bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Design of the Microstrip Reflectarray Antenna by Optimizing the Reflection Phase Curve
Authors: Chen Xing , Chen Qiang , Feng Pan , Huang Kama
Published: April 2016

The microstrip reflectarray antenna is an attractive directional antenna combining advantages of both the reflector and the microstrip array antenna. For the design of this kind of antenna, the conventional method, which is based on the reflection phase curve, may not be effective because of the approximations made in the design procedure. The common optimization method that employs an optimization algorithm in conjunction with the full-wave simulation to optimize the antennas’ structural parameters is able to achieve better performances in comparison with the conventional method; but it is impractical for large-scale microstrip reflectarray antennas due to too many structural parameters from variable reflection elements. To tackle the design problem of the microstrip reflectarray antenna, a new method is proposed for the first time. It optimizes the reflection phase curve rather than the structural parameters and then utilizes the optimized reflection phase curve to design the antenna. A microstrip reflectarray antenna working at 5.8 GHz and with a fixed size of 300 mm × 300 mm is designed for high gain as a sample design. The results show that the proposed method has greatly improved the antenna’s gain over 2.2 dB (from 19.7 dBi to 21.9 dBi) in comparison with the conventional design method, and it only needs to optimize 6 structural parameters, in contrast to 22 for the common optimization method.
A Generalization of Uniformly Extremely Convex Banach Spaces
Authors: Wulede Suyalatu , Bai Wurichaihu , Bao Wurina
Published: April 2016

We discuss a new class of Banach spaces which are the generalization of uniformly extremely convex spaces introduced by Wulede and Ha. We prove that the new class of Banach spaces lies strictly between either the classes ofk-uniformly rotund spaces andk-strongly convex spaces or classes of fullyk-convex spaces andk-strongly convex spaces and has no inclusive relation with the class of locallyk-uniformly convex spaces. We obtain in addition some characterizations and properties of this new class of Banach spaces. In particular, our results contain the main results of Wulede and Ha.
Retained Urethral Catheter Secondary to Placement in Proximal Ureter
Authors: McGregor Thomas B. , Sharda Rajan
Published: April 2016

We present an unusual complication secondary to indwelling urethral catheter placement. Routine catheter placement by the obstetrics team in a postpartum female leads to retention of the catheter and inability of its removal by both the obstetrics and urology teams. Although a retained urinary catheter is relatively common, inability to remove a catheter secondary to placement inadvertently into a ureter is extremely rare. In this paper we will discuss the options in removing a retained catheter and present our case of a retained catheter secondary to placement within the right proximal ureter.
The First Outbreak Caused byAcinetobacter baumanniiST208 and ST195 in China
Authors: Qu Junyan , Du Yu , Yu Rujia , Lü Xiaoju
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients and molecular mechanisms of the first outbreak mainly caused by sequence types (STs) 208 multidrug resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiin China. A total of 10 clinical samples were collected from 5 patients who were involved in the outbreak. Bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed by the VITEK-2 COMPACT automated system. MICs of tigecycline for clinical isolates were determined using broth microdilution. The clonal relatedness ofA. baumanniiclinical isolates in our local settings was determinated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total of 7A. baumanniistrains were isolated and all were MDR strains; two of them were carbapenem-nonsusceptible strains.blaOXA-23was the only acquired carbapenemase gene in the isolates. The isolates belonged to a single clonal pulsotype determined by PFGE and two sequences types (STs) determined by MLST. The isolates belonged to the globally disseminated clonal complex 92, among which ST195 and ST208 were the most common sequence types (71.43% and 28.57%). The outbreak was successfully controlled by stringent infection control measures, especially improving the hand hygiene compliance and enhancing antimicrobial stewardship. In conclusion, this is the first description of an outbreak caused mainly byA. baumanniiof ST208 in China. Infection control measures should be strengthened when infection outbreaks in hospital.
Comparing the Tsallis Distribution with and without Thermodynamical Description inp+pCollisions
Authors: Zheng H. , Zhu Lilin
Published: April 2016

We compare two types of Tsallis distribution, that is, with and without thermodynamical description, using the experimental data from the STAR, PHENIX, ALICE, and CMS Collaborations on the rapidity and energy dependence of the transverse momentum spectra inp+pcollisions. Both of them can fit the particle spectra well. We show that the Tsallis distribution with thermodynamical description gives lower temperatures than the ones without it. The extra factormT(transverse mass) in the Tsallis distribution with thermodynamical description plays an important role in the discrepancies between the two types of Tsallis distribution. But for the heavy particles, the choice to usemTorET(transverse energy) in the Tsallis distribution becomes more crucial.
Canadian Physicians’ Attitudes towards Accessing Mental Health Resources
Authors: Hassan Tariq M. , Asmer M. Selim , Mazhar Nadeem , Munshi Tariq , Tran Tanya , Groll Dianne L.
Published: April 2016

