bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated collaborative care teams to enhance service delivery to youth with mental health and substance use challenges: protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Henderson Joanna L , Cheung Amy , Cleverley Kristin , Chaim Gloria , Moretti Myla E , de Oliveira Claire , Hawke Lisa D , Willan Andrew R , O'Brien David , Heffernan Olivia , Herzog Tyson , Courey Lynn , McDonald Heather , Grant Enid , Szatmari Peter
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Among youth, the prevalence of mental health and addiction (MHA) disorders is roughly 20%, yet youth are challenged to access evidence-based services in a timely fashion. To address MHA system gaps, this study tests the benefits of an Integrated Collaborative Care Team (ICCT) model for youth with MHA challenges. A rapid, stepped-care approach geared to need in a youth-friendly environment is expected to result in better youth MHA outcomes. Moreover, the ICCT approach is expected to decrease service wait-times, be more youth-friendly and family-friendly, and be more cost-effective, providing substantial public health benefits.

Methods and analysis

In partnership with four community agencies, four adolescent psychiatry hospital departments, youth and family members with lived experience of MHA service use, and other stakeholders, we have developed an innovative model of collaborative, community-based service provision involving rapid access to needs-based MHA services. A total of 500 youth presenting for hospital-based, outpatient psychiatric service will be randomised to ICCT services or hospital-based treatment as usual, following a pragmatic randomised controlled trial design. The primary outcome variable will be the youth's functioning, assessed at intake, 6 months and 12 months. Secondary outcomes will include clinical change, youth/family satisfaction and perception of care, empowerment, engagement and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Intent-to-treat analyses will be used on repeated-measures data, along with cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses, to determine intervention effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

Research Ethics Board approval has been received from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, as well as institutional ethical approval from participating community sites. This study will be conducted according to Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Participants will provide informed consent prior to study participation and data confidentiality will be ensured. A data safety monitoring panel will monitor the study. Results will be disseminated through community and peer-reviewed academic channels.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.govNCT02836080.
Hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks metamorphosed at granulite-facies conditions: an example from the Grenville Province
Authors: Hindemith Marisa , Indares Aphrodite , Piercey Stephen
Published: February 2017

A 1.2 Ga association of aluminous gneisses, garnetites, and white felsic gneisses of andesitic composition in the southern Manicouagan area (central Grenville Province) provides evidence consistent with protolith formation and hydrothermal alteration in a submarine volcanic environment. In addition to field relations, potential relics of quartz phenocrysts in the aluminous gneisses, revealed by SEM–MLA (scanning electron microscope with a mineral liberation analysis software) imaging, are consistent with a volcanic precursor. Moreover, in these rocks, aluminous nodules and seams of sillimanite are considered to represent metamorphosed hydrothermal mineral assemblages and to reflect former pathways of hydrothermal fluid. These features are preserved despite the Grenvillian granulite-facies metamorphic overprint and evidence of partial melting. In addition, the garnetites are inferred to represent hydrothermally altered products of the white gneisses, based on the gradational contacts between the two rock types. The compositional ranges of minerals are generally similar to those of granulite-facies metapelites, but moderately elevated contents of Mn in garnet from the garnetites, and Zn in spinel from the aluminous gneisses, are consistent with hydrothermal addition of these elements to the protolith. The most prominent alteration trends are an increase in Fe–Mg–Mn from the white gneisses to the aluminous gneisses and the garnetites, and a trend of increasing alumina index in some white gneisses, suggesting mild argillic alteration. The new findings highlight the preservation of early hydrothermal alteration in high-grade metamorphic belts in the Grenville Province, and these altered rocks are potential targets for exploration.
Subatomic electron states in condensed matter
Authors: Ivlev Boris I.
Published: February 2017

In experiments on irradiation of metal surfaces by ions of keV energy, the emission of X-ray laser beams from the metal was observed not only during irradiation but also 20 h after it was switched off (from the “dead” sample). In contrast to a usual laser, the emitted collimated X-ray beams were of continuous frequency. In this paper the mechanism of that phenomenon is proposed. Subatomic electron states are formed inside the metal. These states are associated with anomalous wells within the subatomically small (10−11 cm) region. An anomalous well is formed by the local reduction (of MeV scale) in that region of zero point electromagnetic energy. States in anomalous wells are long-lived, which results in population inversion and the subsequent laser generation observed. The energies of emitted X-ray beams are due to the conversion of zero point electromagnetic energy (X-ray laser beams from vacuum).
Width-dependent structural stability and magnetic properties of monolayer zigzag MoS2 nanoribbons
Authors: Wen Yan-Ni , Gao Peng-Fei , Chen Xi , Xia Ming-Gang , Zhang Yang , Zhang Sheng-Li
Published: February 2017

