bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contactless Yagi-patch EMG electrodes design and development for prosthetics
Authors: Stopforth Riaan , Mangezi Andrew 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
A contactless electromyography (EMG) electrodes design and development for prosthetics, particularly the Touch Hand 3, was the main objective of this paper. The correlation between EMG electrodes and patch antenna are described, with the problem relating to the dimensions of the covidien electrodes. The purpose of this paper is to improve the signal strength of the EMG electrodes and having them to not be in contact with the skin to cause irritation in the person.

Design/methodology/approach
A combination of the contact covidien electrodes and aluminium foil was used to develop electrodes that were in a similar configuration than a Yagi antenna. Different layers of patch elements were designed, developed and implemented.

Findings
Different layers of Yagi-patch electrodes are tested with different volunteers and compared with the average signal strengths obtained from the covidien electrodes. An improvement in signal strength with the Yagi-patch electrodes has been found.

Practical implications
The purpose of the work was to design, develop and test EMG electrodes that are cost-effective, reusable and able to improve the signal strengths that are recorded, for better functionality of prosthetic devices.

Originality/value
The integration of EMG and antennae theory to implement a Yagi-patch EMG electrode to improve on signal reception. The electrodes have the properties of being cheap, easy available, can eliminate direct contact and avoiding patches on the skin. Comparison of different layered electrodes with the contactless electrodes close to the skin. Comparison of the different electrodes on a silicone sleeve, which are commonly worn by amputees, placed between the skin and the prosthetic’s socket. Testing the Yagi-patch electrodes with an application with the prosthetic Touch Hand, to allow for the control of a system such as the Touch Hand.
Contrasting impacts of land‐use change on phylogenetic and functional diversity of tropical forest birds
Authors: Chapman Philip M. , Tobias Joseph A. , Edwards David P. , Davies Richard G. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation strategies increasingly target maintaining evolutionary history and the resilience of ecosystem function, not just species richness (SR). This has led to the emergence of two metrics commonly proposed as tools for decision making: phylogenetic diversity (PD) and functional diversity (FD). Yet, the extent to which they are interchangeable remains poorly understood.

We explore shifts in and relationships between FD and PD of bird communities across a disturbance gradient in Borneo, from old‐growth tropical forest to oil palm plantation.

We show a marked decline in PD, and an increase in phylogenetic mean nearest taxon distance from forest to oil palm, in line with declining SR across the gradient. However, phylogenetic mean pairwise distance is constrained by forest logging more than by conversion to oil palm, taking account of SR.

The decline in FD across the gradient is less severe than in PD, with all metrics indicating relatively high trait diversity in oil palm despite low SR, although functional redundancy is much reduced. Accounting for SR, levels of functional over‐ or under‐dispersion of bird communities are strongly coupled to habitat disturbance level rather than to any equivalent phylogenetic metric.

