjie , Zhou Fang , Jiang Jingfa , Li Xinli , Das Saumya
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: Identification of novel biomarkers to identify acute heart failure (AHF) patients at high risk of mortality is an area of unmet clinical need. Recently, we reported that the baseline level of circulating miR-30d was associated with left ventricular remodeling in response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in advanced chronic heart failure patients. However, the role of circulating miR-30d as a prognostic marker of survival in patients with AHF has not been explored. Methods: Patients clinically diagnosed with AHF were enrolled and followed up for 1 year. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions were used to determine serum miR-30d levels. The univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the predictors for all-cause mortality in AHF patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the role of miR-30d in prediction of survival. Results: A total of 96 AHF patients were enrolled and followed up for 1 year. Serum miR-30d was significantly lower in AHF patients who expired in the one year follow-up period compared to those who survived. Univariate logistic regression analysis yielded 18 variables that were associated with all-cause mortality in AHF patients, while the multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 4 variables including heart rate, hemoglobin, serum sodium, and serum miR-30d level associated with mortality. ROC curve analysis showed that hemoglobin, heart rate and serum sodium displayed poor prognostic value for AHF (AUCs not higher than 0.700) compared to miR-30d level (AUC = 0.806). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis confirmed that patients with higher serum miR-30d levels had significantly lower mortality (P=0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study shows evidence for the predictive value of circulating miR-30d as 1-year all-cause mortality in AHF patients. Large multicentre studies are further needed to validate our findings and accelerate the transition to clinical utilization.
Anthropologists in “Portuguese Africa”: The History of a Secret Mission
Authors: Macagno Lorenzo
Published: February 2017

From 1956 to 1957, Marvin Harris, professor at the University of Columbia visited Mozambique to carry out fieldwork on the exploitation of the African labor force in that “Overseas Province”. Due to his criticisms of the regime, Marvin Harris was declared persona non grata by the colonial authorities and had to abandon Mozambique. In 1960, in an attempt to reverse the negative impression that Harris had left, the Portuguese anthropologist Jorge Dias invited Charles Wagley – at that time a confirmed “Brazilianist” – to make a journey throughout the “Overseas Provinces” of Mozambique, Angola and Guinea-Bissau. Throughout that journey, Jorge Dias attempted to show Charles Wagley the daily reality of a “racial harmony” supposedly without conflict in the “Overseas Provinces”. The journey was supported by the Portuguese Overseas Minister, Adriano Moreira, and was part of an attempt to promote academic exchange between the Instituto Superior de EstudosUltramarinos (ISEU) of Lisbon and the University of Columbia. This article explores the political and academic consequences of that “confidential” journey performed on the eve of the struggle against colonialism in Portuguese Africa
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Atherosclerosis and Atherothrombosis
Authors: Döring Yvonne , Soehnlein Oliver , Weber Christian
Published: February 2017

Neutrophil extracellular traps expelled from suicidal neutrophils comprise a complex structure of nuclear chromatin and proteins of nuclear, granular, and cytosolic origin. These net-like structures have also been detected in atherosclerotic lesions and arterial thrombi in humans and mice. Functionally, neutrophil extracellular traps have been shown to induce activation of endothelial cells, antigen-presenting cells, and platelets, resulting in a proinflammatory immune response. Overall, this suggests that they are not only present in plaques and thrombi but also they may play a causative role in triggering atherosclerotic plaque formation and arterial thrombosis. This review will focus on current findings of the involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps in atherogenesis and atherothrombosis.
Thrombus Migration in the Middle Cerebral Artery: Incidence, Imaging Signs, and Impact on Success of Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Kaesmacher Johannes , Maegerlein Christian , Kaesmacher Mirjam , Zimmer Claus , Poppert Holger , Friedrich Benjamin , Boeckh‐Behrens Tobias , Kleine Justus F.
Published: February 2017

