bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversidad cultural como reto a la educación musical en Colombia: problemas relacionales entre culturas musicales, formación e investigación de la música
Authors: Zapata Restrepo Gloria Patricia , Niño Morales Santiago
Published: July 2018

Este artículo presenta las reflexiones realizadas por los autores a partir de diferentes proyectos de investigación realizados acerca de la situación de la educación musical en Colombia. Inicialmente, expone las diversas propuestas de educación musical y la complejidad de su desarrollo. Luego de problematizar varios aspectos en relación con la resistencia de concepciones poco fundamentadas y problemas institucionales, se presentan igualmente procesos prometedores y correctos redireccionamientos recientes de la política pública cultural al respecto. Por último, aporta unas conclusiones y analiza diversas rutas posibles para el avance de la educación musical en Colombia. El objetivo central consiste en agrupar hallazgos y consideraciones críticas generadas en varios proyectos de investigación sobre el campo educativo musical del país desarrollados desde el grupo de investigación CuestionArte (Categoría A Colciencias) para permitir una lectura integral del fenómeno. El ejercicio de síntesis para este artículo se basó en análisis comparado de resultados a partir de enfoque mixto, lo cual permite la interpretación de resultados cuantitativos y cualitativos provenientes de los distintos proyectos. La conclusión apunta a señalar la necesidad y potencialidad para el desarrollo de un sistema de educación musical, según un enfoque que lo considera como un derecho de todo ciudadano. Asimismo, aporta a balances necesarios, basados en procesos y resultados de investigación que deben ser considerados para los desarrollos de la educación musical en el país como a señalar que la toma de decisiones y la política pública deberían fundamentarse crecientemente en procesos y resultados de investigación
Face to Face with Autism
Authors: Brown Alan. S
Published: July 2018

This article discusses features and benefits of robots that promise to change the way therapists help children and adults with autism and pave the way for more social robots in the future. Robots can enable therapists to deliver treatment more effectively, and can prompt classroom teachers, aides, and parents with limited training through the steps needed to teach an autistic child a skill. This could make intensive therapy more accessible and affordable. The Milo robot works as a force multiplier, reinforcing skills taught by human teachers. PABI’s electronic and servo insides are guarded by spring steel ribs and a plush, stuffed exterior. Autism robots can manage mechanics automatically, and they typically link with a tablet and as the child chooses the cards, the robot automatically records data more accurately than any human could do and immediately displays new cards. While Milo and PABI are very different robots, designers want to build robots that adapt to individual children. They hope to do this by adding better sensors and algorithms.
Robo-Rehab
Authors: Kosowatz John
Published: July 2018

This article describes the features of a soft robotic device being developed by researchers that could give patients a quicker boost toward manipulating their fingers to hold and grasp items. The device controls the level of force applied and sends data back for evaluation and combines hard and soft robotic elements. Actuator sections are placed over individual joints and connected through a glove. Using advances in laminating materials and working with compression molding and other fabrication techniques the research and development team is combining the mechanics of hard robotics with soft robotics. The device relies on proprietary, bellow-type soft actuator sections that are placed over individual joints and connected through a soft and rigid hybrid structure, or glove. Additionally, the device controls the level of force applied and sends data back for evaluation by a technician or therapist. The researchers say it will allow therapists to work with more people and to care for them remotely, providing portability and allowing patients to rehab without having to travel to an office.
Tunable Toughness of Model Fibers With Bio-Inspired Progressive Uncoiling Via Sacrificial Bonds and Hidden Length
Authors: Deng Yichen , Cranford Steven W.
Published: July 2018

Nature has a proven track record of advanced materials with outstanding mechanical properties, which has been the focus of recent research. A well-known trade-off between ultimate strength and toughness is one of the main challenges in materials design. Progress has been made by mimicking tough biological fibers by applying the concepts of (1) sacrificial bond and (2) hidden length, providing a so-called “safety-belt” for biological materials. Prior studies indicate a relatively common behavior across scales, from nano- to macro-, suggesting the potential of a generalized theoretical mechanistic framework. Here, we undertake molecular dynamics (MD) based simulation to investigate the mechanical properties of model nanoscale fibers. We explore representative models of serial looped or coiled fibers with different parameters—specifically number of loops, loop radii, cross-link strength, and fiber stiffness—to objectively compare strength, extensibility, and fiber toughness gain. Observing consistent saw-tooth like behavior, and adapting worm-like chain (WLC) mechanics (i.e., pseudo-entropic elasticity), a theoretical scaling relation which can describe the fiber toughness gain as a function of the structural factors is developed and validated by simulation. The theoretical model fits well with the simulation results, indicating that engineering the mechanical response based on controlled structure is possible. The work lays the foundation for the design of uniaxial metamaterials with tunable and predictable tensile behavior and superior toughness.
A Prospective Real-World Study of the Impact of an Antifungal Stewardship Program in a Tertiary Respiratory-Medicine Setting
Authors: Nwankwo Lisa , Periselneris Jimstan , Cheong Jamie , Thompson Keith , Darby Peter , Leaver Neil , Schelenz Silke , Armstrong-James Darius
Published: July 2018