First-principles study based on density functional theory has been employed to investigate width-dependent structural stability and magnetic properties of monolayer zigzag MoS2 nanoribbons (ZZ-MoS2 NRs). The width N = 4–6 (the numbers of zigzag Mo–S chains along the ribbon length) are considered. The results show that all studied ZZ-MoS2 NRs are less stable than two-dimensional MoS2 monolayer, exhibiting that a broader width ribbon behaves better structural stability and an inversely proportional relationship between the structural stability (or the ribbon with) and boundary S–Mo interaction. Electronic states imply that all ZZ-MoS2 NRs exhibit magnetic properties, regardless of their widths. Total magnetic moment increases with the increasing width N, which is mainly ascribed to the decreasing S–Mo interaction of the two zigzag edges. In order to confirm this reason, a uniaxial tension strain is applied to ZZ-MoS2 NRs. It has been found that, with the increasing tension strain, the bond length of boundary S–Mo increases, at the same time, the magnetic moment increases also. Our results suggest the rational applications of ZZ-MoS2 NRs in nanoelectronics and spintronics.
A COMPARISON OF THREE HURST EXPONENT APPROACHES TO PREDICT NASCENT BUBBLES IN S&P500 STOCKS
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-MARTÍNEZ M. , SÁNCHEZ-GRANERO M. A. , MUÑOZ TORRECILLAS M. J. , MCKELVEY BILL
Published: February 2017

Since the pioneer contributions due to Vandewalle and Ausloos, the Hurst exponent has been applied by econophysicists as a useful indicator to deal with investment strategies when such a value is above or below [Formula: see text], the Hurst exponent of a Brownian motion. In this paper, we hypothesize that the self-similarity exponent of financial time series provides a reliable indicator for herding behavior (HB) in the following sense: if there is HB, then the higher the price, the more the people will buy. This will generate persistence in the stocks which we shall measure by their self-similarity exponents. Along this work, we shall explore whether there is some connections between the self-similarity exponent of a stock (as a HB indicator) and the stock’s future performance under the assumption that the HB will last for some time. With this aim, three approaches to calculate the self-similarity exponent of a time series are compared in order to determine which performs best to identify the transition from random efficient market behavior to HB and hence, to detect the beginning of a bubble. Generalized Hurst Exponent, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, and GM2 algorithms have been tested. Traditionally, researchers have focused on identifying the beginning of a crash. We study the beginning of the transition from efficient market behavior to a market bubble, instead. Our empirical results support that the higher (respectively the lower) the self-similarity index, the higher (respectively the lower) the mean of the price change, and hence, the better (respectively the worse) the performance of the corresponding stock. This would imply, as a consequence, that the transition process from random efficient market to HB has started. For experimentation purposes, S&P500 stock Index constituted our main data source.
INFLUENCE OF THREE DIFFERENT CURVATURES FLEX-FOOT PROSTHESIS WHILE SINGLE-LEG STANDING OR RUNNING: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS STUDY
Authors: KE MING-JEN , HUANG KUI-CHOU , LEE CHENG-HUNG , CHU HENG-YI , WU YUNG-TSAN , CHANG SHIN-TSU , CHIANG SHANG-LIN , SU KUO-CHIH
Published: February 2017

Flex foot device was one of the most common prosthesis for the athletes with the transtibial amputation on the recent market. Thus, the results of investigation with biomechanics on the flex foot would be a considerable impact on the performance of disabled athletes wearing the flex foots. This study was designed to investigate the biomechanical condition of the flex foot prosthesis with different curvatures while standing and running by finite element analysis. This study demonstrated finite element models of flex foot established with three different curvatures 20[Formula: see text] (small bending), 35[Formula: see text] (medium bending) and 50[Formula: see text] (big bending). Besides, it simulates and investigates the condition of flex foot while a person is wearing it with single-leg standing or running. The evaluation indices were selected as von Mises stress and displacements at top of socket surface. The results show that the big-bending flex foot generated the higher stress and the larger deformed displacement. Without exceeding the material tolerance of the flex foot, the larger displacement of big-bending flex foot could generate more energy, which possessed larger resilient potential energy and enabled the athletes to have better performance after using the flex foot. As a result, due to its beneficial property of energy storage and return, the large-bending flex foot user could have better effect. In the future, more innovative designs of the flex foot prosthesis can be laid out with the reference of the result in this study.
New Formula for the Piezoresistive Accelerometer Motion Acceleration and Experimental Validation
Authors: Ghemari Zine , Chouaf Fethi , Saad Salah
Published: February 2017

A piezoresistive accelerometer is the first element of a vibration measurement chain, and its improvement can enhance measurement quality. In this paper, we have developed a new formula that links the movement acceleration as a function of the natural frequency and the damping rate of the piezoresistive accelerometer in first time, and movement acceleration as a function of the measurement error in second time. This model allows the decrease of the acceleration measurement error and increases the accelerometer accuracy by choosing the right damping rate and frequency range. Finally, this new formula allows proposing new parameters for more accurate and reliable piezoresistive accelerometer.
Cardiovascular benefits associated with higher dietary K+ vs. lower dietary Na+: evidence from population and mechanistic studies
Authors: McDonough Alicia A. , Veiras Luciana C. , Guevara Claire A. , Ralph Donna L.
Published: February 2017

