bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Flow Nasal Cannula versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Primary Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Murki Srinivas , Singh Jayesh , Khant Chiragkumar , Kumar Dash Swarup , Oleti Tejo Pratap , Joy Percy , Kabra Nandkishor S.
Published: January 2018

Background: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) is the standard noninvasive respiratory support for newborns with respiratory distress. Evidence for high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as an alternative mode of respiratory support is inconclusive. Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate whether HFNC is not inferior to nCPAP in reducing the need for higher respiratory support in the first 72 h of life when applied as a noninvasive respiratory support mode for preterm neonates with respiratory distress. Methods: Preterm infants (gestation ≥28 weeks and birth weight ≥1,000 g) with respiratory distress were randomized to either HFNC or nCPAP in a non-inferiority trial. Failure of the support mode in the first 72 h after birth was the primary outcome. Infants failing HFNC were rescued either with nCPAP or mechanical ventilation, and those failing nCPAP received mechanical ventilation. Results: During the study period, 139 and 133 infants were randomized to the nCPAP and HFNC groups, respectively. The study was stopped after an interim analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the primary outcome between the 2 groups. The treatment failure was significantly higher in the HFNC group (HFNC, n = 35, 26.3%, vs. CPAP, n = 11, 7.9%, risk difference 18.4 percentage points, 95% CI 9.7–27). Among the infants in the HFNC group who had treatment failure (n = 35), 32 were initially rescued with CPAP. The rate of mechanical ventilation in the first 3 and 7 days of life was similar between the 2 groups. Treatment failure was significantly higher in the HFNC group per protocol and also in the subgroups of infants with moderate (Silverman Anderson score, SAS ≤5) or severe respiratory distress (SAS score >5). Conclusions: When comparing HFNC to nCPAP as a primary noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress, HFNC is inferior to nCPAP in avoiding the need for a higher mode of respiratory support in the first 72 h of life.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Electronic Pain Assessment Tool: An Innovative Instrument for Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Dementia
Authors: Atee Mustafa , Hoti Kreshnik , Hughes Jeffery D.
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: Pain is common in aged care residents with dementia; yet it often goes undetected. A novel tool, the electronic Pain Assessment Tool (ePAT), was developed to address this challenging problem. We investigated the psychometric properties of the ePAT. Methods: In a 10-week prospective observational study, the ePAT was evaluated by comparison against the Abbey Pain Scale (APS). Pain assessments were blindly co-performed by the ePAT rater against the nursing staff of two residential aged care facilities. The residents were assessed twice by each rater: at rest and following movement. Results: The study involved 34 residents aged 85.5 ± 6.3 years, predominantly with severe dementia (Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale – Cognitive Impairment score = 19.7 ± 2.5). Four hundred paired assessments (n = 204 during rest; n = 196 following movement) were performed. Concurrent validity (r = 0.911) and all reliability measures (κw = 0.857; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.904; α = 0.950) were excellent, while discriminant validity and predictive validity were good. Conclusion: The ePAT is a suitable tool for the assessment of pain in this vulnerable population.
The Associations of School Oral Health-Related Environments with Oral Health Behaviours and Dental Caries in Children
Authors: Kaewkamnerdpong Issarapong , Krisdapong Sudaduang
Published: January 2018

Creating supportive oral health-related environments in schools is an important strategy for promoting schoolchildren’s oral health. This study determined the associations between school environments and children’s oral behaviour and dental caries. The data on school oral health-related environments were obtained through observation and interviews. Oral behaviour and dental caries data were collected through interviews and oral examinations of 984 sixth grade children. χ2 and multiple logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic and economic status, other school environment variables, and oral behaviour were used. Providing fresh fruit with school meals was associated with low sweets consumption and low caries levels. Children’s daily sweets consumption was positively associated with sweetened milk sales in schools. Selling sweetened beverages, including sweetened milk, sweetened drinks, and soft drinks, was associated with high caries levels, while selling meat and crispy packed snacks was associated with low caries levels. Children in schools with integrated oral health education were significantly more likely to brush their teeth twice a day and to brush after lunch. In conclusion, school oral health-related environments, especially available food choices, were associated with sweets consumption behaviour and caries levels. Children in schools with integrated oral health education had better brushing habits.
Body Composition following Necrotising Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Binder Christoph , Longford Nicholas , Gale Chris , Modi Neena , Uthaya Sabita
Published: January 2018

