bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food‐web structure of willow‐galling sawflies and their natural enemies across Europe
Authors: Kopelke Jens‐Peter , Nyman Tommi , Cazelles Kévin , Gravel Dominique , Vissault Steve , Roslin Tomas
Published: March 2017

Communities consist of species and their interactions. They can thus be described as networks, with species as nodes and interactions as links. Within such networks, the diversity of nodes and the distribution of links may affect patterns of energy transfer between trophic levels, the dynamics of the system, and the outcome in terms of ecosystem functioning. To date, most descriptions of networks have focused on single or relatively few sites, and have oftentimes been built on poorly resolved nodes and links. Yet, comparisons of local interaction networks reveal variation in space and in time, thus spurring interest in methods and theory for understanding patterns, drivers, and consequences of this variation. Progress in this field relies on access to replicate samples of comparable food webs across large spatiotemporal scales, resolved to species rather than to compound nodes. Due to the massive efforts required, high‐quality data sets are still scarce. We created a data set on a single community type sampled across Europe: willow species (Salix), willow‐galling sawflies (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae: Nematinae: Euurina), and their natural enemies (hymenopteran parasitoids and coleopteran, lepidopteran, dipteran, and hymenopteran inquilines). Each sample was referenced in space and time, and each node resolved with the highest possible resolution, including taxonomic affinity, gall type (for herbivores), and mode of parasitism (for natural enemies). Galler survival and link structure were resolved by dissection and rearing of gall inhabitants. In total, the data set is based on 641 site visits over 29 years, and on 165,424 galls representing 96 herbivore nodes and 52 plant nodes. The dissections and rearings yielded 42,129 natural enemies belonging to 126 species, and revealed 1,173 different links. The spatiotemporal and taxonomic resolution of these data make them amenable to analyses of both ecological and evolutionary processes of network assembly. Thus, this data set will facilitate testing of important hypotheses in recent community theory, concerning, e.g., the sampling effort needed to adequately describe interaction structure within ecological communities, the impact of environmental conditions and biotic filters on the distribution of species and their interactions, and the relationship between the global “metaweb” and its local realizations.
Synthesis of the Highly Reduced [Fe6C(CO)15]4– Carbonyl Carbide Cluster and Its Reactions with H+ and [Au(PPh3)]+
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Ciabatti Iacopo , Cesari Cristiana , Femoni Cristina , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Zacchini Stefano
Published: March 2017

The reduction of [Fe6C(CO)16]2– (1) with NaOH in DMSO or with Na/naphthalene in THF affords the highly reduced [Fe6C(CO)15]4– (2) monocarbide tetraanion. The molecular structure of 2 has been crystallographically determined as its [Et4N]4[Fe6C(CO)15]·CH3CN salt, revealing an octahedral structure as expected for a hexanuclear cluster possessing 86 valence electrons. The stepwise protonation of 2 with strong acids such as HBF4·Et2O results first in the monohydride trianion [HFe6C(CO)15]3– (3) and then the purported dihydride dianion [H2Fe6C(CO)15]2– (4), as indicated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Both 3 and 4 are not stable enough to be isolated and rapidly decompose, yielding the parent dianion 1. The reaction of 2 with a slight excess of Au(PPh3)Cl affords the aurated dianion [Fe6C(CO)15(AuPPh3)2]2– (5), which has been isolated and structurally characterized as its [Et4N]2[Fe6C(CO)15(AuPPh3)2]·2CH3CN salt. DFT calculations allowed us to study, from a computational point of view, the electronic features of the new compounds and possible reaction intermediates.
A Dibenzoazacyclooctyne as a Reactive Chain Stopper for [2]Rotaxanes
Authors: Hou Zhan‐Yao , Yeniad Bahar , Van Guyse Joachim , Woisel Patrice , Mullen Kathleen M. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: March 2017

A strained dibenzoazacyclooctyne (DIBAC) derivative was introduced for the preparation of a rotaxane by strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), also referred to as a copper‐free click reaction. The DIBAC can efficiently act as a bulky reactive chain stopper to transform a pseudorotaxane architecture consisting of a diazo‐functionalized dialkoxynaphthalene guest and a tetracationic cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT4+) host into the corresponding [2]rotaxane. Furthermore, the use of the DIBAC is demonstrated to be limited to short rigid macrocycles, as it is unable to act as stopper for a rotaxane featuring a larger crown ether macrocyclic host.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed ortho‐Methylation of Ferrocenes Bearing ortho‐Directing Groups by Catalytic Directed C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Schmiel David , Butenschön Holger
Published: March 2017

