bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Transmission Range Based Topology Control Scheme for Fast and Reliable Data Collection
Authors: Teng Haojun , Zhang Kuan , Dong Mianxiong , Ota Kaoru , Liu Anfeng , Zhao Ming , Wang Tian
Published: July 2018

An Adaptive Transmission Range Based Topology Control (ATRTC) scheme is proposed to reduce delay and improve reliability for data collection in delay and loss sensitive wireless sensor network. The core idea of the ATRTC scheme is to extend the transmission range to speed up data collection and improve the reliability of data collection. The main innovations of our work are as follows: (1) an adaptive transmission range adjustment method is proposed to improve data collection reliability and reduce data collection delay. The expansion of the transmission range will allow the data packet to be received by more receivers, thus improving the reliability of data transmission. On the other hand, by extending the transmission range, data packets can be transmitted to the sink with fewer hops. Thereby the delay of data collection is reduced and the reliability of data transmission is improved. Extending the transmission range will consume more energy. Fortunately, we found the imbalanced energy consumption of the network. There is a large amount of energy remains when the network died. ATRTC scheme proposed in this paper can make full use of the residual energy to extend the transmission range of nodes. Because of the expansion of transmission range, nodes in the network form multiple paths for data collection to the sink node. Therefore, the volume of data received and sent by the near‐sink nodes is reduced, the energy consumption of the near‐sink nodes is reduced, and the network lifetime is increased as well. (2) According to the analysis in this paper, compared with the CTPR scheme, the ATRTC scheme reduces the maximum energy consumption by 9%, increases the network lifetime by 10%, increases the data collection reliability by 7.3%, and reduces the network data collection time by 23%.
Quantifying High-Performance Material Microstructure Using Nanomechanical Tools with Visual and Frequency Analysis
Authors: Sandoz-Rosado Emil , Roenbeck Michael R. , Strawhecker Kenneth E.
Published: July 2018

High-performance materials like ballistic fibers have remarkable mechanical properties owing to specific patterns of organization ranging from the molecular scale, to the micro scale and macro scale. Understanding these strategies for material organization is critical to improving the mechanical properties of these high-performance materials. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to detect changes in material composition at an extremely high resolution with transverse-stiffness scanning. New methods for direct quantification of material morphology were developed, and applied as an example to these AFM scans, although these methods can be applied to any spatially-resolved scans. These techniques were used to delineate between subtle morphological differences in commercial ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that have different processing conditions and mechanical properties as well as quantify morphology in commercial Kevlar®, a high-performance material with an entirely different organization strategy. Both frequency analysis and visual processing methods were used to systematically quantify the microstructure of the fiber samples in this study. These techniques are the first step in establishing structure-property relationships that can be used to inform synthesis and processing techniques to achieve desired morphologies, and thus superior mechanical performance.
Osteogenic Effect and Cell Signaling Activation of Extremely Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Poh Patrina S. P. , Seeliger Claudine , Unger Marina , Falldorf Karsten , Balmayor Elizabeth R. , van Griensven Martijn
Published: July 2018

Extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) devices have been used in the clinic for the treatment of bone disorders over the past 30 years. However, the underlying mechanism of which ELF-PEMFs exert an effect on tissues at a cellular level is not well understood. Hence, in this study, we explored the potential of different ELF-PEMF signals in modulating human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells’ (hAMSC) osteogenic capability. The cell proliferation rate was assessed using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) method. The osteogenesis potential of cells was determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin-Red S staining, and RT-qPCR. Finally, the intracellular signaling pathway of a selected ELF-PEMF signal was examined using the PathScan Intracellular Signaling Array. Among the tested ELF-PEMF signals, program 20 (26 Hz) showed activation of the Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling cascade and significant upregulations of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin when compared to nonstimulated cells. This study demonstrates the potential of certain ELF-PEMF signal parameters to induce osteogenic differentiation of hAMSC and provides important clues in terms of the molecular mechanisms for the stimulation of osteogenic effects by ELF-PEMF on hAMSC.
Do Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infections Have a Worse Outcome Than Culture-Positive Periprosthetic Joint Infections? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Reisener Marie , Perka Carsten
Published: July 2018