Background

Thrombus migration (
TM
) in intracranial vessels during ischemic stroke has been reported in the form of case reports, but its incidence, impact on the technical success of subsequent endovascular thrombectomy and patients' outcome have never been studied systematically.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis was done of 409 patients with isolated middle cerebral artery occlusions treated with endovascular thrombectomy.
TM
was observed (1) by analyzing discrepancies between computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography and (2) by comparing infarct pattern in the striatocapsular region with exact, angiographically assessed thrombus location within the M1‐segment and the involvement of the middle cerebral artery perforators. Preinterventional infarction of discrepant regions (infarction in regions supplied by more proximal vessels than those occluded by the clot) was ensured by carefully reviewing available preinterventional multimodal imaging. Adequate imaging inclusion criteria were met by 325 patients. Ninety‐seven patients showed signs of
TM
(26 with direct evidence, 71 with indirect evidence). There was no difference in the frequency of preinterventional intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration between patients with
TM
and those without (63.9% vs 64.9%,
P
=0.899).
TM
was associated with lower rates of complete reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 3) (adjusted odds ratio 0.400, 95%
CI
0.226‐0.707). Subsequently, preinterventional
TM
was associated with lower rates of substantial neurologic improvement (adjusted odds ratio 0.541, 95%
CI
0.309‐0.946).

Conclusions

Preinterventional
TM
does not seem to be facilitated by intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and often occurs spontaneously. However,
TM
is associated with the risk of incomplete reperfusion in subsequent thrombectomy, suggesting increased clot fragility. Occurrence of
TM
may thereby have a substantial impact on the outcome of endovascularly treated stroke patients.
Teresa Wennberg, Pioneer Video and Computer Artist: Early Experiences in Video and Computer Art
Authors: Wennberg Teresa
Published: February 2017

The author, a Swedish artist, arrived in Paris in the 1970s as a painter. She then began working with electronic images and was one of the first artists to produce video in France. Following the evolution of the technology very closely, she continued to develop 2D and 3D computer art, often presented as multimedia installations. Eventually, she began working with virtual reality. In this article, she delivers a personal recollection of the beginning of her artistic meandering, current through the time of writing.
Faunistic studies of the tribe Brachinini (Carabidae: Coleoptera) from northern Pakistan
Authors: ULLAH MISHKAT , NAEEM MUHAMMAD , MAHMOOD KHALID , RAFI MUHAMMAD ATHER
Published: February 2017

A faunistic study of the tribe Brachinini from northern Pakistan was carried out including extensive fieldwork collections and specimens housed in the Insect Repository, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad and the National Insect Museum, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Ten species belonging to three genera were identified from the study area, including four new records for Pakistan, Brachinus (Brachinus) ejaculans Fischer Von Waldheim, 1828, Brachinus (Neobrachinus) pallidipes Reitter, 1919, Pheropsophus (Stenaptinus) consularis (Schmidt-Goebel, 1846) and Pheropsophus (Stenaptinus) lineifrons Chaudoir, 1850. A key for these species is provided. A new combination is proposed for Brachinus (Brachynolomus) pallidipes Reitter, 1919, namely Brachinus (Neobrachinus) pallidipes Reitter, 1919, comb. nov.
Two new species of Mendozellus Linnavuori (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Deltocephalini) with redescription of Mendozellus asunctia Cheng
Authors: DUAN YANI , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: February 2017

Mendozellus paralaredanus sp. n. from Uruguay and M. rakitovi sp. n. from Peru are described. M. asunctia Cheng is redescribed, the ovipositor is illustrated for the first time, and newly recorded from Argentina. M. serratus DeLong is transferred to Haldorus Oman based on the male genitalia structure, creating the new combination H. serratus (DeLong), comb. n. A checklist and key to species of Mendozellus are provided.
An emerging “Islandian” sovereignty of non-self-governing islands
Authors: Prinsen Gerard , Blaise Séverine
Published: February 2017

Comparative analyses have found that non-self-governing islands tend to have much better development indicators than sovereign islands. Perhaps unsurprisingly, since 1983 no non-self-governing island has acquired political independence. This paper argues that rather than merely maintaining the status quo with their colonial metropoles, non-self-governing islands are actively creating a new form of sovereignty. This creation of an “Islandian” sovereignty takes place against the backdrop of debates on the relevance of classic Westphalian sovereignty and emerging practices of Indigenous sovereignty. This paper reviews global research on the sovereignty of islands and from this review, develops an analytical framework of five mechanisms that drive the emerging Islandian sovereignty. This framework is tested and illustrated with a case study of the negotiations about sovereignty between New Caledonia and its colonial metropole, France.
L1 Peptide–Conjugated Fibrin Hydrogels Promote Salivary Gland Regeneration
Authors: Nam K. , Wang C.-S. , Maruyama C.L.M. , Lei P. , Andreadis S.T. , Baker O.J.
Published: February 2017