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed C–H functionalization is an emerging powerful alternative to ortho‐lithiation protocols. For ferrocene systems almost exclusively noble‐metal catalysts have so far been used. Herein we present the first examples of cobalt‐catalyzed ortho‐methylations by C–H activation at ferrocenes bearing various ortho‐directing groups (ODGs). The cobalt‐catalyzed ortho‐methylation results in the formation of racemic 1,2‐disubstituted ferrocenes in 21–89 % yield. In some cases symmetric 2,5‐dimethylated ferrocenes prevailed or even were the only isolated products.
Oral Cancer Screening Based on Methylation Frequency Detection in hTERT Gene Using Electrochemical Hybridization Assay via a Multi‐electrode Chip Coupled with Ferrocenylnaphthalene Diimide
Authors: Haraguchi Kazuya , Sato Shinobu , Habu Manabu , Yada Naomi , Hayakawa Mana , Takahashi Osamu , Yoshioka Izumi , Matsuo Kou , Tominaga Kazuhiro , Takenaka Shigeori
Published: March 2017

Ferrocenylnaphthalene diimide‐based electrochemical hybridization assay via a multi‐electrode chip was applied to detect the methylation frequency in the promoter region of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene for clinical samples from tissues, local exfoliated oral cells from a lesion, or from entire oral cavity after their methylation specific PCRs. These methylation frequencies were increased with cancer progress as the following order: healthy volunteers, oral leukoplakia as precancerous lesion, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Operating characteristic analysis of the obtained current data doesn't only give excellent discrimination ability of OSCC, but also of oral leukoplakia from healthy volunteers for all samples. Sensitivity and specificity was 95 % and 90 %, respectively, which is a comparable with methods in practical use.
Improving outcomes in veterans with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma through implementation of a multidisciplinary clinic
Authors: Light Tyler , Rassi Edward El , Maggiore Ronald J. , Holland John , Reed Julie , Suriano Kathleen , Stooksbury Marcelle , Tobin Nora , Gross Neil , Clayburgh Daniel
Published: March 2017

Background

Treatment of head and neck cancer is complex, and a multidisciplinary clinic may improve the coordination of care. The value of a head and neck multidisciplinary clinic has not yet been established in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of Veterans Affairs patients with oropharyngeal SCC undergoing concurrent chemoradiation before and after implementation of the head and neck multidisciplinary clinic.

Results

Fifty‐two patients before and 54 patients after multidisciplinary clinic were included in this study. Age, tobacco use, and p16+ status were similar between groups. With multidisciplinary clinic, time to treatment decreased, and utilization of supportive services, including speech pathology, dentistry, and nutrition increased. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate increased from 63% to 81% (p = .043) after implementation of the multidisciplinary clinic. Multivariate analysis showed that disease stage (p = .016), p16 status (p = .006), and multidisciplinary clinic participation (p = .042) were predictors of disease‐specific survival.

Conclusion

Implementation of a multidisciplinary clinic improved care coordination and disease‐specific survival in patients with oropharyngeal SCC. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1106–1112, 2017
Developing a risk stratification tool for audit of outcome after surgery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tighe David F. , Thomas Alan J. , Sassoon Isabel , Kinsman Robin , McGurk Mark
Published: March 2017

Background

Patients treated surgically for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represent a heterogeneous group. Adjusting for patient case mix and complexity of surgery is essential if reporting outcomes represent surgical performance and quality of care.

Methods

A case note audit totaling 1075 patients receiving 1218 operations done for HNSCC in 4 cancer networks was completed. Logistic regression, decision tree analysis, an artificial neural network, and Naïve Bayes Classifier were used to adjust for patient case‐mix using pertinent preoperative variables.

Results

Thirty‐day complication rates varied widely (34%‐51%; P < .015) between units. The predictive models allowed risk stratification. The artificial neural network demonstrated the best predictive performance (area under the curve [AUC] 0.85).

Conclusion

Early postoperative complications are a measurable outcome that can be used to benchmark surgical performance and quality of care. Surgical outcome reporting in national clinical audits should be taking account of the patient case mix.
Preoperative vitamin D level as predictor of post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in patients sustaining transient parathyroid injury
Authors: Danan Deepa , Shonka David C.
Published: March 2017

Background

Several studies have sought to identify predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy; however, there have been conflicting results regarding the impact of preoperative vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

The medical records of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The number of parathyroid glands identified or reimplanted at the time of surgery was used as a marker of transient parathyroid gland damage.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were included in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was a significant predictor of hypocalcemia in patients in whom ≥3 parathyroid glands were identified, but not in patients in whom 0‐2 parathyroid glands were identified intraoperatively (odds ratio [OR] 5.8; P = .036).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients in whom ≥3 parathyroid glands are identified intraoperatively, but not in patients who sustain minimal transient damage to the parathyroid glands.
Impact of total radiotherapy dose on survival for head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma after resection
Authors: Patel Sagar A. , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Mak Kimberley S. , Sahni Debjani , Giacalone Nicholas J. , Ezzat Waleed , Jalisi Scharukh , Truong Minh Tam
Published: March 2017

Background

Head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is commonly treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for high‐risk features. The optimal radiation dose is unknown.