The World Health Organization ranks hypertension the leading global risk factor for disease, specifically, cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure (BP) is higher in Westernized populations consuming Na+-rich processed foods than in isolated societies consuming K+-rich natural foods. Evidence suggests that lowering dietary Na+ is particularly beneficial in hypertensive individuals who consume a high-Na+ diet. Nonetheless, numerous population studies demonstrate a relationship between higher dietary K+, estimated from urinary excretion or dietary recall, and lower BP, regardless of Na+ intake. Interventional studies with K+ supplementation suggest that it provides a direct benefit; K+ may also be a marker for other beneficial components of a “natural” diet. Recent studies in rodent models indicate mechanisms for the K+ benefit: the distal tubule Na+-Cl− cotransporter (NCC) controls Na+ delivery downstream to the collecting duct, where Na+ reabsorbed by epithelial Na+ channels drives K+ secretion and excretion through K+ channels in the same region. High dietary K+ provokes a decrease in NCC activity to drive more K+ secretion (and Na+ excretion, analogous to the actions of a thiazide diuretic) whether Na+ intake is high or low; low dietary K+ provokes an increase in NCC activity and Na+ retention, also independent of dietary Na+. Together, the findings suggest that public health efforts directed toward increasing consumption of K+-rich natural foods would reduce BP and, thus, cardiovascular and kidney disease.
A Lip Lump: An Unexpected Histological Diagnosis of a Lip Schwannoma
Authors: Haigh Thomas , Glore John Raad , Gouldesbrough David , Wong Winson
Published: February 2017

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumours arising from Schwann cells. They comprise 1% of all benign tumours. In the 2016 World Health Organisation Classification of Central Nervous System, they are classified as a tumour of the cranial and paraspinal nerves, Schwannoma 9560/0. A 23-year-old Caucasian lady presented with a seven-month history of a painless right upper lip lump. Examination revealed a small cystic 0.5 cm diameter lesion within the right upper lip. The clinical impression was that of a mucocele. Excision of the lip lesion was performed under local anaesthetic. Histological examination of the excised lesion demonstrated a circumscribed nodule consisting of spindle cells mixed with vascular spaces containing red blood cells and fibrin. Immunohistochemistry for S100 was strongly positive. The findings were consistent with that of a small benign schwannoma. The current consensus is for surgical excision of a conservative nature with no need for margins. If recurrence does occur one needs to consider whether complete enucleation was achieved or whether malignant transformation has occurred.
Obfuscated RSUs Vector Based Signature Scheme for Detecting Conspiracy Sybil Attack in VANETs
Authors: Feng Xia , Tang Jin
Published: February 2017

Given the popularity of vehicular Ad hoc networks (VANETs) in traffic management, a new challenging issue comes into traffic safety, that is, security of the networks, especially when the adversary breaks defence. Sybil attack, for example, is a potential security threat through forging several identities to carry out attacks in VANETs. At this point, the paper proposed a solution named DMON that is a Sybil attack detection method with obfuscated neighbor relationship of Road Side Units (RSUs). DMON presents a ring signature based identification scheme and replaces vehicles’ identities with their trajectory for the purpose of anonymity. Furthermore, the neighbor relationship of RSUs is obfuscated to achieve privacy preserving of locations. The proposed scheme has been formally proved in the views of security and performance. Simulation has also been implemented to validate the scheme, in which the findings reveal the lower computational overhead and higher detection rate comparing with other related solutions.
Anthelmintic Resistance of Strongyle Nematodes to Ivermectin and Fenbendazole on Cart Horses in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Seyoum Zewdu , Zewdu Alemu , Dagnachew Shimelis , Bogale Basazinew
Published: February 2017

A study was conducted from November 2015 to April 2016 to determine fenbendazole and ivermectin resistance status of intestinal nematodes of cart horses in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Forty-five strongyle infected animals were used for this study. The animals were randomly allocated into three groups (15 horses per group). Group I was treated with fenbendazole and Group II with ivermectin and Group III was left untreated. Faecal samples were collected from each cart horse before and after treatment. Accordingly, the reduction in the mean fecal egg count at fourteen days of treatment for ivermectin and fenbendazole was 97.25% and 79.4%, respectively. It was significantly different in net egg count between treatment and control groups after treatment. From the study, resistance level was determined for fenbendazole and suspected for ivermectin. In addition, a questionnaire survey was also conducted on 90 selected cart owners to assess their perception on anthelmintics. In the survey, the most available drugs in the study area used by the owners were fenbendazole and ivermectin. Most respondents have no knowledge about drug management techniques. Hence, animal health extension services to create awareness regarding anthelmintic management that plays a key role in reducing the anthelmintic resistance parasites.
Multidimensional Aspects of de qi Sensations in MASS and ASQ Assessment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jang Jong-Chan , Jung Jaegyun , Lee Haebeom , Park Young-Bae , Kim Hyunho
Published: February 2017