Policy implications. We suggest that while phylogenetic diversity (PD) is an improvement on species richness as a proxy for functional diversity (FD), conservation decisions based on phylogenetic diversity alone cannot reliably safeguard maximal functional diversity. Thus, phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity are related but still complementary. Priority setting exercises should use these metrics in combination to identify conservation targets.
Comparison of paired and single clinical placement models: a time‐use analysis
Authors: Bhagwat Marita , Hewetson Ronelle , Jones Lee , Hill Anne , Nunn Jennifer , Tosh Rachel , Cahill Louise 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundTo meet rising clinical placement demand caused by increasing health student numbers, the use of paired (two students) rather than single (one student) placement models has been proposed. There is, however, limited research available to inform placement providers about the relative effects of both models on healthcare services, including patient‐ and non‐patient‐related activities and patient occasions of service.AimsTo investigate a key clinical question: Does clinical educator (supervisor) and student time use differ during paired placements compared with single placements? Also to examine the satisfaction levels of clinical educators (CEs) and students with paired and single clinical placement models.Methods & ProceduresQueensland Health speech and language therapists (N = 44) and speech and language therapy students (N = 32) involved in paired or single clinical placements were recruited for this study. CEs and students completed time‐use surveys for 3 days after the midpoint of placements; CEs also completed surveys for 3 matched days during a non‐placement period 3 weeks or more following placements for comparative purposes. CEs and students additionally completed a satisfaction survey at the end of placements. Paired and single CE and student groups were compared for differences in their time‐use and satisfaction levels using non‐parametric statistics.Outcomes & ResultsThe placement model did not impact on occasions of service provided by CEs (p = 0.931) or students (p = 0.776). It also had no effect on the percentage of time CEs or students engaged in patient‐related activities (p = 0.577; 0.291) and non‐patient‐related activities (p = 0.559; 0.177). On clinical placement days, CEs spent a median 10 minutes longer at work regardless of whether or not it was a paired or single placement, compared with non‐placement days (p = 0.107). CEs and students who had been involved in a paired placement reported the same high levels of placement satisfaction (various measures) as those who had been involved in a single placement.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe paired‐placement model has the potential to increase student placement offers without negatively impacting on clinical service provision including occasions of service, patient or non‐patient‐related activities, or overall CE time spent at work.
Identification of a 62‐kDa major allergen from Artemisia pollen as a putative galactose oxidase
Authors: Fu W. , Gao Z. , Gao L. , Jin J. , Liu M. , Sun Y. , Wu S. , Wu L. , Ma H. , Dong Y. , Wang X. , Gao B. , Wang H. , Akkerdaas J. H. , Versteeg S. A. , van Ree R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAround 20 years ago, a 60‐ to 70‐kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties.MethodsSera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia‐allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60‐ to 70‐kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60‐ to 70‐kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia‐allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen.ResultsImmunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62‐kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N‐glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen‐allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients.ConclusionsThe previously reported 60‐ to 70‐kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62‐kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7.
Similar length of colon is removed regardless of localization in right‐sided colonic cancer surgery
Authors: Siebert Matthieu , Trilling Bertrand , Lamotte Anna , Taton Nicolas , Bellier Alexandre , Faucheron Jean Luc 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundColorectal cancers represent a heterogenous group of tumours. While left segmental colectomy is an accepted and oncologically safe practice for left‐sided colonic cancer (CC), some authors suggest that limited segmental resection of right‐sided cancer should be debated in order to preserve length of the resected colon. To our knowledge, caecum and ascending CC have not been analysed as different groups of tumours. The objective of this study was to assess if, retrospectively, surgical treatment of caecal cancer differed from ascending CC.MethodsA review of all consecutive patients with right colonic resection for cancer admitted to the University hospital of Grenoble from January 2005 to August 2016 was performed. Length of resected colon was compared between caecal primary and ascending CC. Other technical and pathological aspects were analysed such as minimal invasive surgery and number of harvested lymph nodes from anatomic specimens.ResultsAmong operated patients, tumour was localized pre‐operatively on caecum in 110 cases and on the right ascending colon in 119 cases. Pre‐operative localization had no effect on resected colon length (mean 24.5 cm, 24 ± 10.34 versus 25 cm ± 7.28, P = 0.95), on the number of harvested lymph nodes with a mean of 15 (±7.6) nodes in the caecal group versus 15.2 (±7.3) (P = 0.72). We noticed 15 cases of discordance between pre‐ and post‐operative localization (4 versus 11, P = 0.08).ConclusionLength of resected colon does not differ depending on localization of tumour in our center.
Examining the Millennials' Ethical Profile: Assessing Demographic Variations in Their Personal Value Orientations
Authors: Weber James , Urick Michael J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe Millennials, people born between 1980 and 2000, are poised to have a profound impact on our society but are often treated as a homogenous generation. While some prior research on generations posits that there are a number of consistencies across a generation, others argue that differences may emerge and distinguish individuals within a generation. Based on prior business ethics literature, this research dissects the Millennial's personal value orientations (PVO) to explore if demographic differences, such as gender, amount of work experience, business discipline specialization, and academic performance reveal variations in the ethical profile manifested by Millennials. The results from this research show that there are indeed numerous and significant statistical differences within the Millennials' PVO dataset. Variations are found when exploring nearly every demographic variable considered. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Structural factors associated with methamphetamine smoking among female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Conners Erin E. , Gaines Tommi L. , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Magis‐Rodriguez Carlos , Brouwer Kimberly C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSmoking methamphetamine is associated with increased risk of HIV among female sex workers (FSW). The structural context of substance use is an important shaper of individual behaviour; however, structural determinants of methamphetamine use among FSWs are largely unknown. We identified individual, structural and neighbourhood factors associated with smoking methamphetamine among FSWs in the border city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.Design and MethodsA prospective cohort of 301 FSWs sampled from indoor and outdoor sex work venues throughout Tijuana participated in quantitative surveys on behaviours and mapping of home and work neighbourhoods across three visits. Multinomial logistic regression using generalised estimating equations identified individual, structural and neighbourhood variables associated with smoking methamphetamine.ResultsMethamphetamine use, particularly smoking, was highly prevalent among FSWs. Over half (61%) of FSWs had ever used methamphetamine in their lifetime and at baseline, 38% currently smoked methamphetamine. Smoking methamphetamine daily was associated with living in the red light district [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23–6.02] and with perceived homelessness, but only among women in a good financial situation (AOR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.58–10.50). Smoking methamphetamine less than daily was associated with older age (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10).Discussion and ConclusionsOur findings point to the important dynamic between the residential environment and more severe methamphetamine use. FSWs may prioritise the purchase of methamphetamine over stable housing if they have the financial means. Given the high prevalence of smoking methamphetamine among FSWs in Tijuana, drug treatment options, especially for women living in the red light district, are needed.
Forecasting the combined effects of climate and land use change on Mexican bats
Authors: Zamora‐Gutierrez Veronica , Pearson Richard G. , Green Rhys E. , Jones Kate E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimClimate and land use change are among the most important threatening processes driving biodiversity loss, especially in the tropics. Although the potential impacts of each threat have been widely studied in isolation, few studies have assessed the impacts of climate and land cover change in combination. Here, we evaluate the exposure of a large mammalian clade, bats, to multiple scenarios of environmental change and dispersal to understand potential consequences for biodiversity conservation.LocationMexico.MethodsWe used ensemble species distribution models to forecast changes in environmental suitability for 130 bat species that occur in Mexico by 2050s under four dispersal assumptions and four combined climate and land use change scenarios. We identified regions with the strongest projected impacts for each scenario and assessed the overlap across scenarios.ResultsThe combined effects of climate and land use change will cause an average reduction in environmental suitability for 51% of the species across their range, regardless of scenario. Overall, species show a mean decrease in environmental suitability in at least 46% of their current range in all scenarios of change and dispersal. Climate scenarios had a higher impact on species environmental suitability than land use scenarios. There was a spatial overlap of 43% across the four environmental change scenarios for the regions projected to have the strongest impacts.Main conclusionsCombined effects of future environmental change may result in substantial declines in environmental suitability for Mexican bats even under optimistic scenarios. This study highlights the vulnerability of megadiverse regions and an indicator taxon to human disturbance. The consideration of combined threats can make an important difference in how we react to changes to conserve our biodiversity as they pose different challenges.
Divine Disaster Management: Cross and Resurrection as an Event of Creative Vulnerability
Authors: Thomas Günter 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article argues for a concept of a “responsive and creative divine vulnerability.” Such an understanding of the divine life relates differentiated conceptions of vulnerability, passion, and power. The article unfolds this specific understanding of divine vulnerability through a detailed analysis of the relation between the cross on the one hand and the resurrection of Christ in the power of the Spirit on the other hand.
Trust, Endangerment, and Divine Vulnerability: An Interdisciplinary Conversation with Niklas Luhmann and K.E. Løgstrup
Authors: Christoffersen Mikkel Gabriel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFaith is trusting God in the midst of endangerment. Yet, human experience of excessive suffering has challenged any spontaneous trust in God. In this article, I reconsider the idea of faith as trust in God, adding an emphasis on the divine vulnerability in the incarnation. I develop a more complex view of trust inspired by the Danish philosopher of religion K.E. Løgstrup and the German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. I use this view of trust to reconsider the relationship between trust and faith in the God of incarnation.
Cover Image, Volume 20, Issue 1
Authors: Loo Larry Sai Weng , Lau Hwee Hui , Jasmen Joanita Binte , Lim Chang Siang , Teo Adrian Kee Keong 
Published: December 2017