Methods

One thousand six hundred twenty‐five eligible patients with head and neck MCC were identified in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Radiation dose was divided into 3 groups: 30 to <50 Gray (Gy), 50‐55 Gy, and >55‐70 Gy. Cox regression was used to compare overall survival (OS) between groups, accounting for age, sex, stage, surgery type, margin status, comorbidities, and use of chemotherapy.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 33.5 months, 3‐year OS was 48.9%, 70.3%, and 58.7% for 30 to <50 Gy, 50‐55 Gy, and >55‐70 Gy, respectively (P < .001). Compared to 50‐55 Gy, doses between 30 to <50 Gy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‐1.99; P = .002) and >55‐70 Gy (adjusted HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.0‐1.46; P = .06) were associated with worse survival.

Conclusion

Adjuvant radiation doses within 50‐55 Gy may be optimal for head and neck MCC.
The effects of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. JUSS) enriched with different concentrations of azadirachtin on the integument of semi‐engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females
Authors: Lima de Souza José Ribamar , Remedio Rafael Neodini , Arnosti André , de Abreu Rusleyd Maria Magalhães , Camargo‐Mathias Maria Izabel
Published: March 2017

Several studies searching for methods to control Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., (dog tick) infestations have been developed aiming to minimize the damages caused by these ectoparasites to the hosts and the environment, which is harmed by the indiscriminate use of toxic acaricide products. In this scenario, neem oil has been used as a natural alternative against ticks, once this chemical has repellent properties and interferes in the growth regulation of these ectoparasites, inhibiting ecdysis. The present study evaluated the effects of azadirachtin‐enriched neem oil on the integument of semi‐engorged R.sanguineus s.l., females through morphohistological techniques. The results showed the occurrence of significant morphological and histochemical alterations, mainly in the females exposed to higher concentrations, which demonstrates the dose‐dependent action of the chemical. A decrease in the cuticle thickness was observed, as well as a modification in the distribution of the epithelial cells, which displayed pyknotic and fragmented nuclei, and intensely vacuolated cytoplasm, indicating that these cells would be undergoing death processes. These morphological alterations observed in the integument of the females exposed to the azadirachtin‐enriched neem oil encourage the use of this chemical as a strategy to control these ectoparasites.
Updated comprehensive epidemiology, microbiology, and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis
Authors: Gomi Harumi , Takada Tadahiro , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Akazawa Kohei , Mori Rintaro , Endo Itaru , Miura Fumihiko , Kiriyama Seiki , Matsunaga Naohisa , Itoi Takao , Yokoe Masamichi , Chen Miin‐Fu , Jan Yi‐Yin , Ker Chen‐Guo , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Wada Keita , Yamaue Hiroki , Miyazaki Masaru , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: March 2017

Background

The international practice guidelines for patients with acute cholangitis and cholecystitis were released in 2007 (TG07) and revised in 2013 (TG13). This study investigated updated epidemiology and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis on a larger scale for the first time.

Methods

This is an international multi‐center retrospective observational study in Japan and Taiwan. All consecutive patients older than 18 years of age and given a clinical diagnosis of acute cholangitis by clinicians between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 were enrolled. Those who met the diagnostic criteria of acute cholangitis by TG13 were statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 7,294 patients were enrolled and 6,433 patients met the TG13 diagnostic criteria. The severity distribution was Grade I (37.5%), Grade II (36.2%), and Grade III (26.2%). The 30‐day all‐cause mortality was 2.4%, 4.7%, and 8.4% in Grade I, II, III severity, respectively (P < 0.001). The incidence of liver abscess and endocarditis as complications of acute cholangitis was 2.0% and 0.26%, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first large scale study to investigate patients with acute cholangitis. This study provides the basis to define the best practices to manage patients with acute cholangitis in future studies.
Objective climate classification of Slovenia
Authors: Kozjek Katja , Dolinar Mojca , Skok Gregor
Published: March 2017