There has been an increase in fungal infections in patients with chronic lung disease over the past decades, which is associated with rapidly increasing costs to health care systems. An antifungal stewardship team was introduced to a tertiary cardiopulmonary hospital, consisting of a medical mycologist and pharmacy support providing weekly stewardship ward rounds, twice-monthly multidisciplinary team meetings, and a dedicated weekly outpatient clinic.
Balances: a New Perspective for Microbiome Analysis
Authors: Rivera-Pinto J. , Egozcue J. J. , Pawlowsky-Glahn V. , Paredes R. , Noguera-Julian M. , Calle M. L.
Published: July 2018

We propose a new algorithm for the identification of microbial signatures. These microbial signatures can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or prediction of therapeutic response based on an individual’s specific microbiota.
Social network analysis of psychological morbidity in an urban slum of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study based on a community census
Authors: Rabbani Atonu , Biju Nabila Rahman , Rizwan Ashfique , Sarker Malabika
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To test whether social ties play any roles in mitigating depression and anxiety, as well as in fostering mental health among young men living in a poor urban community.

Setting

A cohort of all young men living in an urban slum in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

Participants

All men aged 18–29 years (n=824) living in a low-income urban community at the time of the survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Unspecified psychological morbidity measured using the General Health Questionnaire, 12-item (GHQ-12), where lower scores suggest better mental status.

Results

The GHQ scores (mean=9.2, SD=4.9) suggest a significant psychological morbidity among the respondents. However, each additional friend is associated with a 0.063 SD lower GHQ score (95% CI −0.106 to −0.021). Between centrality measuring the relative importance of the respondent within his social network is also associated with a 0.103 SD lower GHQ score (95% CI −0.155 to −0.051), as are other measures of social network ties. Among other factors, married respondents and recent migrants also report a better mental health status.

Conclusions

Our results underscore the importance of social connection in providing a buffer against stress and anxiety through psychosocial support from one’s peers in a resource-constraint urban setting. Our findings also suggest incorporating a social network and community ties in designing mental health policies and interventions.
Quality indicators for responsible use of medicines: a systematic review
Authors: Fujita Kenji , Moles Rebekah J , Chen Timothy F
Published: July 2018

Objective

All healthcare systems require valid ways to evaluate service delivery. The objective of this study was to identify existing content validated quality indicators (QIs) for responsible use of medicines (RUM) and classify them using multiple frameworks to identify gaps in current quality measurements.

Design

Systematic review without meta-analysis.

Setting

All care settings.

Search strategy

CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, International Pharmaceutical Abstract, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 2018. An internet search was also conducted. Articles were included if they described medication-related QIs developed using consensus methods. Government agency websites listing QIs for RUM were also included.

Analysis

Several multidimensional frameworks were selected to assess the scope of QI coverage. These included Donabedian’s framework (structure, process and outcome), the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system and a validated classification for causes of drug-related problems (c-DRPs; drug selection, drug form, dose selection, treatment duration, drug use process, logistics, monitoring, adverse drug reactions and others).

Results

2431 content validated QIs were identified from 131 articles and 5 websites. Using Donabedian’s framework, the majority of QIs were process indicators. Based on the ATC code, the largest number of QIs pertained to medicines for nervous system (ATC code: N), followed by anti-infectives for systemic use (J) and cardiovascular system (C). The most common c-DRPs pertained to ‘drug selection’, followed by ‘monitoring’ and ‘drug use process’.

Conclusions

This study was the first systematic review classifying QIs for RUM using multiple frameworks. The list of the identified QIs can be used as a database for evaluating the achievement of RUM. Although many QIs were identified, this approach allowed for the identification of gaps in quality measurement of RUM. In order to more effectively evaluate the extent to which RUM has been achieved, further development of QIs may be required.
Phantom motor execution as a treatment for phantom limb pain: protocol of an international, double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lendaro Eva , Hermansson Liselotte , Burger Helena , Van der Sluis Corry K , McGuire Brian E , Pilch Monika , Bunketorp-Käll Lina , Kulbacka-Ortiz Katarzyna , Rignér Ingrid , Stockselius Anita , Gudmundson Lena , Widehammar Cathrine , Hill Wendy , Geers Sybille , Ortiz-Catalan Max
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a chronic condition that can greatly diminish quality of life. Control over the phantom limb and exercise of such control have been hypothesised to reverse maladaptive brain changes correlated to PLP. Preliminary investigations have shown that decoding motor volition using myoelectric pattern recognition, while providing real-time feedback via virtual and augmented reality (VR-AR), facilitates phantom motor execution (PME) and reduces PLP. Here we present the study protocol for an international (seven countries), multicentre (nine clinics), double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of PME in alleviating PLP.

