bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Bleaching Heather Method for Improved Whiteness of Greige Cotton
Authors: Easson Michael W. , Condon Brian D. , Reynolds Michael L. , Franqui Robert , Bland John
Published: November 2018

In accordance with the color space theory known as additive light mixing, the presence of dispersed blue-dyed fiber reduced the overall yellowness of a blended greige fiber and they were perceived as “whiter”. Various intimate blends of blue-dyed cotton fiber in greige cotton fiber were analyzed for color properties using a L*a*b* color space chromameter and a Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. A design of experiments (DOE) matrix approach provided a statistically-based mathematical means to predict the color properties of the intimate blends. The predictive accuracy of the mathematical model was confirmed in a follow-up experiment, and the blend resulting in the lowest yellowness and highest whiteness was determined. For fiber end uses which are too cost sensitive to support comprehensive wet chemical treatment of all of the fiber, such as nonwovens, intimate blending with low amounts of dyed fiber could produce visible effects at lower cost.
Innovative Multi-Protection Treatments and Free-Salt Dyeing of Cotton and Silk Fabrics
Authors: Kotb Rehab Mahmoud
Published: November 2018

In recent years, with the improvement of the living standard, people pay more attention to the health function of textiles that could be a shield or pathogen transmission medium. In the present work, surface cationization of cotton and silk fabrics was demonstrated by increasing the nitrogen content (N %) values. Different treatment techniques were successfully applied using chitosan, UV absorber, and reactive dye for producing multipurpose protective cotton and silk fabrics. Protective properties such as UV-blocking activity achieved a remarkable enhancement in UPF values (50+) and excellent protection. The anti-odor activity as measured by antibacterial reduction percentage was 98% for cotton and 99% for silk fabrics. Significant enhancement in dyeability values of cotton and silk fabrics are demonstrated. The durability of the treated fabrics was assessed after 30 repeated washing cycles and the treatment formulations showed sustainable UV blocking properties and anti-odor efficiency.
A Study on the Twist Loss in Weft Yarn during Air Jet Weaving
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Shaker Khubab , Nawab Yasir , Rasheed Abher , Ahmad Sheraz
Published: November 2018

Air jet weaving is considered to be the most advanced method of fabric production in which weft yarn is inserted with air pressure. But due to very high pressure some of yarn twist is lost during fabric production. This affects the strength of the yarn in general and quality of the fabric in particular. This study deals with the parameters affecting twist loss in weft yarn during air jet weaving. The subsequent effect of twist loss on the mechanical properties of yarn as well as fabric is also studied. A total of twenty-four different fabric samples were produced to consider the effect of yarn linear density, material, weave design and fabric width on the twist loss in picking and receiving sides of the woven fabric. The 100% cotton and polyester-cotton (PC) ring spun yarns having linear densities 37, 27 and 15 tex were used to produce fabrics in two different weaves i.e. 1/1 plain and 3/1 twill weave. In addition, two different fabric widths i.e. 121 and 100 cm were produced. The twist loss increases with increase in the fineness of yarn. In PC yarns twist loss percentage was higher as compared to cotton yarns. Twist loss in wider width was higher as compared to smaller widths of the fabric, while the effect of weave design was negligible.
Effects of Foamers and Stabilizers on Foaming Ability and Stability of Oxidized Starch/Polyacrylic Acid Size Liquor in Foam Sizing
Authors: Zhu Bo , Cao Xinwei , Liu Jianli , Gao Weidong
Published: November 2018

Foam sizing has been studied as a low-add-on technology. Foam properties of size liquor, including foaming ability and foam stability, can directly affect the quality of sized yarns. Different foamers and stabilizers were added to oxidized starch/polyacrylic acid size liquor to prepare foaming size liquor. This paper reports the foam properties of the foaming size liquor the optimized mixed proportions of foamers and stabilizers. Foaming ratio and foam half-life time were measured to characterize the foaming ability and foam stability. The experimental results revealed that foam properties of the composite foamer and stabilizer were greater than those of each individual agent. The foam properties achieved optimum levels when the ratio of lauryl sodium sulfate to dodecyl dimethyl betaine was 80:20 and the foamer concentration was 6g/L. It was also found that the composite stabilizers of dodecanol and guar gum at a ratio of 60:40 exhibited a synergistic effect, achieving optimal foam properties at a stabilizer concentration of 4g/L. Yarn properties of the foam sizing were better than those of conventional sizing at optimum conditions.
Evaluation of Luster, Hand Feel and Comfort Properties of Modified Polyester Woven Fabrics
Authors: Zhou Rong , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Wei Zhenzhen , Gao Yu
Published: November 2018