In the study, the climate regions of Slovenia were determined. The regionalization was based on the gridded climate data for the reference period 1981–2010. The climatic regionalization was performed predominately objectively with a combination of two statistical methods; the factor analysis which was followed by k‐means clustering. With the use of factor analysis the initial number of 31 climate variables was reduced to four variables or factors, which comprised the input for the cluster analysis where Slovenia was divided into six climate regions: Submediterranean climate region, Wet climate of hilly region, Moderate climate of hilly region, Subcontinental climate region, Subalpine climate region and Alpine climate region. Compared to previous climatic regionalization studies for Slovenia, the presented study uses a higher degree of objectivity in the determination of the extent and borders between climate regions. The current study was based purely on climate data, while in the previous studies, the borders were defined more subjectively, based on the authors' expertise of local climate.
A new conventional regression model to estimate hourly photosynthetic photon flux density under all sky conditions
Authors: Foyo‐Moreno I. , Alados I. , Alados‐Arboledas L.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we propose a new and simple empirical model to estimate photosynthetic photon flux density under all sky conditions, developed using experimental measurements carried out at Granada, an urban site in Southeastern Spain during 2 recent years (2014–2015). The model uses the solar zenith angle and clearness index as input parameters, and thus needs only global irradiance measurements usually registered in most radiometric networks. Five stations located in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres with different climatological characteristics at Europe, Asia and America (Spain, Japan and Argentina) were used to validate the model. The model provides satisfactory results, with low mean bias error (MBE) for all stations, particularly MBE, being less than 1% in absolute values in three stations and root mean square error below 6% for all stations except one with 6.1%. These results show better accuracy in comparison with other earlier empirical models and suggest the effectiveness of the model by its general applicability.
Increased appendicularian zooplankton alter carbon cycling under warmer more acidified ocean conditions
Authors: Winder Monika , Bouquet Jean‐Marie , Rafael Bermúdez J. , Berger Stella A. , Hansen Thomas , Brandes Jay , Sazhin Andrey F. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Båmstedt Ulf , Jakobsen Hans H. , Dutz Jörg , Frischer Marc E. , Troedsson Christofer , Thompson Eric M.
Published: March 2017

Anthropogenic atmospheric loading of CO2raises concerns about combined effects of increasing ocean temperature and acidification, on biological processes. In particular, the response of appendicularian zooplankton to climate change may have significant ecosystem implications as they can alter biogeochemical cycling compared to classical copepod dominated food webs. However, the response of appendicularians to multiple climate drivers and effect on carbon cycling are still not well understood. Here, we investigated how gelatinous zooplankton (appendicularians) affect carbon cycling of marine food webs under conditions predicted by future climate scenarios. Appendicularians performed well in warmer conditions and benefited from low pH levels, which in turn altered the direction of carbon flow. Increased appendicularians removed particles from the water column that might otherwise nourish copepods by increasing carbon transport to depth from continuous discarding of filtration houses and fecal pellets. This helps to remove CO2from the atmosphere, and may also have fisheries implications.
Chemical and photophysiological impact of terrestrially‐derived dissolved organic matter on nitrate uptake in the coastal western Arctic
Authors: Sipler Rachel E. , Baer Steven E. , Connelly Tara L. , Frischer Marc E. , Roberts Quinn N. , Yager Patricia L. , Bronk Deborah A.
Published: March 2017

The Arctic is warming at a rate nearly twice the global average, leading to thawing permafrost, increased coastal erosion, and enhanced delivery of riverine terrestrially‐derived dissolved organic matter (tDOM) to coastal waters. This humic‐rich tDOM has the ability to attenuate light required for photosynthesis and stimulate heterotrophic growth by supplying a source of labile organic carbon. Due to tDOM's high carbon to nitrogen (C : N) ratio, additional nitrogen is required for microorganisms to utilize this excess carbon for growth, thus exacerbating competition between autotrophs and heterotrophs for limiting nutrients and potentially reducing primary production. The effect of Arctic tDOM additions on nitrate uptake by two microplankton size fractions in the coastal Chukchi Sea was quantified using 15N tracer methods. To assess the biogeochemical vs. spectral impacts of tDOM, the uptake incubations were amended with either tDOM or light attenuating films that mimic light absorption by the tDOM. Nitrate uptake and primary production rates in the larger, predominantly phytoplankton, size fraction generally decreased with increasing tDOM additions. The change in light attenuation alone accounted for a ∼ 50% reduction in nitrate uptake. Responses in the smaller size fraction varied seasonally with tDOM additions stimulating uptake in spring and suppressing it in summer. The largest variation in summer nitrate uptake can be explained by the shared effect of biogeochemistry and light attenuation. Therefore, large increases in tDOM delivery currently occurring and predicted to increase in the coastal Arctic, could reduce primary production, broadly impact nitrogen and carbon cycling, and affect higher trophic levels.
Dry‐etching‐assisted femtosecond laser machining
Authors: Liu Xue‐Qing , Chen Qi‐Dai , Guan Kai‐Min , Ma Zhuo‐Chen , Yu Yan‐Hao , Li Qian‐Kun , Tian Zhen‐Nan , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: March 2017

Femtosecond laser machining has been widely used for fabricating arbitrary 2.5 dimensional (2.5D) structures. However, it suffers from the problems of low fabrication efficiency and high surface roughness when processing hard materials. To solve these problems, we propose a dry‐etching‐assisted femtosecond laser machining (DE‐FsLM) approach in this paper. The fabrication efficiency could be significantly improved for the formation of complicated 2.5D structures, as the power required for the laser modification of materials is lower than that required for laser ablation. Furthermore, the surface roughness defined by the root‐mean‐square improved by an order of magnitude because of the flat interfaces of laser‐modified regions and untreated areas as well as accurate control during the dry‐etching process. As the dry‐etching system is compatible with the IC fabrication process, the DE‐FsLM technology shows great potential for application in the device integration processing industry.

