bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Electronic Clinical Decision Support and Hard Stops to Decrease Unnecessary Thyroid Function Testing
Authors: Dalal Sonia , Bhesania Siddharth , Silber Steven , Mehta Parag
Published: April 2017

NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital embarked on a Zero Unnecessary Study (ZEUS) initiative, whereby all aspects of clinical care were evaluated and strategies were implemented to mitigate waste. An opportunity was found in regards to thyroid function testing. It has been shown that certain TFTs are ordered far more often than clinically indicated. Free T3 (fT3) and Free T4 (fT4) are only indicated when the TSH is abnormal in the inpatient setting, with rare exceptions.

Thus, a clinical algorithm for Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and Hard Stops (HS) were incorporated into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to prevent fT3 or fT4 to be ordered without an abnormal TSH, with certain predefined exceptions. In addition, a reflex rule was built which automatically orders (reflex) fT3 and fT4 if the TSH is abnormal. The pre and post-intervention ratios of fT3 and fT4 orders per total TSH orders were analyzed.

Pre-intervention data revealed that fT4 was the most frequently ordered TFT laboratory test on admission, after TSH. Post-Intervention, there was a decrease in the ratio of fT4 to TSH orders (fT4/TSH) of 35.2%, from 44.6% to 28.9%. The percentage of fT4 ordered due to abnormal TSH increased by 126.1%, from 36.8% to 83.2%. The fT3 to TSH ordering ratio similarly decreased by 55.2%, from 6.2% to 2.9%. The decreases in both fT3/TSH and fT4/TSH ratios were statistically significant.

Any unnecessary orders are a burden on healthcare. It is now possible to achieve goals that were not previously thought to be possible because of advancement in medicine and technology. By making small changes and saving costs, we can target our energy and resources toward effectively treating patients.
Exercise improves femoral whole-bone and tissue-level biomechanical properties in hyperphagic OLETF rats
Authors: Ortinau Laura C. , Linden Melissa A. , Rector R. Scott , Hinton Pamela S.
Published: May 2017

An often-overlooked comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increased fracture risk. Since traditional T2D therapies focus solely on glucose homeostasis, there is an increased need for effective treatment strategies that improve both metabolic and bone health. The current study evaluated if previously reported protective effects of exercise (EX) on cortical bone geometry and biomechanical properties are due to the prevention of obesity compared with obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats or the unique skeletal effects of exercise. Four-week-old male OLETF rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups, each fed a standard rodent chow diet until 40 weeks of age: ad libitum-fed sedentary (O-SED), ad libitum-fed EX (O-EX), or a control group body-weight−matched to the O-EX group by caloric restriction (O-CR). Ad libitum-fed sedentary Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (L-SED) rats were used as a lean control. EX or CR prevented the excess body mass accumulation and elevated HbA1c observed in O-SED. Total-body bone mineral density was greater in O-EX than O-CR, but similar to L-SED and O-SED. O-EX and O-CR had lower osteocalcin and TRAP5b than O-SED and L-SED. EX or CR prevented the ∼3-fold increase in CTx in O-SED versus L-SED. EX increased femoral cortical mass accumulation and expansion at the mid-diaphysis compared with O-CR. EX or CR significantly increased tissue-level stiffness and strength compared with O-SED and L-SED, but O-EX had greater whole-bone stiffness than all other groups. In summary, EX has distinct advantages over CR for improving bone biomechanical properties in hyperphagic OLETF rats.
Adfluvial salmonids have engineering but not fertilization impacts in tributaries of a central Utah reservoir
Authors: Wheeler Kit , Miller Scott W. , Crowl Todd A.
Published: May 2017

Migratory fishes can affect tributary ecosystem properties given their potential to introduce nutrients (fertilize) and physically modify habitat (engineer) during spawning. Nonetheless, migrant effects are frequently context-dependent, and it is useful to understand their strength relative to other potential ecosystem drivers. We examined whether tributary ecosystem properties varied in response to migrations of two adfluvial salmonids, taking advantage of differences in migration timing and reproductive strategy between species, as well as hydrogeomorphic differences between a pair of tributaries. For analyses, we used a model comparison approach to evaluate migrant effects relative to other possible drivers. We observed that Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah) engineered benthic chlorophyll a in redds, with reduction (51% ± 16% decrease) generally occurring during migrations. Contrary to expectations, migrant fertilization effects were not pronounced even in the more retentive tributary during migration by species (kokanee, Oncorhynchus nerka) that exhibited high postspawning mortality. Based on multimodel comparisons, isolated migrant effects were not the primary influence on measured ecosystem properties. Our findings underscore the need to consider different biotic and abiotic conditions that can mediate migratory fish effects.
An Output-Capacitorless Ultra-Low Power Low-Dropout Regulator
Authors: Cheng Xin , Liang Hongyu , Du Longjie , Zhang Zhang , Yi Maoxiang , Xie Guangjun
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes an output-capacitorless low-dropout (LDO) regulator with ultra-low quiescent power. It applies an adaptive error amplifier to improve the bandwidth and transient response during heavy load, and a second gain stage to improve the stability during light load. Furthermore, an overshoot and undershoot reduction circuit is used to shorten the settling time when output load is changed. The LDO is fabricated in 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process and occupies a chip area of 0.06[Formula: see text]mm2. The LDO is measured to output a stable voltage at 1.6[Formula: see text]V with a quiescent power of 1.8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W. The experimental results also show a good transient response.
THE VALUATION OF SELF-FUNDING INSTALMENT WARRANTS
Authors: DEWYNNE J. N. , EL-HASSAN N.
Published: May 2017