This paper reports a hollow copolyester fiber modified with polyethylene glycol and sodium-5-sulfo-bis-(hydroxyethyl)-isophthalate, abbreviated as ECDP-H, which has the potential to be a replacement for cotton. The objective evaluation of luster (contrast glossiness) and Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KES-F) (four Primary Hand Parameters and the Total Hand) of ECDP-H, PET and cotton fabrics are studied in order to investigate the cotton-like appearance of the ECDP-H. The results of moisture regain and dynamic moisture absorption values obtained indicate that the hydrophilicity of the ECDP-H fabric is better than that of PET fabric. The thermo-physiological performance for three fabrics is determined using air and water vapor permeability, wicking, warm-cooling feeling, thermal resistance and vapor resistance. The results show that the ECDP-H fabric has better hand and comfort properties than cotton.
Preparation Technique and EMI Shielding Evaluation of Flexible Conductive Composite Fabrics Made by Single and Double Wrapped Yarns
Authors: Lou Ching-Wen , Li Ting-Ting , Hwang Po-Wen , Chen An-Pang , Lin Jia Horng
Published: November 2018

Electronics products and communication equipment release electromagnetic (EM) waves in service. EM waves affect biological health and precision instrument accuracy. This study purposes to fabricate flexible conductive composite fabric which is made of complex yarn using metal (stainless steel, copper) fibers and PET filaments. Complex yarn is formed by a rotor twisting machine, at varying values of wrapped number (6.5-16 turns/cm) and lamination number (single-layer, double-layer). Results show that when the complex yarn was wrapped 16 turns/cm, volume resistivity reached 2.9 Ohm-cm and conductivity reaches 0.408 S/cm. Four layers of conductive composite plied with 0°/90°/ 0°/ 90° resulted in the optimum electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, up to 47.7 dB.
Fabric Defect Detection via Un-Decimated Wavelet Decomposition and Gumbel Distribution Model
Authors: Hu Guang Hua , Wang Qing Hui
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates an unsupervised approach for fabric defect detection using un-decimated wavelet decomposition and simple statistical models. A novel data fusion scheme is proposed to merge the information from the different channels into a unique feature map in which potential defective regions will be highlighted distinctly. The distribution of the pixel values corresponding to the defect-free background texture in the feature map is modeled as per the Gumbel distribution model whose parameters are estimated by partitioning the feature map into a set of small patches. By calculating the log-likelihood value of each patch, a log-likelihood map (LLM) can be conveniently created, which provides a good cluster representation of the non-defective regions. A simple thresholding procedure then follows to discriminate between defective regions and homogeneous background in the LLM. The performance of the method has been extensively evaluated using a variety of real fabric samples, and the effectiveness of the proposed scheme has been verified by experimental results in comparison with other methods.
Triboelectric Effect of Polytetrafluoroethylene Fibers to Improve the Filtration Performance of Air-Purified Materials
Authors: Zhu Shang , Xu Yukang , Huang Chen , Jin Xiangyu
Published: November 2018

The effect of triboelectric behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the filtration performance of common air-purified filters was studied. Variations of triboelectric charge density on PTFE films were analyzed by four typical parameters (cycle, applied load, contact area and velocity). The results demonstrated that the addition of PTFE fibers could significantly improve the filtration property of air-purified materials, owning to the accumulation of triboelectric static charge on the fibers.
Effect of Microwave Irradiation on the Physical Properties and Structures of Cotton Fabric
Authors: Xue Zhao
Published: November 2018

Microwaves are high frequency radio waves which are capable of penetrating many materials and causing heat to be generated in the process. To investigate the effect of microwave irradiation on the physical properties, chemical structure, surface morphological structure and fine structure of cotton fabric, cotton fabric was treated with microwave irradiation under variety of conditions in terms of the power and the time of microwave treatment. The breaking strength, breaking elongation, and whiteness of the treated cotton fabric in wet state were investigated. The structures of the untreated and treated cotton were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the physical properties of the treated cotton fabrics were changed with microwave irradiation time and power. The chemical structure and the surface morphological structure did not significantly change. Crystallinity of the treated cotton was changed.
Correlation between Surface Engineering and Deformation Response of Some Natural Polymer Fibrous Systems
Authors: Vrinceanu Narcisa , Guignard Mirela Iorgoaiea , Campagne Christine , Giraud Stephane , Prepelita Raluca Ioana , Coman Diana , Dan Petrescu Valentin , Dumitrascu Dan Dumitru , Ouerfelli Noureddine , Suchea Mirela Petruta
Published: November 2018