Despite their rigorous training, studies have shown that physicians experience higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide compared to the general population. An online questionnaire was sent to a random sample of physicians across Canada to assess physicians’ knowledge of the incidence of mental illness among physicians and their attitudes towards disclosure and treatment in a hypothetical situation where one developed a mental illness. We received 139 responses reflecting mostly primary care physicians and nonsurgical specialists. The majority of respondents underestimated the incidence of mental illness in physicians. The most important factors influencing respondent’s will to disclose their illness included career implications, professional integrity, and social stigma. Preference for selecting mental health treatment services, as either outpatients or inpatients, was mostly influenced by quality of care and confidentiality, with lower importance of convenience and social stigma. Results from this study suggest that the attitudes of physicians towards becoming mentally ill are complex and may be affected by the individual’s previous diagnosis of mental illness and the presence of a family member with a history of mental illness. Other factors include the individual’s medical specialty and level of experience. As mental illness is common among physicians, one must be conscious of these when offering treatment options.
The Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Total Glucosides of Peony and Leflunomide for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systemic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Feng Zhitao , Xu Juan , He Guochao , Cao Meiqun , Duan Lihong , Chen Liguo , Wu Zhengzhi
Published: April 2016

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the total glucosides of peony (TGP) and leflunomide (LEF) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of the combination of TGP and LEF versus LEF alone for the treatment of RA were retrieved by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang database. Results. Eight RCTs including 643 RA patients were included in the present meta‐analysis. The quality of included studies was poor. The levels of ESR (P < 0.0001), CRP (P < 0.0001), and RF (P < 0.0001) in RA patients who received the combination of TGP and LEF were significantly lower than RA patients who received LEF therapy alone. The pooled results suggest that the combination of TGP and LEF caused less abnormal liver function than LEF alone (P = 0.02). No significant difference in the gastrointestinal discomfort was identified between the combination of TGP and LEF and LEF alone groups (P = 0.18). Conclusion. The combination of TGP and LEF in treatment of RA presented the characteristics of notably decreasing the levels of laboratory indexes and higher safety in terms of liver function. However, this conclusion should be further investigated based on a larger sample size.
A new species of Eschweilera (Lecythidaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: RIBEIRO MICHEL , MORI SCOTT A. , ALVES-ARAÚJO ANDERSON , PEIXOTO ARIANE L.
Published: April 2016

Eschweilera sphaerocarpa (Lecythidaceae) is described here as a new species for science. It is closely related to Eschweilera complanata. Due to an area of occupancy of less than 10 km² this species is regarded as endangered according to the standards of the IUCN. This paper provides a description, illustration and, comments on geographic distribution and ecology. Additionally, a diagnostic key to the species of Eschweilera section Tetrapetala is provided.
The Relational Value of Network Experience in Teams
Authors: Grund Thomas U.
Published: April 2016

Previous studies indicate the importance of experience for the performance of teams. Theory suggests that working together allows individuals to (a) improve their knowledge about who knows (and can do) what and (b) facilitates learning to combine individual resources efficiently. Yet it remains elusive how experience translates into interaction patterns in teams. Drawing on unique data of career histories of 800 players and 283,259 passes between these players in 760 English Premier League soccer matches, I propose a new measure for network experience and demonstrate how it relates to network intensity and decentralization in teams. Soccer teams exhibit a higher passing rate when players know each other from before. At the same time, network experience has no effect on the decentralization of team play. Further dyadic analyses confirm these findings. Controlling for selection effects, two players are more likely to pass the ball between each other when they know each other more. Network experience affects the way team members interact and ultimately leads to performance outcomes.
From primary nurse to collaborative nursing care team
Authors: Klaasen Kathleen , Groenewegen Tracy , Mitchell Lori A. , Wilson Sandy
Published: April 2016

This article discusses key findings from a preliminary review of a nursing care delivery model implemented in Winnipeg, Manitoba, by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Home Care Program in 2014. Results suggest that the model is generally seen positively by staff but challenging to implement, given established administrative practices. To meet future demands on the healthcare system, home care programs need policies and procedures that empower nurses to perform as true community health nurses.
Eye Movement Performance on the Stroop Test in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Vakil Eli , Mass Meital , Schiff Rachel
Published: April 2016

Objective: To compare the eye movement patterns of adults with ADHD with those of controls as they perform the Stroop test. Method: Thirty individuals with ADHD (ages 18-31), and 30 controls participated in this study. The hypothesis was that under the incongruent condition, the group with ADHD would focus longer on the distracter than the controls. Results: Participants with ADHD showed a more pronounced Stroop effect than the controls. Eye movements indicated that more time was spent fixating on the target than on the distracter. The most significant differences between the groups were the overall time spent on the target and the number of fixations on the target, rather than on the distracter. Furthermore, the group with ADHD made more transitions between the target and distracter stimuli. Conclusion: These results were interpreted to indicate an inefficient strategy used by the group with ADHD in their attempt to ignore the distracter stimuli.
Using a Whole Person Approach to Support People With Cancer
Authors: Polley Marie J. , Jolliffe Rachel , Boxell Emily , Zollman Catherine , Jackson Sarah , Seers Helen
Published: April 2016

