bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative predictors for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patients following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: Long-term results of a Canadian prospective cohort
Authors: Rajih Emad , Meskawi Malek , Alenizi Abdullah M. , Zorn Kevin C. , Alnazari Mansour , Zanaty Marc , Alhathal Naif , El-Hakim Assaad
Published: October 2018

Introduction: We aimed to report the impact of perioperative factors that have not been well-studied on continence recovery following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods: We analyzed data of 322 men with localized prostate cancer who underwent RARP between October 2006 and May 2015 in a single Canadian centre. All patients were assessed at one, three, six, 12, and 24 months after surgery. We evaluated risk factors for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence from a prospectively collected database in multivariate Cox regression analysis. The primary endpoint was continence, defined as 0 pad usage per day.

Results: 0-pad continence rates were 126/322 (39%), 187/321 (58%), 222/312 (71%), 238/294 (80%), and 233/257 (91%) at one, three, six, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Bladder neck preservation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–0.99; p=0.04), and prostate size (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98–0.99; p=0.02) were independent predictors of continence recovery after RARP. Smoking at time of surgery predicted delayed continence recovery on multivariate analysis (HR 1.42; 95% CI 1.01–1.99; p=0.04). Neurovascular bundles preservation was associated with continence recovery after 24 months. No statistically significant correlation was found with other variables, such as age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, preoperative oncological baseline parameters, presence of median lobe, or thermal energy use.

Conclusions: Our results confirmed known predictors of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI), namely bladder neck resection and large prostate volume. Noteworthy, cigarette smoking at the time of RARP was found to be a possible independent risk factor for PPI. This study is hypothesis-generating.
The effect of race on survival after local therapy in metastatic prostate cancer patients
Authors: Mazzone Elio , Bandini Marco , Preisser Felix , Nazzani Sebastiano , Tian Zhe , Abdollah Firas , Soulieres Denis , Graefen Markus , Montorsi Francesco , Shariat Shahrokh , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Local therapy (LT) may offer a survival advantage in highly select, newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) patients. However, it is unknown whether the benefits vary in Caucasian vs. African American (AA) patients.

Methods: Within the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2004–2014), we focused on Caucasians and AA patients with newly diagnosed mPCa treated with LT: radical prostatectomy (RP) and brachytherapy (RT). Endpoints consisted of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and overall mortality (OM). Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression models tested for racial difference in CSM and OM.

Results: Between 2004 and 2014, we identified 408 (77.2%) Caucasians and 121 (22.8%) AAs with newly diagnosed mPCa treated with LT: RP (n=357) or RT (n=172). According to race, when LT is defined as RP, Caucasian patients had a significantly longer survival vs. AA patients: CSM-free survival 123 vs. 63 months (p=0.004) and OM-free survival 108 vs. 46 months (p=0.002). The CSM and OM benefits were confirmed in multivariable analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, p=0.01 for CSM; HR 0.60, p=0.01 for OM). However, no differences in CSM or OM were recorded according to race when LT consisted of RT.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that race is not associated with difference in survival after LT in mPCa patients. However, when focusing on RP-treated patients, Caucasian race is associated with higher CSM and OM rates relative to AA race. This racial difference does not apply to RT. Our findings should be considered in future prospective trials for the purpose of preplanned stratification according to race.
Meer invloed en zeggenschap? Koop een eiland!
Authors: Messemaker Thea
Published: October 2018

More influence and control? Buy an island!

Democracy means the voice of the people. Democratic renewal means that the voice of the people is not static. Look at ostracism among the Ancient Greeks: could one imagine that it would not exist forever? Still the voice of the people, men and women, would sound different and clearer than it would if it were based on ostracism. Over the centuries change always appears to be the constant, also in democracy, for example in the democratic renewal we have been calling ‘citizen participation’. Bottom-up citizen participation originated in the 1980s, mostly in urban renewal, and was legitimized top-down in 1993 in the Dutch parliament through the Willems motion. During the past decade increasingly more instruments for citizen participation have been developed from the bottom up. This development aims for self-management, with instruments like neighbourhood rights and the right to challenge. It goes down in history under the name of ‘localism’. In this essay the author is looking for localism on the special Scottish island Gigha, which is part of the Argyll and Bute Council.
Determinants of Performance of the Flower Sector
Authors: Florêncio Cristiane De Sousa , Oliveira Oderlene Vieira de
Published: October 2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the performance determinants of the main flower producers of the Serra da Ibiapaba, using the Strategy Tripod. Method: Based on qualitative methodology, field research was carried out through an interview with two flower producers and Instituto Agropolos. Originality / Relevance: In Brazil, there are few works focused on the agribusiness of flowers. Of the research that does exist, few evaluate aspects related to business strategies. Results: The low intensity of competitive forces (competitive rivalry, customer bargaining power, threat of substitutes, or new entrants), intangible resources (human, innovative, and reputational), and informal institutions (satisfaction and identification of the teams with the activity) are determinants of the superior performance of the flower producers surveyed. Theoretical contributions: This study highlights strategic perspectives in explaining specific organizational phenomena through the use of the Tripod (Peng, 2014). There is ample space for discussions about the framework. Management contributions: The results are even more significant for agribusiness managers of flowers located in the Serra da Ibiapaba, to the support the productive chain. The information presented in this study clarifies common errors and highlights empirically recommended decisions to systematize the process and increase the likelihood of success.
The Development of Innovative Capacity: The Case of Fratelli Metalurgical and Renewable Energies Industry - Santa Rosa / RS
Authors: Vepo do Nascimento Welter Clarice , Oneide Sausen Jorge , Cappellari Gabriela
Published: October 2018

