bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Splenius capitis is a reliable target for measuring cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in adults
Authors: Camp Aaron J. , Gu Chao , Cushing Sharon L. , Gordon Karen A. , Corneil Brian D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) is a common and simple test of vestibulospinal reflex patency. In the clinic, cVEMPs are measured in response to loud sounds from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) on the ventral neck, as subjects maintain an uncomfortable head posture needed to recruit SCM. Here we characterize the cVEMP in a dorsal neck turner (splenius capitis; SPL), and compare it with the SCM cVEMP. cVEMPs were recorded simultaneously via surface electromyography from SCM and SPL from 17 healthy subjects in a variety of postures, including head‐turned postures adopted while either seated or standing, and the clinical posture. Like the SCM cVEMP recorded ipsilateral to the side of sound stimulation, the cVEMP on the contralateral SPL (synergistic with ipsilateral SCM) was characterized by a biphasic wave of muscle activity that began at ~ 13 ms. cVEMP reliability was higher on SPL vs. SCM in standing postures (chi‐squared; P < 0.05), and equivalent results were obtained from SPL in a standing or seated posture. In 9 of the 17 subjects, we also obtained bilateral intramuscular (IM) recordings from SPL at the same time as the surface recordings. In these subjects, the initial surface response in SPL was associated with a consistent decrease in multi‐unit IM SPL activity. Overall, these results demonstrate that SPL recordings offer a complimentary target for cVEMP assessments. The expression of SPL cVEMPs in simple head‐turned postures may also improve the utility of cVEMP testing for vestibular assessment in children, the elderly, or non‐compliant.
Learning new sequential stepping patterns requires striatal plasticity during the earliest phase of acquisition
Authors: Nakamura Toru , Nagata Masatoshi , Yagi Takeshi , Graybiel Ann M. , Yamamori Tetsuo , Kitsukawa Takashi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAnimals including humans execute motor behavior to reach their goals. For this purpose, they must choose correct strategies according to environmental conditions and shape many parameters of their movements, including their serial order and timing. To investigate the neurobiology underlying such skills, we used a multi‐sensor equipped, motor‐driven running wheel with adjustable sequences of foothold pegs on which mice ran to obtain water reward. When the peg patterns changed from a familiar pattern to a new pattern, the mice had to learn and implement new locomotor strategies in order to receive reward. We found that the accuracy of stepping and the achievement of water reward improved with the new learning after changes in the peg‐pattern, and c‐Fos expression levels assayed after the first post‐switch session were high in both dorsolateral striatum and motor cortex, relative to post‐switch plateau levels. Combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of striatal sections demonstrated that both enkephalin‐positive (indirect pathway) neurons and substance P‐positive (direct pathway) neurons were recruited specifically after the pattern switches, as were interneurons expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase. When we blocked N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the dorsolateral striatum by injecting the NMDA receptor antagonist, D‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), we found delays in early post‐switch improvement in performance. These findings suggest that the dorsolateral striatum is activated on detecting shifts in environment to adapt motor behavior to the new context via NMDA‐dependent plasticity, and that this plasticity may underlie forming and breaking skills and habits as well as to behavioral difficulties in clinical disorders.
Designing ecological climate change impact assessments to reflect key climatic drivers
Authors: Sofaer Helen R. , Barsugli Joseph J. , Jarnevich Catherine S. , Abatzoglou John T. , Talbert Marian K. , Miller Brian W. , Morisette Jeffrey T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIdentifying the climatic drivers of an ecological system is a key step in assessing its vulnerability to climate change. The climatic dimensions to which a species or system is most sensitive – such as means or extremes – can guide methodological decisions for projections of ecological impacts and vulnerabilities. However, scientific workflows for combining climate projections with ecological models have received little explicit attention. We review Global Climate Model (GCM) performance along different dimensions of change and compare frameworks for integrating GCM output into ecological models. In systems sensitive to climatological means, it is straightforward to base ecological impact assessments on mean projected changes from several GCMs. Ecological systems sensitive to climatic extremes may benefit from what we term the ‘model space’ approach: a comparison of ecological projections based on simulated climate from historical and future time periods. This approach leverages the experimental framework used in climate modeling, in which historical climate simulations serve as controls for future projections. Moreover, it can capture projected changes in the intensity and frequency of climatic extremes, rather than assuming that future means will determine future extremes. Given the recent emphasis on the ecological impacts of climatic extremes, the strategies we describe will be applicable across species and systems. We also highlight practical considerations for the selection of climate models and data products, emphasizing that the spatial resolution of the climate change signal is generally coarser than the grid cell size of downscaled climate model output. Our review illustrates how an understanding of how climate model outputs are derived and downscaled can improve the selection and application of climatic data used in ecological modeling.