Introduction. Improved models of care are needed to meet all the support needs of people with cancer, which encompass psychological, emotional, physical, spiritual, sexual, occupational, social and existential needs. The aim of this article is to ( a) evaluate short- and long-term impacts of using a whole person approach to support people with cancer on the Living Well with the Impact of Cancer Course (LWC) and ( b) use these data to inform strategic decisions about future service provision at Penny Brohn UK. Methods. Longitudinal mixed-methods service evaluation (n = 135). Data collected included health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (FACIT-SpEx); Concerns (types and severity–MYCaW); lifestyle behavior (bespoke questionnaire), and participants’ experiences over 12 months postcourse. Results. Statistically and clinically significant improvements from baseline to 12 months in severity of MYCaW Concerns (n = 64; P < .000) and mean total HRQoL (n = 66; P < .000). The majority of MYCaW concerns were “psychological and emotional” and about participants’ well-being. Spiritual, emotional, and functional well-being contributed most to HRQoL improvements at 12 months. Barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyle changes included lack of support from family and friends, time constraints, and returning to work. Three to 6 months postcourse was identified as the time when more support was most likely to be needed. Conclusions. Using a whole person approach for the LWC enabled the needs of participants to be met, and statistically and clinically significant improvements in HRQoL and MYCaW Concerns were reported. Qualitative data analysis explored how experiencing whole person support enabled participants to make and sustain healthy lifestyle changes associated with improved survivorship. Barriers experienced to making health behavior change were also identified. These data then informed wider and more person-centered clinical provision to increase the maintenance of positive long-term behavior changes. Comparison of whole person approaches to cancer treatment and support and standard care are now urgently needed.
Governance als Grundlage für Nationales Hosting von digitalen Verlagspublikationen
Authors: Weber Sylvia , Dähne Judith
Published: April 2016

Den Zugang zu lizensierten elektronischen Ressourcen dauerhaft zu sichern, ist das Ziel des DFG-geförderten Projektes NatHosting. Für das entwickelte Sicherungskonzept ist „Governance“, verstanden als Koordination der Akteure und Steuerung der Prozesse, ein wesentlicher Faktor in der Umsetzung: Eine Hosting-Agentur soll die Aufgaben koordinieren, bündeln und in Teilen auch zentral bearbeiten – in Rücksprache und im Auftrag der Bibliotheken und Konsortien. Ein gemeinnütziger und haftungsbeschränkter Verein soll die entscheidungsrelevanten Akteure miteinbeziehen, Träger der Hosting-Agentur sein und den technischen Betrieb beauftragen.
Sensitive electrogravimetric immunoassay of hepatitis B surface antigen through hyperbranched polymer bridge linked to multiple secondary antibodies
Authors: Zhang Li-Qiu , Shen Hong-Xia , Cheng Qiong , Liu Li-Chun
Published: April 2016

A method for using a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) as a bridge to link multiple secondary antibodies at HBP branches to amplify the detection response signal on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based sandwich-type immunosensor is reported. Carboxyl groups were prepared at multiple branches of HBP to make possible chemical binding between HBP and secondary antibodies via the carboxyl–amine reaction. The total mass ovcry antibodies were used to enhance the signal on a QCM chip in comparison with a simple sandwich-type immune reaction. By contrast, the proposed method could cause one antigen to analogously react with multiple secondary antibodies as a result of the branch structure of HBP. The strategy of using HBP as a bridge to link multiple secondary antibodies succeeded in quantitatively detecting the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). By employing demonstrated HBP bridge-linking, the frequency shift on a QCM chip was approximately 5 times greater than conventional methods without modification at secondary antibodies. The limit of detection of HBsAg was achieved as 2.0 ng mL
Plant waste residues as inducers of extracellular proteases for a deuteromycete fungus Trichoderma atroviride
Authors: Maťaťa Matej , Cibulová Alžbeta , Varečka Ľudovít , Šimkovič Martin
Published: April 2016

The ability of
Bioremediation of PCB-contaminated sediments and evaluation of their pre- and post-treatment ecotoxicity
Authors: Dudášová Hana , Lászlová Katarína , Lukáčová Lucia , Balaščáková Marta , Murínová Slavomíra , Dercová Katarína
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with the application of two perspective and promising bioremediation approaches, bioaugmentation and biostimulation, applied to sediment contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with the aim to enhance biodegradation of PCBs. Sediments were sampled from Strážsky canal, an industrial waste canal that flows from a former PCB-factory through the Laborec river into the Zemplínska šírava water reservoir, all located in the eastern part of Slovakia. Bioaugmentation of sediments was performed in microcosms using two bacterial isolates with PCB-degradation ability obtained from the contaminated sediment:
Use of dodecanoyl isothiocyanate as building block in synthesis of target benzothiazine, quinazoline, benzothiazole and thiourea derivatives
Authors: Hemdan Magdy M. , El-Bordany Eman A.
Published: April 2016

