bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Clopidogrel Therapy on Mortality and Cancer in Patients With Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Elmariah Sammy , Doros Gheorghe , Benavente Oscar R. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Connolly Stuart J. , Yusuf Salim , Steinhubl Steven R. , Liu Yuyin , Hsieh Wen-Hua , Yeh Robert W. , Mauri Laura
Published: January 2018

Background—

Clinical trial data associate extended clopidogrel therapy with increased mortality and cancer. We sought to determine the impact of continued clopidogrel use on mortality and cancer within a patient-level meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Methods and Results—

Meta-analytic clinical event rates for all-cause, cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and cancer-related mortality; cancer; myocardial infarction; stroke; and fatal and major nonfatal bleeding were generated using patient-level data from 6 randomized trials comparing prolonged versus no or short-duration clopidogrel on a background of aspirin in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Among 48 817 randomized patients (median follow-up 546 days), there was no difference in all-cause (7.23% versus 7.26%;
P
=0.97), cardiovascular (5.25% versus 5.22%;
P
=0.86), noncardiovascular (1.98% versus 2.03%;
P
=0.73), and cancer-related (0.93% versus 0.99%;
P
=0.59) mortality or in new cancer diagnoses (2.97% versus 2.96%;
P
>0.99). Rates of myocardial infarction (3.21% versus 4.05%;
P
<0.0001) and stroke (3.04% versus 3.75%;
P
<0.0001) were significantly lower in patients receiving continued clopidogrel. Fatal bleeding was more common with continued clopidogrel use (0.39% versus 0.27%;
P
=0.03), as were major nonfatal bleeding (4.06% versus 2.68%;
P
<0.0001) and intracranial hemorrhage (0.43% versus 0.30%;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

Across trials of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, extended-duration clopidogrel on a background of aspirin has no overall effect on mortality or cancer but does reduce rates of myocardial infarction and stroke and increase rates of bleeding. These findings emphasize the need for selective use of extended clopidogrel therapy in patients in whom the risks of ischemia are not fully counterbalanced by the risks of bleeding.
Bursaphelenchus moensi n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from the USA
Authors: Wang Xuan , Maria Munawar , Gu Jianfeng , Fang Yiwu , Wang Jincheng , Li Hongmei
Published: January 2018

Bursaphelenchusmoensin. sp., isolated in Tianjin Port, China, fromPinuspackaging wood imported from the USA, is described. It is characterised by a lateral field with three lines (two bands), stylet 13.0-14.9μm long, excretory pore situated at same level as, or slightly posterior to, the nerve ring, spicules 13.0-15.5μm long, mitten-shaped, condylus high and broad with squared, rounded or pointed end, rostrum triangular or conical with bluntly rounded tip, and cucullus absent, bursa small, starting posterior to P4, narrow oblong to irregular in shape and with an oval central projection, female vulval flap absent, and tail conical with a finely rounded or mucronate terminus. The new species belongs to thehofmanni-group and is most similar toB. paraparvispicularis,B. parvispicularisandB. wuae. It is distinguished from closely related species by morphology, ITS-RFLP patterns and partial 18S, ITS and 28S D2-D3 rDNA gene sequencing results.
Impact of agricultural practices and environmental variables on plant-parasitic nematode communities in fields at a landscape scale
Authors: Garcia Nathan , Folcher Laurent , Biju-Duval Luc , Maupetit Agathe , Ricci Benoit , Grenier Eric
Published: January 2018

Agricultural practices shaping plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) assembly are still unclear, and this limits our understanding of the impact of anthropic disturbances on the resilience of PPN communities and the emergence of agronomic problems. Here the abundance and diversity of PPN in France’s oilseed rape production area was determined by sampling 72 fields over two consecutive years. We identified and counted PPN taxa and collected anthropic and environmental variables for the past 5 years. PPN were assigned to seven genera and one family including PPN that have not been identified to genus level. Using multiple correspondence analyses, we selected the main variables and tested their effect on the abundance of each taxon with mixed generalised linear models. We emphasise that at the landscape scale investigated, crop rotations were no longer a major factor impacting the PPN communities. However, we observed that tillage and pesticides had a significant impact on several taxa.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Heterodera filipjevi (Madzhidov, 1981) from the Slovak Republic
Authors: Renčo Marek , Čermák Václav , Tománková Kateřina , Majeská Čudejková Mária
Published: January 2018

Cysts, males and juveniles from a population ofHeterodera filipjevifound on sports-ground turf in Trnava, Slovak Republic, in 2016 are described based on morphology and morphometrics. The identity of species of juveniles extracted from cysts was subsequently determined and confirmed by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Morphologically, cysts, juveniles and males from the Slovak Republic are similar to paratypes from Tajikistan. The results of the phylogenetic analysis of the ITS rRNA gene sequences confirmed the species identification and phylogenetic relationship ofH. filipjeviwith otherHeteroderaspecies. Of interest, this analysis showed the close similarity between the Slovakian (KY349106) and Chinese (KU896216) samples, which differed by a single nucleotide and clustered together. To our knowledge, this is also the first report ofH. filipjevifrom the Slovak Republic, thus increasing the total number of cyst nematode species of theHeteroderagenus known to occur in the country to a total of 15 species.
Species composition and distribution of thrips (Thysanoptera) in mango orchards of China
Authors: Chen Jun-yu , Gao Yu-lin , Han Dong-yin , Li Lei , Zhang Fang-ping , Niu Li-ming , Fu Yue-guan
Published: January 2018