Objective: Our goal was to identify, understand, and analyze the organizational mechanisms and instruments for the development of innovative capacity in Fratelli, a metallurgical and renewable energies industry. The aim was to describe and analyze the behaviors and skills, processes and routines, and mechanisms of learning and knowledge governance that support the development of innovative capacity. Method: This is a bibliographical research study, in which we used an exploratory and descriptive qualitative approach, carried out through a case study. We used semi-structured interviews with the owner and project manager of the organization for collecting data, and interpreted these data through content analysis. Originality / Relevance: Studying the way in which small organizations develop innovative processes to compete in the market is of academic importance since many of the studies on innovation found in the literature have focused on exploring these processes in large companies. Results: The results showed that the mechanisms and instruments that trigger the development of innovative capacity are the entrepreneur’s ability to identify market opportunities, analyze the environment, and anticipate future trends. Openness in receiving ideas from customers and employees, investment in training, and academic training of the team provided an innovative environment, stimulating the development of innovations. Theoretical / methodological contributions: The contribution of this study resides in the fact of exploring the organizational mechanisms that propitiate the development of the innovative capacity of small companies. Exploring such mechanisms is important for understanding the antecedent organizational processes of innovation in small enterprises.
Isomorphism and Corporate Social Responsibility of Companies in the Sustainability Index of BM&FBovespa
Authors: Da Silva Daniel Cargnin , Martignago Graciella , Xavier Wlamir Gonçalves , Sehnem Simone
Published: October 2018

Objective: Our objective was to verify the existence of isomorphism within actions aimed at Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of companies in the Sustainability Index (ISE) of BM FBovespa. Method: In this qualitative research study, we completed a content analysis of sustainability reports and information from the official websites of ISE companies. Originality / Relevance: Past studies related corporate social responsibility and isomorphism and analyzed them as the motivation and influence for the presentation of sustainability reports.  However, these studies have failed to identify whether there is isomorphism in Corporate Social Responsibility actions. Results: When reviewing all private Brazilian companies, the financial institutions sector was the one that presented the most isomorphic processes.  We also verified that multinational companies suffer limited isomorphic pressures; additionally, no isomorphism was verified in companies that have the state as the majority partner. Theoretical / methodological contributions: This research contributes to the study of the process of isomorphism in relation to Corporate Social Responsibility, by analyzing data divulged by the companies (verifying similarities of the adopted actions).
Język szwedzki w epoce stormaktstiden: ideologia i narzędzia
Authors: Skrzypek Dominika
Published: October 2018

In the history of Sweden the years 1611–1718 are the so-called great power era
(Swedish: stormaktstiden), the period of geographic and economic expansion, as well as the
formation of a romantic image of own nation, state and language. In this age, the foundations
of today’s Old Norse studies were shaped, and the interest in the language and history of the
language took peculiar forms in nationalist glottogony, as in Olof von Rudbeck, the author
of a popular work Atland eller Manheim, in which he pointed out that the Swedish language
is in fact the language that Adam used in Eden. Strong nationalist tendencies and a growing
interest in the native language were accompanied by the unusual situation of the publishing
market in the history of the Swedish language, as this was the only time when native texts,
not translations definitively prevailed.
The Ethical Function of Landscape Architecture
Authors: Paden Roger ,   International Association for Environmental Philosophy
Published: October 2018

This essay presents a theory of aesthetics for landscape gardening based on Karsten Harries’s theory of the ethical function of architecture. It begins with an attempt to understand Horace Walpole’s praise of William Kent’s contribution to the development of “the modern taste in gardening,” according to which Kent was largely responsible for achieving the progressive revolution in landscape architecture that produced the picturesque style of English landscape gardening. After examining Harries’s theory, the essay discusses whether landscape architecture can produce works of art and examines several historically-important garden styles to argue that it can. Finally, it discusses problems inherent in Modern and Postmodern landscape architecture.
Introdução à física de supercondutores
Authors: Mota Ronaldo
Published: October 2018

ln this paper an introduction to the physics of superconductors is presented. A brief hystorical comment and the general characteristics of these materials are developed mainly based on the zero resistance and the perfect diamagnetic behaviour properties. The quantum effects are qualitatively introduced to contribute to the understanding of the collective phenomena associated with the occurrence of superconductivity. The BCS theory is presented as a complete explanation of this phenomenum in metallic materials. Finally, the new ceramic compounds of high critical temperatures are introduced, specially concerning recent different existent theories up to now.
A new choice for marketing mode of medical devices: mobile phone media
Authors: Yu Kui
Published: October 2018