Dodecanoyl isothiocyanate (
Flow field in a downward diverging channel and its application
Authors: Večeř Marek , Wichterle Kamil
Published: April 2016

The flow in a downward divergent channel turns out to be an interesting experimental setup for the observation of upward floating bubbles that appear to be levitating in view of the observer. A more detailed analysis of this flow and its characteristic parameters is necessary for better understanding of this phenomenon. The boundary layer theory was used to derive the velocity field for the experimental setup. The actual flow of a liquid in the presence of a bubble was studied experimentally by measuring the position of the bubble; the data were then statistically processed by an image analysis. Observation of the bubble positions distribution showed that it is reasonable to assume a flat velocity profile of the liquid in the channel and that the bubbles do not tend to move into the boundary layer. In our experiments, volume of the air bubbles floating in water was 200 mm
Simple and efficient treatment of high-strength industrial waste water using commercial zero-valent iron
Authors: Segura Yolanda , Martínez Fernando , Melero Juan Antonio
Published: April 2016

The zero-valent iron (ZVI)/H
The Uncanny Valley and the Importance of Eye Contact
Authors: Schwind Valentin , Jäger Solveigh
Published: April 2016

The Uncanny Valley hypothesis describes the negative emotional response of human observers that is evoked by artificial figures or prostheses with a human-like appearance. Many studies have pointed out the meaning of facial features, but did not further investigate the importance of eye contact and its role in decision making about artificial faces. In this study we recorded the number and duration of fixations of participants (N = 53) and recorded gaze movements and fixations on different areas of interest, as well as the response time when a participant judged a face as non-human. In a subsequent questionnaire, we grasped subjective ratings. In our analysis we found correlations between the likeability and the duration of eye fixations on the eye area. The gaze sequences show that artificial faces were visually processed similar to the real ones and mostly remained not assessed as artificial as long as the eye regions were not considered.
5Code – An Integrated Programming Environment for Beginners
Authors: Dahm Markus , Barnjak Frano , Heilemann Moritz
Published: April 2016

Based on experience in teaching programming, we developed the integrated development environment (IDE) 5Code especially to support beginners. As a first step, a simple, understandable formula was developed how to advance from the problem to the program in 5 operative steps:

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$read\;it \to get\;it \to think\;it \to note\;it \to code\;it{\rm{.}}$

In order to reduce the cognitive load of the learners effectively, 5Code was designed such that all 5 steps are permanently presented, accessible and executable. Thus, learners are provided with the entire programming context from presentation of the task via own notes and annotations to the code area. Learners can mark and annotate any part of the given task’s text; these annotations can be edited as notes with own comments. Furthermore, the notes can be dragged into the code area, where they are shown as comments in the coding language. Any modifications in the comments are synchronized between notes and code. 5Code is implemented as a web-application. It is used in university introductory courses on object oriented programming.
Role-play Exercises in User Experience-driven Product Development
Authors: Winter Dominique
Published: April 2016

Where ideas exist for products or features, User Experience (UX)-related aspects are usually not given enough consideration. Role-play exercises enable the implicit knowledge of experts which then can be used to identify and refine UX-related factors in product ideas. From early childhood, people use role-play to try out roles and get to know them. Their experience provides them with a more in-depth understanding for the roles and also teaches them how to interact with each other. This original learning method can therefore be applied by most people without a great deal of preparation. Personas (i. e. prototypical user) are ultimately a form of role description and are used as a launching point from which to place ourselves in the position of a user. Scenarios offer contextual information and provide a scope for the role-play exercise to move on.
A Review on Successive Interference Cancellation-Based Optical PPM-CDMA Signaling
Authors: Alsowaidi Naif , Eltaif Tawfig , Mokhtar Mohd Ridzuan
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive review of successive interference cancellation (SIC) scheme using pulse position modulation (PPM) for optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) systems. SIC scheme focuses on high-intensity signal, which will be selected after all users were detected, and then it will be subtracted from the overall received signal, hence, generating a new received signal. This process continues till all users eliminated one by one have been detected. It is shown that the random location of the sequences due to PPM encoding can reduce the probability of concentrated buildup of the pulse overlap in any one-slot time, and support SIC to easily remove the effect of the strongest signal at each stage of the cancellation process. The system bit error rate (BER) performance with modified quadratic congruence (MQC) codes used as signature sequence has been investigated. A detailed theoretical analysis of proposed system taking into account the impact of imperfect interference cancellation, the loss produced from the splitting during encoding and decoding, the channel loss and multiple access interference is presented. Results show that under average effective power constraint optical CDMA system using SIC scheme with
Evaluation of Training Effects of Primary School Girls’ Power Loads
Authors: Іващенко О. В. , Худолій О. М. , Тітаренко А. А. , Скорняков В. С.
Published: April 2016