Mango is an important tropical fruit, and thrips are important pests that have threatened mango yield and quality in recent years. It is important to determine the dominant species and distribution of thrips in mango for effective thrips control. In the present study, the species of thrips in mango flowers in the five main mango-producing provinces of China, and the species of thrips in different phenological stages of mango in Hainan Province were investigated. Thrips species on weeds in mango agroecosystems were also determined. The results indicated that in total there are 41 species of thrips in mango orchards in the five main mango-producing provinces of China, belonging to 21 genera, five subfamilies and three families. These are 31 species in 13 genera of Thripidae, nine species in seven genera of Phlaeothripidae, and one species in one genus of Aeolothripidae. The major species of thrips differed across the main mango production areas. Thus, 26, 17, 23, 12 and 7 species of thrips were collected in mango orchards in Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan and Fujian, respectively.Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande), an important invasive pest in China, was only discovered in mango orchards in Yunnan and Sichuan. Thrips species and population dynamics are closely related to the phenological stage of mango. In Hainan, the dominant thrips species during the shoot period and young fruit stage wasScirtothrips dorsalisHood. In the flowering period, the thrips population increased significantly and species composition became complicated in the field, withThrips hawaiiensisandF. intonsabeing the dominant species.Frankliniella intonsaandT. hawaiiensiswere the dominant species on weeds in the mango ecosystem, which was consistent with them being dominant thrips species on mango. It is speculated that in mango ecosystems, weeds provide refuge to thrips and removing weeds benefits thrips control in mango orchards during the flowering period.
Primulina hengshanensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Danxia landform in Hunan, China
Authors: TIAN JING , LIU LEI , XIAO SHUN-YONG , ZHU XIAO-WEN , WU YAO-JING , ZHOU LIU , YIN JUAN , PEN LING , CAI XIU-ZHEN , LIU LIN-HAN , LIU YING-DI , LIU KE-MING
Published: January 2018

Primulina hengshanensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the Danxia formation in Hunan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to P. langshanica, but has numerous diagnostic features that are outlined. It conservation status is assessed as VU (vulnerable) following IUCN criteria.
A new miniature Melanesian Forest Frog (Ceratobatrachidae: Cornufer) from New Britain Island, constituting the first record of the subgenus Batrachylodes from outside of the Solomon Archipelago
Authors: TRAVERS SCOTT L. , RICHARDS STEPHEN J. , BROADHEAD TAYLOR S. , BROWN RAFE M.
Published: January 2018

We describe a new species of Cornufer, subgenus Batrachylodes, from high-elevation forests of New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago of Eastern Melanesia. The new species, Cornufer exedrus sp. nov., is a biogeographically disjunct member of the Batrachylodes clade, representing the first record of the subgenus from outside of the Solomon Archipelago. The new species is a small terrestrial form from dense, closed-canopy forests above 1500 meters elevation in the Nakanai Mountains of eastern New Britain. It differs from its closest relatives, the other members of the subgenus Batrachylodes, on the basis of its minute body size, degree of digital disc expansion, reduced subdigital tuberculation, color pattern, and other traits related to its small size. We also provide a description of the new species’ simple advertisement call. The diversity of ceratobatrachid frogs of the Bismarck Archipelago is most likely still underestimated despite several recent surveys. Our understanding of evolutionary trends and species boundaries in the subgenus Batrachylodes currently is hampered by lack of genetic samples and call recordings corresponding to voucher specimens of the endemic species of Bougainville Island.
Checklist of decapods (Crustacea) from the coast of the São Paulo state (Brazil) supported by integrative molecular and morphological data: I. Infraorder Caridea: families Hippolytidae, Lysmatidae, Ogyrididae, Processidae and Thoridae
Authors: TEROSSI MARIANA , ALMEIDA ALEXANDRE O. , BURANELLI RAQUEL C. , CASTILHO ANTONIO L. , COSTA ROGÉRIO C. , ZARA FERNANDO J. , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L.
Published: January 2018