Surfaces of bamboo derived cellulosic fibrous systems have been modified by air-plasma treatment. Their deformational response was studied to establish the relationship between their three-dimensional profile and permanent deformation as a measure of their comfort properties since the fibrous system made of natural polymer comes into contact with the skin. The composite should have a permanent deformation close to zero, in order to be, in terms of dimensions, as stable as possible. By analyzing the area of 1 cm2 using a Universal Surface Tester (UST), different 3D surface diagrams and surface roughness values were obtained. This type of surface investigation provides relevant information about the permanent deformation response of the studied surface, for comfort purposes. The deformation responses and roughness levels were studied (the roughness being the parameter quantifying the 3D geometry of the systems surface). The effect of air-plasma surface modification on the deformation response of bamboo derived cellulosic fibrous systems and optimization of their 3D surface structure to enhance comfort-related properties proved to be substantial. The surface modifications induced by air-plasma treatment are in a good correlation with the mechanical behavior. As expected, the roughness levels of samples studied using ball sensors are higher than those of specimens scanned using a papillary sensor. Knitted polymer fibrous matrix T1 shows a roughness level of 773 μm resulting from analyses using the ball sensor, while using the papillary sensor it was 102 μm, 86.8% less than before. The analysis of the dimensional stability of knitted polymer fibrous systems was performed by scanning with the papillary sensor, since it provides information comparable with human perception concerning the architecture of the sample surfaces.
Preparation and Transmission Characteristics of Hybrid Structure Yarns with Nylon fiber for Smart Wear
Authors: Choi Minki , Kim Jooyong
Published: November 2018

Twisted Copper Filaments (TCF) were made by a yarn covering process in order to transmit signals and power for electronic textiles. The 560 denier polyurethane filaments were covered in the S-twist direction by urethane-coated copper wires. Two TCF's twisted in the Z direction were further covered in the S direction by nylon filaments to make final hybrid structure yarns (HSY). The HSY prepared was proportionally increased in apparent resistance and showed resistivity of 1.6210–8Ω·m. The number of ply was critical in terms of resistance variation, showing a linear increase in resistance with ply number. The twist factor, however, was not as significant. Final filaments were found to be changed in resonance frequency mainly due to the change of di-electricity and thus capacitance caused by the nylon covering. It is concluded that while resonance frequency was primarily determined by filament length and dielectric constant of the covering yarns, resonance frequency S11 and S21 were mainly determined by measurement length and ply number.
Synthesis of Chitosan-Functionalized Fibrous Membrane for Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase: Interfacial Property and Application for Catalytic Oxidation of P-Nitrophenol
Authors: Wang Cuie , Liu Xinhua
Published: November 2018

A hydrophilic fibrous membrane consisting of a network of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer and an in situ crosslinked hydrophilic chitosan polymer is studied. This chitosan-functionalized membrane can be employed as a support for immobilization of horseradish peroxidases (HRPs). The immobilized HRPs (mass loading ~110 mg /g) show high stabilities over a wide pH range of 4~10 and temperature range of 25~60°C. In addition, the immobilized HRPs can function as a recyclable biocatalyst for catalytic oxidation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). After 10 cycles, the PNP removal efficiency is 70 percent. The results demonstrate that the chitosan-functionalized fibrous membrane is a promising support for immobilization of enzymes and has applications related to enzyme catalysis.
Silicone Softener for Stain Repellent Stain Release and Wrinkle Resistance Fabric Finishing
Authors: Bao Li-hong , Yun-Jun Lan
Published: November 2018

In this paper a modified silicone softener was used on the finishing of stain repellent stain release and wrinkle resistance fabrics. The concentrations of silicone softener, durable press resin CTA-705 and process conditions on the properties of treated fabrics were investigated. In analyzing the results, the fabric's softness rating, smoothness and wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) increased with the increase of softener concentration. The use of softener has little effect on the fabrics soil release and oil repellency. Wrinkle recovery angle increased remarkably and softness rating decreased steadily with the increase of CTA-705 concentration. Soil release, oil repellency and softness rating of the treated fabrics increased steadily when the cured temperature was raised from 140°C to 170°C.
Preparation and Characterization of CarboxymethylCellulose Hydrogel Fibers
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Chuanjie , Miao Dagang , Sui Shuying , Deng Fenglin , Dong Chaohong , Zhang Lin , Zhu Ping
Published: November 2018

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel fibers were prepared via a solution spinning method with aluminum sulfate as the crosslinking agent. The preparation process of the CMC hydrogel fibers was optimized via orthogonal experiments. FTIR, POM, SEM and TGA were used to characterize the structure and properties of the hydrogel fibers. The mechanical properties and absorption ability of the hydrogel fibers were also investigated. The results indicated that an even structure was formed in the hydrogel. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel fibers were improved with increasing CMC degree of substitution. The hydrogel fibers had excellent moisture absorption performance, and are well-suited for biomedical applications such as wound dressings.
Characterizing Fiber Diameter Variability in Nonwovens
Authors: Pourdeyhemi B.
Published: November 2018

This paper reports on the application of the image analysis methods for characterizing fiber orientation in nonwovens. In our earlier work in this area, we reported on simulation methods as well as three methods (chord tracking, Fourier transform and Flow Field Analysis) for the measurement of fiber orientation. The chord tracking was found to be the method of choice when a direct measure of orientation was desired. This paper outlines the steps necessary to apply the chord tracking method to real fabrics. In order to deal with real webs, it was found necessary to develop a lighting scheme that resulted in images with sufficient contrast suitable for processing as well as to develop an appropriate thresholding method to obtain data suitable for analysis. Further, it is demonstrated that fiber diameter variation can be determined easily by using a “distance transform” method.
The use of Plastic Fabrics in the Nonwovens Industry
Authors: Paetow Hansjörg
Published: November 2018

