bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite bending of a multilayered cylindrical nanosector with residual deformations
Authors: Sigaeva Taisiya , Czekanski Aleksander
Published: February 2017

This paper deals with the universal model describing plane strain bending of a multilayered sector of a cylindrical tube which can have residual deformations as well as nano-scale effects. In order to model the response of the sector at the nano-scale, the Gurtin–Murdoch theory is employed. Residual deformations of the layers, such as prestretch or precompression, are introduced into the model of finite bending using the multiplicative decomposition rule for corresponding deformation gradients. Numerous coupled nonlinear effects exhibited by the sector are discussed.
Repetitive ischemia increases myocardial dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 expression
Authors: Zhang Ping , Fassett John T , Zhu Guangshuo , Li Jingxin , Hu Xinli , Xu Xin , Chen Yingjie , Bache Robert J
Published: February 2017

Pharmacologic inhibition of nitric oxide production inhibits growth of coronary collateral vessels. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) is the major enzyme that degrades asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Here we examined regulation of the ADMA-DDAH1 pathway in a canine model of recurrent myocardial ischemia during the time when coronary collateral growth is known to occur. Under basal conditions, DDAH1 expression was non-uniform across the left ventricular (LV) wall, with expression strongest in the subepicardium. In response to ischemia, DDAH1 expression was up-regulated in the midmyocardium of the ischemic zone, and this was associated with a significant reduction in myocardial interstitial fluid (MIF) ADMA. The decrease in MIF ADMA during ischemia was likely due to increased DDAH1 because myocardial protein arginine N-methyl transferase 1 (PRMT1) and the methylated arginine protein content (the source of ADMA) were unchanged or increased, respectively, at this time. The inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were also elevated in the midmyocardium where DDAH1 expression was increased. Both of these factors significantly up-regulated DDAH1 expression in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells. Taken together, these results suggest that inflammatory factors expressed in response to myocardial ischemia contributed to up-regulation of DDAH1, which was responsible for the decrease in MIF ADMA.
How does prior explicit knowledge affect the efficacy of explicit instruction and feedback? The case of the personal a in L2 Spanish
Authors: Martoccio Alyssa
Published: February 2017

This study examined the effectiveness of explicit instruction and feedback, focusing on degrees of prior knowledge of the personal a in intermediate level second language (L2) Spanish. On the pretest, participants ( n = 58) completed grammaticality judgment and picture description tasks, which found that learners had different degrees of receptive and productive command of the structure but had not mastered it above 90% accuracy. Based on pretest scores, participants were split into two groups: high prior knowledge (some receptive and productive command) and low prior knowledge (some receptive command only). On the posttest, half of each group was given computer-administered explicit instruction and feedback on the personal a followed by the two tasks. The control groups completed only the tasks. Results indicated that both instructed groups improved more than their respective control groups after treatment; however, while six individuals from the uninstructed high knowledge group improved over time on both tasks, no one from the uninstructed low knowledge group improved. Awareness results help to explain this difference, since both high prior knowledge and instruction with feedback were associated with higher levels of awareness. These results reveal a link between prior knowledge, awareness and the usefulness of instruction and feedback.
Capturing life histories about movements into and out of poverty: A road with pits and bumps
Authors: Schiettecat Tineke , Roets Griet , Vandenbroeck Michel
Published: February 2017

In order to take into account the power imbalances typically implicated in knowledge production about the complex social problem of poverty, social work researchers have increasingly acknowledged the importance of grasping the viewpoints and perspectives of people in poverty situations. In this contribution, we accordingly reflect on a current life history research project that retrospectively explores the life stories of parents with young children with regard to their mobility into and out of poverty that is examined in dynamic interaction with social work interventions. In this article, we discuss methodological and ethical challenges and complexities that we unexpectedly encountered in our research venture, as illustrated by three exemplary vignettes. These examples demonstrate issues of power between the researcher and the research participants that are not only inevitable, but also generate dilemmas, struggles and ambiguities that often remain underexposed in the ways scientific insights are reported. Rather than disguising these pits and bumps, we argue for a reflexive research stance which makes these issues of power in knowledge production susceptible to contemplation and scrutiny.
Study on cross-directional tensile properties of bamboo-/polypropylene-blended needle-punched non-woven fabrics
Authors: Senthil Kumar N , Shabaridharan K , Perumalraj R , Ilango V
Published: February 2017

In this study, bamboo and polypropylene fibers have been selected to produce non-woven fabrics using needle punching machines. The non-woven fabrics were produced with bamboo and polypropylene blends of 80%/20%, 20%/80% and 50%/50%, respectively. The cross-directional tensile properties of produced non-woven fabrics were analyzed using Box–Behnken experimental design for three factors and three levels by varying aerial density, punch density and depth of needling penetration. It was observed that the 20% bamboo/80% polypropylene non-woven fabrics have higher tensile strength and elongation than the other two blend proportions. The tensile strength increases with increase in aerial density, punch density and depth of needle penetration.
Paternal Physical Activity: An Important Target to Improve the Health of Fathers and their Children
Authors: Young Myles D. , Morgan Philip J.
Published: February 2017