Background: The optimal nutritional regimen for preterm infants, including those that develop necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), is unknown. Objective: The objective here was to evaluate body composition at term in infants following NEC, in comparison with healthy infants. The primary outcome measure was non-adipose tissue mass (non-ATM). Methods: We compared body composition assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at term in infants born <31 weeks of gestational age that participated in NEON, a trial comparing incremental versus immediate delivery of parenteral amino acids on non-ATM, and SMOF versus intralipid on intrahepatocellular lipid content. There were no differences in the primary outcomes. We compared infants that received surgery for NEC (NEC-surgical), infants with medically managed NEC (NEC-medical), and infants without NEC (reference). Results: A total of 133 infants were included (8 NEC-surgical; 15 NEC-medical; 110 reference). In comparison with the reference group, infants in the NEC-surgical and NEC-medical groups were significantly lighter [adjusted mean difference (95% CI) NEC-surgical: –630 g (–1,010, –210), p = 0.003; NEC-medical: –440 g (–760, –110), p = 0.009] and the total adipose tissue volume (ATV) was significantly lower [NEC-surgical: –360 cm3 (–516, –204), p < 0.001; NEC-medical: –127 cm3 (–251, –4); p = 0.043]. There were no significant differences in non-ATM [adjusted mean difference (95% CI) NEC-surgical: –46 g (–281, 189), p = 0.70; NEC-medical: –122 g (–308, 63), p = 0.20]. Conclusion: The lower weight at term in preterm infants following surgically and medically managed NEC, in comparison to preterm infants that did not develop the disease, was secondary to a reduction in ATV. This suggests that the nutritional regimen received was adequate to preserve non-ATM but not to support the normal third-trimester deposition of adipose tissue in preterm infants.
Predictors of Persistent Milk Allergy in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Koike Yumi  , Sato Sakura , Yanagida Noriyuki , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Ohtani Kiyotaka  , Imai Takanori  , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: January 2018

Background: Cow’s milk (CM) allergy is the second most common food allergy developed during infancy in Japan. To identify predictors of persistent CM allergy, we investigated the tolerance acquisition rate based on an oral food challenge in children under 6 years of age, diagnosed with immediate-type CM allergy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 131 children born in 2005 with a history of immediate allergic reaction to CM, of whom 39 were excluded because of ongoing oral immunotherapy (n = 18) or a lack of follow-up data (n = 21). The 92 remaining participants were followed for 6 years. Tolerance was defined as no adverse reaction to 200 mL of CM and regular intake of milk at home. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on age at tolerance acquisition: group I (<3 years; n = 31), group II (3–6 years; n = 42), and group III (persistent allergic group; n = 19). Results: Tolerance acquisition rates by 3, 5, and 6 years of age were 32.6% (30/92), 64.1% (59/92), and 84.8% (70/92), respectively. Age at first hospital visit was significantly higher in groups II and III than in group I (p < 0.001). The incidence of anaphylaxis to other foods was also higher in group III than in group I (p = 0.04), as was CM-induced anaphylaxis (p = 0.03). Furthermore, milk and casein-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were significantly higher in group III than in group II after birth and remained high thereafter (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The history of anaphylaxis and high milk-specific IgE levels were associated with persistent CM allergy.
MYC Amplification in the Form of Ring Chromosomes 8 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with t(11;16)(q13;p11.2)
Authors: Yamamoto Katsuya , Kawamoto Shinichiro , Kurata Keiji , Kitao Akihito , Mizutani Yu , Ichikawa Hiroya , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Kajimoto Kazuyoshi , Hayashi Yoshitake , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Minami Hironobu
Published: January 2018

Oncogene amplification is uncommon in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Cytogenetically, it is primarily found as double minute chromosomes (dmin) or homogeneously staining regions (hsr). A 62-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of anemia and thrombocytopenia. Her bone marrow was hypercellular with 78.6% myeloperoxidase- positive blasts. Some had micronuclei. The patient was diagnosed with AML M2 and remains in complete remission (CR) after induction therapy. G-banding at diagnosis showed 51,XX,t(11;16)(q13;p11.2),+r1,+mar1×4. Spectral karyotyping confirmed t(11;16) and revealed that the ring and the marker chromosomes were derived from multiple copies of ring chromosome 8. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a MYC probe at 8q24 detected amplified MYC signals on 1 large and 4 small ring chromosomes 8. One MYC signal was deleted from one of the 2 chromosomes 8. FISH with a FUS probe at 16p11.2 showed monoallelic deletion of FUS. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated MYC protein overexpression at diagnosis and almost negative expression in CR. These results indicate that MYC amplification could occur in ring chromosomes without dmin. A cryptic MYC deletion suggests that an episome model could be applicable to MYC amplification in ring chromosomes as observed for dmin and hsr. Furthermore, considering 2 further reported cases, t(11;16)(q13;p11) may be a very rare but recurrent translocation in AML.
Different Toxicity of Cetuximab and Panitumumab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Petrelli Fausto , Ardito Raffaele , Ghidini Antonio , Zaniboni Alberto , Ghidini Michele , Barni Sandro , Tomasello Gianluca
Published: January 2018