Although monofilament plastic fabrics have been used in the nonwovens industry for more than 25 years, the general knowledge about such fabrics is relatively poor. This paper shall bring some light in this matter so that the user of plastic fabrics will get more understanding about them. Besides the comparison of glass and metal to plastics, some properties of chosen materials are also mentioned. Special subjects such as air permeability, cleaning, and shrinking are also discussed.
Comparison of Trends in Latex Emulsions for Nonwovens and Textiles: China and the United States
Authors: Wiaczek Pamela
Published: November 2018

The U.S. and Chinese markets for synthetic latex polymers in the nonwoven and textile markets reached 337,000 dry tons (or 744 million dry pounds) in 1996. Overall, the demand for latex polymers in these two market segments will grow to 377,000 dry tons (or 831 million dry pounds) in 2001. Latex usage in nonwovens in these two regions will reach an estimated 202,000 dry tons (or 445 million dry pounds) in 2001, representing average annual growth of 2.2% a year. Likewise, demand in the textile market will grow to 175,000 dry tons (or 386 million dry pounds) in 2001. It is critical to understand that the demand for latex polymer in both markets in the United States will follow that of a more mature market, growing at approximately 2% a year. Demand in China, however, will grow by an estimated 6% a year, but from a very small base.

Future demand for latex polymers in the nonwovens market will be driven by such factors as:

• Consumer discretionary income and preference

• The continued development of specialty niche applications

• Capacity changes in nonwoven products
Fiber Renaissance for the Next Millennium
Authors: Aneja Arun Pal
Published: November 2018

As we enter 21st century, technical advances are dramatically influencing the world of fibers, fabrics and textiles. Today, technology can provide us with fabrics that imitate and actually improve upon nature's best fibers. In the next millennium, textiles will not just be an extension or simple alternatives to natural or synthetic fibers, but will provide superior functionality in broad and emerging sectors of the economy from space to super conductivity and agriculture to geotextile. This will be accomplished through modern business strategies for enhanced stakeholder value and highly efficient production schemes with no adverse impact on the environment and development of precisely specified molecules for new textile platforms.
Acute ischemic stroke secondary to cardiac embolus of a ‘foreign body’ material after a redo sternotomy for mitral valve replacement: A case report
Authors: Fitzgerald Seán , Rizvi Asim , Dai Daying , Williamson Eric E , Lanzino Giuseppe , Doyle Karen M , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: November 2018

Summary

Cardiac surgery has been shown to be associated with increased risk of acute ischemic stroke. This report presents a case of a successful mechanical embolectomy procedure to treat a patient for an acute ischemic stroke, which was caused by the cardiac embolization of a ‘foreign body’ containing debris following a redo sternotomy procedure for mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty.
Events detection and recognition by the fiber vibration system based on power spectrum estimation
Authors: Tabi Fouda Bernard Marie , Han Dezhi , An Bowen , Lu Xuejia , Tian Qiuting
Published: November 2018

One of the important successes of optical fiber sensor established for the security system is the detection and the recognition of any type of events. The performance parameters (event recognition, event detection position, and time of detection) are unavoidable and describe the validity of any perimeter detection system. An event recognition is any signal detected within the protected area, and it is related to a non-intrusion event and an intrusion event. To achieve the detection and the recognition events at the real time, an effective two-level vibration recognition method and a technique are proposed and presented in this article. The signal characteristics (short-term energy and short-time over-threshold) have been used and compared to the dynamic threshold to judge the type of event. Then the extraction of the power distribution features on the frequency domain through power spectral estimation on the suspected intrusion signal samples is carried out and finally combined with the time-domain characteristics as feature vector through Support Vector Machine to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed vibration recognition method. The experimental simulation results show that the proposed method is effective and reliable. With collected data, it can detect and recognize the type of event in real time.
Robust decoupling mixed sensitivity controller design of looper control system for hot strip mill process
Authors: Gao Yufeng , Yang Xu , Shardt Yuri AW
Published: November 2018

This article considers a robust decoupling controller design for a multivariate control system with parameter uncertainties for the hot rolling mill process. The left and right coprime factorization theory is used to properly select the free and weighting matrices. The necessary and sufficient conditions for robust decoupling controller are also proposed. Then, by analyzing the changes in the dynamic response resulting from perturbations in the tension and angle system parameters in the hot strip rolling process, a modified multivariate model is developed. Furthermore, the selection method for a practical weighting function is studied, so that the robust and decoupling performance can be simultaneously realized for the controller implementation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control approach is demonstrated using a case study from an industrial hot rolling mill.
Collaboration calibration and three-dimensional localization in multi-view system
Authors: Feng Sheng , Wu Chengdong , Zhang Yunzhou , Shen Shigen
Published: November 2018