Abstract: Since the release of Chinese economic reform, the industry of medical devices has gained a rapid development in China and has been one of the important supports for national economy. The marketing of medical devices is facing problems such as white hot market competition, large amount of medical device products, severe blind marketing, single marketing mode and incomplete marketing network. Limited by the traditional marketing mode, the advertisements input by the medical device enterprises produce low economic benefits, suggesting the traditional marketing mode for medical devices has not been able to keep pace with the rapidly developed digital age. The emergence of mobile phone media solves the deficiencies of the traditional marketing mode in the aspects of creativity, interactivity, accuracy, service and marketing network and becomes a new marketing mode for medical devices. Mobile phone media based marketing improves the popularity of medical device enterprises, help establish good corporate image, enhances the sales volume of medical device products, and increase profits, which attributes to its advantages that is distinguished it with traditional media. Moreover, it also improves the grade and intangible value of commodities and brings about more economic benefits to enterprises.
Venture investment assessment of the biotechnology industry
Authors: Kong Xiangli
Published: October 2018

Abstract: The biotechnology industry has been the leading industry among various high-tech industries since the mid- and late stage of 20th century and has applied in many fields. Venture investment originates from the same stage. This study evaluated the value of venture investment programs through qualitatively analyzing the venture investment of the biotechnology industry. According to the characteristics of biotechnology industry, a biotechnology industry venture investment assessment indicator system was established firstly. Then a cluster-radial basis function (RBF) neural network comprehensive evaluation model was established. The comprehensive evaluation value of the biotechnology industry venture investment programs was obtained through analyzing the relational expression with regard to biotechnology industry production value and venture investment. The above models and relational expression were verified. The fitting coefficient of the model empirical results suggested that reached 0.912, and the error in the comprehensive evaluation model test was 0.052. The dynamic simulation result ranking was highly identical with the practical operation results. The empirical results of the relational expression suggested every 1% of increase in the logarithmic value of biotechnology industry venture investment could result in 0.727% of increase in the industry program production value. Therefore, the models and relational expression obtained were verified with practical operability and certain accuracy. Venture investment can effectively promote the development of the biotechnology industry and produce positive impact on the development of venture investment in the biotechnology industry in China.
Research on Biotech Venture Capital Project Evaluation
Authors: Li Zheng
Published: October 2018

Biotechnology has been widely used in medicine, environmental protection and food gene research fields, which is playing an increasingly important role in improving the human survival environment and the production and quality of the agriculture and animal husbandry and industries. Due to the need for high technology and long-term high investment and the high risks, the development of the biotechnology industry can not be separated from the support of venture capital. Therefore, investors need to conduct a risk assessment of a biotechnology project to determine whether the project is worth investing capital to avoid certain investment risks. Based on the characteristics and definitions of biotechnology, this paper selects the evaluation index and method, and establishes a relatively perfect evaluation system of biotechnology venture capital project based on RBF neural network.
Impression Products, Inc. v. Lexmark International, Inc.: Is US Supreme Court's Ruling A Pointer To Indian Patent Law On Parallel Imports?
Authors: Sharma Dinesh Kumar
Published: October 2018

This article attempts to look at the recent significant 7-1 ruling dated May 30, 2017 handed down by the Supreme Court of the United States in Impression Products, Inc.  v. Lexmark International, Inc. 581 US _(2017) to see if it can help shed some light on the true scope and import of the Indian patent law on the so-called "parallel imports" i.e. Section 107A(b) of the Patents Act, 1970 (as amended), and in particular to see if it embodies the so-called doctrine of "international exhaustion" and if yes, does it cover within its sweep a possibility of "conditional sale" so as not to erode the principle of "exhaustion"?
The Business of Commercialization and Innovation
Authors: Boni Arthur A
Published: October 2018