Background. Culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections (CN PJI) have not been well studied, and due to the lack of consensus on PJI, especially with culture-negative infections, there are considerable uncertainties. Due to the challenging clinical issue of CN PJI the aim of this systematic review is to describe incidence, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes based on the current literature on CN PJI.Hypothesis.The review is designed to assess the formal hypothesis that CN PJI of the hip and knee have a poorer outcome when compared with culture-positive ones.Study Design.It is systematic review with level of evidence 3.Methods.EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched electronically in January 2018. All studies regarding CN PJI of the hip or knee published in English or German with a minimum of 10 patients were included. Afterwards, the authors performed a descriptive analysis of diagnosis and treatment outcome.Result.Eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of CN PJI in the hip or knee ranged from 7% to 42 %. The included studies were pooled to give an overall incidence rate estimate of 11 % [95% confidence interval (CI): 10-12] based on a random-effects model. The most common surgical intervention was the two-stage revision of prosthesis with 283 patients. Postoperatively, the majority of patients received vancomycin as the antibiotic treatment, alone or in combination with other antibiotics. The rate of succesfully treated infections varied from 85% to 95 % in all included studies. The two-stage exchange arthroplasty had the best outcome, based on the infection-free survival rate of 95%, five years after treatment.Conclusions.We conclude that CN PJI have the same or even better results than culture-positive infections. Nonetheless, a standardized diagnostic protocol and evidence-based treatment strategies for CN PJI should be implemented for further studies.
Astronaut Visual Tracking of Flying Assistant Robot in Space Station Based on Deep Learning and Probabilistic Model
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Zhaokui , Zhang Yulin
Published: July 2018

Real-time astronaut visual tracking is the most important prerequisite for flying assistant robot to follow and assist the served astronaut in the space station. In this paper, an astronaut visual tracking algorithm which is based on deep learning and probabilistic model is proposed. Fine-tuned with feature extraction layers’ parameters being initialized by ready-made model, an improved SSD (Single Shot Multibox Detector) network was proposed for robust astronaut detection in color image. Associating the detection results with synchronized depth image measured by RGB-D camera, a probabilistic model is presented to ensure accurate and consecutive tracking of the certain served astronaut. The algorithm runs 10 fps at Jetson TX2, and it was extensively validated by several datasets which contain most instances of astronaut activities. The experimental results indicate that our proposed algorithm achieves not only robust tracking of the specified person with diverse postures or dressings but also effective occlusion detection for avoiding mistaken tracking.
Heavy-Light Mesons in the Nonrelativistic Quark Model Using Laplace Transformation Method
Authors: Abu-Shady M. , Khokha E. M.
Published: July 2018

An analytic solution of theN-dimensional radial Schrödinger equation with the combination of vector and scalar potentials via the Laplace transformation method (LTM) is derived. The current potential is extended to encompass the spin hyperfine, spin-orbit, and tensor interactions. The energy eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions have been obtained in theN-dimensional space. The present results are employed to study the different properties of the heavy-light mesons (HLM). The masses of the scalar, vector, pseudoscalar, and pseudovector forB,Bs,D, andDsmesons have been calculated in the three-dimensional space. The effect of the dimensional number space is discussed on the masses of the HLM. We observed that the meson mass increases with increasing dimensional space. The decay constants of the pseudoscalar and vector mesons have been computed. In addition, the leptonic decay widths and branching ratio for theB+,D+, andBs+mesons have been studied. Therefore, the used method with the current potential gives good results which are in good agreement with experimental data and are improved in comparison with recent theoretical studies.
Blind Source Separation for Complex-Valued Signals Using Generalized Autocorrelation
Authors: Tang Xiaogang , Wang Sun’an , Li Jiong
Published: July 2018

We introduce a new complex-valued blind source separation approach, based on generalized autocorrelations of sources, to improve the spectrum efficiency for the next-generation wireless communications system. The proposed algorithm considers the temporal structures of communication signals and the natural gradient-based method is used to optimize the demixing matrix. In addition, the local stability condition is proved. Simulation results are presented showing the superior performance of the proposed algorithm in the intersymbol interference of the estimated signals.
A Method Adjusting Consistency and Consensus for Group Decision‐Making Problems with Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Preference Relations Based on Discrete Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Zhao Meng , Liu Ting , Su Jia , Liu Meng-Ying
Published: July 2018

In each hesitant fuzzy linguistic preference relation, experts may express their opinions through comparison linguistic information combined with a discrete fuzzy number. In this paper, a hesitant fuzzy linguistic computational model based on discrete fuzzy numbers whose support is a subset of consecutive natural numbers is proposed, which enriches the flexibility of group decision‐making. First, some main concepts related to discrete fuzzy numbers and an aggregation function of individual subjective linguistic preference relations are introduced. Then, a consistency measure is presented to check and improve the consistency in a given matrix. Further, in order to achieve the predefined degree of consensus and to arrive at the final result, a consensus‐reaching process based on the interactive feedback mechanism is defined. Meanwhile, a revised formula is introduced to calculate the consistency and the degree of consensus in a preference relation matrix. Besides, an illustrative example and comparative analysis are conducted through the proposed calculation process and the optimization algorithm. Finally, the analysis on the threshold values is made to help the decision‐maker determine critical consensus level. The proposed method can address both consistency and consensus, and the results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method and its potential use in the qualitative decision‐making problems.
Effects of a Phonological Reading and Writing Remediation Program in Students with Dyslexia: Intervention for Specific Learning Disabilities
Authors: Ferraz Erika , Gonçalves Thais dos Santos , Freire Thais , Mattar Tais de Lima Ferreira , Lamônica Dionísia Aparecida Cusin , Maximino Luciana Paula , Abreu Pinheiro Crenitte Patrícia
Published: July 2018