We present two models for the fair value of a self-funding instalment warrant. In both models we assume the underlying stock process follows a geometric Brownian motion. In the first model, we assume that the underlying stock pays a continuous dividend yield and in the second we assume that it pays a series of discrete dividend yields. We show that both models admit similarity reductions and use these to obtain simple finite-difference and Monte Carlo solutions. We use the method of multiple scales to connect these two models and establish the first-order correction term to be applied to the first model in order to obtain the second, thereby establishing that the former model is justified when many dividends are paid during the life of the warrant. Further, we show that the functional form of this correction may be expressed in terms of the hedging parameters for the first model and is, from this point of view, independent of the particular payoff in the first model. In two appendices we present approximate solutions for the first model which are valid in the small volatility and the short time-to-expiry limits, respectively, by using singular perturbation techniques. The small volatility solutions are used to check our finite-difference solutions and the small time-to-expiry solutions are used as a means of systematically smoothing the payoffs so we may use pathwise sensitivities for our Monte Carlo methods.
Monadic Decomposition
Authors: Veanes Margus , Bjørner Nikolaj , Nachmanson Lev , Bereg Sergey
Published: May 2017

Monadic predicates play a prominent role in many decidable cases, including decision procedures for symbolic automata. We are here interested in
discovering
whether a formula can be rewritten into a Boolean combination of monadic predicates. Our setting is quantifier-free formulas whose satisfiability is decidable, such as linear arithmetic. Here we develop a semidecision procedure for extracting a monadic decomposition of a formula when it exists.
Nanoscale Aggregation in Acid- and Ion-Containing Polymers
Authors: Middleton L. Robert , Winey Karen I.
Published: May 2017

In this review we summarize recent efforts in understanding nano-aggregation in acid- and ion-containing polymer systems. The acid and ionic groups have specific interactions that drive aggregation and alter polymer behavior at the nano-, micro-, and bulk length scales. Advancements in synthetic methods, characterization techniques, and computer simulations have enabled researchers to better understand the morphologies and dynamics, particularly at the nanoscale. This overview of recent advancements in nano-aggregated polymer systems highlights the current understanding of the field and presents promising directions for future investigations and new applications.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy validation of a murine model of cardiac hypertrophic preconditioning: comparison with a hemodynamic assessment
Authors: Huang Jiayuan , Wu Jian , Wang Shijun , You Jieyun , Ye Yong , Ding Zhiwen , Yang Fenghua , Wang Xingxu , Guo Junjie , Ma Leilei , Yuan Jie , Shen Yunli , Yang Xiangdong , Sun Aijun , Jiang Hong , Bu Liping , Backx Peter H. , Ge Junbo , Zou Yunzeng
Published: April 2017

In mice, myocardial hypertrophic preconditioning (HP), which is produced by the removal of short-term transverse aortic constriction (TAC), was recently reported to render the heart resistant to hypertrophic responses induced by subsequent reconstriction (Re-TAC). However, there is no efficient noninvasive method for ensuring that the repeated aortic manipulations were successfully performed. We previously demonstrated that ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a noninvasive and effective approach for predicting TAC success. Here, we investigated the value of UBM for serial predictions of load conditions in establishing a murine HP model. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a sham operation, TAC, or Re-TAC, and the peak flow velocity at the aortic banding site (PVb) was measured by UBM. Left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) was examined by micromanometric catheterization. The PVb was positively associated with LVESP ( R2 = 0.8204, P < 0.001, for TAC at 3 days and R2 = 0.7746, P < 0.001, for Re-TAC at 4 wk). PVb and LVESP values were markedly elevated after aortic banding, became attenuated to the sham-operated level after debanding, and increased after aortic rebanding. The cardiac hypertrophic responses were examined by UBM, histology, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. Four weeks after the last operation, with PVb ≥ 3.5 m/s as an indicator of successful aortic constriction, Re-TAC mice showed less cardiac hypertrophy, fetal gene expression, and ERK1/2 activation than TAC mice. Therefore, we successfully established a UBM protocol for the serial assessment of aortic flow and the prediction of LVESP during repeated aortic manipulations in mice, which might be useful for noninvasive evaluations of the murine HP model.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We successfully developed an ultrasound biomicroscopy protocol for the serial assessment of aortic bandings and the relevant left ventricular pressure in a murine model of cardiac hypertrophic preconditioning. The protocol may be of great importance in the successful establishment of the hypertrophic preconditioning model for further mechanistic and pharmacological studies.
Therapeutic Rationale to Target Highly Expressed CDK7 Conferring Poor Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Bo , Ni Chonghaile Triona , Fan Yue , Madden Stephen F. , Klinger Rut , O'Connor Aisling E. , Walsh Louise , O'Hurley Gillian , Mallya Udupi Girish , Joseph Jesuchristopher , Tarrant Finbarr , Conroy Emer , Gaber Alexander , Chin Suet-Feung , Bardwell Helen A. , Provenzano Elena , Crown John , Dubois Thierry , Linn Sabine , Jirstrom Karin , Caldas Carlos , O'Connor Darran P. , Gallagher William M.
Published: April 2017

