bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board Rudiments and the Executive Attitude Towards Corporate Risk-Taking
Authors: Lawal Bello
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the effect of key board distinctiveness on managerial risk-taking behaviour. Using a total sample of 121 firms made up of 1,166 corporate directors and 847 firm-year observations, the study finds robust evidence across the three stages of estimation that suggests power separation in terms of CEO non-duality is negatively associated with executive risk-taking due to enhanced board assertiveness and independence. Board size is inversely associated with the variability of market value measure both within and at inter-firm levels. With average board membership in the study sample made up of 10 directors, the study finds crucial empirical evidence that points to the key benefits of large board configuration including the social capital, diversity of thoughts, knowledge, and experience, effectiveness and vigilance which curtails executive entrenchment. In contrast, the paper records positive association between the presence of foreign directors and corporate risk-taking. Due to their wealth of experiences, foreign directors tend to have more strategic sense of purpose and are likely not to hesitate in taking appropriate risk decisions when it really matters. While the paper finds little evidence that suggests a within-firm positive relationship between board independence and managerial risky propensities, there was no evidence found to indicate that board quality and ethnic diversity affects corporate risk-taking.
The influence of educational nursing intervention on the eating habits and anthropometric values of people who have undergone coronary surgery
Authors: Ledo Dora R.M. , Ferreira Paulo A.C. , Silva Armando M.M.
Published: March 2018

Objective: Educational nursing intervention is a strategy that can be useful for changing behaviours in a person’s health. Hospitalisation for coronary surgery is a valuable opportunity for the nurse to implement the knowledge which aims to promote healthy behaviours and secondarily, prevent coronary and cardiovascular disease, as these continue to be the main causes of death worldwide. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of educational nursing intervention in the promotion of a healthy diet and in the anthropometric values (body mass index and waist perimeter) of people who have undergone coronary surgery.Methods: A quantitative and quasi-experimental study was conducted on a control group (20 participants in each group). The experimental group was submitted to a personalised structured educational intervention during hospitalisation, in the nursing follow-up visit (two to three weeks after surgery) and over the phone (two months after surgery). Each group went through two evaluations: the first before the surgery, and the second three months after the surgery. The instruments used to collect data included: the sociodemographic and clinical characterisation questionnaire and the Eating Habits Scale. Non-parametric tests were used.Results: The findings showed that 77.5% of the participants were male and 22.5% female. The participants’ average age was 67.35 ± 8.151. Results showed a significant improvement in the eating habits of both groups, with higher relevance in the experimental group and a reduction of the body mass index and waist perimeter exclusively in the experimental group.Conclusions: Regarding people who have undergone coronary surgery, personalised structured educational nursing intervention is a useful tool in obtaining health benefits and in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. More extensive and comprehensive studies are recommended to verify the results and enhance their success.
A cross-sectional analysis of joint status and quality of life in children and adolescents with haemophilia in Romania
Authors: Mihailov Delia , Arghirescu Smaranda , Poenaru Dan , Patrascu Jenel , Ursu Cristina , Diaconu Adriana , Traila Adina , Jinca Cristian , Serban Margit
Published: March 2018

Background: Haemophilia is a congenital disorder of coagulation with high economic burden due to its requirement for an expensive, lifelong replacement therapy, with additional costs for the frequent complications and for the severe handicapping consequences. The objective of this cross-sectional study aimed at giving an insight into the health condition of young haemophiliacs in the absence of a regular prophylactic therapy. Methods: It was conducted on a heterogeneous group of 37 children and adolescents (4–24 years of age), with similar on demand therapeutic regimen, coming from the whole country, focusing on the joint status by using the Haemophila Joint Health Score (HJHS) system and on quality of life (QoL) by using the EQ-5D-3L-Y questionnaire. Results: The results revealed an impressive situation: 70.3 % with chronic arthropathy, 19 % with target joints, 69 % with multiple joint involvement, mainly elbow (41 %) and knee (34 %), joint damage starting in the age group 6–12 years (18.18 % arthropathy vs. 96 % in the age group above 12 years). Joint score (6.67 ± 7.92), gait score (0.75 ± 1.14) and HJHS (7.43 ± 8.78) were highly correlated (r = 0.7, p = 0.001) with the annualised bleeding rate ABR (16.2 ± 12.1). They impacted the QoL in all domains, also expressed by a VAS of 68.39 ± 21.6. Conclusion: We concluded that in the situation of an international consensus that prophylactic replacement can prevent cost-effectively and cost-efficiently the deleterious joint damages, our study is supporting the introduction even of secondary and tertiary prophylaxis in young patients in our country.
Identity, Nasab, and Kafaah in Marital Life: A Look into Indonesian Arab Women in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Vera Nawiroh , Mulyana Deddy , Erdinaya Lukiati Komala , Sjafirah Nuryah Asri
Published: March 2018

