bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and Rheological Behavior of Hybrid Cross‐Linked Polyacrylamide/Cationic Micelle Hydrogels
Authors: Gu Song , Cheng Guiru , Yang Tianyu , Ren Xiuyan , Gao Guanghui
Published: November 2017

In this work, a hybrid cross‐linked polyacrylamide (PAM)/cationic micelle hydrogel is fabricated by introducing the cationic micelles into the chemically cross‐linked PAM network. The cationic micelles act as the physical cross‐linking points through the strong electrostatic interaction with anionic initiator potassium persulfate. Thereafter, in situ free radical polymerization is initiated thermally from the cationic micelle surface to form the hybrid cross‐linked network. The synergistic effect between chemical and physical cross‐link endows the hydrogel with excellent mechanical and recoverable properties. The resulting hydrogel exhibits tensile stress of 481 kPa and fracture toughness of 1.65 MJ m−3. It is found that the chemical cross‐linking can inhibit the hysteresis of the hybrid hydrogel, exhibiting good elasticity in the tensile loading–unloading test. Moreover, dynamic rheological measurements show that the hybrid hydrogels possess fewer defects of network and exhibit excellent self‐recovery behavior. Thus, this investigation provides a different view for the design of new high elastic and tough hydrogels containing hybrid physical and chemical cross‐linking networks.
A further study on value distribution of the Riemann zeta‐function
Authors: Lü Feng
Published: November 2017

The paper concerns the uniqueness problem of Riemann zeta‐function. It is showed that the Riemann zeta‐function is uniquely determined in terms of the preimages of three complex values except possibly a set G with , where G is called an exceptional set.
Vascularized humeral periosteal flap to treat lateral humeral condyle nonunion: An anatomical study and report of two successfully‐treated pediatric cases
Authors: Barrera‐Ochoa S. Sergi , Soldado Francisco , Rodriguez‐Baeza Alfonso , Diaz‐Gallardo Paula , Hodgson Felipe , Corona Pablo S. , Knörr Jorge
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Nonunion is a common complication of lateral condyle humeral (LCH) fractures in children. In situ fixation with a screw and bone grafting is the classically‐recommended method of treatment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the feasibility of obtaining a vascularized periosteal flap obtained from the lateral humerus and based on the posterior collateral radial vessels (PCRV). Second, to report the results after the application in two pediatric cases.

Methods

Periosteal branches of PCRV were studied in ten upper limbs from fresh human cadavers. Then, two children with LCH nonunion were treated with this flap.

Results

The PCRV provided mean of 5.3 anterior periosteal branches (range 4–7) with a mean distance between them of 19.1 mm (range 5–29 mm) and 5.7 posterior periosteal branches (range 3–7) with a mean distance between them of 15.9 mm (range 6–33 mm. PCRV distally anastomosed to the interosseous recurrent artery and the radial recurrent artery, creating a vascular net over the lateral condyle and allowing for the design of a reverse vascularized humeral periosteal flap (VHPF). Abundant periosteal callus and rapid consolidation were achieved in both children. No bone fixation or grafting was necessary.

Conclusions

VHPF might be considered a viable biological surgical option to promote bone healing in LCH nonunions in children, while avoiding the need for bone fixation and the donor morbidity associated with bone grafting.
Eyelid reanimation using crossface nerve graft: Relationship between surgical outcome and preoperative paralysis duration
Authors: Okochi Masayuki , Okochi Hiromi , Asai Emiko , Sakaba Takao , Ueda Kazuki
Published: November 2017

Background

To reanimate the mimetic muscles, crossface nerve graft (CFNG) is an effective surgical option. However, muscle atrophy after facial paralysis may influence the surgical result. We analyzed the relationship between surgical result and preoperative paralysis duration.

Methods

We performed CFNG on 15 patients. The sural nerve was transferred between the affected and nonaffected sides of the zygomatic branch. Eyelid function and eyelid lid were evaluated using the modified House–Brackmann scale. The effects of age, sex, cause of facial paralysis, graft nerve length, and preoperative paralysis duration were evaluated.

Results

The mean follow up period was 9.3 ± 3.3 (range 4–14) years. Eyelid closure was excellent in four patients, good in six, fair in one, and poor in four. Statistically, no significant difference was observed between those patients with excellent or good outcomes and fair or poor outcomes regarding age (40.9 ± 11.0 years vs. 22.6 ± 20.8; P = .067), sex (male/female = 2/8 vs. 3/2; P = .250), cause (tumor/trauma = 10/0 vs. 3/2; P = .095), and length of nerve graft (14.4 ± 0.8 cm vs. 13.8 ± 1.6 cm; P = .375). The average preoperative paralysis duration in the excellent/good patients was significantly shorter than that in the fair/poor patients (P = .005). All eight cases with preoperative paralysis of less than 6 months showed a marked excellent/good result. Two of the seven patients with preoperative paralysis was 6 months or longer marked fair/poor result. (P = .007).