Research objective. To experimentally ground the technological approaches to evaluation of the training effects of primary school girls’ power loads.
Materials and methods. To achieve the tasks outlined, the research relied on the following methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical testing, modeling, pedagogical observations and experiment, methods of mathematical experiment planning (complete factorial experiment, 2k type), discriminant analysis.
The participants in the study were 32 second-grade girls.
Research results. The training pattern effects the dynamics in the test results for the second-grade girls. The test results can improve provided that the power load brings about significant changes after the training at each spot, after the lesson (immediate training effect), and twenty four hours after the power load (delayed training effect). The higher the dynamics is for the immediate and delayed training effects, the more significant are the improved results of the power tests observed after as few as three lessons.
Conclusions. The discriminant function can be used to classify the training effects of the second-grade girls’ power loads. The first canonical function explains the results variation by 96,2%. This suggests that it is highly informative.
The centroid coordinates for five groups allow to interpret the canonical functions according to their role in differentiating the grades by the training effects of the power loads of the primary school girls. The positive pole of the first function has the condition centroids at the beginning of the power loads, after three, six, nine and twelve lessons; the negative pole has the centroids of the training effects after the power loads, after the lesson, after 24 hours. Thus, the reaction to the power load has immediate, delayed and cumulative training effects. The biggest cumulative training effect is after twelve lessons (3.045).
Problem of Generating Interest in and Motivation for Physical Training Lessons in High School Students
Authors: Щирба В. А.
Published: April 2016

The research objective is to study the factors that effect pupils’ interest in physical education and sports.

Research methods: questionnaires and surveys, analysis of literary sources. The experiment took place at boarding school-lyceé No. 23 “Kadetskyi Korpus”. The participants were 100 high school students. 

Research results. The students’ low motivation for activity is conditioned by certain factors whose effect can vary in proportions depending on the youth’s living conditions, environment, and family upbringing. The analysis of reasons behind the high school students’ dissatisfaction with the forms of physical education allows to determine the incentives that help increase the students’ activity. Their answers reveal the need for physical load, active games, and presence of their favorite types of exercises at the lesson, background music, contests, etc.
State of Professional Preparation of Future Physical Training Teachers to Teach Swimming at Children’s Holiday Camps
Authors: Клімакова C. М.
Published: April 2016

The paper reviews the state of professional preparation of future physical education teachers relying on the comparison of the fundamental documents that shape the professional competence of a swimming instrucror at children’s holiday camps.

The author analyzes and compares the compliance of the educational-qualification standard in the physical education speciality with the requirements of the swimming instructor’s professional duties at children’s holiday camps. The paper compares the compliance of the swimming curricula of the School of Physical Education of H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University with the educational-qualification standard in the physical education speciality and the requirements of the swimming instructor’s professional duties at children’s holiday camps.
Entre el conservadurismo y la idealización romántica. La España tradicional en el imaginario social y literario
Authors: Entrena Durán Francisco
Published: April 2016

Tanto los viajeros románticos extranjeros, seducidos por el exotismo que veían en los escenarios espaciales y en las gentes de la España decimonónica que visitaron, como diversos pensadores y amplios sectores sociales de nuestro país, participaron de una común propensión a sobrevalorar el mundo tradicional y/o rural, la cual fluctuó entre el conservadurismo y la idealización más o menos costumbrista. Dicha sobrevaloración fue especialmente intensa con referencia a Andalucía, considerada entonces algo así como el paradigma idealizado de las esencias de lo español. En contraste con tales posiciones conservadoras e idealizadoras, se desarrollaron también actitudes y posiciones sociales o intelectuales más críticas, tales como la del movimiento anarquista campesino o la de los autores representantes del pensamiento social agrario hispano.
El papel de las Fuerzas Armadas en la acción humanitaria
Authors: Puertas Cristóbal Esther , Fernández Alles José Joaquín
Published: April 2016

Como contenido del Estado social en su dimensión internacional, y en cumplimiento de las resoluciones de Naciones Unidas y de la Unión Europea, España participa activamente en la aplicación de los acuerdos de paz, en la gestión de las tareas de reconstrucción post-conflicto, en las operaciones de ayuda humanitaria y en la lucha contra la piratería. Precisamente, uno de los contenidos más relevantes de la IX Legislatura de las Cortes Generales en España ha correspondido al ejercicio de la función parlamentaria de control, autorización e información del Congreso de los Diputados sobre las operaciones de paz y reconstrucción ejecutadas en el exterior por las Fuerzas Armadas. En síntesis, se trata de un decisivo avance en el proceso de parlamentarización y socialización de la política de seguridad y de la consideración de las Fuerzas Armadas como instrumento del Gobierno al servicio de los derechos humanos, la cooperación al desarrollo y la paz.
Una ley para consolidar la República: la reforma electoral de 1933
Authors: Villa García Roberto
Published: April 2016

