bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The global Cauchy problem for compressible Euler equations with a nonlocal dissipation
Authors: Choi Young-Pil
Published: November 2018

This paper studies the global existence and uniqueness of strong solutions and its large-time behavior for the compressible isothermal Euler equations with a nonlocal dissipation. The system is rigorously derived from the kinetic Cucker–Smale flocking equation with strong local alignment forces and diffusions through the hydrodynamic limit based on the relative entropy argument. In a perturbation framework, we establish the global existence of a unique strong solution for the system under suitable smallness and regularity assumptions on the initial data. We also provide the large-time behavior of solutions showing the fluid density and the velocity converge to its averages exponentially fast as time goes to infinity.
Protecting Natural Water Infrastructure in Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Pagiola Stefano , Platais Gunars , Sossai Marcos
Published: November 2018

After years of attempting to address rising turbidity in its water supplies with engineering solutions, Vitória, the capital of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, is turning to watershed conservation. Degradation in the watershed of the Santa Maria da Vitória River, from which Vitória obtains almost 40% of its water supplies, has resulted in a significant increase in water treatment costs; investments in improved filtration have only managed to slow. To reduce erosion in the watershed, a program of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) is being implemented, initially in a micro-watershed that has been identified as contributing disproportionately to sediment loads. This paper estimates the impact of watershed degradation on Vitória’s water treatment costs and undertakes a cost–benefit analysis of the benefits of watershed conservation. These interventions will benefit both downstream water users, in the form of lower water treatment costs, and upstream landholders, in the form of higher income from farming activities and payments for conservation.
Efficient Algorithms for Constructing Very Sparse Spanners and Emulators
Authors: Elkin Michael , Neiman Ofer
Published: November 2018

Miller et al. [48] devised a distributed
1
algorithm in the CONGEST model that, given a parameter
k
= 1,2,…, constructs an
O
(
k
)-spanner of an input unweighted
n
-vertex graph with
O
(
n

1+1/
k

) expected edges in
O
(
k
) rounds of communication. In this article, we improve the result of Reference [48] by showing a
k
-round distributed algorithm in the same model that constructs a (2
k
−1)-spanner with
O
(
n

1+1/
k

}/ϵ) edges, with probability 1−ϵ for any ϵ>0. Moreover, when
k
=ω(log
n
), our algorithm produces (still in
k
rounds)
ultra-sparse
spanners, i.e., spanners of size
n
(1+
o
(1)), with probability 1−
o
(1). To our knowledge, this is the first distributed algorithm in the CONGEST or in the PRAM models that constructs spanners or skeletons (i.e., connected spanning subgraphs) that are sparse. Our algorithm can also be implemented in linear time in the standard centralized model, and for large
k
, it provides spanners that are sparser than any other spanner given by a known (near-)linear time algorithm.

We also devise improved bounds (and algorithms realizing these bounds) for (1+ϵ, β)-spanners and emulators. In particular, we show that for any unweighted
n
-vertex graph and any ϵ > 0, there exists a (1+ ϵ, (log log
n
/ ϵ)

log log
n

)-emulator with
O
(
n
) edges. All previous constructions of (1+ϵ, β)-spanners and emulators employ a superlinear number of edges for all choices of parameters.

Finally, we provide some applications of our results to approximate shortest paths’ computation in unweighted graphs.
Clique-width III
Authors: Fomin Fedor V. , Golovach Petr A. , Lokshtanov Daniel , Saurabh Saket , Zehavi Meirav
Published: November 2018

M
AX
-C
UT
, E
DGE
D
OMINATING
S
ET
, G
RAPH
C
OLORING
, and H
AMILTONIAN
C
YCLE
on graphs of bounded clique-width have received significant attention as they can be formulated in MSO
2
(and, therefore, have linear-time algorithms on bounded treewidth graphs by the celebrated Courcelle’s theorem), but cannot be formulated in MSO
1
(which would have yielded linear-time algorithms on bounded clique-width graphs by a well-known theorem of Courcelle, Makowsky, and Rotics). Each of these problems can be solved in time
g
(
k
)
n

f
(
k
)

on graphs of clique-width
k
. Fomin et al. (2010) showed that the running times cannot be improved to
g
(
k
)
n

O
(1)

assuming W[1]≠FPT. However, this does not rule out non-trivial improvements to the exponent
f
(
k
) in the running times. In a follow-up paper, Fomin et al. (2014) improved the running times for E
DGE
D
OMINATING
S
ET
and M
AX
-C
UT
to
n

O
(
k
)

, and proved that these problems cannot be solved in time
g
(
k
)
n

o
(
k
)

unless ETH fails. Thus, prior to this work, E
DGE
D
OMINATING
S
ET
and M
AX
-C
UT
were known to have tight
n

Θ (
k
)

algorithmic upper and lower bounds.

In this article, we provide lower bounds for H
AMILTONIAN
C
YCLE
and G
RAPH
C
OLORING
. For H
AMILTONIAN
C
YCLE
, our lower bound
g
(
k
)
n

o
(
k
)

matches asymptotically the recent upper bound
n

O
(
k
)

due to Bergougnoux, Kanté, and Kwon (2017).