Objective: To determine the effects of a phonological remediation reading and writing program in individuals with dyslexia, through behavioral and objective evaluations. Patients and Methods: Twenty children diagnosed with dyslexia, aged 8–14 years, were included in this study. Group I (GI) was composed of 10 children who took part in the program, and group II (GII) consisted of 10 subjects who did not take the remediation. The pre-testing evaluated phonological awareness, rapid naming, working memory, reading and writing of words and nonwords, thematic writing, and auditory evoked potential – P300. The type of stimulus used was the speech (20% of rare stimulus and 80% of frequent stimulus), intensity of 80 dBNa. The rare stimulus was the syllable /da/, and the frequent stimulus was the syllable /ba/. Next, the Phonological Reading and Writing Remediation Program was applied in 24 cumulative sessions, twice a week, each with a duration of 30 min. In the post-testing (at the end of the program), all the tests of the pre-testing were reapplied. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (between pre- and post-testing) in phonological awareness, rapid naming, working memory, thematic writing, writing and reading words and nonwords, as well as in the latency of the P3 component of P300 in GI, while GII maintained the same difficulties. Conclusion: The phonological remediation program showed to be a therapeutic method of fast beneficial effects in written language of individuals with dyslexia. However, the wide age range and the size of the sample could be considered a limitation of this study – it interferes with the generalization of results.
Por uma teoria da consumação: correspondências entre comunicação, consumo e imaginário
Authors: Oliveira Frederico Jorge Tavares de
Published: July 2018

Pretende-se indicar a consumação enquanto categoria teórica pertinente para se estabelecer rotas teórico-metodológicas para os estudos de comunicação e consumo na sua interface com o imaginário. Essas rotas implicam uma revisão bibliográfica de autores que, de modo geral, integram esses estudos e/ou os chamados estudos do imaginário. Apresenta-se uma série de noções articuladas entre si, a fim de que se possa compreender a formação das imagens simbólicas num ambiente de consumação mediática. Parte-se da hipótese de que há certa insuficiência das categorias do consumo e do consumismo para lidar com essa questão.
Synthesis of Extracellular Pyrophosphate Increases in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells During Phosphate-Induced Calcification
Authors: Villa-Bellosta Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Hydroxyapatite deposition on the medial layer of the aortic walls is the hallmark of vascular calcification and the most common complication in aging individuals and in patients with diabetes mellitus and those undergoing hemodialysis. Extracellular pyrophosphate is a potent physicochemical inhibitor of hydroxyapatite crystal formation. This study analyzed changes in extracellular pyrophosphate metabolism during the phosphate-induced calcification process.

Approach and Results—

Phosphate-induced calcification of ex vivo-cultured aortic rings resulted in calcium accumulation after 7 days. This accumulation was enhanced when aortic walls were devitalized. BMP2 (bone morphogenic protein 2) expression was associated with calcium accumulation in cultured aortic rings, as well as in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and in calcitriol-induced calcification in rats. Hydroxyapatite dose dependently induced BMP2 overexpression in VSMCs. Moreover, TNAP (tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) mRNA levels and activity were found to be downregulated in early phases and upregulated in later phases of calcification in all 3 models studied. eNPP1 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1) increased from early to later phases of calcification, whereas eNTPD1 (ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1) was downregulated during later phases. Synthesis of pyrophosphate in VSMCs increased significantly over time, in all 3 models studied. Because the rate of pyrophosphate hydrolysis was 10× slower than the rate of pyrophosphate synthesis, pyrophosphate synthesis is determined mainly by the ratio of eNPP1 to eNTPD1 activity. Hydroxyapatite also induces increments both in TNAP and eNPP1/eNTPD1 ratio in VSMCs.

Conclusions—

Pyrophosphate synthesis increases in VSMCs during phosphate-induced calcification because of compensatory regulation of extracellular pyrophosphate metabolism.
Adapting and Evaluating a Health System Intervention From Kaiser Permanente to Improve Hypertension Management and Control in a Large Network of Safety-Net Clinics
Authors: Fontil Valy , Gupta Reena , Moise Nathalie , Chen Ellen , Guzman David , McCulloch Charles E. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten
Published: July 2018

Background:

Nearly half of Americans with diagnosed hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) while some integrated healthcare systems, such as Kaiser Permanente Northern California, have achieved control rates upwards 90%.