Background. De qi comprises varied senses depending on the individual. No single method can yet fully measure the multiple dimensions of de qi adequately. Objective. We examined the advantages of implementing multiple questionnaires for de qi measurement. Methods. Fourteen participants completed a preacupuncture questionnaire regarding their perception toward acupuncture treatment. After acupuncture stimulation at the HT7 point, de qi sensations were measured by MASS and ASQ. In groups with different levels of expectation, we compared the subtotal scores of each phase in the ASQ, as well as the VAS de qi intensity and MASS index using Kruskal‐Wallis test. For the structural comparison of questionnaires, we first performed Spearman’s rank correlation test between the scores of individual descriptors in MASS and ASQ. The subtotal scores of each phase in ASQ was compared with VAS de qi intensity and MASS index. Results. The subtotal score of the manipulation phase in ASQ strongly correlated with the VAS score of de qi intensity (Spearman’s ρ = 0.654, p = 0.011) and MASS index (Spearman’s ρ = 0.488, p = 0.076). MASS and ASQ showed strong correlations in certain analogous descriptors. Unpleasant perceptions toward acupuncture treatment did not significantly correlate with overall de qi intensity. Conclusions. De qi sensations in acupuncture treatment have multidimensional aspects. Intensity of stimulation, ASQ, and MASS index assess somewhat restricted aspects of de qi. Those questionnaires have exclusive differences of sets in spite of their strong intersections. Use of multiple questionnaires may enable a more comprehensive understanding of de qi properties and the elicitation of relevant construction in de qi features of acupuncture.
Clinical Outcomes of Specific Immunotherapy in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Jiang , Xiao-Zhong Guo , Qi Xing-Shun
Published: February 2017

Specific immunotherapies, including vaccines with autologous tumor cells and tumor antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, are important treatments for PC patients. To evaluate the clinical outcomes of PC-specific immunotherapy, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relevant published clinical trials. The effects of specific immunotherapy were compared with those of nonspecific immunotherapy and the meta-analysis was executed with results regarding the overall survival (OS), immune responses data, and serum cancer markers data. The pooled analysis was performed by using the random-effects model. We found that significantly improved OS was noted for PC patients utilizing specific immunotherapy and an improved immune response was also observed. In conclusion, specific immunotherapy was superior in prolonging the survival time and enhancing immunological responses in PC patients.
Twice-Daily versus Once-Daily Pramipexole Extended Release Dosage Regimens in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Yun Ji Young , Kim Young Eun , Yang Hui-Jun , Kim Han-Joon , Jeon Beomseok
Published: February 2017

This open-label study aimed to compare once-daily and twice-daily pramipexole extended release (PER) treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD patients on dopamine agonist therapy, but with unsatisfactory control, were enrolled. Existing agonist doses were switched into equivalent PER doses. Subjects were consecutively enrolled into either once-daily-first or twice-daily-first groups and received the prescribed amount in one or two, respectively, daily doses for 8 weeks. For the second period, subjects switched regimens in a crossover manner. The forty-four patients completed a questionnaire requesting preference during their last visit. We measured the UPDRS-III, Hoehn and Yahr stages (H&Y) in medication-on state, Parkinson’s disease sleep scale (PDSS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Eighteen patients preferred a twice-daily regimen, 12 preferred a once-daily regimen, and 14 had no preference. After the trial, 14 subjects wanted to be on a once-daily regimen, 25 chose a twice-daily regimen, and 5 wanted to maintain the prestudy regimen. Main reasons for choosing the twice-daily regimen were decreased off-duration, more tolerable off-symptoms, and psychological stability. The mean UPDRS-III, H&Y, and PDSS were not different. Daytime sleepiness was significantly high in the once-daily regimen, whereas nocturnal hallucinations were more common in the twice-daily. Multiple dosing should be considered if once-daily dosing is unsatisfactory. This study is registered asNCT01515774at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Analysis of Sera of Recipients with Allograft Rejection Indicates That Keratin 1 Is the Target of Anti-Endothelial Antibodies
Authors: Guo Xuli , Hu Juan , Luo Weiguang , Luo Qizhi , Guo Jing , Tian Fang , Ming Yingzi , Zou Yizhou
Published: February 2017

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) are usually directed against the surface antigens on the vascular endothelial cells. Clinical studies suggest a pathogenic role for nonhuman leukocyte antigen in antibody-mediated rejection; however, the antigens on the donor vascular endothelium that serve as the first-line targets for an immune response during allograft rejection have not been fully identified. Here, we used immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify antigens from the sera of kidney transplant recipients who were experiencing antibody-mediated rejection. Keratin 1 (KRT1) was identified as a novel antigenic target expressed on endothelial cells. To validate our finding, we produced recombinant proteins representing the three most common alleles of KRT1. The serum used for immunoprecipitation showed a strong reaction to KRT1 recombinants in western blot and ELISA. In the kidney transplant cohort, more AECA-positive recipients than AECA-negative recipients had KRT1 antibodies (32.2% versus 11.9%, p=0.002). Sera from 255 renal recipients were tested by ELISA. Of the 77 recipients with deteriorating graft function (serum creatinine > 120 μmol/L), 23 had anti-KRT1 antibodies. KRT1-IgG positivity was, therefore, associated with a higher risk of kidney transplant rejection (29.9% (23/77) versus 16.9% (30/178), p=0.0187). A better understanding of this antigenic target will improve long-term allograft survival.
Safety and Efficacy of Two Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stents as the Sole Procedure in Japanese Patients with Medically Uncontrolled Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Pilot Case Series
Authors: Shiba Daisuke , Hosoda Shingo , Yaguchi Saori , Ozeki Naoki , Yuki Kenya , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: February 2017