Although the transition to fatherhood is joyful and fulfilling for many men, becoming a father also exposes men to a series of new challenges and responsibilities that can negatively affect their well-being. As such, effective strategies that foster positive physical and mental health in fathers are required. Given the established links between regular physical activity and optimal health, strategies to reduce the substantial decline in physical activity typically observed during the early fatherhood may be particularly fruitful. In this commentary, we discuss the potential mediating role of physical activity on a series of important outcomes for fathers, including paternal and child health and the quality of the father-child relationship. We also present an argument that high-quality research studies testing physical activity interventions that meaningfully engage fathers are urgently required.
Children as agents of social and community change: Enhancing youth empowerment through participation in a school-based social activism project
Authors: Torres-Harding Susan , Baber Ashley , Hilvers Julie , Hobbs Nakisha , Maly Michael
Published: February 2017

School-based social activism projects have much potential to foster civic engagement, self-efficacy, and positive youth development. Social activism projects may also be a means by which children, a group that is disempowered due to their age and dependence on adults, might seek to positively impact social and community problems. The current study evaluated elementary school age children’s (K-7th grade) participation in grassroots campaigns, which are year-long school-based activism projects that are a component of their school’s comprehensive social justice curriculum. Results found that even young children could successfully and meaningfully participate in these school-based activism projects. Additionally, students’ participation in these projects was characterized by a high level of enthusiasm and also facilitated a sense of community and empowerment in these children.
Health-related quality of life outcomes from botulinum toxin treatment in hemifacial spasm
Authors: Weiss Daniel , Sturm Justine , Hieber Leonhard , Börtlein Axel , Mayr Ingo , Appy Matthias , Kühnler Benedicta , Buchthal Joachim , Dippon Christian , Arnold Guy , Wächter Tobias
Published: February 2017

Background:

Although botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections may alleviate involuntary muscle contractions in hemifacial spasm substantially, it is less clear whether the motor effect would translate into improvements of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).

Methods:

In this open-label clinical observational study, we characterized outcomes on HR-QoL in terms of the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) from BoNT in a prospective cohort of patients with hemifacial spasm ( n = 73). Additionally, we characterized appendicular motor and nonmotor signs on motor symptom improvement, depressive symptoms, pain and sleep quality. Patients were assessed at the end of a regular 3-month period from last injection (timepoint1) and 4 weeks after the reinjection of BoNT (timepoint2).

Results:

Patients showed improved HR-QoL on the EQ-VAS (visual analogue scale) at timepoint2 compared with timepoint1. Moreover, we identified, that impairments in HR-QoL at timepoint1 correlated with life satisfaction and depressive symptoms, respectively. However, these associated variables did not predict the therapeutic effect. Instead, EQ-VAS at timepoint1 accounted for 34.5% of the variance of EQ-VAS improvement expressed as the difference between timepoint2 and timepoint1.

Conclusion:

Our study supports HR-QoL improvements in hemifacial spasm and the value of generic HR-QoL measures to estimate therapeutic outcome. However, the findings should be considered descriptive, and future high quality trials are needed for confirmatory purposes in order to refine treatment referral in hemifacial spasm with respect to QoL.
Vascularization and innervation of slits within polydimethylsiloxane sheets in the subcutaneous space of athymic nude mice
Authors: Gurlin Rachel E , Keating Mark T , Li Shiri , Lakey Jonathan RT , de Feraudy Sébastien , Shergill Bhupinder S , Botvinick Elliot L
Published: February 2017

Success of cell therapy in avascular sites will depend on providing sufficient blood supply to transplanted tissues. A popular strategy of providing blood supply is to embed cells within a functionalized hydrogel implanted within the host to stimulate neovascularization. However, hydrogel systems are not always amenable for removal post-transplantation; thus, it may be advantageous to implant a device that contains cells while also providing access to the circulation so retrieval is possible. Here we investigate one instance of providing access to a vessel network, a thin sheet with through-cut slits, and determine if it can be vascularized from autologous materials. We compared the effect of slit width on vascularization of a thin sheet following subcutaneous implantation into an animal model. Polydimethylsiloxane sheets with varying slit widths (approximately 150, 300, 500, or 1500 µm) were fabricated from three-dimensional printed molds. Subcutaneous implantation of sheets in immunodeficient mice revealed that smaller slit widths have evidence of angiogenesis and new tissue growth, while larger slit widths contain native mature tissue squeezing into the space. Our results show that engineered slit sheets may provide a simple approach to cell transplantation by providing a prevascularized and innervated environment.
Comparison of Guy’s vs S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry scoring systems in predicting the success rate of PCNL
Authors: Rathee VS , HC Vivek , Khan Sartaj Wali , Singh AK , Shukla Pushpender Kumar , Verma Ashish , Trivedi Sameer , Dwivedi Udai Shankar
Published: February 2017

Introduction and objective:

The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of the Guy’s and S.T.O.N.E. scoring systems in predicting percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) outcomes.