Methods and Results:

We adapted Kaiser Permanente’s evidence-based treatment protocols in a racially and ethnically diverse population at 12 safety-net clinics in the San Francisco Health Network. The intervention consisted of 4 elements: a hypertension registry, a simplified treatment intensification protocol that included fixed-dose combination medications containing diuretics, standardized BP measurement protocol, and BP check visits led by registered nurse and pharmacist staff. The study population comprised patients with hypertension who made ≥1 primary care visits within the past 24 months (n=15 917) and had a recorded BP measurement within the past 12 months. We conducted a postintervention time series analysis from August 2014 to August 2016 to assess the effect of the intervention on BP control for 24 months for the pilot site and for 15 months for 11 other San Francisco Health Network clinics combined. Secondary outcomes were changes in use of guideline-recommended medication prescribing. Rates of BP control increased at the pilot site (68%–74%;
P
<0.01) and the 11 other San Francisco Health Network clinic sites (69%–74%;
P
<0.01). Statistically significant improvements in BP control rates (
P
<0.01) at the 11 San Francisco Health Network clinic sites occurred in all racial and ethnic groups (blacks, 60%–66%; whites, 69%–75%; Latinos, 67%–72%; Asians, 78%–82%). Use of fixed-dose combination medications increased from 10% to 13% (
P
<0.01), and the percentage of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor prescriptions dispensed in combination with a thiazide diuretic increased from 36% to 40% (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

Evidence-based system approaches to improving BP control can be implemented in safety-net settings and could play a pivotal role in achieving improved population BP control and reducing hypertension disparities.
Sex and Race Differences in the Utilization and Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Among Medicare Beneficiaries, 1999–2014
Authors: Angraal Suveen , Khera Rohan , Wang Yun , Lu Yuan , Jean Raymond , Dreyer Rachel P. , Geirsson Arnar , Desai Nihar R. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: July 2018

Background

With over a decade of directed efforts to reduce sex and racial differences in coronary artery bypass grafting (
CABG
) utilization, and post‐
CABG
outcomes, we sought to evaluate how the use of
CABG
and its outcomes have evolved in different sex and racial subgroups.

Methods and Results

Using data on all fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries undergoing
CABG
in the United States from 1999 to 2014, we examined differences by sex and race in calendar‐year trends for
CABG
utilization and post‐
CABG
outcomes (in‐hospital, 30‐day, and 1‐year mortality and 30‐day readmission). A total of 1 863 719 Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries (33.6% women, 4.6% black) underwent
CABG
from 1999 to 2014, with a decrease from 611 to 245
CABG
procedures per 100 000 person‐years. Men compared with women and whites compared with blacks had higher
CABG
utilization, with declines in all subgroups. Higher post‐
CABG
annual declines in mortality (95% confidence interval) were observed in women (in‐hospital, −2.70% [−2.97, −2.44]; 30‐day, −2.29% [−2.54, −2.04]; and 1‐year mortality, −1.67% [−1.88, −1.46]) and blacks (in‐hospital, −3.31% [−4.02, −2.60]; 30‐day, −2.80% [−3.49, −2.12]; and 1‐year mortality, −2.38% [−2.92, −1.84]), compared with men and whites, respectively. Mortality rates remained higher in women and blacks, but differences narrowed over time. Annual adjusted 30‐day readmission rates remained unchanged for all patient groups.

Conclusions

Women and black patients had persistently higher
CABG
mortality than men and white patients, respectively, despite greater declines over the time period. These findings indicate progress, but also the need for further progress.
Neotypification of Lecanorchis purpurea (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae) with the discussion on the taxonomic identities of L. trachycaula, L. malaccensis, and L. betung-kerihunensis
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , HSU TIAN-CHUAN , FUKUNAGA HIROKAZU
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a re-evaluation of the taxonomic identities of Lecanorchis trachycaula and L. betung-kerihunensis. Consequently, L. trachycaula is reduced to a synonym of L. purpurea while L. betung-kerihunensis is treated as a synonym of L. malaccensis. Because no original material of L. purpurea is existent, we designate its neotype to stabilize its taxonomic status.
Regulation, Higher Education and Transformation
Authors: Rai Dhananjay
Published: July 2018

This article examines recent ongoing churning around independent regulatory authorities in higher education in India in the context of the changing relationship between polity and policy in the emergent neoliberal state discourse. The disconnect between polity and policy needs to be examined concerning people’s power in liberal democratic theory. People’s power and higher education are intertwined since the former has legitimate claim over the latter. Hence, this article, at the outset, examines the anatomy of regulation vis-à-vis people’s power. Thereafter, regulation and knowledge are examined congruently. Regulation and higher education in India are explained by way of clarifying the constitutional provisions and analysing emerging policy proposals regarding centralisation, commercialisation and regulations. This article highlights the importance of higher education for transformation. In this regard, ten challenges are outlined in the end.
Asymmetric copula–based distribution models for met-ocean data in offshore wind engineering applications
Authors: Fazeres-Ferradosa Tiago , Taveira-Pinto Francisco , Vanem Erik , Reis Maria Teresa , Neves Luciana das
Published: July 2018