Conclusions

To achieve successful results with CFNG, surgery should be performed within 6 months of the onset of paralysis.
Weierstrass method for quaternionic polynomial root‐finding
Authors: Falcão M. Irene , Miranda Fernando , Severino Ricardo , Soares M. Joana
Published: November 2017

Quaternions, introduced by Hamilton in 1843 as a generalization of complex numbers, have found, in more recent years, a wealth of applications in a number of different areas that motivated the design of efficient methods for numerically approximating the zeros of quaternionic polynomials. In fact, one can find in the literature recent contributions to this subject based on the use of complex techniques, but numerical methods relying on quaternion arithmetic remain scarce. In this paper, we propose a Weierstrass‐like method for finding simultaneously all the zeros of unilateral quaternionic polynomials. The convergence analysis and several numerical examples illustrating the performance of the method are also presented.
Existence of nontrivial solutions for Schrödinger‐Kirchhoff type equations with critical or supercritical growth
Authors: Li Quanqing , Teng Kaimin , Wu Xian
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we study the following Schrödinger‐Kirchhoff–type equation with critical or supercritical growth

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4652:mma4652-math-0001
where a>0, b>0, λ>0, and p≥6. Under some suitable conditions, we prove that the equation has a nontrivial solution for small λ>0 by variational method. Moreover, we regard b as a parameter and obtain a convergence property of the nontrivial solution as b↘0. Our main contribution is related to the fact that we are able to deal with the case p>6.
The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test and the DSM‐5 in the general population: Optimal thresholds and underlying common structure using multiple factor analysis
Authors: Legleye Stéphane
Published: November 2017

The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) aims at screening the problematic use of cannabis. It has never been validated against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐5 and its relationships with this latter have never been studied. We used a probabilistic telephone survey collected in 2014 (1351 past‐year cannabis users aged 15–64) implementing the CAST and a DSM‐5 adaptation of the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessing cannabis use disorders. Data were weighted, and CAST items were considered categorical. Factorial structures were assessed with confirmatory factor analyses; the relationships between the instruments were studied with multiple factor analysis (MFA). One factor for the DSM‐5 and two correlated factors for the CAST were the best confirmatory factor analyses solutions. The CAST thresholds for screening moderate/severe and severe cannabis use disorders were 5 (sensitivity = 78.2% and specificity = 79.6%) and 8 (sensitivity = 86.0% and specificity = 86.7%), respectively. The MFA identified two orthogonal dimensions: The first was equally shared by both instruments; the second was the second CAST dimension (extreme frequencies of use before midday and alone, memory problems, and reproaches from friends/family). The CAST structure and screening properties were confirmed. The MFA explains its screening performances by its first dimension and identified the problematic patterns (the second dimension) that are not captured by the DSM‐5.
The prevalence of back pain in patients in one Australian tertiary hospital population
Authors: Dennis Diane , Tampin Brigitte , Jacques Angela , Hebden‐Todd Tracy , Carter Vicki , McLintock Michelle , Hurn Elizabeth , Cooper Ian
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aims of the present study were to provide back pain (BP) point prevalence data from inpatients at an Australian tertiary hospital on one day, and compare this with Australian non‐hospitalized population prevalence data; to collect data around the development of BP throughout hospital admission; and to analyse the association between BP and past history of BP, gender, age, admission specialty and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods

This was a single‐site, prospective, observational study of hospitalized inpatients on one day during 2016, with a subsequent survey over the following 11 days (unless discharge or death occurred sooner).

Results

Data were collected from 343 patients (75% of the hospitalized cohort). A third of patients (n = 108) reported BP on admission, and almost a fifth (n = 63) developed new BP during their hospitalization. Patients who described BP at any time during their hospital stay had a higher chance of having had a history of BP, with odds increasing after adjustment for age and gender (odds ratio 5.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0 to 11.6; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, those experiencing BP had a significantly longer LOS (median 13 days; CI 10.8 to 15.3) than those who did not (median 10 days; CI 8.4 to 11.6; p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Hospital LOS for patients who complained of BP at any time during their admission was 3 days longer than those who had no BP, and a history of BP predicted a higher likelihood of BP during admission. Screening of patients on admission to identify any history of BP, and application of a package of care including early mobilization and analgesia may prevent the onset of BP and reduce LOS.
Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Statland Jeffrey M. , Fontaine Bertrand , Hanna Michael G. , Johnson Nicholas E. , Kissel John T. , Sansone Valeria A. , Shieh Perry B. , Tawil Rabi N. , Trivedi Jaya , Cannon Stephen C. , Griggs Robert C.
Published: November 2017

Periodic paralyses (PPs) are rare neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in skeletal muscle sodium, calcium, and potassium channel genes. PPs include hypokalemic paralysis, hyperkalemic paralysis, and Andersen‐Tawil syndrome. Common features of PP include autosomal dominant inheritance, onset typically in the first or second decades, episodic attacks of flaccid weakness, which are often triggered by diet or rest after exercise. Diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinic presentation then confirmed by genetic testing. In the absence of an identified genetic mutation, documented low or high potassium levels during attacks or a decrement on long exercise testing support diagnosis. The treatment approach should include both management of acute attacks and prevention of attacks. Treatments include behavioral interventions directed at avoidance of triggers, modification of potassium levels, diuretics, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Muscle Nerve 57: 522–530, 2018
On the Computational Complexity of Combinatorial Problems
Authors: Karp R. M.
Published: November 2017