This research aims to reveal the identity of Indonesian Arab women in terms of nasab and kafa’ah marriage. To analyze the research finding the researchers use Social Practice theory from Bourdieu – Habitus and Doxa concept and the Communication Identity theory of Hecht. The lineage of the Arabs is patrilineal; therefore, the Arab men are more flexible in terms of choosing a mate. However, Arab women have to struggle hard if they are going to marry men from different groups. This research uses critical ethnographic methods, and the data is obtained through observations and interviews. The results show that the identity of Arab women is historically formed by Arab ethnic patriarchal culture from its home region of Yemen. The position of Solo Arab women as a subordinate group that is socially marginalized is due to the narrowness of women's space. Women are considered as a group with no extensive knowledge of the tradition of nasab and kafaah marriage.
Improving Mathematical Learning by the Use of Computer Programming
Authors: Rodprayoon Nachayapat , Nuangjamnong Chompu , Maj Stanislaw Paul
Published: March 2018

Computer technology is now an integral aspect of modern life. It is also a tool that can support the learning of different disciplines. Computer technology provides the possibility to display rich graphical images which may be especially important when teaching different branches of mathematics such as trigonometry. An on-screen image (diagram) clearly demonstrates the relationship between key learning points and how they interact. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the associated program supports interactive learning in which the parameters may be modified and the result displayed - which is basis of the constructivist theory of pedagogy. This paper is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the use of computer science as a tool to improve the teaching of trigonometry.
La gérontocroissance et le vieillissement au Canada atlantique au cours de la période 1981–2011 : tendances évolutives et dynamiques à l’oeuvre sur la structure de peuplement
Authors: Simard Majella
Published: March 2018

La gérontocroissance et le vieillissement représentent deux réalités démographiques différentes qui se manifestent avec des rythmes et des intensités variables en Atlantique. Même si la population est relativement jeune, l’augmentation de la population âgée est très rapide. Une telle évolution interroge. Comment s’opère ce processus entre les différents territoires? Quelles sont les implications locales? Le but de cet article consiste à analyser la trajectoire de ces deux phénomènes en Atlantique entre 1981 et 2011. Le matériel empirique utilisé s’appuie sur les données des différents recensements de Statistique Canada. L’évolution du nombre et de la proportion d’aînés est mise en exergue avec certaines caractéristiques liées à la structure de peuplement, à l’économie et au niveau de revenus. Les résultats révèlent que les milieux ruraux et, plus spécifiquement, les localités de petite taille démographique sont davantage enclins au vieillissement comparativement aux villes. Néanmoins, la gérontocroissance est aussi le fait du monde rural, la majorité des localités étant aux prises avec cette réalité. Comme les municipalités les plus vieillies ont tendance à se situer loin des villes et à souffrir de décroissance démographique, une éventuelle politique publique à destination des aînés devrait aussi s’arrimer à une stratégie d’aménagement du territoire.
L’Association des pêcheurs de l’île et le développement territorial de Lamèque : leadership, mobilisation sociale, autonomisation et gouvernance
Authors: Mulamba George Ohelo , Chouinard Omer , Leclerc André , Beaudin Maurice
Published: March 2018

Ayant célébré son 70e anniversaire en 2013, l’Association coopérative des pêcheurs de l’île est un bel exemple de prise en charge dans une petite communauté de pêche. Ce texte analyse une dimension du succès de cette expérience collective, ses pratiques de relation inclusive avec les parties prenantes et de gouvernance. En s’appuyant sur une recherche qualitative et l’approche du développement territorial, un modèle d’interprétation est proposé. Ce modèle met en relation quatre concepts : le leadership, la mobilisation sociale, l’autonomisation et la gouvernance.
Représentations et idéologies linguistiques en milieu scolaire minoritaire : réflexions des élèves du cours Parler acadien sur la variation linguistique
Authors: Landry Jonathan
Published: March 2018

De manière à éviter la stigmatisation des pratiques langagières non conformes au modèle linguistique scolaire et à réduire l’insécurité linguistique des élèves, le cours Parler acadien a été mis sur pied, en 2008, au sein d’une école du sud-est néobrunswickois dans le but d’aborder le phénomène de la variation linguistique. Dans le cadre de ce cours, dans lequel une observation participante a été effectuée de février à juin 2012, j’ai pu relever certaines représentations linguistiques afférentes au français standard, à l’anglais et au chiac et cet article a pour but d’en présenter les principales1.

Au moyen de l’analyse critique de discours, je mettrai en exergue certaines idéologies linguistiques et la façon dont ces langues semblent être instrumentalisées. Les résultats de recherche montrent que les valeurs attribuées au vernaculaire restent toujours représentées comme étant moins « prestigieuses » que les valeurs qui fondent la légitimité de la langue dominante.
Significance of Preoperative Systemic Inflammation Score in Short‐Term and Long‐Term Outcomes of Patients with Pathological T2–4 Gastric Cancer After Radical Gastrectomy
Authors: Sato Bin , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Iwata Naoki , Hattori Norifumi , Suenaga Masaya , Hayashi Masamichi , Yamada Suguru , Murotani Kenta , Fujiwara Michitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: March 2018

Background

Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with gastric cancer (GC). Development of a simple, high‐performance, integrated scoring system is needed to provide appropriate management. This study aimed to evaluate predictive values of the systemic inflammation score (SIS) for short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for GC.