Methods:

This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Urology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, between August 2013 and September 2015 in collaboration with the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging. A total of 100 cases of renal calculi operated on with PCNL were considered in the study on the basis of CT morphodensitometry. The study was approved by the institute’s ethical committee. Guy’s and S.T.O.N.E. scoring systems were calculated. Regression analysis and ROC curves were performed.

Results:

A total of 100 PCNLs were operated on. The overall stone-free rate was 90% with a complication rate of 17%. When compared to patients with residual fragments, stone-free patients had significantly lower Guy’s grade (3.5 vs 2; p < 0.001) and S.T.O.N.E. score (9.1 vs 7.5; p = 0.023). Logistic regression analysis showed that both Guy’s and S.T.O.N.E. systems were significantly associated with stone-free status, OR 0.96 ( p < 0.001) and OR 0.94 ( p < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, both scoring systems were significantly associated with estimated blood loss ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.004). There was good correlation between both scoring systems and operative time ( r = 0.2, p < 0.002 and r = 0.3, p < 0.002) and length of hospital stay ( r = 0.1, p = 0.002 and r = 0.2, p < 0.002). There were significant associations between both scoring systems and complications ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in the areas under the curves for the Guy’s and S.T.O.N.E. scoring systems (0.96 (95% CI 0.92–0.99) vs 0.94 (95% CI 0.89–1.001); p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Both Guy’s and S.T.O.N.E scoring systems have comparable accuracies in predicting post-PCNL stone-free status. Other factors not included in either scoring system may need to be incorporated in the future to increase their accuracy.
A case of endometrial carcinoma in a long-term Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG 52 mg-IUS) user
Authors: Thomas Melisa , Briggs Paula
Published: February 2017

This report describes a 50-year-old woman who presented to a community gynaecology clinic complaining of persistent heavy vaginal bleeding with an LNG 52 mg-IUS in situ. She was subsequently found to have stage 1 grade 1a endometrioid carcinoma. From the literature, we have identified five similar cases. This case highlights the possibility of endometrial carcinoma despite treatment with an LNG 52 mg-IUS and reinforces the importance of investigating women who present with unusual persistent or heavy vaginal bleeding.
Finger and foot tapping as alternative outcomes of upper and lower extremity function in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tanigawa Makoto , Stein Jason , Park John , Kosa Peter , Cortese Irene , Bielekova Bibiana
Published: February 2017

Background

While magnetic resonance imaging contrast-enhancing lesions represent an excellent screening tool for disease-modifying treatments in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), this biomarker is insensitive for testing therapies against compartmentalized inflammation in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, alternative sensitive outcomes are needed. Using machine learning, clinician-acquired disability scales can be combined with timed measures of neurological functions such as walking speed (e.g. 25-foot walk; 25FW) or fine finger movements (e.g. 9-hole peg test; 9HPT) into sensitive composite clinical scales, such as the recently developed combinatorial, weight-adjusted disability scale (CombiWISE). Ideally, these complementary simplified measurements of certain neurological functions could be performed regularly at patients’ homes using smartphones.

Objectives

We asked whether tests amenable to adaptation to smartphone technology, such as finger and foot tapping have comparable sensitivity and specificity to current non-clinician-acquired disability measures.

Results

We observed that finger and foot tapping can differentiate RRMS and progressive MS in a cross-sectional study and can also measure yearly and two-year disease progression in the latter, with better power (based on z-scores) in comparison to currently utilized 9HPT and 25FW.

Conclusions

Replacing the 9HPT and 25FW with simplified tests broadly adaptable to smartphone technology may enhance the power of composite scales for progressive MS.
Clinical evaluation of a low-cost robot for use in physiotherapy and gait training
Authors: Volpini Mariana , Bartenbach Volker , Pinotti Marcos , Riener Robert
Published: February 2017

Background

Robotic-assisted gait training, a viable and promising therapeutic option for neurological rehabilitation, is not widely adopted in developing countries because of its high cost. In this paper, we describe the concept and construction of a low-cost robot prototype to restore walking ability in children with neurological dysfunction.

Methods

The proposed robot consists of an orthosis, a treadmill, a body weight support system and two ankle guidance systems that move the ankles along a physiological kinematic trajectory. The spatiotemporal gait parameters of 60 children with typical development and children with cerebral palsy (aged 7–10 years) were obtained through clinical tests and compared with those provided by the robot.

Results

The robotic orthosis presents normative values for stride length, step length and cadence during the typical development of children’s gait speed and allows speed adjustments according to the degree of neuromotor impairment.