Benford and the Internal Capital Market: A Useful Indicator of Managerial Engagement
Authors: El Mouaaouy Florian , Riepe Jan 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We propose the application of digit analysis using the Benford law to indicate managerial engagement in the capital allocation process. First, we motivate the potential of the Benford digit analysis to identify allocation outcomes that are shaped by human engagement instead of fixed decision rules. Second, we provide a case study to illustrate how the Benford digit analysis can be used to detect allocations affected by managerial interventions. We are unaware of any study applying the Benford test to internal capital markets, while this approach appears very useful in this context. It is commonly used in the auditing, financial accounting, and fraud detection literature.
Involving Latina/o parents in patient‐centered outcomes research: Contributions to research study design, implementation and outcomes
Authors: Pérez Jolles Mónica , Martinez Maria , Garcia San Juanita , Stein Gabriela L. ,   Mentor Parent Group Members, Thomas Kathleen C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundComparative effectiveness research (CER) is supported by policymakers as a way to provide service providers and patients with evidence‐based information to make better health‐care decisions and ultimately improve services for patients. However, Latina/o patients are rarely involved as study advisors, and there is a lack of documentation on how their voices contribute to the research process when they are included as collaborators.ObjectivesThe purpose of this article was to contribute to the literature by presenting concrete contributions of Latina/o parent involvement to study design, implementation and outcomes in the context of a CER study called Padres Efectivos (Parent Activation).MethodsResearchers facilitated a collaborative relationship with parents by establishing a mentor parent group. The contributions of parent involvement in the following stages of the research process are described: (i) proposal development, (ii) implementation of protocols, (iii) analysis plan and (iv) dissemination of results.ResultsMentor parents’ contributions helped tailor the content of the intervention to their needs during proposal, increased recruitment, validated the main outcome measure and added two important outcome measures, emphasized the importance of controlling for novice treatment status and developed innovative dissemination strategies.ConclusionsMentor parents’ guidance to the researchers has contributed to reaching recruitment goals, strengthened the study protocol, expanded findings, supported broad ownership of study implications and enriched the overall study data collection efforts. These findings can inform future research efforts seeking an active Latino parent collaboration and the timely incorporation of parent voices in each phase of the research process.
Biopsy undergrading in men with Gleason score 6 and fatal prostate cancer in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam
Authors: Alberts Arnout R , Bokhorst Leonard P , Kweldam Charlotte F , Schoots Ivo G , van der Kwast Theo H , van Leenders Geert J , Roobol Monique J 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesA total of 15 men who died of prostate cancer had cT1/2 biopsy Gleason score ≤6 prostate cancer at prevalence screening in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam. Our objective was to explain (part of) these prostate cancer deaths by undergrading with the classical Gleason score.MethodsBiopsy specimens of 98 men with classical Gleason score ≤6 or 3 + 4 = 7 at prevalence screening in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam were retrospectively reviewed by two pathologists using the International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 modified Gleason score. These 98 men included 15 men with cT1/2 classical Gleason score ≤6 who died of prostate cancer (cases) and 83 randomly selected men with classical Gleason score ≤6 or 3 + 4 = 7 (controls). The primary outcome was the reclassification rate from classical Gleason score ≤6 to modified classical Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7 (grade group 2) stratified for prostate cancer death. The secondary outcome was the rate of cribriform/intraductal carcinoma in Gleason score‐reclassified men stratified for prostate cancer death.ResultsA total of 79 out of 98 men had classical Gleason score ≤6 prostate cancer. A total of eight out of 15 (53%) prostate cancer deaths with classical Gleason score ≤6 were reclassified to modified Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7, compared with 16 out of 64 (25%) men with non‐fatal prostate cancer (P = 0.017). A total of five out of eight (63%) Gleason score‐reclassified men with fatal prostate cancer had cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, compared with two out of 16 (13%) Gleason score‐reclassified men with non‐fatal prostate cancer (P = 0.011).ConclusionsPart of the prostate cancer deaths with Gleason score ≤6 at prevalence screening in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam could be explained by biopsy undergrading. The present study confirms that the International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 modified Gleason score is more accurate for prognostic assessment based on prostate biopsy than the classical Gleason score.