A large class of classical combinatorial problems, including most of the difficult problems in the literature of network flows and computational graph theory, are shown to be equivalent, in the sense that either all or none of them can be solved in polynomial time. Moreover, they are solvable in polynomial time if and only if every problem solvable by a polynomial‐depth backtrack search is also solvable by a polynomial‐time algorithm. The technique of deriving these results through problem transformations is explained, and some comments are made as to the probable effect of these results on research in the field of combinatorial algorithms.
The Minimum Number of Edges and Vertices in a Graph with Edge Connectivity n and m n‐Bonds
Authors: Bixby R. E.
Published: November 2017

The problem studied is the following: What is the minimum number of edges and vertices in a graph with edge connectivity n and exactly m n‐bonds (cuts)? It is perhaps surprising that this problem turns out to have an essentially closed form solution for all m and n (Theorem C at the end of Section 5). Furthermore, the methods employed make it possible, for many values of m and n, to actually write down a graph that achieves the minimum. These methods involve, as an interesting by‐product, estimating the solutions of integer minimization problems of the form where k varies as part of the minimization. In particular, it is shown that the obvious “greedy” algorithm (i.e., choose r0 as large as possible, then r1 as large as possible and so forth until m is exhausted) almost works.
Robust Kalman estimators for systems with mixed uncertainties
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Wang Xuemei , Deng Zili
Published: November 2017

This paper addresses the problem of designing robust Kalman estimators for uncertain systems with mixed uncertainties including the same uncertain‐variance multiplicative noise in state and measurement matrices, missing measurements, and uncertain‐variance linearly correlated measurement and process white noise. By introducing fictitious noise to compensate for multiplicative noise, the system under consideration is converted into one with only uncertain noise variances. According to the minimax robust estimation principle, on the basis of the worst‐case system with known conservative upper bounds of uncertain variances, the minimax robust time‐varying Kalman estimators (predictor, filter, and smoother) are presented in a unified framework. Their robustness is proved by using a Lyapunov equation approach, such that their actual estimation error variances are guaranteed to have the corresponding minimal upper bounds for all admissible uncertainties. The corresponding robust steady‐state Kalman estimators are also presented, and 3 modes of convergence in a realization among the time‐varying and steady‐state robust Kalman estimators for the time‐varying and time‐invariant systems are presented and proved by the dynamic error system analysis method. A simulation example with application to autoregressive signal processing is also given to show the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed results.
Blocky poly(ɛ‐caprolactone‐co‐butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) copolyesters via enzymatic ring opening polymerization
Authors: Morales‐Huerta Juan Carlos , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: November 2017

Cyclic oligo(butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) and ɛ‐caprolactone were copolymerized in bulk at 130–150 °C by enzymatic ring opening polymerization using CALB as catalyst. Copolyesters within a wide range of compositions were thus synthesized with weight‐average molecular weights between 20,000 and 50,000, the highest values being obtained for equimolar or nearly equimolar contents in the two components. The copolyesters consisted of a blocky distribution of the ɛ‐oxycaproate (CL) and butylene furanoate (BF) units that could be further randomized by heating treatment. The thermal stability of these copolyesters was comparable to those of the parent homopolyesters (PBF and PCL), and they all showed crystallinity in more or less degree depending on composition. Their melting and glass‐transition temperatures were ranging between those of PBF and PCL with values increasing almost linearly with the content in BF units. The ability of these copolyesters for crystallizing from the melt was evaluated by comparative isothermal crystallization and found to be favored by the presence of flexible ɛ‐oxycaproate blocks. These copolyesters are essentially insensitive to hydrolysis in neutral aqueous medium but they became noticeably degraded by lipases in an extend that increased with the content in CL units. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 290–299
On preventive maintenance under different assumptions on the failure/repair processes
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: November 2017

We discuss models of preventive maintenance (PM) under different assumptions on the failure/repair processes. The main emphasis is on the PM modeling under the Brown‐Proschan model for minimal/perfect repairs. We also present the generalization of this model for the failure/repair process governed by the generalized Polya process. Some comparisons with conventional PM models are discussed (Nonhomogeneous Poisson process, renewal process, and geometric process of failure/repairs). Several practical examples are considered.
“It Did Not Affect Me”: The (IR)Relevance of the German Reunification in Autobiographical Narratives of East Germans
Authors: Lorek Melanie
Published: November 2017