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients commonly exhibit poor prognosis and high relapse after treatment, but there remains a lack of biomarkers and effective targeted therapies for this disease. Here, we report evidence highlighting the cell-cycle–related kinase CDK7 as a driver and candidate therapeutic target in TNBC. Using publicly available transcriptomic data from a collated set of TNBC patients (n = 383) and the METABRIC TNBC dataset (n = 217), we found CDK7 mRNA levels to be correlated with patient prognosis. High CDK7 protein expression was associated with poor prognosis within the RATHER TNBC cohort (n = 109) and the METABRIC TNBC cohort (n = 203). The highly specific CDK7 kinase inhibitors, BS-181 and THZ1, each downregulated CDK7-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, indicative of transcriptional inhibition, with THZ1 exhibiting 500-fold greater potency than BS-181. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the survival of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells relied heavily on the BCL-2/BCL-XL signaling axes in cells. Accordingly, we found that combining the BCL-2/BCL-XL inhibitors ABT-263/ABT199 with the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 synergized in producing growth inhibition and apoptosis of human TNBC cells. Collectively, our results highlight elevated CDK7 expression as a candidate biomarker of poor prognosis in TNBC, and they offer a preclinical proof of concept for combining CDK7 and BCL-2/BCL-XL inhibitors as a mechanism-based therapeutic strategy to improve TNBC treatment. Cancer Res; 77(14); 3834–45. ©2017 AACR.
A Road Map for Precision Cancer Medicine Using Personalized Models
Authors: Picco Gabriele , Garnett Mathew J.
Published: May 2017

Summary: A study by Pauli and colleagues in this issue of Cancer Discovery describes the creation of a precision cancer platform for patients with advanced disease, integrating DNA sequencing of patient tumors with the generation of patient-derived organoids and xenografts. They propose the use of this platform for drug testing to nominate therapeutic options for individual patients and for therapeutic biomarker discovery. Cancer Discov; 7(5); 456–8. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Pauli et al., p. 462.
Optimizing Next-Generation AML Therapy: Activity of Mutant IDH2 Inhibitor AG-221 in Preclinical Models
Authors: Thomas Daniel , Majeti Ravindra
Published: May 2017

Summary: AG-221 or enasidenib is a first-in-class selective inhibitor of mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) with early demonstrated clinical efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia as a single agent, yet with persistence of mutant IDH2 clones. Two articles in this issue of Cancer Discovery provide further insight into the biological activity of AG-221 in promoting differentiation of IDH2-mutant cells and reversing aberrant DNA methylation over time, and demonstrating preclinical activity in combination with a targeted FLT3 kinase inhibitor to eliminate IDH2-mutant clones. Cancer Discov; 7(5); 459–61. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Yen et al., p. 478.

See related article by Shih et al., p. 494.
Aortic Valve Bioprostheses
Authors: Holmes David R. , Mack Michael J.
Published: May 2017

Leaflet immobility and valve thrombosis have been reported with both transcatheter and surgical aortic valve bioprostheses. The relationships between these abnormalities and their incidence, time course, clinical significance, predisposing factors, optimal imaging modality, and current therapeutic options remain uncertain but are rapidly evolving. Four-dimensional computerized tomographic imaging has been determined to have the highest sensitivity in studies evaluating leaflet immobility and valve thrombosis. Echocardiography is also used during surveillance, but it appears to be less sensitive. The definitive diagnosis of valve thrombosis is based on a combination of diagnostic 4-dimensional computerized tomographic imaging findings, resolution of imaging abnormalities, and elevated transcatheter gradients with anticoagulation or surgical or pathological confirmation. Uncertainty about the incidence and clinical significance of the findings is the basis of 2 US Food and Drug Administration–approved studies comparing transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement with a subset undergoing surveillance 4-dimensional computerized tomographic imaging. Given the expansion of transcatheter aortic valve procedures, including potentially lower-risk patients, the resolution of these uncertainties is critical.
Nonprocedural Symptomatic Infarction and In-Stent Restenosis After Intracranial Angioplasty and Stenting in the SAMMPRIS Trial (Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for the Prevention of Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis)
Authors: Derdeyn Colin P. , Fiorella David , Lynn Michael J. , Turan Tanya N. , Cotsonis George A. , Lane Bethany F. , Montgomery Jean , Janis L. Scott , Chimowitz Marc I.
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of symptomatic in-stent restenosis (ISR) and its contribution to nonprocedural symptomatic infarction in the SAMMPRIS trial (Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for the Prevention of Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis).