Este trabajo es un estudio de historia política sobre la ley electoral de 1933. Su importancia no puede ser soslayada, toda vez que la norma perfiló las reglas de juego a las que se amoldaron partidos y candidatos en los dos primeros comicios españoles, los de noviembre de 1933 y febrero de 1936, que fueron representativos de las innovaciones que introdujo la “política de masas” durante la etapa de entreguerras. La génesis y tramitación parlamentaria de esta reforma electoral, los intereses políticos que movían a sus patrocinadores y las consecuencias que tuvo en las estrategias y en los resultados electorales de los partidos en los dos comicios generales en los que esta ley estuvo vigente, son los principales objetos que aquí se analizan.
Los presidentes autonómicos como regional-makers. El caso de José Bono en Castilla-La Mancha
Authors: Ortega Ruiz Manuela , Luque Castillo Francisco Javier
Published: April 2016

En este artículo se quiere realizar una primera aproximación al impacto específico del liderazgo de José Bono en el crecimiento de los sentimientos regionalistas en Castilla-La Mancha, desde la presunción que tales cambios en la cultura política no sólo son resultado de una política sistemática a cargo de las élites castellano-manchegas, sino también una variable explicativa de la hegemonía socialista en dicha Comunidad Autónoma. Para probar nuestras hipótesis, nos centraremos en el discurso del líder, evaluando sus efectos a lo largo del tiempo a través de un análisis concomitante de la evidencia proporcionada por las encuestas de opinión y los resultados electorales.
La utilización del poder de fijar la agenda en la evolución del sistema de comercio multilateral de la integración “negativa” a la “positiva”
Authors: Downes Gerard
Published: April 2016

Este documento sostiene que la construcción de un régimen de propiedad intelectual globalizado (ADPIC) de la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) fue emblemático del cambio de una integración "negativa" a una "positiva", que requiere que los Estados miembros de la OMC armonicen la reglamentación nacional para adecuarse a los preceptos del sistema multilateral de comercio, y representa el relativo fracaso institucional de la organización desde su creación en 1995. En el documento se examina el cambio hacia una integración "positiva" centrándose en la campaña para formular y construir el régimen de propiedad intelectual globalizado en la OMC. Al examinar el papel del poder de fijación de la agenda en la creación del Acuerdo ADPIC, este artículo tiene la intención de resaltar el alcance de la simbiosis entre la diplomacia comercial privada y el derecho mercantil internacional en la construcción de la campaña y, por lo tanto, demostrar cómo las empresas privadas han sido capaces de formalizar sus intereses específicos dentro de la OMC, mientras que agrava aún más las asimetrías que en última instancia han dado lugar a la parálisis en la regulación del comercio multilateral.
Marruecos en transición: democracia, sociedad civil y desarrollo humano
Authors: Dorado Nogueras Silvia Mª
Published: April 2016

El presente artículo refleja una visión global de la situación sociopolítica actual de Marruecos, país con gran relación y vínculo con España que ha desempeñado, desempeña y desempeñará un papel importantísimo en el mapa geopolítico actual. Se ofrece una pincelada sobre lo acontecido en este país en los últimos años tras la muerte de Hassan II, hasta la llegada de Mohamed VI, y a una nueva forma de entender y enfrentar la situación política en el país. Después de un breve recorrido por los conceptos y acontecimientos más importantes de los últimos años, se profundizará en el importante papel que juega la sociedad civil, en todas sus manifestaciones así como la importancia del Desarrollo Humano en este contexto y su relación con la democracia, para poder reflexionar si realmente el Desarrollo Humano en Marruecos se está produciendo de la manera más adecuada según los parámetros teórico-prácticos en los que se sustenta.
Normatividad y disconfort de género: estrategias y resistencias en la familia contemporánea
Authors: Martínez Alejandra
Published: April 2016

El presente artículo es producto de un trabajo de investigación realizado entre 2006 y 2009, que tuvo como uno de sus objetivos principales analizar las representaciones de las normas de género en varones y mujeres provenientes de diferentes condiciones objetivas de existencia. En dicho estudio se observó que, cuando las representaciones de género se alejan o contraponen con aquellas que son producto de las condiciones objetivas en las que se gestaron los habitus, las mujeres y los varones tienden a manifestar discursivamente una “sensación de incomodidad” respecto de las regulaciones de género que los constriñen. En el artículo se avanza sobre la explicación y sistematización de dicha sensación, denominada teóricamente como “disconfort de género”.
Early High-Dose Erythropoietin and Cognitive Functions of School-Aged Children Born Very Preterm
Authors: Wehrle Flavia Maria , Held Ulrike , Disselhoff Vera , Schnider Barbara , Stöckli Alexandra , Toma Mina , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Fauchère Jean-Claude , Natalucci Giancarlo , Hüppi Petra , Borradori-Tolsa Cristina , Liverani Maria Chiara , O’Gorman Ruth L. , Latal Beatrice , Hagmann Cornelia Franziska
Published: September 2024

Importance

Children born very preterm are at risk for long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. Prophylactic high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) shortly after birth has not been shown to improve cognitive, motor, and behavioral development at 2 and 5 years.