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Obesogenic eating behaviors mediate the relationships between psychological problems and BMI in children
Authors: Mallan Kimberley M. , Daniels Lynne A. , Nicholson Jan M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine the association between psychological problems and weight status in children aged 3.5 to 4 years and test whether obesogenic eating behaviors mediate this relationship.

Methods

This study is a cross‐sectional secondary analysis of data from first‐time mothers (N = 194) in the control arm of the NOURISH randomized controlled trial. At child age 3.5 to 4 years, maternal‐reported child eating behaviors and psychological problems were collected via valid tools, and child weight and height data were collected by trained study staff. Pearson's correlations and linear regressions examined associations between eating behaviors, psychological problems, and BMI z score. Multiple mediation models were tested by assessing indirect effects of psychological problems on BMI z score via obesogenic eating behaviors.

Results

Peer problems were associated with both higher food responsiveness and emotional overeating and directly with higher BMI z score. This relationship was partially mediated by emotional overeating. Both emotional overeating and food responsiveness fully mediated the association between emotional problems and BMI z score, and food responsiveness fully mediated the association between conduct problems and BMI z score.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that children with psychological problems may also display obesogenic eating behaviors, which may result in higher BMI. This needs to be considered in the clinical management of both pediatric overweight/obesity and psychological problems.
The influence of parenting on Mexican American children's self‐regulation
Authors: Díaz Guadalupe , McClelland Megan M.
Published: March 2017

Parental practices and beliefs have been recognized as having an important influence on the development of children's self‐regulation. Using a mixed methods approach, the present study explored how parental practices and beliefs influence low‐income Mexican American children's (N = 44) self‐regulation during the fall of preschool. Quantitative results indicated that the family learning environment and parental control were significantly related to stronger self‐regulation in Mexican American children from low‐income families. Qualitative interviews indicated that “respect” and “being well educated” emerged as key factors guiding parents’ expectations of children's behaviors and discipline. Additionally, these results indicated that parents struggled to provide additional educational materials to enrich the home learning environment of their children. This study highlights the importance of understanding the parental practices and beliefs of low‐income Mexican American parents and their influence on children's self‐regulation to better serve the needs of Mexican American parents and their children.
Effects of atomic arrangements on electronic structures of threading dislocations in III‐nitride alloy semiconductors: A first‐principles study
Authors: Akiyama Toru , Sakaguchi Ryohei , Nakamura Kohji , Ito Tomonori
Published: March 2017

The effects of atomic arrangements of group‐III elements on the electronic structures of threading dislocations in III‐nitride semiconductors are theoretically investigated on the basis of first‐principles calculations within the density functional theory. Our calculations for edge and screw dislocations in AlGaN and InGaN reveal that these dislocations induce localized electronic states in the energy gap. The analysis of wave functions reveals that the appearance of these electronic states originates from the Ga–Ga pair and N atoms, which constitute the dislocation core configuration. Furthermore, these states are found to be leading to electronic bands corresponding to indirect transition implying that these dislocation act as non‐radiative centers, consistent with the experimental results.
A note on guaranteed cost control for nonlinear stochastic systems with input saturation and mixed time‐delays
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Wang Zidong , Liu Yurong , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: March 2017

ThisIn the system under investigation, the control input is subject to the saturation constraint, and both discrete and distributed time‐delays are taken into consideration. The objective of the addressed problem is to design a state feedback controller such that the resulting closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable in probability and an upper bound is guaranteed on a prespecified quadratic cost function. Sufficient conditions are established for the existence of the desired guaranteed cost control strategy in terms of the solvability of certain Hamilton–Jacobi inequalities. Simulation results demonstrate the correctness and applicability of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamical adaptive integral backstepping variable structure controller design for uncertain systems and experimental application
Authors: Coban Ramazan
Published: March 2017

In this study, a dynamical adaptive integral backstepping variable structure control (DAIBVSC) system based on the Lyapunov stability theorem is proposed for the trajectory tracking control of a nonlinear uncertain mechatronic system with disturbances. In this control scheme, no prior knowledge is required on the uncertain parameters and disturbances because it is estimated by two types of dynamical adaptive laws. These adaptive laws are integrated into the dynamical adaptive integral backstepping control and variable structure control (VSC) parts of the DAIBVSC. The dynamical adaptive law in the dynamical adaptive integral backstepping control part updates parametric uncertainties, while the other in the VSC part adapts upper bounds of non‐parametric uncertainties and disturbances. In order to achieve a more robust output tracking and better parameter adaptation, the control system is extended by one integrator and sliding surface is augmented by an integral action. Experimental evaluation of the DAIBVSC is conducted with respect to performance and robustness to parametric uncertainties. Experimental results of the DAIBVSC are compared with those of a traditional VSC. The proposed DAIBVSC exhibits satisfactory output tracking performance, good estimation of the uncertain parameters and can reject disturbances with a chattering free control law. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crisis Communication and Social Media. A Systems‐ and Medium‐Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Tække Jesper
Published: March 2017