Methods

A total of 187 patients who underwent gastrectomy for pT2–4 GC without preoperative treatment were analyzed. SIS was formulated based on serum albumin level and lymphocyte–monocyte ratio, and graded into SIS 0, 1, and 2.

Results

Preoperative SIS was significantly associated with incidence of postoperative complications, showing a stepwise increased incidence in proportion to SIS in the entire cohort and all subgroups according to operative procedure and disease stage. Overall and disease‐free survival times of patients in SIS 0, 1, and 2 shortened in a stepwise fashion. SIS was linked to prevalence of hematogenous metastasis as initial recurrence site. Survival differences between patients with SIS 2 and the others were particularly large in patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The continuation rate of adjuvant S‐1 was lower in the SIS 2 group.

Conclusion

SIS represents a simple predictor for incidence of postoperative complications and survival in patients with pT2–4 GC.
Validation of the FLIGHTLAB virtual engineering toolset
Authors: Du Val R. W. , He C.
Published: March 2018

As simulation has become an integral part of the overall life-cycle support of aircraft, the need for effective Virtual Engineering (VE) tools to support these activities has increased. FLIGHTLAB is a state-of-the-art, aircraft modelling and simulation software tool, that has been designed to address this need and is widely used in rotorcraft design, analysis, test and evaluation, and full-flight simulation applications. This VE tool supports the development and analysis of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft with an extensive library of modelling components which have been successfully used and validated in numerous, real-world applications. These components provide comprehensive modelling of aerodynamic, structural, control and propulsion disciplines. Analyses include performance, dynamic response, stability and control, airloads, and structural loads. Graphical User Interfaces and an interactive scripting language provide user-friendly operation. This paper describes the capabilities and validation activities that have been undertaken to support the development of the commercial VE toolset FLIGHTLAB over the last 20 years and discusses future rotorcraft challenges that could be addressed by enhancements to current generation VE tools.
Demand for Organic Fluid Milk across Marketing Channels
Authors: Li Xianghong , Peterson Hikaru Hanawa , Xia Tian
Published: March 2018

Organic food products, which have been sold traditionally at natural food stores, have become increasingly available through mass marketing channels. This study estimated an almost ideal demand system (AIDS) model using 2008–2010 retail scanner data to examine consumer demand for organic fluid milk products sold at conventional and natural marketing channels. Asymmetric cross-price elasticities were found suggesting relative stickiness in demand to switch from organic milk to conventional milk and from natural stores to food, drug, and mass merchandiser stores. More generally, demands shifting toward products with higher expenditure elasticities in a differentiated market can be explained by relative budget shares and expenditure elasticities.
On the two-filter approximations of marginal smoothing distributions in general state-space models
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh , Le Corff Sylvain , Moulines Eric
Published: March 2018

A prevalent problem in general state-space models is the approximation of the smoothing distribution of a state conditional on the observations from the past, the present, and the future. The aim of this paper is to provide a rigorous analysis of such approximations of smoothed distributions provided by the two-filter algorithms. We extend the results available for the approximation of smoothing distributions to these two-filter approaches which combine a forward filter approximating the filtering distributions with a backward information filter approximating a quantity proportional to the posterior distribution of the state, given future observations.
Uniform convergence of conditional distributions for absorbed one-dimensional diffusions
Authors: Champagnat Nicolas , Villemonais Denis
Published: March 2018

In this paper we study the quasi-stationary behavior of absorbed one-dimensional diffusions. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the exponential convergence to a unique quasi-stationary distribution in total variation, uniformly with respect to the initial distribution. An important tool is provided by one-dimensional strict local martingale diffusions coming down from infinity. We prove, under mild assumptions, that their expectation at any positive time is uniformly bounded with respect to the initial position. We provide several examples and extensions, including the sticky Brownian motion and some one-dimensional processes with jumps.
Apneic oxygenation provides incremental benefit during intubation of patients in the emergency medicine and critical care settings
Authors: Ting Daniel K. , Lang Eddy S.
Published: March 2018

Clinical question

Should I use apneic oxygenation when intubating patients in the emergency department to increase peri-intubation oxygen saturation and first-pass success?

Article chosen

Oliveira JE, Silva L, Cabrera D, Barrionuevo P, et al. Effectiveness of apneic oxygenation during intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2017;70(4):483-94.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to synthesize and appraise the apneic oxygenation literature for its effect on peri-intubation outcomes.
A perceptual dialectological approach to linguistic variation and spatial analysis of Kurdish varieties
Authors: Eppler Eva , Benedikt Josef
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the results of the first investigation into Kurdish linguistic varieties and their spatial distribution. Kurdish dialects are used across five nation states in the Middle East and only one dialect, Sorani, has official status in one of these nation states. The study employs the “draw-a-map” task established in Perceptual Dialectology; the analysis is supported by Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The results show that, despite the geolinguistic and geopolitical situation, Kurdish respondents have good knowledge of the main varieties of their language (Kurmanji, Sorani, and the related variety Zazaki) and where to localize them. Awareness of the more diverse Southern Kurdish varieties is less definitive. This indicates that the Kurdish language plays a role in identity formation, but also that smaller isolated varieties are not only endangered in terms of speakers, but also in terms of their representations in Kurds’ mental maps of the linguistic landscape they live in.
Pulsars Probe the Low-Frequency Gravitational Sky: Pulsar Timing Arrays Basics and Recent Results
Authors: Tiburzi Caterina
Published: March 2018