As opposed to the asymptotically tight
n

Θ(
k
)

bounds for E
DGE
D
OMINATING
S
ET
, M
AX
-C
UT
, and H
AMILTONIAN
C
YCLE
, the G
RAPH
C
OLORING
problem has an upper bound of
n

O
(2

k

)

and a lower bound of merely
n

o
(√ [4]
k
)

(implicit from the W[1]-hardness proof). In this article, we close the gap for G
RAPH
C
OLORING
by proving a lower bound of
n

2

o
(
k
)

. This shows that G
RAPH
C
OLORING
behaves qualitatively different from the other three problems. To the best of our knowledge, G
RAPH
C
OLORING
is the first natural problem known to require exponential dependence on the parameter in the exponent of
n
.
Enhanced nitric oxide signaling amplifies vasorelaxation of human colon cancer feed arteries
Authors: Voss Ninna C. S. , Kold-Petersen Henrik , Boedtkjer Ebbe
Published: November 2018

Inadequate perfusion of solid cancer tissue results in low local nutrient and oxygen levels and accumulation of acidic waste products. Previous investigations have focused primarily on tumor blood vessel architecture, and we lack information concerning functional differences between arteries that deliver blood to solid cancer tissue versus normal tissue. Here, we use isometric myography to study resistance-sized arteries from human primary colon adenocarcinomas and matched normal colon tissue. Vasocontraction of colon cancer feed arteries in response to endothelin-1 and thromboxane stimulation is attenuated compared with normal colon arteries despite similar wall dimensions and comparable contractions to arginine vasopressin and K+-induced depolarization. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and endothelial NO synthase expression are increased in colon cancer feed arteries compared with normal colon arteries, whereas vasorelaxation to exogenous NO donors is unaffected. In congruence, the differences in vasorelaxant and vasocontractile function between colon cancer feed arteries and normal colon arteries decrease after NO synthase inhibition. Rhythmic oscillations in vascular tone, known as vasomotion, are of lower amplitude but similar frequency in colon cancer feed arteries compared with normal colon arteries. In conclusion, higher NO synthase expression and elevated NO signaling amplify vasorelaxation and attenuate vasocontraction of human colon cancer feed arteries. We propose that enhanced endothelial function augments tumor perfusion and represents a potential therapeutic target.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Local vascular resistance influences tumor perfusion. Arteries supplying human colonic adenocarcinomas show enhanced vasorelaxation and reduced vasocontraction mainly due to elevated nitric oxide-mediated signaling. Rhythmic oscillations in tone, known as vasomotion, are attenuated in colon cancer feed arteries.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induced by IL8 Promote Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Progression via the TLR9 Signaling
Authors: Nie Man , Yang Linbin , Bi Xiwen , Wang Yu , Sun Peng , Yang Hang , Liu Panpan , Li Zhiming , Xia Yi , Jiang Wenqi
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

More than 30% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) experience treatment failure after first-line therapy. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a pathogen-trapping structure in tumor microenvironment, can promote the transition of autoimmunity to lymphomagenesis. Here, we investigate whether NETs play a novel role in DLBCL progression and its underlying mechanism.

Experimental Design: NETs in DLBCL tumor samples and plasma were detected by immunofluorescence and ELISA, respectively. The correlation between NETs and clinical features were analyzed. The effects of NETs on cellular proliferation and migration and mechanisms were explored, and the mechanism of NET formation was also studied by a series of in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results:

Higher levels of NETs in plasma and tumor tissues were associated with dismal outcome in patients with DLBCL. Furthermore, we identified NETs increased cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumor growth and lymph node dissemination in vivo. Mechanistically, DLBCL-derived IL8 interacted with its receptor (CXCR2) on neutrophils, resulting in the formation of NETs via Src, p38, and ERK signaling. Newly formed NETs directly upregulated the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) pathways in DLBCL and subsequently activated NFκB, STAT3, and p38 pathways to promote tumor progression. More importantly, disruption of NETs, blocking IL8–CXCR2 axis or inhibiting TLR9 could retard tumor progression in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

Our data reveal a tumor–NETs aggressive interaction in DLBCL and indicate that NETs is a useful prognostic biomarker and targeting this novel cross-talk represents a new therapeutic opportunity in this challenging disease.
Current Approaches in the Development of Molecular and Pharmacological Therapies in Craniosynostosis Utilizing Animal Models
Authors: Rachwalski Martin , Khonsari Roman H. , Paternoster Giovanna
Published: November 2018