Hyposalivation contributes to dental caries, periodontitis, and microbial infections. Additionally, it impairs activities of daily living (e.g., speaking, chewing, and swallowing). Treatments for hyposalivation are currently limited to medications (e.g., the muscarinic receptor agonists pilocarpine and cevimeline) that induce saliva secretion from residual acinar cells and the use of saliva substitutes. However, given that these therapies provide only temporary relief, the development of alternative treatments to restore gland function is essential. Previous studies demonstrated that laminin 1 (L1) is critical for intact salivary cell cluster formation and organization. However, the full L1 sequence is not suitable for clinical applications, as each protein domain may contribute to unwanted effects, such as degradation, tumorigenesis, and immune responses that, when compounded, outweigh the potential benefits provided by their sum. Although the L1 peptides YIGSR and A99 linked to fibrin hydrogels (FHs) promote intact salivary epithelial formation in vitro, little is known about their role during salivary gland regeneration in vivo. Therefore, the goal of this study was to demonstrate whether L1 peptides conjugated to FHs promote tissue regeneration in a wound-healing model of mouse submandibular glands (mSMGs). Our results suggest that YIGSR-A99 peptides, chemically conjugated to FHs and applied to wounded mSMGs in vivo, formed new organized salivary tissue. In contrast, wounded mSMGs treated with FHs alone or in the absence of a scaffold showed disorganized collagen formation and poor tissue healing. Together these studies indicate that damaged salivary gland tissue can grow and differentiate when treated with FHs containing L1 peptides.
Complaints against health-care professionals providing police custodial and forensic medical/health-care services and sexual offence examiner services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Authors: Kennedy Kieran M , Green Peter G , Payne-James J Jason
Published: February 2017

Complaints management is an integral component of good clinical governance and an essential contributor to patient safety. Little is known about complaints against health-care professionals (HCPs) in police custodial settings and sexual assault referral centres. This study explored the frequency with which complaints are made against such HCPs working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It explored the nature of those complaints and the procedures by which they are investigated. Relevant information was requested from all police services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; professional regulatory bodies; and the Independent Police Complaints Commission under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Eighty-nine per cent of police services responded to the FOIA request. However, only a minority of these provided detailed information. Many police services cited the provision of health-care services by external providers as the reason for not holding information upon complaints. There was no evidence of any upward trend in the numbers of complaints over the study period. Delayed response to a request for attendance, incivility, medication issues and issues regarding the quality of reports and evidence were amongst the most common types of complaints described. A small number of responders provided copies of the disciplinary procedures used to manage complaints against HCPs. Significant heterogeneity exists in respect of complaints handling procedures across custodial and forensic medical/health-care services and sexual offence examiner services. An opportunity to identify learning for improvement is being missed as a result of the absence of standardised complaints handling procedures.
Who Benefits From IFRS Convergence in China?
Authors: Chen Chao , Lee Edward , Lobo Gerald J. , Zhu Jessie
Published: February 2017

We study the ex ante stock market reactions to events leading up to China’s convergence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The literature consistently shows that the benefits of mandatory IFRS convergence are concentrated in countries with stronger legal enforcement and investor protection. Given that these institutional characteristics are weaker in China relative to more developed Western economies, whether mandating IFRS will benefit the Chinese capital market is an interesting and important, but unanswered question. We find that the Chinese stock market reacts favorably to events leading up to IFRS convergence, and this effect is more pronounced among firms with greater dependence on external capital. This result suggests the market anticipates that such firms will benefit more from IFRS convergence, possibly because of improved financial reporting quality and access to external financing. Additional tests confirm that the value relevance of accounting numbers for these firms is higher following IFRS convergence.
Saving the Great Barrier Reef from disaster, media then and now
Authors: Foxwell-Norton Kerrie , Lester Libby
Published: February 2017