Pulsar Timing Array experiments exploit the clock-like behaviour of an array of millisecond pulsars, with the goal of detecting low-frequency gravitational waves. Pulsar Timing Array experiments have been in operation over the last decade, led by groups in Europe, Australia, and North America. These experiments use the most sensitive radio telescopes in the world, extremely precise pulsar timing models and sophisticated detection algorithms to increase the sensitivity of Pulsar Timing Arrays. No detection of gravitational waves has been made to date with this technique, but Pulsar Timing Array upper limits already contributed to rule out some models of galaxy formation. Moreover, a new generation of radio telescopes, such as the Five hundred metre Aperture Spherical Telescope and, in particular, the Square Kilometre Array, will offer a significant improvement to the Pulsar Timing Array sensitivity. In this article, we review the basic concepts of Pulsar Timing Array experiments, and discuss the latest results from the established Pulsar Timing Array collaborations.
Historical precedents for the DSM-III bereavement exclusion criteria for major depression
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: March 2018

Background

I review the historical antecedents of the two key features of the bereavement exclusion (BE) for major depression (MD) criteria initially proposed in DSM-III: (i) acontext-dependentapproach to the evaluation of MD which required that the diagnosis be given only when course, symptoms and signs are ‘out of proportion’ to experienced adversities, and (ii) bereavement is the sole adversity for which this context-dependent approach should be utilized.

Methods

A review of 49 textbook and review articles on depression or melancholia published 1880–1960.

Results

Seventeen (35%) of the 49 texts advocated for a context-dependent approach to the diagnosis of MD. Most advocates relied on an intuitive clinical understanding of when the depressive features werev.were not commensurate with the experienced adversities. Several authors suggested that specific symptoms or course of illness could differentiate MD from ‘normative’ sadness. Others noted that patient reports of psychological causes of their depression should be treated skeptically. While death of loved ones was the most frequently noted specific adversity associated with MD, no author considered it qualitatively different from other stressors or suggested that it alone should be considered when diagnosing MD in a context-dependent manner.

Conclusions

A key underlying assumption of the BE criteria – a context-dependent approach to the diagnosis of MD– was advocated by a significant minority of earlier psychiatric diagnosticians, although problems in its clinical implementation were sometimes noted. No historical precedent was found for the application of the context-dependent approach only to bereavement, as proposed in DSM-III.
‘THE BRIGHT PLACES OF LIFE AS CLEARLY AS THE DARK’: THE MUSIC OF LINDA BUCKLEY
Authors: Fox Christopher
Published: March 2018

Linda Buckley is one of the leading figures in the thriving Irish new music scene, a composer whose work draws together many different elements, from spectralism, to ambient electronica, to minimalism and Irish traditional music. This article uses five works created in the last decade as lenses through which to examine a creative practice in which these apparently disparate elements have become increasingly integrated. From the 2008 string trio, Fiol, to the orchestral work Chiyo (2011), to Torann for large ensemble and electronics (2015), and finally to two works with string quartet, ó íochtar mara (2015) and Haza (2016), these works represent stages within the evolution of a highly distinctive musical language.
REFRAMING THE LISTENING EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE PROJECTED SCORE
Authors: Kim-Boyle David
Published: March 2018

Over the past ten years, performance scores have been radically foregrounded in a variety of performance practices. Whether such notations assume a prescriptive function, visually projected for musicians to interpret, or a descriptive one, unfolding as a documentation of a live coding performance, how might such a foregrounding reframe the listening process for an audience? Does a notational schema help promote a deeper, structural level understanding of a musical work? This article will consider these various questions, exploring how principles of graphic design and the transparency of notation contribute to the listening experience. It will suggest that works featuring projected scores find aesthetic value in the juxtaposition of notation's traditionally mnemonic function and the unique temporal modalities that projected scores establish.
ICEBREAKER SYSTEM RESTART: A NEW GENERATION OF WOMEN COMPOSERS Hall 2, King's Place
Authors: Raybould Natalie
Published: March 2018

King's Place is a singular venue. A relative newcomer to London's range of concert halls, comprising multiple spaces that are of a matching bright and clear acoustic – very well-researched when designed, no doubt. Clean lines and wood panels abound: there are loads of loos and plenty of places to put your coat or pick up a drink. On paper it is the perfect venue for a contemporary classical concert.
Impact of medication on protein and amino acid metabolism in the elderly: the sulfur amino acid and paracetamol case
Authors: Mast Carole , Dardevet Dominique , Papet Isabelle
Published: March 2018