Methods—

Patients without a periprocedural primary end point were followed up to determine the occurrence of any of the following events: ischemic stroke, cerebral infarct with temporary signs, or transient ischemic attack in the territory of the stented artery. Vascular imaging performed after these events was reviewed for ISR. Annual rates for symptomatic ISR were calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimates.

Results—

Of 183 patients in the stenting group without a periprocedural primary end point, 27 (14.8%) had a symptomatic infarction (stroke or cerebral infarct with temporary signs) and 16 (8.7%) had transient ischemic attack alone in the territory during a median follow-up of 35.0 months. Of the 27 patients with infarctions, 17 (9.3%) had an ischemic stroke and 10 (5.5%) had a cerebral infarct with temporary signs alone. Adequate vascular imaging to evaluate ISR was available in 24 patients with infarctions (showing ISR in 16 [66.7%]) and in 10 patients with transient ischemic attack alone (showing ISR in 8 [80%]). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year rates (with 95% confidence limits) for symptomatic ISR in the SAMMPRIS stent cohort were 9.6% (6.1%–14.9%), 11.3% (7.5%–17.0%), and 14.0% (9.6%–20.2%), respectively.

Conclusions—

Symptomatic ISR occurred in at least 1 of 7 patients in SAMMPRIS by 3 years of follow-up and was likely responsible for the majority of nonprocedural cerebral infarctions.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00576693.
Oxygenation-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using T2′/R2′ Mapping
Authors: Seiler Alexander , Deichmann Ralf , Nöth Ulrike , Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Berkefeld Joachim , Singer Oliver C. , Klein Johannes C. , Wagner Marlies
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

Quantitative T2′/R2′ mapping detect locally increased concentrations of deoxygenated hemoglobin—causing a decrease of T2′ and increase of R2′—and might reflect increased cerebral oxygen extraction fraction. Because increases of (relative) cerebral blood volume (rCBV) may influence T2′ and R2′ through accumulation of deoxygenated hemoglobin, we aimed to investigate the impact of rCBV on T2′/R2′ in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Data from patients with acute internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery occlusion were analyzed. T2′, R2′, and rCBV were measured within the ischemic core, slightly and severely hypoperfused areas, and their relationship was examined.

Results—

A strong negative correlation with rCBV was found for R2′ (
r
=−0.544;
P
=0.002), and T2′ correlated positively with rCBV (
r
=0.546;
P
=0.001) in time-to-peak–delayed areas. T2′/R2′ within hypoperfused tissue remained unchanged at normal or elevated rCBV levels.

Conclusions—

T2′ decrease/R2′ increase within hypoperfused areas in ischemic stroke is not caused by local elevations of rCBV but most probably only by increased cerebral oxygen extraction fraction. However, considering rCBV is crucial to assess extent of oxygen extraction fraction changes by means of T2′/R2′.
Noch mehr Kleinigkeiten. Teil 2
Authors: Radt Stefan
Published: May 2017

Critical notes to different texts.
Stepping into the Void: Proclus and Damascius on Approaching the First Principle
Authors: Vlad Marilena
Published: April 2017

In this article, I analyze the idea of “stepping into the void” (κενεµβατεῖν), which can be traced in the thinking of both Proclus and Damascius, but which sets their perspectives apart. Thus, I show how Proclus warns us that to speak about the absolute principle, taking it as an object of thought, is a negative “stepping into the void” that should be avoided. On the contrary, I show that Damascius starts from this warning and tries to prove that the only adequate manner in which we can trace the absolute principle and approach it is precisely through “stepping into the void,” yet, this time, in a positive sense, as a constant attempt to understand that the principle is an absolute void which reverses our discourse.
Physicalism as a Research Programme
Authors: Prelević Duško
Published: April 2017

It is argued in this paper that physicalism is best understood as a research programme, rather than a thesis or an attitude, as some philosophers argue. Given that research programmes connect past, present and future philosophical or scientific activities, physicalists need not decide between current and future physical theories, as it has been required by Hempel’s Dilemma. The author contrasts this proposal with other solutions to Hempel’s Dilemma proposed by currentists, futurists, and those philosophers who claim that physicalism should best be understood as an attitude, arguing that understanding physicalism as a research programme avoids problems that are present in the alternative views, and that it matches well with the standard classifications in the history of philosophy.
Green Approaches to Enhancing Rural Communities in Romania: Case Studies from Maramureş and Sibiu Counties
Authors: Regoli Francesca , Vincze Mária , Segrè Andrea , Vittuari Matteo
Published: April 2017

The concept of development evolves following the transformations and new challenges communities have to face. In this framework, in the past twenty years, development discourse has covered questions about the interrelations among its different dimensions (economic, human, social, environmental, institutional), about the transition from linear to circular models, and about the role (and importance) of endogenous resources. This evolution has increased the attention given to local development strategies and their role in the promotion of sustainability and socio-economic growth by recognizing and reorganizing local resources.