Conclusion

The results evidence the high feasibility of developing a low-complexity rehabilitation device compliant with the physiological trajectory of the ankle as well as with several other physiological gait parameters.
The Most Social Games
Authors: Tang Tang , Cooper Roger
Published: February 2017

Social media has substantially changed how people consume media content, particularly during sport mega-events. This study examined the audience social media uses during the “most social Olympics” and found that demographics, personality, motivations, preference, media use routine, and viewing context significantly predicted social media consumption for the Rio Games. Olympics viewing on social media was predominately predicted by media use routine, while following and posting on social media about the Olympics appeared to be a more “active” choice that was shaped by personal identity and virtual schemas. In addition, results indicate that social media uses during the Rio Games neither “displaced” nor “encouraged” Olympics viewing on traditional television. Uses of social media suggest a digital expansion of “group” viewing and transform ways in which the audience can experience a sport mega-event.
Arthroscopic fixation of the clavicle shaft fracture
Authors: Kim Yang-Soo , Lee Hyo-Jin , Kim Jong-Ick , Yang Hyo , Jin Hong-Ki , Patel Hiren Kirtibhai , Kim Jong-Ho , Park In
Published: February 2017

This article describes an arthroscopic technique for the fixation of clavicle shaft fractures. A viewing portal is made 2 cm anterior to the fracture site, and a working portal is made 2 cm lateral to the fracture site. The guide wire for a 4.0-mm cannulated screw is inserted through the fracture site to the medial fracture fragment under arthroscopic guidance. Through the medial fragment, the guide wire is delivered through the skin anteriorly. The fracture is reduced, and then, the guide wire is drilled back across the fracture site to the lateral fracture fragment. After confirming the reduction under arthroscopy, the appropriately sized cannulated screw is inserted after reaming. This arthroscopic technique would be useful for the precise reduction and minimal invasive fixation of clavicle shaft fractures. Preliminary results are encouraging, and further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine the precise indications and limitations of the procedure.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in snapping scapula
Authors: Acar Nihat , Karaarslan Ahmet A , Karakasli Ahmet
Published: February 2017

Background:

Bursitis of the snapping scapula is commonly a misdiagnosed problem. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been used successfully in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of ESWT in the treatment of scapulothoracic bursitis with the outcome of corticosteroid injection.

Methods:

Using the randomized controlled trials 43 patients with scapulothoracic bursitis were divided into two groups. Group 1 ( n = 22) received three sessions of ESWT. Group 2 ( n = 21) received a single local injection of 80 mg of methylprednisolone. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at each follow-up, whereas the level of satisfaction was evaluated using the Roles and Maudsley criteria.

Results:

In group 1, the average VAS scores after 1, 2, 3, and 6 months were 39, 30, 27, and 16, respectively, whereas, in group 2, the average VAS scores were 46, 44, 35, and 36, respectively. There was no statistical significance between the two groups in the first and second months. However, after 3 and 6 months, group 1 revealed lower average VAS scores compared to that of the second group with p-values (0.012 and 0.001), respectively. Roles and Maudsley criteria showed that first group patients were 46% excellent, 36% good, 14% acceptable, and 4% had poor results. However, second group patients were 24% excellent, 33% good, 19% acceptable, and 24% had poor results.

Conclusion:

We believe that ESWT is a beneficial and trustable method of treatment and can be strongly recommended in painful cases of scapulothoracic bursitis.
Giant cell tumor of distal radius treated with ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis
Authors: Salunke Abhijeet Ashok , Shah Jaymin , Warikoo Vikas , Chakraborty Amit , Pokharkar Harshwardhan , Chen Yongsheng , Pruthi Manish , Pandit Jyotindra
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

The aim is to analyze the functional outcomes of patients of giant cell tumor (GCT) of distal radius treated with ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis.

Methods:

Study included 25 patients of aggressive GCT of distal radius, resected and reconstructed using ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis. The ulna-carpal radius fixation was performed with plate and screws. The patients were followed to bony union and minimum follow-up was 1 year.

Result:

Twenty-two patients were of Campanacci grade 3 and three patients were of Campanacci grade2. The mean follow-up was of 23 months (12–36). All patients had an excellent range of pronation and supination. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24 (range 22–28). Grip strength of affected hand compared to the contra lateral hand was found good in 17 cases and average in 7 cases. The mean bone union time at ulna to radius junction was at 6.5 (5–8) months and ulna to carpal junction at 4.5 (4–6) months. The complications were surgical site infection (one case), recurrence (one case) and failure of union (one case), and ulna graft fracture with implant failure in (two cases).

Conclusion:

Reconstruction of distal end of radius using ulnar translocation and wrist arthrodesis provides excellent functional outcomes with preservation of rotational movement of forearm and hand function. Reconstruction of the distal radius by ulnar translocation without complete detachment from surrounding soft tissues functions like vascularized graft without use of microvascular techniques.
A new technique for arthroscopic reduction and fixation of displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, using suture anchor and EndoButton system
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yang Jianjun , Zhao Gongyin , Zheng Dong , Zhou Xianju , Xu Nanwei , Wang Yuji
Published: February 2017

Aim:

The study aims to describe a less invasive technique for displaced tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, using only one bone tunnel with suture anchor and EndoButton system.