The optimisation of nutritional support for the growing number of older individuals does not usually take into account medication. Paracetamol (acetaminophen; APAP) is the first intention treatment of chronic pain that is highly prevalent and persistent in the elderly. Detoxification of APAP occurs in the liver and utilises sulfate and glutathione (GSH), both of which are issued from cysteine (Cys), a conditionally indispensable amino acid. The detoxification-induced siphoning of Cys could reduce the availability of Cys for skeletal muscle. Consequently, APAP could worsen sarcopenia, an important component of the frailty syndrome leading to dependency. The present review provides the rationale for the potential pro-sarcopenic effect of APAP then recent results concerning the effect of chronic APAP treatment on muscle mass and metabolism are discussed. The principal findings are that chronic treatments with doses of APAP comparable with the maximum posology for humans can increase the requirement for sulfur amino acids (SAA), reduce Cys availability for muscle, reduce muscle protein synthesis and aggravate sarcopenia in animals. One clinical study is in favour of an enhanced SAA requirement in the older individual under chronic treatment with APAP. Few clinical studies investigated the effect of chronic treatment with APAP combined with exercise, in nutritional conditions that probably did not affect Cys and GSH homeostasis. Whether APAP can aggravate sarcopenia in older individuals with low protein intake remains to be tested. If true, nutritional strategies based on enhancing Cys supply could be of prime interest to cut down the pro-sarcopenic effect of chronic treatment with APAP.
Church Planting and the Parish in Durham Diocese, 1970–1990: Church Growth Controversies in Recent Historical Perspective
Authors: Lockley Philip
Published: March 2018

This article unearths the forgotten history of the first modern church planting scheme in the Church of England: an attempt to restructure parish ministry in Chester-le-Street, near Durham, in the 1970s and 1980s. This story of rapid growth followed by decline, and of an evangelical church’s strained relations with their liberal bishop, David Jenkins, has pertinence for contemporary Anglican antagonisms over ‘fresh expressions’ and other church planting programmes. A culture of mistrust is arguably apparent both then and now, between liberals and conservatives in ecclesiology, even as the same line divides those of the reverse tendency in broader, doctrinal theology: conservatives from liberals. Developments, decisions and, indeed, debacles in the story of Chester-le-Street parish point to the urgent need for liberals and conservatives in Anglican ecclesiology and theology to overcome their mistrust of each other by recognizing the other as valuable for the mutual strengthening and renewal of the Church.
Bio-ionic Liquids as Adjuvants for Sulfonylurea Herbicides
Authors: Marcinkowska Katarzyna , Praczyk Tadeusz , Łęgosz Bartosz , Biedziak Agnieszka , Pernak Juliusz
Published: March 2018

Five bio-ionic liquids (BILs) with choline cations and fatty acid anions derived from pelargonic acid, glycerol tristearate, glycerol trioleate, canola oil, and coconut oil were synthesized and applied as spray adjuvants with three sulfonylurea herbicides: metsulfuron-methyl, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, and tribenuron-methyl. Physicochemical properties, including thermal stability, solubility, and surface activity, were determined, and the influence of these BILs on herbicidal efficacy was studied in greenhouse tests using four target weed species: common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L.), corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.), and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). BILs, particularly those with the oleic anion and anions derived from canola oil and coconut oil, greatly improved herbicidal activity. Addition of BILs to the spray solution significantly reduced the surface tension and contact angle of spray droplets and increased the area of herbicide deposit on the leaf surface.
Sea Ice Loss Suppresses Some Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: March 2018

Polar amplification could counteract weather patterns shifting toward the poles.
Lunar and Planetary Science Inspires Out-of-This-World Poetry
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2018

Writing a haiku to accompany your abstract is a long-standing tradition of the annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. Here are some of our favorites from this year’s program.
DASH, the data and specimen hub of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Authors: Hazra Rohan , Tenney Susan , Shlionskaya Alexandra , Samavedam Rajni , Baxter Kristin , Ilekis John , Weck Jennifer , Willinger Marian , Grave Gilman , Tsilou Katerina , Songco David
Published: March 2018

The benefits of data sharing are well-established and an increasing number of policies require that data be shared upon publication of the main study findings. As data sharing becomes the new norm, there is a heightened need for additional resources to drive efficient data reuse. This article describes the development and implementation of the Data and Specimen Hub (DASH) by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to promote data sharing from NICHD-funded studies and enable researchers to comply with NIH data sharing policies. DASH’s flexible architecture is designed to archive diverse data types and formats from NICHD’s broad scientific portfolio in a manner that promotes FAIR data sharing principles. Performance of DASH over two years since launch is promising: the number of available studies and data requests are growing; three manuscripts have been published from data reanalysis, all within two years of access. Critical success factors included NICHD leadership commitment, stakeholder engagement and close coordination between the governance body and technical team.
Cationic polymer binder inhibit shuttle effects through electrostatic confinement in lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Huali , Ling Min , Bai Ying , Chen Shi , Yuan Yanxia , Liu Gao , Wu Chuan , Wu Feng
Published: March 2018