Joint statistical models for long-term wave climate are a key aspect of offshore wind engineering design. However, to find a joint model for sea-state characteristics is often difficult due to the complex nature of the wave climate and the physical constraints of sea-states phenomena. The available records of wave heights and periods are often very asymmetric in their nature. This article presents a copula-based approach to obtain the joint cumulative distribution function of the significant wave heights and the up-crossing mean period. This study is based on 124-month hindcast data concerning Horns Rev 3 offshore wind farm. The extra-parametrization technique of symmetric copulas is implemented to account for the asymmetry present in the data. The analysis of the total sea, the wind-sea and primary swell components is performed separately. The results show that the extra-parametrization technique with pairwise copulas consistently provided a better goodness-of-fit when compared to symmetric copulas. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the separation of the total sea into its components does not always improve the extra-parametrized copula’s performance. Furthermore, this article also discusses copulas application to offshore wind engineering.
An Empirical Study of the Relationship Between Social Networking Sites and Students’ Engagement in Higher Education
Authors: Koranteng Felix N. , Wiafe Isaac , Kuada Eric
Published: July 2018

This article investigates how students’ online social networking relationships affect knowledge sharing and how the intensity of knowledge sharing enhances students’ engagement. It adopts the social capital theory as the basis for investigation, and the partial least square structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized model. Responses from 586 students in higher education were analyzed. The findings provided empirical evidence which contradicts the argument that students perceive social networking sites as an effective tool for learning. Also, contrary to previous studies which posit that knowledge sharing impacts engagement, it was observed that there is no relationship between the two. However, as social networking sites differ in terms of member behavior norms, it is envisaged that if a similar study is conducted and limited to a specific academically inclined social networking site such as Academia.edu, ResearchGate, Mendeley, and so on, different findings may be observed.
Qualitatif ou quantitatif ? Plaidoyer pour l’éclectisme méthodologique
Authors: Mayer Nonna
Published: July 2018

Retraçant un parcours de recherche commencé au CEVIPOF il y a plus de 40 ans, cet article est un plaidoyer pour l’éclectisme méthodologique. A partir d’exemples tirés de ses travaux sur le comportement électoral, le racisme et les inégalités sociales, l’auteure montre le caractère artificiel de l’opposition entre approches qualitatives et quantitatives, tant au niveau du recueil des données que de leur analyse. Entretiens et sondages, questions ouvertes et fermées, observation participante et expérimentations, chacune de ces techniques éclaire une facette du phénomène étudié. Il faut donc les croiser pour le saisir dans sa totalité.
Brokerage and Boots on the Ground: Complements or Substitutes in the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships?
Authors: Brandt Philipp , Schrank Andrew , Whitford Josh
Published: July 2018

There is more agreement on the need for advisory services to help small and midsized manufacturers keep up with the latest managerial techniques and technologies than there is on the optimal design of those services. This study reconfigures and reanalyzes administrative data from the American Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and draws on extensive interviews with “street-level bureaucrats” at Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, to identify and compare variation in centers’ approaches to service delivery. Centers and clients who rely on third-party providers tend to have more rather than less enduring ties, suggesting that it’s direct delivery, rather than brokerage, that is associated with one-shot deals. There is evidence also that projects generate the most impact when they help “get the relationships right” and mitigate network failures.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test–Second Edition: Testing Dimensionality and Invariance Across Age, Gender, Race, and Ethnicity
Authors: Benson Nicholas , Kranzler John H. , Floyd Randy G.
Published: July 2018

This study examined key assumptions underlying the interpretation of one of the most widely used multidimensional nonverbal tests of intelligence, the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test–Second Edition (UNIT2). Specifically, we examined the dimensionality of the UNIT2 and the interpretive relevance of its factors. We also examined the invariance of constructs measured by the UNIT2 across age groups, gender, race, and ethnicity. Structural analyses were conducted using data from 1,802 individuals aged 5 to 21 years who participated in the norming of the UNIT2. Results indicate that the UNIT2 is primarily a measure of psychometric g. Tests of invariance indicate that the factors measured by the UNIT2 are calibrated differently across age, gender, and racial groups. The Memory, Quantitative, and Reasoning factors represent psychometric g quite well. However, there is insufficient unique, reliable variance for the interpretation of the index scores reflecting the Memory, Quantitative, and Reasoning factors. Based on the results of this study, we question whether the administration of multidimensional nonverbal tests of intelligence is worth the time and effort when unidimensional tests may provide the same information.
Maternal Support as a Predictor of Children’s Sexualized Behaviors Following Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Wamser-Nanney Rachel , Sager Julia C. , Campbell Claudia L.
Published: July 2018

Although previous studies have concluded that maternal support following children’s sexual abuse disclosures is an important predictor of children’s symptoms, the empirical data to support this is limited. Much of the small prior literature has used measures of maternal support without adequately reported psychometric properties, which may obscure the true relationship between support and children’s sexual behaviors. Further, it is unclear whether maternal support is related to children’s sexual acting out in the context of known predictors of sexual behaviors. The purposes of the current study were to (1) examine the relationships between support and children’s sexual behaviors and (2) determine whether support is related to sexual behaviors after controlling for known predictors among 161 treatment-seeking children (6–12 years old; M = 8.70, SD = 2.69) and their nonoffending mothers. In the bivariate analyses, emotional support was negatively related to children’s sexual behaviors, whereas maternal blame/doubt was positively correlated with sexual behaviors. Nonetheless, after controlling for other predictors, emotional support predicted developmentally related sexual behaviors but not sexual abuse–specific sexual behaviors. Levels of emotional support and blame/doubt predicted children’s total sexual behaviors, after accounting for identified predictors, suggesting that support may play a small role in understanding children’s sexual behaviors.
Atypical Evolution of the F1Fo Adenosine Triphosphate Synthase Regulatory ATP6 subunit in Glacier Ice Worms (Annelida: Clitellata: Mesenchytraeus)
Authors: Lang Shirley A , Shain Daniel H
Published: July 2018