The cover image, by Larry Sai Weng Loo et al., is based on the Review Article An arduous journey from human pluripotent stem cells to functional pancreatic β cells, DOI: 10.1111/dom.12996.
image
The labour market effects of financial crises
Authors: Sharma Siddharth , Winkler Hernan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper examines how the 2008–2009 financial crisis affected labour markets in Europe, and how this impact depended on employment protection laws. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, our estimates isolate the effect of the lack of credit on the labour market from that of the general decline in aggregate economic activity. We find large and negative impacts of the credit shock on total employment, particularly on temporary, unskilled and young workers. These impacts were significantly larger in countries with stronger legal protection of permanent workers from dismissal. This suggests that the differential impact of the crisis across countries was not entirely driven by the heterogeneity of the credit shock, but also by labour regulations. Given regulatory inflexibility in adjusting the permanent workforce, firms responded to tightening financial constraints by disproportionately laying off temporary workers (who tend to be younger and less skilled than permanent workers).
The Graduating European Dentist—Domain II: Safe and Effective Clinical Practice
Authors: Field J. C. , DeLap E. , Manzanares Cespedes M. C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis position paper outlines the areas of competence and learning outcomes of “The Graduating European Dentist” that specifically relate to Safe and Effective Clinical Practice. Dentists are required to ensure that they are capable of providing appropriate care for their patients, whilst also effectively managing and leading the wider clinical team. The care that is provided should align to a contemporaneous evidence base wherever possible, and the quality of care and the management systems that underpin it should be regularly audited and improved.
Embolic strokes of undetermined source in young adults: baseline characteristics and long‐term outcome
Authors: Martinez‐Majander N. , Aarnio K. , Pirinen J. , Lumikari T. , Nieminen T. , Lehto M. , Sinisalo J. , Kaste M. , Tatlisumak T. , Putaala J. 
Published: December 2017