Irreversible chemical reactions frequently cause capacity fading and poor cycle life in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries due to the formation of irreversible lithium polysulfides.
Osteogenic nanostructured titanium surfaces with antibacterial properties under conditions that mimic the dynamic situation in the oral cavity
Authors: Bierbaum Susanne , Mulansky Susan , Bognár Eszter , Kientzl Imre , Nagy Péter , Vrana Nihal Engin , Weszl Miklós , Boschke Elke , Scharnweber Dieter , Wolf-Brandstetter Cornelia
Published: March 2018

The study aim was to assess the impact of different surface nanofeatures on otherwise smooth titanium surfaces on bacterial adhesion as well as on their osteogenic potential.
Highly reactive α-bromoacrylate monomers and Michael acceptors obtained by Cu(ii)Br2-dibromination of acrylates and instantaneous E2 by a ligand
Authors: Moreno Adrian , Lejnieks Jānis , Ding Liang , Grama Silvia , Galià Marina , Lligadas Gerard , Percec Virgil
Published: March 2018

The importance of the order of addition of reagents in SET-LRP.
Impact of nanoparticle surface modification on the mechanical properties of polystyrene-based nanocomposites
Authors: Kockmann A. , Porsiel J. C. , Saadat R. , Garnweitner G.
Published: March 2018

A two-step modification strategy is applied to tailor the particle–matrix interface in zirconia nanoparticle–polystyrene composites, achieving strongly enhanced mechanical properties.
Boron-doped graphene as a metal-free catalyst for gas-phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde
Authors: Cheng Wenjun , Liu Xueting , Li Na , Han Jiatong , Li Shuangming , Yu Sansan
Published: March 2018

Boron doped graphene for the oxidative dehydrogenation reactions.
Highly efficient heavy-metal extraction from water with carboxylated graphene nanoflakes
Authors: Rosillo-Lopez Martin , Salzmann Christoph G.
Published: March 2018

Carboxylated graphene nanoflakes show great potential for heavy-metal extraction from water.
A unimolecular theranostic system with H2O2-specific response and AIE-activity for doxorubicin releasing and real-time tracking in living cells
Authors: Gao Xiaoying , Cao Jie , Song Yinuo , Shu Xiao , Liu Jianzhao , Sun Jing Zhi , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2018

A theranostic drug delivery system composed of tetraphenylethene (AIE-gen), benzyl-boronic ester (trigger) and doxorubicin (drug) was synthesized and its functions in cell imaging, drug delivery tracking, and therapeutic effect were evaluated.
A novel and facile approach to obtain NiO nanowire-in-nanotube structured nanofibers with enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Dan , Ma Qianli , Tian Jiao , Song Yan , Xi Xue , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: March 2018

NiO nanowire-in-nanotube structured nanofibers were easily and directly fabricated via one-pot uniaxial electrospinning followed by designed calcination procedures.
The effect of electrical stimulation on cortical cells in 3D nanofibrous scaffolds
Authors: Xu Qinwei , Jin Lin , Li Cheng , Kuddannayai Shreyas , Zhang Yilei
Published: March 2018

Cellular behaviors are significantly affected by cellular microenvironment, including mechanical supports, electrical and chemical cues, etc.
Switching the optical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube hybrid films using a photoresponsive dispersant as a dopant
Authors: Jintoku H. , Matsuzawa Y. , Yoshida M.
Published: March 2018

The light-induced switching of the optical and electrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes hybrid films with photoresponsive dispersant.
Exploring new two-dimensional monolayers: pentagonal transition metal borides/carbides (penta-TMB/Cs)
Authors: Shao Yangfan , Shao Mengmeng , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Shi Xingqiang , Pan Hui
Published: March 2018

The development of two-dimensional (2D) materials with high conductivity and catalytic activity is important for the proposed hydrogen economy.
Editorial
Authors: Bantleon Hans-Peter
Published: March 2018

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,

In unserer schnelllebigen Zeit suchen wir immer nach Neuem und vergessen sehr oft, dass alte Konzepte sehr oft bessere Ergebnisse bringen. In dieser Ausgabe wird von Ute und Lorenz Moser das Behandlungskonzept der gesteuerten Extraktion vorgestellt und die notwendigen Voraussetzungen und Schritte diskutiert. Georg Strbac und Michael Nemez stellen eine innovative Methode zur Autotransplantation von Zähnen vor.
Effekt eines Rumpfkräftigungsprogramms (inklusive Unterarm- und seitlichem Unterarmstütz) auf die Verletzungsrate von erwachsenen Fußballspielern: eine systematische Literaturübersicht
Authors: Blasimann Angela , Eberle Simon , Scuderi Manuel
Published: March 2018

Hintergrund Fußball gilt als hochintensive Sportart mit einer erhöhten Verletzungsrate. Erwachsene Männer zeigen dabei die größte Verletzungsrate. Aktuell stellt die Kräftigung des Rumpfes einen wichtigen Bestandteil verschiedener Präventionsprogramme dar, wie beispielsweise beim „FIFA 11 +“. Das Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit bestand darin, herauszufinden, welchen Effekt ein Rumpfkrafttraining, mindestens bestehend aus den bekannten und einfach durchzuführenden Übungen Unterarmstütz und seitlicher Unterarmstütz, auf die Verletzungsrate bei erwachsenen Fußballspielern hat.