How do individuals make sense of events that are associated with major social‐systemic changes? The paper explores the relationship between “German reunification” and processes of meaning making and identity formation by former citizens of the German Democratic Republic. Analyzing twenty‐six in‐depth, life‐history interviews of East Germans born in two different generational cohorts, I examine the various narrative strategies employed that allow these East Germans to embed the experience of the German reunification through means of narrative emplotment. Diverting from a notion that it is historical events that shape our autobiographical memories, I argue that historical events are selected from ahistorical tool kitwhich provides individuals with narrative resources from which narrative identity can be formulated. A video abstract is available athttps://youtu.be/d69JXE0Ryqw.
Serovars and antimicrobial resistance of non‐typhoidal Salmonella isolated from non‐diarrhoeic dogs in Grenada, West Indies
Authors: Amadi Victor A. , Hariharan Harry , Arya Gitanjali , Matthew‐Belmar Vanessa , Nicholas‐Thomas Roxanne , Pinckney Rhonda , Sharma Ravindra , Johnson Roger
Published: November 2017

Non‐typhoidal salmonellosis remains an important public health problem worldwide. Dogs may harbour Salmonella in their intestines and can easily shed Salmonella in the environment with the possibility of transmission to humans. Thus, monitoring is essential to understand the role of dogs in zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to determine the shedding of Salmonella by owned, apparently healthy dogs in Grenada, West Indies, to identify the serovars, and to examine their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Faecal samples collected during August to October, 2016 from 144 non‐diarrhoeic owned dogs were examined by enrichment and selective culture for the presence of Salmonella spp. Eight (5.6%) of the tested animals were culture positive, yielding 35 Salmonella isolates that belonged to six serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica. These were serovars Arechavaleta from two dogs, Arechavaleta and Montevideo from one dog, and Javiana, Rubislaw, Braenderup and Kiambu from one dog each. All these serovars have been reported as causes of human salmonellosis globally. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests on 35 isolates showed absence of resistance to the currently used drugs for cases of human salmonellosis, including ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. One isolate (2.9%) was resistant to neomycin, two isolates (5.7%) showed intermediate susceptibility to neomycin, and another (2.9%) had intermediate susceptibility to tetracycline. This is the first report of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibilities of non‐typhoidal Salmonella serovars from dogs in Grenada. This study shows that dogs in Grenada may be involved in the epidemiology of salmonellosis.
Investigation of high‐speed shaft bearing loads in wind turbine gearboxes through dynamometer testing
Authors: Guo Y. , Keller J.
Published: November 2017

Many wind turbine gearboxes require repair or replacement well before reaching the end of their design life. The most common failure is bearing axial cracks, commonly called white etching cracks (WECs), which typically occur in the inner raceways of the high‐speed parallel‐stage rolling element bearings. Although the root causes of WECs are debated, one theory is that they are related to routine dynamic operating conditions and occasional transient events prevalent in wind turbines that can result in high bearing stress and sliding of the rolling elements. This paper examined wind turbine gearbox high‐speed shaft bearing loads and stresses through modeling and full‐scale dynamometer testing. Bearing outer race loads were directly measured and predicted using a variety of modeling tools in normal operations, misaligned conditions, and transient events particularly prone to bearing sliding. Test data and models of bearing loads were well correlated. Neither operational misalignment due to rotor moments nor static generator misalignment affected the bearing loads when compared with pure‐torque conditions. Thus, it is not likely that generator misalignment is a causal factor of WECs. In contrast, during transient events, the bearings experienced alternating periods of high stress, torque reversals, and loads under the minimum requisite at high rotating speeds while showing indications of sliding, all of which could be related to the formation of WECs.
Fast scrambling in holographic Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pair
Authors: Murata Keiju
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We demonstrate that a holographic model of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pair exhibits fast scrambling. Strongly entangled quark and antiquark in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super Yang-Mills theory are considered. Their gravity dual is a fundamental string whose endpoints are uniformly accelerated in opposite direction. We slightly increase the acceleration of the endpoint and show that it quickly destroys the correlation between the quark and antiquark. The proper time scale of the destruction is τ
∗ ∼ β ln S where β is the inverse Unruh temperature and S is the entropy of the accelerating quark. We also evaluate the Lyapunov exponent from correlation function as λ
L
= 2π/β, which saturates the Lyapunov bound. Our results suggest that the fast scrambling or saturation of the Lyapunov bound do not directly imply the existence of an Einstein dual. When we slightly decrease the acceleration, the quark and antiquark are causally connected and an "one-way traversable wormhole" is created on the worldsheet. It causes the divergence of the correlation function between the quark and antiquark.
Clinical outcomes of modified minimally invasive approach and de-rotation of symptomatic chronic gastric volvulus – A tertiary centre experience
Authors: Toh Bin Chet , Teo Timothy Zhe Hao , Rao Jaideepraj
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Gastric volvulus is a surgical condition that should be recognised promptly to prevent life-threatening gastric ischaemia and perforation in acute setting. There are two peak age group of incidence with children less than one year old and at fifth decade.1 The mortality rates for acute gastric volvulus remain high with reported range from 30% to 50% signifying the need of early diagnosis and treatment.2 These case series reported modified minimal invasive approach for symptomatic chronic gastric volvulus in a tertiary upper gastrointestinal unit in Singapore.