In this research, the authors have addressed the collaboration calibration and real-time three-dimensional (3D) localization problem in the multi-view system. The 3D localization method is proposed to fuse the two-dimensional image coordinates from multi-views and provide the 3D space location in real time. It is a fundamental solution to obtain the 3D location of the moving object in the research field of computer vision. Improved common perpendicular centroid algorithm is presented to reduce the side effect of the shadow detection and improve localization accuracy. The collaboration calibration is used to generate the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of multi-view cameras synchronously. The experimental results show that the algorithm can complete accurate positioning in indoor multi-view monitoring and reduce the complexity.
A Thirty-Year Experiment in Teaching Spiritual Formation: Twelve Lessons We Learned
Authors: Labosier Brian , Labosier Jeremy
Published: November 2018

Spiritual formation requires intentionality, especially at the programmatic level. This article explores insights gained from a novel experiment in theological education where spiritual formation played a central role in shaping all aspects of a seminary’s structures and curriculum. Seminary of the East offered a unique glimpse into how an institution’s vision for spiritual formation can determine all dynamics including campus infrastructure, enrollment goals, faculty rank, in order to better support spiritual formation. Practitioners and administrators can gain insights from the lessons learned by a small seminary’s continually improving efforts at modeling and teaching spiritual formation.
Re-Engaging the Wesleyan-Holiness Tradition in Response to Diversification and Fragmentation in Theological Education: Christian Spiritual Formation Teaching and Practice at Nazarene Theological Seminary
Authors: Hardy Douglas S. , Davis Derek L.
Published: November 2018

Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS), a graduate school in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, is undergoing significant self-examination and adjustment in response to changes and challenges in ecclesial and higher education cultures. This article gives readers a glimpse into NTS’s process for the teaching and practice of spiritual formation—something integral to its heritage and history, intentionally engaged curricularly and relationally, yet in need of assessment and revitalization due to increased diversification and fragmentation of learning platforms and contexts. The school’s ecclesial and institutional roots are reviewed, the contextual development of intentional spiritual formation programming described, important shifts and challenges in the educational and formational landscapes prompting new initiatives noted, a preliminary plan for assessment and evaluation of spiritual formation curriculum and programming outlined, and questions raised to focus the horizons for the continuation of the processes. Readers are invited to join the conversation and provide feedback and input for NTS moving forward.
Group Spiritual Direction: Offering Spiritual Depth and Community Building in Diverse Settings
Authors: Grizzle Anne Fletcher
Published: November 2018

Diverse possibilities for using Group Spiritual Direction, as taught by Rose Mary Dougherty at Shalem Institute, illustrate ways in which advanced spiritual practices can be introduced to spiritual seekers at many different levels. Group Spiritual Direction can be a core growth process for spiritual directors, clergy, and seekers of deep spiritual community. However, in somewhat modified format, this gem of a spiritual process can offer depth community to church groups, enhance retreats, connect leadership groups in community, provide a depth-formation process for mentor groups, and even be used in family settings with young and old.
Social cognitive determinants of exercise behavior in the context of behavior modeling: a mixed method approach
Authors: Oyibo Kiemute , Adaji Ifeoma , Vassileva Julita
Published: November 2018

Research has shown that persuasive technologies aimed at behavior change will be more effective if behavioral determinants are targeted. However, research on the determinants of bodyweight exercise performance in the context of behavior modeling in fitness apps is scarce. To bridge this gap, we conducted an empirical study among 659 participants resident in North America using social cognitive theory as a framework to uncover the determinants of the performance of bodyweight exercise behavior. To contextualize our study, we modeled, in a hypothetical context, two popular bodyweight exercise behaviors – push ups and squats – featured in most fitness apps on the market using a virtual coach (aka behavior model). Our social cognitive model shows that users’ perceived self-efficacy (βT = 0.23, p < 0.001) and perceived social support (βT = 0.23, p < 0.001) are the strongest determinants of bodyweight exercise behavior, followed by outcome expectation (βT = 0.11, p < 0.05). However, users’ perceived self-regulation (βT = –0.07, p = n.s.) turns out to be a non-determinant of bodyweight exercise behavior. Comparatively, our model shows that perceived self-efficacy has a stronger direct effect on exercise behavior for men (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) than for women (β = 0.10, p = n.s.). In contrast, perceived social support has a stronger direct effect on exercise behavior for women (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) than for men (β = −0.01, p = n.s.). Based on these findings and qualitative analysis of participants’ comments, we provide a set of guidelines for the design of persuasive technologies for promoting regular exercise behavior.
Treatment of benign and borderline bone tumors with combined curettage and bone defect reconstruction
Authors: Horstmann Peter F , Hettwer Werner H , Petersen Michael M
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

The management of bone defects following simple curettage of bone tumors is controversial and in light of the numerous emerging substitutes for bone grafts, we wished to review and report our experience with the use of cancellous allograft bone in the treatment of benign and borderline bone tumors.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of 164 consecutive patients with benign or borderline bone tumors treated with simple curettage at our orthopedic oncology center between 2009 and 2013. Postoperative radiological changes were evaluated by a modified Neer’s classification in defects that were subsequently reconstructed with allograft bone ( n = 133).