The current checklist is the result of a long-term multidisciplinary project which combined molecular techniques (mitochondrial DNA markers) and morphological analyses of adult specimens for an accurate and detailed identification of the total biodiversity of decapod crustaceans from marine and coastal (including estuaries) environments of São Paulo State (Brazil). This is the first of a series of reports and providing a checklist of caridean shrimps of the families Hippolytidae (5 spp.), Lysmatidae (6 spp.), Ogyrididae (2 spp.), Processidae (5 spp.) and Thoridae (1 sp.). We collected material of 13 species out of 19 recorded, with sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I - barcode region and 16S generated from 10 species. The previous record of Lysmata cf. intermedia for São Paulo is actually L. jundalini, as the first record in São Paulo/South Atlantic waters. The molecular data were helpful to confirm the identification of some species, as the occurrence of L. wurdemanni which is confirmed in the South Atlantic Ocean based on morphological, color pattern and molecular data.
The Global N2O Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: Tian Hanqin , Yang Jia , Lu Chaoqun , Xu Rongting , Canadell Josep G. , Jackson Robert B. , Arneth Almut , Chang Jinfeng , Chen Guangsheng , Ciais Philippe , Gerber Stefan , Ito Akihiko , Huang Yuanyuan , Joos Fortunat , Lienert Sebastian , Messina Palmira , Olin Stefan , Pan Shufen , Peng Changhui , Saikawa Eri , Thompson Rona L. , Vuichard Nicolas , Winiwarter Wilfried , Zaehle Sönke , Zhang Bowen , Zhang Kerou , Zhu Qiuan
Published: January 2018

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas and also an ozone-depleting substance that has both natural and anthropogenic sources. Large estimation uncertainty remains on the magnitude and spatiotemporal patterns of N2O fluxes and the key drivers of N2O production in the terrestrial biosphere. Some terrestrial biosphere models have been evolved to account for nitrogen processes and to show the capability to simulate N2O emissions from land ecosystems at the global scale, but large discrepancies exist among their estimates primarily because of inconsistent input datasets, simulation protocol, and model structure and parameterization schemes. Based on the consistent model input data and simulation protocol, the global N2O Model Intercomparison Project (NMIP) was initialized with 10 state-of-the-art terrestrial biosphere models that include nitrogen (N) cycling. Specific objectives of NMIP are to 1) unravel the major N cycling processes controlling N2O fluxes in each model and identify the uncertainty sources from model structure, input data, and parameters; 2) quantify the magnitude and spatial and temporal patterns of global and regional N2O fluxes from the preindustrial period (1860) to present and attribute the relative contributions of multiple environmental factors to N2O dynamics; and 3) provide a benchmarking estimate of N2O fluxes through synthesizing the multimodel simulation results and existing estimates from ground-based observations, inventories, and statistical and empirical extrapolations. This study provides detailed descriptions for the NMIP protocol, input data, model structure, and key parameters, along with preliminary simulation results. The global and regional N2O estimation derived from the NMIP is a key component of the global N2O budget synthesis activity jointly led by the Global Carbon Project and the International Nitrogen Initiative.
Seasonal Winter Forecasts of the Northern Stratosphere and Troposphere: Results from JMA Seasonal Hindcast Experiments
Authors: Taguchi Masakazu
Published: January 2018

This study investigates winter forecasts of the northern stratosphere and troposphere using seasonal hindcast experiments of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). A main focus is placed on the seasonal forecasts of the December–February (DJF)-mean northern annular mode (NAM) when the forecasts are initialized in late fall. Results demonstrate that the hindcast data have significant skill for both ensemble-mean and category (probability) forecasts of the NAM but only in the stratosphere. Probability forecasts for DJF major stratospheric sudden warmings (MSSWs) are also suggested to be significant (higher probabilities for actual MSSW years) near the 90% confidence level. The forecast skill of the stratospheric NAM changes with the observed phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), although the QBO is not simulated but is only included in initial conditions. The skill is higher for the easterly phase, characterized by hits of negative NAM states (weaker-than-normal polar vortex), whereas it is lower for the westerly phase, reflecting misses of positive NAM states. It is finally shown that a verification score for category forecasts of the stratospheric and tropospheric NAM tends to covary as a whole. The tropospheric forecast skill is significant when the stratosphere has large NAM anomalies in the real world and they are well forecasted. In contrast, the tropospheric forecasts are sometimes poor when the stratospheric forecasts fail to capture observed NAM conditions. It is speculated that stratospheric and tropospheric forecasts could be improved together through the stratosphere–troposphere coupling for such cases, that is, by successfully forecasting anomalous vortex states in the stratosphere.
Turbulence from Breaking Surface Waves at a River Mouth
Authors: Zippel Seth F. , Thomson Jim , Farquharson Gordon
Published: January 2018

Observations of surface waves, currents, and turbulence at the Columbia River mouth are used to investigate the source and vertical structure of turbulence in the surface boundary layer. Turbulent velocity data collected on board freely drifting Surface Wave Instrument Float with Tracking (SWIFT) buoys are corrected for platform motions to estimate turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and TKE dissipation rates. Both of these quantities are correlated with wave steepness, which has previously been shown to determine wave breaking within the same dataset. Estimates of the turbulent length scale increase linearly with distance from the free surface, and roughness lengths estimated from velocity statistics scale with significant wave height. The vertical decay of turbulence is consistent with a balance between vertical diffusion and dissipation. Below a critical depth, a power-law scaling commonly applied in the literature works well to fit the data. Above this depth, an exponential scaling fits the data well. These results, which are in a surface-following reference frame, are reconciled with results from the literature in a fixed reference frame. A mapping between free-surface and mean-surface reference coordinates suggests 30% of the TKE is dissipated above the mean sea surface.
St. Francis and Islam: A Critical Appraisal for Contemporary Muslim–Christian Relations, Middle East Politics and International Relations
Authors: Thomas Scott M
Published: January 2018