Background: Over the last few years only one large randomized phase III study has tried to prospectively assess the safety of cetuximab and panitumumab in a head-to-head comparison. Despite the similar overall toxicity profile, cetuximab and panitumumab retain peculiar safety characteristics that deserve to be deeply investigated. Methods: We conducted a systematic review for randomized trials in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the terms (“cetuximab” or “panitumumab”) AND (“colorectal cancer” OR “colorectal carcinoma”). Data of adverse events were aggregated to obtain pooled incidence rates of prespecified adverse events. Incidence of skin toxicities was the primary outcome. A χ2 test was used for comparisons of proportions and an odds ratio (OR) was calculated for comparison. Results: A total of 38 studies were included for analysis. Cetuximab was associated with fewer G3–4 skin toxicities (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.53–0.62; p < 0.001), slightly more frequent G3–4 acne-like rash (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.48; p = 0.04), and paronychia (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.1–1.7), but fewer cases of skin fissures (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.93; p = 0.02) and pruritus (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.35–0.58; p < 0.001) than PANI. Conclusions: In conclusion, this meta-analysis shows that cetuximab- and panitumumab-based chemotherapy have different toxicity profiles in terms of the rate of severe adverse events.
Mild Salt-Sensitive Hypertension in Genetically Determined Low Nephron Number is Associated with Chloride but Not Sodium Retention
Authors: Benz Kerstin , Schlote Julia , Daniel Christoph , Kopp Christoph , Dahlmann Anke , Schröder Agnes , Cordasic Nada , Klanke Bernd , Hilgers Karl , Titze Jens , Amann Kerstin
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: One potential pathomechanism how low nephron number leads to hypertension in later life is altered salt handling. We therefore evaluated changes in electrolyte and water content in wildtype (wt) and GDNF+/- mice with a 30% reduction of nephron number. Methods: 32 GDNF+/- and 36 wt mice were fed with low salt (LSD, 0.03%, normal drinking water) or high salt (HSD, 4%, 0.9% drinking water) diet for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was continuously measured by telemetry in a subgroup. At the end of the experiment and after standardized ashing processes electrolyte- and water contents of the skin and the total body were determined. Results: We found higher blood pressure in high salt treated GDNF+/-compared to wt mice. Of interest, we could not confirm an increase in total-body sodium as predicted by prevailing explanations, but found increased total body and skin chloride that interestingly correlated with relative kidney weight. Conclusion: We hereby firstly report significant total body and skin chloride retention in salt sensitive hypertension of GDNF+/-mice with genetically determined lower nephron number. Thus, in contrast to the prevailing opinion our data argue for the involvement of non-volume related mechanisms.
De la porosité des frontières narratives, mémorielles et spatiales dans "Jonas de Mémoire" d'Anne-Élaine Cliche
Authors: Lamer Marilyne
Published: January 2018

Que se produit-il lorsque se reconstruire, s’imaginer, ne peut se faire que par le truchement de l’Autre? Plus qu’une découverte de soi par le reflet, Jonas de Mémoire est la preuve de la possibilité d’une écriture de soi, hors de soi. Elle rend possible l’expérience de soi en même temps qu’elle transgresse et met à mal la frontière entre le soi et l’Autre. La porosité des frontières narratives, mémorielles et spatiales entre auteur, narrateur et personnage soulève d’emblée un rapport singulier à l’écriture qui se traduit par un travail soutenu sur la notion de séparation. À ce titre, l’usage frénétique du point-virgule et de coordonnants parviennent à figurer formellement le travail particulier de la mémoire à l’œuvre ce roman. Ces procédés de juxtapositions arrivent à donner une sensation de collage entre les phrases, à l’image d’un véritable patchwork où des frontières se rejoignent et s’amenuisent. Paradoxalement, ils marquent aussi l’inadéquation des mémoires et en instaurant une frontière typographique entre les deux. La présente étude envisage donc d’étudier le rôle de l’écriture et des éléments esthétiques et formels propres à l’œuvre qui agissent sur la frontière de l’ici et du là, du soi et de l’Autre, du présent et du passé qui affirment cette séparation en même temps qu’ils la nient.
A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease‐22 Attenuates Hypertrophic Remodeling in Mice Through Inhibition of the Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ren Lingyun , Wu Chuangyan , Yang Kai , Chen Shanshan , Ye Ping , Wu Jie , Zhang Anchen , Huang Xiaofan , Wang Ke , Deng Peng , Ding Xiangchao , Chen Manhua , Xia Jiahong
Published: January 2018

Background

Severe cardiac hypertrophy can lead to cardiac remodeling and even heart failure in the end, which is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease–related mortality worldwide. A disintegrin and metalloprotease‐22 (
ADAM
22), a member of the transmembrane and secreted metalloendopeptidase family, participates in many biological processes, including those in the cardiovascular system. However, there is no explicit information on whether
ADAM
22 can regulate the process of cardiac hypertrophy; the effects that
ADAM
22 exerts in cardiac hypertrophy remain elusive.