Probanden, Material und Methoden Die systematische Literatursuche erfolgte in den Datenbanken PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus und Cinahl. Die Interventionsgruppe musste ein Training der Rumpfmuskulatur (als Teil eines Präventionsprogramms) bei erwachsenen Fußballspielern beinhalten, die Kontrollgruppe ihre gewohnten Trainingseinheiten weiterführen. Der Unterarmstütz wie auch der seitliche Unterarmstütz mussten in der Interventionsgruppe angewendet werden. Als Outcome wurde die Anzahl von Verletzungen und/oder die Verletzungshäufigkeit (pro 1000 h Training und Match) definiert. Die Qualität der Studien wurde mittels der PEDro-Skala und des Risk-of-Bias-Tool beurteilt.

Ergebnisse Total wurden sieben Studien mit insgesamt 2491 Probanden eingeschlossen. In drei Studien fand eine signifikante Abnahme der Verletzungsrate in der Interventionsgruppe statt (p < 0,05 bzw. p < 0,001). Bei zwei weiteren Studien wurde kein Signifikanzniveau bestimmt oder angegeben. Sie zeigten aber ebenfalls präventive Effekte in der Interventionsgruppe. In den anderen drei Studien wurde keine signifikante Veränderung der Verletzungsrate festgestellt (p > 0,05).

Schlussfolgerung Die sieben Forschungsarbeiten unterschieden sich stark in Bezug auf die Methodik, die Intervention und die Ergebnisse. Zudem wurde der Rumpf nie isoliert, sondern immer als Teil eines Programmes mit weiteren präventiven Maßnahmen, trainiert. Dadurch war ein Vergleich der Studien schwierig. Trotzdem waren Tendenzen zu erkennen, dass sich ein Präventionsprogramm mit Übungen zur Kräftigung der Rumpfmuskulatur positiv auf die Verletzungsrate auswirkt. Aufgrund der aktuellen Studienlage kann die Fragestellung jedoch nicht abschließend beantwortet werden. Es bedarf weiterer Studien, die den Effekt eines isolierten Rumpfkrafttrainings auf die Verletzungsrate bei Fußballspielern untersuchen.
The Evaluation of the Awareness, Attitude and Practice of the Elderly Toward Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Heidari Mohammad , Borujeni Mansureh , Ghafourifard Mansour , Sheikhi Rahim
Published: March 2018

Introduction The prevalence of various diseases in the elderly has increased the use of drugs, which is coupled with age-related physiological changes and places the elderly at risk for multiple side effects. The present study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes and practices of elderly towards self-medication.

Materials and Methods The sample included 300 participants over 60 years under any of the health centers in urban and rural areas of Abadeh city, who were selected based on stratified random sampling method. In order to collect data, the questionnaire including demographic information, awareness, attitude and performance of the elderly and the checklist of drug intractable consumption.

Results Based on the results, 76% of the elderly reported drug consumption. Regarding lifestyle, the average score of the elderly’s awareness for the elderly who lived with and without families were 78.6±14.2 and 69.2±13.6, respectively. In other words, a significant difference was observed between these two groups. In addition, there was a significant between the elderly’s performance score with and without family members about the self-medication (p=0.001).

Conclusion Considering the increase in self-medication among the elderly, adherence to prescription criteria for drug among this age group is recommended. Finally, designing and implementing various educational programs in health education center is necessary for the elderly and their families for the purpose of improving awareness and practice.
Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Coupling between Allyl­boronates and Phosphates Using a Phenol–Carbene Chiral Ligand: Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Branched 1,5-Dienes
Authors: Ohmiya Hirohisa , Sawamura Masaya , Yasuda Yuto
Published: March 2018

Details of the Cu-catalyzed enantioselective allyl–allyl coupling reaction between allylboronates and (Z)-allylic phosphates using a new chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand containing a phenolic hydroxy group are presented. The copper catalysis delivers enantio­enriched chiral 1,5-dienes with a tertiary stereogenic center. Compatibility with various functional groups and the use of earth-abundant and relatively low-toxicity copper as a metal are attractive features of this protocol. The utility of the chiral phenol–NHC ligand for enantioselective copper catalysis with organoboron compounds is demonstrated and enantiodiscrimination models are discussed.
l-Proline-Catalysed One-Pot aza-Diels–Alder Reaction in Water: Regioselective Synthesis of Spiro(isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridine-5,5′-pyrimidine) Derivatives
Authors: Dommaraju Yuvaraj , Borthakur Somadrita , Prajapati Dipak
Published: March 2018

A simple and efficient l-proline-catalysed synthesis of spiro(isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridine-5,5′-pyrimidine) derivatives in water has been accomplished through a pseudo five-component one-pot domino aza-Diels–Alder reaction involving 3-amino crotanonitrile, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, aromatic aldehydes and barbituric acids. The main advantages of the present method are mild reaction conditions, modest purification process involving no chromatographic techniques and high yields. The protocol is a good alternative to prepare spiro derivatives with readily available starting materials, which makes the method highly attractive.
Procoagulant Microparticles: New Insights and Opportunities in Pregnancy Loss?
Authors: Greer Ian
Published: March 2018