The academic field of crisis communication is more relevant than ever due to the digital media revolution, setting new standards for how to manage criticism and crises. This paper presents a systems theoretical approach to crisis communication in the age of digital media with a special regard to social media. The paper shows that the recent changes in the media environment require that organizations be more observant, reflected and responsive to the public opinion. Correspondingly, organizations need to engage in strategic impression management with the aim to be, or to be observed to be, more consistent with their communicated values and strategies, thus managing to appear as trustworthy in a hyper‐dynamic social surrounding world. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Becoming Nonfiction Authors: Engaging in Science Inquiry
Authors: Kersten Sara
Published: March 2017

This article describes how second‐grade students’ literacy learning was enhanced as they used their developing knowledge of nonfiction in an integrated English language arts/science unit toward the creation of multimodal nonfiction science books. After explaining the Common Core State Standards that guided the unit, the author outlines the theoretical practices of project‐based learning that informed the teacher's instruction. Then, the author explores how the teacher guided her students to an understanding of the genre and positioned her students as authors of nonfiction, taking readers through an outline of the students’ process of creating research questions, writing in their own words, establishing a purpose for their writing, and conveying scientific information through multiple modes. As a result, students had a deeper understanding of the genre of nonfiction and were engaged in scientific inquiry, learning how to convey and share nonfiction information through multimodal books.
Vaginismus Treatment: Clinical Trials Follow Up 241 Patients
Authors: Pacik Peter T. , Geletta Simon
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Vaginismus is mostly unknown among clinicians and women. Vaginismus causes women to have fear, anxiety, and pain with penetration attempts.

Aim

To present a large cohort of patients based on prior published studies approved by an institutional review board and the Food and Drug Administration using a comprehensive multimodal vaginismus treatment program to treat the physical and psychologic manifestations of women with vaginismus and to record successes, failures, and untoward effects of this treatment approach.

Methods

Assessment of vaginismus included a comprehensive pretreatment questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and consultation. All patients signed a detailed informed consent. Treatment consisted of a multimodal approach including intravaginal injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and bupivacaine, progressive dilation under conscious sedation, indwelling dilator, follow-up and support with office visits, phone calls, e-mails, dilation logs, and FSFI reports.

Main Outcome Measures

Logs noting dilation progression, pain and anxiety scores, time to achieve intercourse, setbacks, and untoward effects. Post-treatment FSFI scores were compared with preprocedure scores.

Results

One hundred seventy-one patients (71%) reported having pain-free intercourse at a mean of 5.1 weeks (median = 2.5). Six patients (2.5%) were unable to achieve intercourse within a 1-year period after treatment and 64 patients (26.6%) were lost to follow-up. The change in the overall FSFI score measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year was statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Three patients developed mild temporary stress incontinence, two patients developed a short period of temporary blurred vision, and one patient developed temporary excessive vaginal dryness. All adverse events resolved by approximately 4 months. One patient required retreatment followed by successful coitus.

Conclusion

A multimodal program that treated the physical and psychologic aspects of vaginismus enabled women to achieve pain-free intercourse as noted by patient communications and serial female sexual function studies. Further studies are indicated to better understand the individual components of this multimodal treatment program.

Pacik PT, Geletta S. Vaginismus Treatment: Clinical Trials Follow Up 241 Patients. Sex Med 2017;5:e114–e123.
A clinical history of Zincum metallicum: homeopathic pathogenetic trials and case reports
Authors: Waisse Silvia , Jurj Gheorghe
Published: March 2017

In the present study, we investigated the experimental basis for the indications of homeopathic drug Zincum metallicum. The current body of knowledge about Zinc met has a core composed of pathogenetic and clinical data collected in the 19th century surrounded by layers of clinical observations reported over time. In the description, we prioritized poorly known sources, especially the ones that were never translated from the original German. We also performed quantitative and statistical analysis of repertory data. Through a literature survey and a call to practicing homeopathic doctors from many countries, we were able to put together a relevant case-series that represents homeopathic indications of Zinc.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Amputation or Paralysis of the Contralateral Upper Extremity (One‐Arm Patients)
Authors: Alentorn‐Geli Eduard , Wanderman Nathan R. , Assenmacher Andrew T. , Elhassan Bassem T. , Sánchez‐Sotelo Joaquín , Cofield Robert H. , Sperling John W.
Published: March 2017

Background

Theoretically, patients with only one functional arm secondary to contralateral amputation or paralysis will subject their only functional upper extremity to increased loads. This could become an issue after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). However, there are no reported data on the implant survival or function for patients with a nonfunctional contralateral upper extremity.