The development of the craniofacial skeleton is a spatial and temporal process where cranial sutures play a role in the regulation of morphogenesis and growth. Disruption of these cellular and molecular interactions may lead to craniosynostosis, the premature obliteration of one or more cranial sutures, yielding skull growth restriction and malformation perpendicular to the affected suture. Facial deformity and various functional CNS anomalies are other frequent complications. Cranial vault expansion and reconstructive surgery remain the mainstay of treatment but pose an elevated risk of morbidity for the infant. While the etiology of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis remains to be deciphered, gain-of-function mutations in FGFR1-3 and TWIST1 were found to be responsible for more than 3/4 of the most commonly encountered craniofacial syndromes. Animal models have been invaluable to further dissect the role of genes within the cranial sutures and for the development of alternative nonsurgical treatment strategies. In this review, we will present various molecular and pharmacological approaches for the treatment of craniosynostosis that have been tested using in vitro and in vivo assays as well as discuss their potential application in humans focusing on the case of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Individual and Combined Relationship between Reduced eGFR and/or Increased Urinary Albumin Excretion Rate with Mortality Risk among Insulin-Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Routine Practice
Authors: Anyanwagu Uchenna , Donnelly Richard , Idris Iskandar
Published: November 2018

Background: A low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and an increased urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) are well-recognised prognostic markers of cardiovascular (CV) risk, but their individual and combined relationship with CV disease and total mortality among insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in routine clinical care is unclear. Methods: We analysed data for insulin users with T2D from UK general practices between 2007 and 2014 and examined the association between mortality rates and chronic kidney disease [categorised by low eGFR (< 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), high eGFR (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2), low ACR (< 300 mg/g); and high ACR (≥300 mg/g) at insulin initiation] after a 5-year follow-up period using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: A total of 18,227 patients were identified (mean age: 61.5 ± 13.8 years, mean HbA1c: 8.6 ± 1.8%). After adjusting for confounders, when compared to adults on insulin therapy with an eGFR < 60 and an ACR ≥300 (low eGFR + high ACR) after a follow-up period of 5 years, patients with an eGFR < 60 and an ACR < 300 (low eGFR + low ACR) had a 6% lower mortality rate (aHR: 0.94; 95% CI 0.79–1.12); those with an eGFR > 60 and an ACR ≥300 (high eGFR + high ACR) had a 20% lower mortality rate (aHR: 0.80; 95% CI 0.68–0.96); and those with an eGFR > 60 and an ACR < 300 (high eGFR + low ACR) had the lowest death rate (28% less; aHR: 0.72; 95% CI 0.59–0.87). Conclusion: This study shows that among a large cohort of insulin-treated T2D patients in routine practice, the combination of reduced eGFR with increased ACR was associated with the greatest risk of premature death, followed closely by those with reduced eGFR and normal ACR levels. Adoption of aggressive CV risk management strategies to reduce mortality in patients with a low eGFR and albuminuria is essential in high-risk patients with T2D.
Investigating Sex-Specific Characteristics of Nicotine Addiction Using Metabolic and Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bagga Deepika , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Cecchetto Cinzia , Fischmeister Florian Ph.S. , Schöpf Veronika
Published: November 2018

Nicotine addiction is known to modulate neurotransmission and alter the brain structure. The detrimental effect of nicotine is more prominent in females as compared to males. This study sought to examine the sex-specific influence of nicotine addiction on gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and the white matter (WM) microstructure. Sixty healthy subjects (smokers/non-smokers) underwent structural and metabolic magnetic resonance imaging scans. Results showed alterations in WM integrity (measured as changes in fractional anisotropy [FA] and GABA in smokers versus non-smokers and females versus males. No overall significant smoking and sex-specific interactions were observed in this study. However, on comparing female smokers with female non-smokers, significantly higher GABA and FA values were observed in female smokers. However, GABA and FA values did not differ significantly when male smokers were compared against male non-smokers. Our results provide a further rationale to investigate the impact of nicotine on central GABAergic function and WM integrity, in particular due to the potential risk for females to experience depressive/anxiety symptoms during smoking cessation.
Optimized Calcium Supplementation Approach for Regional Citrate Anticoagulation
Authors: Yu Wenyan , Zhuang Feng , Ma Shuai , Fan Qichen , Zhu Mingli , Ding Feng
Published: November 2018

Background: It has been confirmed that regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) plays an effective role in extracorporeal anticoagulation. The current trial-and-error calcium supplementation approach, with intensive monitoring of calcium levels, restricts the widespread use of RCA. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the calcium supplementation approach for RCA. Methods: Patients requiring RCA treatment for various reasons were included. Citrate was infused into the arterial port, and the ionized calcium levels in the extracorporeal circulation tubes and body were monitored to maintain them within the target range. Linear regression equations between the clearance of non-protein bound calcium (n-Ca) and prescribed effluent rate were determined; the ratio of the n-Ca concentration to total calcium concentration (fa) after the infusion of citrate was also calculated. Then, we estimated a simplified calcium supplementation approach. Results: Positive correlations were found between the clearance of n-Ca and effluent rate both during continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) and continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH; R2: 0.66 and 0.65, respectively, p < 0.01). The fa values at the pre-filter point and after infusion of citrate were constants, but the values differed from CVVHD to CVVH. For CVVHD, fa was 0.93, and for CVVH, fa was 0.80. Using the extracorporeal removal characteristics of n-Ca, the amount of extracorporeally removed calcium per mmol per hour can be quantified with a simplified equation. Conclusion: The optimized calcium supplementation approach could provide a more precise and practical method to estimate the amount of extracorporeal calcium removal with regard to different modalities and dosages of RCA.
The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment on Age of Onset of Alcohol Use Disorder in Women
Authors: Schückher Fides , Sellin Tabita , Fahlke Claudia , Engström Ingemar
Published: November 2018