The Great Barrier Reef is the most recognizable of the Australian properties on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List. At the time of its inscription in 1981, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature noted that ‘… if only one coral reef site in the world were to be chosen for the World Heritage List, the Great Barrier Reef is the site to be chosen’. The listing followed the ‘Save the Reef’ campaign, which ran through the 1960s and 1970s and highlighted threats from rapid industrialization and a nation riding a resources boom. Nevertheless, in recent years, the Reef has teetered on being named a ‘World Heritage Site in Danger’, with similar economic conditions driving its deterioration. This article juxtaposes recent media activism to protect the Reef against the earlier campaign in order to compare and better understand how these campaigns engaged publics and policy makers by representing and communicating threats, and concludes by considering their capacity to influence long-term conservation policy.
Local–national political trust patterns: Why China is an exception
Authors: Wu Cary , Wilkes Rima
Published: February 2017

Is political trust in China anomalous? In most countries there are systematic differences in the level of trust in national and local government that take one of three patterns. In some countries, individuals trust the national government more than local government (hierarchical trust); in others individuals trust local government more than national government; while in some countries individuals trust both levels of government equally. Of 11 Asian societies, the only country where hierarchical trust predominates is China. Elsewhere the norm is to put more trust in local levels of government. While previous studies have described the pattern of trust in China, no study has considered relative trust as an outcome or comparatively. Taking advantage of the 2006 and 2010 Asian Barometer Survey data we consider whether the hierarchical trust pattern in China is the result of political control, culture, and/or performance. We find that political control explains the hierarchical trust pattern in China.
Preventive Biomechanics: A Paradigm Shift With a Translational Approach to Injury Prevention
Authors: Hewett Timothy E. , Bates Nathaniel A.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Preventive medicine techniques have alleviated billions of dollars’ worth of the economic burden in the medical care system through the implementation of vaccinations and screenings before the onset of disease symptoms. Knowledge of biomechanical tendencies has progressed rapidly over the past 20 years such that clinicians can identify, in healthy athletes, the underlying mechanisms that lead to catastrophic injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. As such, preventive medicine concepts can be applied to noncontact musculoskeletal injuries to reduce the economic burden of sports medicine treatments and enhance the long-term health of athletes.

Purpose:

To illustrate the practical medical benefits that could be gained from preventive biomechanics applied to the ACL as well as the need and feasibility for the broad implementation of these principles.

Study Design:

Literature review.

Methods:

The recent literature pertinent to the screening and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries was reviewed and compiled into a clinical commentary on the current state and applicability of preventive biomechanics.

Results:

Investigators have identified neuromuscular training protocols that screen for and correct the underlying biomechanical deficits that lead to ACL injuries. The literature shows that when athletes comply with these prescribed training protocols, the incidence of injuries is significantly reduced within that population. Such preventive biomechanics practices employ basic training methods that would be familiar to athletic coaches and have the potential to save billions of dollars in cost in sports medicine.

Conclusion:

The widespread implementation of preventive biomechanics concepts could profoundly affect the field of sports medicine with a minimum of initial investment.
Retail food reform
Authors: Dojeiji Laurie , Taylor Andra , Boland Cholly , Brennan Carolyn , Penney Randy
Published: February 2017

Hospital leaders in Eastern Ontario, Canada, have acknowledged the critical role of food to health and the need for progressive change that goes beyond personal responsibility paradigms. The Healthy Foods in Champlain Hospitals program aims to create supportive, healthy nutrition environments in hospital retail food settings. Twenty independent hospital corporations have collectively initiated a plan to transition cafeteria, vending, franchise, and volunteer operations towards healthier offerings. Hospitals are actively implementing a set of progressively phased, evidence-based nutrition criteria, which cover food and beverage categories, preparation methods, product placement, and provision of nutrition information. Implementation strategies and successes, as well as challenges and limitations, are discussed.
Water recycling at the Nova Scotia Hospital Central Laundry
Authors: Bligh David , Dingwell Dylan
Published: February 2017

A water recycling system was installed at the Nova Scotia Hospital Central Laundry in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in the spring of 2014. The consequent reductions in the consumption of water and steam at this facility have been measured over a 20-month period and are presented here in nominal units and as a financial analysis. Cumulative savings over this period have been calculated to be $351,567, representing a 53% annual return on investment after accounting for annual operating and maintenance costs.
Regional Industry Analysis: An Approach for Large and Smaller Economies
Authors: Mason Susan G. , Zhu Pengyu , Van Dyke John
Published: February 2017