Objective

To report the outcomes of RSA in patients with contralateral upper extremity amputation or paralysis.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Patients

All patients who underwent RSA between January 2004 and December 2013.

Methods

Of 1335 RSA procedures performed, 5 patients had a minimum 2‐year follow‐up and nonfunctional contralateral upper extremity. There were 3 men and 2 women, with a mean (standard deviation) age and length of follow‐up of 72.4 (7.5) years and 56.4 (24‐132) months. Two of the patients had a contralateral upper extremity amputation, and the other 3 had contralateral upper extremity paralysis as a result of stroke, traumatic brain injury, and traumatic brachial plexus injury at birth.

Main Outcomes

Pain, range of motion, functional scores (Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Society and Quick‐Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), satisfaction, complications/reoperations, and radiographic loosening.

Results

RSA resulted in substantial improvement in pain (P = .008), forward flexion (P = .02), and external range of motion (P = .01). The mean (standard deviation) Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Society, and Quick‐Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were 9.8 (1.3), 82 (13), and 17.8 (13.4), respectively. The results were excellent in 3, satisfactory in 1, and unsatisfactory in 1 patient (due only to external rotation limited to 10°). Subjectively, all 5 patients felt greatly improved and stated they would undergo RSA again. There were no complications or reoperations. There were no shoulders with component loosening.

Conclusions

RSA seems to be a safe, effective, and successful surgical procedure for patients with a nonfunctional contralateral upper extremity. Studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow‐up will hopefully validate the present findings.

Level of Evidence

IV
A Student's Guide to Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Lemons Don S.
Published: March 2017

This introduction to dimensional analysis covers the methods, history and formalisation of the field, and provides physics and engineering applications. Covering topics from mechanics, hydro- and electrodynamics to thermal and quantum physics, it illustrates the possibilities and limitations of dimensional analysis. Introducing basic physics and fluid engineering topics through the mathematical methods of dimensional analysis, this book is perfect for students in physics, engineering and mathematics. Explaining potentially unfamiliar concepts such as viscosity and diffusivity, the text includes worked examples and end-of-chapter problems with answers provided in an accompanying appendix, which help make it ideal for self-study. Long-standing methodological problems arising in popular presentations of dimensional analysis are also identified and solved, making the book a useful text for advanced students and professionals.
Logicism Renewed
Authors: Gilmore Paul C.
Published: March 2017

Since their inception, the Perspectives in Logic and Lecture Notes in Logic series have published seminal works by leading logicians. Many of the original books in the series have been unavailable for years, but they are now in print once again. Logicism, as put forward by Bertrand Russell, was predicated on a belief that all of mathematics can be deduced from a very small number of fundamental logical principles. In this volume, the twenty-third publication in the Lecture Notes in Logic series, Paul C. Gilmore revisits logicism in light of recent advances in mathematical logic and theoretical computer science. Gilmore addresses the need for languages which can be understood by both humans and computers and, using Intensional Type Theory (ITT), provides a unified basis for mathematics and computer science. This yields much simpler foundations for recursion theory and the semantics of computer programs than those currently provided by category theory.
Deliberation across Deeply Divided Societies
Authors: Steiner Jürg , Jaramillo Maria Clara , Maia Rousiley C. M. , Mameli Simona
Published: March 2017

From the local level to international politics, deliberation helps to increase mutual understanding and trust, in order to arrive at political decisions of high epistemic value and legitimacy. This book gives deliberation a dynamic dimension, analysing how levels of deliberation rise and fall in group discussions, and introducing the concept of 'deliberative transformative moments' and how they can be applied to deeply divided societies, where deliberation is most needed but also most difficult to work. Discussions between ex-guerrillas and ex-paramilitaries in Colombia, Serbs and Bosnjaks in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and police officers and locals in Brazilian favelas are used as case studies, with participants addressing how peace can be attained in their countries. Allowing access to the records and transcripts of the discussions opens an opportunity for practitioners of conflict resolution to apply this research to their work in trouble spots of the world, creating a link between the theory and practice of deliberation.
Footprints of a flapping wing
Authors: Zhang Jun
Published: March 2017

Birds have to flap their wings to generate the needed thrust force, which powers them through the air. But how exactly do flapping wings create such force, and at what amplitude and frequency should they operate? These questions have been asked by many researchers. It turns out that much of the secret is hidden in the wake left behind the flapping wing. Exemplified by the study of Andersenet al.(J. Fluid Mech., vol. 812, 2017, R4), close examination of the flow pattern behind a flapping wing will inform us whether the wing is towed by an external force or able to generate a net thrust force by itself. Such studies are much like looking at the footprints of terrestrial animals as we infer their size and weight, figuring out their walking and running gaits. A map that displays the collection of flow patterns after a flapping wing, using flapping frequency and amplitude as the coordinates, offers a full picture of its flying ‘gaits’.
THE CATEGORY “LEGAL THEOLOGY” AND THE STUDY OF CHRISTIAN LAWS
Authors: Doe Norman
Published: March 2017