It is unclear whether exposure to childhood maltreatment is associated with the age of onset of alcohol use disorder (AUD). A group of socially stable women with AUD seeking treatment (n = 75) were interviewed using the Addiction Severity Index and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. They also filled out the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-short form. Emotional abuse, sexual abuse and multiple childhood traumas were found to be associated with earlier onset of AUD. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that independent predictors for an earlier onset of AUD were exposure to emotional abuse (beta = –7.44, SE = 2.83, adjusted p = 0.010) and mother’s alcohol/substance problems (beta = –7.87, SE = 3.45, adjusted p = 0.026). These variables explained 18.9% of the variance of age of onset of AUD. These findings highlight a need for increased clinical attention to AUD subgroups who have experienced childhood maltreatment, especially emotional abuse, as well as a need for including support in the patient’s own parental role in the treatment.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) Promotes the Toxicity of TRAIL in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via Post-Transcriptional Regulation of MEK-1 Expression
Authors: Tian Shuang , Liu Da-Hua , Wang Dan , Ren Fu , Xia Pu 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aim: Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-based therapies have been used in many human cancers. However, some tumors are resistant to TRAIL-induced cell death. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is a functional marker for identification of CSCs. Methods: In this study, we used the colony formation assay, AnnexinV/ PI double staining and PI staining to detect proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle in ALDH1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with TRAIL treatment. In addition, we established xenograft mouse models to confirm the anti-tumor roles of TRAIL in vivo. Finally, gene array and western blot were used to detect the deeper mechanism of the susceptibility of ALDH1+ NSCLC cells to TRAIL. Results: We confirmed that TRAIL could inhibit proliferation, and induce apoptosis and G1 arrest in ALDH1+ NSCLC cells. Correspondingly, TRAIL was associated with decreased tumor size and the favorable survival rate of ALDH1+ cells established xenograft mouse models. ALDH1 could increase the death receptors (DR) 4 and DR5 expression in ALDH1+ NSCLC cells via activating MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Conclusion: ALDH1 protein induced MEK-1 mRNA stability and promoted its translation via its 3’UTR.
Family Visitation and Its Relationship to Parental Stress Among Jailed Fathers
Authors: Martin Jamie S. , Phaneuf Shannon Womer
Published: November 2018

This study explores the relationship between jail visitation with children and levels of parental stress among a sample of jailed fathers. Quantitative analyses of the self-report data reveal that jailed fathers experienced stress related to parenthood regardless of whether they had visits from their family. However, the type of stress varied, with fathers who had family visits reporting stress directly related to the visitation, while fathers who did not have visits noted more generalized parental stress. The findings provide insight into the type and quality of incarcerated fathers’ contact with their children and factors that influence the number of visits they receive. The negative impact of the lack of contact visits is also discussed.
Study on the sound absorption behavior of multi-component polyester nonwovens: experimental and numerical methods
Authors: Yang Tao , Saati Ferina , Horoshenkov Kirill V , Xiong Xiaoman , Yang Kai , Mishra Rajesh , Marburg Steffen , Militký Jiří
Published: November 2018

This study presents an investigation of the acoustical properties of multi-component polyester nonwovens with experimental and numerical methods. Fifteen types of nonwoven samples made with staple, hollow and bi-component polyester fibers were chosen to carry out this study. The AFD300 AcoustiFlow device was employed to measure airflow resistivity. Several models were grouped in theoretical and empirical model categories and used to predict the airflow resistivity. A simple empirical model based on fiber diameter and fabric bulk density was obtained through the power-fitting method. The difference between measured and predicted airflow resistivity was analyzed. The surface impedance and sound absorption coefficient were determined by using a 45 mm Materiacustica impedance tube. Some widely used impedance models were used to predict the acoustical properties. A comparison between measured and predicted values was carried out to determine the most accurate model for multi-component polyester nonwovens. The results show that one of the Tarnow model provides the closest prediction to the measured value, with an error of 12%. The proposed power-fitted empirical model exhibits a very small error of 6.8%. It is shown that the Delany–Bazley and Miki models can accurately predict surface impedance of multi-component polyester nonwovens, but the Komatsu model is less accurate, especially at the low-frequency range. The results indicate that the Miki model is the most accurate method to predict the sound absorption coefficient, with a mean error of 8.39%.
Does Epistemic Humility Threaten Religious Beliefs?
Authors: Dormandy Katherine
Published: November 2018