This article grounds the concept of territorial capital to Maramureş County (Romania) with the aim of understanding its role and of assessing its potential as a driving force to guide local communities in the exploitation of endogenous resources. Through a comparative analysis of the case studies of the Tâvarna Mare Natura 2000 site (Sibiu County) and Oaş Gutai (Maramureş County), the work also aims to provide general insights to inform local development policies.

The research is based on multiple research methods including secondary data analysis, a survey, and a set of interviews with local stakeholders and rural development experts, and it is developed through a comparative analysis between the case studies.
Turning the Tables on Foreign Assistance in Second-Generation Environmentalism in Russia and China
Authors: Fedorenko Irina
Published: April 2017

Civil society and environmental ngos in Russia and China have been facing gradual crackdowns from their governments for the past decade and have been accused of being connected to foreign governments. Due to the changes in political and legal environments and the rise of a new generation of activists, the civil society landscape has been transformed in both countries. Drawing on 14 months of fieldwork, this paper aims to provide an updated account of environmental activism in Russia and China—the post-foreign-funding civil society. It focuses on grass-roots ngos and their relationships with their foreign donors and the consequences of foreign grant withdrawal. The paper aims to understand how foreign support has shaped the image of environmental activism for the generation born shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the crackdown on the students’ protests in Tiananmen Square. It argues that young activists in Russia and China see environmentalism as something ‘foreign’, which also makes it attractive to take part in. The paper suggests that, while in some cases foreign funding and international linkages may have endangered existing ngos in Russia and China, the opportunity to meet foreigners attracts the younger generation to environmental movements.
Multivocality in Shia Seminary
Authors: Mehregan Abbas
Published: April 2017

The main claim of the present article is that a Shia theological seminary, contrary to the common depiction presented, is a multivocal institution. The tradition of multivocality does not appertain only to ʿulamāʾ. Young clergy and seminaries also have very different ideas concerning religious thought. Evidence of this can be found in the present article in the form of examples of the dramatic discrepancy between ʿulamāʾ in essential theological beliefs, political theology, juridical methodology, issuing fatwas, and historical events relating to Shia identity. Moreover, the multivocality of young seminary students was empirically tested in Howzah ʿlmiyyah of Qom in Iran. The findings of this survey demonstrate the existence of four distinct schools of religious thought in the Shia seminary. At the end of the article, the educational, political and technological factors which have led to the formation of different intellectual trends within the contemporary Shia clergy institution are discussed.
The Absence of Freedom
Authors: De Lauri Antonio
Published: May 2017

Central and South Asian brick kilns have long attracted the attention of both humanitarian agencies and scholars as sites of slavery-like forms of labor exploitation. They represent both an important case study for investigating the systems of dependence and debt-relationships that characterize Southern Asian capitalism, and a big challenge to creating sustainable, international standards for human labor. One aspect largely overlooked in the literature concerns the ideas of freedom that emerge in situations of bondage. Based on ethnographic research conducted in brick kilns in the areas of Gujrat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi in 2015 and 2016, my analysis focuses on workers’ narratives and their perceptions of freedom and its absence.
Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) associated with tropical ornamental plants, with a checklist and a key to the species of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: ARGOLO POLIANE SÁ , SANTOS RENATA M. VITAL , BITTENCOURT MARIA A. LEÃO , NORONHA ALOYSÉIA C. DA SILVA , MORAES GILBERTO J. DE , OLIVEIRA ANIBAL RAMADAN
Published: May 2017

Twenty-four papers refer to phytoseiid mites from different plant species in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, but none of those refer to taxonomic surveys on ornamental plants. The aim of this study was to determine phytoseiids from tropical ornamentals in the southern coastal region of Bahia state, as well as to present a checklist and an identification key to the species recorded in that state. Samples were collected at eight localities of five municipalities. A total of seventeen species in nine genera was found on fifteen plant species of the families Costaceae, Heliconiaceae, Musaceae and Zingiberaceae. The most frequent and abundant phytoseiid species were Iphiseiodes metapodalis (El-Banhawy), Amblyseius operculatus De Leon and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, respectively. The checklist and the identification key to the Phytoseiidae species of Bahia were prepared based on the published literature.
A new caprellid species (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Senticaudata) from Brazil
Authors: ROS MACARENA , LACERDA MARIANA B. , GUERRA-GARCÍA JOSÉ M.
Published: May 2017

A new species of caprellid, Pseudaeginella arraialensis, is described from Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Abundant material was collected in Praia do Forno, associated to hydroids and algae of natural rocky substrata and fouling communities of artificial floating structures. The new species can be distinguished easily from the remaining species in the genus mainly by the pattern of dorsal projections, and by the setose antennae and gnathopod 2 in males. The dietary analysis revealed that the species is omnivorous, with a high contribution of small crustaceans in its diet. Detailed figures showing ontogenetic development and intraspecific variation of P. arraialensis are also included.
Using text-based synchronous chat to offer therapeutic support to students: A systematic review of the research literature
Authors: Ersahin Zehra , Hanley Terry
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Counselling within educational settings has now become commonplace. As with the advent of the use of new technologies in teaching, such developments are also impacting the broader support structures available to students. One development is the move of schools to offer pupils access to online counselling services. To date, such practices have received little attention, and this paper synthesises the existing empirical research literature in this area.