Theology, the study of God, consists of a network of subdisciplines: biblical theology, moral theology, ecumenical theology, and so on. Each branch of theology has its own distinctive object of study, methods, and purposes. For example, pneumatology studies the Holy Spirit, practical theology uses the pastoral cycle, and liberation theology seeks to transform unjust societal structures that oppress the marginalized. Each branch of theology has its own distinctive community of scholars. It is a common view (though perhaps a contested one, as between the different church traditions) that the main purpose of Christian theology is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. The branches of theology, in turn, are vehicles for each of this core purpose. Legal theology could become a branch of theology with its own distinctive objects of study, methods, and purposes. What follows explores these themes, how the subdiscipline of legal theology might be defined and developed in the context of the study of the systems of law, order, and polity, of churches across the Christian traditions that deal with, for example, forms of regulation, ministry (lay or ordained), governance (institutions and functions), discipline, doctrine, worship, rites, property, and external relations. It does so as to the following. (1) The object of study: legal theology should at its core be about the relationship between theology and church law—more particularly, the relationship between church law and each of the other branches of theology. (2) The method of study: legal theology may involve the theological study of church law and/or the legal study of theology using standard juristic methods (such as text and context, critical, historical, analytical) as well as methods used in the other branches of theology (3) The purpose of study: the development of a community of scholars collaborating with a view to its impact on ecclesial practice. Theology is indispensable to a full understanding of the place of law in the life of the church; and law provides evidence to test the propositions of theology in the practical life of the church as this is translated through norms to action.
Propagation of SH-Waves Through Non Planer Interface between Visco-Elastic and Fibre-Reinforced Solid Half-Spaces
Authors: Prasad B. , Pal P. C. , Kundu S.
Published: March 2017

In the propagation of seismic waves through layered media, the boundaries play crucial role. The boundaries separating the different layers of the earth are irregular in nature and not perfectly plane. It is, therefore, necessary to take into account the corrugation of the boundaries while dealing with the problem of reflection and refraction of seismic waves. The present study explores the reflection and refraction phenomena of SH-waves at a corrugated interface between visco-elastic half-space and fibre-reinforced half-space. Method of approximation given by Rayleigh is adopted and the expressions for reflection and transmission coefficients are obtained in closed form for the first and second order approximation of the corrugation. The closed form formulae of these coefficients are presented for a corrugated interface of periodic shape (cosine law interface). It is found that these coefficients depend upon the amplitude of corrugation of the boundary, angle of incidence and frequency of the incident wave. Numerical computations for a particular type of corrugated interface are performed and a number of graphs are plotted. Some special cases are derived.
ON LITTLEWOOD–PALEY FUNCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DUNKL OPERATOR
Authors: LIAO JIANQUAN , ZHANG XIAOLIANG , LI ZHONGKAI
Published: March 2017

A Littlewood–Paley operator associated with the reflection part of the Dunkl operator is introduced and proved to be of type $(p,p)$ for $1<p<\infty$, based on boundedness of a generalised vector-valued singular integral. This fills a gap for $2<p<\infty$ concerning the boundedness of a $g$-function in the Dunkl setting. The paper also supplies new proofs for $1<p<\infty$ on the $(p,p)$ boundedness of various $g$-functions associated with the Dunkl operator.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Promising Prehospital Tool for Management of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Peters Joost , Van Wageningen Bas , Hoogerwerf Nico , Tan Edward
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Early identification of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is essential. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used in prehospital settings for non-invasive monitoring and the diagnosis of patients who may require surgical intervention.

Methods

The handheld NIRS Infrascanner (InfraScan Inc.; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA) uses eight symmetrical scan points to detect intracranial bleeding. A scanner was tested in a physician-staffed helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The results were compared with those obtained using in-hospital computed tomography (CT) scans. Scan time, ease-of-use, and change in treatment were scored.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included. Complete scans were performed in 60% of patients. In 15 patients, the scan was abnormal, and in one patient, the scan resulted in a treatment change. Compared with the results of CT scanning, the Infrascanner obtained a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 78.6%. Most patients had severe TBI with indication for transport to a trauma center prior to scanning. In one patient, the scan resulted in a treatment change. Evaluation of patients with less severe TBI is needed to support the usefulness of the Infrascanner as a prehospital triage tool.

Conclusion

Promising results were obtained using the InfraScan NIRS device in prehospital screening for intracranial hematomas in TBI patients. High sensitivity and good specificity were found. Further research is necessary to determine the beneficial effects of enhanced prehospital screening on triage, survival, and quality of life in TBI patients.

PetersJ,
Van WageningenB,
HoogerwerfN,
TanE. Near-infrared spectroscopy: a promising prehospital tool for management of traumatic brain injury. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):414–418.