Methods and Results

We observed significantly increased
ADAM
22 expression in failing hearts from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; the same trend was observed in mice induced by transaortic constriction and in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes treated by angiotensin
II
. Therefore, we constructed both cardiac‐specific
ADAM
22 overexpression and knockout mice. At 4 weeks after transaortic constriction, cardiac‐specific
ADAM
22 knockout, by the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)–Cas9) system, deteriorated the severity of cardiac hypertrophy in mice, whereas cardiac‐specific
ADAM
22 overexpression mitigated the degrees of cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Similarly, altered
ADAM
22 expression modulated the angiotensin
II
–mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. After screening several signaling pathways, we found
ADAM
22 played a role in inhibition of protein kinase B (
AKT
) activation. Under the cardiac‐specific
ADAM
22 knockout background,
AKT
activation was enhanced in transaortic constriction–induced mice and angiotensin
II
–stimulated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, with a severe degree of cardiac hypertrophy. Treatment of a specific
AKT
inhibitor attenuated the transaortic constriction–enhanced
AKT
activation and cardiac hypertrophy in mice.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrated that
ADAM
22 negatively regulates the
AKT
activation and the process of cardiac hypertrophy and may provide new insights into the pathobiological features of cardiac hypertrophy.
National Trends in Nonstatin Use and Expenditures Among the US Adult Population From 2002 to 2013: Insights From Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
Authors: Salami Joseph A. , Warraich Haider J. , Valero‐Elizondo Javier , Spatz Erica S. , Desai Nihar R. , Rana Jamal S. , Virani Salim S. , Blankstein Ron , Khera Amit , Blaha Michael J. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Katzen Barry T. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald , Krumholz Harlan M. , Nasir Khurram
Published: January 2018

Background

Evidence supporting nonstatin lipid‐lowering therapy in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction is variable. We aim to examine nonstatin utilization and expenditures in the United States between 2002 and 2013.

Methods and Results

We used the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey database to estimate national trends in nonstatin use and cost (total and out‐of‐pocket, adjusted to 2013
US
dollars using a gross domestic product deflator) among adults 40 years or older. Nonstatin users increased from 3 million (2.5%) in 2002‐2003 (20.1 million prescriptions) to 8 million (5.6%) in 2012‐2013 (45.8 million prescriptions). Among adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, nonstatin use increased from 7.5% in 2002‐2003 to 13.9% in 2012‐2013 after peaking at 20.3% in 2006‐2007. In 2012‐2013, 15.9% of high‐intensity statin users also used nonstatins, versus 9.7% of low/moderate‐intensity users and 3.6% of statin nonusers. Nonstatin use was significantly lower among women (odds ratio 0.80; 95% confidence interval 0.75‐0.86), racial/ethnic minorities (odds ratio 0.41; 95% confidence interval 0.36‐0.47), and the uninsured (odds ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.40‐0.56). Total nonstatin expenditures increased from $1.7 billion (out‐of‐pocket cost, $0.7 billion) in 2002‐2003 to $7.9 billion (out‐of‐pocket cost $1.6 billion) in 2012‐2013, as per‐user nonstatin expenditure increased from $550 to $992. Nonstatin expenditure as a proportion of all lipid‐lowering therapy expenditure increased 4‐fold from 8% to 32%.

Conclusions

Between 2002 and 2013, nonstatin use increased by 124%, resulting in a 364% increase in nonstatin‐associated expenditures.
Impact of Renal Denervation on Atrial Arrhythmogenic Substrate in Ischemic Model of Heart Failure
Authors: Yamada Shinya , Fong Man‐Cai , Hsiao Ya‐Wen , Chang Shih‐Lin , Tsai Yung‐Nan , Lo Li‐Wei , Chao Tze‐Fan , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Hu Yu‐Feng , Chung Fa‐Po , Liao Jo‐Nan , Chang Yao‐Ting , Li Hsing‐Yuan , Higa Satoshi , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: January 2018

Background

Myocardial infarction increases the risk of heart failure (
HF
) and atrial fibrillation. Renal denervation (
RDN
) might suppress the development of atrial remodeling. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of
RDN
in the suppression of atrial fibrillation in a
HF
model after myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

HF
rabbits were created 4 weeks after coronary ligation. Rabbits were classified into 3 groups: normal control (n=10),
HF
(n=10), and
HF
‐
RDN
(n=6). Surgical and chemical
RDN
were approached through midabdominal incisions in
HF
‐
RDN
. Left anterior descending coronary artery in
HF
and
HF
‐
RDN
was ligated to create myocardial infarction. After electrophysiological study, the rabbits were euthanized and the left atrial appendage was harvested for real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and Trichrome stain. Left atrial dimension and left ventricular mass were smaller in
HF
‐
RDN
by echocardiography compared with
HF
. Attenuated atrial fibrosis and tyrosine hydroxylase levels were observed in
HF
‐
RDN
compared with
HF
. The
mRNA
expressions of Cav1.2, Nav1.5, Kir2.1, Kv
LQT
1, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase,
AKT
, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in
HF
‐
RDN
were significantly higher compared with
HF
. The effective refractory period and action potential duration of
HF
‐
RDN
were significantly shorter compared with
HF
. Decreased atrial fibrillation inducibility was noted in
HF
‐
RDN
compared with
HF
(50% versus 100%,
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

RDN
reversed atrial electrical and structural remodeling, and suppressed the atrial fibrillation inducibility in an ischemic
HF
model. The beneficial effect of
RDN
may be related to prevention of the downregulation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/
AKT
/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling pathway.
Bonhoeffer and the Benedict Option: The Mission of Monasticism in a Post-Christian World
Authors: Taylor Derek W.
Published: January 2018