We focus on the processes and strategies utilized by entrepreneurs to commercialize new technologies, thereby creating significant change and value in new, or existing markets, i.e. innovation. A cross-industry approach utilizes available theories and strategies applicable to commercialization and innovation. Our contribution is to leverage these theories, but augment their application by informed use of design thinking, and lean entrepreneurial principles to create and apply an iterative and unified framework for innovation. The coupling of strategy with informed execution is intended to provide the entrepreneur (or innovator) with an early and evolving understanding of unmet customer and user need, and how to address that need thru offerings from market entry through growth. We also utilize the “jobs to be done” framework to identify opportunity to create value for the customer/user, and for the entire ecosystem in multi-sided, networked markets. Section One covers our methodology, surveys the extant theories, and provides a framework that is applicable to commercialization and innovation in any industry. Also, we describe in Section One the innovation culture that is needed to drive and support innovation. We present our extension of the Balanced Scorecard – the Innovation Strategy Dashboard - as an appropriate methodology to measure innovation in any organization. Section Two is dedicated to applications of these principles and models to emerging opportunities in Biopharma, MedTech and Digital Medicine. Section Two includes a general healthcare industry overview highlighting its evolution and current challenges. We also include contributed articles pertinent to the production side of the healthcare industry, e. g. marketing and product positioning for biopharma, and further extend the role of design thinking to service design in healthcare. These are followed by several mini-case studies applicable to biopharma, MedTech, and digital medicine.
Bridging Theory and Practice for Commercialization and Innovation – a Market-Centered Perspective for Cross- Industry Applications
Authors: Boni Arthur A
Published: October 2018

Growth thru innovation is a stated goal of organizations ranging from startups to growth companies and to mature, well-established Fortune 500 companies. Different forms of innovation may be pursued depending on the strategic goals of the organization. Smaller entrepreneurial companies, typically startups or “skunk works operations” are well suited to pursue disruptive innovation, or alternatively to create new “blue ocean” markets by exploiting the uncontested space while not unconstrained by an existing (and perhaps profitable) business model that is not well suited to the new markets – Christensen’s Innovators Dilemma. Conversely, incumbents often dominate sustained or incremental innovation for growth of existing markets or customer bases. We highlight below that need- seeking/ customer-driven innovation is predominant in the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem. Given this success, why is a broader segment of the US economy not following this model?
Innovation Challenges and Opportunities in Biopharma, MedTech, Digital Medicine, and Their Emerging Convergence: User & Patient Centric Applications in the “Pharma 3.0 Business Model Paradigm”
Authors: Boni Arthur A
Published: October 2018

In the first section of this monograph, titled “Bridging Theory and Practice for Commercialization and Innovation – a market-centered perspective for cross-industry applications”, we outlined a number of overlapping theories or models dealing with innovation. Theories, when well stated and proven, are basically statements of causality. Scientists and technologists use them all the time to predict physical or chemical phenomenon for example. However, whether or not we explicitly recognize them as such, theories also exist in the business world and can be useful as guides to behavior and decision making. These models serve as lenses through which “the world” is viewed and that enable predictions, or forecasts to be made. However, they may also act as “blinders”, limiting our ability to see that which may not fit into our existing models. As the famous statistician, George Box said in an often-repeated quote, “essentially, all models (theories) are wrong, but some are useful.”
Innovation and Commercialization Strategies for Three-Dimensional- Bioprinting Technology: a Lean Business Model Perspective
Authors: Thakur Prakash C , Cabrera Dario D , DeCarolis Nathan , Boni Arthur A
Published: October 2018

We examine and analyze the elements important for developing a commercialization strategy for an emerging technology of great relevance to biopharma: three-dimensional bio-printing (3DBP). We begin with a technology overview, identification of multiple, potential end-user market segments, then examine the key forces driving the competitive landscape of the emerging industry. The ability to print engineered 3D tissues advances innovations for human health and 3DBP is a transformative and disruptive technological breakthrough with high commercial potential for both short-term and long-term market applications. The near-term research markets include drug discovery research and development and the long-term markets focused on printing of organs and organoids for regenerative medicine. We include a mini-case study on the emergence of one potential innovation, the FRE SH printing technology being developed at Carnegie Mellon University. The case study includes extensive market research made possible by published data, and our customer surveys. The commercialization pathway to innovation is framed in terms of combining two popular innovation frameworks: The Disruptive Innovation and the Blue Ocean strategic frameworks for market entry, growth, and expansion spanning from early adopters to mainstream market segments. We also advocate open innovation as an approach to building the “lean” business model and collaborative ecosystems through strategic alliances with noncompeting firms having overlapping interests in 3DBP. This collaboration in parallel enables faster and more capital efficient validation of the process: product development, market development, validation of product/market fit, and market /customer development across the product life cycle spanning short, medium, and long-term visions for the technology. A platform strategy is framed to maximize the power of the technology and development of a sustained competitive advantage through complementary products, services, and partners in the emerging ecosystem.
Effects of hormonal contraceptives on sleep - A possible treatment for insomnia in premenopausal women
Authors: Bezerra Andreia Gomes , Andersen Monica Levy , Pires Gabriel Natan , Tufik Sergio , Hachul Helena
Published: October 2018