In a fallen world fraught with evidence against religious beliefs, it is tempting to think that, on the assumption that those beliefs are true, the best way to protect them is to hold them dogmatically. Dogmatic belief, which is highly confident and resistant to counterevidence, may fail to exhibit epistemic virtues such as humility and may instead manifest epistemic vices such as arrogance or servility, but if this is the price of secure belief in religious truths, so be it. I argue, however, that even in a world full of misleading evidence against true religious beliefs, cultivating epistemic humility is the better way to achieve believers’ epistemic aims. The reason is that dogmatic belief courts certain epistemic dangers, including to the true religious beliefs themselves, whereas epistemic humility empowers believers to counter them.
When Fiction Trumps Truth: What ‘post-truth’ and ‘alternative facts’ mean for management studies
Authors: Knight Eric , Tsoukas Haridimos
Published: November 2018

In this essay, we explore the notions of ‘post-truth’ and ‘alternative facts’ for management studies. Adopting a pragmatist perspective, we argue that there is no intrinsically accurate language in terms of which to refer to reality. Language, rather, is a tool that enables agents to grab hold of causal forces and intervene in the world. ‘Alternative facts’ can be created by multimodal communication to highlight different aspects of the world for the purpose of political mobilization and legitimacy. ‘Post-truth’ politics reveals the fragmentation of the language game in which mainstream politics has been hitherto conducted. Using the communicative acts of businessman-turned-politician President Trump and his aides, as a prompt, we explore the implications that ‘alternative facts’ and ‘post-truth’ have for today’s management scholarship. We argue that management scholars should unpack how managers navigate strategic action and communication, and how the creation of alternative realities is accomplished in conditions of informational abundance and multimodal communication.
“They’re Always Complicated but That’s the Meaning of Family in My Eyes”: Homeless Youth Making Sense of “Family” and Family Relationships
Authors: Parker Sarah , Mayock Paula
Published: November 2018

Analyses of the relevance of family for young people are more visible than previously within youth research. Nonetheless, understanding of the nature and meaning of family relationships for those who experience separation from their family, including homeless youth, is relatively weak. Based on selected findings from a qualitative longitudinal study, this article explores the meaning-making processes of homeless young people with explicit attention to the ways in which “family” is produced and (re)negotiated in their lives over time. Four themes are presented— family as reliable and supportive; family as interrupted and “broken”; family as fragile and elusive; and family as fluid and ambiguous—revealing the unfolding nature of young people’s constructions of family and family relationships. The enduring impact of separation, dislocation, and conflict on how young people “make sense” of familial experiences is discussed, and we conclude with the practice implications arising from the findings.
Towards nuanced universality: Developing a concept bible for public service online news production
Authors: Hokka Jenni
Published: November 2018

With the advent of popular social media platforms, news journalism has been forced to re-evaluate its relation to its audience. This applies also for public service media that increasingly have to prove its utility through audience ratings. This ethnographic study explores a particular project, the development of ‘concept bible’ for the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE’s online news; it is an attempt to solve these challenges through new journalistic practices. The study introduces the concept of ‘nuanced universality’, which means that audience groups’ different kinds of needs are taken into account on news production in order to strengthen all people’s ability to be part of society. On a more general level, the article claims that despite its commercial origins, audience segmentation can be transformed into a method that helps revise public service media principles into practices suitable for the digital media environment.
Risk factors for complications in cancer patients with totally implantable access ports: A retrospective study and review of the literature
Authors: Bademler Süleyman , Üçüncü Muhammed , Yıldırım İlknur , Karanlık Hasan
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To analyze the risk factors for complications associated with the use of totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) in cancer patients.

Methods

Data for 2,713 cancer patients who received a TIAP between January 2010 and September 2016 at a single center were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The average age of the patients was 54.2 ± 9.92 years, and 1,247 (47.5%) were women. The right subclavian vein was the preferred insertion site. Seventy-seven patients developed early complications and 50 developed late complications. The incidence of complications increased as the number of punctures increased. Percutaneous intervention increased the risk of complications during port insertion, but age, sex, body mass index, and the use of physiological saline solution instead of heparin for washing after port insertion did not increase the risk. The use of ultrasonography during insertion reduced the risk of complications.

Conclusions

Various factors may affect the function of TIAPs in cancer patients both during insertion and follow-up. Age, sex, body mass index, and the use of physiological saline solution for washing did not affect the incidence of complications, but the use of ultrasonography during insertion did affect the complication rate.
Improved corrosion resistance of commercially pure magnesium after its modification by plasma electrolytic oxidation with organic additives
Authors: Echeverry-Rendon Monica , Duque Valentina , Quintero David , Robledo Sara M , Harmsen Martin C , Echeverria Felix
Published: November 2018