This article brings Bonhoeffer into conversation with the Benedict Option in order to analyse the inner logic of neo-monasticism. Both contend that missional faithfulness in a post-Christian context requires the church to abandon the pursuit of power, a task that lies at the heart of the neo-monastic posture. But Bonhoeffer does so while remaining alert to the great temptation of monasticism. The temptation is not merely that the church becomes sectarian. The more serious problem has to do with the way the church’s separation from culture is theologically construed. This article suggests that whereas the Benedict Option is grounded in a Christ-idea, Bonhoeffer’s neo-monasticism is grounded in Christ himself. The temptation, in other words, is that ideology becomes confused with Christology. Following Bonhoeffer, this article claims that confusion on this point risks embroiling the church in the very power games that neo-monasticism attempts to avoid. Whereas ideologically grounded neo-monasticism must confront the world in the mode of conflict, Christologically grounded neo-monasticism is free from the temptation of power, and from this posture authentic witness becomes possible.
The Commemoration of the Reformation as the Starting Point for a Joint Declaration on Church, Eucharist and Ministry?
Authors: De Mey Peter
Published: January 2018

In recent years a discussion has been taking place on whether it would make sense to work towards a Joint Declaration on Church, Eucharist and Ministry between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Churches. The invitation was made by Cardinal Koch who, however, set a preliminary condition that the twofold Grunddifferenz both with regard to their understanding of the Church and their model of unity would first be overcome. After introducing Cardinal Koch’s views on the matter, this article discusses a number of recent documents by ecumenical bodies and contributions by individual theologians – all written on the occasion of the 2017 commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the symbolic start of the Reformation – that, explicitly or implicitly, comment on aspects of Cardinal Koch’s proposal.
Friedrich Schleiermacher: Pentecostal Friend or Foe?
Authors: Daniels Joel D.
Published: January 2018

Although it is rapidly growing worldwide, Pentecostalism is a relatively young Christian tradition and, in consequence, has not yet developed a thorough systematic theology. The most unifying aspects of Pentecostalism tend to be its emphasis on the Holy Spirit and its commitment to oppose what are deemed to be inappropriate and heretical theologies. While there are many theologies and theologians that Pentecostals resist, Friedrich D.E. Schleiermacher is almost universally opposed due to what Western Pentecostal theology views as his liberal, subjective, and academic theology. In this essay, I argue that these claims are misguided and that there is important common ground between Schleiermacher and Western Pentecostal theology, as seen through Schleiermacher’s theology on redemption, ecclesiology, and preaching. Thus Western Pentecostal theology can confidently adopt Schleiermacher as a theological ally, thereby allowing his theology to inform Pentecostal theology as it continues to develop.
Three species of Reteporella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) in a diapiric and mud volcano field of the Gulf of Cádiz, with the description of Reteporella victori n. sp.
Authors: RAMALHO LAÍS V. , LÓPEZ-FÉ CARLOS M. , RUEDA JOSÉ LUIS
Published: January 2018

Diapirs and mud volcanoes (MVs) are formed by the migration and extrusion of fluids and mud to the seafloor, respectively. In the Gulf of Cádiz there are ca. 60 MVs and several diapirs with different environmental conditions and seepage activity. Previous studies, mainly on MVs, have demonstrated that the invertebrate fauna associated with these seafloor structures can be very diverse, including chemosymbiotic species, mostly mollusks and frenulate polychaetes, as well as vulnerable suspension feeders, such as cold-water corals and sponges, among others. Previous studies of the bryozoan fauna in this area have recorded species belonging to 28 families. One of these families is Phidoloporidae, which comprises 27 genera worldwide, including the common Rhynchozoon, Reteporellina, and Reteporella. In the present study, two species belonging to Reteporella are redescribed, and a new species is described from diapirs and MVs on the shelf and slope of the Gulf of Cádiz. The samples were collected during several oceanographic expeditions carried out by the Instituto Español de Oceanografia. This genus is well represented in the NE Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and our study extends its occurrence on MVs and diapirs fields of the Gulf of Cádiz.
Gulf Stream Excursions and Sectional Detachments Generate the Decadal Pulses in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: Nigam Sumant , Ruiz-Barradas Alfredo , Chafik Léon
Published: January 2018

Decadal pulses within the lower-frequency Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) are a prominent but underappreciated AMO feature, representing decadal variability of the subpolar gyre (e.g., the Great Salinity Anomaly of the 1970s) and wielding notable influence on the hydroclimate of the African and American continents. Here clues are sought into their origin in the spatiotemporal development of the Gulf Stream’s (GS) meridional excursions and sectional detachments apparent in the 1954–2012 record of ocean surface and subsurface salinity and temperature observations.

The GS excursions are tracked via meridional displacement of the 15°C isotherm at 200-m depth—the GS index—whereas the AMO’s decadal pulses are targeted through the AMO tendency, which implicitly highlights the shorter time scales of the AMO index. The GS’s northward shift is shown to be preceded by the positive phase of the low-frequency North Atlantic Oscillation (LF-NAO) and followed by a positive AMO tendency by 1.25 and 2.5 years, respectively. The temporal phasing is such that the GS’s northward shift is nearly concurrent with the AMO’s cold decadal phase (cold, fresh subpolar gyre). Ocean–atmosphere processes that can initiate phase reversal of the gyre state are discussed, starting with the reversal of the LF-NAO, leading to a mechanistic hypothesis for decadal fluctuations of the subpolar gyre.