St. Francis of Assisi’s dramatic meeting with the Sultan Malek el-Kamel in Damietta, Egypt, during the Fifth Crusade (1213–1221) has become an important part of the contemporary context for Muslim–Christian relations, Middle East politics and international relations. It is well-known among Catholics and medieval historians, but it was Pope John Paul II who coined the term ‘the spirit of Assisi’ which has given this event its prominence and relevance. However, this has been questioned – it is based on limited and contradictory evidence, and why do we need such historical models of positive Muslim–Christian relations? This article, in response to these objections, argues that critical theory, the Frankfurt School and social constructivism as they are developed in the theory of international relations offer a helpful perspective to examine Francis’ encounter with the Sultan, and this shows more clearly why this early Muslim–Christian encounter is relevant for contemporary international relations.
Hearing Everything at Once and Listening to Nothing: The Acedia of Absence
Authors: Broad David
Published: January 2018

The title for this article by John Main O.S.B. is meant to evoke the sheer disorientation of our contemporary culture. Strikingly, he wrote it before the flowering of our pressure-inducing, digitally demanding and often indigestible world. The psychologist and social scientist Sherry Turkle talks about our drowning in what she describes as the ‘volume and velocity’ of our lives today. The amount, sound and speed of our lives, however, is not without consequence. This article attempts to explore some of that cost to us at a personal level. One way of capturing it is through the experience of acedia described and transmitted in the 4th century by Evagrius and Cassian. It is the experience of a deep disjuncture within ourselves which quite often simply outwits us. Two millennia later Andre Louf and Thomas Merton among others, pick this up as a description of modernity and the kind of self it forms, for the religious and non-religious alike. This article, while admitting that paradox, makes reference to examples in literature, the social sciences, philosophy and childhood and invites the reader to consider acedia as a new common language for dialogue.
Teaching Humanities in Architecture Education: Investigating the Potentials of Interactive Photography Exposition as an Inquiry-Based Learning Tool
Authors: Hassan Doaa K.
Published: January 2018

If education could be considered the profession of the utilization of knowledge, then this would be difficult to pass on, especially when we talk about human sciences. In such disciplines, it is critical to develop students’ ability to reflect philosophical contemplation, theories, and different themes on the real life. Consequently, education in humanities is a process through which the student and the lecturer alike are immersed in the reviewing and making of knowledge. Therefore, this research aims at investigating the potentials of the interactive photography exposition as an inquiry-based learning tool. The study methodology depended on carrying out an educational experiment where an interactive photography exposition was held as a learning and assessment tool within the curriculum of “Humanities in Landscape Architecture.” The study ended up with the idea that the interactive photography exposition experience promoted the making of knowledge; addition and transformation of the preexisting knowledge occurred through different phases of the immersive experience of photographs and themes interrelation and contrasting.
Information technology and employment: The impact of job tasks and worker skills
Authors: Peng Gang , Wang Ying , Han Guohong
Published: January 2018

This study examines worker displacement from the job task framework in which tasks performed by workers interact with information technology in different ways and therefore can potentially lead to worker displacement. It also investigates what kinds of skills are more helpful for reemployment in today's increasingly computerized workplaces. It utilizes seven US displaced worker supplement surveys from 1998 to 2010 to investigate these issues at individual worker level. The results show that employees performing routine tasks at workplaces are more likely to be displaced, while those performing abstract and service tasks are less likely to be displaced. It also finds that information technology can be both upskilling and deskilling, depending on the kinds of jobs performed by workers.
Facial Recall: Feature–Conjunction Effects in Source Retrieval Versus Item Recognition
Authors: Nie Aiqing
Published: January 2018

Within memory processing, feature and conjunction effects refer to higher false alarms (incorrectly naming items as previously seen) for stimuli with partial/all features taken from different previously studied versus novel items. In this study, we compared feature–conjunction effects in the memory tasks of both item recognition and source retrieval, using faces as stimuli. We found greater feature–conjunction effects on source retrieval versus item recognition tasks, though participants gave slower responses on source retrieval versus item recognition. Thus, our data were consistent with dual-process memory theory in which familiarity contributes to high false alarms in compound faces even while feature–conjunction effects enhance recollection in source retrieval.
Association Between Perceived Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Frith Emily
Published: January 2018