Results:

Simple curettage with subsequent defect filling using allograft bone was the surgical procedure performed in the majority of our patients (81%) and was associated with a low overall 2.5-year local recurrence (LR; 9.8%) and complication rate (7.5%). The radiological appearance of the grafted defects was deemed satisfactory in 85% of cases, with signs of either complete or partial healing present 6–12 months postoperatively. With respect to pathology, we found high rates of LR in giant cell tumors (GCTs) of bone, simple cysts (SCs) in children, and preexisting local recurrent disease. We did not observe any allograft-related complications.

Conclusions:

Simple curettage and bone defect reconstruction with bone allograft is a sufficient treatment for most benign bone lesions and is associated with a low complication rate. For high-risk entities, such as GCTs of bone, SCs in children, and recurrent disease, additional adjuvant treatment could be considered to avoid LR.
Efficacy of Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Knee for Adults 40 Years and Older
Authors: Anderson Devon E. , Robinson Katlyn S. , Wiedrick Jack , Crawford Dennis C.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation has become a standard therapy for cartilage restoration in young patients.

Purpose:

To determine the efficacy of fresh OCA transplantation for focal cartilage lesions in patients aged ≥40 years compared with a group of patients aged ≤39 years.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A database was used to identify patients who underwent fresh OCA transplantation in the knee in a single-surgeon practice over a 10-year period and who completed baseline patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires, including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC); Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales of Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Quality of Life (QOL), and Sports & Recreation; and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12). Patients who completed the same PRO measures at a minimum 12-month follow-up were categorized into 2 groups based on age at surgery and were observed longitudinally. Mixed-model regression was used to predict longitudinal growth curves for each PRO score while controlling for confounding patient and surgical variables.

Results:

The study group consisted of 38 patients with a mean age of 52.32 years (range, 40-69 years) and mean final follow-up of 44.47 ± 24.32 months. The control group consisted of 42 patients with a mean age of 27.19 years (range, 15-39 years) and mean final follow-up of 33.75 ± 19.53 months. A statistically significant improvement from baseline to final follow-up was seen for the IKDC score and all 5 KOOS subscores in both the study and the control groups ( P < .01 in 10 of 12 comparisons and P < .05 for the other 2 comparisons). Maximum improvements were seen in the KOOS QOL and Sports & Recreation subscores for both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the change from baseline to final follow-up or in differences at any time point in model-based longitudinal projections for any PRO score through 5 years.

Conclusion:

There was a significant improvement of outcomes for both groups, with no statistically significant difference between groups over longitudinal follow-up. The efficacy of fresh OCA transplantation in adults aged ≥40 years with a focal chondral lesion and without osteoarthritis is similar to that of younger adults, and benefits are greatest for the KOOS QOL and Sports & Recreation subscales, which reflect functional outcomes.
The Impact of Depression on Patient Outcomes in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Martin RobRoy L. , Christoforetti John J. , McGovern Ryan , Kivlan Benjamin R. , Wolff Andrew B. , Nho Shane J. , Salvo John P. , Ellis Thomas J. , Van Thiel Geoff , Matsuda Dean , Carreira Dominic S.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Mental health impairments have been shown to negatively affect preoperative self-reported function in patients with various musculoskeletal disorders, including those with femoroacetabular impingement.

Hypothesis:

Those with symptoms of depression will have lower self-reported function, more pain, and less satisfaction on initial assessment and at 2-year follow-up than those without symptoms of depression.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who were enrolled in a multicenter hip arthroscopic surgery registry and had 2-year outcome data available were included in the study. Patients completed the 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) when consenting for surgery. At 2-year follow-up, patients were emailed the iHOT, the VAS, and a rating scale of surgical satisfaction. Initial SF-12 mental component summary (MCS) scores <46.5 and ≤36 were used to qualify symptoms of depression and severe depression, respectively, as previously described and validated. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to compare preoperative and 2-year postoperative iHOT-12, VAS, and satisfaction scores between those with and without symptoms of depression.

Results:

A total of 781 patients achieved the approximate 2-year milestone (mean follow-up, 735 ± 68 days), with 651 (83%) having 2-year outcome data available. There were 434 (67%) female and 217 (33%) male patients, with a mean age of 35.8 ± 13.0 years and a mean body mass index of 25.4 ± 8.8 kg/m2. The most common procedures were femoroplasty (83%), followed by synovectomy (80%), labral repair (76%), acetabuloplasty (58%), acetabular chondroplasty (56%), femoral chondroplasty (23%), and labral reconstruction (19%). The mean initial SF-12 MCS score was 51.5 ± 10.3, with cutoff scores indicating symptoms of depression and severe depression in 181 (28%) and 71 (11%) patients, respectively. Patients with symptoms of depression scored significantly ( P < .05) lower on the initial iHOT-12 and VAS and 2-year follow-up iHOT-12, VAS, and rating scale of surgical satisfaction.