Methods:

Seventeen patients were followed up after arthroscopic fixation for tibial eminence fractures using suture anchor and EndoButton. The patients were followed with clinical examinations such as Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating scales. Radiographic assessments were also performed during the follow-up for evaluating the healing of the fracture.

Results:

There were 14 male patients and 3 female patients with 10 right knees, and 7 left knees included. All the fractures healed anatomically at final follow-up. Also, no clinical signs of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency were detected. The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 74.72 ± 3.24 (range from 70 to 79) to 96.2 ± 2.54 (range from 89 to 98) ( p < 0.001). The IKDC category was abnormal or severely abnormal preoperatively and all the patients improved to normal or nearly normal at final follow-up. The Tegner score also improved significantly postoperatively from 3.45 ± 1.02 to 6.34 ± 1.22 ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that the procedure is safe and effective, which can be another option for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures.
Prediction of Anti-VEGF Response in Diabetic Macular Edema After 1 Injection
Authors: Shah Ankoor R. , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Todorich Bozho , Laere Lily Van , Hussain Rehan , Woodward Maria A. , Abbey Ashkan M. , Wolfe Jeremy D.
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

With multiple anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and steroid therapies available for diabetic macular edema (DME), there is a need for early determination of the best treatment for a particular patient to prevent irreversible vision loss from chronic DME. In this study, we classify patients as responders or nonresponders to anti-VEGF monotherapy in the treatment of DME after a single anti-VEGF injection.

Methods:

The study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, interventional case series. We included patients who received 3 consecutive monthly injections with the same anti-VEGF agent. We excluded patients who were treated for DME in the preceding 3 months with any form of anti-VEGF therapy. Visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) data were followed for 1 year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed in order to identify the cutoff values for identifying responders.

Results:

One hundred seven eyes were reviewed, with 40 eyes of 34 patients meeting all inclusion criteria. Based on ROC curve analysis, a reduction in CRT by >15% at 1 month identified eyes that responded to treatment and had a >25% reduction in CRT at 3 months (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.92).

Conclusion:

Diabetic macular edema eyes that have early response to anti-VEGF treatment by reduction in CRT will have significant response to treatment by 3 months.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of complementary and alternative medicine in asthma
Authors: Kohn Charlotte M. , Paudyal Priyamvada
Published: February 2017

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease affecting around 235 million people worldwide. Conventional medications in asthma are not curative and patients have significant concerns regarding their side-effects. Consequently, many asthma patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for a more holistic approach to care. We systematically reviewed the available evidence on the effectiveness of CAM in the management of asthma in adults.

We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and Cochrane databases for randomised controlled trials published in English between 1990 and 2016 investigating the effectiveness of oral or topical CAM in asthmatic adults. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool.

In all, 23 eligible trials were identified covering 19 different CAMs. Overall, there was limited evidence on the effectiveness of CAM in adult asthma as most CAMs were only assessed in a single trial. CAMs with multiple trials provided null or inconsistent results. Many of the trials were rated as having high risk of bias.

The existing evidence is insufficient to recommend any of the oral and topical CAMs in the management of asthma in adults.
Pseudo-metric space and fixed point theorem
Authors: Lazaiz Samih , Chaira Karim , Aamri Mohamed , Marhrani El Miloudi
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to give a generalized version of Caristi fixed point theorems in pseudo-metric spaces. Our results generalize and improve many of well-known theorems. As an application of our results, we give a new existence theorem to the generalized nonlinear complementarity problem and a solution of differential inclusion in the distributions setting.
Guam: Protests at the Tip of America's Spear
Authors: Bevacqua Michael Lujan
Published: February 2017

In 2009, the US Department of Defense outlined their plans to dramatically increase their military presence in Guam, a Micronesian island that has been a colony of the United States since 1898. This move of several thousand Marines currently stationed in Okinawa represented the most recent instance whereby the United States intends to “sharpen” what its military planners have referred to as “the tip of their spear” leveled against potential threats in Asia. The increased military presence as well as proposed firing and training ranges would have significantly impacted the environment and culture of the island, and as such have become objects of local community debate and protest. Michael Lujan Bevacqua's article chronicles recent activism against US militarization in Guam and provides a context as to why this 212-square-mile colony in the Western Pacific holds so much strategic value to the United States.
Drosophilaand genome-wide association studies: a review and resource for the functional dissection of human complex traits
Authors: Wangler Michael F. , Hu Yanhui , Shulman Joshua M.
Published: February 2017