There is irrefutable evidence that regular participation in physical activity is favorably associated with numerous positive health outcomes, including cognitive function. Emerging work suggests that perceived physical activity, independent of actual physical activity behavior, is inversely associated with mortality risk. In this study, we evaluate whether perceived physical activity, independent of actual physical activity, is associated with cognitive function, a robust indicator of mortality risk. Data from the cross-sectional 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were employed ( N = 2352; 60+ years of age). Actual physical activity was assessed via a validated survey. Perceived physical activity was assessed using the following question: “Compared with others of the same age, would you say that you are: more active, less active, or about the same?” Cognitive function was assessed from the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. When examined in separate models, both actual and perceived physical activity were positively and statistically significantly associated with cognitive function. However, when considered in the same model, actual physical activity was no longer statistically significantly associated with cognitive function, but perceived physical activity was. Perceived physical activity, independent of actual physical activity, is independently associated with cognitive function. If these findings are replicated, future work should consider evaluating perceived physical activity when examining the effects of actual physical activity behavior on cognitive function.
The consent of Isaac
Authors: Papadopulos Nicholas
Published: January 2018

Christian tradition insists that in the sacrifice of Isaac the sacrifice of Christ is foreshadowed. But how can this be? Christ consents to his treatment – Isaac does not. Jewish and Islamic authorities represent Isaac (or Ismail) rather differently and these representations, read alongside the Gospel accounts of Christ’s Passion, suggest that there is unanimity among the Abrahamic faiths in rejecting the slaughter of innocents as a means of redeeming the world.
Difficult Texts: Romans 9.13
Authors: Phillips Anthony
Published: January 2018

Neither Paul nor Malachi, whom he quotes, appears concerned that God should choose a trickster over his elder brother. But for the Hebrews, deception could be regarded as an act of wisdom which the parable of the unjust steward appears to confirm.
Applying Stavenhagen’s Analytical Approach to Research on Argentine Agrarian Social Structure
Authors: Chazarreta Adriana
Published: January 2018

Rodolfo Stavenhagen’s analytical approach, as laid out in his 1965 “Seven Erroneous Theses about Latin America,” prioritized a dialectical perspective and relationships of functionality between two dynamics within a single structure and crystallized in fundamental conceptual proposals such as internal colonialism and a focus on the analysis of agrarian social structure. Application of the approach to current research problems in Argentina sheds light on the changes in agrarian social structure that have taken place in recent decades, in particular changes in dominant forms of land tenure, the relations of production, and the functional relationships between areas at different levels of development.

La perspectiva analítica que Rodolfo Stavenhagen desarrolla en “Siete tesis equivocadas sobre América Latina ” prioriza la perspectiva dialéctica y las relaciones de funcionalidad entre dos dinámicas de una misma estructura y cristalizada en propuestas como el concepto de “colonialismo interno” y en el análisis de la estructura social agraria. La actualidad de este abordaje para definir algunos problemas de investigación que remiten a los cambios ocurridos en las últimas décadas en la estructura social agraria de Argentina arroja luz sobre cambios a las formas dominantes de propiedad y tenencia de la tierra, a las relaciones de producción en el agro y a las relaciones de funcionalidad que se establecen entre zonas o áreas de diferentes niveles de desarrollo.
Design and co-simulation of a fuzzy gain-scheduled PID controller based on particle swarm optimization algorithms for a quad tilt wing unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Khoud Khaled Ben , Bouallègue Soufiene , Ayadi Mounir
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with the systematic design and hardware co-simulation of a fuzzy gain-scheduled proportional–integral–derivative (GS-PID) controller for a quad tilt wing (QTW) type of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on different variants of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The fuzzy PID gains scheduling problem for the stabilization of the roll, pitch and yaw dynamics of the QTW vehicle is formulated as a constrained optimization problem and solved thanks to improved PSO algorithms. PSO algorithms with variable inertia weight (PSO-In), PSO with constriction factor (PSO-Co) and PSO with possibility updating strategies (PSO-gbest) are proposed. Such variants of the PSO algorithm aim further to improve the exploration and exploitation capabilities of such a stochastic algorithm as well as its convergence fastness. The robustness of the designed PSO-based fuzzy GS-PID controllers under actuators faults is shown on the non-linear model of the QTW. All optimized fuzzy GS-PID controllers are then co-simulated within a processor-in-the-loop (PIL) framework based on an embedded NI myRIO-1900 board and a host PC. Such a proposed software (SW) and hardware (HW) computer aided design (CAD) platform is based on the Control Design and Simulation (CDSim) module of the LabVIEW environment as well as a set-up Network Streams-based data communication protocol. Demonstrative simulation results are presented, compared and discussed in order to improve the effectiveness of the proposed PSO-based fuzzy gains scheduled PID controllers for the QTW’s attitude flight stabilization.
The impact of stress on later literacy achievement via grit and engagement among dual language elementary school students
Authors: O’Neal Colleen R.
Published: January 2018