Conclusion:

A large number of patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery presented with symptoms of depression, which negatively affected self-reported function, pain levels, and satisfaction on initial assessment and at 2-year follow-up. Surgeons who perform hip arthroscopic surgery may need to identify the symptoms of depression and be aware of the impact that depression can have on surgical outcomes.
Functional Gains in Children With Spastic Hemiplegia Following a Tendon Achilles Lengthening Using Computerized Adaptive Testing—A Pilot Study
Authors: Saleh Eli , Dahan-Oliel Noémi , Montpetit Kathleen , Benaroch Thierry , Yap Rita , Barakat Nadia , Mulcahey M. J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

This pilot study evaluated the outcomes of tendon Achilles lengthening in 12 children (mean age: 11.2 years) with spastic hemiplegia.

Methods:

Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Tests, the timed up-and-go, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument were administered at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery.

Results:

Significant improvement at the latest follow-up (12-24 months following surgery) was seen in all domains of the Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Test: activity ( P = .017), lower extremity ( P = .005), global ( P = .005), pain ( P = .005), and fatigue ( P = .028), as well as in the Gross Motor Function Measure-standing domain ( P = .02) and the mobility domain of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that the tendon Achilles lengthening improved functional outcome in these children as measured by tests of physical function, walking speed, and activity performance.
Visualizing Belief in Meritocracy, 1930–2010
Authors: Mijs Jonathan J. B.
Published: November 2018

In this figure I describe the long trend in popular belief in meritocracy across the Western world between 1930 and 2010. Studying trends in attitudes is limited by the paucity of survey data that can be compared across countries and over time. Here, I show how to complement survey waves with cohort-level data. Repeated surveys draw on a representative sample of the population to describe the typical beliefs held by citizens in a given country and period. Leveraging the fact that citizens surveyed in a given year were born in different time-periods allows for a comparison of beliefs across birth cohorts. The latter overlaps with the former, but considerably extends the time period covered by the data. Taken together, the two measures give a “triangulated” longitudinal record of popular belief in meritocracy. I find that in most countries, popular belief in meritocracy is (much) stronger for more recent periods and cohorts.
Synapse molecular complexity and the plasticity behaviour problem
Authors: Grant Seth G. N.
Published: November 2018

Synapses are the hallmark of brain complexity and have long been thought of as simple connectors between neurons. We are now in an era in which we know the full complement of synapse proteins and this has created an existential crisis because the molecular complexity far exceeds the requirements of most simple models of synaptic function. Studies of the organisation of proteome complexity and its evolution provide surprising new insights that challenge existing dogma and promote the development of new theories about the origins and role of synapses in behaviour. The postsynaptic proteome of excitatory synapses is a structure with high molecular complexity and sophisticated computational properties that is disrupted in over 130 brain diseases. A key goal of 21st-century neuroscience is to develop comprehensive molecular datasets on the brain and develop theories that explain the molecular basis of behaviour.
Evaluation and management of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents: the role of the hematologist
Authors: O’Brien Sarah H.
Published: November 2018

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is frequently reported by adolescents. The role of the hematologist is threefold in evaluating such patients: (1) perform a clinical and laboratory evaluation for an underlying bleeding disorder on the basis of the degree of clinical suspicion, (2) identify and manage any concomitant iron deficiency, and (3) provide input to the referring provider regarding the management of HMB, particularly for patients with identified hemostatic defects. Several clues in the menstrual history should raise suspicion for an underlying bleeding disorder, such as menses lasting >7 days, menstrual flow which soaks >5 sanitary products per day or requires product change during the night, passage of large blood clots, or failure to respond to conventional therapies. A detailed personal and family history of other bleeding symptoms should also be obtained. Iron deficiency with and without anemia is commonly found in young women with HMB. Therefore, it is important to obtain measures of hemoglobin and ferritin levels when evaluating these patients. Iron supplementation is often a key component of management in the adolescent with heavy menses and is still needed in those who have received packed red cell transfusions as a result of severe anemia. Strategies for decreasing menstrual blood flow are similar for adults and adolescents with heavy menses, with combined hormonal contraceptives recommended as first-line therapy. However, there are adolescent-specific considerations for many of these agents, and they must be incorporated into shared decision-making when selecting the most appropriate treatment.
The Gp1ba-Cre transgenic mouse: a new model to delineate platelet and leukocyte functions
Authors: Nagy Zoltan , Vögtle Timo , Geer Mitchell J. , Mori Jun , Heising Silke , Di Nunzio Giada , Gareus Ralph , Tarakhovsky Alexander , Weiss Arthur , Neel Benjamin G. , Desanti Guillaume E. , Mazharian Alexandra , Senis Yotis A.
Published: November 2018