Some challenges communities of all sizes face in identifying the strengths and weaknesses in their regional economy include access to the data and the complexity of the models available to evaluate their regional economies. This research proposes a holistic and accessible method of industry analysis and applies it to the Boise–Nampa Metropolitan Statistical Area. By combining a quantitative quadrant method with a qualitative analyses based on focus groups and interviews, our synergistic approach not only more accurately identifies industry clusters than any isolated approaches but also more concretely examines the multidimensional links between industries and their ties. This methodology is applicable to virtually any size community to learn about its economic strengths and weaknesses and make decisions on where to target its resources for the benefit of the community.
Treatment-Seeking Behaviors of Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Schlaeger Judith M. , Roach Keesha , Golas Mary , Takayama Miho , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Describe perceptions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regarding disease-related pain, tendency to tell others about their pain, and treatments used since diagnosis. Design: Cross sectional, exploratory. Method: A total of 63 participants responded to telephone interview about their treatments and tendency to tell others about their RA pain. They also responded to McGill Pain Questionnaire and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) items. Participants marked pain location on mailed body outlines. Findings: RA diagnosis occurred an average of 11 years prior. Mean HAQ Standard Disability Index score was 1.26. Previous week symptoms were joint pain (97%), joint swelling (83%), decreased movement/function (83%), fatigue (70%), muscle weakness (65%). Mean morning stiffness duration was 120 ± 137 minutes. Mean pain intensity was 1.15 ± 0.6 at its least and 3.8 ± 1.1 at its worst. 65% were not satisfied with pain levels. 57% stated a tendency not to tell others about their pain; 43% tended to tell. 78% used medications and alternative therapies, none solely used alternative therapies, and 22% only used medications. Conclusions: RA patients reported high rates of alternative therapy use. Dissatisfaction with pain levels indicates need for improved pain management. Not talking about pain lends insights into the importance of teaching patients to communicate their pain to others.
Pressure to Manage Ratios and Willingness to Do So: Evidence From Nonprofit Managers
Authors: Parsons Linda M. , Pryor Charlotte , Roberts Andrea Alston
Published: February 2017

We survey 200 nonprofit executives to investigate the pressure they experience to manage so-called efficiency ratios, and their reactions to that pressure. Specifically, we investigate whether managers’ perceptions of donor pressure are influenced by (a) the degree to which they rely on contributions and government grants, (b) the existence of restricted gifts, (c) oversight by monitoring institutions that may affect donor giving decisions, and (d) the sophistication of management. We then examine factors that affect the likelihood that managers will engage in ratio management. Interestingly, we find no evidence that nonprofits that rely more heavily on donor support feel greater donor pressure. Instead, we provide evidence that specific donors, such as those who make restricted gifts and government grantors, influence perceptions of pressure. Furthermore, more sophisticated managers perceive less pressure to manage ratios. When facing pressure to manage ratios, monitors and sophisticated managers reduce the likelihood of ratio management.
Long-term environmental change in eastern Tasmania: Vegetation, climate and fire at Stoney Lagoon
Authors: Jones Penelope J , Thomas Ian , Fletcher Michael-Shawn
Published: February 2017

Tasmania’s dry, inland east is ideally positioned to inform models of late Quaternary environmental change in southern Australasia. Despite this, it remains poorly represented in the palaeoecological record. Here, we seek to address this with a >13,000-year vegetation and fire history from Stoney Lagoon, a site at the eastern margin of Tasmania’s inland Midlands plains. Pollen and charcoal analysis indicates that here, a relatively moist early deglacial was followed by a dry later deglacial (ca. 14,000–12,000 cal. BP), when sclerophyll forests became well established and burning increased. This suggests that the Midlands’ vegetation responded to the climatic signals characterising Australia’s south-eastern coast rather than those governing developments in western Tasmania. Dry sclerophyll forest persisted throughout the Holocene; with a pronounced transition from more to less grassy understoreys between ca. 9000 and 7000 cal. BP. From the mid-Holocene, the sclerophyll community remains relatively stable. However, increased fire activity and trends in moisture-sensitive taxa suggest generally drier conditions coupled with greater hydroclimatic variability under the strengthening influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Overall, these results highlight the role of macro-scale climatic shifts in shaping vegetation development in Tasmania’s inland east, while hinting at the concurrent importance of local ecological drivers. This highlights the need for spatially diverse studies to understand interactions between drivers of long-term environmental change in sub-humid southern Australia. This research also supports conservation by strengthening understandings of pre-colonial baselines in this highly modified landscape.