Due to the changes that took place since the 1970s, women have achieved important socioeconomic positions. Many tasks, including domestic and familiar ones, continue to be under women’s responsibility, which leads to an overload work. Additionally, the female organism has its peculiarities due to hormonal changes. Adding all these factors up, women seem to be more vulnerable to stressing factors and consequently, might be prone to present several health problems. Within this scenario, one can point out insomnia as a highly prevalent disease among women, directly affecting performance and quality of life. Progesterone has an important effect over sleep, acting both as a hypnogenic and as a respiratory stimulant. Hormonal contraceptives are largely recognized among the modern society women; however, little is known about the effects of these drugs on sleep. This proposal hypothesizes that the use of hormonal contraceptives, mainly those based on progestagens could be a new therapeutic element for the treatment of insomnia and one more tool to be used to improve women´s sleep pattern and quality of life.
Executive functioning is preserved in healthy young adults under acute sleep restriction
Authors: Schaedler Thais , Santos Jefferson Souza , Vincenzi Roberta Almeida , Pereira Sofia Isabel Ribeiro , Louzada Fernando Mazzilli
Published: October 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate if a partial morning or evening sleep restriction protocol could affect executive functioning in healthy young adults.

Methods: Participants were assigned to one of three groups: control (n=18), in which participants maintained their habitual sleep/wake cycle; morning restriction (n=17), in which volunteers terminated sleep approximately three hours earlier than the usual on the experimental night, and evening restriction (n=13), in which volunteers initiated sleep approximately three hours later than the usual on the experimental night. On the day of the experiment, they performed the Stroop Test, the Go-NoGo Test and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).

Results: When compared to the control group, neither morning nor evening sleep-restricted individuals displayed any significant deficits in: a) selective attention as assessed by the interference index (H=3.38;p=0.18) and time to performed the interference card (H=2.61; p=0.27) on the Stroop test; b) motor response inhibition as assessed by number of false alarms (H=0.8;p=0.67) on the Go-NoGo Test; and c) in decision-making as assessed by total won (H=2.64; p=0.26) and number of selected advantageous cards (H=4.43; p=0.11) on the IGT.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the ability to pay attention, inhibit a motor response and make decisions is preserved following approximately 3 hours of sleep restriction, regardless of its timing (in the morning or in the evening).
Scientific production of Brazilian speech language pathologists in sleep medicine
Authors: Corrêa Camila de Castro , Kayamori Fabiane , Weber Silke Anna Theresa , Bianchini Esther Mandelbaum Gonçalves
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Previous diagnosis and intervention in patients with sleep-disordered breathing involves several health professionals. Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) performance has been solidified through scientific production.

Objective: To describe the inclusion of Brazilian Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) in the field of sleep disorders, through the description of studies, scientific publications and participation in scientific events.

Data Synthesis: A search and an analysis of the Brazilian SLP publications in the field of sleep disorders were carried out, including articles, monographs, dissertations, thesis and abstracts published in annals of events. The databases Lilacs, SciELO, Pubmed, Google Scholar tool and Lattes platform were accessed, with final search in January 2018. The analysis consisted of a description of the year of publication, type of publication, area of the SLHS, place of publication and/or event. 40 articles were found in national and international journals, from 1999 to 2017. In relation to publications in books, one book about the subject was published in 2009 and eight chapters of books were published. In the monograph format, 21 studies were carried out, there are 13 dissertations and eight thesis. A total of 151 abstracts were published in annals of scientific events, from 2001 to 2017 and 63 lectures were conducted by SLP.

Conclusion: The inclusion of Brazilian SLP in the area of sleep disorders has been supported by scientific publications in the format of articles in national and international journals, monographs, thesis, dissertations, books and publications in event annals.
The efficacy of novel rope flavours as environmental enrichment for stalled gilts
Authors: Colpoys JD , Johnson AK , Gabler NK
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of flavoured ropes as environmental enrichment for individually housed pigs (Sus scrofa). A 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design was utilised to evaluate the effects of four rope flavour treatments on 24 individually penned gilts: i) water, ii) salt water solution; iii) sugar water solution; and iv) apple juice. Cotton rope was soaked in the assigned treatment solution for 30 min on day 1 of each treatment. The rope was tied to an overhead bar at 1000h on day 1 and removed at 1900h on day 2. The following day, gilts received a different treatment using the same methodology. Gilts were videorecorded one day before treatments were given (baseline) and throughout the study. The video was analysed for enrichment interaction, eating behaviour, and posture using a 2-min scan sample interval between 0700 and 1900h. The addition of sugar flavour increased enrichment interaction compared to apple and salt flavours but did not differ compared to water treatment. Furthermore, gilts interacted with enrichment 61% more the first day the enrichment flavour treatment was provided compared to the second. Gilts given rope enrichment spent less time lying and more time sitting compared to when no enrichment was provided. The results of this study suggest that while the addition of flavours to cotton ropes caused minor changes in enrichment interaction and behaviour, provision of rope enrichment was beneficial for increasing activity in stalled gilts.
Exceptional new fossil of Siphonophrentis gigantea
Authors: McCall Christian R
Published: October 2018