Design:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted which focused upon synchronous chat counselling for 11- to 25-year-olds.

Method:

Key bibliographic databases were searched for relevant papers. These were assessed for relevance and quality prior to being included into the analysis. The final selection of studies was analysed for key themes.

Results:

In all, 19 papers met the inclusion criteria. The thematic synthesis identified four higher order themes: (1) developing safe and youth-friendly online services, (2) online client characteristics, (3) in-session online processes and (4) session alliance and outcome.

Conclusion:

These themes outline the varied challenges and opportunities present within this developing practice. Each is initially discussed alongside existing literature related to online counselling before the implications for educational providers are explicitly considered. Ultimately, it is concluded that online counselling for students has much potential, however, those commissioning such services need to be mindful of common pitfalls.
Determination of transverse flexural and shear moduli of chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastic by vibration
Authors: Lyu Xiuqi , Takahashi Jun , Wan Yi , Ohsawa Isamu
Published: April 2017

Chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastic material is specifically developed for the high-volume production of lightweight automobiles. With excellent design processability and flexibility, the carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastic material is manufactured by compressing large amounts of randomly oriented, pre-impregnated unidirectional tapes in a plane. Therefore, the carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastic material presents transversely isotropic properties. Transverse shear effect along the thickness direction of carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastic beam has a distinct influence on its flexural deformation. Accordingly, the Timoshenko beam theory combined with vibration frequencies was proposed to determine the set of transverse flexural and shear moduli. Meanwhile, the transverse flexural and shear moduli of carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastic beam were finally determined by fitting all the first seven measured and calculated eigenfrequencies with the least squares criterion. In addition, the suggested thickness to length ratio for the 3-point bending test and Euler–Bernoulli model was given.
The Development ofAnd Stuffin Canadian English: A Longitudinal Study of Apparent Grammaticalization
Authors: Denis Derek
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the development of and stuff, a general extender (GE), in Canadian English in longitudinal perspective. Previous research (Cheshire 2007; Tagliamonte & Denis 2010; Pichler & Levey 2011) finds suggestive evidence that and stuff and other GEs have undergone grammaticalization over their development. However, when viewed in apparent time, there is little evidence of ongoing grammaticalization; rather only vestiges of apparent previous grammaticalization remain. This paper takes up Pichler and Levey’s (2011) call for an appropriate real-time benchmark of comparison to enable a more thorough understanding of the historical development of these features. A collection of oral histories recorded in the 1970s and 1980s with elderly residents of three communities in southern Ontario, Canada, is used as a proxy for comparison to Tagliamonte and Denis’s (2010) analysis of the Toronto English Archive. By tracking the development of and stuff over more than a century of apparent time, this paper finds three changes in progress: (1) a lexical replacement such that and stuff becomes the majority variant in the variable system; (2) a morphological clipping process such that longer GEs such as and stuff like that lose the comparative element like that; and (3) the semantic bleaching of the set-marking meaning of and stuff. While this last change is a necessary part of grammaticalization, in the absence of phonetic reduction, decategorialization, and pragmatic shift, it is not sufficient evidence according to grammaticalization theory (e.g., Heine 2003; Traugott 2003; Diewald 2010).
Improving migrants’ access to the public health insurance system in China: A conceptual classification framework
Authors: Huang Zuyu , Pan Zehan
Published: May 2017

Although the Chinese government has established a public health insurance system covering both rural and urban areas, the rural–urban migrants seem to have been neglected. To have a clear sense of the current status of migrants in the public health insurance system and to find ways to increase their enrollment to medical insurance, this paper attempts to construct a conceptual classification framework of China’s health insurance system. This was done by reviewing the development of China’s health insurance system and identifying barriers to entry for migrants. The finding suggests that migrants’ limited access to health insurance owes more to their reluctance than to system exclusions. The job and residential stability of migrants are critical factors to building the classification framework to account for supply and demand factors in the formulation of China’s health insurance policy.
Knowledge and Practices of Diabetes Foot Care and Risk of Developing Foot Ulcers in México May Have Implications for Patients of Méxican Heritage Living in the US
Authors: Bohorquez Robles Rosa , Compeán Ortiz Lidia G. , González Quirarte Nora H. , Berry Diane C. , Aguilera Pérez Paulina , Piñones Martínez Socorro
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and foot care practices among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A descriptive correlational study examined 200 patients with type 2 diabetes in México. Data collected included the Knowledge and Practices Self-Care Questionnaire and a Podiatry Examination Questionnaire. Data analysis included Pearson’s correlations and chi-square tests.