The optimal mechanical properties render magnesium widely used in industrial and biomedical applications. However, magnesium is highly reactive and unstable in aqueous solutions, which can be modulated to increase stability of reactive metals that include the use of alloys or by altering the surface with coatings. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is an efficient and tuneable method to apply a surface coating. By varying the plasma electrolytic oxidation parameters voltage, current density, time and (additives in the) electrolytic solution, the morphology, composition and surface energy of surface coatings are set. In the present study, we evaluated the influence on surface coatings of two solute additives, i.e. hexamethylenetetramine and mannitol, to base solutes silicate and potassium hydroxide. Results from in vitro studies in NaCl demonstrated an improvement in the corrosion resistance. In addition, coatings were obtained by a two-step anodization procedure, firstly anodizing in an electrolyte solution containing sodium fluoride and secondly in an electrolyte solution with hexamethylenetetramine and mannitol, respectively. Results showed that the first layer acts as a protective layer which improves the corrosion resistance in comparison with the samples with a single anodizing step. In conclusion, these coatings are promising candidates to be used in biomedical applications in particular because the components are non-toxic for the body and the rate of degradation of the surface coating is lower than that of pure magnesium.
Application of sandwich spatial estimation method in cancer mapping: A case study for breast cancer mortality in the Chinese mainland, 2005
Authors: Liao Yilan , Li Dongyue , Zhang Ningxu , Xia Changfa , Zheng Rongshou , Zeng Hongmei , Zhang Siwei , Wang Jinfeng , Chen Wanqing
Published: November 2018

High-accuracy spatial distribution estimation is crucial for cancer prevention and control. Due to their complicated pathogenic factors, the distributions of many cancers' mortalities appear blocky, and spatial heterogeneity is common. However, most of the commonly used cancer mapping methods are based on spatial autocorrelation theory. Sandwich estimation is a new method based on spatial heterogeneity theory. A modified sandwich estimation method suitable for the estimation of cancer mortality distribution is proposed in this study. The variances of cancer mortality data are used to fuse sandwich estimation results from various auxiliary variables, the feasibility of which in estimating cancer mortality distributions is explained theoretically. The breast cancer (BC) mortality of the Chinese mainland in 2005 was taken as a case, and the accuracy of the modified sandwich estimation method was compared with that of the Hierarchical Bayesian (HB), the Co-Kriging (CK) and the Ordinary Kriging (OK) methods. The accuracy of the modified sandwich estimation method was better than the HB, the CK and the OK methods, and the estimation result from the modified sandwich estimation method was more likely to be acceptable. Therefore, this study represents an attempt to apply the sandwich estimation method to the estimation of cancer mortality distributions with strong spatial heterogeneity, which holds great potential for further application.
Negotiated ethical responsibility: Bruneian nurses’ ethical concerns in nursing practice
Authors: Zolkefli Yusrita
Published: November 2018

Background:

There has been wide interest shown in the manner in which ethical dimensions in nursing practice are approached and addressed. As a result, a number of ethical decision-making models have been developed to tackle these problems. However, this study argued that the ethical dimensions of nursing practice are still not clearly understood and responded to in Brunei.

Research aim:

To explore how Bruneian nurses define ethical concerns they meet in everyday practice in the medical surgical wards of three Brunei hospitals.

Research design:

A qualitative study was employed. Interviews were conducted with 28 practising and administrative nurses of three hospitals. Interview data were analysed via a constant comparative method.

Ethical consideration:

The study’s protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Committee of the School of Health in Social Science at the University of Edinburgh and the Medical Health Research Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health, Brunei.

Findings:

The nurses described three ethical dimensions in their practice, namely: ‘nurse at work‘ which illustrates the ethical dimensions within the work environment; ‘nurse and doctor’ which elucidates the ethical dimensions in the nurse and doctor relationship; and ‘nurse and patient’ which further examines ethical aspects in patient care. Nurses responded to the ethical dimensions in the ward setting with the aim of avoiding the conflict and maintaining ward harmony.

Discussion:

The data provide new insights into how nurses respond to ethical dimension in the ward settings where it puts strong emphasis on the nurses’ understanding of responsibility placed upon them as professional nurses.

Conclusion:

With these findings, it is recommended that further support is needed for nurses to be aware of the ethical dimension in their practice and to respond to ethical concerns accordingly.
The effect of stellate ganglion block on the function of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis: A randomized trial
Authors: Rahimi Mojgan , Fakhar Nasir , Sodagari Pezhman , Majedi Hossein , Dashti Habibollah
Published: November 2018

Background and Purpose:

The best access for hemodialysis is an autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The most helpful way for vasodilation in the upper limb is stellate ganglion block. We aim to evaluate the effect of stellate ganglion block on outcome of vascular access for dialysis.

Materials and Methods:

Some 105 hemodialysis patients were randomly allocated to three groups: In group 1, stellate ganglion block was performed before fistula surgery. Group 2 had stellate ganglion block after surgery and group 3 was control group without any block. Primary outcome for all groups was functional dialysis, which is defined as successful hemodialysis for 1 month.