Fossils from the Lucas formation of South Western Ontario reveal a large specimen of the Rugosa Siphonophrentis gigantea (Lesueur, 1821), showing a considerable amount of external detail. The fossil was found outside of the quarry where it originated, the Lafarge quarry in Beachville from Devonian strata. Here, a new specimen of Siphonophrentis gigantea is described, and clues are given towards the life cycle of this species, indicating a fast rate of growth compared to extant coral species. Various specimens of Heliophyllum sp. are also used to create a dataset of growth rates, and the limestone is evaluated to find the CaCO3 content, in order to gauge the abundance of nutrients present in the habitats of these corals.
Dopamine maintains network synchrony via direct modulation of gap junctions in the crustacean cardiac ganglion
Authors: Lane Brian J , Kick Daniel R , Wilson David K , Nair Satish S , Schulz David J
Published: October 2018

The Large Cell (LC) motor neurons of the crab cardiac ganglion have variable membrane conductance magnitudes even within the same individual, yet produce identical synchronized activity in the intact network. In a previous study we blocked a subset of K+ conductances across LCs, resulting in loss of synchronous activity (Lane et al., 2016). In this study, we hypothesized that this same variability of conductances makes LCs vulnerable to desynchronization during neuromodulation. We exposed the LCs to serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) while recording simultaneously from multiple LCs. Both amines had distinct excitatory effects on LC output, but only 5HT caused desynchronized output. We further determined that DA rapidly increased gap junctional conductance. Co-application of both amines induced 5HT-like output, but waveforms remained synchronized. Furthermore, DA prevented desynchronization induced by the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA), suggesting that dopaminergic modulation of electrical coupling plays a protective role in maintaining network synchrony.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Utilization for Malignant Thyroid Neoplasms in the Community Hospital Setting: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Kieliszak Christopher R. , Jones Dustin J. , Klapchar Richard T. , Collar Ryan M. , Steward David L.
Published: October 2018

Background

Thyroid nodules are increasingly common. Although guidelines have been published, it is unclear whether recommendations for the use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and ultrasonography are followed.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement initiative regarding utilization of FNA and ultrasonography before resection of malignant thyroid neoplasms at a community-based hospital.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review of patients who received thyroidectomy with histologically proven malignant thyroid neoplasms at a community-based teaching center in the Midwest in 2014 revealed inconsistent use of FNA and ultrasonography per national guidelines. Thus, a quality improvement initiative was conducted using the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) method and included both an intradepartmental outreach effort and an interdisciplinary hospital cancer committee presentation. To determine the success of the initiative, medical records were reviewed from January 1, 2015, through July 1, 2016 (after the initiative) and compared with findings from 2014 (before the initiative).

Results

The medical records of 366 patients were reviewed over a 2.5-year period, and 23 records (12 in 2014 and 11 in 2015-2016) met the inclusion criteria. In 2014, FNA was performed on 58% of patients before operative management of thyroid malignancy. After the quality improvement initiative, FNA was performed on 100% of patients before operative management of thyroid malignancy (P=.0155). Before the quality improvement initiative, 75% of patients undergoing an operation for malignant thyroid neoplasms underwent preoperative ultrasonography, compared with 100% after the initiative (P=.0753).

Conclusion

A performance improvement initiative that used the PDSA framework effectively influenced physician adherence to national guidelines for thyroid neoplasms.
The anti-biofilm effect of silver-nanoparticle-decorated quercetin nanoparticles on a multi-drug resistantEscherichia colistrain isolated from a dairy cow with mastitis
Authors: Yu Lumin , Shang Fei , Chen Xiaolin , Ni Jingtian , Yu Li , Zhang Ming , Sun Dongdong , Xue Ting
Published: October 2018

Background

Escherichia coliis an important opportunistic pathogen that could cause inflammation of the udder in dairy cows resulting in reduced milk production and changes in milk composition and quality, and even death of dairy cows. Therefore, mastitis is the main health issue which leads to major economic losses on dairy farms. Antibiotics are routinely used for the treatment of bovine mastitis. The ability to form biofilm increases the antibiotic resistance ofE. coli. Nanoparticles (NPs), a nanosized, safe, and highly cost-effective antibacterial agent, are potential biomedical tools. Given their antibacterial activities, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have a broad range of applications.

Methods

In this study, we performed antibacterial activity assays, biofilm formation assays, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, and real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) experiments to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effect of quercetin, Ag NPs, and Silver-nanoparticle-decorated quercetin nanoparticles (QA NPs) inE. colistrain ECDCM1.