Methods:

Retrospective case series reviewed in single centre from 1st May 2016 to 1st May 2017 of clinical outcomes of modified minimally invasive approach and de-rotation of symptomatic chronic gastric volvulus.

Results:

Three symptomatic patients with evidence of gastric volvulus on CT-scan underwent minimally invasive repair with the aids of GastriSail™ Gastric positioning system. GastriSail™ was used for gastric volvulus de-rotation prior to repair definitely. Two patients had fundoplication done and one patient had gastropexy performed successfully. All patients started on blended diet post-operative day 1 and discharged well. Patient remained asymptomatic and nil recurrence at 3 months follow-up post-operation.

Conclusion:

Based on our experience, we advocate modified minimally invasive repair of chronic gastric volvulus as an alternative to traditional open surgical technique with acceptable good clinical outcomes.

Highlights:
Hydrodilatation With Corticosteroid for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Catapano Michael , Mittal Nimish , Adamich John , Kumbhare Dinesh , Sangha Harpreet
Published: November 2017

Background

Current evidence suggests that corticosteroid injection alone expedites the recovery of pain‐free range of motion (ROM) in patients with adhesive capsulitis compared to physiotherapy or placebo. However, it remains unclear whether the addition of hydrodilatation with corticosteroid provides improvement in pain‐free ROM as well as pain relief.

Objective

A review of the literature was conducted to determine whether the combined intervention of hydrodilatation and corticosteroid injection expedites restoration of pain‐free ROM compared to a control treatment of corticosteroid injection in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched from database inception to January 2017. Relevant studies were determined as randomized controlled trials written in English, comparing the outcomes of hydrodilatation and corticosteroid injection to a control group treated with corticosteroid injection alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Two independent reviewers assessed manuscripts for study inclusion and extracted data.

Results

A total of 2276 studies were identified through the search, of which 6 randomized controlled studies (involving 410 shoulders) met criteria for inclusion in this review. Mean age ranged from 51‐61 years, with mean symptom duration of 4‐9 months. Studies varied significantly regarding the volume of injectate, anatomical injection approach, symptom duration, and the method of glenohumeral capsule distension (capsular rupture versus preservation). Two studies demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement in the combination group at 3‐month follow‐up, and one study demonstrated clinically significant improvement only in ROM and/or pain/functional scales, compared to 3 studies demonstrating no benefit when compared to corticosteroid injection alone.

Conclusion

Combining hydrodilatation with corticosteroid injection potentially expedites recovery of pain‐free ROM. The greatest benefit is experienced within the first 3 months of intervention. Differences in hydrodilatation techniques, inclusion of capsular preservation, anatomical approach, and length of symptoms may explain the variability in efficacy demonstrated. Further trials using larger sample sizes, better anatomical approaches, image guidance, and hydrodilatation techniques are required to determine the true nature of benefits of hydrodilatation with corticosteroid injection.

Level of Evidence

II
CROP PRODUCTION COSTS, PROFITS, AND ECOSYSTEM STEWARDSHIP WITH PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Authors: SCHIMMELPFENNIG DAVID
Published: November 2017

Ecosystem stewardship is an important goal of crop production management. The developing question has been the feasibility and profitability of best management practices (BMPs) associated with stewardship goals. Treatment-effects empirical estimates show that soybean crop ecosystem stewardship is likely to benefit from precision agriculture's (PA) information technologies to varying degrees. After accounting for the effect of overhead expenditures on technology adoption, and input costs on operating costs and profits, we show PA technologies also affect at least six BMPs. In one comprehensive framework, PA technologies affect profits, and improve crop production management through BMPs, with benefits for ecosystem stewardship.
Corporate politicking, together: trade association ties, lobbying, and campaign giving
Authors: Kowal Michael S.
Published: November 2017

Scholars and politicians in recent years have become concerned with rising levels of inequality among Americans, heightened in the aftermath of the 2010 Supreme Court decision inCitizens United v. F.E.C.The suspicion over an ever larger influence of corporate and elite interest over public policy has brought about significant public backlash, even becoming a key platform of reformist candidates such as Sen. Bernie Sanders. In large part, these fears have yet to be realized, as many corporations have chosen to remain on the sidelines in American elections and have not fully taken advantage of their newfound rights. At the same time, we have observed a stark rise in corporate lobbying expenditures in recent decades. What explains the puzzle of how corporations choose to engage in new or expanded forms of political activity, and even what drives the spread of corporate norms? This study investigates the conditions under which corporations may come to embrace political action.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers as Predictors of Shunt Response in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pfanner Tyler , Henri-Bhargava Alexandre , Borchert Stephanie
Published: November 2017