Purpose. To evaluate efficacy and safety of a trabecular micro-bypass stent system when used as the sole procedure in Japanese patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Design. Prospective nonrandomized interventional pilot study. Methods. Ten eyes of 10 Japanese patients with medically uncontrolled POAG taking three ocular hypotensive medications were treated using only the implantation of two iStent trabecular micro-bypass stents. Each patient continued to take the same ocular hypotensive medications used preoperatively throughout the study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell density (ECD) were determined at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Results. Mean IOP was 22.0±3.0 mmHg at baseline and 16.9±3.6 mmHg at 6 months, which represented a mean reduction of 5.1 mmHg or 23.2%. No significant changes were observed in the ECD and BCVA. Complications that occurred during the early postoperative period included hyphema, peripheral anterior synechiae, and occlusion of the stent by the iris. Conclusion. Implantation of two trabecular micro-bypass stents as the sole procedure in Japanese POAG patients effectively reduced IOP and exhibited a favorable safety profile. Clinical Trials Registration number is UMIN000004002.
Acquired Resistance to the Hsp90 Inhibitor, Ganetespib, inKRAS-Mutant NSCLC Is Mediated via Reactivation of the ERK–p90RSK–mTOR Signaling Network
Authors: Chatterjee Suman , Huang Eric H.-B. , Christie Ian , Kurland Brenda F. , Burns Timothy F.
Published: February 2017

Approximately 25% of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have KRAS mutations, and no effective therapeutic strategy exists for these patients. The use of Hsp90 inhibitors in KRAS-mutant NSCLC appeared to be a promising approach, as these inhibitors target many KRAS downstream effectors; however, limited clinical efficacy has been observed due to resistance. Here, we examined the mechanism(s) of acquired resistance to the Hsp90 inhibitor, ganetespib, and identified novel and rationally devised Hsp90 inhibitor combinations, which may prevent and overcome resistance to Hsp90 inhibitors. We derived KRAS-mutant NSCLC ganetespib-resistant cell lines to identify the resistance mechanism(s) and identified hyperactivation of RAF/MEK/ERK/RSK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways as key resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, we found that ganetespib-resistant cells are “addicted” to these pathways, as ganetespib resistance leads to synthetic lethality to a dual PI3K/mTOR, a PI3K, or an ERK inhibitor. Interestingly, the levels and activity of a key activator of the mTOR pathway and an ERK downstream target, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), were also increased in the ganetespib-resistant cells. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of p90RSK in ganetespib-resistant cells restored sensitivity to ganetespib, whereas p90RSK overexpression induced ganetespib resistance in naïve cells, validating p90RSK as a mediator of resistance and a novel therapeutic target. Our studies offer a way forward for Hsp90 inhibitors through the rational design of Hsp90 inhibitor combinations that may prevent and/or overcome resistance to Hsp90 inhibitors, providing an effective therapeutic strategy for KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 793–804. ©2017 AACR.
Prognostic Utility of a Modified HEART Score in Chest Pain Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: McCord James , Cabrera Rafael , Lindahl Bertil , Giannitsis Evangelos , Evans Kaleigh , Nowak Richard , Frisoli Tiberio , Body Richard , Christ Michael , deFilippi Christopher R. , Christenson Robert H. , Jacobsen Gordon , Alquezar Aitor , Panteghini Mauro , Melki Dina , Plebani Mario , Verschuren Franck , French John , Bendig Garnet , Weiser Silvia , Mueller Christian , Twerenbold Raphael , Katus Hugo A. , Popp Steffen , Ordóñez-Llanos Jorge , Santalo-Bel Miquel , Horner Daniel , Dolci Alberto , Jernberg Tomas , Zaninotto Martina , Manara Alessandro , Dinkel Carina , Menassanch-Volker Sylvie , Jarausch Jochen , Zaugg Christian
Published: February 2017

Background—

The TRAPID-AMI trial study (High-Sensitivity Troponin-T Assay for Rapid Rule-Out of Acute Myocardial Infarction) evaluated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT) in a 1-hour acute myocardial infarction (AMI) exclusion algorithm. Our study objective was to evaluate the prognostic utility of a modified HEART score (m-HS) within this trial.