Background and purposeEmbolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS) are a recent entity, not yet thoroughly investigated in young stroke patients. The clinical characteristics and long‐term risks of vascular events and all‐cause mortality between young‐onset ESUS and other aetiological subgroups were compared.MethodsPatients with ESUS were identified amongst the 1008 patients aged 15−49 years with first‐ever ischaemic stroke in Helsinki Young Stroke Registry, and primary end‐points were defined as recurrent stroke, composite vascular events and all‐cause mortality. Cumulative 15‐year risks for each end‐point were analysed with life tables and adjusted risks were based on Cox proportional hazard analyses.ResultsOf the 971 eligible patients, 203 (20.9%) were classified as ESUS. They were younger (median age 40 years, interquartile range 32–46 vs. 45 years, 39–47), more often female (43.3% vs. 35.7%) and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors than other modified TOAST groups. With a median follow‐up time of 10.1 years, ESUS patients had the second lowest cumulative risk of recurrent stroke and composite vascular events and lowest mortality compared to other TOAST groups. Large‐artery atherosclerosis and small vessel disease carried significantly higher risk for recurrent stroke than did ESUS, whilst no difference appeared between cardioembolism from high‐risk sources and ESUS.ConclusionsIn our cohort, ESUS patients were younger and had milder cardiovascular risk factor burden and generally better long‐term outcome compared to other causes of young‐onset stroke. The comparable risk of recurrent stroke between ESUS and high‐risk sources of cardioembolism might suggest similarities in their pathophysiology.
Long‐term adherence with psychiatric treatment among patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Tolchin Benjamin , Dworetzky Barbara A. , Baslet Gaston 
Published: December 2017

SummaryWe conducted a prospective cohort study, examining long‐term adherence with psychiatric treatment among patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Subjects diagnosed with documented PNES were scheduled for 4 psychiatric visits. Survival analysis was performed, and covariates were assessed for association with time to nonadherence using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. One hundred twenty‐three subjects were recruited and followed for up to 17 months. Eighty percent of subjects attended the first outpatient visit, 42% attended the second, 24% attended the third, and only 14% remained adherent through the fourth visit. Two covariates were associated with nonadherence: (1) a prior diagnosis of PNES (hazard ratio 1.57, P‐value .046); (2) a lower score on the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), signifying lower concern about one's illness (hazard ratio 0.77 for every 10‐point increment on the 80‐point scale, P‐value .008). Adherence with psychiatric treatment among patients with PNES is initially reasonably good but worsens rapidly over visits 2‐4. Risk factors for nonadherence include a history of a prior diagnosis of PNES, and a lower level of concern about the illness as assessed by a lower score on the BIPQ.
Relationships between serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor concentration and parameters for health scores in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Hachisu Mitsugu , Hashizume Masahiro , Kawai Hisashi , Hirano Hirohiko , Kojima Motonaga , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Obuchi Shuichi , Ihara Kazushige 
Published: December 2017

AimBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been implicated in the progression of neuronal survival, phenotyping differentiation and maintenance of various neurons, as well as neurogenesis. We studied how BDNF affects health parameters of older adults by carrying out a health examination of community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsWe measured the serum BDNF concentration of 898 older adults aged 65–84 years who participated in regional health examinations in the Tokyo area and also measured various parameters, such as the thickness of the quadriceps femoris, percentage of body fat, body mass index, grip strength, frequency of walking, and use of sleeping drugs and steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.ResultsWe obtained significant relationships between serum BDNF values and thickness of the quadriceps muscle, body mass index or percentage of body fat. Individuals holding onto something when they stood up had lower serum BDNF values than individuals not holding onto something when they stood up. Smokers had higher serum BDNF values than non‐smokers.ConclusionsOlder adults who had higher serum BDNF had bigger quadriceps muscles, higher body mass index and higher body fat rate, and were also able to stand up without holding onto something from a sitting position. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 456–461.