Background:The widely accepted treatment for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion shunt procedure, to which approximately 80% of patients will respond. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify which CSF biomarkers have been investigated in predicting shunt responsiveness in iNPH patients, and to analyze the level of evidence for each.Methods:To find all relevant articles, a comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO was conducted.Results:The literature search identified 344 unique citations, of which 13 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in our review. These 13 studies reported on 37 unique biomarkers.Conclusions:The available studies suggest that there is evidence for the utility of CSF biomarkers in predicting shunt responsiveness in iNPH patients, though none have been shown to predict shunt response with both high sensitivity and specificity. We found that there is no available evidence for the use of Aβ38, Aβ40, Aβ43, APL1β25, APL1β27, APL1β28, sAPP, aAPPα, sAPPβ, TNF-α, MCP-1, sCD40L, sulfatide, MBP, L-PGDS, cystatin C, transthyretin, TGF-β2, or YKL-40 in predicting shunt response. There is minimal evidence for the use of TGF-β1, TBR-II, homocysteine, and interleukins (particularly IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). However, the available evidence suggests that these biomarkers warrant further investigation. Aβ42, tau, p-tau, NFL, and LRG have the greatest amount of evidence for their predictive value in determining shunt responsiveness in iNPH patients. Future research should be guided by, but not limited to, these biomarkers.
Psychiatric consultation in the nursing home: reasons for referral and recognition of delirium
Authors: Wilson L. , Power C. , Owens R. , Lawlor B.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To describe the behavioural and psychiatric problems found in nursing home psychiatric referrals in the Dublin South city area.

Methods

We undertook two consecutive surveys of nursing home referrals to the St James’s Hospital psychiatry of old age service over a 2-year period. During the second survey a new clinical nurse specialist was specifically appointed to manage the seven nursing homes included in the study.

Results

The most common reason for referral during survey one was uncooperative/aggressive behaviour (22%). For survey two, patients were most commonly referred for low mood (31%) or agitation (29%). During survey one, the majority of patients assessed were diagnosed with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (41%). This was also a prevalent diagnosis during survey two, affecting 27% of those referred. Only 7% of patients were considered to be delirious during survey one. This rose to 31% the following year making it the most common diagnosis during survey two. Over the 2-year study period, 7% of referred patients were diagnosed with depression. In terms of prescribing practices, the discontinuation rate of antipsychotic mediation following psychiatric input was 13% in survey one. By survey two, this had risen to 47%.

Conclusions

Delirium is often undetected and untreated in nursing homes. Residents presenting with psychiatric symptoms should undergo routine bloods and urinalysis prior to psychiatric referral. Dedicated input from trained psychiatric nursing staff can lead to both an improvement in the recognition of delirium and reduced prescribing rates of antipsychotic medication.
U.K. and Global Wine Markets by 2025, and Implications of Brexit
Authors: Anderson Kym , Wittwer Glyn
Published: November 2017

The United Kingdom has accounted for a major share of the world's wine imports for centuries, and wine accounts for more than one-third of U.K. alcohol consumption. It is therefore not surprising that suppliers of those imports and U.K. wine consumers, producers, traders, distributors, and retailers are focusing on what the United Kingdom's planned withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) might mean for them. In this paper, a model of the world's wine markets is used to project those markets to 2025 without, and then with, the occurrence of Brexit. The Brexit scenarios involve adjustment not just to U.K. and EU27 (the countries remaining in the European Union) bilateral tariffs but also to assumed changes to the United Kingdom's income growth and currency. The relative importance of each of these three components of the initial shock are reported, as are impacts on bilateral wine-trade values and volumes for still and sparkling wines. The results suggest that the impact outside the United Kingdom will be minor compared with other developments in the world's wine markets. Inside the United Kingdom, however, the effect of Brexit on incomes and the British pound are likely to have nontrivial initial impacts on the domestic wine market and to be far more consequential than the direct impact of changes in bilateral tariffs. (JEL Classifications: F15, F14, F13)
SPICAand the Chemical Evolution of Galaxies: The Rise of Metals and Dust
Authors: Fernández-Ontiveros J. A. , Armus L. , Baes M. , Bernard-Salas J. , Bolatto A. D. , Braine J. , Ciesla L. , De Looze I. , Egami E. , Fischer J. , Giard M. , González-Alfonso E. , Granato G. L. , Gruppioni C. , Imanishi M. , Ishihara D. , Kaneda H. , Madden S. , Malkan M. , Matsuhara H. , Matsuura M. , Nagao T. , Najarro F. , Nakagawa T. , Onaka T. , Oyabu S. , Pereira-Santaella M. , Pérez Fournon I. , Roelfsema P. , Santini P. , Silva L. , Smith J.-D. T. , Spinoglio L. , van der Tak F. , Wada T. , Wu R.
Published: November 2017