According to the hypothesis, the fluctuation time scale is set by the self-feedback of the LF-NAO from its influence on SSTs in the seas around Greenland, and by the cross-basin transit of the GS’s detached eastern section; the latter is produced by the southward intrusion of subpolar water through the Newfoundland basin, just prior to the GS’s northward shift in the western basin.
Marginalisation of men in family planning texts: An analysis of training manuals
Authors: Wilson Amanda D , Fylan Fiona , Gough Brendan
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Men’s engagement in family planning has become part of the global health agenda; however, little is known about the training manuals health practitioners’ use and how these manuals describe and explain men’s roles within a family planning context.

Design:

To further understand engagement, this paper examines how training manuals written for health practitioners describe and define men’s participation within family planning.

Setting:

The training manuals were written for UK health practitioners and covered men’s contributions to family planning.

Method:

Discourse analysis was used to examine the three training manuals focused upon.

Results:

Three main discourses were identified: ‘contraception is a woman’s responsibility’, ‘men disengage with health practitioners’ and ‘men are biologically predisposed to avoid sexual responsibility’.

Conclusion:

Together, these three discourses function to marginalise men in family planning, constructing them as detached accessories that lack the ability to engage.
Low electrical percolation thresholds and nonlinear effects in graphene-reinforced nanocomposites: A numerical analysis
Authors: Lu Xiaoxin , Yvonnet Julien , Detrez Fabrice , Bai Jinbo
Published: January 2018

A numerical model of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites taking into account the electric tunneling effect is employed to analyze the influence of microstructural parameters on the effective electric conductivity and the percolation thresholds of the composite. The generation procedure for the random microstructures of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites is described. Effects of the barrier height, of graphene aspect ratio and alignment of graphene sheets have been quantitatively evaluated. The results show that both higher graphene aspect ratio and lower barrier height can lead to smaller percolation threshold, and the alignment of graphene sheets results in anisotropic electrical behavior without affecting the percolation threshold. The numerical model also shows the importance of the tunneling effect to reproduce the nonlinear electric behavior and the low percolation thresholds reported in the literature. Finally, results are compared with available experimental data.
Establishing psychological wellbeing metrics for the built environment
Authors: Watson Kelly J
Published: January 2018

The business case for wellbeing is now an influential agenda in the built environment. Increasing demand for user-centred environments means evidence-based design proven to deliver wellbeing outcomes for end users is essential. The challenge is to effectively capture and disseminate this evidence to a range of expert and non-expert audiences. Further, being able to make the link between increased wellbeing and an increase in the productivity, or performance, of building users requires new definitions and methods. An innovative wellbeing valuation approach is presented, consisting of a multi-item scale to measure and quantify the wellbeing outcomes experienced by building users, and impact reporting techniques using Social Return on Investment to produce transferable, monetised evaluation metrics. This combination has the capability to communicate the value of design in a powerful and accessible manner. Wellbeing valuation metrics represent an opportunity to develop new user-driven knowledge and shape the built environment in positive ways.

Practical application: Wellbeing has become an influential agenda in the built environment in recent years, suggesting that user-centred priorities will become increasingly significant to the design and construction sector. The wellbeing valuation approach presented represents an innovative blend of a psychological wellbeing model, quantitative measurement and financial reporting to produce transferable metrics to communicate the value of design in a powerful and transformative manner. Wellbeing valuation is a nascent practice, but it provides the professions with opportunities to collaborate with end users and develop new knowledge about buildings, enhancing the ability of practitioners to shape the built environment in positive ways.
The hybridization of national collective bargaining systems: The impact of the economic crisis on the transformation of collective bargaining in the European Union
Authors: Brandl Bernd , Bechter Barbara
Published: January 2018

In this article it is argued that the economic crisis has made national collective bargaining systems increasingly multi-layered, perforated and dynamically unstable, i.e. hybrid. The authors explain these transformations in terms of the concomitance of two different sources of change which do not necessarily follow the same logics. The first source stems from national systems’ endogenous logic of path dependency and the second from pressure to reform in accordance with exogenously applied strategies and logics. It is argued that these sources act like a whipsaw, pushing and pulling national collective bargaining systems between the two logics, leading to hybrid collective bargaining systems.
Changing employment dynamics within the creative city: Exploring the role of ‘ordinary people’ within the changing city landscape
Authors: Baum Tom
Published: January 2018

This article is about creative cities and their largely invisible and largely neglected workforce, the ‘ordinary people’ who provide the work- and life-place services upon which creative workers depend. The article considers the nature of creative cities, their labour markets and the precarious nature of much employment within them. The ambiguous relationship between different employment groups within the creative city is illustrated. The analysis forms the basis for reaching conclusions and helping to formulate advice for policy makers in developing approaches that are inclusive and accessible. The article is set against and acknowledges the importance of the rising tide of populism as a real challenge to an elitist mainstream creative city discourse.
Implications of Migration on Employment and Occupational Transitions in Tanzania
Authors: Mueller Valerie , Schmidt Emily , Lozano Nancy , Murray Siobhan
Published: January 2018