The glacier ice worm, Mesenchytraeus solifugus, is among a few animals that reside permanently in glacier ice. Their adaptation to cold temperature has been linked to relatively high intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, which compensate for reductions in molecular motion at low physiological temperatures. Here, we show that ATP6—the critical regulatory subunit of the F1Fo-ATP synthase and primary target of mitochondrial disease—acquired an unprecedented histidine-rich, 18-amino acid carboxy-terminal extension, which counters the strong evolutionary trend of mitochondrial genome compaction. Furthermore, sequence analysis suggests that this insertion is not of metazoan origin, but rather is a product of horizontal gene transfer from a microbial dietary source, and may act as a proton shuttle to accelerate the rate of ATP synthesis.
Cardiogenic and septic shock associated with aortic and mitral valve infective endocarditis caused by Abiotrophia Defectiva from a urinary tract infection
Authors: Foley Edward D , Ben Omran Mohamed , Bora Vaibhav , Castresana Manuel R
Published: July 2018

Abiotrophia defectiva, also known as nutritionally variant streptococcus, is part of the normal flora of the oral cavity and urogenital and intestinal tracts and is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. It is fastidious or difficult to culture and associated with high rates of septic embolization, treatment failure and mortality. We describe an unusual presentation of infective endocarditis with severe mitral valve regurgitation due to Abiotrophia defectiva in an immunocompetent patient. After a complicated hospital course, surgical replacement of both the mitral and aortic valves was performed. We suggest that this patient likely had subacute infective endocarditis before diagnosis and treatment of her urinary tract infection, and following treatment failure, she developed life-threatening infective endocarditis. This case report highlights that patients with Abiotrophia defectiva infections are at high risk for infective endocarditis and that the clinical progression from this infection can be slow, with difficulty isolating the pathogen, which can significantly impact patient outcome.
Assessment of Different Cetirizine Dosing Strategies on Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: Findings of Two Randomized Trials
Authors: Urdaneta Eduardo R. , Patel Mitesh K. , Franklin Kathleen B. , Tian Xiaoyan , Wu Mei-Miau
Published: July 2018

Background

Cetirizine has been shown to be effective for relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptoms. Allergic rhinitis symptoms have been reported to have circadian variations, with symptoms tending to be most bothersome overnight and in the morning.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of different cetirizine dosing schedules in comparison to twice daily (BID) chlorpheniramine and placebo on SAR symptoms at 12 and 24 hours postdose.

Methods

Study 1 subjects received cetirizine 10-mg once daily in the morning (QAM), cetirizine 10-mg once daily at bedtime (QHS), cetirizine 5-mg twice daily, or placebo. Study 2 subjects received cetirizine 5-mg QAM, cetirizine 10-mg QHS, chlorpheniramine 8-mg BID, or placebo. The primary end point was total symptom severity complex (TSSC); TSSC was the sum of symptom severity ratings averaged over the 2-week study period. Post hoc analyses of reflective symptom severity assessed in the morning (TSSCAM) and in the evening (TSSCPM) were conducted to evaluate cetirizine’s effects at 12 and 24 hours postdose.

Results

In study 1, subject- and investigator-assessed TSSC was significantly lower in all cetirizine groups versus placebo ( P ≤ .003). In study 2, subject-assessed TSSC was significantly lower in all cetirizine groups versus placebo ( P ≤ .04) and was numerically lower for investigator-assessed TSSC. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that cetirizine significantly improved TSSCAM at 12 and 24 hours postdose versus placebo in both studies regardless of dosing schedule. TSSCPM significantly improved at 12 and 24 hours postdose in all study 1 cetirizine groups versus placebo. In study 2, versus placebo, TSSCPM significantly improved at 12 hours postdose in cetirizine 5-mg QAM group and numerically improved at 24 hours postdose in cetirizine 10-mg QHS group.