Methods and Results—

Twelve centers evaluated 1282 patients in the emergency department for possible AMI from 2011 to 2013. Measurements of hs-cTnT (99th percentile, 14 ng/L) were performed at 0, 1, 2, and 4 to 14 hours. Evaluation for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) occurred at 30 days (death or AMI). Low-risk patients had an m-HS≤3 and had either hs-cTnT<14 ng/L over serial testing or had AMI excluded by the 1-hour protocol. By the 1-hour protocol, 777 (60%) patients had an AMI excluded. Of those 777 patients, 515 (66.3%) patients had an m-HS≤3, with 1 (0.2%) patient having a MACE, and 262 (33.7%) patients had an m-HS≥4, with 6 (2.3%) patients having MACEs (
P
=0.007). Over 4 to 14 hours, 661 patients had a hs-cTnT<14 ng/L. Of those 661 patients, 413 (62.5%) patients had an m-HS≤3, with 1 (0.2%) patient having a MACE, and 248 (37.5%) patients had an m-HS≥4, with 5 (2.0%) patients having MACEs (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Serial testing of hs-cTnT over 1 hour along with application of an m-HS identified a low-risk population that might be able to be directly discharged from the emergency department.
External Validation of the fullPIERS Model for Predicting Adverse Maternal Outcomes in Pregnancy Hypertension in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Ukah U. Vivian , Payne Beth , Lee Tang , Magee Laura A. , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: February 2017

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Early identification of women with preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at high risk of complications will aid in reducing this health burden. The fullPIERS model (Preeclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk) was developed for predicting adverse maternal outcomes from preeclampsia using data from tertiary centers in high-income countries and uses maternal demographics, signs, symptoms, and laboratory tests as predictors. We aimed to assess the validity of the fullPIERS model in women with the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in low-resourced hospital settings. Using miniPIERS data collected on women admitted with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between July 2008 and March 2012 in 7 hospitals in 5 low- and middle-income countries, the predicted probability of developing an adverse maternal outcome was calculated for each woman using the fullPIERS equation. Missing predictor values were imputed using multivariate imputation by chained equations. The performance of the model was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and stratification capacity.

Among 757 women with complete predictor data (complete-case analyses), the fullPIERS model had a good area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.82) with poor calibration (
P
<0·001 for the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test). Performance as a rule-in tool was moderate (likelihood ratio: 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 4.23–8.35) for women with ≥30% predicted probability of an adverse outcome. The fullPIERS model may be used in low-resourced setting hospitals to identify women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at high risk of adverse maternal outcomes in need of immediate interventions.
Creating Multiple Spatial Settings with “Granular Spatialisation” in the High-Density Loudspeaker Array of the Cube Concert Hall
Authors: Alejandro Garavaglia Javier
Published: February 2017

This article offers an alternative for spatializing electroacoustic music using high-density loudspeaker arrays (HDLAs). It describes and contextualizes experimentation with the large array of speakers of the Cube concert hall made during the Spatial Audio Workshop residency at the Moss Arts Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in August 2015. The experiments were performed using the implementation of “Granular Spatialisation” (GS), a technique developed by the author for sound diffusion in HDLAs. This is based on the projection of sound using spatial grains of “microdurations,” with ideally one grain individually addressing each speaker of the array. The article focuses on particular aspects of, challenges from, and strategies for using GS for the projection of sound with the Cube's array of 138 loudspeakers, including four independent subwoofers, while composing a new acousmatic piece that was diffused in the Cube at the end of the residency.
Opaque Intervention
Authors: Heck Fabian , Himmelreich Anke
Published: February 2017

In this article, we illustrate that arguments in German and Czech differ in their ability to function as antecedents for certain associates (floating quantifiers, parasitic gaps, and predicate nominals). While some of the differences can be explained in terms of surface intervention, others cannot. We propose that this is accounted for if the association abilities are determined early in the derivation—namely, at the edge of the vP phase, where the arguments’ base order is still preserved. While later operations may alter the relative order of the arguments, they come too late to have any effect on the arguments’ licensing abilities, thus rendering intervention effects opaque.
Does Hindi-Urdu Have Feature-DrivenWh-Movement to Spec,vP?
Authors: Dayal Veneeta
Published: February 2017

Manetta (2010) argues that Hindi-Urdu has feature-driven overt wh-movement to Spec,vP, a position from which wh-expressions can take clausal scope. This is argued to provide a unified account of the following aspects of question formation in the language: the tendency of wh-expressions to occur in preverbal position, the possibility of overt long wh-movement, and the use of scope marking to question out of finite complements. Here, I first probe some hidden assumptions in Manetta’s account, revealing crucial gaps in the argumentation. I then discuss new facts, as well as some old ones, that challenge central components of the proposal. As a whole, the discussion establishes that the move to capture question formation in Hindi-Urdu through wh-movement to Spec,vP does not deliver the promised results.
Long-Form and Short-Form Prenominal Adjectives Are Not Reduced Relative Clauses in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
Authors: Talić Aida
Published: February 2017

Cinque (2010) treats prenominal adjectives in languages like Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) and English either as APs in the specifiers of functional projections in the extended domain of N (direct modification) or as predicates in reduced relative clauses in the specifiers of functional projections (indirect modification), while postnominal adjectives in these languages are treated only as predicates in reduced relative clauses. In this model, the direct-modification source is associated with one set of interpretations and the indirect-modification source with a different set of interpretations. This proposed dual-source analysis raises the question whether there are any languages that mark this distinction with overt morphology. In this respect, Cinque considers languages, among them BCS, where adnominal modification has two distinct morphological shapes. Crucially, BCS adjectives have different morphological forms depending on their distribution: the “long form” and the “short form.” Cinque treats the two forms as being overt manifestations of the two sources of modification. In particular, he suggests that adnominal short-form adjectives are always reduced relative clauses (indirect modification), while long-form adjectives are ambiguous between the two sources. This proposal captures some distributional and ordering restrictions these two forms of BCS adjectives display.