Results

More than half of the participants had poor knowledge and poor foot care practices. A significant negative correlation between knowledge and practices of foot care and risk of developing diabetes foot ulcers was found. There was no relationship between sociodemographic variables and the risk of developing diabetes foot ulcers.

Conclusions

Patients with type 2 diabetes served in an outpatient clinic had poor knowledge and practices of foot care. They demonstrated decreased knowledge and practice of foot care and therefore showed a greater risk of developing diabetes foot, which may predispose patients to early complications.
An adult case of Kommerell’s diverticulum with a right-sided aortic arch
Authors: Tsutsumi Koji , Nishida Kosuke , Tsukamoto Jun , Iijima Natsumi , Ishida Osamu
Published: April 2017

The patient was a 56-year-old woman with Kommerell’s diverticulum associated with a right-sided aortic arch with mirror-image branching. No other congenital heart anomalies or vascular rings were observed. Descending aortic replacement through a right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed to eliminate the risk of diverticular rupture. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. This was a rare adult case of right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell’s diverticulum associated with no other congenital heart disease.
Hate the Sin, Love the Saints: Activities Versus Actors in Message Design
Authors: McGlone Matthew S. , Glowacki Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2017

The reported study investigated the persuasive effects of nouns describing activities and their human actors in message design. Fictitious op-ed essays were created from the point of view of authors taking a complimentary or critical stance on two controversial topics. Different versions were created in which activity nouns ( immigration, cosmetic surgery) or actor nouns ( immigrants, cosmetic surgeons) referring to the topics were manipulated orthogonally to essay stance. Participants considered essays praising actors to be more persuasive than others praising activities, but were more persuaded by essays indicting activities than actors. The implications for message design theory and practice are discussed.
Use of powered mobility for a young adult with profound and multiple learning disabilities: a practice analysis
Authors: Benford Francesca
Published: April 2017

Statement of context

Powered mobility has reported benefits as a learning tool for individuals limited in independent mobility. The majority of literature focuses on early years populations and there remains a need to address powered mobility for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities. This article explores the experience of switch-operated powered mobility training for one young adult with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Critical reflection on practice

Powered mobility provided a motivating medium through which previously unseen skills, such as upper limb use, were demonstrated. Use of switches, rather than typically used joysticks, allowed successful participation.

Implication for practice

Providing the right equipment, environment and appropriate challenge for an individual can facilitate unexpected achievement.
Graft Diameter as a Predictor for Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and KOOS and EQ-5D Values: A Cohort Study From the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register Based on 2240 Patients
Authors: Snaebjörnsson Thorkell , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Alentorn-Geli Eduard , Krupic Ferid , Norberg Fredrik , Karlsson Jón , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: May 2017

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) using a hamstring tendon (HT) autograft is an effective and widespread method. Recent studies have identified a relationship between the graft diameter and revision ACLR.

Purpose:

To evaluate the influence of the graft diameter on revision ACLR and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing primary ACLR using HT autografts.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted using the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register (SNKLR) involving all patients undergoing primary ACLR using HT autografts. Patients with graft failure who needed revision surgery (cases) were compared with patients not undergoing revision surgery (controls). The control group was matched for sex, age, and graft fixation method in a 3:1 ratio. Conditional logistic regression was performed to produce odds ratios and 95% CIs. Univariate linear regression analyses were performed for patient-related outcomes. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) values were obtained.

Results:

A total of 2240 patients were included in which there were 560 cases and 1680 controls. No significant differences between the cases and controls were found for sex (52.9% male), mean age (21.7 years), and femoral and tibial fixation. The mean graft diameter for the cases was 8.0 ± 0.74 mm and for the controls was 8.1 ± 0.76 mm. In the present cohort, the likelihood of revision surgery for every 0.5-mm increase in the HT autograft diameter between 7.0 and 10.0 mm was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.99; P = .03). Univariate linear regression analysis found no significant regression coefficient for the change in KOOS or EQ-5D values.