Conclusion

Regardless of dosing regimen, cetirizine demonstrates effective 24-hour relief of SAR symptoms, particularly on TSSCAM, which assesses overnight and early morning symptom control.
Joint time-variant spectral analysis — Part 1: Forward modeling the effects of thin-bed layering
Authors: Meza Ramses G. , Antonio Sierra J. , Castagna John P. , Barbato Umberto
Published: July 2018

Using time-frequency and time-phase analysis we found that for an isolated thin bed in a binary-impedance setting, there is no observable sensitivity in preferential illumination as layered net-to-gross (NTG) changes within the isolated thin bed, regardless of the way the internal layering is distributed — either uniformly or semirandomly. The NTG signature is observed on the amplitude (magnitude) responses, rather than any specific frequency or phase component. On the other hand, external mutual thin-bed interference can significantly change the preferred phase component for each participating target. This phenomenon is largely driven by the embedded seismic wavelet that determines the nominal seismic response of an isolated thin layer and what phase component would preferentially illuminate it. For vertical separations between mutually interfering and elastically comparable thin beds in which mutual constructive interference is achieved, the target bed will be preferentially illuminated at a phase component that is very close to that of a total seismic isolation, whereas the occurrence of mutual destructive interference will cause a significant departure on the phase preferential illumination from that of an isolated seismic thin bed. All these observations can provide an avenue to yield more robust stratigraphic interpretations of seismic data and enhance the confidence on subsurface description.
A hora e a vez do empreendedorismo corporativo
Authors: Salusse Marcus Alexandre Yshikawa , Campos Neto Newton Monteiro de
Published: July 2018

Crescem iniciativas de empreendedorismo corporativo no Brasil e no mundo. Como melhor aproveitar as oportunidades?
Perspectivas para os empreendimentos femininos
Authors: Tonelli Maria José , Andreassi Tales
Published: July 2018

Os negócios criados por mulheres crescem no Brasil, porém têm taxa de mortalidade maior do que aqueles criados por homens. O que fazer?
O negócio é criatividade
Authors: Ventura Adriana Miguel
Published: July 2018

O empreendedor artístico e cultural precisa quebrar a dependência de grandes projetos e verbas de incentivo do modelo atual.
Eleições 2018: sob o signo da incerteza e da continuidade
Authors: Teixeira Marco Antonio Carvalho
Published: July 2018

A viabilidade das candidaturas depende do acesso a recursos tradicionais da política, que favorecem a permanência dos mesmos nomes e dificulta a renovação.
Diagnostics of internal atmospheric wave saturation and determination of their characteristics in Earth's stratosphere from radiosonde measurements
Authors: Губенко Владимир , Gubenko Vladimir , Кириллович Иван , Kirillovich Ivan
Published: July 2018

Internal gravity waves (IGW) significantly affect the structure and circulation of Earth’s atmosphere by transporting wave energy and momentum upward from the lower atmosphere. Since IGW can propagate freely through a stably stratified atmosphere, similar effects may occur in the atmospheres of Mars and Venus. Observations of temperature and wind speed fluctuations induced by internal waves in Earth’s atmosphere have shown that wave amplitudes increase with height, but not quickly enough to correspond to the amplitude increase due to an exponential decrease in the density without energy dissipation. The linear theory of IGW explains the wave amplitude growth rate as follows: any wave amplitude exceeding the threshold value leads to instability and produces turbulence, which hinders further amplitude growth (internal wave saturation). The mechanisms that contribute most to the energy dissipation and saturation of IGW in the atmosphere are thought to be the dynamical (shear) and convective instabilities. The assumption of internal wave saturation plays a key role in radio occultation monitoring of IGW in planetary atmospheres. A radiosonde study of wave saturation processes in Earth’s atmosphere is therefore actual and important task. We report the results of determination of actual and threshold amplitudes, saturation degree, and other characteristics for the identified IGW in Earth’s atmosphere obtained from the analysis of SPARC (Stratospheric Processes And their Role in Climate) radiosonde measurements of wind speed and temperature [http://www.sparc.sunysb.edu/].
Failure-Aware Kidney Exchange
Authors: Dickerson John P. , Procaccia Ariel D. , Sandholm Tuomas
Published: July 2018

Algorithmic matches in fielded kidney exchanges do not typically result in an actual transplant. We address the problem of cycles and chains in proposed matches failing after the matching algorithm has committed to them. We show that failure-aware kidney exchange can significantly increase the expected number of lives saved (i) in theory, on random graph models; (ii) on real data from kidney exchange match runs between 2010 and 2014; and (iii) on synthetic data generated via a model of dynamic kidney exchange. This gain is robust to uncertainty over the true underlying failure rate. We design a branch-and-price–based optimal clearing algorithm specifically for the probabilistic exchange clearing problem and show that this new solver scales well on large simulated data, unlike prior clearing algorithms. Finally, we show that failure-aware matching can increase overall system efficiency and simultaneously increase the expected number of transplants to highly sensitized patients, in both static and dynamic models.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
COLOSTROTERAPIA: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA
Authors: Lopes Jéssica Blatt , De Oliveira Luciana Dias , Soldateli Betina
Published: July 2018