In this squib, I provide several empirical arguments against the claim that BCS is a language that overtly distinguishes between two sources of modification. By closely inspecting the distribution and interpretations of BCS adjectives, the ordering between the two forms in the prenominal position, and extraction possibilities out of APs, I show that both long- and short-form adjectives represent challenges for Cinque’s model. I argue that treating BCS long adjectives, as well as prenominal short adjectives, as reduced relative clauses is problematic. More generally, my investigation of interpretations that adnominal adjectives in BCS receive, including several parallels between BCS and English, leads to the conclusion that, although there may be two syntactic sources of adnominal adjectives, these different sources are not identified by two distinct sets of interpretations associated with them. I also introduce facts that are problematic for the claim that the indirect-modification source involves reduced relative clauses.

The squib is organized as follows. In section 1 , I introduce Cinque’s (2010) dual-modification-source model and its predictions. In section 2 , I explore how the predictions of this model fare with respect to BCS adjectives. In sections 2.1 and 2.2 , I discuss data regarding BCS long and short adjectives, respectively, that are problematic for the dual-source analysis. Section 3 is the conclusion.
Discovery in Japan of the second species of the genus Dolichocentrus Martynov (Trichoptera: Brachycentridae)
Authors: NOZAKI TAKAO
Published: February 2017

A new species Dolichocentrus sakura is described from western Honshu, Japan. This is the second species of the genus Dolichocentrus Martynov. Descriptions of female and immature stages of this genus are provided for the first time.
Five new species of grass cicadas in the genus Graminitigrina (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae: Cicadettini) from Queensland and Northern Territory, Australia: comparative morphology, songs, behaviour and distributions
Authors: EWART A. , POPPLE L.W. , HILL K.B.R
Published: February 2017

Five new species of small grass cicadas belonging to the genus Graminitigrina Ewart and Marques are described, together with detailed analyses of their calling songs. Four species occur in Queensland, G. aurora n. sp. from eastern central Queensland near Fairbairn Dam; G. flindensis n. sp. from central Queensland between Hughenden northwards for at least 108 km; G. einasleighi n. sp. from near The Lynd, Einasleigh River, northeastern Queensland; G. selwynensis n. sp. from the Selwyn Range, northwestern Queensland, at locations about 40 km east of Mount Isa and 25 km southwest of Cloncurry, this latter here transferred from G. bowensis Ewart and Marques; G. uluruensis n. sp. from Uluru and the Olgas in southwestern Northern Territory, extending northwards through Tennant Creek and apparently further north to near Larrimah, a linear distance of approximately 1190 km. These new species bring the known Graminitigrina species to ten, all superficially similar in colour and morphology. A key to male specimens is provided for the 10 species. Additional distribution records and additional aural song recordings are presented for G. bowensis, these requiring the transfer of populations previously identified as G. bowensis from Croydon and Georgetown, northern Gulf region, to G. karumbae Ewart and Marques. Detailed comparative analyses, including NMDS analyses, of the songs of all 10 species are provided, which show that the song parameters are appropriate to distinguish the species, although some partial overlap is noted in the waveform plots between the songs of G. uluruensis n. sp. and G. flindensis n. sp. Regional variations of song parameters are noted in the calling songs of most of the species described.
Ethnic Quotas as Term-Limits: Caste and Distributive Politics in South India
Authors: Parthasarathy Ramya
Published: February 2017

While ethnic quotas are primarily used to increase minority political representation, they also act like term-limits for majority-group incumbents, who cannot seek reelection after quota implementation. As such, quotas may have the perverse effect of making incumbents less accountable during their last term, particularly to minorities. Although majority-group incumbents may still have social reasons to distribute benefits to their coethnics, they have less reason to do so for minorities, from whom they derive little social reward. Using the systematic rotation of caste quotas in south India, this article shows that village presidents who expect to be ousted by quota spend significantly less on minorities than those who can run again; however, they do not reduce spending on goods that benefit their own communities. These findings suggest that quota policies must be evaluated not just by whom they bring into office but also by whom they force out.
La modernità del multiforme ingegno di Giovan Battista della Porta (1615–2015)
Authors: Ricco Renato
Published: February 2017