Results:

The three groups were similar in age, gender, and underlying diseases. Stellate ganglion block before operation had a meaningful increase in successful hemodialysis rate, when compared with the other groups (p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Stellate ganglion block before arteriovenous fistula surgery in the upper limbs improves hemodialysis success rate.
Impact of Exposure to Sexual Violence Prevention Messages on Students’ Bystander Behavior
Authors: McMahon Sarah , Seabrook Rita C.
Published: November 2018

Bystander intervention is a prevention strategy commonly used to address campus sexual violence. Increasingly, there are calls for prevention efforts to be multilevel and ongoing. The current study investigated the impact of receiving varied prevention messages throughout adolescence and into early adulthood to determine whether it influences college students’ awareness of sexual violence, willingness to intervene as a helpful bystander, and actual prosocial bystander behavior. These questions were tested through administration of an online survey to a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 1,047 undergraduate students at a large, urban university in the mid-Atlantic. Results found that most students received information about sexual violence prior to coming to campus from a variety of sources, and that the sources varied significantly by gender and race. Regression analysis found that greater exposure to prevention messages prior to coming to college was significantly associated with greater bystander intentions and behavior even after accounting for gender and race and exposure since coming to college. The findings provide initial support to expand the scope of prevention efforts and to begin them prior to college.
Influence of D - Type Slot Compact System on Migration Properties of the Carded Compact Yarn
Authors: Loganathan R. , Mallyah M. , Ramachandran T.
Published: November 2018

The compact spinning systems are mostly used for spinning of combed yarns. However, many attempts have been made to use the compact system for spinning carded yarns. Recently SUESSEN has introduced D–Type slot compact system for producing carded compact yarn. In this research work, an attempt has been made to analyze the migration properties of D–Type slot carded compact yarn. Three different twist factors have been selected and compared with regular carded compact yarn and regular carded ring yarn. In this work, the migration parameters such as Mean Fiber Position, Root Mean Squared (RMS) Deviation, Migration Intensity and Yarn Diameter have been measured using the Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera attached on a projection microscope. D–Type slot carded compact yarn, regular compact and regular ring yarn structures have been critically analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope. The test results clearly indicate that the fiber migration in D–Type slot compact yarn is far better than both regular compact and regular ring yarns.
Moisture Flow through Blended Fabrics – Effect of Hydrophilicity
Authors: Das Brojeswari , Das Apurba , Kothari Vijay , Fanguiero Raul , Araujo Mario D.
Published: November 2018

Moisture flow through blended material is a complex phenomenon. Clothing should possess good water vapour as well as liquid moisture transmission property, for providing the thermophysiological clothing comfort. The clothing should take up the moisture from the skin as well as transmit it to the atmosphere. Higher hydrophilicity of a material is known for good absorption, but how it really helps to transmit the moisture, has been studied in the present work. Polyester and viscose have been chosen as the blending fibers and 8 fabrics with different blend proportions were developed. Water vapour transmission of the fabrics was measured using the PERMETEST. Liquid water transmission property of the fabrics was examined using a gravimetric inplane wicking tester and a vertical wicking tester. From the experimental result it has been observed that water vapour permeability and absorbency of the material increases with the increase in number of hydrophilic group in the material, but it has an adverse effect on the liquid moisture transmission behavior of the material. The vertical as well as horizontal wicking of the material decreases with the increase in viscose proportion in the polyester/viscose blended fabrics.
Mechanics of Energy Absorbability in Plain-Woven Fabrics: An Analytical Approach
Authors: Sadegh Ali M. , Cavallaro Paul V.
Published: November 2018

Experimental studies have shown that flexible woven fabrics can absorb significant kinetic energy from both projectile and fragment impacts through a combination of design factors which include yarn materials, weaving architectures, yarn density ratios, as well as the projectile mass, shape and velocity.1–3 This paper investigates the relationships between various plain-woven fabric architectures, crimp imbalance and energy absorption capacities when rigid projectile strike these fabrics through a series of analytical solutions. This was accomplished through formulations of the yarn pullout and yarn migration forces. Special attention is given to the friction forces generated between yarn families at the yarn crossover regions. It was assumed that the yarns do not fail while the projectile penetrates through the fabric. Finally, the relationships between the residual velocities of the projectile and the contact angles α, (that is, the angle of circumferential contact between crossing yarns which is related to the crimp content) were determined. The results indicated that for ballistic impacts, highly crimp-imbalanced woven fabrics perform in a manner far superior to that of equally-crimped woven fabrics. These analytical solutions resulted in the ability to parametrically study the effects of crimp contents and, in particular, crimp imbalance on the effectiveness of plain-woven fabric armors.
Eco-Impact of Plastic and Paper Shopping Bags
Authors: Muthu Subramanian Senthilkannan , Li Yi , Hu J.Y. , Mok P.Y. , Ding Xuemei
Published: November 2018