Introdução: os nascimentos prematuros são considerados um problema de saúde pública. Estimativas indicam que aproximadamente 30% dos recém-nascidos pré-termo apresentam complicações inerentes a esta condição, decorrentes de uma resposta imunológica imatura, bem como da imaturidade de seu trato digestivo, que ocasionam importantes sequelas em longo prazo, como déficit de crescimento, atraso no neurodesenvolvimento, comprometimento da visão e audição, com danos irreparáveis à saúde infantil. A colostroterapia é uma técnica reconhecidamente segura que utiliza o colostro materno com a finalidade de proporcionar aos recém-nascidos prematuros proteção imunológica precoce. Este artigo pretende responder à seguinte questão: qual o impacto da colostroterapia na saúde dos prematuros? Objetivo: revisar as evidências sobre os benefícios da colostroterapia para os recém-nascidos prematuros. Metodologia: revisão narrativa da literatura. A busca dos artigos foi feita nas bases de dados Pubmed, Cochrane, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Medline EBSCO, Proquest, Embase e Banco de Teses da Capes, sem restrição de linguagem ou período de publicação. A literatura cinza incluiu teses, dissertações e resumos não publicados. Os descritores utilizados na estratégia de busca foram: leite humano, prematuro e colostro. Além destes, foram utilizados os termos “colostroterapia”, “colostrum oropharyngeal administration” e “colostrum oral administration”. Resultados: foram incluídos nesta revisão os resultados de nove estudos, sendo oito controlados e um observacional. Diferentes desfechos foram medidos nos estudos, com enfoques relacionados à nutrição e ao crescimento, desfechos clínicos, avaliação da colonização da mucosa oral do recém-nascido, além da avaliação de mediadores do desenvolvimento imunológico, como imunoglobulina A sérica e lactoferrina secretadas na urina. Ao comparar os grupos que receberam a colostroterapia com os controles, os achados são positivos, como menor tempo para se atingir a dieta enteral plena, maior peso médio em 36 semanas de vida, efeito protetor para desenvolvimento de sepse e melhores taxas de aleitamento materno na alta hospitalar do que as crianças que não receberam a terapia com colostro. Conclusões: apesar de não existirem fortes evidências do impacto clínico da colostroterapia, esta não oferece risco para as crianças. São necessárias mais evidências sobre o impacto da colostroterapia na prevenção dos desfechos clínicos de maior incidência em prematuros para apoiar a implantação generalizada desta prática nas unidades neonatais.DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2018.29813
Peri-operative anticoagulant management for elective podiatric surgery
Authors: Chan Tommy , Wilkinson Antony N
Published: July 2018

This article uses a case study to provide an example of independent prescribing to manage a patient over the peri-operative period by means of a multidisciplinary approach. The process of examination, rationale and diagnosis is described. The pharmacological management strategies are discussed, including the use of a therapeutic regimen of dalteparin for the chemical thromboprophylaxis of a prosthetic heart valve thrombosis and venous thromboembolism in a patient undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. The legal and ethical issues regarding non-medical prescribing related are considered. The use of independent prescribing by a senior trainee podiatric surgeon following a consultation allowed the patient to gain access to appropriate medication, facilitating an episode of care that was evidence-based and safe; resulting in an uneventful experience. This case study has demonstrated that podiatric surgeons with the ability to independently prescribe can deliver a seamless journey for patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery, facilitated by safe prescribing.
Prescriber ready – are you ready?
Authors: Duncan Deborah , Johnstone Jacqueline
Published: July 2018

Earlier this year, the Nursing and Midwifery Council updated its Standards for Pre-registration Student Nurses. Here, Debbie Duncan and Jacqueline Johnstone discuss the impact of these new standards on newly qualified nurses
Equine Review
Authors: Gough Sarah , Agass Rachel
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

This edition of Equine Review considers papers on management of equine ataxia, frusemide and exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, and fractures in Thoroughbred race horses.
The Nurses’ Experiences of the Knowledge Creation Space in Clinical Setting: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Salehi Kamal , Kermanshahi Sima , Mohammadi Eesa , Hassanzadeh Mohammad
Published: July 2018

The concept of nursing knowledge and development of its body has become more important along with growth in phenomenon of professionalism of nursing. Nursing as a profession should have a deep look at the creation of new knowledge to provide services to clients. The exploration of knowledge creation space in clinical setting may be is the first important step. The objectives of this study was to explore the nurses’ experiences of knowledge creation space in clinical setting. A qualitative method with conventional content analysis approach was selected. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff nurses, head nurses, and supervisors working in tow teaching hospitals located in Tehran, Iran. The conventional content analysis approach was used for data analysis. Four main themes emerged from experiences of participants in this study included "scientific discussion", "sharing of clinical experiences." "Enrichment of conference and clinical unit rounds “and "Establishing interpersonal relations". It seems based on the experiences of the nurses who have participated in this study that the knowledge creation space in nursing to be an interactive space that is created following to formation of a scientific discussion, enrichment of clinical rounds and conferences and sharing clinical experiences among the nurses. Thus, the nursing managers should prepare the conditions in which the nurses to be encouraged for holding further scientific discussions upon clinical conferences and rounds, nursing reports, delivery and receiving the patients in addition to establishing appropriate interpersonal relationships and at the same time to show more tendency to share their clinical experiences with each other.