The overarching message from the growth literature is that a transition from the low-productivity agricultural sector to the high-productivity manufacturing sector is necessary for structural change. Although sub-Saharan Africa has experienced substantial economic growth rates, rural–urban migration contributed very little to this progress. Migration to peri-urban areas may offer prospects for diversification out of agriculture with lower moving costs and job-search frictions than urban centers. We document migration patterns and worker selection into peri-urban and urban areas in Tanzania. Standard spatial classifications mask the prominent phenomenon of peri-urban (rather than rural) to urban migration. Lacking job experience and social networks, many youth moving to urban destinations are more likely to be unemployed. However, conditional on being employed over the two-year period of the study, migration to peri-urban as well as urban areas allows workers to transition from low- to high-valued occupations.
Response to comments
Authors: White Stephen K.
Published: January 2018

I reply to criticisms of my book, A Democratic Bearing: Admirable Citizens, Uneven Injustice and Critical Theory (Cambridge University Press, 2017) from Simone Chambers, Rainer Forst, and Sharon Krause.
Endeavoring to Contextualize Curricula Within an EBP Framework: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Malik Gulzar , McKenna Lisa , Griffiths Debra
Published: January 2018

Adopting evidence-based practice (EBP) principles in undergraduate education can facilitate nursing students’ appreciation of EBP. Using grounded theory method, this study aimed to explore processes used by nurse academics while integrating EBP concepts in undergraduate nursing curricula across Australian universities. Twenty-three nurse academics were interviewed and nine were observed during teaching of undergraduate students. In addition, 20 unit/subject guides were analyzed using grounded theory approach of data analysis. The theory “ On a path to success: Endeavoring to contextualize curricula within an EBP framework” reflects academics’ endeavors toward linking EBP concepts to practice, aiming to contextualize curricula in a manner that engages students within an EBP framework. However, academics’ journeys were influenced by several contextual factors which require strategies to accomplish their endeavors. In conclusion, initiatives to minimize barriers, faculty development, and provision of resources across educational and clinical settings are fundamental to achieving undergraduate curricula underpinned by EBP concepts.
The Relationship Between Practice Environment and Psychological Ownership in Advanced Practice Nurses
Authors: Schirle Lori , McCabe Brian E. , Mitrani Victoria
Published: January 2018

Barriers in advanced practice nurses’ work environment impede effective use in acute care settings, reduce job satisfaction, and increase intent to leave. Fostering psychological ownership for work through improved work design has increased satisfaction, motivation, and productivity, and lowered turnover in other fields, and may have similar effects for advanced practice nurses. This multilevel cross-sectional survey study examined the relationship between advanced practice nurse work environment and psychological ownership using data from a survey of advanced practice nurses and nurse executives in Florida hospitals. Barriers in scope of practice and exclusion from hospital governance were common. Advanced practice nurses reported good relations with physicians and moderate organizational climate but poor relations with administrators and limited control over work. Organizational climate had a strong positive relationship with psychological ownership. Fostering advanced practice nurse psychological ownership could improve job satisfaction and decrease turnover leading to increased effectiveness in acute care settings.
Pashtun Jirgas, Their Potential in Pak-Afghan Reconciliation and National Reconstruction
Authors: Ahmed Zahid Shahab , Yousaf Farooq
Published: January 2018

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have mostly been hostile since 1947. The animosity has grown in complexity from various territorial disputes to frequent allegations of cross-border terrorism in the post-9/11 era. This article first makes a case for involving Jirgas, a traditional dispute resolution mechanism among Pashtuns, for improving peace dialogues between both countries. It presents evidence of the traditional acceptability of Jirgas by Pashtuns on both sides of the border and assesses previous official bilateral attempts of using Jirgas. It then proceeds to propose some new policy recommendations focused on national reconstruction of Afghanistan, which include involvement of the Taliban as an important local stakeholder. The dual key argument then becomes, first, that since Jirgas have long-standing local legitimacy and acceptability both in Afghanistan and Pakistan, using the strength of their social recognition would allow higher-level bilateral negotiations between the neighbours, enhancing the effectiveness of new and locally more credible forms of multi-track diplomacy. Second, reinvigorating the Jirga system would allow the Afghan people themselves to engage in fuller multi-dimensional debates on sustainable modalities for their own future, on terms to be set by them, not outsiders.
Prospective analysis of glycemic variability in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: modified Leuven’s adjustment process versus conventional adjustment process
Authors: Xue Bing , Ruan Shiyan , Xie Ping , Yan Kaixuan , Gu Zhi'e , Meng Ningning , Zhang Jiannan , Liu Haitao , Lu Juan , Zuo Siqin , Zhang Hengzhu
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of two different methods of controlling glycemic variability (GV) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) undergoing surgery.

Methods

Patients with STBI were randomly grouped into a conventional adjustment process (CAP) group and modified Leuven’s adjustment process (mLAP) group. Each group included 50 patients. Blood glucose levels were continuously monitored and data were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The mean blood glucose level was stable in both groups for 5 days postoperatively with no significant difference. The standard deviation of the blood glucose level, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, and glycemic lability index were significantly higher in the CAP than mLAP group for the first 2 days. In the final 3 days, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the CAP than mLAP group on the first day. This value gradually declined during the following 4 days, but the difference between the two groups was not significant.