Foreign retirement income among new older immigrants in the United States
Authors: Vega Alma , Aguila Emma 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOlder adults make up an increasing share of new legal immigrants to the United States. These immigrants are often financially dependent on family since they are often barred from receiving several US support programmes and are less likely to receive US retirement benefits than natives. However, little information exists as to whether they receive retirement income from abroad. Using the New Immigrant Survey (N=2,150), we find that only 8.1 per cent of older recent immigrants report receiving foreign retirement income. In logistic modelling, older immigrants from Asia and Latin America were less likely to receive retirement income from abroad than those from Europe (Odds ratio = 0.50, p<0.05; Odds ratio = 0.22, p<0.001, respectively). Results suggest that newly admitted older immigrants from Asia and Latin America face an additional economic disadvantage compared with older Europeans that cannot be attributed to their demographic and migration characteristics.
Siting of HIV/AIDS diagnostic equipment in South Africa: a case study in locational analysis
Authors: Smith Honora K. , Smith Jon P. , Glencross Deborah K. , Cassim Naseem , Coetzee Lindi M. , Carmona Sergio , Stevens Wendy 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper describes a practical application of locational analysis to the siting of HIV/AIDS diagnostic equipment in laboratories across South Africa. Classical location analytical techniques were extended to ensure that laboratories are sited as close as possible to major centers of demand from hospitals and clinics. A particular advantage of the modified set covering algorithm developed is that choices between laboratory sites are made in a transparent manner. In order to find appropriate numbers and ideal placement of CD4 laboratories, runs were undertaken for various scenarios based on maximum travel time from health facilities to laboratory sites. Results demonstrated to decision makers showed close comparisons with pilot review projects undertaken in four health districts of South Africa. The research has potential to impact health‐care delivery to HIV sufferers in the poorest rural regions of the country.
A new modeling approach for the biobjective exact optimization of satellite payload configuration
Authors: Kieffer Emmanuel , Danoy Grégoire , Bouvry Pascal , Nagih Anass 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCommunication satellites have the crucial role to forward signals to customers. They filter and amplify uplink signals coming from Earth stations to improve the signal quality before reaching customers. These operations are performed by the payload component of the satellite that embeds reconfigurable components (e.g., switches). These components route signals to appropriate signal processing components (e.g., amplifiers, filters) and lead amplified signals to the output antenna. In order to route the channels that compose signals, satellite engineers can remotely modify switch states. These are typically updated when one or more new channels must be connected or when failures occur. However, satellites embed always more switches to answer customer demands, which makes their reconfiguration time consuming and error prone without appropriate decision aid tools. Power transmission is a crucial objective to ensure a maximum quality of service at reasonable cost. This is why satellite operators aim at minimizing incoming power signals while guaranteeing a maximum factor of amplification at the output antenna. This problem is referred to as the “satellite payload power problem.” Previous works have outlined the difficulty to solve exactly large instances of this problem. This work proposes to improve the existing mathematical formulation of the switch network. We show that it can be modeled as a static network and switch states can be deduced after optimization, thus limiting the combinatorial explosion. Computational experiments on different sizes of realistic instances using the adaptive ε‐constraint method demonstrate the computational time gain with this new model and the possibility to solve larger instances.
Does Europe Matter? The Role of Europe in Chinese Narratives of ‘One Belt One Road’ and ‘New Type of Great Power Relations’
Authors: Zeng Jinghan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe rise of China as a global power has significantly reshaped its global ambition. Under the leadership of Chinese president Xi Jinping, China has proposed a series of diplomatic initiatives – most notably ‘new type of great power relations’ and ‘one belt one road’ – in order to shift the international order in its favour. Does Europe matter in China's major initiatives under the leadership of Xi Jinping? How does Europe (and the EU) fit into China's strategic narratives? This article aims to address these questions by analyzing Chinese scholarly writings and conducting interviews in China. It also explores the evolution process of China's strategic narratives with a focus on the gradual appearances of Europe. This article argues that the EU/Europe is a second order concern for China, and Europe only plays a marginalized role in China's policy discussion. Appreciation of the internal dynamics of China is essential for Europe to develop a more accurate understanding of EU–China relations.
Response surface model for the reduction of Salmonella biofilm on stainless steel with lactic acid, ethanol, and chlorine as controlling factors
Authors: Zhang Qiu Qin , Ye Ke Ping , Juneja Vijay K. , Xu Xinglian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA disinfectant containing chlorine (Cl), ethanol (EtOH), and lactic acid (LA) was investigated to reduce Salmonella biofilm on stainless steel. The present experiment was employed with disinfectants: Cl (50, 100, 150 ppm), LA (1, 2, and 3%), EtOH (10, 20, and 30%) and exposure times (ET; .5, 2, 3.5 min). A response surface model developed to predict the reduction of Salmonella biofilms was found to be significant (p < .0001) with a regression coefficient of .8019 and an insignificant lack of fit (p = .364). Interaction of ethanol with other variables resulted in a significant reduction of Salmonella biofilm. As compared to Cl and EtOH, Salmonella biofilms showed low sensitivity to LA. Extending ETs showed a significant positive effect on Salmonella biofilm reduction. The antimicrobial effect of mixed disinfectants depended on ET. Therefore, Cl, EtOH, and LA can be used in a mixture to achieve a synergistic effect and can potentially remove Salmonella biofilms.Practical applicationThis study was undertaken to assess and quantify the efficacy of combinations of various concentrations of chlorine, lactic acid, and ethanol in eradicating the formed biofilms of Salmonella on a stainless steel surface. Chlorine acidified with lactic acid and then, added to ethanol‐based disinfectants can be effectively used to reduce Salmonella biofilms on stainless steel equipment. The reduction of Salmonella biofilms on stainless steel as treated with the mixed disinfectants can be estimated by the quadratic model developed in the present study.