Methods and analysis

Sixty-seven subjects suffering from PLP in upper or lower limbs are randomly assigned to PME or phantom motor imagery (PMI) interventions. Subjects allocated to either treatment receive 15 interventions and are exposed to the same VR-AR environments using the same device. The only difference between interventions is whether phantom movements are actually performed (PME) or just imagined (PMI). Complete evaluations are conducted at baseline and at intervention completion, as well as 1, 3 and 6 months later using an intention-to-treat (ITT) approach. Changes in PLP measured using the Pain Rating Index between the first and last session are the primary measure of efficacy. Secondary outcomes include: frequency, duration, quality of pain, intrusion of pain in activities of daily living and sleep, disability associated to pain, pain self-efficacy, frequency of depressed mood, presence of catastrophising thinking, health-related quality of life and clinically significant change as patient’s own impression. Follow-up interviews are conducted up to 6 months after the treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is performed in agreement with the Declaration of Helsinki and under approval by the governing ethical committees of each participating clinic. The results will be published according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03112928; Pre-results.
Mobile therapeutic attention for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (m-RESIST): a prospective multicentre feasibility study protocol in patients and their caregivers
Authors: Alonso-Solís Anna , Rubinstein Katya , Corripio Iluminada , Jaaskelainen Erika , Seppälä Annika , Vella Vincenzo Alberto , Caro-Mendivelso Johanna , Caspi Asaf , Isohanni Matti , Unoka Zsolt , Van der Graff Shenja , Farkas Kinga , Huerta-Ramos Elena , Marcó-García Silvia , Stevens Matthias , Coenen Tanguy , Hospedales Margarita , Berdún Jesús ,   the m-Resist group, Grasa Eva M
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is a severe form of schizophrenia. In the European Union, approximately 40% of people with schizophrenia have TRS. Factors such as the persistence of positive symptoms or higher risk of comorbidities leave clinicians with a complex scenario when treating these patients. Intervention strategies based on mHealth have demonstrated their ability to support and promote self-management-based strategies. Mobile therapeutic attention for treatment-resistant schizophrenia(m-RESIST), an innovative mHealth solution based on novel technology and offering high modular and flexible functioning, has been developed specifically for patients with TRS and their caregivers. As intervention in TRS is a challenge, it is necessary to perform a feasibility study before the cost-effectiveness testing stage.

Methods and analysis

This manuscript describes the protocol for a prospective multicentre feasibility study in 45 patients with TRS and their caregivers who will be attended in the public health system of three localities: Hospital Santa Creu Sant Pau (Spain), Semmelweis University (Hungary) and Gertner Institute & Sheba Medical Center (Israel). The primary aim is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the m-RESIST solution, configured by three mHealth tools: an app, wearable and a web-based platform. The solution collects data about acceptability, usability and satisfaction, together with preliminary data on perceived quality of life, symptoms and economic variables. The secondary aim is to collect preliminary data on perceived quality of life, symptoms and economic variables.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol, funded by the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union, has the approval of the ethics committees of the participating institutions. Participants will be fully informed of the purpose and procedures of the study, and signed inform consents will be obtained. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in scientific conferences to ensure widespread dissemination.

Trial registration number

NCT03064776; Pre-results.
Episiotomy practice in six Palestinian hospitals: a population-based cohort study among singleton vaginal births
Authors: Zimmo Kaled , Laine Katariina , Fosse Erik , Zimmo Mohammed , Ali-Masri Hadil , Zucknick Manuela , Vikanes Åse , Hassan Sahar
Published: July 2018

Objective

To explore the rates, characteristics and indications for episiotomy among women delivering vaginally for the first time, as well as parous women.

Study design

A prospective, population-based birth cohort study.

Setting

Obstetric departments in six Palestinian government hospitals.

Participants

All women with singleton vaginal births (n=29 165) from 1 March 2015 until 1 March 2016.

Methods

All women were divided into two groups: first vaginal birth group (n=9108), including primiparous women and women with their first vaginal birth after one caesarean section, and the parous group (n=20 057). Each group was analysed separately. Data were presented as numbers and percentages or range. Differences in rates were assessed by the p values of χ2test, or Fisher’s exact test if there are cell counts less than 5.

Main outcome measures

Episiotomy rates and indications among women of singleton births.

Results

The overall episiotomy rate was 28.7%: 78.8% for women with first vaginal birth (range 56.6%–86.0%) and 5.9% for parous women (range 1.0%–9.5%). The most common indications for episiotomy were ‘primiparity’ in the first vaginal birth group (69.9%) and ‘protecting the perineum’ in the parous group (59.5%). The least common indications were prolonged second stage (1.5%) and fetal distress (6.9%), respectively.

Conclusion

In Palestine, the majority of women who delivered vaginally for the first time had an episiotomy. Education of birth attendants, clinical audits, educational interventions and adherence to the updated guidelines may help to decrease the routine overuse of episiotomy.
Comparison of self-reported measures of alcohol-related dependence among young Swiss men: a study protocol for a cross-sectional controlled sample
Authors: Iglesias Katia , Sporkert Frank , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Gmel Gerhard , Baggio Stephanie
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Short screenings of alcohol-related dependence are needed for population-based assessments. A clinical interview constitutes a reliable diagnosis often seen as gold standard, but it is costly and time consuming and as such, not suitable for population-based assessments. Therefore, self-reported questionnaires are needed (eg, alcohol use disorder (AUD) as in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 5), but their reliability is questionable. Recent studies called for more evidence-based measurements for population-based screening (eg, heavy alcohol use over time (HAU)). This study aims to test the reliability of different self-reported measures of alcohol use.