The physical processes driving the chemical evolution of galaxies in the last ~ 11Gyr cannot be understood without directly probing the dust-obscured phase of star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei. This phase, hidden to optical tracers, represents the bulk of the star formation and black hole accretion activity in galaxies at 1 <z< 3. Spectroscopic observations with a cryogenic infrared observatory likeSPICA, will be sensitive enough to peer through the dust-obscured regions of galaxies and access the rest-frame mid- to far-infrared range in galaxies at high-z. This wavelength range contains a unique suite of spectral lines and dust features that serve as proxies for the abundances of heavy elements and the dust composition, providing tracers with a feeble response to both extinction and temperature. In this work, we investigate howSPICAobservations could be exploited to understand key aspects in the chemical evolution of galaxies: the assembly of nearby galaxies based on the spatial distribution of heavy element abundances, the global content of metals in galaxies reaching the knee of the luminosity function up toz~ 3, and the dust composition of galaxies at high-z. Possible synergies with facilities available in the late 2020s are also discussed.
Seasonal and Diurnal Variations in Atmospheric and Soil Air14CO2in a Boreal Scots Pine Forest
Authors: Palonen V , Pumpanen J , Kulmala L , Levin I , Heinonsalo J , Vesala T
Published: November 2017

We present a radiocarbon (14C) dataset of tropospheric air CO2, forest soil air CO2, and soil CO2emissions over the course of one growing season in a Scots pine forest in southern Finland. The CO2collection for14C accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis was done with a portable, suitcase-sized system, using molecular sieve cartridges to selectively trap CO2. The piloting measurements aimed to quantify the spatial, seasonal and diurnal changes in the14C content of CO2in a northern forest site. The atmospheric samples collected above the canopy showed a large seasonal variation and an 11‰ difference between day and nighttime profiles in August. The higher Δ14C values during night are partly explained by a higher contribution of14C-elevated soil CO2, accumulating in the nocturnal boundary layer when vertical mixing is weak. We observed significant seasonal trends in Δ14C-CO2at different soil depths that reflected changes in the shares of autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration. Also the observed diurnal variation in the Δ14C values in soil CO2highlighted the changes in the origin of CO2, with root activity decreasing more for the night than decomposition.
EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON PRODUCTIVITY OF COCOA ON A MARGINAL SOIL IN SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Authors: MULIA SAHARDI , MCMAHON PETER J. , PURWANTARA AGUS , BIN PURUNG HUSSIN , DJUFRY FADJRY , LAMBERT SMILJA , KEANE PHILIP J. , GUEST DAVID I.
Published: November 2017

Reduced soil fertility and damage from pests and diseases have contributed to a decline in productivity of cocoa (Theobroma cacaoL.) smallholdings in Sulawesi, Indonesia over the last decade. In a trial on a marginal, acidic soil in South Sulawesi, young PBC123 cocoa trees were supplied with compost, mineral fertiliser (NPK fertiliser and urea) or dolomite, alone and in combination. After 20 months, the trees supplied with compost were taller, flowered more profusely and had a five-fold higher dry bean yield than other treatments. Treatments had no impact on incidence of cocoa pod borer, Phytophthora pod rot and vascular streak dieback. All of the trees supplied with compost survived, while the control, mineral-fertiliser- and dolomite-treated trees had a mortality rate of 22–45% and symptoms of interveinal necrosis. Leaf concentrations of N, P and K were within the normal range in all treatments. In the control and mineral fertiliser treatments, leaf concentrations of Ca (0.28–0.30%) and Mg (0.11–0.15%) were deficient, but were higher in trees supplied with compost (0.78–1.21% and 0.26–0.29%, respectively). The Mg/K ratio in soil-exchangeable cations and leaves was increased three-fold by the combined compost/dolomite treatment. Supplying mineral fertiliser alone resulted in 3.3 cmol kg−1exchangeable Al, compared to 2.2 cmol kg−1in control soils. Since 10 kg tree−1year−1compost was supplied, a rate that is not practical on most cocoa smallholder farms, further investigation of cost-effective applications of organic matter in conjunction with appropriate formulations of inorganic fertilisers is recommended.
Things Fall Apart: Material Religion and the Problem of Decay
Authors: Kendall Laurel
Published: November 2017

In popular religious traditions in Korea, Vietnam, and Myanmar, spirits (or gods) become visible through their material realization in the corporeal bodies of shamans and spirit mediums and via ensouled statues and paintings that give the gods or spirits presence on altars. This discussion concerns a basic problem of material religion, that even ensouled, numinous, or otherwise empowered materials are subject to material decay. In the three cases presented and in many other places as well, the images are produced in commercial workshops where knowing craftsmanship entangles (what we commonly call) technique with what we might (more cautiously) call magic to produce an efficacious or agentive image. Questions of object efficacy are also linked to the prospect of decay, which may be hastened or postponed in relation to both individual choices and enveloping circumstance, from questions of climate to political economy.
Effects of management practices on the welfare of dairy donkeys and risk factors associated with signs of hoof neglect
Authors: Dai Francesca , Segati Giulia , Brscic Marta , Chincarini Matteo , Dalla Costa Emanuela , Ferrari Lorenzo , Burden Faith , Judge Andrew , Minero Michela
Published: November 2017