Human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified thousands of susceptibility loci for common diseases with complex genetic etiologies. Although the susceptibility variants identified by GWAS usually have only modest effects on individual disease risk, they contribute to a substantial burden of trait variation in the overall population. GWAS also offer valuable clues to disease mechanisms that have long proven to be elusive. These insights could lead the way to breakthrough treatments; however, several challenges hinder progress, making innovative approaches to accelerate the follow-up of results from GWAS an urgent priority. Here, we discuss the largely untapped potential of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, for functional investigation of findings from human GWAS. We highlight selected examples where strong genomic conservation with humans along with the rapid and powerful genetic tools available for flies have already facilitated fine mapping of association signals, elucidated gene mechanisms, and revealed novel disease-relevant biology. We emphasize current research opportunities in this rapidly advancing field, and present bioinformatic analyses that systematically explore the applicability of Drosophila for interrogation of susceptibility signals implicated in more than 1000 human traits, based on all GWAS completed to date. Thus, our discussion is targeted at both human geneticists seeking innovative strategies for experimental validation of findings from GWAS, as well as the Drosophila research community, by whom ongoing investigations of the implicated genes will powerfully inform our understanding of human disease.
On the primacy and irreducible nature of first-person versus third-person information
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E. , Facco Enrico , Lucangeli Daniela
Published: February 2017

In this essay, we will support the claim that a) some first-person accounts cannot be reduced to their third-person neural and psychophysiological correlates and b) that these first-person accounts are the only information to reckon when it is necessary to analyse qualia contents.

Consequently, for many phenomena, first-person accounts are the only reliable source of information available and the knowledge of their neural and psychophysical correlates don’t offer any additional information about them.
Aspiration in injections: should we continue or abandon the practice?
Authors: Sepah Yasir , Samad Lubna , Altaf Arshad , Halim Muhammad Sohail , Rajagopalan Nithya , Javed Khan Aamir
Published: February 2017

Aspiration during any kind of injection is meant to ensure that the needle tip is at the desired location during this blind procedure. While aspiration appears to be a simple procedure, it has generated a lot of controversy concerning the perceived benefits and indications. Advocates and opponents of aspiration both make logically sound claims. However, due to scarcity of available data, there is no evidence that this procedure is truly beneficial or unwarranted. Keeping in view the huge number of injections given worldwide, it is important that we draw attention to key questions regarding aspiration that, up till now, remain unanswered. In this review, we have attempted to gather and present literature on aspiration both from published and non-published sources in order to provide not only an exhaustive review of the subject, but also a starting point for further studies on more specific areas requiring clarification. A literature review was conducted using the US National Institute of Health’s PubMed service (including Medline), Google Scholar and Scopus. Guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, Safe Injection Global Network, International Council of Nursing, Center for Disease Control, US Federal Drug Agency, UK National Health Services, British Medical Association, Europe Nursing and Midwifery Council, Public Health Agency Canada, Pakistan Medical Association and International Organization of Standardization recommendations 7886 parts 1-4 for sterile hypodermics were reviewed for relevant information. In addition, curricula of several medical/-nursing schools from India, Nigeria and Pakistan, the US pharmacopeia Data from the WHO Program for International Drug Monitoring network in regard to adverse events as a result of not aspirating prior to injection delivery were reviewed. Curricula of selected major medical/nursing schools in India, Nigeria and Pakistan, national therapeutic formularies, product inserts of most commonly used drugs and other possible sources of information regarding aspiration and injections were consulted as well.
Narrow-band emission with 0.5 to 3.5 Hz varying frequency in the background of the main phase of the 17 March 2013 magnetic storm
Authors: Потапов Александр , Potapov Alexander , Довбня Борис , Dovbnya Boris , Баишев Дмитрий , Baishev Dmitry , Полюшкина Татьяна , Polyushkina Tatyana , Рахматулин Равиль , Rakhmatulin Ravil
Published: February 2017

We present results of the analysis of an unusually long narrow-band emission in the Pc1 range with increasing carrier frequency. The event was observed against the background of the main phase of a strong magnetic storm caused by arrival of a high-speed solar wind stream with a shock wave in the stream head and a long interval of negative vertical component of the interplanetary magnetic field. Emission of approximately 9-hour duration had a local character, appearing only at three stations located in the range of geographical longitude λ=100–130 E and magnetic shells L=2.2–3.4. The signal carrier frequency grew in a stepped mode from 0.5 to 3.5 Hz. We propose an emission interpreta-tion based on the standard model of the generation of ion cyclotron waves in the magnetosphere due to the resonant wave-particle interaction with ion fluxes of moderate energies. We suppose that a continuous shift of the generation region, located in the outer area of the plasmasphere, to smaller L-shell is able to explain both the phenomenon locality and the range of the frequency increase. A narrow emission frequency band is associated with the formation of nose-like structures in the energy spectrum of ion fluxes penetrating from the geomagnetic tail into the magnetosphere. We offer a possible scenario of the processes leading to the generation of the observed emission. The scenario contains specific values of the generation region position, plasma density, magnetic field, and resonant proton energies. We discuss morphological differences of the emissions considered from known types of geomagnetic pulsations, and reasons for the occurrence of this unusual event.
Natural Deduction for Four-Valued both Regular and Monotonic Logics
Authors: Petrukhin Yaroslav
Published: February 2017