The goal of this short-term longitudinal study was to identify how stress impacts later literacy achievement via the mediators of grit and emotional engagement. Study design included three time-points with students in 3rd through 5th grades who were low-income, dual language learners in the US ( N = 142; 54% female; 75% Latina/o; M = 9.47 years old). The measures were Time 1 student-reported perceived stress, Time 2 teacher-reported student grit and emotional engagement, and a Time 3 student literacy achievement performance task. Stress had a negative impact on later literacy achievement via the mediator of engagement, but not via the mediator of grit. Implications of how stress and socioemotional processes impact achievement among dual language learners are discussed.
Contested firm governance, institutions and the undertaking of corporate restructuring practices in Germany
Authors: Bhankaraully Shabneez
Published: January 2018

This article investigates the undertaking of corporate restructuring practices (employee downsizing and wage moderation) in Germany from 2008 to 2015. The article presents a political perspective that draws on the insights of the power resources approach and of institutional analyses. The theoretical framework highlights how institutional arrangements structure power relations within companies by empowering, in an asymmetrical manner, different categories of firm stakeholders (employees, managers and shareholders) as well as shaping how they relate to each other in an interactive manner. The article’s empirical findings point to the importance of extensive, but contingent, corporate restructuring in Germany. Companies are more likely to implement ‘defensive’ corporate restructuring practices under conditions of high leverage/debt than when confronted by shareholder value driven investors, thereby reflecting the presence of overlapping interests between employees and managers.
Information overload and coping strategies in the big data context: Evidence from the hospitality sector
Authors: Saxena Deepak , Lamest Markus
Published: January 2018

With the advent of technology, a greater amount of information is available in a greater variety of formats that are accessible through a greater variety of media and communication channels, resulting in a much more complex and rich information environment for business managers. Many businesses are seeing the development of big data as unique opportunity and also experience it as demanding in terms of managerial skills and organisational capability to deal with it. Existing literature provides managerial prescriptions and systemic guidelines to make use of this information, but does not provide empirical evidence on how practising managers actually deal with information overload and make sense of the available data. This article discusses the findings from an interpretive case study of five organisations from the hotel industry within the hospitality sector. It was found that the volume and pace coupled with the qualitative and unsolicited nature of information caused information overload to managers. To cope with this phenomenon at personal level, managers used a combination of filtering, withdrawal and summarising strategies. At organisational level, the practice of summarising evolved into development and use of interactive dashboards.
Effect of Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Danan Deepa , Lehman Christine E. , Mendez Rolando E. , Langford Brian , Koors Paul D. , Dougherty Michael I. , Peirce Shayn M. , Gioeli Daniel G. , Jameson Mark J.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have significant wound‐healing difficulties. While adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) facilitate wound healing, ASCs may accelerate recurrence when applied to a cancer field. This study evaluates the impact of ASCs on HNSCC cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

Study Design

In vitro experiments using HNSCC cell lines and in vivo mouse experiments.

Setting

Basic science laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Impact of ASCs on in vitro proliferation, survival, and migration was assessed using 8 HNSCC cell lines. One cell line was used in a mouse orthotopic xenograft model to evaluate in vivo tumor growth in the presence and absence of ASCs.

Results

Addition of ASCs did not increase the number of HNSCC cells. In clonogenic assays to assess cell survival, addition of ASCs increased colony formation only in SCC9 cells (maximal effect 2.3‐fold, P <. 02) but not in other HNSCC cell lines. In scratch assays to assess migration, fluorescently tagged ASCs did not migrate appreciably and did not increase the rate of wound closure in HNSCC cell lines. Addition of ASCs to HNSCC xenografts did not increase tumor growth.

Conclusion

Using multiple in vitro and in vivo approaches, ASCs did not significantly stimulate HNSCC cell proliferation or migration and increased survival in only a single cell line. These findings preliminarily suggest that the use of ASCs may be safe in the setting of HNSCC but that further investigation on the therapeutic use of ASCs in the setting of HNSCC is needed.
Diagnostic bone imaging in patients with prostate cancer: patient experience and acceptance of NaF-PET/CT, choline-PET/CT, whole-body MRI, and bone SPECT/CT
Authors: Dyrberg Eva , Larsen Emil L , Hendel Helle W , Thomsen Henrik S
Published: January 2018

Background

Patient acceptance is an important factor when implementing imaging methods in clinical practice in line with availability, diagnostic accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose

To investigate patient experience and acceptance regarding18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), 11 C-choline-PET/CT, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), and 99mTc-hydroxymethane diphosphonate (HDP) single photon emission/computed tomography (SPECT/CT).

Material and Methods

One hundred and forty-nine patients with prostate cancer filled in a questionnaire regarding their experience of the imaging procedures they had been undergoing as part of a diagnostic accuracy study. Each patient had been undergoing a NaF-PET/CT, a WB-MRI, and either a SPECT/CT (group A) or a choline-PET/CT (group B).

Results

All four imaging methods received overall experience ratings at the favorable end of a 5-point Likert scale with the two PET/CT scans receiving marginally better average ratings (2.0) compared to SPECT/CT (2.2) and WB-MRI (2.3). The arm positioning above the head was the most uncomfortable part of the three nuclear medicine scans, whereas the acoustic noise was the most unpleasant part of the WB-MRI. The experience of staff instruction was relatively strongly correlated to the overall scanning experience of all four imaging modalities. Overall, the patients were willing to repeat the four imaging methods and NaF-PET/CT was the method most preferred in both groups.