Objective

To investigate whether early high-dose rhEpo is associated with better executive functions and processing speed—late-maturing cognitive functions—in school-aged children born very preterm.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center cohort study was a prospective, observational follow-up study of a multicenter neonatal clinical trial; 365 children born very preterm (mean gestational age, 29.3 weeks [range, 26.0-31.9 weeks]) who had been enrolled in the Swiss EPO Neuroprotection Trial at birth between 2005 and 2012, and who were included in the primary outcome analyses at 2 years, were eligible to be recruited for the EpoKids study between 2017 and 2021 when they were at school age. Term-born children were additionally recruited and included in a control group. Data were analyzed between May and September 2022.

Exposure

Administration of rhEpo (3000 IU/kg) or placebo (saline, 0.9%) intravenously 3 times within the first 2 days of life as part of the Swiss EPO Neuroprotection Trial.

Main Outcome and Measures

A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery assessed executive functions and processing speed, and parents reported on their child’s executive functions in everyday life to test the hypothesis that early high-dose rhEpo administration is associated with better cognitive outcomes at school age.

Results

In the EpoKids study, 214 children born very preterm (58.6% of 365 children in eligible cohort) were assessed at a mean age of 10.4 years (range, 6.9-13.4 years); 117 (54.7%) were boys. There was no evidence that the 117 children who had received rhEpo differed from the 97 children who had received placebo in any of the 15 executive function and processing speed tests, nor in parent-rated executive functions (estimates ranged from −0.138 to 0.084, all 95% CIs included 0). Irrespective of rhEpo or placebo allocation, children born very preterm scored lower on 11 of 15 executive function and processing speed tests than term-born peers (estimates ranged from 0.112 to 0.255, 95% CIs did not include 0).

Conclusion and Relevance

This study found no evidence for a positive association between prophylactic early high-dose rhEpo administration and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after very preterm birth. These results suggest that a comprehensive approach, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological prevention and intervention strategies, is needed to support these children’s neurodevelopmental outcome.
Development and Preliminary Validation of a Screener for Digital Health Readiness
Authors: Rising Kristin L. , Guth Amanda , Gentsch Alexzandra T. , Martin Gonzalez Karla , Hass Richard , Shughart Lindsey , Gelfer Serena , McVane Megan , Worster Brooke , Leader Amy E.
Published: September 2024

Importance

While telehealth use has grown, patient uptake is variable, which has the potential to increase health disparities. Identifying and understanding individuals’ barriers to digital health readiness can help health systems efficiently deploy resources to provide personalized patient-centered support.

Objective

To develop and validate an instrument to evaluate digital health readiness to identify and quantify barriers to digital readiness.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this qualitative mixed-methods study conducted from April 26, 2022, to June 8, 2023, the instrument was created in 4 phases. Patients and health care professionals were interviewed to explore barriers to telehealth use, scale items were developed for the screener, cognitive interviews were conducted to refine scale items, and psychometric properties of the screener were evaluated. The study was conducted in an urban, multisite academic health system and the surrounding community. Participants were older than 18 years, English-speaking, and able to provide informed consent. Professionals worked within the Jefferson Health system and were involved in telehealth services.

Exposure

Participants completed a semistructured interview (duration: 6-19 minutes), a cognitive interview (duration: 13-137 minutes), or the draft screener survey (duration: 5-10 minutes).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Development and validation of a screener for digital health readiness.