Methods and analysis

Based on stratified random selection, 280 participants will be recruited from the French-speaking subgroup of the Swiss National Science Foundation-supported Cohort Study on Substance Use and Risk Factors (C-SURF). This cohort is a population-based sample of young Swiss men in their mid-20s (n=2668). The sample size calculation is based on a proportion non-inferiority test (alpha=5%, power=80%, margin of equivalence=10%, difference in sensitivity between self-reported AUD and HAU=5%, correlation between AUD and HAU=0.35, and drop-outs=15%). Assessment will include a clinical interview as the gold standard of alcohol-related dependence, self-reported alcohol measures (HAU, AUD and drinking patterns), biomarkers as gold standards of chronic excessive drinking, and health outcomes. To assess the validity of the self-reported alcohol measures, sensitivity analyses will be run. The associations between alcohol-related measures and health outcomes will be tested. A non-response analysis will be run using the previous waves of the C-SURF study using logistic regressions.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (no. 2017–00776). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Ordovician mafic magmatism in an Ediacaran arc complex, Sibak, northeastern Iran: the eastern tip of the Rheic Ocean
Authors: Moghadam Fereshteh Ranjbar , Masoudi Fariborz , Corfu Fernando , Homam Seyed Massoud
Published: July 2018

The assembly of Gondwana in the Ediacaran was concluded by extensive arc magmatism along its northern margin. Extensional events in the early Paleozoic led to rifting and the eventual separation of terranes, which were later assimilated in different continents and orogens. The Sibak area of northeastern Iran records these events, including late Precambrian volcanic-sedimentary processes, metamorphism, and magmatism. A granite at Chahak in the Sibak Complex yields a zircon U–Pb age of 548.3 ± 1.1 Ma, whereas a spatially associated gabbro has an age of 471.1 ± 0.9 Ma. The latter corresponds to the earliest stages of rifting in the nearby Alborz domain, with the deposition of clastic sedimentary sequences, basaltic volcanism, and, as indicated by indirect evidence, coeval granitic plutonism. The Chahak gabbro is thus one of the earliest witnesses of the rifting processes that eventually led to the development of the Rheic Ocean and were indirectly linked to subduction of Iapetus at the Laurentian margin and the early development of the Appalachian orogen.
Aberrant Prefrontal–Thalamic–Cerebellar Circuit in Schizophrenia and Depression: Evidence From a Possible Causal Connectivity
Authors: Jiang Yuchao , Duan Mingjun , Chen Xi , Zhang Xingxing , Gong Jinnan , Dong Debo , Li Hui , Yi Qizhong , Wang Shuya , Wang Jijun , Luo Cheng , Yao Dezhong
Published: July 2018

Neuroimaging studies have suggested the presence of abnormalities in the prefrontal–thalamic–cerebellar circuit in schizophrenia (SCH) and depression (DEP). However, the common and distinct structural and causal connectivity abnormalities in this circuit between the two disorders are still unclear. In the current study, structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired from 20 patients with SCH, 20 depressive patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). Voxel-based morphometry analysis was first used to assess gray matter volume (GMV). Granger causality analysis, seeded at regions with altered GMVs, was subsequently conducted. To discover the differences between the groups, ANCOVA and post hoc tests were performed. Then, the relationships between the structural changes, causal connectivity and clinical variables were investigated. Finally, a leave-one-out resampling method was implemented to test the consistency. Statistical analyses showed the GMV and causal connectivity changes in the prefrontal–thalamic–cerebellar circuit. Compared with HC, both SCH and DEP exhibited decreased GMV in middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and a lower GMV in MFG and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in SCH than DEP. Compared with HC, both patient groups showed increased causal flow from the right cerebellum to the MPFC (common causal connectivity abnormalities). And distinct causal connectivity abnormalities (increased causal connectivity from the left thalamus to the MPFC in SCH than HC and DEP, and increased causal connectivity from the right cerebellum to the left thalamus in DEP than HC and SCH). In addition, the structural deficits in the MPFC and its causal connectivity from the cerebellum were associated with the negative symptom severity in SCH. This study found common/distinct structural deficits and aberrant causal connectivity patterns in the prefrontal–thalamic–cerebellar circuit in SCH and DEP, which may provide a potential direction for understanding the convergent and divergent psychiatric pathological mechanisms between SCH and DEP. Furthermore, concomitant structural and causal connectivity deficits in the MPFC may jointly contribute to the negative symptoms of SCH.
Effect of impurity carbon and oxygen atoms on the behavior of hydrogen in vanadium in a fusion environment: A first-principles study
Authors: Hua Juan , Li Ying , Liu Yue-Lin
Published: July 2018