Conclusion:

In a large cohort of patients after primary ACLR with HT autografts, an increase in the graft diameter between 7.0 and 10.0 mm resulted in a 0.86 times lower likelihood of revision surgery with every 0.5-mm increase. This study provides further evidence of the importance of the HT autograft size in intraoperative decision making.
Handgrip Strength and Malnutrition (Undernutrition) in Hospitalized Versus Nonhospitalized Children Aged 6–14 Years
Authors: Jensen Kayla Camille , Bellini Sarah Gunnell , Derrick Jennifer Willahan , Fullmer Susan , Eggett Dennis
Published: May 2017

Background: Diagnosing undernutrition in hospitalized pediatric populations is crucial to provide timely nutrition interventions. Handgrip strength (HGS), a measurement of muscle function, is a reliable indicator of undernutrition. However, limited research exists on HGS in hospitalized pediatric patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine if HGS differed between hospitalized children within 48 hours of admission and nonhospitalized children. A secondary purpose was to describe the association of HGS with height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), activity level, disease severity, nutrition risk, and nutrition intervention. Methods: One hundred nine hospitalized and 110 nonhospitalized patients aged 6–14 years participated in this cross‐sectional nonequivalent control group design study. Weight, height, MUAC, and HGS were measured within 48 hours of hospital admission for the hospitalized group or immediately following a well‐child visit for the control group. Results: Based on analysis of covariance, the HGS was estimated to be 12.4 ± 0.37 kgF (mean ± SE) for hospitalized subjects and 13.1 ± 0.37 for nonhospitalized subjects (P = .2053). HGS was associated with age (P < .0001), height (P < .0001), dominant hand (P < .0001), and MUAC z scores (P = .0462). Conclusion: HGS was not significantly different between hospitalized and nonhospitalized participants, although anthropometric measurements were similar between groups. A strong relationship was demonstrated between HGS and BMI and MUAC z scores. Further research is needed that examines serial HGS measurements, feasibility in hospitalized patients, and the association of HGS measurements and nutrition risk.
Intimate Partner Violence and Disasters
Authors: First Jennifer M. , First Nathan L. , Houston J. Brian
Published: May 2017

Disasters, both natural and human-caused, can generate significant stressors for individuals, families, and communities, and research has documented an increase in the prevalence and severity of violence against women following these events. This article reviews research documenting the prevalence and severity of violence against women in disaster settings and provides a framework for intimate partner violence professionals to cultivate resources and capacities that promote women’s safety and well-being before, during, and after a disaster. Framework objectives include increasing awareness and capacity to respond, promoting safety planning, ensuring basic needs are met, providing comfort and support, connecting to long-term services, and promoting psychosocial recovery.
Increasing the on-road fuel economy by trailing at a safe distance
Authors: Nuszkowski John , Smith Harlan , McKinney Michael , McMahan Nicholas , Wilder Benjamin , Boehringer Eric , Clarkson Blair , Littleton Cutler , Parker Kyle
Published: May 2017

Energy is a driving force for automotive applications. Reducing the energy demand of the vehicle is one method of increasing the fuel economy of a vehicle. Heavy-duty commercial vehicles have large frontal areas that provide large amounts of aerodynamic drag at highway speeds. Reducing the aerodynamic drag lowers the engine demand and therefore increases the fuel economy of the vehicle. This study tested the fuel economy and the front air velocity of a 10.7 m box truck trailing another box truck by distances of 3.1 times the truck length, 4.7 times the truck length, and 6.3 times the truck length at a highway speed of 28 m/s. The distance of 6.3 times the vehicle length was considered ‘safe’ for trailing another vehicle, whereas the distances of 3.1 times the truck length and 4.7 times the truck length were not considered safe by the United States Fire Administration. The results showed significant reductions in the air velocity in front of the trailing vehicle of 8.5%, 6.5%, and 3.8% for trailing distances of 3.1 times the vehicle length, 4.7 times the vehicle length, and 6.3 times the vehicle length respectively. The fuel economy of the trailing truck increased significantly by 7.4–8.0%, 8.2–9.0%, and 6.5%–7.7%, for trailing distances of 3.1 times the vehicle length, 4.7 times the vehicle length, and 6.3 times the vehicle length respectively. Based on a road load analysis, these fuel economy improvements indicated a reduction in the drag coefficient of the trailing vehicle of 8–10%. Therefore, a box truck trailing another box truck at a safe distance results in a reduction in the aerodynamics drag and a significant increase in the fuel economy.
Fuel consumption minimization of transport aircraft using real-coded genetic algorithm
Authors: Singh Vedant
Published: May 2017

The issue of rising carbon dioxide emissions from aviation fuel consumption is increasingly crucial in terms of the Paris Agreement on climate change, which was adopted in 2015. The rapid growth of the global transport network has been affecting the environment adversely owing to the emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, researchers are attempting to minimize aviation fuel consumption. This study presents a fuel consumption minimization problem in transport aircraft design. A real-coded genetic algorithm with direction-based crossover is employed to determine the optimum design for minimum fuel consumption. To mimic the aircraft fuel consumption issues, the proposed real-coded genetic algorithm employs the following three operators: ranking selection, direction-based crossover, and dynamic random mutation. Compared with earlier studies that used uniform crossover, the present study reduces the fuel consumption by applying real-coded genetic algorithm with a direction-based crossover operator. Comprehensive results show that the proposed real-coded genetic algorithm achieves remarkably faster convergence and improved search performance than the compared method. Direction-based crossover significantly enhances the fitness by guiding the crossover along a certain direction. In addition, it ensures a higher probability of locating the global optimum. Therefore, adopting such a technique can reduce the aircraft development cost.