Conclusion

Four imaging procedures were evaluated from the perspective of a selected group of prostate cancer patients. NaF-PET/CT, choline-PET/CT, WB-MRI, and bone SPECT/CT are well accepted imaging methods, and most patients prefer NaF-PET/CT.
Self-Disclosure in Criminal Justice: What Form Does It Take and What Does It Achieve?
Authors: Phillips Jake , Fowler Andrew , Westaby Chalen
Published: January 2018

Self-disclosure, the act of therapists revealing something about themselves in the context of a professional relationship, has been linked with higher levels of effectiveness when used by correctional workers. However, it is poorly defined in both criminal justice policy and criminological research which has resulted in a lack of understanding about the potential risks and benefits to practice and practitioners. This article uses literature from other fields (namely, social work, counselling, and psychotherapy) to lay out what forms self-disclosure might take in the field of criminal justice. The article presents data that were generated as part of a larger project on emotional labour in probation practice in England. It analyses these data to argue that self-disclosure is used in two principle ways: to create and enhance a therapeutic relationship and in a more correctional way which is focused on criminogenic risk and need. We conclude by arguing that future research which seeks to identify a link between certain skills and effective outcomes needs to start with a much stronger definition of such skills as, otherwise, any effects are likely to be lost.
Safety of galcanezumab in patients with episodic migraine: A randomized placebo-controlled dose-ranging Phase 2b study
Authors: Oakes Tina Marie Myers , Skljarevski Vladimir , Zhang Qi , Kielbasa William , Hodsdon Michael E , Detke Holland C , Camporeale Angelo , Saper Joel R
Published: January 2018

Background

Safety findings from a Phase 2b study of galcanezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene-related peptide, for prevention of migraine (NCT02163993) are reported here.

Methods

Patients aged 18–65 years with episodic migraine were evaluated in this multicenter, double-blind, randomized study. After randomization, 410 patients were administered 5, 50, 120 or 300 mg of galcanezumab or placebo subcutaneously once every 4 weeks for 12 weeks, followed by a post-treatment off-drug period lasting 12 weeks.

Results

Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were primarily rated as mild to moderate. Serious adverse events reported in galcanezumab dose groups were appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, suicidal ideation, and congenital ankyloglossia in an infant of a paternal pregnancy; each of these were reported by one patient. Adverse events leading to discontinuation with galcanezumab treatment were abdominal pain, visual impairment, and upper limb fracture, each reported by one patient. Treatment-emergent injection-site reactions were reported significantly more frequently ( p = 0.013) with galcanezumab (13.9%) than with placebo (5.8%). Injection-site pain was the most common injection-site reaction (galcanezumab 11.4%; placebo 2.9%, p = 0.004). Upper respiratory tract infection (galcanezumab 10.0%; placebo 8.8%) and nasopharyngitis (galcanezumab 7.0%; placebo 2.2%) also occurred more frequently with galcanezumab treatment. Potential hypersensitivity events were reported at similar frequencies in galcanezumab (3.3%) and placebo (5.1%) groups. Incidence of treatment-emergent anti-drug antibodies in galcanezumab dose groups (4.6% of patients during treatment period) did not appear to have any meaningful effects on safety, the pharmacokinetics of galcanezumab, or its ability to bind to the target ligand.

Conclusion

The results from this 3-month Phase 2b study support the initiation of larger Phase 3 trials of longer duration.
Risk Factors for Infection After Shoulder Arthroscopy in a Large Medicare Population
Authors: Cancienne Jourdan M. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Carson Eric W. , Werner Brian C.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Shoulder arthroscopy is well established as a highly effective and safe procedure for the treatment for several shoulder disorders and is associated with an exceedingly low risk of infectious complications. Few data exist regarding risk factors for infection after shoulder arthroscopy, as previous studies were not adequately powered to evaluate for infection.

Purpose:

To determine patient-related risk factors for infection after shoulder arthroscopy by using a large insurance database.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The PearlDiver patient records database was used to query the 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2005 to 2014 for patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. Patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy for a diagnosis of infection or with a history of prior infection were excluded. Postoperative infection within 90 days postoperatively was then assessed with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for a diagnosis of postoperative infection or septic shoulder arthritis or a procedure for these indications. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was then utilized to evaluate the use of an intraoperative steroid injection, as well as numerous patient-related risk factors for postoperative infection. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated for each risk factor, with P < .05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 530,754 patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 1409 infections within 90 days postoperatively (0.26%). Revision shoulder arthroscopy was the most significant risk factor for infection (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.7-4.0; P < .0001). Intraoperative steroid injection was also an independent risk factor for postoperative infection (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9; P = .002). There were also numerous independent patient-related risk factors for infection, the most significant of which were chronic anemia (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.4-1.8; P < .0001), malnutrition (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7; P = .001), male sex (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 2.4-3.1; P < .0001), morbid obesity (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6; P < .0001), and depression (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.2-1.5; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Intraoperative steroid injection was a significant independent risk factor for postoperative infection after shoulder arthroscopy. There were also numerous significant patient-related risk factors for postoperative infection, including revision surgery, obesity, male sex, chronic anemia, malnutrition, depression, and alcohol use, among others.
Examining SAEBRS Technical Adequacy and the Moderating Influence of Criterion Type on Cut Score Performance
Authors: Kilgus Stephen P. , von der Embse Nathaniel P. , Allen Amanda N. , Taylor Crystal N. , Eklund Katie
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the internal consistency reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy of Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener–Teacher Rating Scale (SAEBRS) scores. Teachers ( n = 68) universally screened 1,242 elementary students using two measures: the SAEBRS and the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS). Multilevel analyses indicated that although SAEBRS scores were internally consistent at the overall level, reliability suffered for certain SAEBRS scores at the between-group (classroom) level. Multilevel correlational analyses revealed moderate-to-large and statistically significant relations between SAEBRS and BESS scores at the overall, between-group, and within-group levels. Follow-up Fisher’s z tests revealed a pattern of convergent and discriminant relations in accordance with theory-driven expectations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses supported the diagnostic accuracy of each SAEBRS scale. Further examination of findings relative to prior research suggested SAEBRS diagnostic accuracy is moderated by the type of criterion measure under consideration.
Naming of Parts: Observations of Institutional Socialization in the First Week of British Army Phase 1 Training
Authors: Carré Paul
Published: January 2018

This article examines the formative socialization of British Army recruits in the first week of their Phase 1 Initial Training. Contextualized by individual and collective cultural variables, an extended participant observational case study commented on the process by which the British Army seeks to instill discipline and military identity in the early stages of transition from civilian to trained soldier. The person-environment relationship and individual exosystemic themes emerged as apparent influential variables, noting that a relationship appeared to exist between an early internalization of military values and subsequent formation of a moral identity, with associated primary and secondary adjustment behaviors.
The effect of moisture content on electrical impedance spectroscopy response of natural fibre-polymer composite granules
Authors: Tomppo Laura , Tiitta Markku , Lappalainen Reijo
Published: January 2018

Two types of natural fibre-polymer composite (NFPC) granules were measured with electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The granules were immersed in water for 70 h, after which the excess water was removed and EIS measurements were conducted. Then, the granules were let dry in open containers at normal room temperature, and EIS measurements were repeated at increasing time intervals. The results show that the EIS response as a function of moisture content (MC) depends on the fibre content of the NFPC. In addition, the results indicate that the EIS could be used for the estimation of MC of certain type of granulate, especially at low MCs, which is relevant for the manufacturing of NFPCs. For single material type, a model with impedance modulus at a single frequency was able to predict 87–95% of the MC variation. Therefore, EIS as a non-destructive on-line technique would allow the evaluation of moisture in NFPC granules.
Human rights through the lens of disability
Authors: Skarstad Kjersti
Published: January 2018

Notions discriminatory to persons with disabilities commonly underpin political theories of rights. While persons without disabilities are considered “normal” and independent, persons with disabilities are commonly seen as “deviant” and dependent. Persons with intellectual disabilities are also seen as lacking the autonomy required to have human rights. Acknowledging the equal human rights of all human beings, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) refutes such notions. Drawing upon relational theory, this Article provides a theoretical basis to some of the novel features of the CRPD. In contrast to many dominant theories of rights, the author argues that 1) disability constitutes a natural part of human diversity, 2) human beings are interdependent, 3) rights are achieved through supportive relations, and 4) human rights are ideals that inform how we should treat each other. The Article shows that a human rights theory fully inclusive of persons with intellectual disabilities also strengthens the human rights of others.
Design and optimization of an elastic linkage quadruped robot based on workspace and tracking error
Authors: Ren Haoyu , Li Qimin , Liu Bing , Dou Zhenhuan
Published: January 2018

High acceleration and extreme load are frequently appeared on high-speed locomotion of legged robot’s legs, imposing a challenging trade-off between weight and torque in leg design. This paper proposes a new design paradigm based on cable-drive and elastic linkage to solve the problem. The details of the design procedure are given, including the construction of the single leg. With the optimum design of the linkage mechanism, a combined index of the workspace and tracking error are used as object function, and taking geometrical design parameters of the linkage as optimization parameters. Based on the target workspace and the spring-loaded inverted pendulum model, the best foot trajectory in obstacle climbing and trotting gait are analyzed and illustrated. This paper built linkage cable-drive spring robot based on the legged module integration. Simulations and experiments indicate that linkage cable-drive spring robot performs stable trotting with control of the spring-loaded inverted pendulum model. Linkage cable-drive spring robot prototype experiments results are provided to verify the validity of the new method.