We have investigated the effect of impurity X (X = C and O) atoms on the behavior of hydrogen in vanadium, which is an ideal structural material for nuclear fusion reactors, by first-principles calculations. We found that (1) in bulk V, the interaction between an interstitial H atom and an X atom is repulsive, and the interaction with O is much stronger than that with C. (2) The X–vacancy (vac) cluster can act as a center for capturing H in V. The C-vac cluster can trap as many as two H atoms, while the O–vac cluster can capture up to four H atoms. (3) C and O impurities can effectively decrease the trapping energy of a single H atom in a vacancy. The H-trapping energies in the C–vac and O–vac complexes are 0.88 eV and 0.46 eV, respectively, both of which are lower than those in the X-free vacancy. (4) Both H–X and X-metal interactions affect the H solubility in V. The above results provide important information for application of vanadium as a structural material for nuclear fusion tokamaks.
Relative-locality geometry for the Snyder model
Authors: Ivetić B. , Mignemi S.
Published: July 2018

We investigate the geometry of the energy–momentum space of the Snyder model and of its generalizations according to the definitions proposed in [G. Amelino-Camelia, L. Freidel, J. Kowalski-Glikman and L. Smolin, Phys. Rev. D 84 (2011) 084010], in connection with the theory of relative locality. In this setting, the geometric structures of the energy–momentum space are defined in terms of the deformed composition law of momenta, and we show that in the Snyder case they describe a maximally symmetric space, with vanishing torsion and nonmetricity. However, one cannot apply straightforwardly the phenomenological relations between the geometry and the dynamics postulated in [G. Amelino-Camelia, L. Freidel, J. Kowalski-Glikman and L. Smolin, Phys. Rev. D 84 (2011) 084010], because they were obtained assuming that the leading corrections to the composition law of momenta are quadratic, which is not the case with the Snyder model and its generalizations.
REUSABILITY OF SERS-ACTIVE SURFACES BASED ON GOLD-DECORATED HEXAGONAL ZnO NANOROD USED ZINC SHEET AS TEMPLATE
Authors: KOETNIYOM W. , SOMBOONSAKSRI P. , PRASOBCHOKCHAIKUN J. , KALASUNG S. , NUNTAWONG N. , PATTHANASETTAKUL V. , HORPRATHUM M. , LIMWICHEAN S. , EIAMCHAI P.
Published: July 2018

In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) substrates with reusability were carefully fabricated and investigated. Based on a simple and cost-effective hydrothermal process, zinc sheets were used as a base for growing zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) with hexagonal structures as templates for the SERS substrates. In the experimentation, the authors explored a variation of the physical NR structures based on precursors of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO[Formula: see text]: hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) at 1:1 ratio, in aqueous solution with DI water at a concentration of 2.5–20[Formula: see text]mM. The prepared zinc oxide templates were finally decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with the sputtering deposition for 90[Formula: see text]s in order to promote the SERS-active surface. From physical observations, the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) results showed that the ZnO NRs exhibited an increase in size from 56.4[Formula: see text]nm to 244.06[Formula: see text]nm as the solution concentration was increased. Further investigations also demonstrated that the Au-decorated SERS-active samples had the gold nanoparticles covering the top of the ZnO NRs. The prepared SERS substrates were finally measured for the Raman enhancement with methylene blue (MB) as the test molecules. The results showed that the SERS substrates could detect the Raman peaks of the MB at the limit of detection of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. In addition, the SERS substrates were tested for reusability with the UV exposure, up to at least nine cycles. This work therefore reported the progress of the fabrications of the SERS-active materials with the reusable potentials in several SERS applications.
The 1-Yamabe equation on graphs
Authors: Ge Huabin , Jiang Wenfeng
Published: July 2018

We study the following [Formula: see text]-Yamabe equation on connected finite graphs [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the discrete [Formula: see text]-Laplacian, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are known. We show that the above [Formula: see text]-Yamabe equation always has a nontrivial solution [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].
Asymmetric product of left braces and simplicity; new solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation
Authors: Bachiller D. , Cedó F. , Jespers E. , Okniński J.
Published: July 2018

The problem of constructing all the non-degenerate involutive set-theoretic solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation (YBE) recently has been reduced to the problem of describing all the left braces. In particular, the classification of all finite left braces is fundamental in order to describe all finite such solutions of the YBE. In this paper, we continue the study of finite simple left braces with the emphasis on the application of the asymmetric product of left braces in order to construct new classes of simple left braces. We do not only construct new classes but also we interpret all previously known constructions as asymmetric products. Moreover, a construction is given of finite simple left braces with a multiplicative group that is solvable of arbitrary derived length.
Higher order concentration of measure
Authors: Bobkov Sergey G. , Götze Friedrich , Sambale Holger
Published: July 2018