In recent years, prothrombotic states have been not only associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis, but also with pregnancy complications. In particular there is good evidence linking antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which is associated with increased thrombin generation (1), to recurrent miscarriage. The importance of procoagulant changes in the pathophysiology of recurrent miscarriage is emphasised by the fact that treatment with heparin and low dose aspirin will substantially improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy (2). Essentially, this is the only successful medical intervention in the treatment of miscarriage. There are also data now accumulating that link congenital thrombophilia to pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine growth restriction, abruption and intrauterine death (3, 4). Furthermore, recent data have shown that acquired changes in the coagulation system, such as the acquired activated protein C resistance of pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (5). These data collectively suggest that procoagulant changes in general, rather than congenital or acquired thrombophilia in particular are associated with the development of pregnancy complications including fetal loss. However, in the majority of cases of fetal loss no cause is found and we cannot easily link these events to a procoagulant problem in the mother. In this issue of the Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Laude et al. (6) report, for the first time, the association between circulating procoagulant microparticles and pregnancy loss so providing a new insight into potential mechanisms.
The Glasgow Outcome, APCR and Lipid (GOAL) Pregnancy Study: Significance of Pregnancy Associated Activated Protein C Resistance
Authors: Sattar Naveed , Walker Isobel , Greer Ian , Clark Peter
Published: March 2018

Activated protein C (APC) resistance secondary to Factor V Leiden (FVL) is associated with pregnancy failure and pre-eclampsia (PET). In non-pregnant subjects, the degree of resistance to APC relates to venous thrombosis risk. In pregnancy, resistance to APC occurs in the absence of FVL. We investigated, in an unselected prospective longitudinal study of 1671 pregnant, non-FVL subjects, the relationship of the APC sensitivity ratio (APC:SR) with demographic variables and pregnancy outcome.

Lower APC:SR values at 7-16 weeks gestation were observed in subjects who subsequently developed PET (median APC:SR 2.55, IQR 2.29-2.70 vs 2.69, IQR 2.48-2.93, Mann-Whitney U-test p = 0.003) in the current pregnancy. An APC:SR < the median (2.69) at 7-16 weeks was associated with a 2.95-fold increased risk (CI95 1.2-7.4) of PET in the current pregnancy. No relationship between the APC:SR, at any gestation, and fetal loss was observed. An inverse correlation between the APC:SR and birth weight was noted. Higher APC:SRs were observed in blood group O subjects and smokers. An inverse relationship of the APC:SR with age, diastolic blood pressure and total serum cholesterol was observed.
Structural and Functional Characteristics of the B-domain-deleted Recombinant Factor VIII Protein, r-VIII SQ
Authors: Almstedt Annelie , Brandt Jörgen , Gray Eva , Holmquist Leif , Oswaldsson Ulla , Sebring Stefan , Mikaelsson Marianne , Sandberg Helena
Published: March 2018

Recombinant factor VIII SQ (r-VIII SQ), ReFacto®, is a recombinant factor VIII product similar to the smallest active factor VIII protein found in plasma-derived factor VIII (p-VIII) concentrates. The protein comprises two polypeptide chains of 80 and 90 kDa and lacks the major part of the heavily glycosylated B-domain i.e. amino acids Gln744 to Ser1637. r-VIII SQ retains six potential glycosylation sites for N-linked oligosaccharides at asparagine residues 41, 239, 582, 1685, 1810 and 2118.

We describe a thorough comparison of the characteristics of r-VIII SQ with those of p-VIII. The primary and secondary structures of r-VIII SQ were in good agreement with that of B-domain-deleted p-VIII (p-VIII-LMW) as shown by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting with antifactor VIII antibodies, tryptic mapping, amino acid sequence analysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. A few divergences also existed. Thus r-VIII SQ was shown to contain a small amount of the single chain primary translation product of 170 kDa and also the product specific sequence of 14 amino acids, the SQ-link, in the C-terminal end of the 90 kDa chain. It was shown that r-VIII SQ had a high specific activity of about 14,000 IU VIII:C/mg as determined by use of a chromogenic substrate assay. The r-VIII SQ protein was comparable to p-VIII forms with a retained B-domain, in terms of potency measured by a chromogenic substrate or a two-stage clotting assay, in interactions with thrombin, and with activated protein C (APC) in combination with Protein S. The ability of r-VIII SQ to participate as a cofactor in factor Xa generation in a mixture of factors IXa and X, phospholipid and calcium was in conformity with that of p-VIII. Furthermore r-VIII SQ had a good binding capacity for phospholipid vesicles and von Willebrand factor (vWF) as shown in gel filtration studies. The same kinetics in binding to von Willebrand factor was found for r-VIII SQ and p-VIII as determined by real-time biospecific interaction analysis (BIA) with use of the BIAcore® instrument. The apparent association rate constant was 4 × 106 M−1s−1. Two dissociation rate constants were found, 1 × 10−2s−1 and 4 × 10−4s−1. The results extend the present knowledge that the factor VIII B-domain is dispensable for the factor VIII cofactor function in hemostasis.