La discussione del volume degli Atti del convegno, svoltosi tra Napoli e Vico Equense nell’ottobre 2015 e dedicato a Giovan Battista della Porta, è volta in primo luogo ad illustrare tutti gli aspetti della fervida attività dell’autore vicano, ma anche a ricostruire, sebbene sinteticamente, il contesto storico, sociopolitico e culturale in cui questa si espresse, mediante una costante attenzione tanto alle fonti quanto alla tradizione ecdotica dei testi dellaportiani.
Flora, Fauna, and Marsilio Ficino in Luigi Pulci’s Morgante
Authors: Maher Michael J
Published: February 2017

This study identifies an allegorical representation of the polemic between vernacular poet Luigi Pulci and Neoplatonic philosopher Marsilio Ficino within Pulci’s epic poem Il Morgante. Pulci’s critique of Ficino’s cultural-philosophical program may be deduced from the treatment of flora and fauna in two equine scenes from Pulci’s masterpiece. Twice in the Morgante, Rinaldo’s charger Baiardo is commandeered: first by the benevolent wizard Malagigi in canto 5, and then by the devil-theologian Astarotte in canto 25. In canto 5, Malagigi respects nature’s limits as determined by God and delineated by Pulci in canto 24. In canto 25, Astarotte’s powers and his treatment of plant and beast trump nature’s limits. Astarotte’s oration of Ficino’s philosophy from the De Christiana religione facilitates an allegorical identification of Marsilio Ficino and Pulci’s critical voice. Through this allegorical reading, tangible examples are applied to abstract conflicting cultural-philosophical programs. The Pulci-Ficino polemic is a valuable lens through which one may further comprehend the cultural complexities of Laurentian Florence, a time and place at the forefront of the Italian Renaissance.
Building a doorbell for deaf people: Motivational electronic experiment for freshmen
Authors: Garcia Euler V , Pintarelli Guilherme B , Suzuki Daniela OH
Published: February 2017

Renewed emphasis on (capstone or cornerstone) design courses and application of educational and learning researches are just two of the changes that Engineering Education has been through recently. Despite the many possible approaches in Inductive Learning, the fact is that students’ expectations of teaching, learning and technology have hardly changed over the years. This paper presents a lab experiment on assistive technology for deaf people to help build freshmen motivation and to address electronics concepts as early as possible in an engineering course. Learner satisfaction was evaluated by a 16-item questionnaire completed by 67 students from two distinct undergraduate programs. Learner satisfaction was assessed as a set of four dimensions: ‘Content’, ‘User Interface’, ‘Ease of Use’ and ‘Enthusiasm and Motivation’, all evaluated in a seven-level Likert Scale (ranging from ‘strongly disagree’ to ‘strongly agree’). Reported scores of ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ Likert-scale options are 77%, 62%, 56%, and 76%, respectively, for ‘Content’, ‘User Interface’, ‘Ease of Use’ and ‘Enthusiasm and Motivation’ dimensions. We believe that similar scores on related dimensions are good tokens of the overall consistency of the results. In summary, students seem satisfied with the doorbell lab experiment, but improvements should be made on user interface and ease of use aspects in future versions of the experiment.
Work Cognition and Psychological Well-Being: The Role of Cognitive Engagement as a Partial Mediator
Authors: Joo Baek-Kyoo (Brian) , Zigarmi Drea , Nimon Kim , Shuck Brad
Published: February 2017

Due to the emergence of positive psychology, literature that has focused on happiness in the workplace has increased over the past two decades. Well-being has become a critical topic for today’s policy makers. Firms have also begun to shed more light on how to enhance employees’ well-being. This study examined how employees’ cognition of work environment related to cognitive engagement and psychological well-being in a South Korean conglomerate. Results of the structural equation modeling showed that perceived work cognitions of 518 employees accounted for 31% of the variance in cognitive engagement. Employees’ work cognition and cognitive engagement explained 50% of the variance in psychological well-being. In addition, cognitive engagement played a role as a partial mediator. Human resource/organization development practitioners and managers might enhance the level of employee engagement and psychological well-being by providing positive organizational support, by redesigning job context, and by enhancing relations with their leaders and coworkers.
Evaluation of mechanical properties and microstructure of Al/Al–12%Si multilayer via warm accumulative roll bonding process
Authors: Mahallawy N El , Fathy A , Hassan M , Abdelaziem W
Published: February 2017

In this study, accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was used to produce Al/Al–12%Si multilayered composites at 300℃. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were studied during various ARB cycles by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), tensile test, and the Vickers microhardness test. The FE-SEM results revealed that, as the ARB cycle increases the thickness of individual Al and Al–12%Si sheets decreased. After the 5th cycle, Al–12%Si layers were necked, fractured and dispersed in the aluminum matrix. A new intermetallic phase Al3.21Si0.47 was formed at the Al/Al–12%Si interface, indicating that the ARB process could result in a metallurgical bonding. It was observed that the tensile strength of composites improved by increasing the ARB passes, i.e. the tensile strength of the Al/Al–12%Si composite was measured to be about 5.52 and 2.17 times that of the primary 1050-Al and Al–12%Si sheets, respectively. Observations reveal that the failure mode in ARB-processed composites is of the shear ductile rupture type. The microhardness of the Al and Al–12%Si alloys were raised to 110 HV and 121 HV after five cycles.