We study sharpened forms of the concentration of measure phenomenon typically centered at stochastic expansions of order [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. The bounds are based on [Formula: see text]th order derivatives or difference operators. In particular, we consider deviations of functions of independent random variables and differentiable functions over probability measures satisfying a logarithmic Sobolev inequality, and functions on the unit sphere. Applications include concentration inequalities for [Formula: see text]-statistics as well as for classes of symmetric functions via polynomial approximations on the sphere (Edgeworth-type expansions).
Stationary disk assemblies in a ternary system with long range interaction
Authors: Ren Xiaofeng , Wang Chong
Published: July 2018

The free energy of a ternary system, such as a triblock copolymer, is a sum of two parts: an interface energy determined by the size of the interfaces separating the micro-domains of the three constituents, and a long range interaction energy that serves to prevent unlimited micro-domain growth. In two dimensions a parameter range is identified where the system admits stable stationary disk assemblies. Such an assembly consists of perturbed disks made from either type-I constituent or type-II constituent. All the type-I disks have approximately the same radius and all the type-II disks also have approximately the same radius. The locations of the disks are determined by minimization of a function. Depending on the parameters, the disks of the two types can be mixed in an organized way, or mixed in a random way. They can also be fully separated. The first scenario offers a mathematical proof of the existence of a morphological phase for triblock copolymers conjectured by polymer scientists. The last scenario shows that the ternary system is capable of producing two levels of structure. The primary structure is at the microscopic level where disks form near-perfect lattices. The secondary structure is at the macroscopic level forming two large regions, one filled with type-I disks and the other filled with type-II disks. A macroscopic, circular interface separates the two regions.
Nonlocal singular elliptic system arising from the amoeba–bacteria population dynamics
Authors: Delgado M. , Duarte I. B. M. , Suárez A.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we prove the existence of coexistence states for a nonlocal singular elliptic system that arises from the interaction between amoeba and bacteria populations. Our study is based on fixed point arguments using a version of the Bolzano’s theorem, for which we will first analyze a local system by bifurcation theory. Moreover, we study the behavior of the coexistence region obtained and we interpret our results according to the growth rate of both species.
Sign-changing tower of bubbles to an elliptic subcritical equation
Authors: Dammak Yessine , Ghoudi Rabeh
Published: July 2018

This paper is concerned with the following nonlinear elliptic problem involving nearly critical exponent [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a bounded smooth domain in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a small positive parameter. As [Formula: see text] goes to zero, we construct a solution with the shape of a tower of sign changing bubbles.
On a class of solutions to the generalized KdV type equation
Authors: Linares Felipe , Miyazaki Hayato , Ponce Gustavo
Published: July 2018

We consider the IVP associated to the generalized KdV equation with low degree of nonlinearity [Formula: see text] By using an argument similar to that introduced by Cazenave and Naumkin [Local existence, global existence, and scattering for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, Commun. Contemp. Math. 19(2) (2017) 1650038, MR3611666], we establish the local well-posedness for a class of data in an appropriate weighted Sobolev space. Also, we show that the solutions obtained satisfy the propagation of regularity principle proven in [P. Isaza, F. Linares and G. Ponce, On the propagation of regularity and decay of solutions to the [Formula: see text]-generalized Korteweg–de Vries equation, Comm. Partial Differential Equations 40(7) (2015) 1336–1364, MR3341207] in solutions of the [Formula: see text]-generalized KdV equation.
Money Talks — But Less Well so over the Mobile Phone? The Persistence of the Telephone Voice in a 4G Technology Setting and the Resulting Implications for Business Communication and Mobile-Phone Innovation
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver , Nazaryan Anush Norika
Published: July 2018

Our study is a first step toward the innovative further development of mobile phones with special emphasis on optimizing them for business communication. Traditional landline phones and mobile phones up to 3G technology are known to trigger the so-called “telephone voice”. The phonetic changes induced by the telephone voice (louder speech at a higher pitch level) are suitable for undermining the perceived competence, trustworthiness and charisma of a speaker and can, thus, negatively influence business actions over the mobile phone. In a speech production experiment with 20 speakers and a subsequent acoustic speech-signal analysis of almost 15 000 utterances, we tested in comparison to a baseline face-to-face dialog condition, whether the telephone voice still exists in a technological setting of VoLTE 4G mobile-phone communication. In fact, we found that the typical characteristics of the telephone voice persist even under the currently best technological 4G standards and under silent communication conditions. Moreover, we identified further acoustic-phonetic parameters of the telephone voice, some of which (like a more monotonous intonation) further compound the problem of business communication over the mobile phone. In combination, the extended parametric picture and the persistent occurrence of the “telephone voice” even under quiet 4G conditions suggest that a speech-in-noise-like (i.e. Lombard) adaption is not the only and perhaps not even the primary cause behind the telephone voice. Based on this, we propose a number of innovations and R&D activities for making mobile-phone technology more suitable for business communication.
Dissociation of zinc phthalocyanine aggregation on bacterial surface is key for photodynamic antimicrobial effect
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Li Linsen , Chen Jincan , Chen Zhuo , Jiang Longguang , Yuan Cai , Huang Mingdong
Published: July 2018