Conclusion

The mLAP produced more favorable results than the CAP for GV control in the early stage after surgery for STBI.
Comparison of Lurasidone Versus Quetiapine for the Treatment of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Fox Marlena A. , Elefritz Jessica L. , Huang Brandon M. , Hunley Charles
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone compared with quetiapine for treatment of delirium in critically ill patients.

Design:

Prospective, observational cohort study.

Setting:

Single-center community teaching hospital.

Patients:

Forty adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with delirium (Confusion Assessment Method in the ICU positive), tolerating enteral nutrition, and without active alcohol withdrawal or prior use of atypical antipsychotics.

Interventions:

Patients were treated at the discretion of the prescriber with either lurasidone or quetiapine for delirium. Dose escalation and/or discontinuation were determined at the discretion of individual providers.

Results:

Baseline characteristics differed with a higher severity of illness in patients in the quetiapine group (n = 20) and a higher baseline QTc interval in the lurasidone group (n = 20). No significant difference was seen in the time to delirium resolution (3.2 vs 3.4 days), average daily haloperidol requirements (5.7 vs 6.9 mg), hospital length of stay (LOS; 23.6 vs 27.9 days), or ICU LOS (12.1 vs 14.2 days). Lurasidone was associated with fewer ventilator support days (4.0 [interquartile range, IQR: 2.3-6.8] days vs 7 [IQR: 4.0-9.8; P = .0295] days) but also a fewer number of delirium-free days (0 [IQR: 0-1.0] days vs 2 [IQR: 0-3.0; P = .0231] days). Additionally, no difference was seen for ICU mortality (20% vs 20%), percentage of time oversedated (2.8% vs 2.7%), or incidence of QTc prolongation (10.0% vs 10.0%).

Conclusions:

Lurasidone for the treatment of delirium in critically ill patients did not differ in the time to delirium resolution when compared to quetiapine. Additionally, the incidence of QTc prolongation between agents does not appear to be different. Future randomized trials should evaluate dose escalation schemes and a larger proportion of patients to evaluate differences in mortality, efficacy, and life-threatening arrhythmias associated with atypical antipsychotic use.
Hydro-mechanical power split transmissions: Progress evolution and future trends
Authors: Yu Jin , Cao Zhu , Cheng Min , Pan Rongzhao
Published: January 2018

The hydro-mechanical power split transmission is an important form of hydraulic hybrid transmission, combining the stepless speed characteristics of hydraulic transmission and the high efficiency of mechanical transmission. Recently, the hydro-mechanical power split transmission, with its relatively large potential for energy recovery and improving the environment, and its low cost, has attracted many scholars from all over the world. Because there are many types of hydro-mechanical power split transmission, the different forms are complex, and researchers across the world are relatively dispersed, it has experienced a long and arduous development process. Therefore, it is important to summarize the types, developments, and achievements of this transmission. From the recent literature at home and abroad, this paper summarizes developments, key techniques and trends, analyses problems and difficulties in design and application, discusses the methods for solving these problems, and provides references for the development and application of hydro-mechanical power split transmission.
A hybrid control approach for powered parafoil combining active disturbance rejection control and unbalanced load compensation
Authors: Sun Hao , Sun Qinglin , Tao Jin , Luo Shuzhen , Chen Zengqiang
Published: January 2018

Powered parafoil is a kind of low-speed unmanned air vehicle and is widely used in aerospace applications. However, the wind interference and the unbalanced load on the actuators of its horizontal controller extremely reduce the control effect and the disturbance rejection ability of the trajectory tracking. In order to solve these problems, a hybrid control approach for powered parafoil based on active disturbance rejection control is proposed. In this control approach, distinguished from other existing ones, the horizontal controller consists of the inner and outer loops. The outer loop is applied to accurately control the flight direction and offset the wind disturbance of the whole system. Meanwhile, the inner loop is designed to offer higher control precision and dynamically compensate the unbalanced load on the actuators of the horizontal controller. In order to verify the control approach, the model of the powered parafoil is improved by the model of rudders and flap deflection. Then, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is illustrated by the experiment. The results show that compared with the proportional–integral–derivative controller, the control effect and the anti-disturbance ability are all substantially improved.
‘Women’s work penalty’ in access to flexible working arrangements across Europe
Authors: Chung Heejung
Published: January 2018

Many assume that women and workers in female-dominated workplaces will have better access to flexible working arrangements. Some use this as justification for the low wages found in these workplaces. Yet, empirical results are mixed. I explore this question by examining workers’ access to schedule control across 27 European countries, and find no discernible gender differences in access to schedule control when individual and company-level characteristics are taken into account. However, working in female-dominated jobs and/or sectors significantly reduces access to schedule control for both men and women. This ‘women’s work penalty’ in female-dominated sectors varies across Europe but nowhere was the access better compared to sectors where both genders are equally represented. This raises concerns regarding the lack of favourable working conditions, in addition to low pay found in female-dominated workplaces.