Conditional knockout (KO) mouse models are invaluable for elucidating the physiological roles of platelets. The Platelet factor 4-Cre recombinase (Pf4-Cre) transgenic mouse is the current model of choice for generating megakaryocyte/platelet-specific KO mice. Platelets and leukocytes work closely together in a wide range of disease settings, yet the specific contribution of platelets to these processes remains unclear. This is partially a result of the Pf4-Cre transgene being expressed in a variety of leukocyte populations. To overcome this issue, we developed a Gp1ba-Cre transgenic mouse strain in which Cre expression is driven by the endogenous Gp1ba locus. By crossing Gp1ba-Cre and Pf4-Cre mice to the mT/mG dual-fluorescence reporter mouse and performing a head-to-head comparison, we demonstrate more stringent megakaryocyte lineage-specific expression of the Gp1ba-Cre transgene. Broader tissue expression was observed with the Pf4-Cre transgene, leading to recombination in many hematopoietic lineages, including monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, and dendritic and B and T cells. Direct comparison of phenotypes of Csk, Shp1, or CD148 conditional KO mice generated using either the Gp1ba-Cre or Pf4-Cre strains revealed similar platelet phenotypes. However, additional inflammatory and immunological anomalies were observed in Pf4-Cre-generated KO mice as a result of nonspecific deletion in other hematopoietic lineages. By excluding leukocyte contributions to phenotypes, the Gp1ba-Cre mouse will advance our understanding of the role of platelets in inflammation and other pathophysiological processes in which platelet-leukocyte interactions are involved.
Tralokinumab did not demonstrate oral corticosteroid-sparing effects in severe asthma
Authors: Busse William W. , Brusselle Guy G. , Korn Stephanie , Kuna Piotr , Magnan Antoine , Cohen David , Bowen Karin , Piechowiak Teresa , Wang Millie M. , Colice Gene
Published: November 2018

Long-term oral corticosteroid (OCS) use in patients with severe asthma is associated with significant adverse effects.

This 40-week, randomised, double-blind trial evaluated the OCS-sparing potential of tralokinumab in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma requiring maintenance OCS treatment plus inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2-agonists. Overall, 140 patients were randomised to tralokinumab 300 mg or placebo (n=70 in each group) administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks. The primary end-point was percentage change from baseline in average OCS dose at week 40, while maintaining asthma control. Secondary end-points included proportion of patients with a prescribed maintenance OCS dose of ≤5 mg, those with a ≥50% reduction in prescribed maintenance OCS dose and asthma exacerbation rate. Safety was also assessed.

At week 40, the percentage reduction from baseline in the final daily average OCS dose was not significantly different between tralokinumab and placebo (37.62%versus29.85%; p=0.271). There were no significant between-treatment differences for any secondary end-point. Overall, reporting of adverse events and serious adverse events were similar for the tralokinumab and placebo groups. Although a greater proportion of tralokinumab-treated patients reported upper respiratory tract infections (35.7%versus14.3%), there were no reported cases of pneumonia.

Overall, tralokinumab did not demonstrate an OCS-sparing effect in patients with severe asthma.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Modha Mr Ravi Krishān , Morriss‐Roberts Chris , Smither Madeleine , Larholt Jonathan , Reilly Ian
Published: November 2018

Background

With the advent of bacterial resistance, it is important now more than ever to evaluate use of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery. Within this area of the body there may be less dissection, surgery time with smaller incisions and importantly smaller sizes of implanted fixation as compared to other bone and joint procedures. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the quality of evidence behind existing guidelines.

Methodology

A systematic literature search was performed: MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE and the Cochrane library from 1990 up to March 2018. To avoid omitting any studies on the subject, Google Scholar was also used. The inclusion criterion were studies exploring perioperative antibiotic use, postoperative infection rates in elective foot and ankle surgery and studies associated with this subject evaluating antibiotic use in clean elective foot and ankle surgery. The exclusion criterion being studies upon contaminated or dirty surgery or those which were inclusive of procedures proximal to the foot and ankle.

Results

Overall 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. From the grading of evidence, 2 level one and 4 level two studies were recognised. These studies ranked relatively highly in comparison to 5 studies that were graded as level three and level four tiers of evidence. Results of SSI rates found within this systematic review ranged from 0% to 9.4% of overall postoperative infections encountered after foot and ankle surgery in the studies analysed.

Conclusion

Whilst fragmented, aspects of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis are established fields in elective surgery with a growing body of evidence. Evidence for antibiotic use however, specifically within elective foot and ankle surgery, is lacking. This systematic review is a seminal paper which delivers an impression of the most influential literature within the field of foot and ankle surgery, with the aim being to entice conclusions and guide future research.