Results

In this study, QA NPs, a composite material combining Ag NPs and the plant-derived drug component quercetin, exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties in a multi-drug resistantE. colistrain isolated from a dairy cow with mastitis, compared to Ag NPs and Qe.

Discussion

This study provides evidence that QA NPs possess high antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities. They proved to be more effective than Ag NPs and Qe against the biofilm formation of a multi-drug resistantE. coliisolated from cows with mastitis. This suggests that QA NPs might be used as a potential antimicrobial agent in the treatment of bovine mastitis caused byE. coli.
ENSINO DE EMPREENDEDORISMO: ANÁLISE DA INTRODUÇÃO DE NOVAS PRÁTICAS EDUCACIONAIS EM UM CURSO ESTABELECIDO
Authors: Oliveira Lana Cristina , Holanda Mariano Sandra Regina
Published: October 2018

O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar as práticas educacionais adotadas para o ensino de empreendedorismo tomando como objeto de análise um curso sequencial de Empreendedorismo e Inovação que incorporou novas práticas educacionais visando aumentar a retenção e a aprendizagem dos estudantes. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas com os profissionais responsáveis pela elaboração e implementação das novas práticas educacionais.  A análise foi subsidiada pelo modelo proposto por Nunes et al (2015), por meio do qual foram identificadas as limitações e potencialidades das práticas inseridas no curso.  Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa.  Os resultados apontam que as novas práticas pedagógicas inseridas no curso analisado atendem a maioria dos indicadores, e destaca aspectos que ainda necessitam ser explorados.
PARCERIA DOCENTE E DISCENTE PARA O EXERCÍCIO INTERDISCIPLINAR
Authors: Bernardo Cristiane Hengler Corrêa , Morales Angélica Góis , Junqueira Letícia Flore , Satolo Vanessa Prezotto Ximenes
Published: October 2018

Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a experiência interdisciplinar empreendida pelos docentes e discentes do curso de Administração da UNESP/Tupã, por meio do Trabalho Interdisciplinar Orientado (TIO). Para tanto, buscou compreender o processo de construção do TIO; as motivações e desmotivações para o trabalho interdisciplinar e os resultados obtidos por meio deste. Optou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa, delimitando como método a pesquisa-participante, pois os pesquisadores também são atores do processo. Utilizou-se a pesquisa documental e a aplicação de questionário para docentes e discentes do curso. Notou-se que o TIO promove momentos de reflexão, vinculados à prática social, principalmente por ser um exercício que integra as diferentes áreas do saber em situações problemas.
PEDAGOGIA DO AFETO E A BANALIZAÇÃO DA FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORES: UMA ANÁLISE DA LITERATURA DE AUTOAJUDA NOS PROCESSOS FORMATIVOS
Authors: Fávero Altair Alberto , Consaltér Evandro
Published: October 2018

Este ensaio tem por escopo analisar a banalização dos processos de formação continuada de professores a partir da pedagogia do afeto. Entendemos que essa perspectiva de formação pedagógico materializa-se, sobretudo, a partir do consumo da literatura de autoajuda para professores. Para dar conta do objetivo proposto, realizamos um estudo bibliográfico de ordem analítica, ancorado em obras de três autores campeões de vendas desse tipo de literatura.  No decorrer do ensaio, amparados no referencial teórico, indicamos as razões pelas quais a pedagogia do afeto mostra-se insuficiente para dar conta dos problemas educacionais, sobretudo dos que tangenciam sobre a prática pedagógica do professor. Acreditamos que as reflexões deste ensaio possam contribuir para vislumbrar outros horizontes formativos.
Quality of Publicly Available Information About Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Schmitz Viktoria , Troubh Zoe , Durkin Michael , Hsueh Kevin , Ney Katheryn , Carpenter Brian D. , Waldron Shinbee , Politi Mary C. ,   CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: November 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the content and quality of information about urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria on publicly available websites.
First Trimester Tetracycline Exposure and Risk of Major Congenital Malformations
Authors: Nakitanda Aya Olivia , Odsbu Ingvild , Cesta Carolyn E. , Pazzagli Laura , Pasternak Björn
Published: November 2024

Importance

Safety data on tetracycline antibiotic use during pregnancy are limited.

Objective

To investigate the association between first trimester exposure to tetracyclines and the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from nationwide registers for singleton infants live-born in Sweden from July 1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, with follow-up through December 2019. Tetracycline-exposed and unexposed infants were matched on propensity scores (ratio 1:10). Data analysis was performed from June 2023 to May 2024.

Exposure

First trimester exposure to tetracyclines determined from maternal prescription fills, compared with no exposure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was any MCM diagnosed in the first year of life; secondary outcomes were 12 major malformation organ system subgroups and 16 individual malformations selected on the basis of prior safety signals and/or fulfillment of prespecified statistical power criteria. Malformations were identified by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes aligned to the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) classification. Log binomial regression was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs.