This article describes the study of the eco-impact of plastic and paper bags using the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) technique under three different options: usage and disposal criteria with the existing usage behavior to reuse and governmental policies to recycle (option1), usage and disposal criteria as per consumers’ perceptions if systems are in place (option2) and usage and disposal criteria in case of absence of recycling systems (option3). The first stage, which was the baseline for other options, comprised of the study of the eco-impact of plastic and paper bags in the manufacturing phase, without considering the usage and disposal phases. LCIA was performed by the Eco-indicator 99, a damage oriented method for LCIA in SIMAPRO 7.1. The single score values calculated by the Eco-indicator'99 were considered as a directive to compare the environmental impact made by plastic and paper bags and a detailed explanation of the results is provided in this article. The next stage was the study of the eco-impact of these bags including their usage and disposal phases. This was undertaken with the three different options as stated above and the results derived were compared with the results derived from the baseline study, which is the main focus of the study under discussion. The values for usage and end-of-life phases were obtained from the questionnaire survey of different user groups of shopping bags in China, Hong Kong and India. The results of this study show that the eco-impact of plastic and paper bags was very high if there were no usage and disposal options provided. When the eco-impact values from options of existing possibilities and consumers’ perception were compared, the eco-impact value was lower in option 1 in all the three countries for both types of bags, which is mainly attributed to the fact that in option 1, a higher percentage of reuse is preferred to recycle and disposal to landfill categories. Also the eco-impact of these two types of bags was studied with and without the presence of recycling systems in China, India and Hong Kong, where the eco-impact was lower due to the presence of recycling systems. The results indicate that a higher percentage of reuse could significantly trim down the eco-impact of plastic and paper bags. Consumers’ perceptions and usage behaviors in connection with respective government's policies and implementation of recycling systems could be highly decisive in reducing the eco-impact of plastic and paper shopping bags.
Development of Electrospun Iminochitosan for Improved Wound Healing Application
Authors: Nawalakhe Rupesh Gajanan , Hudson Samuel M. , Seyam Abdel-Fattah Mohamed , Waly Ahmed I. , Abou-Zeid Nabil Y. , Ibrahim Hassan M.
Published: November 2018

Chitosan is a well known anti-microbial polymer. It is desired to develop and evaluate chitosan based structures with high surface area using electrospun nanofibers. To explore the properties of chitosan derivatives, iminochitosan was synthesized and electrospinning of its solutions was conducted. Nanofibers were obtained from iminochitosan solutions using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a solvent. Nanofiberwebs of fiber diameter range 70–400 nm were successfully obtained from 3%-8% iminochitosan solution in TFA using electrospinning technique of electric field of 2.5–6.0 kV/cm. Contact kill performance of the iminochitosan structures against a range of microbes was carried out using the disc diffusion method. The results indicate that the nanofiberwebs exhibit excellent antimicrobial behavior. It was found that the inhibition zone is affected by the iminochitosan structure parameters, namely covering power, surface area (which was affected by diameter), and basis weight. Viscosity of the solutions was determined and fiber formation was obtained in the range of 400–670cP.
Preparation and Characterization of Fe3+, La3+ Co-Doped Tio2 Nanofibers and Its Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wu Ning , Chen Li , Jiao Yanan , Chen Guangwei , Li Jialu
Published: November 2018

Nanofibers of Fe3+, La3+ co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2)/Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) composite have been prepared by electrospinning process. The ceramic nanofibers co-doped with metal ions were obtained by high temperature calcination of the organic/inorganic composite fibers. The structure, crystalline state and surface morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscope (AFM), respectively. The observation by SEM revealed that there was a significant difference in the fibrous structure of the nanofibers before and after co-doping and calcinating. XRD patterns indicated the lattice of TiO2 nanocrystalline were distorted by co-doped ions. FTIR spectrum further confirmed the presence of Fe and La oxidate in the co-doped nanofibers. AFM images showed that comparing to TiO2 nanofibers, the roughness was increased on the surface of co-doped nanofibers. Before and after doping, the photocatalysis activity of the nanofibers were analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis). The photocatalysis activity were significantly improved by the porous roughness surface structure and cooperative actions of Fe3+, La3+ co-doping.
Preparation of Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers by Solution Blowing Process
Authors: Zhuang Xupin , Jia Kaifei , Cheng Bowen , Guan Ketian , Kang Weimin , Ren Yuanlin
Published: November 2018

Solution blowing is an innovative process for spinning nanofibers from polymer solutions using high-velocity gas flow as fiber-forming driving force. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were prepared using PAN solutions in N, N-Dimethylformamide and the morphologies of the fibers were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The process parameters including solution concentration, gas pressure supplied to the gas cavity, and solution-feeding rate were varied to investigate their effects on the morphologies of the fibers. PAN fibers were successfully prepared in the form of a nonwoven web. The fiber diameters mostly ranged in hundreds of nanometers and were affected by the process parameters. Results indicated that solution blowing is an alternative technique for manufacturing nonwoven webs that consist of micro- and nanofibers.
Impact of Carding Parameters and Draw Frame Doubling on the Properties of Ring Spun Yarn
Authors: Jabbar Abdul , Hussain Tanveer , Moqeet Abdul
Published: November 2018

The impact of card cylinder speed, card production rate and draw frame doubling on cotton yarn quality parameters was investigated by using the Box-Behnken experimental design. It was found that yarn tenacity, elongation and hairiness increase by increasing the number of draw frame doubling up to a certain level and then decrease by further increase in doubling. Yarn unevenness increased by increasing card production rate and total yarn imperfections increased by decreasing card cylinder speed and increasing card production rate.