Results

Of 519 patients approached, 19 were ineligible, 122 declined, and 11 were excluded from analysis, resulting in inclusion of 367 participants (32 patient interviews, 16 professional interviews, 15 cognitive interviews, 304 psychometric survey testing). All 16 professionals who were approached participated. Most patient participants were Black (46.7%) or White (37.9%), male (56.4%), and had a high school degree or some college (49.6%); mean (SD) age was 45 (23) years for participants in cognitive interviews, 53 (18) years for survey respondents, and 57 (14) years for patient interviews. The structured interviews uncovered 21 concepts, leading to 48 items that were refined through cognitive interviews. Psychometric analyses of the 29 items that emerged from the cognitive interviews resulted in a final screener with 24 items across 2 factors: technical readiness (18 items; factor loading range, 0.488-0.968) and quality-of-care concerns (6 items; factor loading range, 0.619-0.942).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study of digital health readiness, the findings suggest that the screener items may be valid to assess the complexity of factors influencing digital health uptake and highlight several areas for potential intervention.
KRASG12C‐inhibitor‐based combination therapies for pancreatic cancer: insights from drug screening
Authors: Tapia Contreras Constanza , Falke Jonas Dominik , Seifert Dana‐Magdalena , Schneider Carolin , Krauß Lukas , Fang Xin , Müller Denise , Demirdizen Engin , Spitzner Melanie , De Oliveira Tiago , Schneeweis Christian , Gaedcke Jochen , Kaulfuß Silke , Mirzakhani Kimia , Wollnik Bernd , Conrads Karly , Beißbarth Tim , Salinas Gabriela , Hügel Jonas , Beyer Nils , Rheinländer Sophia , Sax Ulrich , Wirth Matthias , Conradi Lena‐Christin , Reichert Maximilian , Ellenrieder Volker , Ströbel Philipp , Ghadimi Michael , Grade Marian , Saur Dieter , Hessmann Elisabeth , Schneider Günter
Published: September 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has limited treatment options, emphasizing the urgent need for effective therapies. The predominant driver in PDAC is mutated KRAS proto‐oncogene, KRA, present in 90% of patients. The emergence of direct KRAS inhibitors presents a promising avenue for treatment, particularly those targeting the KRASG12C mutated allele, which show encouraging results in clinical trials. However, the development of resistance necessitates exploring potent combination therapies. Our objective was to identify effective KRASG12C‐inhibitor combination therapies through unbiased drug screening. Results revealed synergistic effects with son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1) inhibitors, tyrosine‐protein phosphatase non‐receptor type 11 (PTPN11)/Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐2 (SHP2) inhibitors, and broad‐spectrum multi‐kinase inhibitors. Validation in a novel and unique KRASG12C‐mutated patient‐derived organoid model confirmed the described hits from the screening experiment. Our findings propose strategies to enhance KRASG12C‐inhibitor efficacy, guiding clinical trial design and molecular tumor boards.
Review of External Field Effects on Electrocatalysis: Machine Learning Guided Design
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhou Xuyan , Luo Zihan , Liu Sida , Yue Shengying , Chen Yan , Liu Yilun
Published: September 2024

External field‐enhanced electrocatalysis is a novel and promising approach for boosting the efficiency of electrocatalytic reactions, potentially achieving significant enhancement without altering the composition and structure of electrocatalysts. In addition, the scaling relations of electrocatalysis typically lead to similar variations of initial‐state and transition‐state (TS) energy, which minimally impacts the reaction energy barrier. A sophisticated design of the external field effects shall break these scaling relations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on the effect of mechanical, electric, and magnetic fields on electrocatalysis. It meticulously details the mechanisms underlying activity enhancement based on external field regulations, spanning from the synthesis of electrocatalytic materials to their behavior during the reaction process and modulation of the electrolyte environment. Additionally, the applications of emerging machine learning (ML) technologies in electrocatalysis design, including machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to simulate large‐scale and dynamic chemical reaction processes, data‐driven design and optimization of electrocatalysis performance, are briefly reviewed. In addition, the significant potential of ML technologies in conjunction with external field regulation, envisioning them as effective tools for optimizing or reverse designing electrocatalysis, considering both thermodynamic and kinetic factors as well as the dynamic effect of electrocatalyst surfaces under extreme external fields, is highlighted.
Which Type of Carbon Nitride More Suits Photocatalysis: Amorphous or Crystalline?
Authors: Liu Jia , Tian Na , Ren Shuo , Zhang Zhijie , Yang Zhantao , Xue Yuanqi , Zhang Yihe , Gao Lu , Huang Hongwei
Published: September 2024

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has witnessed tremendous research interest due to its narrow bandgap, intrinsic 2D structure, and abundant raw materials. Although g‐C3N4 has some shortcomings such as low specific surface area, poor conductivity and rapid charge carries recombination, various modification methods are constantly emerging to enhance its potential application value in photocatalysis. Increasing the crystallinity of g‐C3N4 is an effective strategy to improve the in‐plane charge separation efficiency. However, it is also reported that amorphous g‐C3N4 possesses a higher adsorption and activation ability over reactants due to its richer surface functional groups than crystalline g‐C3N4. Which type of g‐C3N4 more suits photocatalysis, and which modification method is more suitable for boosting the activity of two types of g‐C3N4, respectively? Based on these issues, the recent advances in the preparation and properties of amorphous and crystalline g‐C3N4 are summarized, and their performance improvement strategies are overviewed thoroughly. Upon systematic comparison and analysis, which modification strategy is more suitable for the two types of g‐C3N4, respectively, is proposed. Their applications are also summed up especially in environment remediation and energy conversation. Finally, the ongoing opportunities and future challenges for amorphous and crystalline g‐C3N4 in the photocatalysis territory are taken for consideration.