Results

From a source cohort of 1 245 889 eligible infants (640 892 male [51.4%]), a propensity score–matched analytical cohort of 69 656 infants (35 903 male [51.5%]) was generated. Of 6340 infants exposed to tetracyclines during the first trimester (3325 male [52.4%]), 252 received a diagnosis of any MCM (39.75 cases per 1000 infants; 95% CI, 35.14-44.93 cases per 1000 infants) compared with 2454 of 63 316 unexposed infants (38.76 cases per 1000 infants; 95% CI, 37.27-40.30 cases per 1000 infants). Tetracycline exposure was not associated with any MCM (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.90-1.16). The RRs for specific tetracycline substances were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.93-1.23) for doxycycline, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.60-1.15) for lymecycline, and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.32-1.92) for tetracycline-oxytetracycline. There was no increased risk for 10 of 12 malformation subgroups or for any of the 16 individual malformations analyzed. The higher RRs in the main analysis for nervous system anomalies (1.92; 95% CI, 0.98-3.78) and eye anomalies (1.76; 95% CI, 1.07-2.91) were attenuated in a sensitivity analysis with follow-up extended to age 3 years (nervous system anomalies, RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.52-2.24; eye anomalies, RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.88-2.29).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, first trimester tetracycline exposure was not associated with increased risks of any MCMs. Additional studies are needed to rule out potential risks owing to power limitations for several MCM subgroups and individual malformations.
Recyclability of take‐back glass fiber‐reinforced blends of polyphenylene oxide with high‐impact polystyrene for high‐performance engineering applications
Authors: Gkaliou Kyriaki , Mogre Tanmay , Lei Michael , Daugaard Anders E.
Published: November 2024

Increased recycling of plastics is an essential step toward a more sustainable use of materials, where some of the most challenging fractions are engineering materials and composites. Used pump houses prepared from glass fiber (GF)‐reinforced blends of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) obtained through a take‐back scheme (take‐back, TB) were characterized and shredded for use in the preparation of new composites by injection molding. Initial degradation was observed on the surface of the TB parts; however, the core of the material was unaffected. Mechanical reprocessing of regrind and virgin material showed a reduction of tensile strength already at 10% regrind, which was attributed to fiber length reduction during reprocessing. At the same time, Young's modulus and extension at break were largely unaffected, confirming that 25% of TB could be included without any additional loss of properties. As a worst‐case scenario, tests with extensively degraded material showed that Young's modulus and tensile strength would ultimately be reduced with an increasing amount of heavily degraded material and that a balance would have to be found between loss of properties and recycled content for heavily degraded material.
ZnO Quantum Dots as PEO‐Based Solid Electrolytes Fillers for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Shiyan , Li Huiyao , Tang Wenhao , Zou Youlan , Deng Shuang
Published: November 2024

PEO‐based solid polymer electrolyte (PEO SPE) is regarded as one of the most promising solid electrolytes due to its exceptional flexibility, cost‐effectiveness, and ease of integration. However, its commercialization is hindered by inadequate ionic conductivity and unstable interface. By incorporating proper ZnO quantum‐dots (QDs) fillers with enhanced surface activity, the ion transport inner the PEO‐based electrolyte can be improved along with enhanced REDOX kinetics at the Li/PEO interface. The ionic conductivity reaches 5.97×10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C. Moreover, ZnO QDs exhibit a quantum size effect and possess lithiophilic characteristics that promote uniform nucleation and redeposition of Li+ while forming a stable Li−Zn alloy. This inhibits lithium dendrite formation and enhances the stability of Li anode. Li//Li cell with 3 % ZnO QDs works steadily for more than 2100 h at 60 °C with 0.1 mA cm−2. The assembled Li//LiFePO4 cell provides a reversible capacity of 134.91 mAh g−1 after200 cycles at 0.1 C.
Fragility, Health and the Risk Paradigm: A Health‐Sensitive Framework
Authors: Vaughan‐Lee Hannah , Morinière Lezlie C. , Stroupe Nancy
Published: November 2024

Recognising that fragile contexts present a significant challenge to the Sustainable Development Goals, this paper examines the relationship between fragility and health, proposing a health‐sensitive conceptual framework for understanding the impact of fragility on health outcomes. Through a comprehensive literature review and comparison of existing fragility frameworks, the study identifies five key characteristics of fragility: alignment with the risk paradigm; multidimensionality; systems perspective; state‐society relationship; and appreciating fragility in relation to ‘contexts’ rather than ‘states’. In doing so, the paper highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to fragility that includes a distinct health dimension in addition to political, security, economic, social, environmental domains. Rather than proposing a way to score or measure fragility, the authors argue in favour of a nuanced and dynamic understanding of fragility based on the interactions between the different dimensions of fragility, emphasising the impact on/interactions with health.