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an effective mean for killing bacteria in this era of increasing multi-antibiotic resistance, and possesses a number of unique advantages. Much effort has been devoted to the development a key component of aPDT photosensitizers (PSs). We synthesized a series of PSs with different positive charges (ZnPc(Lys)[Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] 3, 5, 7, and studied their antibacterial activities and mechanisms against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Interestingly, the ZnPc(Lys)[Formula: see text] derivative showed stronger antibacterial effect (MIC = 25.3 [Formula: see text]M) than the other two PSs (MICs = 50.6 [Formula: see text]M), even though this PS did not have the highest uptake on bacteria among these PSs. It was ZnPc(Lys)[Formula: see text] that possessed the highest bacterial uptake. ZnPc(Lys)[Formula: see text] was found to have the highest monomeric fractions (62.0%) on bacteria surface than the other two PSs (37.9% for [Formula: see text] 3 and 33.9% [Formula: see text] = 7). These results clearly demonstrate that PS conformation on bacterial surface as a key parameter determining antibacterial efficacy of PSs. Other mechanistic aspects of photodynamic effects, including PS binding kinetics, bacterial surface hydrophobicity, zeta potential of bacteria, membrane permeability and bacterial signaling pathways were also studied.
Synthesis and aggregation properties of boron-dipyrromethene dyes conjugated with guanine units
Authors: Li Fen , Zhang Yongjie , Zhou Lina , Zhang Xin , Chen Zhijian
Published: July 2018

Two boron-dipyrromethene dyes bearing a conjugated guanine unit (G-BODIPYs) 1 and 2 were synthesized and fully characterized. The self-assembly properties of these dyes were investigated by X-ray crystallography, [Formula: see text]H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. As revealed by X-ray crystal structure studies, G-BODIPY 1 self-assembled into ribbon-like structures due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking interaction. Concentration-dependent [Formula: see text]H NMR experiments confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds of the guanine units in solution for both dye 1 and 2. In the presence of K[Formula: see text], the characteristic signals for the formation of cyclic G-quadruplex structures were observed in the [Formula: see text]H NMR study. Aggregation of G-BODIPY dyes was further monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy by varying the solvent polarity and temperature. H-type aggregates of dye 1, which was characterized by a new hypsochromically shifted absorption band with [Formula: see text] 461 nm, was obtained. In the presence of K[Formula: see text], the enhancement of stability was observed for the H-aggregates of dye 1.
INDIVIDUAL AMBIDEXTERITY AND ANTECEDENTS IN A CHANGING CONTEXT
Authors: ZHANG YI , WEI FENG , VAN HORNE CONSTANCE
Published: July 2018

People and organisations should align their current goals and adapt to change to maintain and sustain their competitive advantages. That is the idea behind ambidexterity. Extant research has largely focused on ambidexterity at the organisational and unit levels, although individual ambidexterity is perhaps equally important to organisational success. To shed some light on the issue, this paper argues that two antecedents, handling work stress and trust building, influence individual ambidexterity and individual performance. Two hundred forty-five paired questionnaires were collected, and a construct of four items of ambidextrous behaviour was used to measure individual ambidexterity. The empirical findings indicate that an individual’s skills in handling work stress in performance management, building trust for social support and practicing individual ambidexterity, result in high performance. Individual ambidexterity mediates two of these positive relationships, between handling work stress and performance, and between trust building and performance. The research and practical implications are also discussed.
ORGANISATIONAL JUSTICE AND MANAGING WORKPLACE INNOVATION: HOW IMPORTANT ARE FORMAL PROCEDURES?
Authors: SIMMERS CLAIRE A. , McMURRAY ADELA J.
Published: July 2018

Few studies examine organisational justice and innovation simultaneously within workplace settings. Thus, the purpose of our study was to investigate the impact of organisational justice on workplace innovation. We tested the three dimensions of organisational justice (distributive, procedural and interactional) and the four dimensions of workplace innovation (individual, team, organisational and overall climate for innovation) across multiple industry contexts. The sample comprised 282 individuals employed in a variety of industries based in the United States. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis identified a significant finding where organisational justice formal procedures promoted all four dimensions of workplace innovation and thus was important in managing workplace innovation. Distributive justice only had an impact on organisational innovation, while interactional procedures justice only had an impact on innovation climate and thus were less important. The study results provide new contributions to the innovation literature.
Wave Propagation Simulation in Damaged Isotropic and Anisotropic Solids Using K-Space Method
Authors: Chang Qinan , Peng Tishun , Liu Yongming
Published: July 2018

A numerical model for wave propagation simulation in damaged isotropic and anisotropic solids is proposed in this paper. The wave propagation problem is formulated using two coupled first-order differential equations for both isotropic and anisotropic solids, and a wavenumber corrector-based pseudo-spectral method is used to obtain the time-domain solution using the forward and inverse Fourier transformation. Following this, explicit modeling of crack-like damage commonly seen in engineering materials is investigated. Parametric and convergence study is performed to investigate the proposed simulation algorithms. Numerical examples are used to verify the proposed methodology by comparing the results from analytical solutions and classical finite element methods. Discussions and conclusions are drawn based on the proposed study.
Better Assessment
Authors: Quinn Clark
Published: July 2018