This Research Paper aimed to investigate donkey welfare in dairy husbandry systems and to identify the potential factors affecting it at animal level. In 2015, twelve dairy donkey farms (19–170 donkeys per farm, mean = 55 ± 48), distributed throughout Italy, were visited. On each farm, the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) welfare assessment protocol for donkeys was used by two trained assessors to evaluate the welfare of animals for a total of 257 donkeys assessed. The protocol includes animal-based indicators that were entered in a digitalised system. Prevalence of different scores at individual, farm and category level were calculated. Farmers were asked to fill out a questionnaire including information regarding the management of donkeys and their final destination. Answers to the questionnaire were then considered as effects in the risk factor analysis whereas the scores of the animal-based indicators were considered as response variables. Most of the donkeys (80·2%) enjoyed a good nutritional status (BCS = 3). 18·7% of donkeys showed signs of hoof neglect such as overgrowth and/or incorrect trimming (Min = 0% Max = 54·5%). Belonging to a given farm or production group influenced many of the welfare indicators. The absence of pasture affected the likelihood of having skin lesions, alopecia, low BCS scores and a less positive emotional state. Lack of routine veterinary visits (P< 0·001) and having neglected hooves (P< 0·001) affected the likelihood of being thin (BCS < 3). Belonging to specific production groups, lack of access to pasture and showing an avoidance reaction to an approaching human (AD) resulted in risk factors associated with a higher prevalence of signs of hoof neglect. Our results support the idea that lack of knowledge of proper donkey care among owners was behind many welfare issues found.
Prognostic value of lymph node ratio in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Mansour J , Sagiv D , Alon E , Talmi Y
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Cervical metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma are associated with increased recurrence. However, their effect on survival remains controversial. This study evaluated literature on the prognostic value of lymph node ratio for loco-regional recurrence and survival in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods:

The PubMed database was systematically searched using the terms ‘papillary thyroid carcinoma’ and ‘lymph node ratio’. Articles addressing the association between lymph node ratio and loco-regional recurrence or survival were identified.

Results:

Nine retrospective studies were included, comprising 12 400 post-thyroidectomy and neck dissection papillary thyroid carcinoma patients (median age, 48.6 years; 76 per cent females). Lymph node ratio was associated with worse recurrence-free survival in 60 and 75 per cent of studies investigating the effect of central compartment metastases and both central and lateral compartment metastases on recurrence-free survival, respectively. One large population-based study showed an association between lymph node ratio and disease-specific mortality in N1nodal disease, but failed to maintain the same association when N1bpatients were excluded.

Conclusion:

Regional lymph node ratio is an independent predictor for loco-regional recurrence in pathologically staged N1patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Patients with a high lymph node ratio should be closely followed up.
Caste and Cross-region Marriages in Haryana, India: Experience of Dalit cross-region brides in Jat households
Authors: KUKREJA REENA
Published: November 2017

This article, based on original research in 75 villages in the North Indian state of Haryana, examines long-distance marriages of its dominant-peasant caste men with low-caste (Dalit) women from other parts of India. The male marriage squeeze caused by the female deficit in Haryana has led to this breach in the rules of caste endogamy in matrimony. These marriages and the gender status of such Dalit brides are situated within the context of polarized caste relations, caste contestations, and caste violence against local Dalits in Haryana. Long-distance alliances, through fabricated, high-caste identities of the brides, tactically circumvent prohibitions on local inter-caste marriages and provide legitimacy to continued, local, unequal hierarchies of caste relations. Intersecting oppressions of caste, gender, and patriarchy exacerbate gender subordination within both the home and community for Dalit cross-region brides. Caste-exclusionary behaviours and discriminations are strategically employed to assert caste supremacy and subdue women's resistance. The caste stigmatization of these brides carries over to their children who face inter-generational discrimination in daily interactions and marriage prospects because of their ‘diluted’ Jat identity and low-caste status. The article provides examples of Dalit brides’ agency through resistance strategies.
“It is All He Can Do to Cope with the Roads in His Own District”: Labor, Community, and Development in Northern Ghana, 1919–1936
Authors: Wiemers Alice
Published: November 2017

In the 1920s and 1930s, colonial officials in Ghana's Northern Territories formulated the first development plans for this hinterland region. Administrators recast local roads and bridges as instruments of agricultural production and began to pursue small-scale resettlement efforts. In the absence of colonial funding, officials layered the requirements of development onto existing forced labor policies that took northerners to the cocoa- and gold-producing South. Using records from neighboring districts in the Northern Province, this article asks how demands for labor helped define the practice, experience, and limits of colonial authority. Intraregional mobility became a particular concern of officials as northerners began to “vote with their feet” to avoid forced labor. This article examines knotty cases in which questions of migration drew officials into local struggles to attract followers and manage the burdens of an extractive state. Northerners forced colonial officials to treat labor not just as something that could be extracted from bodies, but also as a political act involving subjects, chiefs, and officials. This article concludes in the early 1930s, when signers of the ILO's Forced Labour Convention formalized exceptions for labor that was demanded in the “direct interest of the community” or constituted “minor communal services.” Far from eliminating state claims to labor, these initiatives increasingly enshrined them in emerging practices of development.