The development of recursion theory motivated Kleene to create regular three-valued logics. Remove it taking his inspiration from the computer science, Fitting later continued to investigate regular three-valued logics and defined them as monotonic ones. Afterwards, Komendantskaya proved that there are four regular three-valued logics and in the three-valued case the set of regular logics coincides with the set of monotonic logics. Next, Tomova showed that in the four-valued case regularity and monotonicity do not coincide. She counted that there are 6400 four-valued regular logics, but only six of them are monotonic. The purpose of this paper is to create natural deduction systems for them. We also describe some functional properties of these logics.
Myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs part 2: management
Authors: Sewell David
Published: February 2017

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in dogs, and can lead to the development of congestive heart failure (CHF). The features, diagnosis and staging of MMVD were discussed in part 1 ( Sewell, 2016 ). This article discusses the management and prognosis for dogs with MMVD.
Variation in functional pelvic tilt in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Pierrepont J. , Hawdon G. , Miles B. P. , Connor B. O’ , Baré J. , Walter L. R. , Marel E. , Solomon M. , McMahon S. , Shimmin A. J.
Published: February 2017

Aims

The pelvis rotates in the sagittal plane during daily activities. These rotations have a direct effect on the functional orientation of the acetabulum. The aim of this study was to quantify changes in pelvic tilt between different functional positions.

Patients and Methods

Pre-operatively, pelvic tilt was measured in 1517 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) in three functional positions – supine, standing and flexed seated (the moment when patients initiate rising from a seated position). Supine pelvic tilt was measured from CT scans, standing and flexed seated pelvic tilts were measured from standardised lateral radiographs. Anterior pelvic tilt was assigned a positive value.

Results

The mean pelvic tilt was 4.2° (-20.5° to 24.5°), -1.3° (-30.2° to 27.9°) and 0.6° (-42.0° to 41.3°) in the three positions, respectively. The mean sagittal pelvic rotation from supine to standing was -5.5° (-21.8° to 8.4°), from supine to flexed seated was -3.7° (-48.3° to 38.6°) and from standing to flexed seated was 1.8° (-51.8° to 39.5°). In 259 patients (17%), the extent of sagittal pelvic rotation could lead to functional malorientation of the acetabular component. Factoring in an intra-operative delivery error of ± 5° extends this risk to 51% of patients.

Conclusion

Planning and measurement of the intended position of the acetabular component in the supine position may fail to predict clinically significant changes in its orientation during functional activities, as a consequence of individual pelvic kinematics. Optimal orientation is patient-specific and requires an evaluation of functional pelvic tilt pre-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:184–91.
La alquimia en la enseñanza del Derecho: del “alumnado” al “cuerpo de estudiantes”
Authors: Cammarata Martín
Published: February 2017

La alquimia en la enseñanza del Derecho:del “alumnado” al “cuerpo de estudiantes”
Derecho de habitación del cónyuge/conviviente supérstite
Authors: Guastavino Gabriel
Published: February 2017

Derecho de habitacióndel cónyuge/conviviente supérstite
Checklist of Rhodophyta of the White Sea (the Arctic Ocean)
Authors: Mikhaylova Tatiana A.
Published: February 2017

Most data on the White Sea flora are scattered in Russian publications and are largely inaccessible to researchers. The aim of the present work is to compile a checklist as well as to provide verification of the species composition of the Rhodophyta of the White Sea. This checklist is based on an exhaustive bibliographic search. As a result of a careful revision, a total of 61 species of Rhodophyta has been revealed, and 17 species and one forma were excluded on the basis of being doubtful records or misidentifications. The distribution of four species in the White Sea was clarified. Nineteen species occur throughout the White Sea, six species are widespread except for Mezen Bay, whereas seven taxa are restricted to the northern regions of the White Sea. The analysis of the species composition permits the red algal flora of the White Sea to be interpreted as representing the depleted Barents Sea flora. An extensive bibliography and data on the presence of the specimens in the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences are given.
On Conditional Value at Risk (CoVaR) for tail-dependent copulas
Authors: Jaworski Piotr
Published: February 2017

The paper deals with Conditional Value at Risk (CoVaR) for copulas with nontrivial tail dependence. We show that both in the standard and the modified settings, the tail dependence function determines the limiting properties of CoVaR as the conditioning event becomes more extreme. The results are illustrated with examples using the extreme value, conic and truncation invariant families of bivariate tail-dependent copulas.
A Review on Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: Materials, Methods, and Circuits
Authors: Priya Shashank , Song Hyun-Cheol , Zhou Yuan , Varghese Ronnie , Chopra Anuj , Kim Sang-Gook , Kanno Isaku , Wu Liao , Ha Dong Sam , Ryu Jungho , Polcawich Ronald G.
Published: February 2017

Piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (PiezoMEMS) are attractive for developing next generation self-powered microsystems. PiezoMEMS promises to eliminate the costly assembly for microsensors/microsystems and provide various mechanisms for recharging the batteries, thereby, moving us closer towards batteryless wireless sensors systems and networks. In order to achieve practical implementation of this technology, a fully assembled energy harvester on the order of a quarter size dollar coin (diameter=24.26 mm, thickness=1.75 mm) should be able to generate about 100 μW continuous power from low frequency ambient vibrations (below 100 Hz). This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in microscale piezoelectric energy harvesting, summarizing key metrics such as power density and bandwidth of reported structures at low frequency input. This paper also describes the recent advancements in piezoelectric materials and resonator structures. Epitaxial growth and grain texturing of piezoelectric materials is being developed to achieve much higher energy conversion efficiency. For embedded medical systems, lead-free piezoelectric thin films are being developed and MEMS processes for these new classes of materials are being investigated. Non-linear resonating beams for wide bandwidth resonance are also reviewed as they would enable wide bandwidth and low frequency operation of energy harvesters. Particle/granule spray deposition techniques such as aerosol-deposition (AD) and granule spray in vacuum (GSV) are being matured to realize the meso-scale structures in a rapid manner. Another important element of an energy harvester is a power management circuit, which should maximize the net energy harvested. Towards this objective, it is essential for the power management circuit of a small-scale energy harvester to dissipate minimal power, and thus it requires special circuit design techniques and a simple maximum power point tracking scheme. Overall, the progress made by the research and industrial community has brought the energy harvesting technology closer to the practical applications in near future.
Dynamics of development and variability of surface degradation in the subalpine and alpine zones (an example from the Velká Fatra Mts., Slovakia)
Authors: Lepeška Tomáš
Published: February 2017

In the last five centuries, the inappropriate management of the Vel’ká Fatra Mts. sub-alpine and alpine areas has led to the development of different forms of surface destruction. For evaluation of the dynamics and variability of surface degradation the territory of the Hornojelenská valley was chosen. It is a significant avalanche area. It has clearly been destroyed by avalanches, water erosion and cryogenic erosion as well as anthropo-zoogenic processes. The forms of destruction were mapped on a scale of 1:200 based on the aerial photographs and satellite images taken in 1961, 2003, 2009 and 2012. The total area of degradative morphogenetic forms (DMF) in 1961 was 5.5780 ha, 4.0650 ha in 2003, 4.5752 ha in 2009 and 4.9431 ha in 2012. The DMF reached its peak in 1961. In the mid-1960s, there were ambitions to reforest the highest areas of the study area that led to the decrease of DMF and the development of vegetation. The present exogenous geomorphologic processes are causing a gradual increase of the total destructed area.
Ultrasonic synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial evaluation of novel heterocycles containing hexahydroquinoline and pyrrole moieties
Authors: Vazirimehr Simin , Davoodnia Abolghasem , Nakhaei-Moghaddam Mahboobeh , Tavakoli-Hoseini Niloofar
Published: February 2017

Condensation reaction of dimedone with 2-amino-1-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile in ethanol containing a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH) afforded 2-(5,5-dimethyl-3-oxocyclohex-1-enylamino)-1-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile. This compound was then treated with olefins, formed by Knoevenagel condensation of aryl aldehydes and malononitrile, in ethanol in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as catalyst to give novel cyclic compounds in high yields. A new hexacyclic heterocyclic compound was formed when 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was used as the aldehyde. The reactions were done using ultrasonic irradiation. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra, elemental analysis and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus) and Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli).
Digeneans and acanthocephalans of birds from Formosa Province, Argentina
Authors: Lunaschi L. I. , Drago F. B. , Draghi R.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to increase the knowledge on the diversity of digenean parasites from birds collected in northeastern Argentina. The helminthological survey of four bird species revealed the presence of five digenean species and one acanthocephalan species. The digeneans, Lyperorchis lyperorchis Travassos, 1921 and Edietziana serrata (Diesing, 1850) from Aramus guarauna (L.); Nephrostomum limai Travassos, 1922 from Syrigma sibilatrix (Temminck); Athesmia heterolecithodes (Braun, 1899) from Theristicus caudatus (Boddaert) and Cariama cristata (L.); Stomylotrema vicarium Braun, 1901 from T. caudatus, and the acanthocephala Centrorhynchus guira Lunaschi & Drago, 2010 from T. caudatus, were recorded. Lyperorchis inexpectabilis Digiani, 1997 is synonimized with L. lyperorchis. The findings of E. serrata and N. limai constitute new geographical records. Theristicus caudatus is reported as a new definitive host of A. heterolecithodes, S. vicarium and C. guira, and Cariama cristata of A. heterolecithodes. The relationships between host diet and parasite fauna are discussed.