Linda B. Nilson provides the rationale for, and mechanisms to achieve, a better approach to assignments. Utilizing competencies, criteria, and a refocus of ownership, she argues for a systematic change, illustrated with many examples. There has been an ongoing search for criteria to improve assessments, and this is a cogent call about why and how to do it.
A Case of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Presenting with Hypernatremia, Hyperosmolarity, and Altered Sensorium
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Nanavati Sushant M. , Melki Gabriel , Upadhyaya Mira , Dhillon Raman , Gibiezaite Sandra , Michael Patrick , Singhal Monisha
Published: July 2018

Diabetic Ketoacidosis commonly presents with hyponatremia, but hypernatremia is a rare entity. We report a unique case of a 50-year-old woman admitted with altered sensorium with blood glucose 979 milligrams/deciliter, serum osmolarity 363 mOsm/kilograms, and serum sodium 144 milliequivalents/liter. Patient was given initial bolus of isotonic saline and continued on half isotonic saline for correction of hypernatremia along with insulin infusion therapy. Patient was successfully treated with intravenous fluids, insulin infusion, and the altered sensorium was resolved without any sequelae. This case illustrates a teaching point in the use of intravenous fluids for the treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis with hypernatremia.
Appendiceal Intussusception Mimicking Cecal Mass and Fecal Matter: A Report of Two Rare Cases
Authors: Haug James , Katkar AS , Covelli James
Published: July 2018

Intussusception of the appendix is a relatively rare event that is usually asymptomatic but can present similar to other acute and chronic abdominal conditions. We present two separate cases of suspected appendiceal intussusception mimicking cecal masses. The authors also present a cursory review of the limited number of literatures available concerning this entity to help the radiologist avoid misdiagnosis and potentially unnecessary invasive intervention.
CD38-Mediated Immunosuppression as a Mechanism of Tumor Cell Escape from PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade
Authors: Chen Limo , Diao Lixia , Yang Yongbin , Yi Xiaohui , Rodriguez B. Leticia , Li Yanli , Villalobos Pamela A. , Cascone Tina , Liu Xi , Tan Lin , Lorenzi Philip L. , Huang Anfei , Zhao Qiang , Peng Di , Fradette Jared J. , Peng David H. , Ungewiss Christin , Roybal Jonathon , Tong Pan , Oba Junna , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Peng Weiyi , Carter Brett W. , Gay Carl M. , Fan Youhong , Class Caleb A. , Zhu Jingfen , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Kawakami Masanori , Byers Lauren Averett , Woodman Scott E. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Dmitrovsky Ethan , Wang Jing , Ullrich Stephen E. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Heymach John V. , Qin F. Xiao-Feng , Gibbons Don L.
Published: July 2018

Although treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors provides promising benefit for patients with cancer, optimal use is encumbered by high resistance rates and requires a thorough understanding of resistance mechanisms. We observed that tumors treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies develop resistance through the upregulation of CD38, which is induced by all-trans retinoic acid and IFNβ in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that CD38 inhibits CD8+ T-cell function via adenosine receptor signaling and that CD38 or adenosine receptor blockade are effective strategies to overcome the resistance. Large data sets of human tumors reveal expression of CD38 in a subset of tumors with high levels of basal or treatment-induced T-cell infiltration, where immune checkpoint therapies are thought to be most effective. These findings provide a novel mechanism of acquired resistance to immune checkpoint therapy and an opportunity to expand their efficacy in cancer treatment.

Significance: CD38 is a major mechanism of acquired resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, causing CD8+ T-cell suppression. Coinhibition of CD38 and PD-L1 improves antitumor immune response. Biomarker assessment in patient cohorts suggests that a combination strategy is applicable to a large percentage of patients in whom PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is currently indicated. Cancer Discov; 8(9); 1156–75. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Mittal et al., p. 1066.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1047
Beleléu e a poética da violência nas canções de Itamar Assumpção
Authors: Almeida Juliano Nogueira de
Published: July 2018

O artigo estabelece um diálogo acerca do universo da marginalidade a partir de algumas produções artísticas, em especial da canção “Nêgo Dito”, de Itamar Assumpção. Alguns personagens tratados expressam tanto a violência e as contravenções, por vezes praticadas por minorias silenciadas, quanto a resistência diante das adversidades que as populações pobres e marginalizadas sofrem cotidianamente no Brasil.
Ruy Duarte de Carvalho: habitando a fronteira da autoficção
Authors: Valle Laura Regina Dos Santos Dela
Published: July 2018

Neste artigo busca-se analisar de que modo o antropólogo e escritor angolano Ruy Duarte de Carvalho habita sua própria narrativa, a maneira como se autoficcionaliza e adentra o espaço do Outro. Para dar conta dessa análise far-se-á necessário buscar suporte na teoria com Diana Klinger (2007), Laura Padilha (2010) e Wolfgang Iser (2013), entre outros.