Changes in liver stiffness measurements and fibrosis scores following sofosbuvir based treatment regimens without interferon
Authors: Elsharkawy Aisha , Alem Shereen Abdel , Fouad Rabab , El Raziky Maissa , El Akel Wafaa , Abdo Mahmoud , Tantawi Omnia , AbdAllah Mohamed , Bourliere Marc , Esmat Gamal 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground and AimAccurate evaluation of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases is crucial, as liver fibrosis is important in order to make therapeutic decisions, determine prognosis of liver disease and to follow‐up disease progression. Multiple non‐invasive methods have been used successfully in the prediction of fibrosis; however, early changes in non‐invasive biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis under effective antiviral therapy are widely unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes of transient elastography values as well as FIB‐4 and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) in patients treated with Sofosbuvir‐based treatment regimen.MethodsThis is a retrospective study including 337 chronic HCV Egyptian patients with genotype 4 mainly. They were treated with Sofosbuvir‐based treatment regimen. Transient elastography values were recorded as well as FIB‐4 and APRI were calculated at baseline and SVR12.ResultsThere was a significant improvement of platelets counts, ALT and AST levels, which in turn cause significant improvement in FIB‐4 and APRI scores at SVR12. Liver stiffness measurements were significantly lower in SVR12 (14.8 ± 10.7 vs 11.8 ± 8.8 kPa, P = 0.000). About 77% of responders and 81.1% of cirrhotic patients showed improvement in liver stiffness measurements at SVR12.Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that failure to achieve improvement in liver stiffness measurements were significantly associated with relapsers and low baseline liver stiffness measurement.ConclusionSofosbuvir‐based treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in parameters of liver fibrosis.
Reduced prevalence and severity of wounds following implementation of the Champions for Skin Integrity model to facilitate uptake of evidence‐based practice in aged care
Authors: Edwards Helen E. , Chang Anne M. , Gibb Michelle , Finlayson Kathleen J. , Parker Christina , O'Reilly Maria , McDowell Jan , Shuter Patricia 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the implementation of the Champions for Skin Integrity model on facilitating uptake of evidence‐based wound management and improving skin integrity in residents of aged care facilities.BackgroundThe incidence of skin tears, pressure injuries and leg ulcers increases with age, and such wounds can be a serious issue in aged care facilities. Older adults are not only at higher risk for wounds related to chronic disease but also injuries related to falls and manual handling requirements.DesignA longitudinal, pre–post design.MethodsThe Champions for Skin Integrity model was developed using evidence‐based strategies for transfer of evidence into practice. Data were collected before and six months after implementation of the model. Data on wound management and skin integrity were obtained from two random samples of residents (n = 200 pre; n = 201 post) from seven aged care facilities. A staff survey was also undertaken (n = 126 pre; n = 143 post) of experience, knowledge and evidence‐based wound management. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Where relevant, chi‐square for independence or t‐tests were used to identify differences between the pre‐/postdata.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the number of residents with a wound of any type (54% pre vs 43% post, χ2 4·2, p = 0·041), as well as a significant reduction in specific wound types, for example pressure injuries (24% pre vs 10% post, χ2 14·1, p < 0·001), following implementation of the model. An increase in implementation of evidence‐based wound management and prevention strategies was observed in the postimplementation sample in comparison with the preimplementation sample. This included use of limb protectors and/or protective clothing 6% pre vs 20% post (χ2 17·0, p < 0·001) and use of an emollient or soap alternative for bathing residents (50% pre vs 74% post, χ2 13·9, p = 0·001).ConclusionsImplementation of the model in this sample fostered an increase in implementation of evidence‐based wound management and prevention strategies, which was associated with a decrease in the prevalence and severity of wounds.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study suggests the Champions for Skin Integrity model has the potential to improve uptake of evidence‐based wound management and improve skin integrity for older adults.